If you catch me outside, or even in my stories, there’s a good chance I’m wearing my white Bahé Revive sneakers. I’ve had them since 2023, and they’ve been my go-to for everything from the gym to hikes to everyday errands. They’re so versatile that they’ve tagged along on plenty of my travels, too. 

The original Revive has a 14mm stack height, which for me is the sweet spot for long days on my feet. The toe box is roomy, the volume fits my foot shape well and is easy to adjust with the removable insole, and everything about the fit and feel just works. 

The only thing I ever wished for was a thinner version for everyday wear with a little more flexibility, and maybe a more cushioned version for longer runs. 

Turns out I wasn’t the only one. Bahé has now launched the new Modes line, and the Revive comes in three cushioning levels: the Flex at 10mm, the Adapt at 14mm, and the Endurance at 22mm. 

While much of my original review of the Revive still stands, I’ll go over the basics again here and dive into the differences between each of these minimalist shoes in the Revive Modes line. 

If you want a quick summary, you can check out my video review of the Bahé Modes here. 

Use code BAREFOOTGUIDE for 10% off at Bahé

Note: This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click on one of them, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more information, read our full disclosure.

About the Brand 

Bahé was started by two friends with the perfect mix of skills to create a running shoe: Alex, a footwear designer by trade, and Kishan, a passionate runner. Their first release was a conventional running shoe, (think narrow toe box, heel-to-toe drop) but with some unique twists, like a grounding sole and a strong focus on sustainability. 

When one of the founders began experiencing foot pain, he discovered barefoot shoes and realized their own designs could use a rethink. They introduced a barefoot version of their running shoe, then expanded into barefoot-style hiking boots and sandals. Most recently, Bahé launched the Modes line, so you can now get the Bahé Revive in three different levels of cushioning. 

How Barefoot is the Bahé Revive Modes Line 

For starters, let’s check out the toe box. The Bahe Revive sneakers have a foot-shaped toe box; it’s actually one of the wider toe boxes I’ve seen (and I’ve literally seen hundreds of barefoot shoes!). However, they’re well-designed, and they don’t appear overly large or goofy.  

The sole is flat, with very minimal toe spring. Since the new Modes line comes in three stack heights, the level of “barefoot feel” depends on which one you pick. The 10mm Flex offers excellent flexibility and ground feel. The 14mm Adapt adds a touch of cushion that takes the softens the impact of running on harder surfaces. And the 22mm Endurance delivers noticeably more bounce while still maintaining good flexibility. I’ll dive deeper into the ride and feel of each Mode in the next section. 

Fit and Sizing  

Bahé shoes are unisex and come in sizes EU36–48 (roughly US men’s 4 / women’s 5 up to men’s 13 / women’s 14). 

They fit best on medium to wide width and medium to high volume feet. The Revive line, in particular, has one of the widest toe boxes I’ve seen in the barefoot shoe world. When I compared them side-by-side with the Altra Lone Peak trail runners and the Lems Primal Zen, the Bahé Revive clearly offered more room in the toes. 

Personally, I often struggle with barefoot running shoes feeling tight over the top of my foot because of my higher instep. The Revive was a welcome change—it had plenty of room, even with the removable insole in place. For anyone with very high-volume feet, you can take the insole out for extra space and more ground feel. On the flip side, if you have low-volume feet, swapping in a thicker insole can help dial in the fit.  

Bahé Revive Modes Review

Revive Flex: 10mm Stack Height 

Best uses: Daily wear, gym, shorter runs 

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Let’s start with the most barefoot option in the Modes lineup: the Revive Flex. It has a 10mm stack height including the 3mm removable insole. If you take the insole out, you’re down to just 7mm total. The shoe is fully finished inside, so it’s comfortable to wear either way. There’s no midsole; just the outsole, a thin finished insock, and the optional insole cushion. 

Because the Revive was designed initially for trail running, the outsole has 2.5mm lugs. That’s enough grip for hiking but not so aggressive that they feel clunky on the road or for daily wear. 

Flexibility is excellent—exactly what you’d expect from a barefoot shoe. They bend and twist with ease. While the lugs add a little extra stack compared to the most minimal barefoot shoes, they don’t compromise flexibility. You still get that natural barefoot feel, with just a bit more rubber underfoot. 

As I mentioned in the intro, I’ve worn the Original Revive with its 14mm stack height for about two years, so I immediately noticed the difference when I slipped on the Flex. With 3mm less cushion, it reminds me to land a little softer when I’m on pavement. If you’re new to barefoot shoes, these may still feel light on cushioning, but compared to the Adapt, the difference is clear. 

I’m especially glad to have the Flex for the gym. While I often wore the Original Revive for workouts, it had a touch more bounce than I prefer for lifting weights. The Flex feels more stable underfoot, which makes it a great option for strength training. 

Revive Adapt: 14mm Stack Height 

Best uses: Daily wear for longer days on your feet, hiking, mid-distance runs 

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The Adapt is only 4mm thicker than the Flex, but that small difference makes a noticeable impact. In my experience, an extra 3–4mm is enough to take a shoe from feeling almost cushionless to comfortably padded, especially if you’re going to be on your feet all day. So if you’re wondering whether you can feel the difference between the Flex and Adapt, the answer is absolutely yes. 

The Revive Adapt has the same 14mm stack height and lugged outsole as the Original Revive, which I’ve worn regularly for the past two years. For me, the Adapt Mode hits the sweet spot between flexibility, ground feel, and cushion. There are a lot of barefoot shoes that lean more minimal, but it’s harder to find models that deliver this moderate level of padding without sacrificing flexibility. 

As with the other Modes, the Revive Adapt comes with a 3mm removable insole. You can leave it in for a 14mm stack height, remove it to bring the shoe down to 11mm, or swap it for a thicker insole if you want more cushion. There’s plenty of room for adjustment, particularly for medium to low volume feet. 

I’ve packed these shoes for countless trips, especially when I know I’ll be doing a mix of activities. They’ve come with me on hiking adventures across the US and even to Portugal, where I split my time between the trails and exploring historic towns on foot. 

Revive Endurance: 22mm Stack Height 

Best uses: Longer distance runs (especially for those new to barefoot shoes) 

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Feeling comfortable with walking in barefoot shoes and feeling comfortable running in them are two different things, and I always recommend people start out their running journey with a wide toe box, zero-drop shoe that has some cushion. Previously, the only brands offering that were Altra and Topo Athletic, but I’m so glad I can now add Bahé to that list. While the 22mm stack height of the Endurance is similar to those brands, Bahé stays closer to the barefoot ethos with much more flexibility and very minimal toe spring. The outsole is similar to the other Modes, but this version includes three grooved flex points to keep the thicker stack height moving naturally. 

My first impression after a few strides in the Endurance was, “Wow, these are bouncy!” Compared to the other two modes, you can feel the shoe doing more work in propelling you forward. 

As someone that has now worn barefoot shoes for years, I likely won’t be wearing these as a daily shoe with how much bounce these have. But if you’re just starting out with barefoot shoes (for either walking or running) and aren’t ready to go straight to minimal cushion, the Endurance is an excellent entry point that offers comfort without losing too much flexibility. 

Final Thoughts on the Bahé Revive Modes Line 

The Bahé Modes line makes it easy to find your perfect barefoot shoe, whether you’re hitting the trails, the gym, or just running errands. With three stack heights, you can choose the right balance of ground feel and cushion for your needs. The Flex delivers a pure barefoot experience and excels in the gym, the Adapt hits the sweet spot of comfort and flexibility for long daily wear, and the Endurance provides a cushioned, bouncy ride that’s ideal for those new to barefoot running or longer distances. 

What sets Bahé apart is how well they maintain flexibility, a foot-shaped toe box, and a zero-drop design across all three Modes, even with added cushioning. The Bahé Modes line gives you options, letting you pick the shoe that fits your activity and comfort preference without compromising the barefoot ethos. 

The Bahé Modes line is currently available on pre-order. You can get a total of 20% off with my code BAREFOOTGUIDE through August 31, 2025.

The post Bahé Revive Modes Review: Minimalist Running Shoes in Three Cushion Levels  appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.

If you’re looking for affordable barefoot shoes that don’t skimp on comfort or style, Saguaro Shoes might just be what you need. Known for their budget-friendly options, Saguaro offers a wide range of minimalist footwear for all ages, from toddlers to adults. With a focus on providing the benefits of barefoot shoes—like improved foot health and natural movement—at an accessible price point, Saguaro has quickly gained popularity. Whether you’re new to barefoot shoes or a seasoned enthusiast, Saguaro offers a practical, affordable way to make the switch. 

Code KELLY15 for 15% off

About the Brand

Saguaro Shoes is an affordable barefoot shoe brand based in China. They make a wide range of styles, including sneakers, boots and water shoes, from EU24 – 48.  

Saguaro has a highly responsive supply chain that quickly adapts to customer feedback and design trends. While they started out with a very basic athletic shoe that we loved (especially for kids), they now release a dozen or more new styles throughout the year.  

They offer affordable alternatives to in-demand designs from both conventional and barefoot shoe brands. Bestsellers often sell out quickly after release, and are not always restocked.  

The brand is pronounced suh·waa·row. In case you were wondering what that is, a saguaro is a tall armed cactus native to my home state of Arizona. If you’ve seen the standard cactus emoji, then you’ve seen a saguaro.  

Saguaro Shoe Basics

• Full line of barefoot shoes, including casual sneakers, athletic shoes, boots, water shoes, and rain boots
• Unisex, sizes EU24 – EU48
• Sole 5-6mm, 3mm insole
• Starting at $35
• Based in China, free international shipping available

Where to buy Saguaro Shoes, Shipping and Returns 

Like most barefoot shoe brands, Saguaro Shoes are sold online. You can purchase directly from the Saguaro Shoes website. Saguaro Shoes has several different language sites including Spanish, French and Italian. Scroll to the bottom of the page to select from the different flags on the bottom right corner.  

A smaller selection fo Saguaro Shoes is also available on Amazon. However, you’ll typically get a better price on the Saguaro Shoes website when you use the 15% off discount code KELLY15.  

For orders over $18, shipping is free. These are shipping directly from China, so they have a longer transit time (usually around 10 – 15 business days). 

Returns on new and unused shoes are accepted within 30 days, customers are responsible for paying the return shipping fee. 

How barefoot are the Saguaro Shoes? 

Sole types at Saguaro Shoes 

One of the best ways to which pair of Saguaro shoes would be the best fit for you is by understanding the different sole types. In this Saguaro barefoot shoes review, we’ll go over the brand’s most popular sole types. Overall, the widest and most barefoot options are the toe sole and the cactus sole. Most shoes come with a removable insole, which usually adds about 3mm to the stack height. Some of the shoes also have a glued in midsole that can make the shoe stiffer or more cushioned. 

These names aren’t anything official, I titled them up based on their design to make it easier to refer to them.  

Toe Sole – Widest Sole | 6mm | I called this the toe sole because it has an outline of each of the spots for the toes, though they are not individually separated like Vibram FiveFingers. This is the outsole used on Saguaros first style, the Smart athletic shoes. The rubber is soft and grippy, which makes them great for all kinds of outdoor activities. Because they are a softer rubber, my son experienced noticeable wear on the soles when he consistently wore them for running and playing on hard surfaces. They still lasted the whole summer for us.  Popular styles that use this sole: Smart II, Vitality III, Will II Lite, Vitality, Fast

Cactus sole – Wide Sole | 5mm | This is the sole used for most casual shoes. Aptly named as the stripes are reminiscent of a barrel cactus. When I compared the insoles, these are just slightly narrower than the toe sole. Popular styles that use this sole: Luck I, Agile II, Wish III 

Hiking Sole – Medium width sole | 5mm | This sole is used for many of Saguaro’s athletic and hiking shoes. It has a shallow lug pattern to offer grip, but it’s not so intense that it’s used on some casual shoes too. When I compared the insoles, they are the same as the Cactus sole, but they feel noticeably narrower when worn (specifically around the pinky toe). Visually, it looks like there is more of a taper there too. Because of this, it suits those with narrow and slope-shaped feet best. Those with wider feet can try sizing up for more toe space, especially in the boot styles. Popular styles that use this sole: Wish I, Nova I, Rise I Winter boots

Winter Toe Sole – Wide Sole | 5mm | This is a rugged update to the toe sole, with deeper lugs. The insole is the same width as the toe sole, but these have a narrower feel as the shoes are lined with faux fur. I go up one size in these compared to most Saguaro Shoes, considering both the lining and the use of thicker winter socks. Popular styles that use this sole: Will II winter boots

Kid’s Casual | 4mm | This sole is used on many of the kid’s more casual shoes, from summer slip-ons to boots. The summer shoes using this sole are very flexible, but some of the kid’s winter boots have an additional midsole layer glued in that makes them stiffer.  

Kid’s Active | 5mm | This sole pattern offers more grip for athletic shoes and hiking boots.  Styles that use this sole: Kid’s Brave

Materials and Sustainability 

Saguaro exclusively uses synthetic vegan materials. Most of the sneakers are made with mesh, knit, or suede microfiber. The boots use PU leather and suede microfiber. All Saguaro shoes are made in China. They do not provide additional information about materials sourcing or manufacturing.  

Durability 

Since Saguaro’s shoes are substantially less than a lot of other barefoot shoe brands, a top concern is the trade off in durability and quality. I would say that price is an indicator of quality—it’s hard to expect a $50 have the same materials and workmanship as a $150 sneaker. Overall, we’ve been happy with the comfort and longevity of our Saguaro Shoes. My son has used both summer and winter shoes as his main shoe for the season, and they’ve lasted the entire time. The use of materials like mesh, knit and other synthetics along with manufacturing in a lower cost location helps keep costs down.

Fit and Sizing

Since Saguaro’s shoes are substantially less than a lot of other barefoot shoe brands, a top concern is the trade off in durability and quality. I would say that price is an indicator of quality—it’s hard to expect a $50 shoe to have the same materials and workmanship as a $150 sneaker. Overall, we’ve been happy with the comfort and longevity of our Saguaro Shoes. My son has used both summer and winter shoes as his main shoe for the season, and they’ve lasted the entire time. The use of materials like mesh, knit and other synthetics along with manufacturing in a lower cost location helps keep costs down.I’ll share my fit and sizing recommendations based on my experience. My feet are 23.3cm long, 9.1cm wide, with a higher instep and narrow ankles. If you need to measure your feet, check out this guide. 

I most often wear an EU37 in sandals, an EU38 in sneakers and an EU39 in boots, but this can vary among brands and styles. I find that most Saguaro shoes with the Cactus and Toe Sole run true to size, and usually wear an EU38. 

Most Saguaro Shoes fit medium to wide width and accommodate medium to high volume. As they’re constantly releasing new designs and new soles, fit can vary between the styles. 

Saguaro Barefoot Shoes Review

We’ve worn many barefoot shoes from Saguaro over the years, and here’s a few of our favorites.

Casual Barefoot Shoes and Sneakers

Casual Barefoot Sneakers

All of these casual barefoot shoes use the cactus sole. Most of them have a pretty similar fit and feel, so it’s more about the upper materials or colors you prefer. The styles with knit or mesh uppers are great as breathable sneakers for summer. With the included insole, these have a stack height of about 9mm; this moderate cushion and the affordable price point makes these a great barefoot shoe for beginners.  

• Bliss I | $50 | super breathable mesh upper
• Agile II | $50 | stretchy knit upper with sock-like fit
• Wish III | $60 | faux leather and mesh for a sporty sneaker look
• Luck | $50+ | This is my favorite style from Saguaro sneakers (the pink and purple above), but some designs are currently sold out. The uppers are a stretchy knit.

Athletic and Hiking Shoes

Smart II Shoes

EU24 – 46 | Knit Mesh | Toe Sole| $43+

This was the original shoe that introduced us to the brand. Before Saguaro developed a whole line of barefoot shoes, they mainly sold this trail runner with a stretchy knit upper and a soft rubber sole. This toe sole has great flexibility and ground feel. My son wore them the whole summer, and they were excellent for hiking and outdoor play.

The Smart shoes come in adult and child sizes in a large range of colors.  These styles have a similar design and use the same toe outsole, but have slightly different upper materials: Vitality and Fast

Nova I Sneakers

EU36 – 46 | Microfiber Suede and Mesh | Hiking Sole | $70 |

The design of these sneakers reminds me of another popular barefoot shoe brand. The Nova barefoot sneakers use the Saguaro hiking sole that has shallow lugs. The uppers are made from stretchy knit and microfiber that creates a sock-like fit. They can still be tightened down with the laces for a more secure fit. They can run a little warm, and as they use the hiking sole, they feel a bit tapered (best for narrow, sloped feet).

Winter Boots

Will II Winter Barefoot Shoes

EU25 – 48 | Microfiber Suede | Faux Fur Lined | Toe Sole | $58+ | Splash-resistant

My son wore these in our cold but relatively dry winter last year and loved them. The Will II barefoot booties are lined with a faux fur that come up over the ankles, so they’re extra cozy. This year, they’ve upgraded to the winter sole with deeper lugs, which should provide even better traction. These are a great pick if you want a barefoot winter boot that’s lightweight, warm, and still has plenty of ground feel and flexibility. They’re available in both kid’s and adult sizes.

Saguaro Shoes labels these as “splash-resistant.” Some of the materials do have some water-repellency, but they they’re not specifically treated and there is no separate membranes. I wouldn’t take these out in heavy rains or snow, but as they say, they can withstand the occasional splash.

Ambition II Winter Barefoot Shoes

EU36 – 48 | Microfiber Suede | Cactus sole | $90

Fully lined with a fluffy faux fur and a taller shaft, the Ambition II are one of Saguaro’s warmest barefoot winter boots. Keep in mind that also takes up some space in the boot, so it can be better to size up, and may make them a tighter fit for those with high volume feet. These have suede microfiber uppers that have some water-resistance, but they’re not fully waterproof. They’re easy to slip-on with a convenient side zipper. I prefer these to the Ambition I boots as this version uses the Cactus sole with a wider and more natural foot shape.

Rise I Winter Barefoot Shoes

EU36 – 48 | Microfiber Suede | Hiking sole | $100 | Waterproof

The Saguaro Shoes Rise I winter boots are a cute and functional option for colder months that come in pastel shades of pink, purple and blue. These mid-calf microfiber suede boots feature waterproof materials to keep feet dry, while the cozy faux fur collar and insulating cotton lining ensure warmth. These use Saguaro’s hiking sole, which left my little toes feeling a little cramped–if you have medium width feet or above, you may need to size up in this style, or look to one of the styles that use a different sole.

Brisk I Rain Boots  

EU24 – 45 | Rubber | Unlined and Faux Fur Lined versions | $59+ | Waterproof

These tick all the boxes for a solid barefoot rain boot: they’re fully rubber and they have a taller shaft cinches at the top. They also perfectly align with the criteria I use for a healthy, comfortable boot, including a wide toe box, and a flat and flexible sole. As you’d expect from a rain boot, these are waterproof.

The rubber shaft is waterproof but pretty thin—if you get the unlined version, it’s a little floppy. But if you get the lined version, it’s warmer and has more structure. They recently updated the sole for more tread.  

Using the discount code KELLY15, the unlined boot is $51 and the lined boot is $60. 

Kid’s Shoes

Many of Saguaro’s barefoot shoes are the same for both kid’s and adults. There are kid’s shoes included in the above, but here are kid’s only styles, or ones where the kid’s version are slightly different from the adults.

Kid’s Agile Casual Shoes

EU25 – 35 | Knit Uppers | Kid’s Casual Sole | $46

These cute and casual slip-ons are the perfect shoes for toddlers. You don’t have to worry about laces, and the stretchy knit uppers are easy to get on and off. The Kid’s casual sole is plenty flexible, and even wraps up around to create a toe bumper.  The Agile comes in adult sizes as well, but the toddler and child sizes use the Kid’s Casual sole.

Kid’s Wonderland I Barefoot Shoes

EU26 – 36 | Suede Microfiber Uppers | Kid’s Casual Sole| $60

Idea for shoulder seasons like fall and winter, these barefoot sneakers feature a soft fleece lining. My 9 year-old loves that these look like a cool sneaker, but have the warmth of a winter boot. They’re easy on/off thanks to the side zipper, but if the zipper isn’t secured tightly with the velcro tab on top, it can sometimes come unzipped while being worn.

Kid’s Brave I

EU26 – 36 | microfiber and mesh uppers | Kid’s Active Sole | Waterproof | $70

The Brave boots are a great option for hiking and outdoor play thanks to the waterproof uppers and the use of the kid’s active sole, which has more lugs and grip. They’re easy on/off with elastic laces and a velcro top strap. They fit my toddlers wider, higher volume feet well.

Kid’s Jumpy Boots

EU26 – 36 | microfiber uppers | fleeced-lined | Kid’s Casual Sole | $69

The Jumpy boots are ideal for cold, dry winters. They’re a cozy, fleece-lined boot that uses the kid’s casual sole, which means it has a solid toe bumper. The side zipper also makes these easier to slip on and off. Note these are not waterproof. Since they are fairly thickly lined, they have less space available in the boot, making them better suited to kid’s with lower volume feet.

Conclusion

Saguaro Barefoot Shoes offer an impressive combination of affordability, comfort, and versatility, making them a great choice for anyone looking to experience minimalist footwear without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a seasoned barefoot shoe enthusiast or new to the concept, Saguaro delivers quality and durability at a price point that’s accessible for the whole family.

With a variety of styles, sizes, and designs, they cater to men, women, and children, ensuring everyone can benefit from the natural, flexible movement that barefoot shoes provide. While there are higher-end options on the market, Saguaro proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy the benefits of minimalist footwear.

I hope this Saguaro barefoot shoes review helps you find a perfect fit for your next barefoot shoe.

The post Saguaro Barefoot Shoes Review: Best Affordable Brand for the Whole Family appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.

I started wearing Bahé shoes last year when they launched their first wide toe box and minimalist sole trail runner, the Revive. They hit that sweet spot of not to thick and not too thin, especially when it comes to shoes you’ll be using to log a lot of miles. Bahe is continuing to expand their line of barefoot shoes, now with a hiking boot and sandals. Read on for a detailed review of the Bahé barefoot shoes.

Code BAREFOOTGUIDE for 10% off

About the Brand

Bahé shoes are designed to help people reconnect with nature, both through their minimal design and their grounding technology. The brand was founded by Kishan, a passionate runner, and Alex, a footwear designer dedicated to sustainability. Combining their expertise, they aimed to create high performance running and hiking shoes that foster a connection with nature, prioritizing both eco-friendly materials and grounding technology.

The brand’s first product was a conventional running shoe, featuring ample cushioning, a heel to-toe drop and a tapered toe box. However, after delving into the benefits of barefoot footwear, they developed the Revive trail runners, a barefoot-inspired shoe characterized by its zero heel drop, minimal cushioning, and anatomically shaped toe box.

For those curious about pronunciation, it’s ba-HEY, with an emphasis on the second syllable. The name Bahé is derived from Hindi, meaning ‘flow.’

How barefoot are the Bahé minimalist shoes? 

The Bahé minimalist shoes are designed with a generously wide, foot-shaped toe box. Among the barefoot shoes I’ve tried, they offer one of the widest toe boxes, yet the design remains sleek and doesn’t look overly wide.

The shoes in the barefoot line (the Revive and the Rediscover) are both zero drop.

The sole is reasonably flexible, with a moderate amount of cushioning. The stack height varies based on the style. The Revive trail runners have a 10mm stack height and a 3mm removable insole. The Rediscover hiking boots are thicker as these are positioned as a heavy duty hiking boot. The outsole is 6.5mm (including 4.5mm lugs), the midsole is 6mm, and the removable insole adds another 3mm. This adds to15.5mm, but with a few other elements in the shoe, like the waterproof lining, they end up more around 18mm.

This positions these shoes in the middle ground of minimalist footwear as most barefoot shoes typically have around 5mm or less of cushioning. In contrast, cushioned wide toe box shoes, like Altras, often have upwards of 20mm. This moderate cushioning makes Bahé shoes an excellent choice for those transitioning to barefoot shoes, starting to run in them, or seeking extra comfort for long walks or prolonged standing.

So, how barefoot are Bahe’s shoes? They rate high on the barefoot scale when considering their wide toe box and zero drop sole. They fall more towards the minimalist end when it comes to the ground feel and flexibility as these have more cushion.

See how the Bahé minimalist running shoes stack up to other minimalist styles in this TikTok video.

Please note that Bahé also offers a traditional-style runner called the Recharge, which features a tapered toe box and a heel-to-toe drop. The Recharge shoes are not included in this review.

What is grounding?  

Bahé shoes stand out even among barefoot running shoes due to the unique incorporation of grounding technology. While the primary focus of this article is to review these shoes as barefoot footwear, here’s some additional information if you’re interested in grounding.

Grounding, or earthing, refers to the practice of connecting with the Earth’s electrical forces. The Earth carries a negative charge, and when our skin comes into direct contact with natural surfaces like grass, dirt, sand, or water, it helps balance our body’s electrical charge. Typically, wearing shoes creates a barrier between your feet and the Earth, preventing this connection.

I personally enjoy spending time barefoot outdoors to feel soft grass, smooth stones, or beneath my feet. Being barefoot allows for a more immersive experience in nature and lets my foot muscles move freely. Proponents of grounding suggest that it offers benefits beyond the immediate physical sensations, with studies indicating potential improvements in sleep and reduced inflammation.

The goal of adding grounding technology to shoes is to retain some of these benefits while wearing footwear. To achieve this, grounding shoes incorporate materials that enable the electrical connection from the Earth to pass through to the bottom of your foot. In many grounding shoes, you might find a copper plug in the sole of sandals or leather loafers. However, for the Bahé grounding shoes, Alex and Kishan developed their own ground flow system, as a copper plug isn’t suitable for the sole of tennis shoes. You can learn more about this innovative design on the Bahé website.

Although there are still relatively few studies on grounding, leading some critics to question the evidence supporting its benefits, there’s no harm in incorporating this technology into your barefoot shoes, especially if it might lead to better sleep!

Bahé Revive: Minimalist Running Shoes

Construction and Materials 

The Bahé Revive barefoot grounding shoes combine the look and feel of classic running shoes with the distinctive features of barefoot footwear. True to the company’s commitment to sustainability, eco-friendly and recycled materials are used wherever possible.

The durable rubber outsole is abrasion-resistant, ensuring long-lasting wear—an essential quality for a reliable running shoe.

The uppers are made of 30% recycled polyester mesh, offering lightweight and breathable comfort. This mesh also has some water resistance, keeping your feet dry in light rain. For added durability, the mesh is reinforced with thermoplastic (TP) at the heel and toe.

The Revive is available in four colors: white, black, green, and sandstone. I’ve been wearing the white pair, and as with any white mesh shoe, they tend to get dirty quickly when hiking or walking through dust and dirt. I’ve hand washed them a few times with a shoe cleaner and brush (I recommend this cleaning kit), and while they don’t look brand new, they still clean up quite well.

Performance and Durability   

The Bahé barefoot shoes are incredibly comfortable and versatile, making them one of the sneakers I’ve reached for most often when I’m going to be seeing time outdoors. I’ve tested them in numerous scenarios, including a hiking trip in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, long walks on my local greenway, gym sessions, and casual errands. While they were a bit slippery on the basketball court, I would recommend them for almost everything else.

As one of my most-worn shoes for outdoor adventures over the past year, I’ve included them in my roundup of the best hiking shoes and trail runners.

Fit and Sizing 

Bahé shoes are unisex and available in sizes EU36 to EU48, which corresponds to US men’s 4/women’s 5 up to men’s 13/women’s 14. The shoes are currently available in whole sizes only. I’ve been wearing a US7/EU38 comfortably. They’re a little roomier than some other EU38s I have, but I personally wouldn’t want to size down. If you like a slightly snugger fit for running shoes, then you may want to size down. I would say these fit true to size.

These shoes are best suited for medium to wide-width feet and medium to high-volume feet. The Revive model features one of the widest toe boxes in the barefoot shoe market. In a comparison with the Altra Lone Peak trail runners and the Lems Primal Zen, you can see in this video that the Bahé Revive runners have a noticeably wider toe box.

I’ve found that many other barefoot runners are too tight around the top of my foot due to my higher instep. I was happy when the Bahé Revive shoes provided ample room, even with the removable insole included. This means they can accommodate high-volume feet if you remove the insole. For those with low-volume feet, you might need to swap out for a thicker insole.

Pricing 

Bahé Rediscover: Minimalist Hiking Boots

Rediscover Boots Basics

• Hiking Boots with lug soles and waterproof uppers
• Unisex, sizes EU36 – EU47
• 15 – 18mm stack height
• $249, use code BAREFOOTGUIDE for 10% off

Construction and Materials

I’ve been wearing these on hikes during my fairly hot and humid North Carolina summer, and have appreciated that they’re made to withstand tough conditions, but still comfortable on an easy hike. My gripe against most hiking boots is that they’re just too much–too heavy, too padded, too stiff, (and too narrow of course), that even before finding barefoot shoes, I never wanted to wear them if I didn’t have to. The Bahé Rediscover are different. They’re giving me all of the features I want, like lugs for good traction, waterproof uppers, and a padded collar, without adding so much weight. Add to that that they’re still pretty breathable, and you’ve got a solid, all-year round hiking boot.

The uppers are ripstop nylon, which helps make them both lightweight and waterproof. I even stood at the edge of the river with them half submerged for a while, and no water got in.

The reinforcements on the heel and especially the toe give me confidence in the longevity of these boots, and the knowledge that my toes will be protected from all the rocks and branches, even with a few clumsy missteps.

The Rediscover is available in four colors: beige, brown, green and black.

Fit and Sizing 

Bahé Rediscover are unisex and available in sizes EU36 to EU47, which corresponds to US men’s 4/women’s 5 up to men’s 12/women’s 13. The shoes are currently available in whole sizes only. I’ve been wearing a US7/EU38 comfortably with a pair of hiking socks. Remember that feet do tend to swell when hiking after longer periods, so I tend to like my hiking boots a little bit roomier than regular sneakers.

These hiking boots are best suited for medium to wide-width feet and medium to high-volume feet. I have higher instep, and can still wear these with the removable insole.

If I’m comparing these to the Revive running shoes, their insoles seem to line up almost exactly–the Revive looks the tiniest bit wider in the toe box. The outsole on the hiking boots appears longer, but that’s likely do to the having a much more built up outsole–the inside measurements seem very similar on both.

Ordering, Shipping and Returns 

Bahé is based in the UK. Their shoes are currently only available on their website, Bahe.co. They offer international shipping. Shipping to the US and EU is £15.

Any questions about Bahé? Drop them below.

The post Bahé Barefoot Grounding Shoes for Outdoor Adventures: Trail Runners, Hiking Boots and Sandals appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.

Thin soles. No arch support. No extra cushion in the heel. 

Maybe you’ve recently learned about barefoot shoes and the idea piques your interest, but you’re not sure how a shoe could be comfortable without support and cushion.  

Most of us have grown accustomed to these features from years of wearing conventional shoes, so it’s totally normal to have some reservations about giving them up.  

If you want my short answer to, “Are barefoot shoes comfortable?” it’s a resounding “yes!” But if you’re about to try them out for the first time, you’re going to want this longer answer with a full explanation.

Wearing is believing 

Before I do go into all the features and try to explain why barefoot shoes are comfortable, I will say that the best way to answer this question is obtained through firsthand experience.

Wearing is believing with barefoot shoes. 

That doesn’t mean it’s going to be love at first wear for all people though. If you’re starting off with weak feet, you may need to slowly transition. Build up your foot strength before barefoot shoes are comfortable for all-day wear for you. If your feet are accustomed to external support, barefoot shoes can be a wake-up call.

Here’s a helpful transition guide if you’re just starting out with barefoot shoes.  

Stop squishing your toes! 

The most immediate difference I noticed when taking off my conventional shoes and replacing them with barefoot shoes was that my toes were no longer squished together! A narrow, tapered toe box puts pressure on the toes and the toe nails—I always used to have throbbing pain where my shoes pressed the side of my toenail into my skin. 

The relief when I switched to barefoot shoes was immediate! A wider toe box allows your toes to stay in their proper alignment and naturally splay…you’re basically just not squishing them anymore.  

Not only is a narrow, tapered toe box uncomfortable, it’s often the main culprit in painful foot deformities like bunions and hammer toes. People also often see a decrease in toe mobility, and a change in walking gait that can have other negative impacts up the kinetic chain. This is not saying that barefoot shoes are a magical cure all, but many people who have had knee, hip or back pain noticed an improvement when switching to barefoot shoes and working to improve their foot strength and walking gait.  

If you are concerned about any of the other changes, I would try to at least get into a wide toe box as it can have a hugely positive impact on your foot health. 

Can you feel everything? 

The amount of cushion in conventional shoes has gotten out of control. Some shoes look and feel like you’re walking on squishy marshmallows. While we may think giving our feet extra cushion is treating them with TLC, it’s depriving them of sensory feedback and stimulation (your feet have over 200,000 nerve endings—they need to feel something).  

So the answer is yes, with the thin sole of barefoot shoes, you can feel a lot more. But that doesn’t mean it needs to be painful. There is a range of sole thicknesses, so you can still find something that offers the flexibility and feedback necessary for a natural walking gait, but still provides some cushion for comfort.

Start with this list of barefoot shoes for beginners for options that have moderate cushion.  

The benefit of that thinner sole is that you’re now feeling the forces actually at work, instead of unknowingly subjecting your joints to greater forces as you can’t tell how hard you’re slamming your heels into the ground like when you’re wearing a heavily cushioned shoe 

With barefoot shoes, people often tread lighter and make the changes towards a more natural walking gait, which is better for our feet and the rest of our body. 

And if you’re worried about walking on glass or sharp objects, I’ve walked through large cities and traveled extensively in barefoot shoes, and have yet to have anything pierce through the sole of my shoe.  

But what about support?

It’s preached that anyone toddler and above NEEDS arch support, NEEDS ankle support. But several studies show that unshod populations have healthier, stronger feet (1, 2) compared to habitually shod populations. The conclusion is that generally, shoes lead to weaker feet, not stronger feet.  

When a foot is supported and cushioned in a shoe, the intrinsic foot muscles don’t get used as much or in the same ways as when walking barefoot. Just like every other muscle and structure in our body, our foot muscles and structures need to be used to be strong and mobile.    

What about the achilles and a zero-drop sole?

Some people do have a shortened achilles from wearing a raised heel—even most athletic shoes have a heel-to-toe drop of around 10mm. If you have been wearing a shoes with a higher heel-to-drop (including high heels), you may need a longer time to transition to barefoot shoes. Gradually build up your time wearing barefoot shoes until you can wear them all day without and discomfort. 

Studies 

1 D’AoÛt. 2009 The effects of habitual footwear use: foot shape and function in native barefoot walkers. Footwear Science, 1(2):81–94. 

2. Hoffmann. 1905 Conclusions drawn from a comparative study of the feet of barefooted and shoe-wearing peoples. American Journal of Orthopedic Surgery. 

If you came here with the question, “Are barefoot shoes comfortable?” I hope that answered it for you! If you have any other questions, drop a comment below.

The post Are barefoot shoes comfortable? appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.

The path to recovery is anything but easy. But, often times, understanding the source of pain and the journey to get a diagnosis can be one of the biggest hurdles before you even begin.

I started the My Barefoot Story series to give people a platform to share their experiences working towards better foot health. This is not to be taken as medical advice, but I know how helpful it can be to hear the issues others have dealt with and how they were able to work through them.

In this next installment of the series, Cheyenne Hayden shares her experience trying to understand why she went from someone that was weightlifting and walking 10K+ steps a day, to then struggling to walk only a few thousand steps, and even losing the ability to drive. 

After many appointments with neurologists and a spinal surgeon, going through x-rays and EMG testing, she finally started to get some answers when she talked with an orthopedist and podiatrist. They found evidence of capsulitis and two neuromas, and thought that hypermobility along with a perfect storm of other events led to Cheyenne’s current condition. 

The road to better foot and whole body health included a lot of physical therapy, surgery, and a transition to barefoot shoes. Keep reading for Cheyenne’s full story.

You can follow Cheyenne on her YouTube channel.

Have a story you think others would benefit from hearing? Email me at barefootshoeguide@gmail.com.

This is not medical advice. The best option is to find a medical practitioner that will guide you through your specific situation.

My Barefoot Story Q&A: Cheyenne Hayden

_____

1. Why did you start looking into barefoot shoes? Were you dealing with foot pain or any other health issues? 

I vividly remember the first time I learned about barefoot shoes. About 4-5 years ago, my partner bought his first pair. He would go on and on raving about them, but I was totally disinterested, mainly because they looked different. 

However, all of this changed when I began to experience debilitating pain, weakness and muscle spasms. 

When quarantine first started in 2020, I went from being an avid weightlifter and largely active person to the complete opposite. I largely benefit from external motivation to accomplish my goals; so, when all the gyms closed, I hit a big roadblock. I was working remotely and in school at the time, so I spent most of my time on the couch – or worse, in bed – completing assignments and working on projects.  

After a few months of total and complete inactivity, I started to physically feel horrible. I began doing some home HIIT workouts and made it a habit to walk around 10,000 steps per day. Unfortunately, I ramped up to this level of activity way too quickly and, in hindsight, in the wrong footwear.  

Even though I was exercising again, I started to feel terrible all over. My symptoms were peripheral neuropathy in both feet, SI joint pain, muscle spasms in my feet and legs, and general weakness in both hip flexors. I was imbalanced all over.  

Starting to seek medical help

These symptoms eventually limited me to 2,000-3,000 steps a day, and I lost the ability to drive. I was very worried about the growing severity of my symptoms, so I started to seek out medical help. 

Since I was wearing conventional exercise shoes at the time, there was no part of me that thought to examine my feet as a potential source of the problem. In fact, none of my doctors even thought to look at my feet, either. 

My primary care physician initially recommended magnesium and vitamin D for possible deficiencies that could be causing my muscle cramps. Unfortunately, this didn’t help at all.  

I saw neurologists and spinal surgeons, got x-rays of my back and underwent all sorts of EMG testing. Everything came back as normal. I was diagnosed with neuropathy, but they told me it was a symptom, not a cause.  

One doctor even went so far as to tell me that I was too young to be experiencing these kinds of issues, and that my pain was in my head! A real-life neurologist said that to my face. As you can imagine, this was all a very traumatic experience. It was a two-year ordeal of waiting to see doctors, testing, and still not getting any answers.  

Getting answers

Finally, I went to see an orthopedist about my back, and she referred me to her personal podiatrist. These two doctors plus a highly experienced physical therapist, changed my life. They made me feel heard and raised the possibility of a mechanical issue being at play – rather than an internal or systemic one. 
 
 Once they finally examined my feet, they found evidence of capsulitis in both feet and two neuromas in my right foot. I had scar tissue all over.  

A neuroma is a disorganized growth of nerve cells at the site of a nerve injury. A neuroma occurs after a nerve is partially or completely disrupted by an injury — either due to a cut, a crush, or an excessive stretch. 

My podiatrist was a very experienced foot surgeon, but he wanted to try a conservative route before going under the knife to remove the neuromas. I remember being frustrated at the time, but I’m so grateful he made this choice. This extra time gave me the opportunity to build up my strength in other areas so I could later recover from my surgery much more efficiently.  

My physical therapist was an ex-figure skater, so she knew feet well. She was the first one that presented the possibility of hypermobility as the source of my issues. In other words, when I stopped weightlifting, all the muscle that was holding my joints in place slowly atrophied. This led to undue pressure on my feet, which traveled up the chain to my knees, hips, and lower back. I am still so grateful to her for helping me understand my body as one interconnected whole. Like I said before, all my work with her was focused on regaining my strength and balance.  

Physical Therapy and Surgery

After eight months of intensive physical therapy that didn’t fully remedy symptoms, surgery started to become the only option. I was terrified at the thought of it, but I truly felt like I had no choice. Even after trying various nerve pain medications and even getting a steroid shot, I wasn’t able to get my most localized symptoms under control. I had regained my strength in other areas and had even made it back to the gym to do some very mild weight-resistant exercise, but there was a cap to how far I could go (mind you, I’m still wearing conventional shoes at this point).  

I had surgery on June 9th, 2022 – just over one year ago. The surgery was successful, but it’s not what got me to the finish line – barefoot shoes(and toe socks!) did. After my surgery, I realized that the only way to build up my foot strength post-physical therapy was to incorporate some form of foot exercise into my daily life. I needed to find a way to encourage more foot and toe mobility in a sustainable, low-effort way. 

This meant finally exploring barefoot shoes! When I got out of my surgical boot, barefoot shoes were the only kind of shoe that my feet could tolerate. We had discovered that I also had two neuromas in my left foot, but they weren’t nearly as severe as the ones I had on the right.  

My new job became rehabilitating and strengthening my right foot while also strengthening and preventing aggravation of the neuromas in my left. Being able to feel the ground underneath my feet was unbelievably stabilizing. I started to wear them more and more, increasing my wear time weekly. In conjunction with toe spacers and my daily foot exercises, they have completely changed my life! I have been 90% pain-free ever since I made the switch. It’s been over a year since my surgery, and I’m now comfortably lifting heavy in the gym daily and can safely walk upwards of 15,000 steps in one day. Driving is still a bit uncomfortable for me, but I practice often and have confidence that I’ll be back to where I was in due course. 

Part of me wishes that I understood the benefits of barefoot shoes years ago. If this was the case, it is possible I could’ve prevented the need for surgery. I’m stronger for my journey, though, and I’m grateful that it brought me to where I am today. I can now enjoy hikes, family trips, and social outings again without being limited by pain – and that, to me, is huge! 

2. What encouraged you to make the leap and buy a pair of barefoot shoes? 

One day (pre-surgery), my physical therapist came into our session wearing a pair of vivo slip-ons…I was intrigued. She told me about how she didn’t wear them every day, but that she loved them for days when she felt like her toes just needed some extra room to breathe. That one sentence really resonated with what I had been feeling up to then – my feet had no room to breathe.  

I was wearing shoes that didn’t support the natural shape of my foot, and they were weakened as a result. We then got into a lengthy conversation about footwear and how too much cushioning can be damaging, as well as any shoe with an elevated heel or a narrow toe box. She even taught me about how any shoe that isn’t securely attached to your foot (i.e. slides) will cause you to walk in compensatory motions, which can cause harm over time.  

I quickly realized that I had basically lived most of my life in Chelsea boots, slides, Reeboks, and athletic sneakers of the Brooks/Nike/Hoka variety. No wonder I was having so much trouble! Soon after this conversation, I decided to buy myself a pair of Vivos identical to hers. 

3. What was your first pair of barefoot shoes? Going back, would you have opted for a different pair? 

Before I tried barefoot shoes, I started with orthopedic shoes based on my physical therapist’s recommendation. They were meant to help people with neuropathic pain; they had a slightly wider toe box, but they still had a fair amount of cushion and caused “toe bite,” which did not remedy my metatarsalgia at all.  

My first pair of truly barefoot shoes were the same ones that my physical therapist had – the Vivo Opanka Women’s. However, I ended up having to sell them because they didn’t have enough cushion for my transition phase.  

My next pair after that were the Lems Primal Zen. These were the perfect choice for me! There were the right combination of cushion, a very wide toe box and lots of flexibility. They might still be my favorite pair! 

Find the Barefoot Shoe Guide’s best barefoot shoes for beginners list here (we love the Primal Zens too!)

4. What else did you do that helped your transition to barefoot shoes? (Anything like foot exercises, working with a gait specialist, toe spacers, etc) 

My first physical therapist had me purchase a pair of toe spacers, which I started to wear in the evenings while watching TV. She also had me do some toe lifts and balance exercises.  

When I moved back home to New York City after my foot surgery, I started working with another physical therapist who focused on helping me further strengthen my intrinsic foot muscles. These exercises included towel/t-shirt scrunches, foot inversion/eversion exercises with resistance bands, calf raises, and arch-strengthening movements as well.  

Once I finished physical therapy, I’ve continued wearing my toe spacers around the house and still experiment with various foot/toe exercises I come across on Instagram within the barefoot shoe community. I also LOVE my Neuro Ball from Naboso Technology for releasing tension at the end of the day and often use a prescription CBD cream on my right foot whenever it’s feeling swollen or inflamed. 

Read more on how to transition to barefoot shoes.

5. What are your 3 favorite pairs of barefoot shoes? 

My 3 favorite pairs of barefoot shoes are my Lems Primal Zens, my Groundies Universes (with a thin insole for added cushioning), and ~fancy~ Vibram soled sandals from the Grecian Sandals shop on Etsy. 

6. Any last piece of advice you’d offer someone considering barefoot shoes? 

GO SLOW! And do your research. A lot of people rush into the barefoot lifestyle without learning how to properly strengthen their feet, and they can end up getting hurt (especially if you’re starting out with chronic pain). I learned the hard way that barefoot shoes force you to adjust your gait (i.e. heel striking is a big no-no). Conventional shoes with cushioning allow you to apply an excessive amount of force on your heel, but you can’t really do that in minimal footwear. If you do not adjust the way you walk to a more natural gait, you might experience some extensor tendonitis or heel pain. I personally prefer the push from my shoes to be more mindful of my gait cycle, because it encourages me to use all the muscles in my legs and feet rather than just “falling” on them as I walk. 

If you’re intimidated by the higher price point of barefoot shoes, from my experience it has been worth it. There are more affordable options (like WHITIN on Amazon), but for me, the vast improvements in daily function that I’ve gained through switching to barefoot shoes is priceless. 

The post My Barefoot Story Series: The difficult journey to diagnosis, capsulitis and neuromas with Cheyenne appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.

We’re all unique individuals dealing with different feet, bodies and histories. No one’s story is going to be the exact same as yours. But, there may be someone who is dealing with something similar. Since I haven’t been through everything (and no one has!), I thought it would be valuable to bring in more voices to share their own experiences. 

When I hear someone’s personal story about transitioning to barefoot shoes and the benefits they saw, it not only offers hope, but things to try and consider. 

I see people sharing their stories on Facebook and in Instagram comments, but after a few days they’re quickly buried by the constant production of new content. I wanted a place where people could easily find and read a story that might relate to their specific situation. That inspired this series–My Barefoot Story: How Barefoot Shoes Helped Me.

This is not medical advice. The best option is to find a medical practitioner that will guide you through your specific situation.

My Barefoot Story Q&A: Leah

To kick off this series, my first interviewee is someone that struggled with plantar fascia pain, along with knee and back aches. I’ll let her tell you more about her experience trying to resolve these issue and how she started wearing barefoot shoes as part of that journey.

1 Why did you start looking into barefoot shoes? Were you dealing with foot pain or any other health issues?

I was noticing on my daily walk that my feet, knees, and back seemed out of sync. My knees had been more unstable and prone to getting injured. My back felt like it was going out more often. With my feet, I’ve dealt with plantar fasciitis most of my life, so this wasn’t super new. I have tried inserts from Dr. Scholls to Good Feet, but nothing really seemed to make a long-lasting difference besides myropractic massages and stretching regularly. 

1a If you had foot pain, do you have a better understanding now of what caused/contributed to it?

I have a much better understanding of why my feet, knees, and back ache or get easily hurt. It has to do with inflamed plantar fascia, an improper walking gait, and not enough core support for the back.

2 What encouraged you to make the leap and buy a pair of barefoot shoes?

I was listening to a fitness podcast where they were talking about how much an elevated heel messes up the way you walk, leading to the issues I was noticing more and more. My family has been into them for a while and I decided it was time to see if they worked for me.

3 What was your first pair of barefoot shoes? Going back, would you have opted for a different pair?

My first and only pair so far are Whitin shoes, just about $40 on Amazon. I love them! Unfortunately, I don’t have anything to compare them with yet, but I have gotten my kids (ages 6 and 7) Splay Athletics shoes which have worked well for them.

4 What else did you do that helped your transition to barefoot shoes? (Anything like foot exercises, walking gait assessment, toe spacers, etc)

 I got an assessment from a physical therapist that helped me understand what was wrong with my feet and gait. She gave me different exercises to do to realign my hips and stretch/exercise my feet so they could function better. 

5 Any last piece of advice you’d offer someone considering barefoot shoes?

Do it! You will not regret it. I have never worn a more comfortable shoe in my life. With “regular” shoes, there was always some pain point or other, even in those marketed to be comfortable and ergonomic. With barefoot shoes, I put them on and can hardly even tell they are on, not to mention all the positive improvement in my gait and body alignment. Heaven!

The post My Barefoot Story Series: Resolving Plantar Fascia, Knee and Back Pain with Leah appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.

If you’re just starting your journey of foot health and barefoot shoes, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start and which shoes to buy. And if you’ve been holding out because you don’t want to spend a fortune on expensive shoes and high shipping/return costs, then the affordable WHITIN Shoes on Amazon may be a good place to start.  

I’ve recommended WHITIN shoes to several of my own family members as beginner barefoot shoes to great success. In addition, dozens of readers here and on Instagram have followed up to let me know how much they like them.  

The whole family can get in on WHITIN barefoot shoes as they now have styles for both adults and kids!

I included WHITIN Shoes on my list of the Best Barefoot Shoes for Beginners, where you can check out more options if you’re new to barefoot shoes.

In this WHITIN Shoes review, I’m going to review six of their wide barefoot casual shoe models so you have everything you need to know to pick the right pair and size for you. 

Note: This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click on one of them, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more information, read our full disclosure.

Definition of barefoot shoes 

If you’re on this blog, you may already be familiar with barefoot and minimalist shoes. But, if you happened to stumble over and have no idea what I’m talking about, here’s a quick definition. Barefoot shoes (sometimes called minimalist shoes) are meant to be as minimal as possible so as not to interfere with your natural walking or running gait. This usually means a wide, anatomically shaped toe box that don’t squish your toes, and a thin, flat and flexible sole. The goal is to have stronger feet, not supportive shoes. You can find more information and FAQs about barefoot shoes here. 

Table of Contents 

1. Why are WHITIN shoes a good shoe for someone new to barefoot shoes? 
2. If you’re already used to barefoot shoes… 
3. How is the quality for the price? 
4. Ease of ordering and returning 
5. Fit & Sizing
6. WHITIN Shoes Reviews – 8 styles
   • Casual Fashion Sneaker
   • Casual Athletic Sneaker
   • Canvas Casual Shoe
   • Slip-on Loafers
   • Minimalist Trailer Runner
   • Running Shoe
   • Chelsea Boots
   • Kid’s Sneaker
7. FAQs about WHITIN Shoes

Why are WHITIN shoes a good shoe for someone new to barefoot shoes? 

There are several features that make WHITIN shoes a good option for someone transitioning to barefoot shoes. 

1 Wide Toe Box  

A wide, foot-shaped toe box is the most important feature I’m looking for in a healthier shoe. It’s not difficult for your foot to transition to a wider toe box (trust me, your toes aren’t going to be missing those tight toe boxes), and you’re preventing further damage and issues. WHITIN does sell shoes in a range of widths, so make sure you’re opting for their Wide Barefoot shoes, which are anatomically shaped shoes. 

I compared my WHITINs to a range of other barefoot shoes, and I was impressed with the overall toe space. I found them wider than brands like Wildling, Mukishoes and Vivobarefoot. They were sligbeghtly wider in the toes than the Altra Lone Peaks, and and slightly less space than the Lems Primal 2s and BeLenka Eazy slip-ons. It can be hard to get an exact measurement for width as the upper materials come into play, and the widths of a brand can vary from style to style, but this is to give you a general guide as to how wide they are.  

2 Moderate Cushion 

Lack of cushion can be one of the hardest parts for people transitioning to a thin barefoot shoe. Most of us have spent decades in cushioned shoes and removing that cushion can be uncomfortable.  

As beginner minimalist shoes, WHITINS have a moderately cushioned sole, so most people I’ve talked to don’t notice a huge adjustment.  

The sole is still flexible for the amount of cushion. These shoes do have a moderate toe spring to accommodate for the greater amount of cushion. A toe spring is the upward curve at the toes, and it is usually there to help combat the thickness and stiffness in a sole and make it easier to walk. You can read more about toe springs here.  

3 Zero Drop, Flexible and Flat soles (after removing the insole) 

These shoes are listed as zero drop, but they come with a removable insole that may have a slight heel drop and some arch support. For more of a barefoot experience, you can simply remove the insole for more space, or replace it with a flat insole (see more insole options here). The soles are flexible, which means it’s not going to impact our natural walking gait like a super stiff shoe.

If you’re already used to barefoot shoes…. 

Some of these things that make Whitin Shoes a safe choice for a barefoot shoe beginner is also what make them less than ideal for later in your barefoot shoe journey. Everyone has different goals with barefoot/minimalist shoes, and you may be happy with the WHITIN shoes for the long-term, and that is totally okay! But, if you want to continue to move towards more natural footwear that has less built-in support or walking assistance (like a toe spring), then you may eventually want to move on from WHITIN Shoes and try something with a thinner, flatter sole.  

How is the quality for the price? 

I think WHITIN shoes represent great value. At $40, they are one of the most affordable barefoot shoes out there. I was skeptical about their quality and durability, but by most accounts they hold up well. My mom has worn her WHITIN Shoes almost daily for 6 months (shown below), and as a travel guide, she walks a lot of miles on concrete. Hers still look like they’re in great shape, especially for such a cheap barefoot shoe. I’ve heard similar thoughts on durability from a number of people I’ve talked to about them.

That said, when you compare the shoes to other barefoot shoes with a higher price, the materials and build don’t feel as high quality. On some of the models I could see the glue coming up around the top of the outsole. I haven’t had any issues with separation, I think it’s more of an indicator of quality of construction.  

Ease of ordering and returning 

If there’s one thing anyone in the barefoot shoe community can agree upon, it’s the fact that figuring out sizing, and ordering and returning shoes is usually difficult and expensive. WHITIN shoes offers free shipping and free returns on Amazon.

Quick Tip for Ordering Whitin Shoes 

WHITIN makes both barefoot and traditional shoes. It has the same style of shoe in both a barefoot and a traditional version, and sometimes it still lists terms like “wide” and “wide toe box” in the narrower traditional version (super confusing, I know).  

The best way to differentiate is to make sure that the shoes have “wide” in the sizing, as shown in the screenshot below (i.e., the size is “8 wide” NOT just 8). 

All of the casual barefoot WHITIN shoes with an anatomical toe box are listed on the “Wide Barefoot” Tab on WHITIN’s Amazon storefront. The Trail Runners can be found on the “Barefoot” tab. 

Fit & Sizing 

The fit and sizing for WHITIN Shoes varies slightly from style to style, but generally I’ve found that they fit true to size and I’m the same size in all styles. In the range of barefoot shoes, these have a wider fit like I noted above in the toe box discussion. Most of their shoes fit medium to high volume feet, especially when taking out the removable insole. 

WHITIN makes adult barefoot shoes for beginners in sizes EU 36 through EU 48. This equates to women’s sizes in US 6 wide to 11.5 wide. For men’s, the sizes range from US7 to US 13. While the sizes listed on Amazon are US sizing, the actual shoes are marked with EU sizing. The size charts show the US and EU sizing. 

Most of the Amazon pages have a link to a size chart for that specific style, so I would use the specific chart for reference when comparing your measurements. I always recommend measuring your feet before any purchase and comparing it to the size chart. I typically look for an insole measurement that is 1.2cm longer than my longest foot measurement. See a guide on measuring your feet for barefoot shoes here. 

It’s mostly whole sizes, though they do have size 7.5 and 11.5 for women. I’m typically a US7.5/UE38, and the women’s 7.5 fit me well with my 23.3cm foot measurement. My husband is usually a size US10.5/EU44, and the US11 in the WHITIN shoes fit him best. Generally, most feedback I’ve received is that these fit true to size when referring to the size chart.  

WHITIN Shoe Reviews 

1 WHITIN Barefoot Casual Fashion Sneaker  

WHITIN Shoes has four different casual barefoot shoes styles. First up is the casual fashion sneaker, which is made from a knitted upper which is very soft and flexible.  It also has a suede strip along the side and reinforced eyelets for the laces. 

The back half of the shoe is lined with a soft, smooth fabric for comfort, and there’s some padding built-in around the back of the ankle.  

This casual shoe is one of their roomiest options – it can accommodate wider and higher volume feet, especially if worn without the insole. I’m wearing a size US 7.5 wide based on my 23.3cm foot measurement.

They come in a range of color options, mostly black, white, grey and beige, but also have a nice light blue and bold red if you’re looking for some color variety in your minimalist shoes. 

2 WHITIN Barefoot Athletic Sneaker 

These shoes have more of an athletic/sporty look, with a sock-like fit and a knitted upper. The knitted mesh is stretchy enough so that these are easy to slip on and off. The side piece on the shoe is a softer plastic, and you can use the laces to tighten down the shoe over the knit fabric. 

These sneakers feel like they have slightly less width and volume compared to the casual style above.  Similar to the casual style, these also feature built in padding around the back of the ankle.  

3 WHITIN Canvas Casual Barefoot Sneakers 

The Canvas Barefoot Sneakers by WHITIN look similar to the Vans Era Shoe, but with a much wider toe box and thinner sole. Plus, they are way lighter. I forget how much some of these conventional shoes can weigh, but when comparing them, the Vans felt like a heavy rubber brick.

Like the Vans, the WHITIN canvas sneakers have a padded collar around the ankle and metal eyelets around the laces. These come a few neutral colors, including black, white, brown and grey.

4 WHITIN Barefoot Slip-on Loafers 

Many people turn to HEYDUDE shoes for a more comfortable option, but the toe box is still too narrow to allow for a healthy, natural toe alignment. The WHITIN Boat shoes have a similar vibe, but are designed with a wider toe box and zero-drop sole. 

The uppers on these minimalist slip-ons are made from a woven jacquard fabric that has some texture.  

See a quick video comparison of the HEYDUDE shoes to the Lems Chillum – the WHITIN boat shoes are more in line with the Chillums as far as toe box width. 

5 WHITIN Minimalist Trail Runner 

While all of the casual shoes listed above are built on the same outsole, the WHITIN minimalist trail runner has a more rugged outsole with a deeper and more varied tread. The lugs aren’t super deep, so they’re probably not going to cut it for tough, rocky trails, but these are a good option for easier runs. The outsole extends over the front and is somewhat reminiscent of Vibram Five Fingers as it marks the individual toes.  

The WHITIN trail runners are similar to a few other beginner minimalist trail running shoes, like these Saguaro Shoes and the Merrell Trail Gloves. 

The uppers are a stretchy mesh with an elastic lacing system and velcro strap. They are  lower volume compared to the casual models.  

Note that these are NOT included on the wide barefoot tab on Amazon, but just the barefoot tab. Other shoes in this barefoot tab have a much narrower toe box.

6 WHITIN Zero-Drop Running Shoe

This running shoe has more cushion than all of the other WHITIN styles, but they’re still zero-drop with a wide toe box. The additional cushion includes an EVA midsole, and the uppers are a breathable synthetic mesh. Because of the additional cushion, they have a more pronounced toe spring. This minimalist running shoe is comparable to brands like Altra Running and Topo Athletic.

Currently, these shoes only seem to be available in men’s, with sizing starting at US Men’s 8. They come in 5 different colors.

7 WHITIN Chelsea Boots

I included these on the list as so many have asked about them. These women’s Chelsea boots have a decent toe box and are better than most conventional boots. And at $46, they’re incredibly affordable. But if you’re used to barefoot shoes, you’ll probably find the stiffness of the sole and toe spring disappointing and uncomfortable. I’d recommend opting for a different barefoot Chelsea boot if you can.

8 WHITIN Kid’s Barefoot Shoes

Now you can get a pair of WHITIN’s for your kid’s too. And for $37! These feature the same sole design as many of the adult shoes, and use a breathable mesh upper plus a protective bumper around the toe for added durability. So far, they’re offered in sizes Little Kid US 11 – Big Kid US 3.

FAQ about WHITIN Shoes 

Are WHITIN shoes durable? 

Yes, WHITIN shoes are reasonably durable, especially for their affordable price point. As I mentioned in the body of the article, one person that helped me review the shoes has been wearing them almost daily for 6 months and logged a lot of miles walking outdoors due to their occupation as a tour guide.  

Do WHITIN shoes have arch support? 

WHITIN states that the soles are flat, or zero-drop. However, the insoles do have some arch support. Remove the insoles for more of a barefoot fit with a flatter sole.

Are WHITIN shoes good for bunions? 

Due to the wide toe box and soft upper materials, WHITIN shoes are a great option for those with bunions. This wider toe box can comfortably accommodate bunions, and it also doesn’t contribute to the problem as your toes can stay in proper alignment.  

Someone that helped me review the WHITIN shoes for this article had a prominent bunion on one foot. They found the WHITIN shoes the most comfortable option compared to other barefoot shoes they tried due to the width of the toe box and softness of the uppers. 

Can you wash WHITIN Shoes?

A number of people have commented to say they’ve washed their WHITIN Shoes in the washing machine (cold water, gentle cycle) with success, and then let them air dry. I typically say wash your shoes at your own risk as a washing machine can be harder on shoes, and sometimes there are issues with bleeding colors or glue.

Where can I find the WHITIN Shoes size chart? 

Each separate style and listing on Amazon has a link to the related size chart. The link is included right before the bullet point descriptions of the shoe.  

Who manufactures WHITIN? 

The WHITIN Shoes appear to be a private label that manufactures their shoes in China and distributes them directly through Amazon. The individual/entity that owns the trademark to WHITIN owns the trademark to several popular Amazon brands, including Joomra. WHITIN is not listed among Amazon’s private label brands and does not appear to be owned by Amazon. 

Where are WHITIN shoes made? 

Per the markings on the shoes, WHITIN Shoes are made in China.  

Hobibear vs WHITIN

Quite a few of you have been targeted by the Hobibear ads over the last few months, so you want to know the difference between Hobibear vs WHITIN. This looks like the case of two companies using the same supplier/manufacturer, and just changing small details on the shoes (like color, branded tag, etc). This is pretty common among many industries–I’ve seen a few recent TikTok videos showing the same piece of furniture sold at three different stores, or the same dress sold by 5 different retailers, all with different price points.

Because of that, you can use this post would basically be the same for a Hobibear shoes review, though it looks like they don’t offer quite as many styles yet. The main style is the barefoot casual fashion sneaker, the first reviewed style on this post. They also have a lot of non-barefoot shoes. Find the Hobibear barefoot shoes on Amazon here.

Whitin and Hobibear have a very similar price point (around $40), so it mostly comes down to which of the small details or colors you prefer. You can purchase both Hobibear and Whitin from Amazon, so that makes both shipping and returns free and easy.

The post WHITIN Shoes Review – Affordable Beginner Barefoot Shoes on Amazon  appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.

Lems Shoes is one of the brands I got started with on my barefoot shoe journey. Lems was founded in 2011 with the goal of making a shoe designed around the foot’s anatomy while using the bare minimum. Basically, what we all know as a barefoot shoe today, but before the concept became so popular.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click on one of them, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

What makes Lems Shoes a good minimalist shoe brand?

Lems is a great option whether you’re new to barefoot shoes or just looking for a pair of comfortable shoes. Here’s why:

1 Wide, roomy toe box: most Lems have a natural foot-shaped sole, so they don’t squish your toes

2 Zero Drop: Most Lems are zero drop, which means the the soles are flat from  heel to toe. This means they so they don’t alter your natural posture. Several Lems do have a small heel drop, which they note in the description.

3 Some Cushion: Lems Shoes offer more stack height and cushion compared to most barefoot shoe brands while still being lightweight and flexible. After wearing super cushioned soles for years or even decades, it takes our feet and bodies some time to adjust to less cushion. Lems offers the healthy features listed above and gives your feet a little bit of cushion to ease you through the transition. Most of Lems’ soles are made from air-injection rubber. This means they’re lightweight even with the additional thickness. Most styles are 8mm to 10mm air-injection rubber soles. The insole is usually an additional 3-4mm. You can use these for more comfort, or remove for more of a barefoot feel.

4 They have a full range of shoes — Lems offers a full range of shoes for a variety of uses. These include shoes like the casual Chillums, a men’s minimalist business casual shoe, and all-around great minimal shoes, the Primal 2s and Primal Zen. Lems has an extensive line of hiking shoes plus two classic boot styles.

As Lems shoes offer some cushion, they are an easy choice for a barefoot shoe beginner. See a more complete list here for the best transitional barefoot shoes.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click on one of them, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Lems Shoes Width

Lems Shoes uses three different lasts to make their shoes. For a more natural fit, I recommend sticking to the “Widest” and “Wide” options. In this Lems Shoes review, I noted the width for each style.

Shop the “Barefoot” Tab

For a barefoot fit with a wide toe box and a sole that is zero drop, flexible and lightweight, check out the shoes on the website’s “Barefoot” Tab. All of the shoes listed under this tab use the brand’s “Widest” or “Wide” last for a more naturally shaped toe box. The brand has created some styles in recent years that lean towards more conventional shoes; they use the brand’s “Slim” last and may have a small heel to toe drop (usually 4mm or less). These styles are not listed under the Barefoot tab.

Size Chart for Lems + Sizing Tips

One thing that drives people a little crazy is the inconsistency in sizing for Lems. Sizing is not consistent between the styles. This means if you own one pair of Lems shoes, you may not be the same size in a different style.

The Lems size chart has gone through multiple iterations, and the current version does not provide any measurements. It simply tells you whether to get your normal US size or order half a size up. In this Lems Shoes Review, I’ve noted my sizing recommendation for the styles reviewed here, and usually concur with the size chart when it says to go up half a size or full size.

Most of the sizing recommendations are made after Lems has received feedback. Sometimes the recommendation can change a few weeks after the release of a new shoe style when more people have provided their sizing comments. If it’s not a new release, read through some of the reviews on the website to see others sizing recommendations.

I’ve included the current Lems size chart at the bottom of this post, as well as an older version that provided a size recommendation based foot length. See tips on measuring your feet here.

Most of Lems’ shoes are unisex. This means there is no difference between the shoes you’ll find in the men’s section vs the women’s section, just a difference in sizing convention. There does seem to be a slight difference in width in a few of the more conventional shoes with the slim foot shape, like the Trailhead. All of the barefoot styles are the same for men and women.

Sizing Reference: The sizing recommendations are based on our measurements. For the women’s, that’s a 23.3cm foot length, medium width, and typically a size US7.5 or EU38. I typically look for an insole measurement that’s 1.2cm longer that my foot length, so around 24.5cm. For the men’s, the recommendations are based off of a 26.8cm foot measurement, and considers US10.5/EU44 as the typical size.

Lems Barefoot Shoe Reviews

First up, I’m sharing the more minimal styles on this Lems Shoes Review. These shoes can be found under the Barefoot Tab on Lems’ website. They all use Lems’ Widest or Wide foot shape last and have a zero-drop sole.

Lems Primal 3 and Primal Eco: The updated Original

Widest Lems Toe Box | 9.5mm sole + 3-4mm insole | zero-drop shoe, 1mm drop in the insole | $120

The Primals are the shoe that launched the Lems brand back in 2011. As the brand’s OG minimalist shoe, the Primals use Lems widest sole shape, which I find pretty roomy. They also have Lem’s lowest stack height and most flexibility, with a total thickness of 12.5mm. You can remove or replace the 3.5mm insole for more of a barefoot feel.

They’re an athletic shoe that I’ve used for running, gym workouts, and easy hiking trails. Since they’re so versatile, they also make a great travel shoe when you’re planning on doing a little bit of everything and want to pack light.

The uppers are mesh and microfiber with no animal products used.

The Primal 3 is Lems third iteration of its original barefoot shoe, and was released March 2024. I’ve been testing it over the last few months on long walks, hikes and at the gym. Since its predecessor the Primal 2s were so popular, I’ll contrast this newer version so you can see how they compare.

What didn’t change:

• The uppers are almost the same design and materials, made with mesh and microfiber materials.
• The Primal 3s still use Lems widest last, which fits medium to wide feet.
• With both of these staying the same, you’ll find a very similar fit and feel in the Primal 3s.
• What did change (watch the video on YouTube):

The main difference is the shape and flexibility of the sole.

The changes come in response to a lot of customer feedback, mainly that the arch area was too thin and the heel area was too rounded. The Primal 3 has a wider footprint, and doesn’t look like it’s molded to your foot as much. The goal here balanced weight distribution vs pressure points on your feet. If you have a high arch, you likely won’t notice the difference in the middle of the shoe, but those with flat feet/low arches may feel an improvement.

Sole stiffness: The outsole is stiffer due to a very slight increase in thickness and a harder compound being used. The sidewalls also go higher up the shoe. While the Primal 2s are fairly easy to ball up and bend both width and lengthwise, the Primal 3s present much more resistance. The Primal 3s soles are more similar to the Primal Zen with regard to flexibility. You can see a video of the relative flexibility of the Primal 2s vs the Primal 3s here.

Insole:  The included insole does currently have a very slight drop 1mm because the toe area was pressed down to 3mm, and the heel was pressed down to 4mm. This can even out over time as the heel gets pressed down with weight. Personally, I prefer them without the insole for more volume and a more flexibility.

Lems is considering to go back to a 3.8mm insole on the next production run, which would make them zero drop even with the insole.

Half sizes: These come in half sizes, so you can get a more accurate fit.

Lems Primal Zen

Widest Lems Toe Box | 11.0mm sole + 3mm insole | zero-drop | $120

The Primal Zen is an alternate take on the original Primal 2s, with a few design changes and a thicker sole. The difference in cushion is noticeable compared to the Primal 2s, so they could work well for someone that wanted a thicker sole.

The uppers pictured are mesh and microfiber with no animal products used. There is also a suede version of the Primal Zen that includes a lot of perforations to help it stay breathable.

Sizing:  I found the Primal Zen to to fit true to size. I’m wearing the women’s US 7.5.

Lems Minimalist Casual Shoe Reviews

This line-up of casual shoes from Lems are great examples of their middle-ground approach to barefoot shoes—wide toe box shoes with more cushion than most minimalist brands. These are an ideal option if you want a shoe that still feels natural, but with enough padding to take the edge off hard surfaces and long days on your feet.

Chillum

Wide Lems Toe Box | 10 mm sole + 3.8 mm insole | zero-drop | $115

The Chillum is a minimalist casual shoe that uses the same outsole as the popular Boulder Boot. The uppers are made of canvas with wool and suede accents. If you’re looking for a replacement for something like Vans, these are much lighter with a much wider toe box. The Chillums are available in spruce green, varsity blue, black, and white.

Sizing: Aaron has these shoes in size men’s US 11 and has a 26.8cm foot measurement. He’s most often a size 10.5, so this agrees with the size chart recommendation to go up 1/2 size. He is fine with less space in front of his toes than I am (I usually opt for about 1.2cm), so if you like more space, you may consider going up a full size.

Drifter Slip-ons

Wide Lems Toe Box | 10 mm sole + 3.8 mm insole | zero-drop | $95

For an easy, casual slip-on, check out the Lem’s Drifter. The uppers are a canvas that’s both breathable and durable. Since they’re so easy to slip on, they make a great shoe for bringing along to the lake when you want to quickly slip them off, or really and casual outing.

Sizing: These are built on the same outsole as the Chillum and Boulder Boot. The sizing note recommends to go up 1/2 size, and we agree. Aaron has these in size US11 (same as the Chillums).

Mariner Boat Shoes

Wide Lems Toe Box | 10 mm sole + 3.8 mm insole | zero-drop | $145

If you were one of the devotees of the original Lems Mariners from a few years ago, you’re in luck—they’re officially back and even better in 2025. This wide toe box boat shoe features full-grain leather uppers and Lems’ signature Injection-Blown Rubber sole, which is cushy, lightweight, and still flexible. With a zero-drop platform and a 10mm stack height (including a removable cork insole), the Mariner remains one of the more barefoot-feeling options in Lems’ casual lineup.

Stylistically, it sticks to the traditional boat shoe look with its moc stitching, and easily pairs with shorts or jeans. While it has siping on the sole for traction, it’s better suited for everyday wear than true marine use.

Sizing: Aaron has these in size US11 (same as the Chillums).

Kourt and Kourt Grip Sneakers

Wide Lems Toe Box | 10 mm sole + 3.8 mm insole | zero-drop | $135 – $145

The Lems Kourt is a clean and casual leather sneaker, while the Kourt Grip features the slip-resistant sole on the same style. The Kourt Grip is geared towards those that work in the restaurant and healthcare industries.

For a deeper dive on barefoot shoes with non-slip soles, check this out this post with the best options tested by a professional chef.

Lems Minimalist Boot Reviews

Boulder Boots

Wide Lems Toe Box | 10 mm sole + 3.5 mm insole | zero-drop | $125 – $185

The Boulder Boots are one of Lems’ most popular styles. They have a wide range of options when it comes to this boot. The of the Boulder Boot was to make it the world’s most packable boot, so it’s flexible and lightweight.

Now, you can get the Boulder Boot tall, short, vegan, waterproof, and they even made a version with a more rugged tread in 2022 that’s a better option for hiking. It can make a great minimal winter boot, work boot, or just everyday boot. The sole of the original Boulder Boot isn’t super grippy, so while it can be fine for easy hikes, it was meant as more of an everyday casual boot than one meant to tackle technical trails.

Lems puts these in their “wide” last category, but I feel like these have similar space to the shoes in the widest category. Part of this may be due to the fact that the toe box is tall, meaning there’s a good amount of volume over the toes.

Here’s a quick rundown of the options:

• Leather Boulder Boots – These full-grain leather boots are the original Boulder Boots.
• Vegan Boulder Boots – The vegan boots are made with full nylon, or nylon with vegan leather accents. The nylon boots are the most lightweight and flexible, so they’re really versatile, especially if you’re looking for a boot to carry you through most of the year.
• Waterproof Boulder Boots – These minimalist boots have water-repellant leather uppers and a gusseted tongue to keep the water out. I’ve used these in the rain and stood in puddles or rivers and my feet have consistently stayed dry. There is no extra lining for warmth, so you’ll need to pair these with some warm wool socks for the winter.
• Boulder Boot Mid – the Boulder Boot Mid comes in both leather and nylon. Neither are waterproof.

Sizing: I have the Waterproof Boulder Boots in a full size up (Women’s US 8.5) as I wanted to wear them with thicker socks. This is the recommendation noted on the size chart.

Aaron has the vegan Boulder Boot in Nylon in his typical US size 10.5, but they’re a bit small. He would recommend opting for 1/2 size up, which is what Lems now recommends on the size chart.

Boulder Boot Grip Waterproof

Wide Lems Toe Box | 13 mm sole + 3.5 mm insole | zero-drop | $180

If you could ask for one improvement on an almost perfect boot that is the Lems Boulder Boot, you’d probably be asking for a grippier sole. Well, your wish has been granted as of October 2023. The new Boulder Boot Grip Waterproof is basically the boot many of us already know and love, but with a grippier sole. I’ve been trying it out on every wet, slippery and icy surface possible, and I’ve been really impressed! If you need a boot that does it all, go with this one! See a video review here.

Sizing: Lems has continued to refine their sizing to make the shoes more true to size. With the Boulder Boot Grip Waterproof, I opted for a size US Women’s 8. This is 1/2 size up from my usual size to accommodate for thicker socks.

Boulder Boot Summit

Wide Lems Toe Box | 16 mm Stack Height | $185

This is the newer 2022 hiking version of the boot (pictured below). All of the other Boulder Boots are built using the same sole, but the Boulder Boot Summit has a few differences compared to the original. These come in oiled leather or nylon, and both versions are waterproof.

First off, it has a thicker sole (16mm), which includes a more rugged tread with 4mm lugs.

These are currently noted as zero drop on Lems website, but they were previously listed as having a small heel drop (like 2mm). I followed up with Lems to clarify, and they do have a small heel drop less than 2mm that is meant to compress with wear. The Boulder Summits have an EVA midsole will compress upon weight bearing. A boot with this design and materials that starts out as zero-drop can become a negative heel drop boot very quickly. Lems took this into consideration during the design process, and added the less than 2mm heel drop so they would be zero-drop after being worn.

Sizing: For the Boulder Boot summit, Aaron opted for a US 11, which is 1/2 size up. Lems currently recommends your typical US size, but from Aaron’s other Lems shoes, it seems like the 1/2 size up has been a better fit. Plus, that leaves some extra room for thicker hiking or winter wool socks.

Chelsea Boot

Widest Lems Toe Box | 11 mm sole + 3.5 mm insole | zero-drop | $150 – $165

The Chelsea Boot was another big release for Lems in 2022. With a wide toe box and flat, flexible sole, these are a great replacement for something like heeled and narrow Blundstones. These come in a suede version and a waterproof oiled leather version. A lot of sizes are currently sold out, but a restock is coming late April 2023.

Sizing: I would go up at least 1/2 size on the waterproof version, if not a full size if you’re going to wear thicker socks or like more room. I’m typically a 7.5/EU38 based on my 23.3cm foot measurement, and I went up 1/2 size to an 8. They’re just right with some thinner wool socks. You can also remove the insole if you want more space. 

The waterproof membrane takes up some space which accounts for some of the difference on sizing. It also makes the uppers somewhat stiffer, so if you want more flexibility and aren’t concerned about them being waterproof, opt for the regular version. 

Telluride Boot

Widest Lems Toe Box | 11 mm sole + 3.5 mm insole | zero-drop | $145

The Telluride Boot is dropped in late 2023, with soft suede uppers and faux fur lining around the collar. To prep the suede for winter weather, add a water-repellant treatment like one from Nikwax.

The Telluride Boot uses Lem’s widest fit last, so it’s really roomy in the toes. It uses the same outsole as the Primal Zen. These are also one of the cushier options when it comes to minimalist boots; they have an 11mm stack height plus a 3.5mm removable insole just like the Chelsea boots. Even with the thicker stack height, these boots are very lightweight thanks to the use or air injection rubber.

Sizing: I’m a size 7.5 in the Zen sneakers and opted for a size 8 in these boots to leave room for thicker socks. Note that the faux fur is only around the collar, so you don’t have to adjust for a thicker lining in sizing.

Lems Hiking Shoe Reviews

Lems wanted to create hiking shoes that were versatile, easily transitioning from mountain-to-town. The rubber soles are designed to handle both travel and pavement equally well. These shoes are found under the Trail Tab on Lems’ website. Some of these do lean more towards conventional shoes which I mentioned above.

Primal Pursuit

Wide Lems Toe Box | 14mm sole + 4.5mm insole | zero-drop | $130

The Primal Pursuit is the more rugged trail version of the Primal 2. It’s also slightly slimmer, using the Wide last instead of the Widest last. The difference in width, additional cushion and stiffness is noticeable compared to the Primal 2s. These are more of a transition shoe if you’re just starting on your barefoot shoe journey.

This shoe features the Trail Traction outsole with 3.5mm lugs, so they’re a good option if you need more grip hiking.

Sizing: Lems recommends different sizes depending on the color way for these shoes. For the Nocturnal Ninja and Morning Dew, they recommend ordering 1/2 size larger than your normal US size. I have this in the Morning Dew color and ordered these a 1/2 size up (a size US 8 for me), and found these to be a good fit. For the Canyon & Orion Blue colors, Lems recommends sticking with your normal US size.

Trailhead Hiking Shoes

Slim Lems Toe Box | 17/21mm stack height | 4 mm drop | $140

The Trailheads are a minimalist hiking shoe. The Trailheads are built on Lems’ Slim Toe Box last, so while they have a wider toe box than many conventional shoes, they’re not the widest out there. If you have wide feet, these are probably not a good option for you. These are a good gateway shoe if you’ve been reluctant to take the plunge to barefoot shoes due to comfort and/or styling. I’ve seen a number of people out on the hiking trails wearing this shoe, and I don’t know if most of them even know Lems is a minimalist shoe company; they may have just seen it somewhere like REI or Huckberry and liked the look and feel of the shoe.

With a 4mm heel drop, they are not completely flat. As one of their hiking shoes, they use the Mount-to-Town Outsole, engineered for both hiking trails and pavement. The Trailheads offer a decent amount of cushion with a 17/21mm stack height, including a 4.5mm removable insole for additional cushioning.

The uppers are made from microfiber and air mesh.

Sizing: Aaron has these in his typical size US men’s 10.5, but he finds them a little small. These were one of his first minimalist shoes, and he now finds them slightly short and would appreciate more volume. These are one of Lems’ more conventional options, so some of this may have to do with the fact that the shoe overall has less space. If he ordered these again, he would go up 1/2 size.

Lems Hiking Sandal Reviews

The Switchback sandal below is the first Lems’ sandal, but I definitely don’t think it’ll be their only!

Switchback Hiking Sandals

14/17mm stack height | 3 mm drop | $120

The Switchback is Lems’ first hiking sandal, and it stays true to the brand’s roots: a wide toe box and more cushion than you’ll find in most barefoot options. With a 14–17mm stack height and a 3mm heel-to-toe drop, it definitely leans toward the cushioned side of the spectrum. The lightweight EVA midsole is soft and springy, with a bounciness that feels noticeably different from the firmer rubber soles found on most minimalist sandals. It’s a clear choice for comfort over ground feel—whether that’s a pro or a con depends on what you’re looking for.

If you’ve found most barefoot sandals too minimal for your liking, you might be happy to see Lems go off-script here. Compared to my old Tevas (with their bouncy 22–35mm stack height and 13mm drop) or Chacos (basically stiff, heavy rubber bricks), the Switchbacks still land closer to the barefoot end of the spectrum with a 14/17mm stack height. For comparison, the mid-stack height for popular brands like Shammas and Earth Runners is 9mm. And after 5+ years in zero-drop shoes, I can definitely feel the slight 3mm drop—my feet don’t sit completely flat.

The footbed has some contouring. I’m fine with the textured ridges, but I do notice the raised toe bar, which sometimes hits mid-pad on me. I’d prefer it without.

The single-strap design is super easy to adjust and holds the foot securely—something some minimalist sandals struggle with. They easily loosen to pull off and tighten to get on, but I don’t find them loosening during wear. The webbing between the toes is soft and comfortable; no complaints there.

Fit & Sizing: I typically size down for sandals, which is what I did with these Lems. I opted for the Women’s size 7 (compared to 7.5 in most of their shoes, or even size 8 in boots), and it’s the perfect fit.

FAQs about Lems Shoes

Do Lems have arch support?

Lems shoes do not have arch support. The brand was founded on the belief that your feet should have the freedom to move as nature intended. This means a wide toe box, and flat, flexible soles with no arch support.

Where can I find Lems current size chart?

You can find Lems size chart on its website, or included below.

Does Lems have a size chart with insole measurements?

The size chart prior to November 2022 provided a shoe recommendation based on foot length, but did not provide insole measurements. Please see below for this previous version of the Lems size chart.

#discovermorewithless

The whole point of barefoot shoes is to live your life without the pain and problems created by conventional footwear. In light of Lems’ motto to “discover more with less,” I thought I’d share a few more places our Lems shoes have taken us. Or more accurately, where we have taken our Lems shoes.

The post Lems Shoes Brand Review: Wide Toe Box Minimalist Shoes with Cushion appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.

What makes a good shoe for someone new to barefoot shoes?  

If you asked ten different people for the best barefoot shoe for a beginner, you could get ten different answers. The best barefoot shoe will depend a lot about your feet, your body, your personal preferences, and your budget. However, most of us have adapted to a few features of conventional shoes, which is why it can be helpful to start with a transitional barefoot or minimalist shoe.  

So, what have we gotten used to in conventional shoes? 

Cushion— This is the biggie when it comes to transitioning to minimalist and barefoot shoes. Reducing the amount of cushion in our shoes is usually what takes people the longest to adjust to. 

Unfortunately, the amount of cushion in shoes seems to be trending in the wrong direction, with companies designing shoes with more and more cushion. Even a fairly low cushion running shoe from a traditional brand will have about 20mm of cushion in the heel.  

Because we are used to having so much cushion in our shoes, we may not be very aware just how hard we are slamming our heels down into the pavement when we walk or run. Transitioning to shoes with thinner soles can be a big wake up call. That’s why most of the options I’m listing here as the best beginner barefoot shoes have a bit more cushion than your true barefoot shoe, but still a lot less than most conventional shoes.  

When I talk about the amount of cushion in a shoe, I’ll sometimes reference the total stack height, which is the thickness of the outsole plus the insole. Sometimes the insole is removable, so you can take it out to reduce the amount of cushion or replace it with a thicker insole for more cushion.

Arch Support — Getting rid of arch support can be another big adjustment. Part of it is the mental hurdle of accepting that healthy feet do not need support and function optimally without it.  

Many shoes have stiff arch support, which limits the way and amount your foot can move, and usually leads to a weakened arch. Just like any muscle, it takes time to build the strength back up when we take the support away. 

Heel Drop — Most conventional shoes are heeled, even if we don’t think of them in that way. It’s obvious to see the heel in high heels and dress shoes, but even tennis shoes have a drop from heel to toe with more cushion in the heel.  Over the long-term, this can shorten the Achilles tendon, so you may feel a bit different when switching to a flat shoe. A zero drop shoe encourages a more natural walking and running gait, including a forefoot or midfoot strike when running.  

Toe Spring — Toe springs are another common feature in conventional shoes. It’s where the toe of the shoe curves upward. This is usually to combat a more rigid sole, and make it easier for our foot to roll through while walking.  

What are barefoot shoes? 

The terminology can sometimes confuse people, especially as “barefoot shoe” is kind of an oxymoron. Barefoot shoes are essentially shoes that let you move and walk naturally, as if you were barefoot. Some people like to separate the range of barefoot shoes into “true” barefoot shoes (those with a very thin soles), and call the shoes with thicker soles or more cushion “minimalist shoes” or “transitional barefoot” shoes.  

Most of the shoes we’ll be talking about here are in that “transitional barefoot” shoe bucket as they tend to have thicker soles with more cushion. So basically, they’re a barefoot shoe with cushion. They may also have a few other features that aren’t in a typical barefoot shoe, like a small heel drop, or a toe spring.

Here’s what to look for in your barefoot shoes: 

Wide toe box — The toe box should be wide, allowing your toes to naturally splay. This means that your big toe can lie straight, so the toe box is either straight or splay out at the big toe. This is one of the most noticeable differences between a barefoot shoe and a conventional shoe, which has a tapered and almost symmetrical toe box. 

Flat — The sole of the shoe should be flat, meaning no heels or significant upturn at the toe (called a toe spring). Most conventional shoes have a significant heel drop, so it can be an adjustment to get used to standing flat again. Some transitional barefoot shoes have a small heel drop (like 2 to 4mm) or a slight toe spring.  

Flexible — Again, the focus here is allowing the foot to function naturally, so the shoe including the sole should be flexible and allow the foot to easily bend and move. 

Thin — A barefoot shoes is typically thin, which allows for flexibility, ground feel and natural movement. Since the lack of cushion can be one of the hardest things about switching, this list of barefoot shoes for beginners is essentially a list of barefoot shoes with cushion.

Best Barefoot Shoes for Beginners

I. Most Affordable Barefoot Shoes for Beginners

Saguaro Shoes 

Sizes EU24 – 48 | $35+ | Free shipping | KELLY15 for 15% off

SHOP Saguaro Shoes

Saguaro Shoes is another brand that’s a practical place to start thanks to their moderately cushioned, budget-friendly shoes. Saguaro offers a wide range of minimalist footwear for all ages, from toddlers to adults. Their full line includes casual sneakers, athletic shoes, boots, water shoes, and rain boots. The flexible rubber soles are around 6mm, plus a 3mm insole, which offers some cushion as your feet adjust to a more minimalist feel.

Read the full review of Saguaro Shoes.

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WHITIN Shoes 

Sizes Kid’s – Men’s US 13 | $40+ | Free shipping and returns on Amazon

SHOP WHITIN

WHITIN shoes are affordable, comfortable, and hold up well. The high cost of barefoot shoes is often one of the biggest barriers for people trying them out, so I know how important it is to have affordable options. I could give you all the studies and statistics about how barefoot shoes are better for your feet and body, but feeling the difference is where the real conversion happens. So if you can spare $40 on a pair of shoes, it can make a world of difference.

WHITIN shoes on Amazon are a great introduction to barefoot shoes due to their affordability, accessibility on Amazon and free shipping and free returns. WHITIN shoes have a wide roomy toe box and flexible sole. The sole appears flat, though they do have a slight toe spring and small heel raise in the insole.

I’ve had so many people follow up to tell me how much they love their WHITIN shoes as their first pair of barefoot shoes several months after they’ve purchased them. I’ve had several family members purchase them, and they’re still loving them after 6+ months of almost daily use. They have a few different styles of sneakers and a casual shoe that looks like Hey Dudes.

When you’re shopping WHITIN shoes, make sure you’re on their “Wide Barefoot” tab. They also have “Barefoot” tab, but most of these shoes look closer to conventionally narrow shoes. The only style I would consider on the regular “barefoot” tab is their trail runner. 

There are several other brands on Amazon that are good barefoot shoes for beginners: Joomra, which is very similar to WHITIN, and Saguaro.

WHITIN offers a handful of casual minimalist styles, as well as trail runners and zero-drop, wide toe box running shoes with cushion. Get all the info in this full brand review of WHITIN shoes.

Find a more complete list of affordable barefoot shoes here, as well as tips like when to shop for sales and where to buy gently used shoes.

II. Best Overall Barefoot Shoes for Beginners

Lems Shoes 

Sizes Women’s US 6 – Men’s US 13 | $110+ | Stack Height start at 12.5mm

Lems were one of my first barefoot shoes. They were a good introduction to barefoot shoes as they have a wide comfy toe box and a little bit thicker soles with some cushion. The soles are made with air-injection rubber, so even with a thicker stack height, they’re still very lightweight.

Lems also offers a wide range of styles. Any one of them can be a great option depending on what you need, but the Primal 2s or Primal Zen are an athletic/casual shoe that can fill a lot of needs if you’re just looking to start off with one shoe you can wear often. The Primal 2s have a total stack height of 12.5mm, and the Primal Zen are slightly thicker at 14mm. 

The Boulder Boots are a popular option for winter or those that want a comfortable work boot, the Nine2Five is a men’s business casual shoe, and there are plenty of casual and hiking options too.  

See this full brand review of Lems shoes, including mini reviews on individual styles and tips on fit & sizing.

III. Most Cushion in Foot-Friendly Shoes

Altra  

Sizes Women’s US 6 – Men’s US 13 | $130+ | Stack Height starting at 25mm

I know cushion can be one of the hardest things to give up, so here is an option that has a foot-shaped toe box and zero drop sole while still providing cushion when you’re first transitioning to barefoot shoes.

Altra shoes come in three different foot shape fits (essentially toe box widths). I would stick to their Original and Standard footshape fits. You can also get both of these shapes in a wide fit, which increases the overall width of the shoe, but doesn’t mean an additional width increase in the toe box.

All Altras are zero drop, but they do have a noticeable toe spring.

Altra shoes have varying amounts of cushion, and the least cushioned start around 25mm. Altra seems to be putting out narrower and more cushioned options lately, so I would keep that in mind as you browse their options. Many people that work long shifts on hard flooring (like nurses and other healthcare workers) often cite Altras as one of their favorites.

The Altra Lone Peaks are a great trail running shoe with 25mm stack height in the Original (widest) foot shape fit. The Torins are a good road running or everyday shoe with a 28 mm stack height in the Standard (medium) footshape fit. Both of these styles offer the wide width option.  

Topo Athletic  

Sizes Women’s US 6 – Men’s US 13 | $120+ | Stack Height starting at 25mm

Topo Athletic is another running shoe company that offers wide toe boxes and low or zero drop shoes. Similar to Altra, they are not a barefoot shoe company though, so they still have a lot of cushion.

The zero drop shoes styles include the Magnifly4 and the St-4. Most of Topo Athletic’s other shoes have a slight heel drop of 5mm. All of the shoes have a toe spring.

The Magnifly4 is one of Topo’s least cushioned styles with a stack height of 25 mm cushion. The cushioning just goes up from there, so I would recommend trying their least cushioned models if you are trying to transition to barefoot shoes. Even though it has a similar amount of cushion to the Altras, I would describe the Topo cushion as less soft and springy. If you like something that feels a little more solid under your feet, Topo may be the better choice.

Dolfie Paradise

EU36 – 47 | $170+ | | Code KELLYDP10 for 10% off | Stack Height 9mm to 14mm

Dolfie Paradise is making some of the best-looking wide toe box shoes with moderate cushion right now. Each pair comes with two insoles (3mm and 8mm), so you can choose between more ground feel or a more cushioned, beginner-friendly option. My personal favorites are the Supersonic sneakers—hands down the coolest “dad sneaker” style I’ve seen—the MC5, which go with everything, and the Dylans, which have such a fun, laid-back vibe. The quality on every pair feels exceptional, and the leather is truly premium. If you’re new to barefoot shoes and want something stylish and comfortable, Dolfie Paradise is one of the best places to start.

Flux Adapt Runner

Sizes Women’s US 5.5 – Men’s US 14 | $140 | Stack Height 30mm

The Flux Adapt Runner is the least barefoot option on this list, but they are zero-drop with a wide, anatomical toe box. The sole is fairly stiff with 30 mm of cushioning and a significant toe spring, which means they provide a softer, less natural feel compared to true barefoot shoes. This design can impact the walking and running gait (especially the stiffness of the sole and the toe spring), but it may be beneficial for individuals who require more time or gradual assistance during the transition to minimalist footwear.

IV. Best Style in Barefoot Shoes for Beginners

A lot of barefoot shoes tend to have pretty simple, basic styling. I personally like this, but if you’re looking for something that’s a little more trendy, then there are a few brands that have really made an effort to create stylish barefoot shoes.

Barebarics 

Faux Leather | EU 36- 47 | $139+ | KELLY5 for 5% off | Stack Height 10mm

Barebarics focuses on transitional barefoot or minimalist shoes with a more urban design. They’re the sister brand of the popular barefoot brand BeLenka. As Barebarics are specifically designed for a more urban setting, they do have somewhat thicker soles. The 4mm sole plus lugs plus insole leads to a total stack height of 10mm. Many barefoot shoes tend to be very simple in their design, and Barebarics does offer a bit more flair and interesting elements. 

V. Best Extra Wide Option

Bohempia

Vegan hemp uppers | 7.5 mm stack height | Extra wide version | Starting at €115 | Code KELLY10 for 10% off 

Bohempia’s barefoot shoes are already pretty generous in width and volume, but they also have an extra wide version. For example, the size EU40 has a width of 9.6cm on the standard barefoot shoes, and a width of 10.5 cm on the wide width barefoot 5shoes. 

The outsoles are 3.5mm and the insoles are 4mm, so they have moderate cushion to help someone that’s new to barefoot shoes. Because they also tend to have more volume (or space from top to bottom), then can accommodate a thicker insole for most people. If you want more than the 4mm insole that comes with the shoe, you can swap them out for thicker ones. True North Soles specifically makes thicker insoles for barefoot shoes. You can read more about these insoles here.  

VI. Runners-up for Best Barefoot Shoes for Beginners

The best barefoot shoe for you as a beginner is going to be the one that fits your feet and needs the best. Here are a few more options that you may find are a better fit for you.

Bahé

Mesh uppers | EU36 – 47 | $175 during preorder Aug 1 – 13 | Code BAREFOOTGUIDE for 10% off | Stack height 10mm plus 3mm removable insole

Bahé is not a new brand, but they are new to the barefoot shoe world. They first created a grounded running shoe, and then updated their design to make an amazing minimalist shoe with a wide toe box and zero-drop sole. You can currently pre-order the shoes, with delivery starting in December 2023.

The toe box is foot-shaped and very roomy, but the design elements don’t make it look noticeably wide. I can comfortably wear these with toe spacers.

The sole is flat and flexible. At a 10mm stack height, it hits that sweet spot of not too thick and not too thin. These are designed as running shoes, but are super comfortable to wear for everyday, and are especially great for those new to barefoot shoes. The shoes come with a removable 3mm insole. You can keep them in for extra cushion, or take them out to add more volume and ground feel.

I opted for an EU38 based on my 23.3cm foot measurement and found them to fit true to size. As someone with a higher instep that tends to prefer shoes with more volume, I found these had enough room, even with the extra insole still in. I think the accommodate medium to wide feet and medium to high volume best.

Origo 

Leather, Cactus Leather and Canvas | EU24 – 47 | $78+ | Code KELLY for 10% off | Stack height 6mm

Origo’s everyday sneakers have a 6mm stack height, plus they come with an extra insole to provide. Overall, these shoes fit narrow to medium wide feet best.  Origo focuses on using sustainable materials in its barefoot shoes, including in the cotton canvas sneakers. Origo has shoes for both kids and adults, starting at size EU24/Kid’s 8. The adult sizes are a reasonably affordable barefoot shoe option that cost $78 using the . This code also usually stacks on top of sales, so if they are having a sale, you can sometimes get 20% to 30% off.

Icarus

Leather | US Men’s 8 – 13 | $144 | Code KELLY10 for 10% off | Stack height 5 to 16mm

SHOP icarus

The Ascent sneaker by Icarus Footwear is a beginner minimalist shoe brand that makes a versatile wide toe box sneaker meant for both the gym and casual wear. Since these are designed to be versatile, they can be a great barefoot shoe for beginners as you have one shoe that will work in a variety of situations. 

These shoes also make a good option for someone that isn’t yet comfortable with super thin sole and working on transitioning to zero drop. The sneakers have a 5 mm outsole, plus three different insoles to choose from according to your comfort level, including a thicker insole with a heel drop. The stack height ranges from 5mm with no insole up to 16 mm in the heel with the thickest insole.  You can start out with the thickest insole that includes a heel drop, then work your way down to the thinner zero drop insoles when you’re comfortable.  

Icarus Footwear currently only has larger sizing, but they’re working on smaller women’s sizing soon. They offer free shipping and free returns, and have a pretty impressive “forever guarantee.”  

Read a more in-depth review of Icarus Footwear here. 

Anatomic  

Canvas | EU36 – 45 | $148 | Code KELLY for 10% off | 6m sole plus insole

Anatomic are affordable foot-shaped shoes with a wide toe box. They have a thicker sole than the most barefoot shoes, but they’re still flat and pretty flexible. Styles include casual lace ups, slip-ons, and high tops. They’re available in the US from the online minimalist shoe retailer PedTerra, which offers free shipping and free returns. Take 10% off your order with code KELLY. They’re available worldwide from the retailer Tupsunupsu.

The post Best Barefoot Shoes for Beginners appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.

I’m excited that I get to share yet another barefoot shoe brand that recently launched. Hopefully this is a sign of more good things to come with barefoot shoes catching more mainstream attention! 

Icarus Footwear is a new minimalist shoe company from the United States. They recently released their first shoe at the end of 2022, a men’s white leather sneaker made for both casual wear and the gym. Women’s sizing is in the works, so stay tuned if you need smaller sizes.  
 
Icarus Footwear’s first shoe, the Ascent, is a good transitional option for someone that isn’t yet comfortable with super thin soles; these sneakers have a 5 mm outsole, plus three different insoles to choose from according to your comfort level. 

In this Icarus Footwear review, I’ll cover materials and design, performance, fit and sizing, plus a coupon code to get 10% off. These shoes were reviewed by both Aaron and me as we were able to test out both the men’s and women’s versions.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. This means if you click on one of them and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more information, read our full disclosure. 

I. Icarus Footwear Brand Overview  

The founder of Icarus wanted a healthier alternative to the popular shoes like Adidas Sambas or Converse he saw everyone wearing both casually and for lifting at the gym. He didn’t find quite what he was looking for, so he decided to design his own. 

Leather Upper | Sizes US M4.5/W6 – M14/W15.5 | stack height varies from 5 mm with no insole to 16 mm with thickest insole 

$144 | Code KELLY10 for 10% off | Free Shipping & Returns 

II. Materials & Design  

This first shoe from Icarus Footwear has a clean-looking design without looking over-simplified or boring. A major gripe for many people that have switched to barefoot shoes is the lack of style and choice, and this brand is delivering mainstream aesthetics combined with a healthy design.  

a. Uppers 

Uppers are full grain leather. They come in both white with white soles and black with gum soles. These were made to work as both an everyday shoe and a lifting shoe at the gym, so there are perforations in the leather on the side for better breathability. The lower portion of the tongue is made of mesh.  

These feel and look well-made with a high-quality leather. The shoes are made in China.  

The only design issue we noted is that the laces do sometimes catch on the tongue where the leather is sewn into the mesh.  

b. Sole

The outsole is 5mm thick and made from rubber. It has a herringbone tread pattern for maximum traction. While wearing them, Aaron found them to have good grip on smooth indoor floors like wood and cement. 

The sole is glued, pressed, and then stitched to the uppers. It feels securely attached and well-made. 

It has good flexibility for the thickness. The shoe is easily rolled into a ball and twisted from side to side, and while wearing them it doesn’t feel like anything is inhibiting natural movement.

c. Insoles 

One of the unique features of the Icarus shoes is that they come with three different insoles:

• 3mm insole
• 4mm insole
• a conventional insole that goes from 4mm at the toes to 9mm at the heel creating a heel drop of 5mm.

With the first two insoles, the shoes are zero drop and offer a moderate amount of cushion.  While there isn’t that much difference between the two, Aaron found the 4mm most comfortable, leading to a total stack height of 9mm. These make the Ascent sneakers a great option for someone that is new to barefoot shoes, or someone that simply prefers a bit more cushion. 

The last insole is meant to help those that are not yet comfortable in a zero-drop shoe. With the multiple insoles, you can wear the zero-drop ones as long as you’re comfortable, and switch back to the conventional one with the 5mm heel drop when you need to. Having that option is nice if you need it, but Aaron felt like the extra cushioning in the heel was a bit much with this insole and made the back of the shoe almost feel too shallow. Because of this, he could feel his heel slip against the back a bit. The overall shoe felt better suited to the zero-drop insoles. 

III. Performance 

Aaron has worn these for long walks outside and doing workouts indoors. They’ve been comfortable to wear, and like I mentioned above, had plenty of grip on smooth indoor floors. As a full leather shoe, they are warmer than a mesh tennis shoe, so they probably wouldn’t be a go-to for more aerobic type workouts.  

IV. Fit & Sizing  

The Icarus Ascent sneakers have a bean shape that fit a fairly wide or curved toe splay.  If you don’t have that wide of a toe splay, you may notice some extra room in the toe box. Aaron tested these shoes, and as he doesn’t have a very wide toe splay, he noticed the space on the outside of the big toe, but it wasn’t bothersome.  

These are currently only available in both men’s and women’s sizing, with a range of M4.5/W6 – M14/W15.5

These were Aaron’s sizing comments when the GEN 1 originally came out at the end of 2022:

Aaron has a 26.8cm foot measurement and most often wears shoes that are US10.5/EU44. These shoes run slightly big, so if you typically wear a half size, I would size down.  

For a 26.8cm foot measurement, the size US10/EU43 fit the best. Aaron tried the size US 11/EU44 for comparison and these clearly felt too big.  

These fit medium width Aaron has higher volume feet, and found these to have enough room with both the 3mm or 4mm insole. 

Since then, the sizing has been adjusted to be more true-to-size for the GEN 2. With that, I would recommend getting your usual size.

Overall, these fit medium to wide feet best.

See tips on how to measure your feet for barefoot shoes here.

Icarus Footwear Size Chart 

Check the Icarus website for the most up-to-date size chart.

 V. Pricing  

The Ascent sneakers are available on the Icarus Footwear website for $145. You can use code KELLY10 for 10% off, which brings them to under $130. 

a. Shipping & Returns Policy  

Icarus offers free shipping and free returns. They go beyond a free return and offer a forever guarantee with no time limit, stating that “for whatever reason, you are not fully satisfied with this shoe, just send them back for an exchange or a full refund.” That is an incredibly generous policy, but I would note that this is a brand-new company, and therefore they longevity of the company is yet to be seen (while I wish them the absolute best), and acknowledge that they may not be able to afford this policy in perpetuity.  

VI. Conclusion  

Icarus Footwear delivers on its goal of making a high-quality, versatile, healthy sneaker. I appreciate it that it offers moderate cushion as it helps those transitioning to barefoot shoes, or presents another option for those that do want most of the features of a barefoot shoe, but are simply comfortable with more cushion.

The post Icarus Footwear Review: Minimalist Sneakers for the Gym and Casual Wear  appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.