One of the best places to experience the benefits of barefoot shoes is the gym. Traditional athletic shoes often come with thick, stiff and cushioned soles that don’t allow your feet to move and can throw off your balance and stability with their narrow toe boxes. Barefoot shoes, on the other hand, let your feet spread out naturally and keep you connected to the ground. This makes a big difference for lifting heavy weights, moving quickly through circuits, or just feeling more in control of your body during training. 

I’ve tried dozens of athletic barefoot shoes for the gym, but these are the ones I’m wearing on repeat. We all might want something a little different so I’ll follow this up with a longer list list later. All of these shoes are ideal for medium width feet, but can adjust to narrower and wider. Most of these have minimal cushion with a lot of ground feel, but I also included an option with moderate and high cushion.  

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.

Feelgrounds Move – All-Around Gym Shoe 

Stack height: 8mm total, 4 mm sole plus a 4 mm removable insole | $129 | KELLY5 for 5% off

SHOP feelgrounds

The Feelgrounds Move is one of the most versatile barefoot shoes I’ve worn. They have enough grip and security for gym workouts, but the style works just as well for casual wear. The knit upper is made with breathable, stretchy Tencel, which gives them a soft, sock-like feel with plenty of freedom for your foot to move. I don’t get any rubbing or hot spots, but because the material is so flexible, they’re not the best choice if you prefer a shoe with lots of structure. The fabric can also be a little delicate, so I keep mine for gym workouts rather than anything that would involve a lot of abrasion. 

The heel collar is padded for extra comfort, and the sole is 4mm, flat from heel to toe, and very flexible with excellent ground feel. They also come with removable insoles that add another 4mm of cushion, so you can customize the feel depending on your workout. I often take the insoles out when I want more connection to the ground, but I’ll put them back in for running or jumping when I want just a touch more padding. The detached tongue and stretchy upper let you adjust the volume quite a bit, which makes it easy to fine-tune the fit. 

Width-wise, the Move is very similar to Feelgrounds’ casual shoes through the toe box. I compared the insoles and found them nearly identical in width, but the Move can tighten down more securely thanks to the lacing system—a feature I really appreciate in a gym shoe. 

I tested them on a variety of surfaces and found the traction solid on typical gym flooring like cement and wood. They were a little slippery when I wore them outside after the rain, especially downhill, since the outsole is mostly smooth. That makes them better suited to indoor workouts and casual outdoor wear, but not for situations where you’d want lugged grip. 

For my US readers, Feelgrounds ships their shoes delivered duties paid (DDP), which means you will pay your new tariff as part of checkout.

Sizing: Sizing runs EU35–49, and I’m wearing an EU38 on my 23.3 cm foot. The length feels consistent with other Feelgrounds models, which makes it easy to switch between their different styles without guessing. 

Bahé Revive Modes – Best for High Impact and General Exercise 

Stack height: 10mm to 22mm, depending on the Mode | Starting at $185 | Code BAREFOOTGUIDE for 10% off

I’ve been a fan of my Bahé Revive shoes since 2023, and with the new Modes line in 2025 I get the same great fit but with the option to choose high, medium, or low cushion. I have a full review of the Bahe Modes here, but the quick highlights are what make them stand out: a wide toe box, generous volume without feeling bulky, and a lightweight, breathable mesh upper. Even with the higher stack heights they stay flexible, which isn’t always the case with cushioned barefoot shoes. 

The Bahé Flex comes in at 10mm with no midsole, the Adapt is 14mm which I find is that sweet spot between flexibility and ground feel, and the Endurance is 22mm, ideal for longer-distance running. All come with a 3mm removable insole, which means you can adjust for volume and cushion.

They’re technically designed as trail runners, but the lugs are moderate enough that they don’t feel out of place in the gym. Durability has been another strong point—I’ve worn mine for just about everything, from workouts to hiking, and two years later they’re still going strong. 

Sizing: I find that these fit true to size. I wear the Bahé Revive Modes in an EU38.

Avancus Apex Power V3 – Best for Weightlifting 

Stack Height : 6mm, including a 3.5mm outsole | $99

If your training revolves around heavy lifting, the Avancus Apex Power V3 is built for it. This is a more recent addition to my gym rotation, but after trying them, I could see why their new drop was selling out so quickly.  If your size isn’t currently in stock, you may have to wait until their next release…and then grab them fast!

The sole is thin and extremely stable, giving you that grounded feel that makes a difference under the bar. The wide toe box allows your feet to spread naturally, and the overall build is tough enough to handle repeated sessions without breaking down. These shoes don’t try to do everything, but what they do, they do exceptionally well. They’re $99, which also makes them a pretty affordable option for such a great barefoot gym shoe.

Sizing: I found these to run a little small; the EU38 was a little small for me, so I sized up to the EU39 which was a much better fit.

Vivobarefoot Motus Strength – Another great all-around 

Stack Height:  3.5mm outsole with removable insole | $220 | Code BSG20 for 20% off

Vivobarefoot designed the Motus Strength with dynamic movement in mind. It’s great for plyometrics, kettlebell work, and anything that involves quick changes in direction. The sole has excellent traction and durability, while still giving you the barefoot flexibility you want. If your workouts lean toward functional training and higher intensity movement, this is the shoe that will keep up. 

If you don’t need quite as much structure, and are happier in a knit or mesh shoe, check out the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite Knit (pictured above in white) or the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite (pictured below in white), which start at $150.

Vivobarefoot shoes are thoughtfully designed, but they do run a bit narrower and lower in volume. I usually remove the insole to create more space, though I often still wish for a little extra room—especially for gym use. They’re also on the higher end price-wise, so if you’re looking to save, you can use my 20% discount code BSG20.

Sizing: I find that Vivobarefoot fits true to size; I’m wearing these in an EU38.

Final Thoughts 

No matter your training style, there’s a barefoot shoe that can match it. These are the barefoot shoes in my gym rotation, let me know yours! 

The post My Top 4 Barefoot Gym Shoes of 2025  appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.

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 

Code BAREFOOTGUIDE for 10% off

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 

Code BAREFOOTGUIDE for 10% off

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) 

Code BAREFOOTGUIDE for 10% off

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.

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.

It can be hard to find the sweet spot for barefoot shoes, especially running shoes. Most running shoes seem to fall at the ends of the cushion spectrum, with either a lot of cushion, or very little cushion. The original Bahé Revive barefoot shoes hit that sweet spot for me with a 14mm stack height. But don’t worry, it gets even better, because Bahé launched the Modes line; now the Revive comes in three separate levels of cushion, so you can opt for the perfect amount of cushion for you.

This article covers everything you need to know about the Bahé grounding shoes, including what grounding is and how grounding shoes work, the barefoot features of this shoe, and my experience wearing the Bahé Revive shoes over the last year. Since getting them near the end of last summer, I’ve taken them on hiking and camping trips, traveling, to the gym, and everywhere in between. They’re one of the shoes I reach for most often when I know I’ll be clocking in a lot of miles.

Code BAREFOOTGUIDE for 10% off

About the Brand

Bahé was started by Kishan, a running enthusiast, and Alex, a footwear designer with a focus on sustainability. Putting their passions and expertise into practice, they set to work to design running shoes that would help people reconnect with nature. This meant that sustainability and grounding technology were both central to the design of the shoes. 

The brand initially launched with a conventional runner (lots of cushion, heel drop, etc). But after the founders learned more about barefoot shoes, they made a barefoot-inspired version called the Revive with no heel drop, much less cushion, and a foot-shaped toe box.  

And if you’re wondering how to pronounce it, it’s ba-HEY (with the emphasis on the second syllable). It is a Hindi word that means ‘flow.’ 

How barefoot are the Bahé Revive running shoes? 

The Bahé barefoot shoes have a generous and wide toe box that is foot-shaped. In fact, they have one of the wider toe boxes of shoes I’ve tried, but they’re well-designed and don’t appear especially wide.

The sole is flat and flexible. These have a moderate amount of cushion. This includes a 10mm stack height, plus a 3mm removable insole. Some might call these minimalist running shoes instead of true barefoot shoes as this stack height fits right in the middle of the range. Most barefoot shoes include about 5mm or less of cushion. On the other hand, wide toe box shoes with cushion (like Altras) feature upwards of 20mm. This moderate amount makes them a comfortable transition if you’re new to barefoot shoes, starting to run in barefoot shoes, or simply prefer more cushion when you’re walking long distances or on your feet all day. 

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

Note that they do have a traditional-style runner called the Recharge that features a tapered toe box and a heel-to-toe drop. The Recharge shoes are not covered in this review.

Bahé Revive: Minimalist Grounding Running Shoes Review 

Construction and Materials 

The Bahé Revive barefoot grounding shoes have the look and feel of a classic running shoes, but with barefoot features of course! Since the company is focused on sustainability, eco-friendly or recycled materials are used when possible.

The rubber outsole is abrasion resistant and long-lasting, which is important for a durable running shoe.

The uppers are 30% recycled polyster mesh, which are lightweight and breathable. It also has some water-resistance, which will help your feet stay dry in lighter rain. The mesh is reinforced with TP at the heel and toe for better durability. 

The Revive currently comes in four colors: white, black, green, and sandstone. I’ve been wearing white, and as with any white mesh shoe, they do get dirty easily if I’m hiking and walking through dust and dirt. I’ve hand washed them out a few times with a shoe cleaner and brush (I like this cleaning kit) and while they don’t sparkly like they’re brand new, they still look pretty good.

Performance and Durability   

Since these shoes are so comfortable and versatile, I’ve found myself reaching for them often. I’ve been able to test them in a lot of different scenarios, like a hiking trip in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, long walks on my local greenway, at the gym, and just a day running errands. I did find them slippery on the basketball court, but I’d recommend them for pretty much everything else. 

As they’ve become one of my most-worn shoes for outdoor adventures, I included on them on this round-up of the best hiking shoes and trail runners.

Fit and Sizing 

Bahé shoes are unisex. They’re available in sizes EU36 – EU48. This is US men’s 4/women’s 5 – men’s 13/women’s 14.

These fit medium to wide width feet and medium to high volume feet best. The Revive shoes have one of the wider toe boxes currently available in the barefoot shoe market. I compared them to the Altra Lone Peak trail runners and the Lems Primal Zen, and you can see in this video that the Bahé Revive runners are wider in the toe box.  

I’ve found quite a few of the other barefoot runners to be too tight around the top of my foot due to my higher instep. I was really happy when the Bahe Revive shoes not only had enough room overall, but even with the removable insole included. This means that they can accommodated those with pretty high volume feet if you do remove the insole. And if you have low volume feet, you may have to swap out for a thicker insole.  

They currently come in whole sizes. I comfortable wear a US7/EU38. EU38 is my usually size, so I’d say these fit true to size. 

Pricing 

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.

What is grounding?  

Bahe shoes are unique even among barefoot running shoes in that they include grounding technology. I’ll preface this section by saying that the main goal of this article is to review these first as barefoot shoes. But, if you’re interested in grounding, then here’s more information.  

Grounding, also known as earthing, is a term that means we are in contact with the electrical forces of the Earth. The Earth carries a negative charge, and when our skin makes direct contact with its natural surfaces, like grass, dirt, sand, or water, we equalize or resolve the electrical charge. Typically, if you’re wearing shoes, that barrier between your feet and the earth means you’re no longer connected, or grounded, to the earth. 

I personally love spending time barefoot outdoors just for the joy that is feeling soft grass, cool stone, or soft dirt under my feet. When I’m barefoot, I’m more immersed in my surroundings as I can literally feel it. Plus, it allows the muscles in my feet to move in so many more ways, even than when they’re in barefoot shoes. But, proponents of grounding argue that it goes beyond just what you feel in that present moment; studies explore benefits including better sleep and reduced inflammation in the body. 

The goal of adding grounding technology to shoes is that you can continue to see some of these benefits, even when you wear shoes. 

For shoes to allow you to continue to be grounded, they include materials that allow that electrical connection to pass through from the earth to the bottom of your foot. In most barefoot grounding shoes, you’ll see a copper plug in the sole of sandals or leather loafers. To create the Bahé grounding shoes, Alex and Kishan designed their own ground flow system as a copper plug doesn’t work well in the sole of tennis shoes. You can read more about it on the Bahé website. 

There are still relatively few studies on grounding, so critics often argue that there is not enough evidence to confirm the claims. Either way, there’s no harm in adding a little tech to your barefoot shoes, especially if the upside is better sleep! 

Who would like the Bahé grounding shoes

• New to barefoot shoes
• Want a little more cushion
• New to running in barefoot shoes or those that want more cushion for running
• Interested in grounding
• Have wider feet or higher volume feet
• Like classic sneaker styling

Conclusion 

It’s exciting to see more companies enter the barefoot shoe space as they incorporate their interests and passions into the features of barefoot shoes. The Bahé Revive is the first barefoot running shoe that features grounding technology, while also including more sustainable materials and a mainstream design aesthetic.  

The post Bahé Grounding Shoes: Minimalist Running Shoes with a Wide Toe Box appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.

If you grew up playing soccer, you may have fond memories of chasing the ball around the field, making moves on the opposing team or even scoring the winning goal. But most of us also remember how tight and narrow the cleats were!

This post is called the best soccer cleats for wide feet, but it’s really about the best soccer cleats for any feet. The issue with most cleats is that the toe box is so narrow. This blog is all about barefoot shoes, which are based on the premise that shoes should fit the natural shape of the feet. Our feet are naturally widest at the toes, so shoes, including cleats, should be too.

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!

Cleat Brands that Tend to be Narrower

If a wide cleat is your goal, then you’re going to want to avoid these brands that tend to be on the narrower end: Nike, Under Armor, Adidas and Puma. This list isn’t exhaustive, but includes some really popular brands that we’ve found to be pretty narrow.

Wide Soccer Cleats from Traditional Brands

First up, there are a few options from traditional cleat brands that make soccer cleats for wide feet. By traditional, I mean they still taper at the toe box, but they’re overall wider than many of the popular options.

Vizari

Diadora

Kelme

zephz Wide Traxx cleats

Wide Toe Box Cleats

There are a few companies that specifically make a true wide toe box cleat.

Natural Athletics: This is a newer company that makes minimalist cleats and basketball shoes for kids and adults. The soccer cleats have a truly wide, foot-shaped toe box. However, these have a sock-like collar around the collar, which can make them difficult to get on for those with wider and higher volume feet.

The basketball shoes are also great for wide feet, and also feature flexible, grippy soles.

CODE Footwear: These soccer cleats are custom-made, based on a 3D scan of your feet. They have a wide toe box that reflects your foot’s natural shape. These are geared towards professional athletes, which is reflected in the $600 starting price tag.

Barefoot Shoes as a Cleat Replacement

There are some barefoot shoes that work well as a cleat replacement as they have decent lugs and a toe cap.

My son has mostly worn the barefoot shoes listed below instead of cleats for baseball and soccer. At his age (7 and under) and level, we haven’t noticed a difference in performance. Since the main trade off with not wearing cleats is the larger lugs, it seemed like as long he wasn’t slipping or sliding around, he wasn’t at a significant competitive disadvantage.

Here are some of the options:

Xero Shoes Kid’s Prio: We’ve used these Xero Shoes as a substitute at younger ages as they have lugs and a toe cap.

Saguaro Water Shoes: The lugs on the Saguaro Kid’s Smart I shoes aren’t super deep, but we’ve found the sole really grippy. My son used these for basketball, baseball, soccer, and just a lot of outdoor play. Use code KELLY15 for an extra 15% off on the Saguaro website. You can also find Saguaro Shoes on Amazon.

Vivobarefoot Trail Running Shoes: Vivobarefoot has trail running shoes with deeper lugs that can work as an alternative to cleats for both kids and adults. You can use code BSG20 for 20% off at Vivobarefoot.

For kids, the Primus Trail II FG has 2.5mm multi-directional lugs.

There are a few more options in the adult sizes, including the Primus Trail FG, Hydra Esc, and the Tracker Decon Low.

The post Best Soccer Cleats for Wide Feet appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.

The Vivobarefoot Primus line is one of the brand’s core styles. I’d call the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite the OG, with the other Primus styles serving up variations to the uppers or sole to cater to different situations and terrain. 

In this post, I’ll review three of the most popular Vivobarefoot Primus styles: the Primus Lite III, the Primus Asana, and the Primus Lite Knit. If you’re contemplating purchasing a Vivobarefoot Primus style, but not sure which one, this post will give you the run down on how they compare and contrast. 

Note: This post may contain 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!

Barefoot Shoes 

Before we dig into the specific details of each style, I’ll note that these are barefoot shoes. That means all of them have a wide, foot-shaped toe box, and the soles are thin, flat and flexible. 

Vivobarefoot Discount Code

You can use code BSG20 for 20% off at Vivobarefoot throughout the year. This applies to full price items.

The Active Outsole 

All of these shoes use the same outsole that is made for everyday wear, working out, or road running. Vivobarefoot dubs this its “Active Outsole.” It provides good grip and durability on hard surfaces like road and concrete. It’s 4mm and very flexible.  

Keep in mind that it’s important that you feel very comfortable walking in thin barefoot shoes for long periods before you start to run in barefoot shoes. If you’re interested in making the transition to barefoot shoes for running, Vivobarefoot has a running course that can help. It will coach you through the transition, teach you good technique, and even provide feedback on your form from videos you submit. 

If you end up purchasing the Primus Lite Knit, you can get 25% off one a VIVOHEALTH online course, like the running course. 

For a trail running or hiking shoe with more grip, check out the Primus Trail styles. The trail sole has a 2.5mm base with 4mm lugs that work well for easy to moderate trails. For rougher terrain, try the Tracker Decon Low FG2. 

Removable Insole 

Each shoe also comes with a removable insole. The Lite and Lite Knit insoles are foam topped with recycled fabric. They’re easy to wash and clean (definitely necessary for a gym or running shoe).  

The Asana insole is topped with cork. It has a great feel, and is a good choice for a summer sneaker as cork absorbs moisture and is odor-resistant. 

The footbed under the insole is finished and covered with fabric, which means you can comfortably wear any of the Primus styles without the insole if you want that little bit more of a barefoot feel.  

Sizing  

I’m wearing an EU38/Women’s US7.5 in all three versions, based on my 23.3cm foot measurement. I look for about 1.2cm ( approximately a thumb’s width) of space beyond my toes. 

Vivobarefoot uses Strutfit to recommend a size based on uploaded a photo of your foot, and it recommended a US7.5 for me, which I found accurate. If you have wider feet and are at least a size EU40, opt for the men’s version as they’re a little wider. Primus shoes tend to fit those with narrow to medium width feet and more of a slope shape to the toes. 

Vivobarefoot Primus Styles

1 Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III

Mesh uppers | Lace up | Kids Sizes – Men’s US 15 | $160

Code BSG20 for 20% off

The Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III is my ideal gym shoe as it’s made with mostly mesh uppers so it’s very lightweight and breathable. They work well for weightlifting, athletic training and shorter runs.  

Although all of these Primus shoes are built on the same outsole, the Primus Lite feels like the roomiest option to me. The inner material is super smooth, especially on the tongue and around the ankle. These have a separate tongue and lace up, so you can adjust them more than the other versions, which have a sock-like fit. 

The inner lining area on the tongue and around the heel is soft. I never feel anything rubbing, cutting or chafing, so these are a great option if you love to go sans socks. 

Like I mentioned above, these rounder, fatter laces that tend to come untied easily, so I recommend replacing them. 

Mine have been frequently used for about the last nine months and have some yellowing, but it’s easy to wipe them down, rinse out the mesh, and pull out the insole to clean them.   

Best fit for: Narrow to medium width feet, low to high volume feet. Since these have adjustable laces and a separate tongue, they are more accomodating to a range of volumes. 

2 Vivobarefoot Primus Asana

Wool-blend knit and rawhide leather accents | Sock-like fit | Women’s US 5.5 – Men’s US 15 | $170

Code BSG20 for 20% off

The Vivobarefoot Primus Asana is the sporty casual version of the Primus, and I use these as an everyday shoe. It’s nice to have something that is breathable with really soft and flexible uppers with all the comfort of a gym shoe, but look a little more elevated than a mesh tennis shoe. That said, you could still use these on more low-key days at the gym. The knit is made with Woolmark merino wool, so it has thermoregulating properties. 

I prefer no socks if it works with the shoe, and the upper materials along with the cork insole make these a great option to go without. 

Best fit for: Narrow to medium width feet, medium to high volume feet. Because these have a sock-like fit, there is not as much adjustability for the volume. The uppers are pretty stretchy, and I find that they accommodate my high instep well. If you need more space, you can remove the insole. If you have lower volume feet, you could add a thicker insole to take up space.  

The Asana has a sock-like fit. This can be a pro if it fits you like a glove, but a con if you need more adjustability. As you try to lace the shoe down, it starts to bunch the knit fabric. 

3 Vivobarefoot Primus Lite Knit

Knitted uppers made with recycled polyester | Sock-like fit | Women’s US 5.5 – Men’s US 15 | $170

Code BSG20 for 20% off

The Vivobarefoot Primus Lite Knit is another solid athletic shoe that is great for gym workouts, cross-training, and running. Compared to the Primus Lite, the Knit version has swapped out the mesh and synthetic for a sock-like fit made with a recycled polyester knit. This knit reminds reminds me more of crochet vs a tighter, smoother weave. It’s more textured and open, which allows for good air flow over the top of the feet.  

Best fit for: Narrow to medium width feet, medium to high volume feet. Similar to the Asana, these have a sock-like fit which means there is not as much adjustability for the volume. 

I found them to feel a little narrower and tighter over the top of my foot, but still comfortable. I don’t find the laces to do a whole lot for getting these tighter. But, since it is a heavier duty and stretchy knit, these feel pretty secure over my foot that has a higher instep. If you have lower volume feet, you could add a thicker insole to take up space. As you try to lace the shoe down, it starts to bunch the knit fabric. 

If you’re considering adding a Vivobarefoot Primus to your shoe line-up, I hope this post helped you understand the different styles so you can make the right pick for you! 

The post Vivobarefoot Primus Comparison Review: Lite, Asana and Lite Knit  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.

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.

Tolos Bare Footwear is a new barefoot shoe company that launched its very first shoe in 2022 — the Archetype 1.0. It’s a versatile, athletic shoe that has a sporty, casual look that’s great for both the gym and everyday. Since then, they’ve some great updates to the fit and material of the shoe, and in 2025, they’ll be launching several new styles.

Want to see this review on video? Check out my reel on Instagram here.

Founder Story

With every new barefoot shoe brand, it’s interesting to hear what inspired the founder to start their business. The founder of Tolos, Evan Ritt, spent most of his life playing hockey up through the professional level, and ended up dealing with a lot of injuries. As part of his rehabilitation process, he realized how much of an impact the shoes we wear, whether for good or for bad, can have on our bodies. He created Tolos based on the barefoot model of shoes that allow our bodies to maintain proper alignment and optimum mobility.

Shoe Overview: Tolos Barefoot Shoes

As a barefoot shoe, Tolos shoes feature a wide, naturally shaped toe box, and a thin, flat and flexible sole. These have a great, sporty style and offering plenty of room in the toe box without making them look super wide.

Vegan | Sizes US M5/W6.5 – M14/W15.5 | 5.5mm stack height

$115 | Code KELLY10 for 10% off | Free Shipping & Returns

Materials & Design

The uppers on the Tolos barefoot shoes are made from a tightly-woven, water-resistant, mesh for the main material, plus a more breathable mesh over the top of the foot. The toe cap and backing around the heel are plastic. There are no animal products used, so these are a vegan option.

The shoes have a sock-like design (aka no tongue), and the meshy material is not very stretchy. This means they do take a bit more effort for me to put on. When I talked about this with the company, they did say they planned on making this portion around the ankles and underneath the laces with a stretchier fabric in the future, so if that sounds like a concern for you, then I’d wait for the next version. The pull tag at the back of the shoe and on the tongue is reinforced, so you can give it a strong tug.

The mesh that goes over the top of the foot could be softer, so if you’re sensitive, I’d recommend wearing these with socks.

The Archetype 1.0 comes in black or white. The denser mesh material on the white is slightly off-white, which is only noticeable because the toe cap and mesh under the tongue is more of a true white.

The sole plus sewn-in insole have a total stack height of 5.5cm. The sole is flexible and easy to roll into a ball or squeeze in half lengthwise.

Performance

I’ve worn the Tolos barefoot shoes while out and about and for exercise, and so far, so good. They have plenty of grip on wood floors, so they’re a good option if you’re going to do kickboxing, indoor racquetball, or whatever you like to do to jump around and get your blood pumping.

The main thing I noticed is the upper creasing a bit into the top of my toes when walking or bending forward at the toes. I think this may mostly be due to the lower volume of the shoes, and some thickness or stiffness in the upper material.

Fit & Sizing

The Tolos Archetype 1.0 is available from sizes US M5/W6.5 – M14/W15.5. The shoes are unisex, so there is no difference between the Men’s 5 vs the Women’s 6.5, etc.

I’m wearing my typical size, a US women’s 7.5 based on my 23.3cm foot measurement. If you’re not used to measuring your feet, check out my guide on how to measure for barefoot shoes. The shoes are

If I compare these Tolos sneakers to other brands, they run slightly smaller, but I still have enough room. I’d say they fit low to medium width and low to medium volume feet best. I categorize my feet around the medium in both width and volume and they fit well, though I do usually appreciate a bit more volume in my shoes.

If I think about people with higher volume feet like my husband, I think they’d be very difficult to get on, and because of the tongueless design, there isn’t really an allowance for more space on top of the foot.

If you have low volume feet, these are a great option!

Pricing

Retail is $115. They come to $104 with the 10% off code KELLY10. Tolos offers free shipping and free returns. Currently available in the US only, but international shipping is in the works.

While this definitely isn’t cheap, these are on the lower end of the spectrum for similar types of barefoot shoes with many costing $150+.

Conclusion

It’s always exciting to see new barefoot shoes brands, and the Archetype 1.0 is a solid offering as the brand’s first shoe! These Tolos barefoot shoes are especially good for those with low volume feet that want a sporty casual shoe with great style. While I’ve enjoyed the look and feel of this first version, I’m looking forward to the next version of the shoe and seeing Tolos grow as a brand.

The post Tolos Bare Footwear: Barefoot Athletic Shoes appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.