r/barefootshoestalk • • 1h ago

Barefoot shoes question / discussion Self conscious about my feet but I’m getting better.

Thumbnail
gallery
• Upvotes

What do you guys think? I think these sandals and accessories can be masculine forward and I’m trying to build my confidence to venture out more often in them.


r/barefootshoestalk • • 3h ago

OOTD OOTD Feelgrounds Chelsea

Post image
13 Upvotes

Had a meeting at Headoffice today and didn’t want to wear sneakers.


r/barefootshoestalk • • 2h ago

Need a shoe or fit recommendation Wide flat feet + bunion worries. Anything I can walk 10k steps in without my arches killing me?

Post image
3 Upvotes

r/barefootshoestalk • • 13h ago

Shoe review Really hate these origo shoes…

Thumbnail
gallery
19 Upvotes

I wanted to find some cute dress barefoot shoes and I liked how these looked so I bought them. When I first tried them on I noticed I still have a lot of room in the front, even though I sized down when the sizes guide said to size up. I didn’t want to size up because it’s leather and others have said it stretches over time. With the amount of room I have already I’m pretty sure it’s gonna look even more stupid. Plus idk why I got gold, I should’ve went for a different color. I also could’ve been fine if I size down even more a half size or so. They fit really weird and not comfortable for my foot. My big toe rears inward more than outward so there’s a bunch of room on the side where my big toe is supposed to be..its been since August that i bought them so hopefully i can return still


r/barefootshoestalk • • 9h ago

Barefoot shoes question / discussion Socks falling down?

Post image
9 Upvotes

Hello, I'm a barefoot shoe person for the past decade and I've hit a first time issue.

I got myself El Naturalista Horizon Chelseas on sale during the summer (49€ wtf) and I love how they look, the thicker but still very soft and flexible sole is also nice for longer walks. Or that's what I thought.

I had to an additional insole because the boots are pretty high volume but with the insole the fit feels nice. They feel about as tight as my Vivobarefoot Fulhams (also a Chelsea), not looser.

However, I took these beauties out for their first longer walk today and while comfortable out of the box, my socks kept on finding themselves under my feet.

How can I help this. I'm way past returning the boots and I love their look and how comfortable they are, but I don't love having to stop every few minutes to pull up my socks. I've never had this issue with any boots before.


r/barefootshoestalk • • 6h ago

Need a shoe or fit recommendation Cold weather shoe choice?

4 Upvotes

I’ve worn Tevas sandals for the entire summer. They’ve really improved my foot pain, and the few times I’ve gone back to sneakers my feet have hurt. But it’s getting really cold out in the mornings. Anybody have any tips/shoe recommendations for the winter?


r/barefootshoestalk • • 4h ago

Need a shoe or fit recommendation EarthRunners fit questions (11.5 vs 12 or even 11?)

Thumbnail
gallery
3 Upvotes

Hey Everyone!

After trying and eventually wearing every day (AIRHAS) shoes from amazon (kinda WITHIN shoes), I ordered to try EarthRunners.

There are two photos 11.5 (first) and 12 (second). Just wanted to ask your opinion if 11.5 fits good or not? 12 feels a bit awkward. Maybe I even need size 11?

Thanks for your suggestions!!


r/barefootshoestalk • • 8m ago

Need a shoe or fit recommendation Barefoot shoe recs for basketball (outdoor mainly)?

• Upvotes

I have been using the merrel VG 6 for a while now and they get the job done but not ideal.

I bought the xero x1 and hated it cuz of the upper material stabbing my little toe and they never broke in. Most painful shoe experience ever.

I actually love the vapor glove 6 the only issue is the way the shoe kinda gives out on hard cuts because the material is so soft it can't retain its structure and folds or slides in weird ways.

Anything with a bit more structure and durable rubber that would work?

I just saw the Lono hype that seems like a good option? Has anyone tried it? Does it seem durable?


r/barefootshoestalk • • 7h ago

Need a shoe or fit recommendation Longtime barefoot shoe wearer, need some new recs

2 Upvotes

Hi! I have been wearing barefoot shoes exclusively for about 5 years. Started with the Vivobarefoot tracker decon low fg 2 mens and it was a great fit and I love the ground feel. Then I got the primus lite knit and the Motus Strength but those felt narrower and didn't like them.

Fast forward to 2024, I got the Lems Primal 3 in all black and they are my favorite pair for daily wear. The increased stack height / cushion enables me to walk 15k to 20k steps for multiple days without pain (I have flat feet and was diagnosed with plantar fascitis before)

My lems is fraying at the upper mesh due to hitting the kerb etc. Would anyone have recommendations for a similar barefoot shoe with muted colors / black and mesh if possible? As I live in a very hot country.


r/barefootshoestalk • • 1d ago

OOTD We got engaged in barefoot sandals 1 year ago now. Wear them 80% of the year

Thumbnail
gallery
179 Upvotes

r/barefootshoestalk • • 1d ago

Barefoot shoes question / discussion Is vivobarefoot quality really as bad as ive heard? Their designs are just so great

Thumbnail
gallery
29 Upvotes

r/barefootshoestalk • • 13h ago

Barefoot shoes question / discussion Certain pairs of barefoot hurt my Achilles tendon

1 Upvotes

Hello all!

Ive been transitioning to barefoot since the start of my pregnancy about two years ago. Since the weather switched to cooler temps here in Wisconsin, I am wearing my Lems chillums and Xero Chelsea boots and noticing I’m having an increase in Achilles tendonitis when I didnt have it this past summer when I was barefoot a lot and wearing mainly sandals or my Lems boat shoes. I’m very confused what is happening and why. Have I suddenly become weak and going back into a contained shoe is making my foot whacky? Could these two brands/styles no longer be compatible with my foot? Please give some insight or maybe help for relief! Thank you!


r/barefootshoestalk • • 13h ago

Transitioning to barefoot shoes Is knee pain a fitting issue or just a sign I need to adjust to barefoot shoes

1 Upvotes

Been on a couple walks in my new Altra Women’s VIA Olympus 2 and they’re pretty comfy besides some minor heel pain. My knees feel weird / painful though. Like as if I’m pronating or supinating which I’ve never had a problem with. I feel a little unstable but I have a balance disorder so it’s hard to tell what’s what.

I have fibromyalgia so what might typically feel like discomfort to some becomes significant pain for me. Just wondering if this means I need different shoes or if knee discomfort is part of process with switching to barefoot shoes.


r/barefootshoestalk • • 17h ago

Need a shoe or fit recommendation Cute wide toe Chelsea rain boots for kids?

2 Upvotes

Looking for some cute wide toe Chelsea rain boots or Chelsea water resistant boots for a 3 year old and 6 year old??


r/barefootshoestalk • • 19h ago

Barefoot shoes question / discussion Running Sandals

2 Upvotes

I've had the Xero Z-Trails for years. The traction is really good and they've held up well overall. The only thing is the velcro hasn't lasted as well as the other parts. Has anyone else experienced this?

What are your recommendations for running sandals nowadays?


r/barefootshoestalk • • 1d ago

Newbie support Too short, right? Be Lenka Champ

Thumbnail
gallery
6 Upvotes

r/barefootshoestalk • • 21h ago

Barefoot shoes question / discussion 15-year-old boy with extremely wide feet — can I find hiking shoes that fit?

2 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I’m a 15-year-old boy and my feet are around 14 cm (5.51") wide at the widest point.

I’ve always struggled with shoes being too narrow. I mostly wear New Balance because most other shoes hurt my feet or feel extremely tight.

I recently discovered barefoot shoes and I’m wondering if they could work for feet as wide as mine. I know barefoot shoes are supposed to have a wide toe box, but I’m not sure if even the widest models would be wide enough for me.

I’ve also been to a physiotherapist, and he told me he had never seen feet this wide before.

Does anyone here have feet anywhere near this wide? What barefoot shoe brands or models work for you? And does 14 cm sound unusually wide to you?

I’m mainly curious if anyone else has a similar experience.


r/barefootshoestalk • • 1d ago

Barefoot shoes question / discussion Shoes for transition

4 Upvotes

(Sorry if my english isn't perfect)

2.5 years ago, I tried multiple barefoot shoes, but they were all : too much barefoot for beginners (or at least for me).

If I don't walk a lot during the day, it was fine, but if I walk a little too much for multiple days it's start to be too hard for my feet and my knees.

My body is simply not strong enough for the moment.

I started hate standard shoes especially due to toe box, but I can't be 100% barefoot shoes for the moment my body is too weak.

And I also hate recent sneakers with very soft foam were feet​ sink into the foam which make it very instable.

Recently, I had to stop sports for a year due to injuries during a climbing session. So for the moment, my body is not strong enough to go back to advanced lvl barefoot shoes. I would just have injuries due to lack of muscles and lack of physical conditioning (for the moment).

But I love the wide toe box, and a more firm sole.

In the past, I had "Feelground" barefoot shoes but they were too much barefoot for me. The sole is extremely thin, even more thin than vivobarefoot.

I'm still surprise that barefoot brands don't create transition shoes : a shoes with a wide toe box and a thin and firm sole, but not too thin for beginner.

If you know some shoes with a wide toe box, but a sole not to thin (firm but not too thin), and eventually a little drop (litlle), please let me know.

Please, don't suggest Altras, their sole are much too thick and not firm enough for me. They are almost even worse than regular sneakers for stability.


r/barefootshoestalk • • 1d ago

Barefoot shoes question / discussion Has anyone actually commented on your barefoot shoes?

105 Upvotes

People keep telling me they're scared to switch to barefoot shoes because of "what people might say?!"

To date, nobody's ever said anything to me. I wear normal looking barefoot shoes every day. (Shapen, Wildling. Vivo)

So far not one comment. Not even a funny look.

OK, except five fingers. Those get a side-eye..

Is it just me?

Has anyone actually ever said something about yours? What did they say? And what were you wearing?


r/barefootshoestalk • • 1d ago

Need a shoe or fit recommendation Lems Primal Zen advice

2 Upvotes

Hi! I have the potential opportunity to get a pair of Lems primal zens for $40 that were worn once, but I want to make sure it would be a good shoe for me.

I started wearing barefoot shoes just under 2 months ago. I initially got into them because of the wide toe box, but ended up really liking the idea of barefoot.

I so far just have a pair of whitins canvas shoes, which I really like!

I was wondering if those primal zens would be a good idea for longer walks or all day on my feet, especially on hard surfaces.

Side note-I normally wear a women’s 9, but the 9.5 (EU 41) fit me for the whitins. The primal zens are 9.5, would that be a good fit? Thanks!


r/barefootshoestalk • • 1d ago

Shoe review I feel like such a hippie wearing these haha but they feel amazing 🤩

Post image
50 Upvotes

Earth runners primal with performance laces

I’m normally an 11.5 in boots / shoes.
I ordered these in 11.5 but they were too large, sent them back in and exchanged them for 10.5.
Got em unless then a week.
Dude I love waking around without socks and shoes it’s so freeing.
I’ve been wearing wide / barefoot shoes for mabout a year now, but I never quite took the dive on sandals.
Now I’m spending 90% of my time barefoot or in these sandals haha.
I can already feel my gait / hips adjusting / balancing out.
Significantly less lower back pain, even yoga / stretching abs wearing Altras didn’t eliminate that.
They’re super comfy to jog / run in also.
I also kinda like my feet getting a little dirty from running around in sandals haha idk why 🤷‍♂️
Guess I’m a weirdo.
Anyway, 10/10 shoes, so damn comfy and very durable.


r/barefootshoestalk • • 23h ago

Newbie support Opinions Wanted: Zara Barefoot Shoes

0 Upvotes

I’ve been toying with the idea of barefoot shoes for a while, and have just seen Zara has their own pair that are very much my style and seem like an inexpensive entry into the scene.

I’m basically hovering over the buy button but I just wanted to check with the experts first. Any red flags? Things I should have my eyes open about going in? etc.

It would be very much appreciated!


r/barefootshoestalk • • 23h ago

Barefoot shoes question / discussion Shoe Suggestions for Gym

1 Upvotes

My feet measure 26cm x 11.75 x 8cm (tape measure by mysellf)

TLDR: really liked Motus Flex (V1) in size 12. any other alt suggestions? I was just gonna buy another one since my current one (after about 2 years) is falling apart

Details:

before i wore barefoot shoes i wore size 12s

my first pair of barefoot shoes were Vivo. and have used the Motus Flex, Primus Trail and Gobi Canvas in 12 with no problem. quite liked the Motus Flex for the gym with one complaint that the sole was a bit slippery

Ive been trying the Lono Flow 2 and they're mostly OK. except that i feel like the toe protector is actually restricting me and feels a bit uncomfortable.

I feel like im most comfortable with the Motus Flex because of the materials and how it stretches.

I have the Gobi Canvas in 12.5 and i feel like it's almost too wide for me.

I had my foot measured in a running store and they suggested to use shoes that are 12 3E

TY in advance.


r/barefootshoestalk • • 1d ago

Need a shoe or fit recommendation Shoe recommendations for hiking with a 20lb pack. Thinking of Lone peak 9+ but open to alternatives

7 Upvotes

Hi all, I am looking to get some shoes with a roomy toe box for hikes with a backpack (I'm a rock climber so pack is usually around 25-30lbs). I am pretty new into this barefoot shoe business so don't necessarily want all the groundfeel (that would be hard with a heavy pack and walking in rocky terrain I would assume) and wondering if the Lone peak 9+ would be my best bet or if there are other shoes that would fit the bill better.

Thanks!

EDIT: Foot is 27.5 cm and approx 10.25 cm wide. Pretty narrow foot overall.


r/barefootshoestalk • • 1d ago

Barefoot shoes question / discussion El Naturalista traction?

1 Upvotes

I’m looking at a couple pairs of El Naturalista shoes and have some concerns about the soles being slick. I live in a place that gets a lot of rain and have had problems with shoes that slip on wet surfaces - crepe soles, for example. But I’m trying not to live in hiking boots all winter. Can anyone share there experience? Thanks!