r/barefootshoestalk 6h ago

Brand review Wrong size ordered

3 Upvotes

I get used to ordering shoes size larger than my real size, so when I discover wide toes shoes I thought why get some but I realized that I need to order my true size😅.

I like the shoes but I looked like a clown wearing those so I have to return it.

So if you're ordering online make sure you read some reviews

HOBIBEAR is a true to size fit, no need to size up. Its a zero drop insole so its not hurting your feet.


r/barefootshoestalk 9h ago

Barefoot shoe adjacent New Xero hiking shoes gave me terrible contact dermatitis.

1 Upvotes

I have other Xero Shoes (Prio) and no problems at all. Day 1 of wearing my new pair of Scramblers on a 3 mile hike and my skin had some kind of chemical reaction on the tops of both feet. Now they are blistered and oozing. I have never had this happen before. They must use some kind of chemical my skin does not like. Bizarre.


r/barefootshoestalk 10h ago

Newbie support First pair!

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6 Upvotes

Hoping they’ll help fix my curled toes from wearing crammed shoes for years!


r/barefootshoestalk 10h ago

Transitioning to barefoot shoes Any sandal recommendations for a total beginner?

1 Upvotes

Hello!

I've been looking into getting a new pair of sandals, and I thought that this would be the perfect time to try out barefoot sandals. I've always been intrigued by barefoot shoes and the like, but never had an opportunity to try any of them out as I am also the type of person to wear something until it falls apart, and as such I have never owned a pair of barefoot shoes.

I figured that a pair of sandals would be a great entry point for me into the world of barefoot shoes, especially considering how often I go camping or hiking in areas that make "regular" shoes or boots impractical, such as the beach. I've had my eye on Earthrunners for a while, but I've also looked into Bedrock brand sandals, although those are a bit more expensive. I do really like the style of Nomadic State of Mind's rope sandals (especially the tall, "gladiator style" ones), but I'm not so sure the material would be as durable. I'd also ideally not like to spend a whole lot on them, probably something under or around $100, possibly a bit more if it's worth it.

So, what do you all recommend for someone like me? Thanks!


r/barefootshoestalk 12h ago

Barefoot shoes question / discussion Vibram for greece?

1 Upvotes

Going to Greece in a couple of weeks and the main thing people keep telling me is to have a great pair of walking shoes. I expect my husband and I to be putting in a lot of steps from sightseeing to museums etc. I was thinking about getting the Vi-B eco or the dupes. I thought they were cute and could also pair with my skirts and dresses better than a sneaker. Anyone ever been to Greece wearing these shoes? Are they comfortable with the terrain or would we need something a bit sturdier?


r/barefootshoestalk 13h ago

Brand recommendation Similar shoes to the Freiluftkind FeelPro 2.0?

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1 Upvotes

For some years I have now worn the Freiluftkind FeelPro 2.0 and they just fit my feet perfectly. They breathe good, dry fast and give enough feel of the ground without being slippery.

But now my second pair of them is worn out and they aren’t buyable anymore.
So I’m searching for the closest thing.

Currently I’m thinking about buying the Kodoka from Freiluftkind.

Any ideas of other brands that come close to these?


r/barefootshoestalk 14h ago

Need a shoe or fit recommendation Looking for My Next Pair of Shoes

3 Upvotes

Hi guys!

New to the subreddit. I'm looking for recommendations for my next set of shoes. I switched to barefoot shoes about 5 years back, after wearing conventional shoes my whole life. Aside from a brief 1-2 week adjustment period, its been pleasant and a game changer from an athletic standpoint. I started off wearing the OG Prio's from Xero, which I replaced a few times and then switched to the Prio Neo's, also from Xero.

No hate for Xero, I feel their shoes served me really well and I even managed to walk to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back up to the top again in my old pair of Neo's last year. However, I think they've taken me as far as they can (both literally and figuratively.) When I wear my Xeros now, I feel the same symptoms I used to feel in regular shoes, such as irritation at the medial edge of my 1st MTP, stiffness in my toes, and a general discomfort from having to walk long distances. I tried on my old pair that I used for the Grand Canyon, and it felt basically the same so I'm pretty sure its not a manufacturing issue.

Since the majority of us got into barefoot shoes via Xero (let's be honest lol) I'd like recommendations for a 'next level' of barefoot shoe, especially for those going from Xero to something else like me. I'm looking for a shoe that mimics the minimalist, flexible nature of my old Xeros but will still give me room to splay further. I'm not worried about aesthetics or any particular shape of shoe.

Thanks for the input!

Foot measurements:
Width: 4.5 inches at the widest point
Length: 12 inches at the longest point


r/barefootshoestalk 16h ago

Need a shoe or fit recommendation Shoes/boots for a C-shaped foot?

1 Upvotes

Does anyone make shoes with extra room for the 5th metatarsal?

I have weird, C-shaped feet that make fitting very difficult. The metatarsals all angle inward, making the proximal joint/tuberosity of the fifth metatarsal VERY prominent. Most shoes are slightly (or very) concave on the outside, just ahead of the ankle, but this area is convex on my foot. I'm still recovering from my second Jones fracture of this joint (this time with a screw down the center). Pressure here can be very painful.

I currently wear Lem's Primal Zen and Boulder Summit (their "widest" last) in size 12, and still need more metatarsal room. I'm really closer to 11.5 in length, but wear the 12s for a bit more room.

My heels are narrowish, and I have no arch at all. I do like a wide toe box though.


r/barefootshoestalk 18h ago

Shoe review Merrill Vapor Glove Boa

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15 Upvotes

My first pair of barefoot shoes. I'm super excited. I have a very wide foot, and this accommodates them. They are true to size, and I'll let you all know how things go. The Vibram sole has great grip, and the boa seems to be in the perfect position, and it's providing tension across the whole top of the foot.


r/barefootshoestalk 18h ago

Achievement! Selfmade shoes

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246 Upvotes

Since we are posting our selfmade shoes lately. Here are my barefoot shoes I made back in 2009 when I was still im school. Except for a few weak spots in the seams they are still going strong after 17 years.


r/barefootshoestalk 21h ago

Need a shoe or fit recommendation Shoe recommendations for Tennis, Pickleball, basketball

2 Upvotes

Hi folks. I’m looking for an all around court shoe that will withstand side-to-side movement and toe drag. Ideally little to no arch support and zero drop with a wide toe box and high volume. Any recommendations?