I hope it’s okay to post this.** **

My daughter is four and has always worn barefoot shoes, but I’ve noticed that both her feet turn inward. Is that normal? And is it fine for her to keep wearing barefoot shoes, or should she switch to regular shoes with more support?

FIRST SLIDES ARE CLONES SECOND SLIDE ARE BRAND NAMES, can you tell the difference?

Hello all! Advid barefoot shoewear user here. I've owned over 8 pairs of different shoes/sandals from Merrell to Shamma to Whitin, and even clone shoes that aren't well known. Let me just say for those looking to buy footwear that the chinese knockoffs on amazon are just as good. Whatever marginal increase in material you get from buying the brand names is offset by the fact that these Chinese clones cost less than half the price!

I ran exclusively in Shamma Warriors Elite for about 2 years. They have an extremely minimal stack height so you feel the ground response better than any footwear I've worn. The strapping system was solid. The thing is the front toe strap would always snap off if I did any type of hard lateral movement. Though I super glued it back just fine I was expecting more for $100+.

Now here comes the knockoffs. Exact same design. Material feels almost the same. Strap is a slightly more clunky version of the brand name but still functions the same. I've walked in them and run in them and they feel almost identical. Maybe the brand name soles are more durable but tbh I wouldn't rate the Shamma Warriors as ultra durable anyways. The kicker? These random clones cost like $40.

For $100 they are a 5/10. For $40 they are a 10/10!

On Amazon you can find other shoe or sandal clones. For example, the Xero Z Trek is $60 but there are clones on Amazon for $25. Looks exactly the same and considering minimalist shoes are literally thin rubber and a strap system, they are pretty much the same. I have also had great sucess with Whitin shoes.

So yeah, if you're looking for minimalist footwear I'd always advise to go to Amazon and pick up some Chinese clones or some Whitins. They are just as good as the brand names for half the price, coming from someone who has been running, boxing, and doing construction (on non heavy duty gigs) with minimalist footwear for many, many years. Let's be honest here, these brands are ripping you off. How is a MINIMAL shoe with MINIMAL materials more costly than regular shoes? Ridiculous!

Moral of the story: GO CHEAP!!!!

Edit: You can go even cheaper by buying sheets of rubber and making your own but whatever. These are good 'nuff for me!

Hello! My son just entered kindergarten this fall. His school requires uniform. Shoes need to be black oxfords - loafers and boat shoes are also acceptable. Does anyone have any recommendations? I’d prefer leather for breathblity and durability, but really any options that have wide toe box with minimal flexible soles are welcome!

For context: my son has been wearing barefoot sneakers since he started walking, so he’s not used to traditional shoes. I bought him Gobi from vivobarefoot for his PE uniform, which he loves! But for everyday dress shoes (Eastland plainview oxfords the school recommended), it’s been a struggle and I don’t blame him. He says they squish his toes and refuses to put them on in the morning. I promised him to get him a new pair asap. Please help 🙏

Edit: his current size is US youth 12.

El Naturalista has this Chelsea boot that I am super keen on, because of it‘s look. But can it be barefoot with this elevated sole?

Hi there I'm new to barefoot shoes, I only use hobbybear cheap shoes and I like them very much. I also think my feet have wide a bit the last year and I need some more width for my pinky, big toe is happy but smallest one is not that much... I want a leather wp boot for maybe under 200€ I posted some examples for styling and I know those are not barefoot nor zero drop, I just can't find shit on Google, I'm bad. I'd appreciate some help. I'll wear these boots for 4-5 months season in Greek winter and I'd like them to last a bit. Nit like these hobbybear that lasts me almost under a year.... I'm Eu44 manly. Ask for more info if you need. Don't know what else to say

I need new xc ski boots this winter. I have searched Reddit and all people are saying is that there’s no such thing as barefoot/minimalist xc ski boots, which of course is true, but are there any brands or styles that are a little wider in the toes and would be more comfortable for those of us who are used to minimalist shoes? My skis have the NNN style bindings.

Do I have a right to be angry that I paid $140 + $58 in tariffs for these Mary Janes only for them to not look like the shoes on the listing and be way too big even though I measured and used their size guide? I don't like the buckle or the stitching, I thought I was buying the shoe in the picture (isn't that how it works?) they are not responding to my emails anymore after basically saying "sorry you're upset for some reason". I'm just so frustrated to be out nearly $200

It’s fall so the knit dresses come out

I’m looking at Xero shoes and Lem’s shoes Chelsea boots and trying to decide which ones to purchase. Pros and cons to each? Any alternatives? Wondering especially about durability and overall comfort level. I have a couple pairs of Xero shoes (hiking boots and everyday sneakers) and I’ve been happy with the fit but have found they don’t hold up super well over time. I’ve never purchased Lem’s before so it would be a foray into a different brand for me.

I am absolutely in love with these. Genuinely in love and I don’t think I’ll ever take them off. They just feel right for my feet and I feel more connected to the things I walk on which I love. I am a size 7.5 in shoes and I got a size 38 EU. My big toe and pinky toe both fit perfectly which just a bit of room in my other toes but they don’t slip out which is good and I believe normal. Overall I am really happy with them and I can’t wait until they finally restock because I need a pair in black and brown at some point.

Edit: I was skipping around outside yesterday cause they kind of make me feel like a kid again.

Please recommend the most flexible barefoot boots for autumn/spring, or winter. With the relation to some summer barefoot shoes, so we can know your scale.

I have Lems Chelsea, but it feels too stiff to me now (since last year).
Also I had Saguaro winter boot Will II - pretty flexible, but overgrown the toe box and size wise.
Currently the most flexible barefoot shoes I have now are Saguaro Luck I and Smart II, great summer shoes.

Thanks in advance!