WHITIN Mens Wide Minimalist Barefoot Sneakers Zero Drop Midfoot Stability

After going deep learning and looking into barefoot style running, I ordered a bunch of barefoot type shoes, including this one. In short, this shoe is hands-down the best option for transitioning into barefoot-style running in my opinion. Size - I usually wear a size 10. For reference, the Altra Original shoe fit fits me perfectly at size 10, with ~1 cm above my big toe. For this shoe, I ordered both a 9 and a 10 to see. The Size 9 in this shoe leaves ~1cm above my big toe. In my opinion, this shoe runs a little long compared to others. Fit - This shoe almost has a slipper-like feel to it when you put it on with socks...I mean that in a good way. It immediately comfortable on the foot. I have a medium-high arch, and a medium-high instep girth/volume (height of the foot, distance from heel to top of the foot in front of the shin). Both are more pronounced in my right foot vs me left foot. The vertical volume of the shoe (often an important aspect of a shoe fit that annoyingly is excluded from almost every shoe specification or description out there), subjectively feels like a medium = perfection on my left foot, a little snug on my right foot. No real need for lacing up on my right shoe. I suspect will give a little with time. Sole / Ground Feel - feels like a perfect balance between enough ground-feel feedback and forgiveness. I could feel creeses in the sidewalk, but it not uncomfortable, with socks on. Heel - Heel had a little movement when moving into the toe-off of a stride. Not as tight of a hold on the outsides of the heel as an Altra, but not the best comparison as Altra is known for that secure-heel. Other Notes - Despite this shoe probably using super cheap materials, it feels pretty durable. The upper is stretchy but durable, a few mm thick I'd guess. I also bought a pair of vivo primo's which were 4x expensive. Those were almost 2 sizes too long by the way. Sweet shoes, more minimalis clearly. This is more of a "shoe". For just getting into barefoot style, I'd opt for this whitin one over the primo, and I did. Compared to Xero - much softer of a sole with this whitin shoe. Softere all around actually. This is more flexible, narrower middfit area than Xero. And I'll stop there cus I could keep going. Great shoe. Unbeatable as the price, truly. Read more

BOTTOM LINE: I highly recommend these! Comfortable, functional, ergonomic, and fashionable. I have had these shoes for over a year now and can say that they are fantastic! They are a great way to checkout minimalist footwear without breaking the bank. I am a teacher and am on my feet most of the day. These shoes allow your feet and body to work the way they were designed and have helped with my foot and back pain. You definitely need to transition into wearing these if you are not a regular user of barefoot shoes. It took me about 2-3 weeks or rotating them in with my regular shoes, but now I wear the 90% of the time. I also use these as my gym shoes for weightlifting and love them for that as well. The wide toe box and flat sole are great for lifting. I wouldn’t wear them for running, but they are good for just about everything else! I normally wear a size 10.5 Mens and ordered a 10 in these. Perfect fit. To clean, I remove the soles and laces and was in the washing machine and hang dry. Have had 0 issues! Read more

So far I have gotten two pairs of these shoes. The first was canvas and overall fits great, except it is very tight and rubs right at the throat where the eye stay meets the vamp. So for the second pair, I decided to get one of the stretchy athletic material ones. The first couple of days I had immense pain on the side of my foot while wearing that I could not explain. However, after undoing the laces and re-lacing them, that completely fixed it. Now they are probably the most comfortable pair of shoes I have ever warn. So, ignore the reviews that say if your foot hurts it is because your foot needs to get used to the shoe. If it hurts, try redoing the laces and seeing if it was binding your foot anywhere. Also, traction is great. Read more

These shoes are basically the mullet of footwear: all business for your feet, zero style party up top. Wide toe box? Check. Super flexible? Check. Great for lifting, hiking, balancing on rocks like a mountain goat? Absolutely. I took them on a long hike expecting them to die halfway through—turns out they’re tougher than they look (and they look like potato sacks with laces). Perfect starter shoe if you want to dip a toe (literally) into the minimalist/barefoot world without breaking the bank. Just don’t expect compliments. Unless the compliment is, “Wow, you’re brave for wearing those in public.” Read more

I bought these with the intention of using them only for the gym. When I got them, I was surprised by how comfortable they are. They are light, and have pretty decent grip to them. They fit as they should and with the elastic band around the foot, they are pretty easy to put on as well. I don't typically use zero drop shoes, but I knew it was going to provide a challenge in running/walking, as well as help with leg workouts like squats or lunges. Read more

Seem to be an ok shoe, but way too small. I wear a 10.5, I ordered an 11, my foot barely fit. Also they’re touted to be wide, but my foot was being squeezed when I tried them on. They run small, order a size larger. Read more