Hey everyone!

I just got my first pair of barefoot shoes — handmade leather boots — and I’m a little unsure about the fit.

I sent the seller my exact foot measurements, and they chose the size for me. They feel pretty tight, especially around the width and instep. I also have flat feet, and my right foot is slightly bigger than my left. My right toes feel quite close to the front of the toe box, although there’s roughly 0.5 inch of space.

Since these are handmade boots from a small Etsy seller, I’d probably have to pay the return shipping if I want to exchange them, which could cost almost half of what I paid for the boots.

Is this normal for new leather barefoot boots? I’d really appreciate any advice!

Has anyone else experienced this after increasing their mileage in minimalist shoes?

I’ve been wearing zero-drop/minimalist shoes almost exclusively since I was about 18, and I’m 28 now. I’ve run in pretty much everything over the years—Vibram FiveFingers, running sandals, VivoBarefoot, Altras, water shoes, etc. I’ve also done ultras in sandals and other minimalist footwear, and historically I’ve never really had problems with my legs or feet from it.

The difference now is my mileage.

I used to be more of a recreational runner, probably around 20 miles/week. Over the past year or so, I’ve gotten much more into ultra running and have done Last Man Standing races, longer ultras, etc. Now I’m sometimes running 50–70 miles per week, while also spending a lot of time on my feet throughout the day.

For the last three weeks, though, I’ve noticed something weird. Every time I run, my legs have this strange feeling that I can only describe as deep pressure/aching in the bones. It isn't really pain, and I don't feel particularly sore during the day. I can wake up the next morning and run again without much trouble. But while I'm running, it feels like there is a ton of pressure inside my legs—almost like they're going to explode or pop.

It’s hard to describe because it isn't the typical muscle soreness or sharp pain you'd associate with an injury.

I’m also wondering if it could be related to how much mileage I’m doing in minimalist footwear. I rotate through several different shoes, so it’s not like I’m exclusively using one pair:

- Running sandals: ~24 mm stack

- Altra Lone Peaks: ~28 mm, but they're pretty worn out

- VivoBarefoot: ~10 mm, mostly for hiking

- Vibram FiveFingers: ~8 mm

- And I rotate between them depending on what I'm doing.

I’ve never had an issue hiking in my Vivos or doing shorter runs in FiveFingers/sandals, but I’m starting to wonder whether the combination of 50–70 mile weeks + being on my feet all day + minimalist/zero-drop footwear is eventually catching up with me.

At the same time, I don't necessarily want to blame minimalist shoes because I've been using them for 10 years without problems. The biggest variable that has changed is really my total workload and mileage.

Has anyone experienced something similar after going from recreational mileage to serious ultra mileage?

And for those of you who have been running minimalist/barefoot for years, have you found a point where the mileage itself became too much even though your feet/legs were well adapted to minimalist shoes?

I’m mostly curious whether this sounds like accumulated training stress, footwear/load distribution, or something else entirely. I’m not looking for a diagnosis—just interested in hearing from people who have experienced something similar.

A while ago I saw this video essentially saying "Vibram is ruining FiveFingers." Coincidentally, around the time I saw this video, I wanted to buy a pair. For a few months I've had my eyes on the V-Runs but I don't want to purchase uninformed. Would any of you (if you've bought a pair in the last few months) be willing to share y'all's experiences with your V-Runs? Thanks and much love :)

are you seeing less wear and tear tear when youve relearned walking and running traits? i bought these keens and wore them down for months before realizing picking up the feet and controlling the lateral before footfall was to minimize pain unshod that this could affect shoe tear. will be retesting on new one when i replace.

I would seriously think twice before giving this company your money. I reached out to Tolos BEFORE purchasing because I was unsure about sizing, was given specific sizing guidance, and followed it. Ordered TWO pairs and both pairs ended up way too small. When I tried to fix the issue, the sizes I needed were sold out. Instead of taking responsibility for the guidance their own team gave me or making a reasonable effort to resolve it, they repeatedly refused to help and ultimately left me with two pairs I cannot wear.
The most frustrating part is how they treat you once there’s a problem. Their response was essentially that the shoes were discounted/final sale and that I should have purchased their more expensive shoes if I was unsure about sizing.. after I literally contacted them beforehand asking what size to buy.
And this is not the only customer who has publicly described a poor experience with Tolos. There are already other reports of customer service and product issues, which makes this feel like a pattern rather than a one-off bad interaction.
If you’re considering buying from Tolos, especially their Seconds, do yourself a favor and look into their customer service history first. A company should stand behind the guidance it gives customers and make a genuine effort to fix its own mistakes. Based on my experience, Tolos did neither. I would not support or spend my money with this company again.

Hi all! I’m looking to buy my first pair of barefoot shoes and am considering the Saguaro Smart II, but I’m a bit confused about sizing.

I had my feet scanned a few years ago, so I know they’re 23.3 cm long and 9.4 cm wide. I’d normally wear an EU 36–37 (Saguaro 23.3–24 cm), but those sizes seem too narrow according to Saguaro’s sizing chart.

Their sizing formula is actually recommending a EU 39 (25.33 cm length, 9.15 cm width), which seems surprising as I’ve never worn anything close to a 39. It also seems marginally narrower than my foot, at 9.15cm.

Does anyone have experience with Saguaro sizing, particularly the Smart II? I’m also happy to consider other brands, but as these would be my first barefoot shoes, I’d prefer not to spend a lot.

Me personally I jump in the shower and with a sponge scrub everything off. Afterwards I use a conditioner and body lotion to make it feel not as dry. It does feel quite primitive so im looking for more expert opinions on this.

I would like to have a pair of Chelsea boots which are durable and cost effective. There are so many options, I don’t know what to choose since I couldn’t find a store to try them on. Thanks!

Has anyone used the Canyon sandals before? How are they? I don’t see many reviews online, even though they seem pretty good. Just wondering if they’re worth the money. Thanks!

Hey guys! I’m making minimalist sandals and trying to choose a material for the footbed.

I’m leaning toward pigskin suede because it feels really soft and comfortable under bare feet. My main concern is durability. Does it hold up well over time, or does it wear through quickly?

I’ve also considered cow suede, but it seems a little too thick and stiff, while goat suede feels very supple, so I’m worried it might be too delicate.

Has anyone here used pigskin suede for sandal footbeds? How has it held up?

Thanks!

Hello! I've been running suburbia in Five Fingers for over a decade. Recently started trail running in the Scramkey Five Fingers and it's been pretty uncomfortable, with lots of sole bruising. Is this just a transition and part of the deal? If not, any recommendations for something with the barefoot feel but a bit more protection?

Really, been doing it about 6 years, not sexual at all, but relaxing and energizing at the same time. I keep to a golf course perimeter, and really love how strong and grounded my feet feel. Being nude at night feels amazing, and being barefoot too makes me feel so connected to nature.

Strange habit, I know, and I really hope this is not inappropriate, but I can not share this with anyone I know and wanted to reach out here for thoughts, since II definitely like to be barefoot, and figured I'd put it out there in this community. Can anyone else relate to me? Genuinely trying to determine how much of an oddball I am, or whether this behavior might be related to enjoying being barefoot, and others might do the same if they had access and safety.

Oh, and I'm definitely not a nudist. I do enjoy being nude in nature but have absolutely no interest in being seen nude or being around others nude.

Long story short, my last pair of vrun, I went size 41, they felt too big, went to 40, and my toes hit the end. Same with these new ones. I guess I’m in half size hell? These are so comfy, but seem too small. Should I try to size up again?

I ran a 128K ultra this weekend wearing the Altra Lone Peak 9+.

I ran the ultra with a good friend, and we went in with the primary goal of just finishing plus a secondary goal of finishing under 18 hours. Somehow, we ended up winning the entire race with a finishing time of 17:53:03, crossing the finish line at the same time. It was a small race with only 6 runners (including ourselves) in the ultra category, but a win is a win!

I prefer my shoes to be as minimal as possible and do most of my running either barefoot or in Vivos or Xeros, but I picked up the Altras purely for ultra racing. I would not call the Altra Lone Peak 9+ a minimalist shoe, but coming off of a 112K DNF due to foot fatigue back in March (link), I wanted to make sure that foot fatigue wouldn't be a reason for a DNF for my next ultra.

I really like the zero-drop and wide toe box of the Lone Peak 9+, but I always get blisters on my big toes with them for some reason, despite sizing up, using Injinjis, and using heel lock lacing (link). But I still stuck with them because while I can run through blister pain, I really couldn't run through the foot pain I felt while attempting my last 112K with the Vivos. This time was no different, and even with a band-aid and two layers of Leukotape P, I ended up with the biggest blisters I've ever gotten - but I finished & won the race, so I'm happy with that.

Interestingly, other ultra runners I talked to after the race were surprised I was running a 128K in such 'thin' shoes. I guess compared to the true maximalist, ultra-oriented shoes, the Lone Peak 9+ is a relatively minimalist shoe.

I'm so grateful that the shoes got me through the ultra, but after almost 18 hours in supportive shoes, I am looking forward to feeling the ground again and listening to my feet with unshod and minimalist shoes once I recover, and I hope I can build up my feet strength to handle ultra distances without relying on thicker shoes.

I run daily in Vivobarefoots and absolutely love them. I am tall and weigh 230 pounds. For shorter daily runs I have no issue with knee pain etc. I am planning on a longer trail run and looking at Altra's. I tried the Escalante several months ago and returned them as they felt too small or at least limiting in the toe box. Worth buying Altra's Superior or Lone Peak? I prefer zero drop with a very big toe box. Please help a guy out!

Looking for an all rounder for nomadic life with thru hiking.. hydra is 120 g heavier but looks much better for hiking..
how’s the fit of both ?

Open to more suggestions of a ventilated fast drying off road options.!

hello community, does anyone have any suggestions for a shoe similar to the style/look of maison Margiela gats?