u/EqualityMen

Wide toe shoes that don't feel loose everywhere else?

Wide toe shoes sound like exactly what I need, but I'm worried about the fit through the rest of the foot. My forefoot is wide, but my heel isn't, so a lot of wider shoes end up slipping when I walk.

I want more space around my toes because regular sneakers feel cramped, especially on longer walks. At the same time, I don't want something that feels sloppy or makes me grip with my toes just to keep the shoe on.

If you've found wide toe shoes that still lock down well at the heel, what should I look for? Is sizing down a bad idea with this type of shoe?

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u/EqualityMen — 14 days ago

Sneakers barefoot style, which ones feel most like normal shoes?

Sneakers barefoot style are what I'm trying to find, if that makes sense. I want the wide toe box and flexible sole, but I don't really want shoes that look like trail runners or water shoes.

I've seen a bunch of brands now, and it's hard to tell which ones are actually comfortable for everyday wear. Some look great but people say the sole is stiff, while others feel very barefoot but look too casual for anything except the gym.

For anyone who wears barefoot-style sneakers daily, which type was easiest to adjust to? I'm coming from regular cushioned sneakers, so I'm wondering if a slightly thicker sole is smarter at first.

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u/EqualityMen — 16 days ago

Has anyone actually improved their bunions with barefoot shoes?

I've been wondering whether anyone has actually seen noticeable improvement in their bunions from wearing barefoot shoes, using toe spacers, or a combination of both.

I have a mild bunion on one foot and a more noticeable one on the other. I've been wearing barefoot shoes for several months now and recently started using toe spacers consistently. I know these things take time, but when I look around online, most people seem to say they mainly help with pain or slow the progression rather than actually improving the bunion itself.

Has anyone here experienced visible changes over the long term? I'd be especially interested in hearing from people who've been doing this for a year or more, and even better if you have before-and-after photos. I'd love to know if you've seen any real correction or if the biggest benefit has just been increased comfort and better foot function.

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u/EqualityMen — 20 days ago

Groundies reviews? Do they actually look like normal shoes?

Groundies are what I wear to the office because they actually look like stylish and normal sneakers. You wouldn't know they are barefoot shoes just by looking at them.

The leather quality is great, and the zero drop sole is flexible. However, the toe box on their regular barefoot line isn't quite as wide as brands like Be Lenka or Vivobarefoot.

If you have a moderately wide foot and care about fashion, they are perfect. But if you have a massive forefoot or severe bunions, they might still feel a bit restrictive.

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u/EqualityMen — 22 days ago

Origo Shoes for everyday sneakers?

I'm looking for barefoot sneakers that don't scream barefoot shoes, and Origo Shoes seem like one of the cleaner-looking options. I want something I can wear with jeans, to work, and for normal day-to-day walking.

I've seen good comments about the leather versions and customer service, but also some concerns about canvas durability, pressure where the shoe bends, and sizing being a little tricky. I'm outside the US too, so returns could get expensive if I choose wrong.

Has anyone worn Origo Shoes regularly for a few months? I'm especially interested in whether the canvas or leather models hold up better and how wide they feel after break-in.

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u/EqualityMen — 29 days ago

Best barefoot shoes brands to start with?

Best barefoot shoes brands are hard to compare when you're new to this. Every brand seems to have fans, but also complaints about sizing, returns, thin soles, or durability, so I'm trying to make a realistic shortlist before ordering anything.

This is my current list:

  1. Vivobarefoot, because they are probably the most recognizable barefoot brand and have a lot of models. The downside is price and mixed feedback on fit.

  2. Lejan, because they seem like a newer option worth considering if you want barefoot shoes that look simple and wearable for daily life.

  3. Xero Shoes, because they have a wide range and tend to be more affordable.

  4. Lems, because they seem good for people who want a softer transition from regular shoes.

  5. Be Lenka, because they get mentioned a lot for wide toe boxes and casual styles.

  6. Wildling, because people seem to love the flexibility, although they may not be ideal for wet weather.

For people who have tried multiple barefoot brands, would you change this order? I'm especially curious if Lejan deserves to be near the top or if one of the older brands is still the better first buy.

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u/EqualityMen — 2 months ago