For a different opinion on these shoes check out ETHICAL UNICORN's blog post here: ethicalunicorn.com/2020/07/03/wildling-minimal-shoes-made-ethically-sustainably/
I'm an elderly lady, 80 years old. Most of my life I've been wearing the most comfortable shoes I could find, those being New Balance walking or running shoes. Recently I've started becoming a little less steady on my feet. I found myself catching my heels on the edges of steps and nearly tripping, turning my ankle if I stepped on an uneven surface. My son, who does Spartan sports, came over one day wearing a pair of barefoot shoes and I asked about them. I bought my own and I will never look back. All of the unsteadiness has disappeared, it is much safer to go up and down steps, my feet and knees seem to work better and I'm even having fewer problems with my hips. It only took me a couple of days to get used to wearing them as I spent a good part of every day actually barefoot in the house. Just a little bit of soreness in the calf for a few days. They are a bit funny looking I guess, but who cares?
@@lizh1988 New Balance has shoes they call Minimalist and they are "barefoot" shoes but they are not quite as wide as Xero shoes. I'm not sure how they compare to other brands. They might have them in a wide width. It all depends on the shape of your foot. I have wide feet and the Xero shoes are good. Narrow feet the New Balance might be better. Both brands are a tiny bit cheaper than some brands.
Great! I'm in my 50s and changed to barefoot shoes a year ago. I used to have pretty bad plantar fascitiis, and it pretty much cleared up after a couple months on barefoot shoes. I have always walked several miles daily, and continue to do still...but without pain. I also believe the shoes have helped me with stability and strength while walking.
I'm an orthotist and currently most evidence on barefoot shoes is anecdotal and therefore not scientific, as you say the industrialisation of our society has changed our bodies response as we as humans have not been able to keep up with the amount of changes we must adapt to. We were not built to walk on concrete all day and so our feet and knees have taken the hit, hence the increased cushioning and support in shoes to combat this. Yes some people find barefoot shoes great but unless your gait is adapted to the environment around you it won't be much different. Most people with weak or unstable ankles benefit more from insoles and/or more rigid footwear to provide support and stability to the ankle etc. Therefore I would not recommend this for people with pain, instability or other pathologies such as neuropathy. A good take on the barefoot movement but thought I would just warn people it will not help everyone.
Thank you for this! I have flat feet & have always been told I need more arch support so I was wondering how this would affect someone with low to no arches
I was told that I would always need insoles to avoid twisted ankles by my PT. I started Ballet instead. My feet and ankles became so much stronger. 8 years on I'm still injury free!
Just the attitude I would expect from an orthotist. Why bother to strengthen weak ankles when you can just wear an overly expensive pair of insoles. Where is your evidence to say we are not built to walk or run on hard surfaces? It's quite simple, once the brain/ground connection is re established, micro adjustments are made to gait, cadence and ground contact points to suit the terrain so that there is no shock or impact during walking or minimised shock during running. You are viewing everything through the lens of a padded shoe wearer with dead or atrophied foot and arch muscles. You clearly have no concept of how powerful the foot can be. My credentials? I am a window and door fitter. I have spent 4 years in nothing but 3mm soles with 0 drop and no arch supporting socks except in the dead of winter. I carry up to one and a half times my bodyweight in glass panels over a range of surfaces included crushed hard-core and up ladders where you are forced to grip the rungs with your toes, 6 days a week. Summer or winter. I've gone from hating my feet, painfully weak and disfigured in their steel toed, steel midsoled coffins, transformed into these amazing, powerful tools which I love and respect.
There's a picture going around on the Internet that shows how modern shoes deform our feet, eventually force our toes to overlap etc. On the other side there's a photo of a barefoot runner: short, wider, almost childlike. Nature didn't mean for us to develop bunions 😓
I have never worn shoes unless forced to. My feet are definitely short and wide. Toes need room to spread out for grip and balance. No shoe is as good as having naked feet.
I’ve been wearing minimalist shoes for a few years now, and I never wanna go back.... i’m legally blind myself, I like being able to feel the ground, it makes me feel safer, aside from just being more comfortable for long hours of walking. I never felt great wearing my big chunky running shoes, I never felt safe. I felt clumsy and uncoordinated, I mean I always feel like that but more than usual. I also dance, ballet and jazz and hopefully modern, eventually ( I miss going to class 🥺) it makes me more aware of my feet, which is of course important inside the studio, my feet actually feel like part of my body versus being bread loaves I stand on,
My client is legally blind, I might suggest for him to try barefoot shoes because of the tactile feel. Recently took him to the foot doc for routine nail care etc...my god his toes look like they were in a cast for eternity.
After two years of wearing only doc Martens my toes became numb and/or they just hurt. I also don't have the most stable ankle and loose balance quite easily. So i bought some barefoot shoes. Got me a pair of xeros. No more ankle twisting or numb toes which feels just amazing and safe for me to walk around in them, because i have more control over my feet. Now i am waiting for my wildling shoes for a month now- my mum is getting some for my birthday. Exactly the ones you have. They look so good. And it sparks a little joy inside of my heart to see these shoes alive on you :)
hey friends!! if you're interested in rewilding, check out my friend Queer Brown Vegan here: instagram.com/queerbrownvegan/ and the book mentioned is Feral by George Monbiot xx
Is there evidence that barefoot shoes work on high arches? I have an issue with the arch on my right foot and my doctor and I have no idea why so I probably can’t wear them :( but who knows (also I’m only 22 and never been in sports or injured my foot in any serous way, I was told the issue might be from lack of arch support in most of my shoes, so now I’m told I should only wear ASICS and Birkenstock’s or something similar that are made for supination, but I want to support better manufacturing practices than this. Also I am not made of money, I’m a college student and 22
@@L1ttlef0ot Also a supinator and am at a loss to find shoes. I've been considering Xero Shoes b/c they take arch support into account (supposedly - I haven't worn them before just going by claims). I really need to replace my runners and sandals as both are just about to give up the ghost!
I have a rare genetic disease called hEDS/HSD which is a connective tissue disorder affecting all joints & organs. I have spent hours upon hours with a podiatrist trying to support my feet to support my joints and especially my knees. Nothing worked and I would dread even the shortest walk because the pain was almost instant after a few foot falls. As a result of another UA-camr I discovered barefoot shoes a couple years back notably Merrells and their barefoot glove range which they do in a vegan option. It was the absolute best investment. Whilst I am by no means cured given there is no known cure for my condition, it has taken the edge off, which is fantastic. Mine do have arch support but I personally need it and it was similar to the arch supports my podiatrist was installing into my regular shoes with bespoke insoles anyway. The difference now is my ankles are stronger and I am less at risk of dislocation or subluxation. I can’t rate high enough barefoot shoes for my condition.
I switched to barefoot shoes two years ago and also never looked back. I had horrible foot pain my entire life and always noticed that my toes were much much wider than my peers as a kid and teenager. As I got more into running long distances I tried countless shoes that I wore for two weeks, had too much arch and outside of toes pain and shin splints and hip cramps...you name it it happened. Finally after I ran my second half marathon in 12mm drop, super cushioned shoes and couldn't walk for a week despite having followed a training plan religiously and being in the best shape of my life, I switched to barefoot shoes cold turkey for walking, and started walking to work in them. I also progressively switched to lower drop running shoes, going from a 12mm drop, to 9mm drop, to 4mm drop and now I'm at a zero-drop. The progression really helped me to not get injured. Honestly all my life I thought there was something wrong with my feet, because I had long toes that splayed out super wide (my monkey feet) and I couldn't put on a pair of shoes without pain. Turns out I was just not supposed to be wearing shoes :)
I bought a pair of the Wilding shoes earlier this year and really like them. Your video started me thinking how different I am from my family which is fine but would love to be their inspiration to change to a healthier lifestyle. I love sleeping on the floor and eating mostly fresh produce. I feel best when I'm outside, though there are times I love snuggling safe inside. I have debilitating anxiety but find that it really only bothers me when I'm in a place in life and around people that I'm not suited for. I'm going to investigate that more. Thank you for sharing and inspiring me to think differently.
😃 I sleep on the floor too. I've also work sitting on the floor (kneeling mostly, on a pillow) with my computer on a low chair for a table. _So_ much better than being at desk, which used to knot up my neck and upper back something rotten. On a completely separate note: for anxiety, nothing's helped me like Hillary Jacobs Hendel's book "It's Not Always Depression," which is about form of psychotherapy called AEDP. Their idea about anxiety is that it's a way of shutting down even deeper emotions like grief, rage and disgust, but also, potentially, more positive ones like joy, excitement and even love or sexual arousal. The key insight is this: as awful as anxiety and self punishment are, they offer an illusion of control: "I must be better," you tell yourself, instead of giving way to the loss of control that deeper emotion represents - and the fact that what you may be feeling may be about things you can't control. AEDP suggests you dip your toe into the deeper emotion as follows: when anxiety/self punitive feeling arises, ask yourself, "Can I set this aside and see what I'm really feeling?" It needn't be for long if it feels too intense, but if you find yourself willing to try it, you simply sit and pay attention mindfully to the sensations in your body. That's where you'll find the real feeling. For me it's often been very surprising. I had great stores of disgust of which I'd been totally unaware, but I often also find that what really wants to bubble up in me is laughter.
Frankenfoot here (metal hardware in my left foot)... good shoes are like an engaging book, a loving partner, or a nice bottle of wine... when the right ones come along, you cherish them for all they are worth, and you show them some lovin’ everyday. (OK... well, maybe not the wine everyday... LOL!!!!). Love this video, love nature & the wilderness, and love you!! ❤️
For the past five years I have worn three different brands of barefoot shoes. This came about after reading Katy Bowman’s book about body alignment starting from the ground up. My bunion stopped throbbing and my anterior pelvic tilt became more neutral. Back pain lessened. I don’t care that your video is sponsored it is very well done and brings awareness to options to traditional footwear.
Going to podiatrist to enquirer whether minimalist shoes are right for you is like going to a baker to ask whether no bread diet is good for you. Their fortune rests on thickly padded, “comfortable” cushioned shoes, and insoles which in return atrophy foot muscles and create all the problems related to feet, ankles,knees to begin with.
Also, wider toe boxes are better for preventing ingrown toenails. It’s why many long distance hikers use trail runners. Pointed toe shoes and boots are awful for your toes.
I wore barefoot shoes (mainly Wildlings) for 2 years straight and I learned this: yes, barefoot shoes give our feet back the natural way of moving & flexibility, but human feet have not yet evolved walking on hard undergrounds like concrete so we need a (thin) layer of padding to protect our joints. Back in the day when humans didn’t have shoes with crazy support like we do now, there weren’t concrete floors. That’s why I switched to Lems shoes, still Zero Drop and wide toe box, but better adapted to daily walking on concrete :)
Any of the Wilding insoles will also help with that. But you do make a brilliant point which I competent agree with! One needs a pair of concrete-safe barefoot shoes!
I have a question, for the first quarter of wearing barefoot shoes did you encounter or have any issues about your feet? I mean any pain for the shoes transition. Thank you!!
@@tineh9724 Hi :) getting used to the flatness of the shoe can be a bit painful, but for me it only hurt after walking long distances. It is recommended to only wear them for a few hours a day and slowly increase wear time :) hope that helps!
What a great video!! I am fairly new to barefoot shoes (I have mine for a month) but I'm sooo in love with them. When you talked about problem feet: absolutely me too. And it was so interesting to hear it helped with your hip flexibility, because 2 days ago I was able to easily do a deep hip stretch which I was never able to do before - what a revelation that my shoes might be the reason!
Such a beautifully made and informative video! ❤️ Thank you for introducing me to these shoes!! I haven't seen them before but it's exactly what I've wanted for a long time (also a reason I love birks). I just didn't take the time to do the research because life.
Even a slight rise in the heel will change [skeletal] posture quite substantially. So said a stretching teacher who I had the good fortune to take a few courses with. "Walk, walk, walk- with the feet flat!". It took me a while to take heed ( I wore almost flat trainers); now much prefer to wear my barefoot shoes.
I have worn barefoot shoes for 3-4 years now and I love it! I got Sketchers shoes a couple of months before switching to barefoot shoes and oh boy, there was so much padding and foam in them that my balance was way off. When I was at work cleaning, I would walk back and forth for 6 hours straight and I would wobble often. That has not happened to me since switching to barefoot shoes. If I walk a lot on concrete (15 000+ steps) my feet can get tired and sore, but I rarely have this problem. Now I can feel the ground, and it is so nice that my feet actually "know" where I am going and my balance has improved. I honestly also think that minimalist shoes are much better looking than the bulky/chunky sneakers that are so popular nowadays.
I just wanted to thank you Immy for introducing the Wildling company to me, I really like their values and they have really beautiful shoes. I didn't like how most of the barefoot shoes look like, until I found the Wildling ones! Have just ordered my first barefoot shoes and I'm so excited to try them! Thank you!
Braiding Sweetgrass is SO important, I feel like it deserves so much more than a brief summary in a video about hipstery expensive shoes. Maybe it had more impact on me because I'm from the same ecological area that Kimmerer writes about (me in Southern Ontario and her in Upstate New York) and I grew up knowing the names of goldenrod and asters and picking wild leeks. So grateful for her knowledge and commentary.
Here from your insta 💕 Your such an inspiration to me and my family and we benefitted so much from your tips. I’m only in high school but I truly believe in this cause 😊
Wow what a crazy coincidence! My Wildling shoes just arrived last week and I got the exact same ones! I love them already and haven’t worn other shoes since ☺️ and now I’m watching this beautiful video about them, so cool! 🌱☀️ lots of love from Germany ☺️
I love my barefoot shoes 😍 so far I am just using them im every day life and not for running because I haven't quit mastered running in barefoot shoes 😅 I strongly dislike the feeling of shoes and love being barefoot so I had to try barefoot shoes :)
I’ve been so excited for this video, it is as worth the wait! Thank you for your in depth review! Also this video is so beautiful and really shows how much time you have put in it. I feel it’s important to note that because it really shows that you care so much about your content.
Hi Marleen, I think I may have seen you in the comments section over on Immy’s Patreon? Anyways, I just wanted to mention that I love your comment here, and I agree... Immy’s videos are always informative, but beyond that they are also heartfelt and full of passion. They make me think about all the little things in our great big world that are truly important. Thanks for this comment, and I hope you are having a great day.
I discovered a lot of change so far with my HOLE body after switching to barefoot and learn, how to walk with them. Last week I've been to the museum with an old pair of sandals (nonbarefoot) and my body began to hurt from tip to toe. My brother which has a disease at his digestive organs was with me and told me he feels pain from standing so long with his "normal" sneakers and he'd knew it wouldn't be a problem being barefoot. I believe scientific studies would be overall important so that there is a slight chance orthotists would stop to fix symptoms instead of reasons. Our feet are the roots to earth, our body is standing on them, it's just as important as feed our body with nutritious foot.
For all the surface impact arguments out there, consider this. If we weren't made to walk on hard surfaces, or if you think we are capable of walking anywhere...where on Earth can bare naked human survive without shelter for a week? Our use of tools, clothing, and shelter is all that keeps us alive...find what works for you and live as long as you can in peace... I'm gonna try minimalist shoes...
As somebody with EDS type H and Rheumatoid Arthritis I was sceptical at first but thought I would give them a go. I wear Freet bootee and its love, I can walk further than ever and the flexibility is great for my fidgeting. I even wear them for work now, I wear freet urbans there and its great. Sports pursuit often have them on sale. Vegan too.
I really enjoyed how you tied this video and topics in it together. Your warmth and calming nature make your videos an absolute treat to watch! I don't know if this is a topic you've covered, but I'm curious about/interested in how the tiny house movement has crossover with the zero waste & vegan communities!
I started wearing Xero Prio shoes in Feb 2020. I’d been struggling with an issue with my right ankle, even saw a podiatrist. I had been wearing either Saucony or Nike shoes. When I switched to the Xeros, my ankle issue went away, and the bunion that was developing on the left is getting better. I also got some inexpensive toe spreaders, which I wear intermittently. I was skeptical about hiking in the Xeros, but I went for a two hour hike (central Pennsylvania, rocky and hilly)in them, instead of my stiff, heavy hiking boots, and it was great! I’m looking to get another pair of these type of shoes.
@@tomfuller4205 I recently got a pair of Xero hiking boots, they’re waterproof, which is really necessary here in central Pennsylvania. I’ve hiked in them several times and so far I’m loving them!👍
Do these shoes keep your feet warm? I always have cold feet. I had shoes with a thin sole once and walking on the cold street my feet were freezing. ❄️
I've recently listened to Braided Sweetgrass and feel the same! I have been walking barefoot wherever there is grass for a few days. The sense of longing is overwhelming and I want to be around nature more and more. I might consider buying these shoes when my old one is all tattered! Also, I recommend Wilding by Isabella Tree :)
I've been considering getting some for indoor use round the house and the office, before working up to walking outside in them. I like to have designated "house shoes" for the home and to change into at work, as I normally wear boots outside. Also, when I lived and worked in Switzerland, NOBODY wore shoes inside because of wood floors. Even guests left their shoes at the door and changed into house shoes or slippers.
I also just bought a pair of barefoot shoes a few days ago, and I am excited to see how they will work for me, although I chose a different brand. My former room mate works for the Wilding company, and unfortunately the shoes tend to break at the gap in the sole at some point. Also, (pre corona times) the staff would fly to one city from different parts of Germany every month for a meeting weekend. With that information I chose to not buy from this brand, because that didn't seem like they put all their effort into the company being sustainable, but of course the shoes still look good and probably still a good experience :)
Thanks for sharing and the feedback! If you're happy for me to pass on this feedback (anonymously ) I think it could be a good opportunity to share how they can be better!!
Wonderful video! The way you describe the connection to nature and barefoot shoes is quite true. EVERYONE I know who has an interest in barefoot shoes also has a deep interest in nature, the preservation of nature, love to be out doors, and tend to be really grounded in character as well.
Haven’t looked back since trying them (about 10 months ago) but beware: you will have to go easy and adjust your gait. I’ve owned a pair of these since the summer and then a second about six weeks later and also wear vivobarefoot shoes. Blows my mind that this movement hasn’t taken off much earlier!
I have the exact same shoes! Didn't know they were popular outside of german speaking countries! I absolutely adore my tanuki nori. I might even get some sturdier ones for winter, since it can get quite cold where I live.
@@PeacefulPlanting-Sydnee oh yes, they are still in good shape. just make sure to let them dry properly and maybe take out the inside "sole" because some shoes can smell a bit after you wear them in rainy weather.
These are great shoes! I have been using this particular model for about 2 years now and it is still my favorite one, especially when going for a walk! :) No more pain
Sizes are not always the same for every brand. I personally wear shoes from 41 to 43. Did you print the fitkit from Wildling? Also you should consider to leave at least 12mm space for your toes to spread.
I'm 5 seconds into this video and I'm subscribing to your channel❤️ Supporting any women promoting barefoot shoes 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 so few out there. Thank you for this (even though I haven't watched it, yet!! 😂)
So glad that I found this account, you seem like the most genuine soul. I'll be sticking around. Barefoot shoes is something I have wanted to try for a long time, I spend most of my time barefoot anyway, but struggle finding a waterproof and aesthetic version.
I really wish some of these vegan footwear brands would consider catering for more foot shapes. I see all these nice shoes but they're all too narrow! I'm wide enough that high street "wide fit" isnt enough, so simply going for slightly generous models rarely works.
Freet! Sorry, I'm becoming a broken record in this thread, but my Freet Connect 2s are vegan, barefoot and are the widest and most comfortable shoes I've ever owned. Incidentally, I got in touch with Wildlings to ask about the width of their shoes (something more barefoot shoe brands ought to give info on on their websites, I feel). They replied that the shoes were made so flexibly that it was irrelevant and misleading to talk about the width of the sole. A slightly frustrating answer, but it tallies with one review I've seen, by a woman who'd bought the shoes specifically to accommodate her wide feet. She said they didn't look wide enough out of the box, but actually fit so much like a sock that they were very comfortable.
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I have wide feet. Maybe this could help with my back problems! Thanks for another beautifully filmed video !
Since 2013 I’ve been a delivery driver for Lowe’s until 11/2020 and FedEx. I’ve mostly been doing two different routes in the major mall here in Honolulu. So I’ve been doing more walking than driving. My feet, arches, ankles and calves ache in my current Asics GT 2000 running shoes. I just got a pair of Xero shoes and Hoka One One
I wonder how safe they are in terms of sharp objects you often find walking in town. If I look on the sole of my foot - there are sometimes pieces of glass stuck to it.
Just a step in the right direction. Those soles may be thin but are still rubber it appears. No grounding happening. Need leather or Kevlar soles to actually be grounded.
Great video Immy! I loved that you mentioned the link between sustainable/plant-based people or lifestyles and their connection to nature! Have been researching barefoot shoes a lot recently and this video helped - I can't wait to get myself a pair and embrace yet another more natural "back to basics" way of living 💚 I hope to share this on my new channel too 💚 Thanks for your content 🙂
I started wearing BF shoes last year as I was barefoot so much in the house and garden during lockdown/shielding. I now have a few pairs and whilst I still wear my hiking boots for hiking and ankle support I wear my BF shoes most of the time. I even have a work appropriate pair now!
Hey! Love your channel. Just a little food for thought, I would make it more clear in the beginning that this is a sponsored video. It came across to me as a little deceptive which I know is never your intention.
Will do in future. Definitely wasn't my aim as the sponsorship was only meant to be a small part but I really loved the shoes so integrated it a bit more as it was a really authentic brand partnership for me! Sorry I didn't make it clearer in the beginning!
I’m a bit worried that you weren’t all wearing wide enough shoes anyway - barefoot or not, you shouldn’t buy shoes that press against your little toe, and you should be able to wiggle your toes comfortably. The shoes shouldn’t press anywhere, cause rubbing or blisters even when new. Men’s shoes are often wider. As a teen I worked in a shop called Clogs and Wellies, then in K Shoe Mines and finally Cut Price Shoes. I saw thousands of feet, and noted the condition they were in and the shoes they wore. Please make all your shoes comfortable, even your going out shoes, and steer clear of pointed toes and high heels. I have hereditary arthritis and other conditions, but my feet are always admired by podiatrists because they’re in excellent condition. It makes a huge difference to overall health.
Spot on. But for me, it's been hard to find shoes even among barefoot brands that are really wide enough. And boy does it matter. When I finally got a pair of shoes that gave my little toe more freedom, my knee pain went away!
How did you size the shoes? like how much room do you have at the tip? if you measured your foot how much did you add on top of the measurment for the shoes you bought?
You have perfect timing with this video. I keep on seeing adverts from Vivo Barefoot and Groundies. More and more people around me (also the people that are not so much focused on regrounding) heard of these type of shoes and are interested. Once I get my funds together I'm definitely going to give them a try. Nice video!
My job has me walking all the time on card concrete floors. So barefoot shoes are not a good idea for me all the time. But I wear some off and on here and there
Honestly, and I'm gonna preface right now I absolutely love Shelbizleee don't get me wrong, but you're definitely my favorite sustainability youtuber because of how calm and researched you are, as a contrast to Shelby who sometimes sounds very cheerleader like (which is still good!! we all need a sustainability cheerleader sometimes!!!) but idk. I just prefer the more gentle sound you have.
I really love your calm and soothing voice! Keep up your work. PS: Gonna buy a pair of wildlings asap. Always wanted to try barefoot shoes out. I guess now is the time ;) Lots of love from Germany
I am barefoot all the time I am at home. Doesn't matter if it's summer or winter. I always hated indoor shoes since I was very little. I have had my Vivos for about 4 - 5 months now and I hate wearing normal shoes now, they hurt!
Good info! What are the soles made out of? It looks as it is plastic, yet maybe is somewhat better for the environment. Though Germans are known as the nation that found a lot pf loopholes in the eco legals and are green washing with ‘bio degrabable’...which has actually also plastics....so no one can recycle them yet.
I've seen these alot recently. Come payday I'm going barefoot. I always felt uncomfortable in shoes I'm hoping these are as good for me as everyone else! Thank you so much for making this video! Xx
Good , I use my Merrell Trail Glove in the woods as it has some ground support for sharp stones. On road, well maintained trail I always use my Merrell Vapor Glove. Fantastic well connected shoes. I run and walk. I use them just for the reasons which are described.
I had been researching barefoot/minimalist shoes for a while and decided to try it out for myself, For reference I had rather flat feet/collapsed and and some knee and hip pain when walking longer distances. I eventually settled on Tadeevo shoes as I liked how they looked and also they were ultra minimal. In the weeks before receiving them I had transitioned from my really cushioned asic trainers to my sandal shoes (about half the thickness and less of a drop). Additionally I was going to the beach more and walking barefoot. Anyways the shoes arrived and I was eager to get started but knew to ease in...so my first walk was maybe 20 mins at most round the block and same for the first 3 days. Eventually On day 4 or 5 I went for a longer more varied walk and it actually was fantastic. However decent it was I have to note that I had to become very conscious of how I was walking. Ground feel was lovely. It was all going well for the first five days but then I noticed a small rip, turned out the whole inside had ripped after only 5 days of rather light use! I returned and got a refund. Then I tried a different shoe Vibram Five fingers which unfortunately because my toes aren’t straight didn’t work out + I hated the feel and my toes couldn’t move as much as I believed they would be able to. So those went back. Then I tried another company (Freet) and the Talus 2 while nice for light walks etc to the beach or such they didn’t feel substantial enough for more than that. My feet felt vulnerable. (They do market them as light use). I honestly prefer a shoe that protects my feet it felt rather odd to have something that felt light but also in the way. I hope that makes sense! Also I think they’re a tad pricey for what they are. I also tried the Flex and I felt really unstable in them due to the rounded heal area. Basically I have discovered that while barefoot walking may be nice *in theory* ...unless you have a tonne of money and time to find the perfect shoe (I don’t think thats actually possible) then don’t do it. In all honesty I have gone back to vans because they’re zero drop, flexible enough and comfy! Plus you can get vans for a lot less money than barefoot shoes, found mine for less than £30 opposed to £40-£100 (or more) for barefoot shoes. I had some vans that I used to live in and I completely remember why, the trainers killed my arches etc but when I wore my vans my feet were much stronger. Also, the width of vans compared to my barefoot shoes I’ve tried isn’t that much different...the rounded toe doesn’t mean much because your feet don’t go to the end! Admittedly I have narrow feet anyway so some shoes I trued (barefoot) seemed ridiculously wide on me. What I learnt is that as long as my arches aren’t being supported and some flexibility then the shoe is good. Your feet don’t scrunch up in a ball so it doesn’t really matter! Barefoot shoes are INCREDIBLY limited in use because of a thinner sole (lots of uneven tracks, glass etc where I live) and also they’re going to wear out much faster. In theory they’re great and makes sense but unless you’re loaded and have the patience of a saint to find something that works for you (it has to fit/feel exactly right or it’s completely off) and also are willing to sacrifice a lot in terms of grip, durability and places you can go...then stick to “normal shoes”. I won’t be going back to raised trainers or wearing narrow shoes or high heels but vans and anything similar does the job fine. Note: there is enough ground feel in vans in my opinion.
By chance, I happen to have just watched a video on how to make at least some models of Vans more barefoot. You could also try Feiyues, which don't have a wide toe box, but do have a thin, zero drop sole. They also look really cool, in my view, and are super super cheap. Wouldn't work for me because I have wide feet and really need a wide toe box. I agree, it's really hard to find a good pair of minimalist shoes online. I wish there were shops that stocked a range of them.
It depends on your feet! I've read a lot of literature that suggests yes, but everyone feet are different so if you need support then these aren't the shoe for you
I'm a bit flat-footed and I need arch support, as well as a higher heel. If I walk in shoes that lack one of these (which is most conventional shoes unfortunately), the muscles in my feet/sole area hurt terribly. As if they're about to rip. It's almost impossible to find comfortable shoes. In the past 5 years, I've bought two pairs of Clarks shoes (wider at the toes) that I use with a pair of orthopaedic insoles. It's my best solution so far. Good trekking sandals also work. I've been eyeing barefoot shoes for a very long time but I doubt they are compatible with my feet.
@@Linneatube I have spent my entire life with hurting feet. To look at my feet they look perfect,a bit on the wide side with an average to low arch. Heels always left me in pain so I rarely wore them, therefore my feet and toes were never squished too much. My feet still look like baby feet (my father used to call me "baby feet" as a nickname, which I, of course, hated). Nonetheless, they were still painful with just about any shoe I tried. I went barefoot 90% of the time when I was a child, and liked to go barefoot around the house as an adult, both without pain. When I discovered barefoot shoes I was in heaven - over a shoe! Now I can go anywhere without painful feet (and hips and knees too). If you can afford to, try a pair, but remember, at first to wear them for a short time and increase a little every day, because if you are not used to them you will get sore calf muscles if you wear them too long.
Been using this type of footwear for more than 2 years now. I prefer them over anything else and they really help a lot with health and comfort. Now. Make sure you start slow and that you don't have bones sticking out as that could lead to bad injuries
I swear I thought you were going to say, think of these shoes as rewilding your foot? 🧐 lol but since you didn’t say it thought I might, makes sense to me! 🤷🏻♀️ Also, so excited to hear about a sustainable, barefoot shoe brand!! Had just recently been thinking about these for when I need to replace my old workout/running shoes!
What about the size? Are Wildling true to size, or you used one number up? I plan to purchase my first pair as well. I use Vibram 5fingers in the gym, and love how my entire body feels. Now I want a pair for everyday :)
Hiii! Just wondering what UK shoe size you normally wear, and what size you wear in wildlings? I want to order some but the sizing is confusing me 😂 I just need a point of reference, thank you 😘
I have always walked barefoot, and hated being forced into shoes. Barefoot shoes are the only ones I can wear without being in pain. I no longer dread having to put on my shoes😊
People are waking up to the silliness of conventional running shoe design, but the barefoot movement has it's own silliness. When in doubt just wear cheap comfortable sneakers and walk.
I used to do ballet growing up but quit when I went away to college. My ankles and feet used to be so strong and flexible- probably from running on sprung floors barefoot, in ballet slippers and pointe shoes with no additional support. I will definitely look into barefoot shoes for my weight training workouts. I don’t think I’ll be able to wear them day to day, as I live in NYC. I definitely need the support when walking on concrete all day.
Yeah. Grew up with dance shoes. Smashed my toes into slippers, but loved dancing. But live in NYC and walk TONS on concrete.I think I can do wide toe box, but not an unpadded sole.
Lots of barefoot shoes come with removable insoles that are actually very good cushioning. My Freet Connect 2s with the insoles in are the softest, most comfortable shoes I've ever owned - _much_ better for walking on concrete than traditional sneakers because barefoots are also more flexible.
I had a leg injury this past year that has really made my walking post injury be more of a challenge. My ankle is not as flexible as my other and my arch is terrible. I think I need to check this out.
Does it hurt if you stand on stones etc as some shoes I have when I’m walking the dogs down the woods, not even the woods sometimes just the pavements if I go over a stone it hurts like hell 😩😰
Hi Immy! A great and very informative video. A question - do you still wear barefoot shoes (and are happy with them)? And if not, why did you stop? Thanks!
I love barefoot shoes! The problem I’m having now is that after wearing them for two years, my toes have spread out, and only men’s sizes will fit, and only in extra wide brands. Best feeling ever though! If you haven’t already, check out Katy Bowman (a biomechanist who writes about movement), specifically her books Nutritious Movement and Movement matters (which connects our sedentary culture to environmental degradation. Thanks for your amazing channel!!
Hi Emmy I hope you see this (or anyone else who could probably help). I need to buy a pair of all black runners (also called runners or sneakers). Ideally ethically and/or sustainably made. I've been looking for months now and I have found shoes however they either fall into 1. Way to expensive (Ideally lower than €90) or 2. Don't deliver to Ireland. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Caoimhe :)
Do you have Vinted in Ireland? Or Thread-up or Poshmark or any good second hand clothing resell site? I figure second-hand is always more sustainable, even if the brand isn't itself ethical/sustainable, and I find there are lots of people reselling new or near-new sneakers because they wear them once and they don't fit but it's too late to return them.
@@Blue-pb7kz Ya think that's the way I'll have to go for now. There's an app called Depop that is the equivalent of ThreadUp in Ireland expect it's more people selling clothes they don't want any more (or are reselling) and then posting them to you. I'll have a look on there x
One thing that I've found is that barefoot shoes are popular with environmentalists but also with ultralight hikers. Now to find the common denominator! Maybe a preference for minimalism? Or a general tendancy to explore/adopt new trends? Not saying this disparagingly, I do all these things! But it's a funny coincidence :)
@@SustainablyVegan I've just thought of another thing regarding barefoot shoes, that I'd not heard anyone talk about before. I don't know if I'm totally off base or not, because I'm not Native, so definitively not a source of info on this! But I've noticed a lot of people promoting barefoot shoes talk about how they were inspired by Native peoples (most well known being the Tarahumara and huaraches for the barefoot running/ultra-running community), but none of the popular brands that make barefoot shoes, that I know of, are Native owned. I was just reading a post about supporting Native communities by buying from Native artisans, and there was a list of these businesses, and I noticed a lot of the shoes (like north american mocassins and mukluks) were described as having a "barefoot feeling", having flexible soles, no heels, and they looked fairly wide around the toes - all things encouraged by those who promote barefoot shoes. So now I'm wondering why I've never seen these shoes on the lists of barefoot shoe brands that some people make. A lot of those lists include a section for "shoes that aren't marketed as barefoot but have such and such characteristic that make them appropriate so maybe try them out". There might admittedly be some issues for vegans who like them - the ones I saw were leather. And probably more importantly there's the risk of cultural insensitivity in how people might promote them? I'm sure a Native person would be better equipped to speak about this. But I thought perhaps it might be an idea you might be interested in?
I run for sport and as much as I like wearing barefoot shoes for school and everyday life my feet can’t handle the long distances in them. I need those more cushioned shoes to avoid hurting myself
Back in the late seventies when I was a gymnast and I bought my first pair of running shoes, they were more like barefoot shoes, with barely any heel, just flexible nylon with a little leather on reinforcement points at toe and heel and some cush in the insole with minor "arch support". A couple decades later, I had to throw a fairly expensive pair of "running" shoes away because they were like padded casts with really high heels. I tried to carve the shoe up to fix it, but ended up with an unwearable mess. I kept the insoles and eventually put them in a pair of water slippers. I gave up running shoes forever. I wear skate shoes and water shoes/slippers. I look out for cheap shoes that bend and accomodate my wide foot. I put a little flat honeycomb gel insole or flat spenco neoprene type insoles into some of these as I developed arthritis from a vaccine at 42 and couldn't go barefoot at all for 10 years so I like a little cush and it makes the outsole last longer.
I haven't tried barefoot shoes but I've always been shoeless at home. I bought some walking boots recently and I hate them! It's like having casts on my feet and ankles. I have some Clarks ankle boots which, while not barefoot shoes, are much more flexible and pleasant to walk in. I have hypermobility and having my feet and ankles "supported" is horrible. I need to move! XD
I know that you probably already have, with everything you read, but I would recomend "Wilding" by Isabella Tree which is also all about rewilding and some of the practicaliies of it that she encountered when she and her husbnad rewilded about 3000 acres in the south of england.
Lovely overview... Just don't allow your focus to overly narrow... Those focused on sustainability and "plant based" is a rather small portion of those highly interested in holistic human health 😉🤗🥰
For a different opinion on these shoes check out ETHICAL UNICORN's blog post here: ethicalunicorn.com/2020/07/03/wildling-minimal-shoes-made-ethically-sustainably/
Most of us are only concerned with healthy feet not lifestyle choices.
I'm an elderly lady, 80 years old. Most of my life I've been wearing the most comfortable shoes I could find, those being New Balance walking or running shoes. Recently I've started becoming a little less steady on my feet. I found myself catching my heels on the edges of steps and nearly tripping, turning my ankle if I stepped on an uneven surface. My son, who does Spartan sports, came over one day wearing a pair of barefoot shoes and I asked about them. I bought my own and I will never look back. All of the unsteadiness has disappeared, it is much safer to go up and down steps, my feet and knees seem to work better and I'm even having fewer problems with my hips. It only took me a couple of days to get used to wearing them as I spent a good part of every day actually barefoot in the house. Just a little bit of soreness in the calf for a few days. They are a bit funny looking I guess, but who cares?
What brand do you buy, does New Balance have them? (Thanks).
@@lizh1988 New Balance has shoes they call Minimalist and they are "barefoot" shoes but they are not quite as wide as Xero shoes. I'm not sure how they compare to other brands. They might have them in a wide width. It all depends on the shape of your foot. I have wide feet and the Xero shoes are good. Narrow feet the New Balance might be better. Both brands are a tiny bit cheaper than some brands.
@@jjbud3124 thanks. Eh, mine are just medium. :)
@@lizh1988 Vivobarefoot are a good option
Great! I'm in my 50s and changed to barefoot shoes a year ago. I used to have pretty bad plantar fascitiis, and it pretty much cleared up after a couple months on barefoot shoes. I have always walked several miles daily, and continue to do still...but without pain. I also believe the shoes have helped me with stability and strength while walking.
I'm an orthotist and currently most evidence on barefoot shoes is anecdotal and therefore not scientific, as you say the industrialisation of our society has changed our bodies response as we as humans have not been able to keep up with the amount of changes we must adapt to. We were not built to walk on concrete all day and so our feet and knees have taken the hit, hence the increased cushioning and support in shoes to combat this.
Yes some people find barefoot shoes great but unless your gait is adapted to the environment around you it won't be much different. Most people with weak or unstable ankles benefit more from insoles and/or more rigid footwear to provide support and stability to the ankle etc. Therefore I would not recommend this for people with pain, instability or other pathologies such as neuropathy.
A good take on the barefoot movement but thought I would just warn people it will not help everyone.
Always appreciate experts sharing what you know!! So thank you for adding to the conversation xx
Thank you for this! I have flat feet & have always been told I need more arch support so I was wondering how this would affect someone with low to no arches
I was told that I would always need insoles to avoid twisted ankles by my PT. I started Ballet instead. My feet and ankles became so much stronger. 8 years on I'm still injury free!
very interesting video and comment :). Here is a nice systematic review for those interested.... doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2015.05.019
Just the attitude I would expect from an orthotist. Why bother to strengthen weak ankles when you can just wear an overly expensive pair of insoles.
Where is your evidence to say we are not built to walk or run on hard surfaces? It's quite simple, once the brain/ground connection is re established, micro adjustments are made to gait, cadence and ground contact points to suit the terrain so that there is no shock or impact during walking or minimised shock during running.
You are viewing everything through the lens of a padded shoe wearer with dead or atrophied foot and arch muscles. You clearly have no concept of how powerful the foot can be.
My credentials?
I am a window and door fitter. I have spent 4 years in nothing but 3mm soles with 0 drop and no arch supporting socks except in the dead of winter. I carry up to one and a half times my bodyweight in glass panels over a range of surfaces included crushed hard-core and up ladders where you are forced to grip the rungs with your toes, 6 days a week. Summer or winter.
I've gone from hating my feet, painfully weak and disfigured in their steel toed, steel midsoled coffins, transformed into these amazing, powerful tools which I love and respect.
There's a picture going around on the Internet that shows how modern shoes deform our feet, eventually force our toes to overlap etc. On the other side there's a photo of a barefoot runner: short, wider, almost childlike. Nature didn't mean for us to develop bunions 😓
Yessss! I developed bunions and barefoot shoes are the ONLYYYY shoes that don't make my feet hurt 🙏🏻❤️
@@SustainablyVegan Same here!
I have never worn shoes unless forced to. My feet are definitely short and wide. Toes need room to spread out for grip and balance. No shoe is as good as having naked feet.
I’ve been wearing minimalist shoes for a few years now, and I never wanna go back.... i’m legally blind myself, I like being able to feel the ground, it makes me feel safer, aside from just being more comfortable for long hours of walking. I never felt great wearing my big chunky running shoes, I never felt safe. I felt clumsy and uncoordinated, I mean I always feel like that but more than usual. I also dance, ballet and jazz and hopefully modern, eventually ( I miss going to class 🥺) it makes me more aware of my feet, which is of course important inside the studio, my feet actually feel like part of my body versus being bread loaves I stand on,
My client is legally blind, I might suggest for him to try barefoot shoes because of the tactile feel. Recently took him to the foot doc for routine nail care etc...my god his toes look like they were in a cast for eternity.
I have quite weak ankles, so it's cool to hear they strengthened yours. I really want to feel more connected to nature 😊 Love your videos
After two years of wearing only doc Martens my toes became numb and/or they just hurt. I also don't have the most stable ankle and loose balance quite easily. So i bought some barefoot shoes. Got me a pair of xeros. No more ankle twisting or numb toes which feels just amazing and safe for me to walk around in them, because i have more control over my feet.
Now i am waiting for my wildling shoes for a month now- my mum is getting some for my birthday. Exactly the ones you have. They look so good. And it sparks a little joy inside of my heart to see these shoes alive on you :)
hey friends!! if you're interested in rewilding, check out my friend Queer Brown Vegan here: instagram.com/queerbrownvegan/
and the book mentioned is Feral by George Monbiot xx
Which shoes are you wearing from wilding?
The Tanuki style
Is there evidence that barefoot shoes work on high arches? I have an issue with the arch on my right foot and my doctor and I have no idea why so I probably can’t wear them :( but who knows (also I’m only 22 and never been in sports or injured my foot in any serous way, I was told the issue might be from lack of arch support in most of my shoes, so now I’m told I should only wear ASICS and Birkenstock’s or something similar that are made for supination, but I want to support better manufacturing practices than this. Also I am not made of money, I’m a college student and 22
@@L1ttlef0ot Also a supinator and am at a loss to find shoes. I've been considering Xero Shoes b/c they take arch support into account (supposedly - I haven't worn them before just going by claims). I really need to replace my runners and sandals as both are just about to give up the ghost!
I have a rare genetic disease called hEDS/HSD which is a connective tissue disorder affecting all joints & organs. I have spent hours upon hours with a podiatrist trying to support my feet to support my joints and especially my knees. Nothing worked and I would dread even the shortest walk because the pain was almost instant after a few foot falls. As a result of another UA-camr I discovered barefoot shoes a couple years back notably Merrells and their barefoot glove range which they do in a vegan option. It was the absolute best investment. Whilst I am by no means cured given there is no known cure for my condition, it has taken the edge off, which is fantastic. Mine do have arch support but I personally need it and it was similar to the arch supports my podiatrist was installing into my regular shoes with bespoke insoles anyway. The difference now is my ankles are stronger and I am less at risk of dislocation or subluxation. I can’t rate high enough barefoot shoes for my condition.
I switched to barefoot shoes two years ago and also never looked back. I had horrible foot pain my entire life and always noticed that my toes were much much wider than my peers as a kid and teenager. As I got more into running long distances I tried countless shoes that I wore for two weeks, had too much arch and outside of toes pain and shin splints and hip cramps...you name it it happened. Finally after I ran my second half marathon in 12mm drop, super cushioned shoes and couldn't walk for a week despite having followed a training plan religiously and being in the best shape of my life, I switched to barefoot shoes cold turkey for walking, and started walking to work in them. I also progressively switched to lower drop running shoes, going from a 12mm drop, to 9mm drop, to 4mm drop and now I'm at a zero-drop. The progression really helped me to not get injured.
Honestly all my life I thought there was something wrong with my feet, because I had long toes that splayed out super wide (my monkey feet) and I couldn't put on a pair of shoes without pain. Turns out I was just not supposed to be wearing shoes :)
I bought a pair of the Wilding shoes earlier this year and really like them. Your video started me thinking how different I am from my family which is fine but would love to be their inspiration to change to a healthier lifestyle. I love sleeping on the floor and eating mostly fresh produce. I feel best when I'm outside, though there are times I love snuggling safe inside. I have debilitating anxiety but find that it really only bothers me when I'm in a place in life and around people that I'm not suited for. I'm going to investigate that more. Thank you for sharing and inspiring me to think differently.
😃 I sleep on the floor too. I've also work sitting on the floor (kneeling mostly, on a pillow) with my computer on a low chair for a table. _So_ much better than being at desk, which used to knot up my neck and upper back something rotten.
On a completely separate note: for anxiety, nothing's helped me like Hillary Jacobs Hendel's book "It's Not Always Depression," which is about form of psychotherapy called AEDP. Their idea about anxiety is that it's a way of shutting down even deeper emotions like grief, rage and disgust, but also, potentially, more positive ones like joy, excitement and even love or sexual arousal.
The key insight is this: as awful as anxiety and self punishment are, they offer an illusion of control: "I must be better," you tell yourself, instead of giving way to the loss of control that deeper emotion represents - and the fact that what you may be feeling may be about things you can't control.
AEDP suggests you dip your toe into the deeper emotion as follows: when anxiety/self punitive feeling arises, ask yourself, "Can I set this aside and see what I'm really feeling?" It needn't be for long if it feels too intense, but if you find yourself willing to try it, you simply sit and pay attention mindfully to the sensations in your body. That's where you'll find the real feeling.
For me it's often been very surprising. I had great stores of disgust of which I'd been totally unaware, but I often also find that what really wants to bubble up in me is laughter.
Frankenfoot here (metal hardware in my left foot)... good shoes are like an engaging book, a loving partner, or a nice bottle of wine... when the right ones come along, you cherish them for all they are worth, and you show them some lovin’ everyday. (OK... well, maybe not the wine everyday... LOL!!!!). Love this video, love nature & the wilderness, and love you!! ❤️
For the past five years I have worn three different brands of barefoot shoes. This came about after reading Katy Bowman’s book about body alignment starting from the ground up. My bunion stopped throbbing and my anterior pelvic tilt became more neutral. Back pain lessened. I don’t care that your video is sponsored it is very well done and brings awareness to options to traditional footwear.
Going to podiatrist to enquirer whether minimalist shoes are right for you is like going to a baker to ask whether no bread diet is good for you. Their fortune rests on thickly padded, “comfortable” cushioned shoes, and insoles which in return atrophy foot muscles and create all the problems related to feet, ankles,knees to begin with.
Also, wider toe boxes are better for preventing ingrown toenails. It’s why many long distance hikers use trail runners. Pointed toe shoes and boots are awful for your toes.
I wore barefoot shoes (mainly Wildlings) for 2 years straight and I learned this: yes, barefoot shoes give our feet back the natural way of moving & flexibility, but human feet have not yet evolved walking on hard undergrounds like concrete so we need a (thin) layer of padding to protect our joints. Back in the day when humans didn’t have shoes with crazy support like we do now, there weren’t concrete floors. That’s why I switched to Lems shoes, still Zero Drop and wide toe box, but better adapted to daily walking on concrete :)
My new daily work boots are Lem's. I wore my old "normal" boots the other day and couldn't believe I'd ever done that to my feet.
Any of the Wilding insoles will also help with that. But you do make a brilliant point which I competent agree with!
One needs a pair of concrete-safe barefoot shoes!
I have a question, for the first quarter of wearing barefoot shoes did you encounter or have any issues about your feet? I mean any pain for the shoes transition.
Thank you!!
@@tineh9724 Hi :) getting used to the flatness of the shoe can be a bit painful, but for me it only hurt after walking long distances. It is recommended to only wear them for a few hours a day and slowly increase wear time :) hope that helps!
@@xJuliaGrimesx thanks for the response. I will observe this till next month if it continues the pain.
I just got my first pair of wildling shoes and I am IN LOVE! I can't wait to use them for all the things!!
What a great video!! I am fairly new to barefoot shoes (I have mine for a month) but I'm sooo in love with them. When you talked about problem feet: absolutely me too. And it was so interesting to hear it helped with your hip flexibility, because 2 days ago I was able to easily do a deep hip stretch which I was never able to do before - what a revelation that my shoes might be the reason!
Such a beautifully made and informative video! ❤️ Thank you for introducing me to these shoes!! I haven't seen them before but it's exactly what I've wanted for a long time (also a reason I love birks). I just didn't take the time to do the research because life.
ah thank you so much for the lovely feedback, so glad you enjoyed the video xxx
Even a slight rise in the heel will change [skeletal] posture quite substantially. So said a stretching teacher who I had the good fortune to take a few courses with. "Walk, walk, walk- with the feet flat!". It took me a while to take heed ( I wore almost flat trainers); now much prefer to wear my barefoot shoes.
I have worn barefoot shoes for 3-4 years now and I love it!
I got Sketchers shoes a couple of months before switching to barefoot shoes and oh boy, there was so much padding and foam in them that my balance was way off. When I was at work cleaning, I would walk back and forth for 6 hours straight and I would wobble often.
That has not happened to me since switching to barefoot shoes. If I walk a lot on concrete (15 000+ steps) my feet can get tired and sore, but I rarely have this problem.
Now I can feel the ground, and it is so nice that my feet actually "know" where I am going and my balance has improved.
I honestly also think that minimalist shoes are much better looking than the bulky/chunky sneakers that are so popular nowadays.
I just wanted to thank you Immy for introducing the Wildling company to me, I really like their values and they have really beautiful shoes. I didn't like how most of the barefoot shoes look like, until I found the Wildling ones! Have just ordered my first barefoot shoes and I'm so excited to try them! Thank you!
Braiding Sweetgrass is SO important, I feel like it deserves so much more than a brief summary in a video about hipstery expensive shoes. Maybe it had more impact on me because I'm from the same ecological area that Kimmerer writes about (me in Southern Ontario and her in Upstate New York) and I grew up knowing the names of goldenrod and asters and picking wild leeks. So grateful for her knowledge and commentary.
I've mentioned her book and gone into more depth in several other videos.
Here from your insta 💕 Your such an inspiration to me and my family and we benefitted so much from your tips. I’m only in high school but I truly believe in this cause 😊
Ah so happy you're here! xxx
Sustainably Vegan 💕💕
Wow what a crazy coincidence! My Wildling shoes just arrived last week and I got the exact same ones! I love them already and haven’t worn other shoes since ☺️ and now I’m watching this beautiful video about them, so cool! 🌱☀️ lots of love from Germany ☺️
I love my barefoot shoes 😍 so far I am just using them im every day life and not for running because I haven't quit mastered running in barefoot shoes 😅
I strongly dislike the feeling of shoes and love being barefoot so I had to try barefoot shoes :)
Congrats on 200k! I always hated arch supports and used to tear them out.
Love this! I wear barefoot shoes when I run and love them. Would definitely be keen on trying walking ones. Thanks for the inspiration Immy!
I’ve been so excited for this video, it is as worth the wait! Thank you for your in depth review! Also this video is so beautiful and really shows how much time you have put in it. I feel it’s important to note that because it really shows that you care so much about your content.
Ah I'm glad you enjoyed it ❤️
Hi Marleen, I think I may have seen you in the comments section over on Immy’s Patreon? Anyways, I just wanted to mention that I love your comment here, and I agree... Immy’s videos are always informative, but beyond that they are also heartfelt and full of passion. They make me think about all the little things in our great big world that are truly important. Thanks for this comment, and I hope you are having a great day.
I discovered a lot of change so far with my HOLE body after switching to barefoot and learn, how to walk with them. Last week I've been to the museum with an old pair of sandals (nonbarefoot) and my body began to hurt from tip to toe. My brother which has a disease at his digestive organs was with me and told me he feels pain from standing so long with his "normal" sneakers and he'd knew it wouldn't be a problem being barefoot.
I believe scientific studies would be overall important so that there is a slight chance orthotists would stop to fix symptoms instead of reasons. Our feet are the roots to earth, our body is standing on them, it's just as important as feed our body with nutritious foot.
For all the surface impact arguments out there, consider this. If we weren't made to walk on hard surfaces, or if you think we are capable of walking anywhere...where on Earth can bare naked human survive without shelter for a week?
Our use of tools, clothing, and shelter is all that keeps us alive...find what works for you and live as long as you can in peace...
I'm gonna try minimalist shoes...
As somebody with EDS type H and Rheumatoid Arthritis I was sceptical at first but thought I would give them a go. I wear Freet bootee and its love, I can walk further than ever and the flexibility is great for my fidgeting. I even wear them for work now, I wear freet urbans there and its great. Sports pursuit often have them on sale. Vegan too.
you had me at wide feet
I really enjoyed how you tied this video and topics in it together. Your warmth and calming nature make your videos an absolute treat to watch! I don't know if this is a topic you've covered, but I'm curious about/interested in how the tiny house movement has crossover with the zero waste & vegan communities!
I started wearing Xero Prio shoes in Feb 2020. I’d been struggling with an issue with my right ankle, even saw a podiatrist. I had been wearing either Saucony or Nike shoes.
When I switched to the Xeros, my ankle issue went away, and the bunion that was developing on the left is getting better. I also got some inexpensive toe spreaders, which I wear intermittently.
I was skeptical about hiking in the Xeros, but I went for a two hour hike (central Pennsylvania, rocky and hilly)in them, instead of my stiff, heavy hiking boots, and it was great!
I’m looking to get another pair of these type of shoes.
Xero makes good hiking shoes too
@@tomfuller4205 I recently got a pair of Xero hiking boots, they’re waterproof, which is really necessary here in central Pennsylvania. I’ve hiked in them several times and so far I’m loving them!👍
Do these shoes keep your feet warm?
I always have cold feet. I had shoes with a thin sole once and walking on the cold street my feet were freezing. ❄️
I also wondered about this. I purposely chose shoes with a thick sole because my feet were cold
Oooo I wonder about this as well. I live in a cold and wet climate so wool socks and thick boots are my go-to for over half the year.
This is a big downside for barefoot shoes. I wear them a lot, but never when it's cold.
Wildings have water resistant wool ones I do believe
lems and vivo have barefoot boots. I have vivo hiking books and they for sure they keep my feet warm
I've recently listened to Braided Sweetgrass and feel the same! I have been walking barefoot wherever there is grass for a few days. The sense of longing is overwhelming and I want to be around nature more and more. I might consider buying these shoes when my old one is all tattered! Also, I recommend Wilding by Isabella Tree :)
Thanks for the recommendation xx
@@SustainablyVegan You're welcome, hope you like the book xx and thank you for making amazing videos :)
I've been considering getting some for indoor use round the house and the office, before working up to walking outside in them. I like to have designated "house shoes" for the home and to change into at work, as I normally wear boots outside. Also, when I lived and worked in Switzerland, NOBODY wore shoes inside because of wood floors. Even guests left their shoes at the door and changed into house shoes or slippers.
I love Braiding Sweetgrass! Such a wonderful book, Robin is a great author
I also just bought a pair of barefoot shoes a few days ago, and I am excited to see how they will work for me, although I chose a different brand. My former room mate works for the Wilding company, and unfortunately the shoes tend to break at the gap in the sole at some point. Also, (pre corona times) the staff would fly to one city from different parts of Germany every month for a meeting weekend. With that information I chose to not buy from this brand, because that didn't seem like they put all their effort into the company being sustainable, but of course the shoes still look good and probably still a good experience :)
Thanks for sharing and the feedback! If you're happy for me to pass on this feedback (anonymously ) I think it could be a good opportunity to share how they can be better!!
Wildlings!
I use them for running, never had the injuries I had for years, again.
Wonderful video! The way you describe the connection to nature and barefoot shoes is quite true. EVERYONE I know who has an interest in barefoot shoes also has a deep interest in nature, the preservation of nature, love to be out doors, and tend to be really grounded in character as well.
Thanks Immy... I am as tall as a giraffe with wide feet so this video was perfect..so happy you uploaded today 😊❤️
haha I am as tall as a giraffe too!! happy to see you here in the comments
Giraffes are ultra-cool, and I too was thrilled for an Immy upload today. Have a great day!
Haven’t looked back since trying them (about 10 months ago) but beware: you will have to go easy and adjust your gait.
I’ve owned a pair of these since the summer and then a second about six weeks later and also wear vivobarefoot shoes.
Blows my mind that this movement hasn’t taken off much earlier!
I have the exact same shoes! Didn't know they were popular outside of german speaking countries! I absolutely adore my tanuki nori. I might even get some sturdier ones for winter, since it can get quite cold where I live.
Have yours held up? I just bought some for hiking, but I'm a little nervous because of the paper material they're made of 😳
@@PeacefulPlanting-Sydnee oh yes, they are still in good shape. just make sure to let them dry properly and maybe take out the inside "sole" because some shoes can smell a bit after you wear them in rainy weather.
These are great shoes! I have been using this particular model for about 2 years now and it is still my favorite one, especially when going for a walk! :) No more pain
Sizes are not always the same for every brand. I personally wear shoes from 41 to 43. Did you print the fitkit from Wildling? Also you should consider to leave at least 12mm space for your toes to spread.
I'm 5 seconds into this video and I'm subscribing to your channel❤️ Supporting any women promoting barefoot shoes 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 so few out there. Thank you for this (even though I haven't watched it, yet!! 😂)
This is too kind ❤️🙏🏻 thank you for the support
So glad that I found this account, you seem like the most genuine soul. I'll be sticking around. Barefoot shoes is something I have wanted to try for a long time, I spend most of my time barefoot anyway, but struggle finding a waterproof and aesthetic version.
I really wish some of these vegan footwear brands would consider catering for more foot shapes. I see all these nice shoes but they're all too narrow! I'm wide enough that high street "wide fit" isnt enough, so simply going for slightly generous models rarely works.
Freet! Sorry, I'm becoming a broken record in this thread, but my Freet Connect 2s are vegan, barefoot and are the widest and most comfortable shoes I've ever owned.
Incidentally, I got in touch with Wildlings to ask about the width of their shoes (something more barefoot shoe brands ought to give info on on their websites, I feel). They replied that the shoes were made so flexibly that it was irrelevant and misleading to talk about the width of the sole. A slightly frustrating answer, but it tallies with one review I've seen, by a woman who'd bought the shoes specifically to accommodate her wide feet. She said they didn't look wide enough out of the box, but actually fit so much like a sock that they were very comfortable.
I have wide feet. Maybe this could help with my back problems! Thanks for another beautifully filmed video !
Since 2013 I’ve been a delivery driver for Lowe’s until 11/2020 and FedEx. I’ve mostly been doing two different routes in the major mall here in Honolulu. So I’ve been doing more walking than driving. My feet, arches, ankles and calves ache in my current Asics GT 2000 running shoes. I just got a pair of Xero shoes and Hoka One One
I wonder how safe they are in terms of sharp objects you often find walking in town. If I look on the sole of my foot - there are sometimes pieces of glass stuck to it.
Just a step in the right direction. Those soles may be thin but are still rubber it appears. No grounding happening. Need leather or Kevlar soles to actually be grounded.
Great video Immy! I loved that you mentioned the link between sustainable/plant-based people or lifestyles and their connection to nature! Have been researching barefoot shoes a lot recently and this video helped - I can't wait to get myself a pair and embrace yet another more natural "back to basics" way of living 💚 I hope to share this on my new channel too 💚 Thanks for your content 🙂
I started wearing BF shoes last year as I was barefoot so much in the house and garden during lockdown/shielding. I now have a few pairs and whilst I still wear my hiking boots for hiking and ankle support I wear my BF shoes most of the time. I even have a work appropriate pair now!
Hey! Love your channel. Just a little food for thought, I would make it more clear in the beginning that this is a sponsored video. It came across to me as a little deceptive which I know is never your intention.
Will do in future. Definitely wasn't my aim as the sponsorship was only meant to be a small part but I really loved the shoes so integrated it a bit more as it was a really authentic brand partnership for me! Sorry I didn't make it clearer in the beginning!
I’m a bit worried that you weren’t all wearing wide enough shoes anyway - barefoot or not, you shouldn’t buy shoes that press against your little toe, and you should be able to wiggle your toes comfortably. The shoes shouldn’t press anywhere, cause rubbing or blisters even when new. Men’s shoes are often wider. As a teen I worked in a shop called Clogs and Wellies, then in K Shoe Mines and finally Cut Price Shoes. I saw thousands of feet, and noted the condition they were in and the shoes they wore. Please make all your shoes comfortable, even your going out shoes, and steer clear of pointed toes and high heels. I have hereditary arthritis and other conditions, but my feet are always admired by podiatrists because they’re in excellent condition. It makes a huge difference to overall health.
Spot on. But for me, it's been hard to find shoes even among barefoot brands that are really wide enough. And boy does it matter. When I finally got a pair of shoes that gave my little toe more freedom, my knee pain went away!
Do you have a link to the shoes in the video please? The link underground just goes to the wildling website, but those shoe don’t show up? 🧐
Which style of Wilding shoe is that? I really like the way that model looks, but it's hard to tell which one it is on the website.
Your every video is kinda full of inspirational where we found ourself in the middle of the nature😍😍😍 thanks for such a good content.
Love this video Immy! Great to see your channel grow! Zoe
How did you size the shoes? like how much room do you have at the tip? if you measured your foot how much did you add on top of the measurment for the shoes you bought?
You have perfect timing with this video. I keep on seeing adverts from Vivo Barefoot and Groundies. More and more people around me (also the people that are not so much focused on regrounding) heard of these type of shoes and are interested. Once I get my funds together I'm definitely going to give them a try. Nice video!
Xero Shoes tend to be less pricey but still high quality. I love mine and they're absolutely comparable to more expensive ones that I own!
My job has me walking all the time on card concrete floors. So barefoot shoes are not a good idea for me all the time. But I wear some off and on here and there
Honestly, and I'm gonna preface right now I absolutely love Shelbizleee don't get me wrong, but you're definitely my favorite sustainability youtuber because of how calm and researched you are, as a contrast to Shelby who sometimes sounds very cheerleader like (which is still good!! we all need a sustainability cheerleader sometimes!!!) but idk. I just prefer the more gentle sound you have.
I truly love every single one of your videos Immy. Thank you for everything you do and the way you choose to do it ❤️🌏✨
Thank you so much for this lovely feedback I really appreciate it ❤️🙏🏻
Rewilding has a down side though. Not so much in cooler climates. But woodlands and forests that aren't managed are more susceptible to fire.
You videos are helping in achieving my goal to become vegan. Thank you❤️
I really love your calm and soothing voice! Keep up your work.
PS: Gonna buy a pair of wildlings asap. Always wanted to try barefoot shoes out. I guess now is the time ;)
Lots of love from Germany
I am barefoot all the time I am at home. Doesn't matter if it's summer or winter. I always hated indoor shoes since I was very little. I have had my Vivos for about 4 - 5 months now and I hate wearing normal shoes now, they hurt!
Good info! What are the soles made out of? It looks as it is plastic, yet maybe is somewhat better for the environment. Though Germans are known as the nation that found a lot pf loopholes in the eco legals and are green washing with ‘bio degrabable’...which has actually also plastics....so no one can recycle them yet.
I've seen these alot recently. Come payday I'm going barefoot. I always felt uncomfortable in shoes I'm hoping these are as good for me as everyone else! Thank you so much for making this video! Xx
Good , I use my Merrell Trail Glove in the woods as it has some ground support for sharp stones. On road, well maintained trail I always use my Merrell Vapor Glove. Fantastic well connected shoes. I run and walk. I use them just for the reasons which are described.
I had been researching barefoot/minimalist shoes for a while and decided to try it out for myself, For reference I had rather flat feet/collapsed and and some knee and hip pain when walking longer distances. I eventually settled on Tadeevo shoes as I liked how they looked and also they were ultra minimal. In the weeks before receiving them I had transitioned from my really cushioned asic trainers to my sandal shoes (about half the thickness and less of a drop). Additionally I was going to the beach more and walking barefoot. Anyways the shoes arrived and I was eager to get started but knew to ease in...so my first walk was maybe 20 mins at most round the block and same for the first 3 days. Eventually On day 4 or 5 I went for a longer more varied walk and it actually was fantastic.
However decent it was I have to note that I had to become very conscious of how I was walking. Ground feel was lovely. It was all going well for the first five days but then I noticed a small rip, turned out the whole inside had ripped after only 5 days of rather light use! I returned and got a refund. Then I tried a different shoe Vibram Five fingers which unfortunately because my toes aren’t straight didn’t work out + I hated the feel and my toes couldn’t move as much as I believed they would be able to. So those went back. Then I tried another company (Freet) and the Talus 2 while nice for light walks etc to the beach or such they didn’t feel substantial enough for more than that. My feet felt vulnerable. (They do market them as light use). I honestly prefer a shoe that protects my feet it felt rather odd to have something that felt light but also in the way. I hope that makes sense! Also I think they’re a tad pricey for what they are. I also tried the Flex and I felt really unstable in them due to the rounded heal area.
Basically I have discovered that while barefoot walking may be nice *in theory* ...unless you have a tonne of money and time to find the perfect shoe (I don’t think thats actually possible) then don’t do it. In all honesty I have gone back to vans because they’re zero drop, flexible enough and comfy! Plus you can get vans for a lot less money than barefoot shoes, found mine for less than £30 opposed to £40-£100 (or more) for barefoot shoes. I had some vans that I used to live in and I completely remember why, the trainers killed my arches etc but when I wore my vans my feet were much stronger. Also, the width of vans compared to my barefoot shoes I’ve tried isn’t that much different...the rounded toe doesn’t mean much because your feet don’t go to the end! Admittedly I have narrow feet anyway so some shoes I trued (barefoot) seemed ridiculously wide on me.
What I learnt is that as long as my arches aren’t being supported and some flexibility then the shoe is good. Your feet don’t scrunch up in a ball so it doesn’t really matter! Barefoot shoes are INCREDIBLY limited in use because of a thinner sole (lots of uneven tracks, glass etc where I live) and also they’re going to wear out much faster.
In theory they’re great and makes sense but unless you’re loaded and have the patience of a saint to find something that works for you (it has to fit/feel exactly right or it’s completely off) and also are willing to sacrifice a lot in terms of grip, durability and places you can go...then stick to “normal shoes”. I won’t be going back to raised trainers or wearing narrow shoes or high heels but vans and anything similar does the job fine.
Note: there is enough ground feel in vans in my opinion.
By chance, I happen to have just watched a video on how to make at least some models of Vans more barefoot.
You could also try Feiyues, which don't have a wide toe box, but do have a thin, zero drop sole. They also look really cool, in my view, and are super super cheap.
Wouldn't work for me because I have wide feet and really need a wide toe box. I agree, it's really hard to find a good pair of minimalist shoes online. I wish there were shops that stocked a range of them.
Is it good for your feet NOT to have arch support?
It depends on your feet! I've read a lot of literature that suggests yes, but everyone feet are different so if you need support then these aren't the shoe for you
I'm a bit flat-footed and I need arch support, as well as a higher heel. If I walk in shoes that lack one of these (which is most conventional shoes unfortunately), the muscles in my feet/sole area hurt terribly. As if they're about to rip. It's almost impossible to find comfortable shoes. In the past 5 years, I've bought two pairs of Clarks shoes (wider at the toes) that I use with a pair of orthopaedic insoles. It's my best solution so far. Good trekking sandals also work.
I've been eyeing barefoot shoes for a very long time but I doubt they are compatible with my feet.
@@Linneatube I have spent my entire life with hurting feet. To look at my feet they look perfect,a bit on the wide side with an average to low arch. Heels always left me in pain so I rarely wore them, therefore my feet and toes were never squished too much. My feet still look like baby feet (my father used to call me "baby feet" as a nickname, which I, of course, hated). Nonetheless, they were still painful with just about any shoe I tried. I went barefoot 90% of the time when I was a child, and liked to go barefoot around the house as an adult, both without pain. When I discovered barefoot shoes I was in heaven - over a shoe! Now I can go anywhere without painful feet (and hips and knees too). If you can afford to, try a pair, but remember, at first to wear them for a short time and increase a little every day, because if you are not used to them you will get sore calf muscles if you wear them too long.
Been using this type of footwear for more than 2 years now. I prefer them over anything else and they really help a lot with health and comfort. Now. Make sure you start slow and that you don't have bones sticking out as that could lead to bad injuries
I swear I thought you were going to say, think of these shoes as rewilding your foot? 🧐 lol but since you didn’t say it thought I might, makes sense to me! 🤷🏻♀️
Also, so excited to hear about a sustainable, barefoot shoe brand!! Had just recently been thinking about these for when I need to replace my old workout/running shoes!
What about the size? Are Wildling true to size, or you used one number up? I plan to purchase my first pair as well. I use Vibram 5fingers in the gym, and love how my entire body feels. Now I want a pair for everyday :)
Hiii! Just wondering what UK shoe size you normally wear, and what size you wear in wildlings? I want to order some but the sizing is confusing me 😂 I just need a point of reference, thank you 😘
HI! Could you please tell me the profile IG that talks about "rewilding"? Thanks! ;)
I have always walked barefoot, and hated being forced into shoes. Barefoot shoes are the only ones I can wear without being in pain. I no longer dread having to put on my shoes😊
People are waking up to the silliness of conventional running shoe design, but the barefoot movement has it's own silliness. When in doubt just wear cheap comfortable sneakers and walk.
I used to do ballet growing up but quit when I went away to college. My ankles and feet used to be so strong and flexible- probably from running on sprung floors barefoot, in ballet slippers and pointe shoes with no additional support. I will definitely look into barefoot shoes for my weight training workouts. I don’t think I’ll be able to wear them day to day, as I live in NYC. I definitely need the support when walking on concrete all day.
Yeah. Grew up with dance shoes. Smashed my toes into slippers, but loved dancing. But live in NYC and walk TONS on concrete.I think I can do wide toe box, but not an unpadded sole.
Lots of barefoot shoes come with removable insoles that are actually very good cushioning. My Freet Connect 2s with the insoles in are the softest, most comfortable shoes I've ever owned - _much_ better for walking on concrete than traditional sneakers because barefoots are also more flexible.
I prefer walking on my bare foot or normal shoes. Normal shoes on busy places, barefoot around home. It takes some time, but you will adapt
I had a leg injury this past year that has really made my walking post injury be more of a challenge. My ankle is not as flexible as my other and my arch is terrible. I think I need to check this out.
I love barefoot shoes for running! ❤️
Does it hurt if you stand on stones etc as some shoes I have when I’m walking the dogs down the woods, not even the woods sometimes just the pavements if I go over a stone it hurts like hell 😩😰
Hi Immy! A great and very informative video. A question - do you still wear barefoot shoes (and are happy with them)? And if not, why did you stop? Thanks!
I love barefoot shoes! The problem I’m having now is that after wearing them for two years, my toes have spread out, and only men’s sizes will fit, and only in extra wide brands. Best feeling ever though! If you haven’t already, check out Katy Bowman (a biomechanist who writes about movement), specifically her books Nutritious Movement and Movement matters (which connects our sedentary culture to environmental degradation. Thanks for your amazing channel!!
Thanks so much for sharing and for the recommendation ❤️
Tony Riddle is a great source for rewilding. Check out his appearance on the Rich Roll podcast (August 2019?).
Hi Emmy I hope you see this (or anyone else who could probably help). I need to buy a pair of all black runners (also called runners or sneakers). Ideally ethically and/or sustainably made. I've been looking for months now and I have found shoes however they either fall into 1. Way to expensive (Ideally lower than €90) or 2. Don't deliver to Ireland. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Caoimhe :)
Do you have Vinted in Ireland? Or Thread-up or Poshmark or any good second hand clothing resell site? I figure second-hand is always more sustainable, even if the brand isn't itself ethical/sustainable, and I find there are lots of people reselling new or near-new sneakers because they wear them once and they don't fit but it's too late to return them.
@@Blue-pb7kz Ya think that's the way I'll have to go for now. There's an app called Depop that is the equivalent of ThreadUp in Ireland expect it's more people selling clothes they don't want any more (or are reselling) and then posting them to you. I'll have a look on there x
Freet are based in the UK and fit your price range. Their Flex shoes are completely black and their Connect 2s are almost completely black.
One thing that I've found is that barefoot shoes are popular with environmentalists but also with ultralight hikers. Now to find the common denominator! Maybe a preference for minimalism? Or a general tendancy to explore/adopt new trends? Not saying this disparagingly, I do all these things! But it's a funny coincidence :)
Ah I love this!! Maybe minimalism is the answer? So many possibilities ❤️
@@SustainablyVegan I've just thought of another thing regarding barefoot shoes, that I'd not heard anyone talk about before. I don't know if I'm totally off base or not, because I'm not Native, so definitively not a source of info on this! But I've noticed a lot of people promoting barefoot shoes talk about how they were inspired by Native peoples (most well known being the Tarahumara and huaraches for the barefoot running/ultra-running community), but none of the popular brands that make barefoot shoes, that I know of, are Native owned. I was just reading a post about supporting Native communities by buying from Native artisans, and there was a list of these businesses, and I noticed a lot of the shoes (like north american mocassins and mukluks) were described as having a "barefoot feeling", having flexible soles, no heels, and they looked fairly wide around the toes - all things encouraged by those who promote barefoot shoes. So now I'm wondering why I've never seen these shoes on the lists of barefoot shoe brands that some people make. A lot of those lists include a section for "shoes that aren't marketed as barefoot but have such and such characteristic that make them appropriate so maybe try them out". There might admittedly be some issues for vegans who like them - the ones I saw were leather. And probably more importantly there's the risk of cultural insensitivity in how people might promote them? I'm sure a Native person would be better equipped to speak about this. But I thought perhaps it might be an idea you might be interested in?
Are Wildling shoes Latex and natural rubber free ?
Oh my gosh haha your dog was totally smiling running to you! So cute!!
Love your video and the shoes! Do they fit true to size or did you size up? Thank you ❤️
I run for sport and as much as I like wearing barefoot shoes for school and everyday life my feet can’t handle the long distances in them. I need those more cushioned shoes to avoid hurting myself
Back in the late seventies when I was a gymnast and I bought my first pair of running shoes, they were more like barefoot shoes, with barely any heel, just flexible nylon with a little leather on reinforcement points at toe and heel and some cush in the insole with minor "arch support". A couple decades later, I had to throw a fairly expensive pair of "running" shoes away because they were like padded casts with really high heels. I tried to carve the shoe up to fix it, but ended up with an unwearable mess. I kept the insoles and eventually put them in a pair of water slippers. I gave up running shoes forever. I wear skate shoes and water shoes/slippers. I look out for cheap shoes that bend and accomodate my wide foot. I put a little flat honeycomb gel insole or flat spenco neoprene type insoles into some of these as I developed arthritis from a vaccine at 42 and couldn't go barefoot at all for 10 years so I like a little cush and it makes the outsole last longer.
I haven't tried barefoot shoes but I've always been shoeless at home. I bought some walking boots recently and I hate them! It's like having casts on my feet and ankles.
I have some Clarks ankle boots which, while not barefoot shoes, are much more flexible and pleasant to walk in.
I have hypermobility and having my feet and ankles "supported" is horrible. I need to move! XD
I know that you probably already have, with everything you read, but I would recomend "Wilding" by Isabella Tree which is also all about rewilding and some of the practicaliies of it that she encountered when she and her husbnad rewilded about 3000 acres in the south of england.
switched last fall, and haven't looked back! Still growing my collection and trying different brands tho!
Lovely overview... Just don't allow your focus to overly narrow... Those focused on sustainability and "plant based" is a rather small portion of those highly interested in holistic human health 😉🤗🥰