Whitin Minimalist Trail Shoes - 6 month update - How are they holding up?
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- Опубліковано 14 сер 2020
- These are cheap barefoot hiking and minimalist backpacking shoes that are great for wide feet. My Whitin zero drop minimalist running and hiking shoes have held up incredibly well over the last 6 months. They are made from animal free products so yes, it's even a vegan minimalist hiking and trail running shoe. If you are looking for a cheap minimalist shoe for wide feet check them out. I have size 15 super wide and the fit me. They are also a great shoe to consider if you are looking for a zero drop backpacking shoe or a zero drop hiking shoe. If you are not used to minimalist shoes they will feel VERY different and take a little getting used too. Please use them slowly. If you have only worn heels and cushy supportive shoes all your life you have weak ankles, feet and calves. Please start slow in these....I can tell you from experience it takes a while for your legs and feet to get adjusted.
The only place they seem available is on Amazon amzn.to/2XmtIDQ
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Here is the gear I use:
Bug sticks for camp amzn.to/3g5Ow9I
Bug repellent for clothes/gear amzn.to/3dNaxZk
Bamboo toothbrush amzn.to/2NnbyMZ
Xero Backpacking Sandals amzn.to/2NnbOLX
Whitin Shoes amzn.to/2RCS5ua
Bags for food amzn.to/2TU9sZh
Nylofume insert for backpack ishr.site/uzHa
Pack Zimmerbuilt Quickstep isn.page.link/z219
Hammock amzn.to/37u9Fpw
Hammock Shell isn.page.link/WqhV
Tarp isn.page.link/bTRL
Bivy amzn.to/3asmt1Y (look for the used!)
Cathole digger www.qiwiz.net/trowels.html
Favorite shoes amzn.to/2ZJFJmF
Sleeping Bag amzn.to/2QiyBLj
Sleeping Bag Winter amzn.to/2TAVrzH
Flashlight amzn.to/2QGzqfC
Bidet amzn.to/2MGY6DJ
Winter Backpack amzn.to/2NEsHC8
Bear Bag Line isn.page.link/xfzX
Sleeping Pad amzn.to/39NXjuB
Bivy amzn.to/2Fqwz5k
Rain coat amzn.to/3b3zgIE
Trekking Poles amzn.to/2FvwLAo
Vargo Titanium tshirt ishr.site/vMjy
Baleaf Shorts amzn.to/2Ufh6xG
Poncho amzn.to/2RRXFJO
McHale Backpack mchalepacks.com/
Food I love:
amzn.to/36MoTWk
If you purchase a product or service with the link I may receive a few pennies from Amazon that I will use for gas money to get me to my next backpacking trip!
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Just wanted to thank you for this video! My wife and I got this shoe and love them! My back, knees, calf’s,and feet feel so much better. We are 75 and we get around so much better so thanks!
Thanks! Don't forget, one day try them without the insole for a whole new experience :-)
Thanks for a great, informative and honest review.
Thanks for the information. I started running on grass without shoes and it really helped improve my form.
relearning to run with only the equipment your body provides naturally stopped me from heel striking.
I almost always run on my toes now even wearing normal running shoes. I'd love to run barefoot on trails but most trails I've been on have lot's of gravel and the occasional broken glass. No matter how much callus I build up, stepping on gravel will always resemble the pain of stepping on legos.
Can't tell you how much I appreciate your review! I've been looking for it a month or so for a show that will fit my fat feet and this one looks like it will. Plus it will give me the tread I'm looking for. And wow was that ever a rocky trail!
Good info - I’ve worn these for several years and will continue.
You are such a unique person telling everything so simply.we need more UA-camrs like you. Lovely vedio .
Thank you :)
Thanks this was very helpful!!!
Thank you for the review and update! I was deciding between these and Tesla. Your review helped me choose Whitin.
Good choice! You'll see people on this video and the older one loving them.
This review was super helpful - thank you! Ordered these today, my first pair of barefoot shoes.
Love the bit about arch support. Food for though, I'm looking g into it. Thanx
It is a wonderful minimalist shoes and it looks like it must be very comfortable. I really like this type of minimalist footwear, it is usually the footwear that I use but this model did not know it. It also has a very convenient price. Thanks for the video and take care.
Got mine for Christmas and wear them everywhere. If I’m not in work boots I’m in sandals or barefoot most days so the transition was easy. My calves and feel feel way stronger now though and my balance is better as well
When I thought about buying shoes like this I paid attention to how I walk. I seem to walk the front of my foot and then back to my heel. I am glad you like these shoes. I have bought another version of the whitin shoes and look forward to using them. I did not want to spend a ton of money which you can easily do in all the other shoes on the market.
I just bought a pair! been wanting to try barefoot shoes but couldn't justify paying $100 - $150 on something I might hate. these seem like a great find for someone wanting to get into it. thanks for the video!
They are perfect for an introduction to that Barefoot feel. I highly recommend taking out the insole and also trying them out that way that's how I wear them everyday.
I bought these before I saw your review but for different reasons. I bought a black set for versatility & travel since I also wear a as large foot size; 13 & would easily take up a large portion of a suitcase. Cool hear you & your followers like them.
I'm sold..This sneaker seems to have everything I need.
Love whitin shoes. I have a pair of the trail and a pair of the road running shoe. Only thing I have had trouble with was mowing hillsides. If you are on a hillside and need to really push off hard ( in my case pushing a heavy lawnmower horizontally across a hillside) these shoes will roll right off your feet. Other than that they have been great shoes to hike and run in.
I've bought these after you released the first video about them and I can say that they have the same quality as the Vibram Fivers. But they draw less attention. That's why I made these my allrounder shoe for everything. I removed the insole too.
At first I felt like I was always going around in "water shoes" but slowly got used to the fact that no-one was staring at my feet :) You can't help but stare at the Vibram shoes when someone wears them out in public!
Great review!
I have been using these shoes all summer working on a vegetable farm , pulling weeds and harvesting , and they are still going strong. Well worth 35 bucks, I'm getting a second pair. I do alot of stooping, bending, squatting, and working on my knees, they are so flexible that they don't pinch or crack at the bending points like other shoes.
Arch support keeps the muscles of the foot from being used thus weakening the foot.
so he removed the sole?
Insole :)
After seeing a bunch of reviews for lots of brands from cheap to high end, this answered my questions. These were sitting in my Amazon cart, a brand I’d never heard of, but they seem to strike the balance between quality and cost I’m looking for. Thanks.
Did not wear them a lot over the winter, but ran in them yesterday and still surprised that there are still no rips a year later
My wife says to me , "what are you going to wear them to a wedding you never take them off". She's right i wear them all the time. I bought four different pairs of Whitin shoes. They all are quality, two are my favorites. This one and a black canvas one. All i ordered a half size up and glad i did.
Someone has to start the trend of wearing comfortable shoes to weddings, might as well be you :)
@@PaultheBackpacker ha ha, it is hard to go back to regular heeled shoe.
First day trying out my Whitin shoes and so far I'm loving them.
Awesome! and remember, if you want even more of a barefoot feel remove the insole :)
True to size??
A bunch of people have commented on the different videos saying they have purchased them and love them, nobody has mentioned that they weren't true to size:-)
@@PaultheBackpacker thanks Paul!
I will say yes - true to size.
I've been getting on well with my pair. Similar story with the wear on the toe area. I think I caught them on a rock at some point and there's a small tear right at the join with the sole but it doesn't seem to be getting any bigger. Frustrating that they're only available on Amazon but they're a very good entry point for people or a great option for people on a budget since barefoot style shoes can get prohibitively expensive.
Yep, only on amazon, not exactly a cottage manufacturer :)
I like these shoes so much , I bought a second pair, and when I go for a walk with the dog, I find my self running, never was able to do that in the past, it's actually very enjoyable.
Thanks for sharing! Glad to hear it!
Hello may I ask if they make you sprint faster?
@@Christs_Apologet yes, when I need too,
I have a job that requires me to wear heavy boots, but I have a pair of these and a pair of the Whitin canvas casual shoes as my day off/recovery shoes. I have worn them to work from time to time when I know I’m not going to be in a work boot required situation for the day, and they have performed wonderfully even on hard concrete floors, though I opt to leave the cushions in for that, seeing as the human foot is not designed to work on concrete. I wear them to do shopping with the wife, too. They are both holding up really well even two years later. I’ve spent more on shoes that don’t last nearly as well.
I find it do hard to wear work boots now. I now only wear them when I really need the steel toe like when chainsawing and chopping wood.
These are on my wish list.
But I’m loving my zero Alta trail shoes.
Plus, if I remember correctly, you got such a good darn good deal on those Altras :)
Thanks for this review, I saw your previous review on this shoe as well which ultimately led me to purchase it today..expecting it in a few days. For others that are looking to purchase: It looks like the price is now $36 instead of $33 but prices on Amazon fluctuate so maybe they'll go back down again. Every time I tried to order a size 8.5 it automatically changed it to size 9 and after complaining to Amazon about it, they just cancelled my order and said they'll look into it - so I ended up just ordering size 8 after reading a few reviews that said they runs large. Hopefully, size 8 fits well with socks on, I will update this comment after trying on the shoes.
Update: The size 8 feels a tiny bit small for me when I wear it with socks that have medium thickness but I think they'll stretch out a bit as well so not too concerned. I started by walking on the sidewalk with these for about half a mile, it felt a little awkward but I figured its because these are my first zero drop shoes. Later I took them to the dirt trail and ran about a mile. Initially felt weird but I just kept going and eased into it. TBH the other shoes I was running with were causing me pain and these caused no discomfort to me at all so I appreciated that. I have also been dealing with lower back pain so the first thing I noticed as soon as I took these off was how my posture seemed better and my back pain was basically gone (not completely but very minimal). There a chance that these shoes are a life changer and I am really looking forward to wearing them again. This is my initial reaction, so far so good! I'll update you guys again after a few more times of running with them.
Please do update when you get them!
Picked up a pair of Whitins after watching both of your videos - they worked out amazing... I then decided to try out the vivobarefoot primus lites since the whitins had been great and wanted a second pair of barefoot shoes for work. The vivos were terrible - toe area is super rigid, they're tight midfoot and loose at the ankle plus overall felt cheaper than the whitins. Its a shame as the ethos (minus the use of leather) and sustainability was something I aligned with but had to return them. Whitins will be my go to now. Long winded but thank you for the review mate!
Thanks for letting me know. Glad you like them!
Another great review. My Xero Prio’s just came in yesterday….but I’m thinking on saving those for longer miles….and getting a pair of these to “trash” on local trails, etc. I’m not “total zero” quite yet, but value your viewpoint…..obviously your experience speaks volumes when reviewing a product. I attempted a thru-hike of the AT, in Altras. I came off trail after three weeks. Simply, I love backpacking….but in my mid-60s and retired, I have too many other interests and pursuits to blow 6 months of my remaining years on a 2200 mile long “Petri dish” of human bacteria in the guise of a wild experience! (I am a retired federal wildlife law enforcement officer, and some of the things I saw people doing and acting….well, suffice it to say, I came off trail less enamored with THAT wild experience!). So now, I bicycle, run my Aussie, hike, kayak, etc….and am really getting back into the “zero experience”….even walking barefoot on my local (New England) rail trails. BTW, what do you think of that Vargo t-shirt you’re sporting? Mine, I found too hot for summer trekking. Another good video, amigo….Bravo-Zulu, sir. Take care!
The Vargo shirt is one of my favorite pieces of equipment. It's actually one of the first things I did a video of on this channel way way back. If you're in New England, you are probably in a place yesterday where it was wicked hot. I totally forgot to bring it for my run after work and had a regular t-shirt. By the time I was done that was just dripping off of me!
I have a pair of these. They are also great for long drives
Just recently I went on a long drive 6 hours out 6 hours back, and I wore some padded sneakers, because the back of my heel gets sore when I'm driving that long. Might just be the way I hold my foot, always happens! Also something I've always done, I wonder if now that I've been doing a whole lot more barefoot and minimalist shoes that it won't happen, I never end up taking a chance :-)
@paul your toe area with the sole delamination, get yourself a tube of E6000 glue, they use this for jewelry as well as a bunch of other applications, if you use the E6000 it holds the soles on really good. been doing this on my other running shoes for a while when the toe gets delaminated. I have a pair of Voovix Barefoot coming from amazon this week (similar design), hopefully it will hold up as well as yours.
I will check that out. Especially useful on my Altra sneakers which fall apart if you sneeze too hard.
@@PaultheBackpacker sharing is caring man, you gave your pros and cons after using these shoes for 6months. hopefully my voovix is going to hold up as well as yours. i had a pair of merells that scratched the back of my heel so i had to wear socks on that so it wasnt what the die-hard barefoot enthusiasts would suggest for a real BF experience.
seriously E6000 glues pretty much anything and it's been good for holding up the delaminating toes. hope it does the same for you as well specially when you have a trusty, comfy pair of footwear you dont want to throw away (or not yet)
Great. Video, again, and thanks for helping with this important subject! I’m a guy in transition ... less shoe, happier feet!
"Less shoe, happier feet." Some company will steal that from you :)
5:49 got me excited to run in these, i grew up on a ranch so of course barefoot a lot aha, but i haven’t ran barefoot in years, these will be my first pair of minimalists, i love to sprint so im excited to get that off the toe explosion without going towards a vibram trek ascent for 125
I just used them yesterday and finally found a weakness....downhill in the snow :)
@@PaultheBackpacker: 😂
I ended up here in the weirdest of a rabbit hole I guess. I'm interested. I ran barefoot through the fields and woods at home. I have circulation issues now and leg and foot pain. It is just hard to find that right pair. I hope something like these will allow me to go into the yard nearly barefoot. I have to watch for obstacles Like black walnuts, sticks and rocks. I'm a tender foot now I guess.
I just ordered these because I'm not a runner by any means, but I wanted to try out barefoot running shoes so I can donate my nikes that hurt my feet to try and get more into running. I went with the whitin because they're inexpensive and I figured it was a better choice than a bigger $100+ investment in some of the better known barefoot brands. Then I immediately got nervous for buying something so "cheap" so I really appreciate this review for making me feel better 😂
And I do recommend to go "more" barefoot, take the insole out of the shoe. The reality is, if you start with the assumption that we don't need shoes except protective or weather situations, all of the expense that we pay is just for extra stuff and marketing :-) obviously cheap could also mean they fall apart easily, but this particular model in the review is now lasted over a year with no issues. It still surprises me. They do sell a different type that's made with a different fabric on the uppers and that has gotten snags and tears, but not this one.
@@PaultheBackpacker I'm really hoping my adjustment to barefoot isn't too difficult as I've always worn shoes that are "traditionally" not supportive like converse and keds, and I'm barefoot at every single possible opportunity (even walking around the office at work) haha so I'm really excited to finally get into actual barefoot shoes and hopefully strengthen my feet even more. Thanks again for your great review!!
Sold too, just to walk and low joggin!
Great price, there a rip off in the UK, Got a pair coming, thanks for the video.
Without looking I can't remember when I posted this video, but I still can't believe mine are still going strong with no rips or tears. Parts of the sole are getting worn down, but even that is less than expected.
Just a month ago (Jan 2023) Whitin released a new running shoe that's zero drop, has a wide toe box, but has a bit more cushioning than their minimalist shoes. Which is just in time, for me. I'm enjoying the minimalist shoes I got from them - they're helping to fix some foot problems - but I'm old, and too new to barefoot shoes to be able to walk very far in them yet. The new model with a bit more cushioning will give me something to wear for long walks while I gradually increase the time I can wear the minimalist shoes.
I’m caught in the strange middle ground between steel toe work boots and zero drop barefoot shoes. I love classic boots but now every time I wear them I feel like my feet are skipping a workout
I've gotten to the point where the only time I wear my boots it's when I'm using a chainsaw, other than that all my old sneakers go into the beater category and I wear them all doing my work until they are shredded :-) actually considering selling couple of my steel toe work boots on eBay, don't hipsters want to buy stuff like that to make themselves look like they're actually doing some real work:-)
@@PaultheBackpacker haha yep. You could probably sell the used ones for more than if they were brand new
I've been wearing a barefoot style shoe all summer, but transitioned to some other winter shoes and boots (minnesota). I hate it...totally getting foot cramps and my toes always seem curled up. Thanks for the review because I'm slowly transitioning to all barefoot after my experience.
I haven't found the perfect solution for the winter but I do have a big old pair of Sorel's that are comfy :-)
@@PaultheBackpacker I'm pondering some old school Steger muk luks, but those are definitely not budget! They say they last a long time, so probably worth it!
I've been searching for a shoe to fit just right for 10 plus years, I am also a size 15 4E, but still every shoe I try is too narrow. So who knows, my size is probably much wider. I just ordered these in all black, hoping these are the ones!
Great video! Was looking to buy these and found your review.
I’ve always read about transitioning from traditional running shoes to minimals.
I have however received a Nike Pegasus 37 as a gift and for the first time in more than a decade, I’ve tried wearing a traditional running shoe. My usuals are minimalist shoes and my thickest shoe would be the Nike Free 5.0.
Having used the Pegasus for a few times, I’ve noticed heel discomfort on one foot. I’m not sure if it’s coincidence, or my foot not being used to the large stack height and drop of the shoe.
Any thoughts on this?
Two thoughts....
First is that your feet are pounding harder to get that input. It has been shown that when you put on shoes with more cushion and then go "barefoot" you get the same amount of impact. Going from barefoot to cushion your feet are probably looking for that input and pushing harder to get it.
Second is that maybe your foot is working harder to stay stable and you are pushing harder to be more stable. Think about running across a bed. You don't actually step lighter, because the surface is not stable you push down to find that stability.
Let's throw in a third...when you put on a shoe with a heel you probably started heel striking in a way that you previously did not. It is really hard not to!
My best three guesses :) I think the video right before this one has the differences between something like a Nike and a "barefoot" minimalist shoe. There could be all sorts of things in the Nike from arch support to the heel cup that is throwing off your more natural stride and foot strike.
@@PaultheBackpacker I did think of number 3 being an issue, but great insights on number 1 and 2! Thanks for the information.
and Hello from Singapore. Was in the US end of 2019. Missing the great outdoors there
Hey Paul, thank you for this video 🙏
I am right in the transition, wearing minimal, zero-drop-shoes and have one question:
Do you also try to use the front-strike-technique when just WALKING, or only when running? I find it difficult to use the front of my foot when just walking - while running, it's much easier to me.
Thank you! 😊
I struggle with that as well. I am down to more of a whole foot strike when I walk :) I run on rocky twisty trails and "barefoot style" is super simple. The flatter and smoother the surface the more I kick back into heel strike. Bob Saxton (sp?) explains barefoot running as using a similar motion to riding a bicycle. When I think of that when walking a heel strike less.
Walk on your mid foot, your stride will shorten to compensate. Walking on your heel will give you some pain. You will get used to what feels natural.
The outside edge of your mid foot naturally hits the ground first, then your toes, then your heel if you grew up walking barefoot. That outside edge is naturally well padded. So give that a try -
If they made these with vibram quality sole they'd be the best shoe around
I’ve worn zero drop for years so thats not an issue. Its trying to figure out how to wear something like this with no cushion under a load, such as a 20-25lb backpack, I’d like to get there.
Check out the comment thread from @antigroundhogday on this video, I wrote a little about the cushioning with a backpack in response to their same thoughts
GREAT VIDEO, WHAT KIND OF INSOLES WOULD YOU RECCOMEND FOR THESE SHOES TO USE INSTAEAD OF THE YELLOW ONES WITH THE ARCH SUPPORT PROVIDED? I JUST SUBSCRIBED TOO !
I wear them without any and insole, and it really gives you a Barefoot sort of feel.
I had to relearn how to walk in these and I discovered that most of my aches and pains went away.
That is awesome Tom!
Thanks for the videos and your insightful, detailed, and articulate thoughts! This really helped me make a decision about whether I wanna buy these, and let me just say that I admire your no-frills style, which really lets your passion for these shoes and your chosen lifestyle come through. However, I do have one piece of constructive criticism if you'll allow it:
Your apparent disdain for "non-American" or "overseas brands" is rather off-putting and jarring. I'm sorry if that sounds harsh, but you have an international audience on this platform, and I would invite you to reconsider this "American brands are superior" sort of mentality which comes through noticeably, albeit subtly, in this video. Vibram, which is pretty much the pioneer of barefoot shoes and whose soles are/were used by Xero Shoes as well, is an Italian brand-not an American one. So that just goes to show that innovation and excellent products can come from anywhere in the world, and we're all better off embracing that idea rather than fighting it. :)
I hear you, and I think I need to be more thoughtful with my words. Let me try to add some context....and without going back and re-listening to the video.
What I am referring to is not that international brands are inherently inferior or less innovative. One of my favorite backpacks is made in Vietnam, my sleeping bag is made in China, and I am looking at a bivy being made in India. What I am referring to is the stuff that is made over seas that are "knock-offs" or things that are made with corners cut that lead to inferior quality. For example, this shoe is made by a company that has no "storefront," is an version of a cheap shoe made by many other Chinese companies who seemingly just change brand names on it, and they literally take other company's advertising and rebrand it as their own. They have taken Altra marketing information and added their words, and have wanted to take my video with no compensation. It is kind of like when you buy a pair of shoes at Walmart they last a fraction of the time that a reputable brand would last. That does not mean inherently that the shoes are "bad," I suppose one can say that the Chinese innovation has led to a manufacturing process that has led to millions of American gaining the ability to buy cheap shoes. Not sure if it was innovation or refusal to follow the most basic of environmental laws and workers rights :) But manufacturing will always move to where it is cheaper...
I also have a back pack that I would refer to as a "Chinese made" backpack. Around here, I think that people would know that means a cheap knock off. Yes it was dirt cheap, but it will not last nearly as long as my other backpacks. I can see every corner has been cut. I have a "Chinese made" puffy jacket. Yes I was able to get a jacket that I can use in the winter, but geez, every corner was cut and I am afraid that every time I use the zipper it will be the last.
Almost every time I but one of those products I regret the purchase. Do I wish I could walk down to my local store and buy a pair and keep my money local? You bet. Do I wish whatever glue or rubber Whiten used on the shoes for my last pair did not take three months to gas off? You bet :)
So I am not necessarily saying "American brands are superior," but I have found almost every cottage brand (US or Overseas) to be superior to the cheaper imports, and almost every "brand name" product to be superior to the cheap overseas knock-offs even if the name brand product is made over seas...and probably in the same factories.
I get the economics of it...if you want to compete on a wade scale you are usually not making things locally and give up some quality. My favorite boots ever were Asolos made in Romania. When they moved production out of Romania the same boot went from getting stellar reviews reviews to horrible ones.
I fear that trying to write my comment in a tiny UA-cam box over the course of a couple hours while trying to do some other things probably has not resulted in the most coherent thoughts, but I do hear what you said, appreciate you taking the time to point it out, and will be more careful with my words in future videos. Thanks!
Do your toes actually slide into anything like the vibrams or the Fila skele toes? My filas finally died on me and saw these too and I like how the filas/vibrams slide in so your foot doesn't slide around in there
If it doesn't fit into anything unless specifically made for extra-wide where has a wide foot box, so I've never even bothered to try the Vibrams. I haven't read a single thing that would lead me to believe I would fit into them! I also don't find my foot slipping around at all in these. Again, I have taken out the insole, and have not had any issues with sliding.
I'm a Pilates trainer, so I normally workout barefoot, although I wear "standard" trainers for my walking/jogging outdoors. What smooth transition do you recommend when switching to these shoes for active outdoor activities considering I'm still wearing normal trainers on daily basis
What I did is just slowly build up my walking/running time in them. Right now with spring coming, I kind of start the process again, not from scratch but don't put in the same number of miles I would in the middle of the summer. So this week I've run only a couple of miles a day in them. I do wear a pair when I'm at work so not starting from zero, but definitely I would not just go out for super long hike or run right now. I think one of the key things is to not go far enough and then to the point where you get tired and your form starts to change. You want to make sure that you are still using a Barefoot form and not over-striding. I know that I took a hike at the beginning of last spring that was around 16 miles and I was in so much pain. Once I start getting tired I start to overstride and do more heel striking. So not the best advice! I just simply go slow, and see where your pain is the next day:-) figure out what your limit is and slowly push it. I think one thing that helps with my transition is that I wear them every single day, so don't just wear a Barefoot shoe for working out or training, but anytime you throw on a pair of shoes make it barefoot, Zero Drop, no cushioning :-) that might be the first phase, just doing that for a couple of weeks and then slowly start working them into your training.
I had to take a dremel and soften those lugs down on the top front. They caused me to trip while trail running twice in one day. I never do that. Softening those lugs down seems to have fixed the problem.
Wondering if the tripping is not due to the front lugs but just simply how your running style has changed because you're not going heel-toe anymore.
@@PaultheBackpacker I wouldn't say so. I have been running minimal for awhile now. I never have tripped while trail running and it was twice within 10 minutes on their maiden run. If you look at it from the side. The lugs literally look like they are made to bite from the opposite direction on the top and front. I took a dremel and softened them down so they tapered and would slide off roots. Seemed to have fixed the biting on roots. And I"m sure part of it is my poor form. :) lol
Thanks for the review - I like barefoot shoes because anything with padding (especially on the heel) gets ripped into shreds in three months. So if you buy $100+ major brand shoes that is painful. How is the lacing part? I have very high arches so many shoes do not fit because of the low opening on top.
Not sure, but I can't get my feet into shoes because they are so wide and can get into these. There is quite a bit of stretch.
@@PaultheBackpacker Thanks Paul - I have a very wide feet too. Good to know. Watching your Xero vid now. Cheers.
the one with the velcro on top, would you feel they'd hold up well cutting the laces out and using just the Velcro strap?
Bizarre that you ask that question today! They are the pair I keep at work. I ride a motorcycle when I get to work I change into them, and then leave them there at night. Today when I was taking them off just a couple of hours ago, I thought to myself those laces are so loose and I've never been tightening them so maybe I don't even need them! Short answer, at least going up and down the stairs and all over work I have not needed them at all, but I do have a very big wide foot which might be enough to keep them tight on me.
Should also add that the pair with the velcro, does run a little bit more narrow than the other pair that I reviewed that that matters. And I am wearing them without the insole to get more space. With the insole, not so sure if I would have kept the version with velcro.
I've been enjoying the Merrell Bare Access XTR backpacking in your same area/terrain. For me, they give just enough cushioning and lightness. With your Whitens, would you wear them on a four or five day backpacking trip with a loaded pack? a friend of mine has similar shoes and he makes the distinction that they are great for day hikes, but over many miles and perhaps also carrying much weight on his back he would prefer a little more cushion. Just curious, the price is certainly right.
You could wear them on Multi days, it just depends on how in shape your feet and legs are. I've worn my Xero sandals which are thinner than these on multi-day backpacking trips. My feet are still sore at the end, it's not necessarily because of the shoe, it's still because my feet and legs are getting stronger even despite years of using them. These I have worn on probably at least ten 2 day trips, no more than 10 miles each day with no problems. I also wear them without the insole, the insole on these add quite a bit of cushion.
And I wish some research existed to put to rest the question about if you have a loaded pack you need more cushy shoes. Research is clear that if you wear cushioning you have greater load impact when your foot hits the ground. Your foot tries to push through the cushioning to get to the ground. So translating that to backpacking, now your foot is trying to push to the ground and it has a load. Seems like it would be worse. To the user it would not feel as bad a "barefoot" because the actual base of the foot is being protected, but the jolt to the rest of the body would be there. I know with me any "soreness" that I incur comes from getting tired and losing my barefoot stride. It is still not ingrained in me. I think for most people who wear minimalist shoes are still not using a true barefoot stride and that is what causes the pain/soreness over the miles which then gets blames on the shoes. I certainly did that until I did more research, just "practiced" more, and had more years of strengthening to back up my stride.
@@PaultheBackpacker I can't say that I have thought of this as much as you, I've only been drawn to more minimal shoes because the gram weenie and me likes the lower weight. But it's kind of a chicken or the egg thing... Are my feet sore because they're just not used to it the way we used to walk a million years ago or are my feet sore because holy hell they're getting the crap kicked out of them? as for how the additional weight of a loaded up pack would play into the equation, would it be natural to want more cushioning on my feet if I have an "unnaturally" heavy load on my back? I'm not sure. I'm in Fairfield county. If you'd ever like to grab a day hike or an overnight, let me know. And thank you for the content, I follow a whole foods plant-based diet and when I got back into backpacking my first worry was "how the heck am I going to eat healthy on the trail, and is it going to weigh more than a traditional diet?". Haha
Here is what I found going from big ol boots to barefoot/minimalist. I did kick the crap out of my feet when wearing boots because I could. I could walk on anything, jump onto anything, throw my feet between rocks, etc....when I changed I really had also change my mindset. The first big one that made the most enormous difference was to just take smaller steps. That's it. You will hear this with ultra runners down to barefoot walkers. Just turning over your feet more often directly underneath you makes all the difference. There is a bunch of people in CT watching the videos, we need to set up a trail day the fall :) I will get you all using bidets by the end of the trip!
@@PaultheBackpacker sounds good! You can find me on backpackinglight. :)
I’m confused .. I bot these shoes.
How can grounding shoes have rubber soles? Rubber is an insulator.
Any idea ? Thanks
I might have misspoke if I said that these shoes were grounding shoes, without going back and listening to the video I'm not sure. You are right you would have to have leather soled shoes or go barefoot.
Do you think these will be good for the city (concrete sidealks primarily)? I live in Chicago & am looking for barefoot shoes. Plenty of knee & ankle problems in my lifetime got me looking for every solution
While I don't often wear mine around casual walking besides work, I did wear them walking around Miami Beach and they were great :) Would just require a transition if you are wearing regular style shoes. I also wear mine without the insole, with the insole you get a bit more cushion.
Do they run large? I was thinking of going a size up to account for foot swell but then I read a review that said they feel like a size up already.
Based on most of the comments on the videos I posted about them it seems like most people just buy their normal size.
Great video, do you recommend buying the a size or two larger like most trail shoes?
That's a loaded question :) I think if you are buying a minimalist shoe that already has room for your feet you are not going to find the need to size up. The reality is that for most people even shoes that "fit" are too small, or at least the wrong shape. So it is not necessarily that you need bigger shoes for hiking, you need bigger shoes for life to allow your feet to spread out like they do on long hikes. So sizing up might be where you always need to be....or eventually get to. Remember, I am not a doctor, I only played one in a 5th grade play :) I know someone commenting said that after reading lots of reviews the shoe tends to run large. I did not find that to be true, but I have huge wide feet. One thing you can do at this price, is to get your size, and then mess around by taking the insole out. They will instantly feel like you sized up and give you a much more "barefoot" feel. If you are not used to shoes like this it will be a very different experience without the insole but worth it.
@@PaultheBackpacker That makes sense
@@PaultheBackpacker so if I've narrow feet and not wide toe box which should I get? Thanks
Not sure how they would fit for narrow feet.
I'm waiting for mine to arrive. I'm hoping I like them because the price of the Merrell, Xeros, New Balance, Vivo equivalents are so overpriced it's an insult to their customers.
I like my minimalist shoes. I started with the dollar store water shoes to a seekway minimalist shoes. Conditioning myself using a water shoes felt like the world I live in is my home. Now I've been wearing them since half a year and I am experiencing tears on my inner soles. Is there anyway I can ask on amazon for replacement for my seekway minimalist shoes?
Also there is this minimalist shoes called Feiyue shoes both on Amazon and ebay for cheap price. This is for the people who are into a movement training culture, however they are great casual shoes and also minimalist shoes. You can get them without the logo but the price is going to get higher. Otherwise they are great shoes.
Not after a year!
Good review thanks. How's the sizing again? If you're 43 usually, you've to order 42.5?
I'm a size 15, I ordered size 15, it fits!
@@PaultheBackpacker did you removed the insole? thanks for your help, I'm gonna order a pair hehe
hello, would you say these are okay for regular street running?
Last time I did any kind of Street running was when I visited some relatives over the summer and then just a few days on the road with sandals so I really don't have much experience running on pavement!. Any minimalist shoe would be fine for Road running as long as you have proper form. I know it's winter, but I highly recommend trying just to go barefoot first if you haven't already, I think especially on the road it is even more important to have a proper barefoot running style. These also have a somewhat chunky tread pattern, they are not smooth at all like a more traditional role road sole
How is for rain condition?
Thanks for the video
I've had no issues with them in the rain, or after they get soaked but just lots of dew on the grass. They are not the lightest shoe especially when they get wet, but you can't beat them for the price. Specifically the one that is in this video, and not some of the other styles that they sell.
Do you wear socks? If not, do the shoes get smelly quickly? how do you clean the shoes? Thanks for the video
After a year plus, all my shoes would be stinky, so far these are not. Nowadays I only wear these for short runs three to four times a week and I do not wear socks. I know that if I go longer like 6 to 10 mile hike, I will get a blister without socks. As for cleaning the shoes, I've never done anything to them to clean them. I also don't wear them with the insole, so I'm not sure if that helps with the stink :-)
I’ve only used these a handful of times. Very comfortable but you do feel every rock underneath. Nothing uncomfortable or anything but I find that I go slower during tough hikes. I am debating if I should wear them for my long hikes which are very rocky but scared to try it. Have you or anyone else tried these shoes on hikes that are 10+ miles, rated hard?
Yes to long hikes. Weird suggestion...take the insole out. You will feel more which will change how you walk. You will take smaller, more careful steps landing more on the middle of your foot. The other thing is that if you have only worn shoes with cushioning, you feet are totally desensitized. You're feeling things for the first time :) you get used to it and adjust. And then you can put the insoles back in.
@@PaultheBackpacker Thank you for the advice! I do go slower because I feel every step but my feet feel better overall compared to my regular trail runners. Will definitely try it without the insoles for shorter hikes. Thanks again!
Would anyone recommend these for a spartan race 5k ?
Not totally familiar with Spartan races, but I think you would want something with more traction, more lateral stability, and something you could strap/lace on without any possibility of popping off. I did a muddy trail race last year and did not consider wearing these.
i have been using these for several months and this is all i wear. wife bought a pair but tired of seeing them even in bed. have gone over these videos again and i always hit heels first. am i walking correctly with them or should i try something else. by the way, no wear at all and i do alot of pavement.
Best thing I would say is to go outside and walk Barefoot On Pavement. You'll still might go heel-toe but what you'll find is that your steps probably get a lot shorter. The other thing you can do is take out the insole in those shoes and go for a walk on pavement. I think you'll find the same thing happening. As long as you have that cushioning in there, you're going to keep that's tried that has a strong heel strike first. In a couple of days I should have my year-and-a-half review posted on these shoes. They are still going strong!
Im trying as hard as i can to find a shoe that has a knit/sock like upper and is also zero drop /barefoot shoe. I HATE a stiff back part behind my heel. Do you know any shoes like this? Thanks!(i was using nike free rn flyknits) now in trying merrell vapor glove 5s
That's what these shoes are like. Just a fabric upper, there is zero drop, and I wear them without the insole which really gives you a Barefoot feel.
@@PaultheBackpacker yeah but the current flyknit nike i was wearing is legit like knit i mean you can see through it and feel wind through it. I mean its a hair more than a sock
Ahhh, these are not that thin. Maybe just try going the sandal route. Xeros, Deliberate Life, etc
@@PaultheBackpacker yeah thats another issue i despise sandals lol especially between the toe ones etc i really just want to find another knit socklike upper on some zero drop soles with a wide toe box...o guess the search continues haha.
How is the sizing on these shoes? I'm a 10.5 and they only have 10 or 11.
The 15s were pretty accurate for me. Not sure if it was on this video or the other one on these shoes, but some other people left comments about sizing.
Hi what is name of this specific model
I don't think there's a specific model, I'm sure there's a certain number for it, but if you look in the description there's a link that should lead right to the one that I showed in the video. And then from there if you click on the little icons underneath, it should lead you to to different colors. Also, I think it was the very last video that I posted is the 18-month update on the shoe if you want to see how they're holding up after that amount of time.
What’s the weight of the shoes please?
12oz/348g but that is for size 15 When you see a weight listed for a shoe it is usually for size 9 mens. That is without the insole, not sure exactly where the insole went to.....but I wear them without.
how do these shoes breathe and do they dry out relatively fast?
Might not be a good answer, but since I have never thought about them being hot then I am going to go with they are breathable. I have worn them all summer, hiking running, shopping, and never thought that my feet were hot. They do feel a bit warmer on the bottom of my foot without the insole...makes sense since foot is directly on whatever material is underneath it and not meant to wick away sweat but not something that is close to a deal breaker for me..
Drying...this is going to sound crazy, but it has been so dry here and I can't even remember the lasttime I got them wet. I have worn them for months and only once or twice got them soaked and since I was home just threw on another pair of shoes so never paid attention to drying. I wear them without the insole. I do think I remember that the insole took longer than normal to dry out. There is just not much to the uppers so your foot heat would dry it out and can't imagine they would even absorb much to begin with.
@@PaultheBackpacker in your first 30 days video you mentioned them getting "wicked hot" under certain conditions, but it seems in your longer term usage with them that this isn't a real issue. It's been abnormally dry where I live, too, but I'm guessing these are going to dry out faster than the hiking shoes from which I'll be transitioning (merrel moab 2 vents). Thanks!
Huh...without looking I can't remember when I published it. But I think I was probably reacting to wearing them without the insoles and I often wear them without socks. So that rubbery sorta material under the insole would act somewhat like a vapor barrier lining. I wonder if because this video reflects me wearing them more in the summer when I am just over all hot that it is not noticeable, and the first video reflect when I wore them in February (?) so more noticeable.
Does this shoe get rid/fix narrow feet?
Nope :)
Why would narrow feet need fixing? Or do you mean busted feet? Two very different things.
I have feet with very narrow heels and the only thing wrong is that I have never found footwear that accommodates them. "Narrow" shoes usually mean they just squeeze the toe area which is not where I need shoes to be narrow.
I recieved mine today and find my toes are eaqually crammed in. Im really disapointed. I thought they would provide room for my feet to spread. They absolutely dont.
Are they like the ones in the video or the nylon uppers? Try taking the insole out. That's how I wore mine.
Do you size up with this shoe?
Someone else asked a similar question and I wrote..."That's a loaded question :) I think if you are buying a minimalist shoe that already has room for your feet you are not going to find the need to size up. The reality is that for most people even shoes that "fit" are too small, or at least the wrong shape. So it is not necessarily that you need bigger shoes for hiking, you need bigger shoes for life to allow your feet to spread out like they do on long hikes. So sizing up might be where you always need to be....or eventually get to. Remember, I am not a doctor, I only played one in a 5th grade play :) I know someone commenting said that after reading lots of reviews the shoe tends to run large. I did not find that to be true, but I have huge wide feet. One thing you can do at this price, is to get your size, and then mess around by taking the insole out. They will instantly feel like you sized up and give you a much more "barefoot" feel. If you are not used to shoes like this it will be a very different experience without the insole but worth it."
Wow size 15, how tall are you?
6 foot :)
@@PaultheBackpacker 🍆
Arch support?!? We don't need no stinking arch support!!!
No stinking arch support. What is amazing is when you read why people need arch support the arguments usually are for reasons that stem from weaknesses caused by arch support :) Just like arch in a building, you want a string sturdy base at each end not in the middle. If the base on either end was built on sand, the arch still collapses, kind of like throwing all that cushion under your heels and ball of foot!
@@PaultheBackpacker Yep! Use it or lose it.
are these shoes good on pavement?
The closest I have ever come to pavement is walking in parking lots. I did wear them to work every day...tile floor :) I don't see why they would not be good, they do have a tread that would be mush more aggressive than a normal road shoe.
If you don't use these on pavement or concrete, could you recommend a pair of reasonably priced minimalist/barefoot shoes for running on those harder surfaces? Or do you think one could use them as "urban running shoes" as well, nonetheless?
I don't only because I don't have access to run on pavement. There is no reason why you could not use these. I have done pavement with thin sandals.
@@PaultheBackpacker Currently, I'm running completely barefoot. But slowly but surely, winter approaches which can get very uncomfortable with the nasty, aggressive stuff they throw on the streets and sidewalks when it gets too cold ;). And since the soles of the Whitin shoes are a little more sturdy, I thought that's probably a reason why it's not recommendable (fore purists) on asphalt and such. That's why I asked. But if you say it's possible, all the better, I guess :). Thanks for your reply!
I would say that your knee issues are actually from your neck being out of alignment. If you can find a good chiropractor in your area that help you with this, it would be the second vertebrae down. If you feel for tenderness on the right side of your neck up pretty high, this would confirm my suspicions of this issue. Sometimes this subluxation occurs during childbirth, especially of those taken with forceps. I hope this helps, nonetheless very gratified by your discussion of the benefits of earthing and walking either barefoot or more naturally to the extent possible. Thank you for your videos.
When I was having issues I've been to a couple of chiropractors and they never found any issues or did anything that helped. The only thing that ever helped was switching to the minimalist shoes, going barefoot, and changing my gate.
"Barefoot" design is a much better way to describe this type of footwear rather than minimalist which rarely means anything close to reality the way people throw that word around.
Reason why I would use minimalist with this is because once you take the insole out, it's just basically a thin piece of rubber between you and the ground. As soon as you have that between you and the ground, you kind of automatically change how you walk and run when compared to being truly barefoot.
@@PaultheBackpacker A very well done review on your part.
Thank you! I think the last video that was posted was the 18-month update!
Those shoes are better than feiyue shoes
The research into both sides of the of the arch support thing is dubious. Both sides are paid for by different shoe companies trying to sell different kinds of shoes.
The minimalist shoe thing is just based on one guy who came up with the idea and tested it on himself. Then people all just took his word for it because it sounds like it makes sense.
The argument against it is that your toes have to work against the cushion which actually means a well cushioned shoe will strengthen your foot more. Which also sounds like it makes sense.
The bottom line is that if you have pain you should see a doctor and not just believe what a shoe company tells you.
I understand what you are saying. All I know is that zero drop shoes have taken away my knee pain, back pain and helped me in countless ways. I think the key is to try both and see what works best for the individual person.
@@todd92371 I'm glad you found something that works for you. My limited understanding is that zero drop moves a lot of the stress to the front of your foot and down to your achilles while it takes some stress off your knees and calves.
I mostly don't like people saying "Just look it up, it's better." when there's actually not definitive research either way. All the proponents of barefoot running love to give you the same regurgitated lines about modern shoes messing up your feet, but no one tells you where that information came from, and if you actually try to find it, it's almost impossible.
Too many people fall for the counter culture movent without actually considering where it comes from.
@@kenhagen6122 I agree with you. I have always had a problem just buying into a source saying, "Do this... or this is the right way". That is why there are scientific journal articles and personal experiences. My buddy does the coolest thing with his kids. He makes them look at 6 different sources for a supposed fact. They then discuss the differing opinions and he helps them to come to their own conclusions. Happy trails to you Ken!!!!
Feet used to be hands.
…”I’m not going to argue arch support”…….. commences to argue his side…..
I have these shoes... My first pair of zero drop/minimalist and they are awesome.
So many issues I was having have gone away. For the price of these, I'm damned impressed.
Theyd be worth it at nearly twice the price.
The last video I posted was the 18 month update. They are still going strong!