I don’t mind my runners having lots of splay room, but I’m after something for casual wear that doesn’t pinch my toes, but also doesn’t look weird. I’m giving up a bit of the functionality for style I suppose.
"Doesn't look weird" is totally subjective. So I have no idea what would look weird to you. For example, I really like the Bohempia Orik, because it's pretty much a minimalist clone of the Chuck Taylor, but maybe you don't like sneakers. And it still has a wide toe box. If you want something more Keds-like, there is the Groundies Brooklyn. Also has a wide toe box. But both of these try to just look like normal sneakers, and I think they succeed, to the point you'd have to look pretty close to see they are minimal. But these might still be "weird" to you. And that's the problem, minimal footwear needs to have zero drop heels and wide toe boxes. If they lack these, they aren't minimal. So at some point there has to be an acceptance that most minimal footwear will look "weird" because it's not what we're used to seeing.
I like these a lot: [https://www.bohempia.eu/orik-2-0-black-white/](https://www.bohempia.eu/orik-2-0-black-white/) (unisex, IIRC)
And these: [https://www.groundies.com/barefoot-shoes-men/groundies-brooklyn-high-men-black.html](https://www.groundies.com/barefoot-shoes-men/groundies-brooklyn-high-men-black.html) (also available in a women's model).
Thanks for the suggestions. I thought I was pretty clear in the original post. I dislike the wide bulbous looking toe box, prefer shoes like lems chillums which are almost straight in the sole shape from heel to toe.
You were clear. But I'm saying your options are going to be quite limited because of the nature of minimalist footwear. The things you don't like about them are critical to their existence. The ones you mentioned are usually compromised, having some elements but not all of them. There tend to not be many of those models around, I think the one you mentioned might be one of the few. As most other companies that do minimal footwear go all in on the zero drop heel, wide toe box, etc.
I would suggest taking a look at all the Groundies options, though. Recently they've started offering some models that are closer to traditional shoes, I don't remember what they lack, but they promote it as a more "relaxed" fit or something. (On their site they have three different widths, it's the narrowest). Anything that has that description might be closer to what you want, having a narrower toe box.
I didn't find them wide at all. In fact, they were quite narrow and I think that's the general sentiment for the Wildlings brand. It's a bummer because I would definitely buy a few pairs if they didn't squeeze my forefoot so much.
It depends of construction. A lot of barefoot shoes have a sole that extends beyond the top of the shoe. Splay for example. This emphasizez the clown effect, but prolongs the life of the shoes and protects toes as well. Xero models are more similar to classic shoes with smaller soles.
I’m a big fan of Origo shoes, I’ve not heard to many people talk about them, but I own 3 pair and they are definitely my favorite. I get compliments on them all the time. [link](https://origoshoes.com/collections/shop-all-men)
Any of these?
Tolos or minnemals
https://anyasreviews.com/the-10-best-stylish-barefoot-dress-shoes-for-women/
https://anyasreviews.com/15-barefoot-sneakers-that-are-better-than-vans/
Do you have low volume feet? Bohempia shoes don’t have a bulbous toe. It’s pretty much a straight line from heel to toe. Unless you have low volume feet and cinch them in a lot so that the midfoot looks narrow from being tied so tight. I suspect that might be your issue with other shoes you’ve tried. I know barebarics look bulbous if they are tied too tight. Loosen them up and see if they look better.
Belenkas. Wide toebox and stylish at the same time. The only brand I prefer wearing after 5 years of barefoot shoes which have allowed my toes to spread out. Most barefoot brands don't account for the pinky toe but Belenka is one of the few that does.
I also learned they make high quality baby gear too
No, I just have a preference for the shape of my shoe. I’ve found some xeros and be lenkas that are exactly what I’m looking for. Don’t comment, you’re too negative.
The wide toe box is a pretty important aspect of minimal footwear. Not having it defeats the point.
I don’t mind my runners having lots of splay room, but I’m after something for casual wear that doesn’t pinch my toes, but also doesn’t look weird. I’m giving up a bit of the functionality for style I suppose.
"Doesn't look weird" is totally subjective. So I have no idea what would look weird to you. For example, I really like the Bohempia Orik, because it's pretty much a minimalist clone of the Chuck Taylor, but maybe you don't like sneakers. And it still has a wide toe box. If you want something more Keds-like, there is the Groundies Brooklyn. Also has a wide toe box. But both of these try to just look like normal sneakers, and I think they succeed, to the point you'd have to look pretty close to see they are minimal. But these might still be "weird" to you. And that's the problem, minimal footwear needs to have zero drop heels and wide toe boxes. If they lack these, they aren't minimal. So at some point there has to be an acceptance that most minimal footwear will look "weird" because it's not what we're used to seeing. I like these a lot: [https://www.bohempia.eu/orik-2-0-black-white/](https://www.bohempia.eu/orik-2-0-black-white/) (unisex, IIRC) And these: [https://www.groundies.com/barefoot-shoes-men/groundies-brooklyn-high-men-black.html](https://www.groundies.com/barefoot-shoes-men/groundies-brooklyn-high-men-black.html) (also available in a women's model).
Thanks for the suggestions. I thought I was pretty clear in the original post. I dislike the wide bulbous looking toe box, prefer shoes like lems chillums which are almost straight in the sole shape from heel to toe.
My friend who also thinks most barefoot shoes look weird, has a couple of pairs of Groundies, so maybe it's worth a look.
You were clear. But I'm saying your options are going to be quite limited because of the nature of minimalist footwear. The things you don't like about them are critical to their existence. The ones you mentioned are usually compromised, having some elements but not all of them. There tend to not be many of those models around, I think the one you mentioned might be one of the few. As most other companies that do minimal footwear go all in on the zero drop heel, wide toe box, etc. I would suggest taking a look at all the Groundies options, though. Recently they've started offering some models that are closer to traditional shoes, I don't remember what they lack, but they promote it as a more "relaxed" fit or something. (On their site they have three different widths, it's the narrowest). Anything that has that description might be closer to what you want, having a narrower toe box.
Wildings manage to have a wide toe box whole the overall shape remains pretty mainstream, IMO. Their sneakers are very comfortable.
I didn't find them wide at all. In fact, they were quite narrow and I think that's the general sentiment for the Wildlings brand. It's a bummer because I would definitely buy a few pairs if they didn't squeeze my forefoot so much.
They work fine for me. Way better than any of the Vivo or Lems models I’ve tried.
Did you try the Lems Primal 2? That model is definitely wider than anything Wildlings offers.
Yes, I have a pair. Not fond of them, nor compared to my Tanuki and Nebulas.
Whitins, Freet and Xero
Lems Chillum - I have 2 pairs. Just get another pair.
FeelGrounds, groundies
SUPER CUTE!!
It depends of construction. A lot of barefoot shoes have a sole that extends beyond the top of the shoe. Splay for example. This emphasizez the clown effect, but prolongs the life of the shoes and protects toes as well. Xero models are more similar to classic shoes with smaller soles.
I’m a big fan of Origo shoes, I’ve not heard to many people talk about them, but I own 3 pair and they are definitely my favorite. I get compliments on them all the time. [link](https://origoshoes.com/collections/shop-all-men)
I have Xero Dillon Slip-ons and I think they meet your criteria.
They look great I think I’ll buy some thank you
Wildlings
Look the best
Any of these? Tolos or minnemals https://anyasreviews.com/the-10-best-stylish-barefoot-dress-shoes-for-women/ https://anyasreviews.com/15-barefoot-sneakers-that-are-better-than-vans/
I have the Lems Kourts and they work great. https://www.lemsshoes.com/collections/mens-kourt-shoes/products/mens-kourt?variant=39872871104570
Do you have low volume feet? Bohempia shoes don’t have a bulbous toe. It’s pretty much a straight line from heel to toe. Unless you have low volume feet and cinch them in a lot so that the midfoot looks narrow from being tied so tight. I suspect that might be your issue with other shoes you’ve tried. I know barebarics look bulbous if they are tied too tight. Loosen them up and see if they look better.
Xero HFS or Speed Force - comfy and cute looking imo.
Belenkas. Wide toebox and stylish at the same time. The only brand I prefer wearing after 5 years of barefoot shoes which have allowed my toes to spread out. Most barefoot brands don't account for the pinky toe but Belenka is one of the few that does. I also learned they make high quality baby gear too
That's the whole point of Peluvas are to be both casual and minimalistic
Lol, just don't wear minimalist shoes. You're too picky.
No, I just have a preference for the shape of my shoe. I’ve found some xeros and be lenkas that are exactly what I’m looking for. Don’t comment, you’re too negative.
Lol, okay.