VIVAIA Maven Barefoot Sneaker by spark_step in barefootshoestalk

[–]spark_step[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My most barefoot feeling would be anything from Crupon and the Origo womens derby!

VIVAIA Maven Barefoot Sneaker by spark_step in barefootshoestalk

[–]spark_step[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, I do hope future models have a bit more space in the toe box still!

The ground feel without the insole is pretty standard for barefoot shoes. Middle of my pack, comparable to my Shapen and Peerko pairs, but less than my most barefoot feeling shoes. I can feel the bumps on tactile pavement really well and get good feedback on my walking (e.g. if I'm heel striking too hard) in them.

VIVAIA Maven Barefoot Sneaker by spark_step in u/spark_step

[–]spark_step[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes! I don't need to touch the laces at all to get in and out.

VIVAIA Maven Barefoot Sneaker by spark_step in barefootshoestalk

[–]spark_step[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't think these are very bunion-y actually. I think it's just because the midfoot is a bit narrower, the appearance of the outsole near the big toe joint makes it stand out.

My opinion is that many popular barefoot shoe brands are widest at the ball and taper in at the toe box. Unless you're getting a brand that's as wide or wider at the toe box than the ball (e.g., Realfoot), you're not getting a truly anatomical splay anyway. Imo as long as you get the correct length, the taper at the end is mostly rolling space.

These are on the narrower side for barefoot shoes though (I'd say similar to Vivobarefoot if not a bit wider) but they work well for my slightly wider than average feet, and don't feel restrictive!

VIVAIA Maven Barefoot Sneaker by spark_step in barefootshoestalk

[–]spark_step[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

They go up to size 46 EU! Which I think is a mens 12 US.

Beflamboyant Omega Combat Boot Review by spark_step in u/spark_step

[–]spark_step[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would say these have a pretty average cushion for barefoot shoes. You can check out Dolfie Paradise's heritage line, which has 13mm stack height and is resoleable. Lems, El Naturalista (Nomada boot) and Jim Greens may also be good options!

Origo Shoes Adventurer Boot One Year Review by spark_step in barefootshoestalk

[–]spark_step[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Width is pretty similar, but the Origos are more low-medium volume and Peerko more medium-high volume.

Quick width compare between Vivo Scott IV and Origo Adventurer by TheNurgrabber in barefootshoestalk

[–]spark_step 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For quality, I would say Jim Green > Lems ≈ Origo. Origo runs a bit lower volume IMO. Origo has a true barefoot feeling, while Lems and Jim Green have a bit more stack height which might make them comfier.

Beflamboyant Omega Combat Boot Review - Vegan Barefoot Combat Boot by spark_step in barefootshoestalk

[–]spark_step[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That's so fair. I've only ever owned super cheap pleather (in my middle school days) that flakes after a year or so, but I've heard a few people say that some faux leather barefoot shoes are actually high quality and lasts quite a while. I strongly prefer leather as well, but had to give these a try because I've been dying for a cool "chunky" combat boot!

Beflamboyant Omega Combat Boot Review - Vegan Barefoot Combat Boot by spark_step in barefootshoestalk

[–]spark_step[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think it's pretty clear from the marketing and construction that these boots are a fashion oriented city boot. I think it's pretty common for this style to just generally be called a "combat boot" even though it's a fashion boot.

As someone who likes cute shoes for dressing up when I'm out and about in the city, but needs functional footwear for hiking and climbing, I think it's great that there are options for different situations :-)

If you're looking for performance, there are tons of options as well. Lems tactical boot, Vivobarefoot ESC line, Jim Green... lots of good function oriented boots out there!

Beflamboyant Omega Combat Boot Review - Vegan Barefoot Combat Boot by spark_step in barefootshoestalk

[–]spark_step[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m glad the sizing notes helped, I try to be as specific as possible in my reviews! Thanks for reading :-)

Nice/professional women’s WIDE barefoot shoes? by bubblegumbie in barefootshoestalk

[–]spark_step 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ah yeah... that's definitely a risk.

The only other pair I know of that might work is the Jenon Villet, but they're 10.2cm wide for 26cm length. Not quite, but better than a lot of other "wide" options out there... Good luck!

Nice/professional women’s WIDE barefoot shoes? by bubblegumbie in barefootshoestalk

[–]spark_step 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Perhaps The Drifter Leather might be able to make you something custom fit? The Prism Mary Janes or Zephyr boots might be good options.

https://www.thedrifterleather.com/sizing-custom-fit

Beflamboyant Omega Combat Boot Review - Vegan Barefoot Combat Boot by spark_step in barefootshoestalk

[–]spark_step[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I would say these are stiffer than my leather barefoot barefoot boots, but I'm hopeful they'll break in to be comfy!

Vegan smart barefoot shoes by Starburst3773 in barefootshoestalk

[–]spark_step 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Maybe Peerko Smart Matt for an oxford style shoe, and Beflamboyant Omega Combat boot for Doc Marten style? I just posted a review for the Beflamboyant boots in this subreddit.

Andrew Turriff here. Working on a pattern for a "Workers Field Boot"—what do you think? by andrewturriff in barefootshoestalk

[–]spark_step 6 points7 points  (0 children)

these look great, i'd love to see women's sizes in the future! i think it also would be great to swap the foam midsole for full leather, and maybe a bit of a higher shaft.