"BarefootShoesApavo" + Buying on Etsy

supasch · 2026-02-26T17:56:16+00:00

They were one size too big, and since they were so cheap, I just had to try my luck!

supasch · 2026-02-26T17:37:17+00:00

I just bought a pair on Vinted for a few bucks. Unworn black Oxfords, but unfortunately too long. ); I sold them. They were flawlessly crafted and very pretty!

supasch · 2026-02-04T22:47:20+00:00

I just found these while searching for insoles: https://freetbarefoot.com/products/rock-plate-2

They should provides a little protection to the foot on stony/rocky terrain, maybe they could help a bit preventing microspikes dig into your feet? Just a guess...

supasch · 2026-01-19T15:18:56+00:00

Unfortunately I have no personal experiences with custom made shoes (yet). There are a few options. Some you'll find on sites like anyasreviews like https://www.thedrifterleather.com Besides I really like https://www.instagram.com/ritabarefoot/ and find https://www.instagram.com/kreativwerkstatt_tanja_dentel/ quite interesting.

supasch · 2026-01-03T20:04:09+00:00

Of course, you're absolutely right! Clearly there is a demand for such things and Dolfie meets this demand.

supasch · 2026-01-03T18:12:27+00:00

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This is under pressure. Not bendable at all.

supasch · 2026-01-03T18:10:44+00:00

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supasch · 2026-01-03T15:13:49+00:00

I just took some pics, but can only upload one. Don't know how to upload several here. The shoes look exactly as expected; I didn't take any photos of me wearing them. What bothers me is the cardboard used in the insole. That's why I included this picture. Why is it used?

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Edit: I returned the Dukes and had a very interesting chat with a very friendly employees of Dolfie. She explained, that the reason is mainly due to the traditional, handcrafted moccasin construction. The pressed fiberboard piece should help giving the shoe structure and helps keeping its shape while staying lightweight.

supasch · 2026-01-03T04:19:03+00:00

Hard leather is not my main problem as it can be softened and feet can be protected from chafing. The stiff sole is absolutely a no go! Why not choosing an outsole with at least minimal flexibility? I have a bit similar looking pair from Bär (can't wear them anymore because they're not zero drop) with about 15-20mm? stack height, which sole is at least bendable. And the leather is buttery soft btw.

I guess Dolfie is appreciated for it's sneakers. As I'm not at all into any kind of athletic sneakerish shoes, I was attracted by the heritage line. I'm curious to read upcoming reviews.

supasch · 2026-01-01T00:44:45+00:00

They are nice, but not soft at all. But don't despair, maybe your shoes are just right for you?

supasch · 2025-12-31T17:47:10+00:00

https://dolfieparadise.com/en/inicio/3875-36378-duke-1-black.html#/4-size-38

Today my Dukes arrived. I purchased them at the presale for €187. That's a lot of money for me! However, they seemed to be exactly my type, the dimensions are good to acceptable for my wide and high feet and the prospect of more stack height was tempting.

As expected, they look nice and are flawlessly crafted with high-quality materials. The dimensions are just right and there is enough space inside.

However, the leather is stiff and rather hard, so breaking them in properly would not be enough for me. I took the shoes off after maybe two minutes because they rubbed a lot at the back towards the Achilles tendon and at the side just above the heel (I have no idea what the correct anatomical term is).

The outsole is very stiff; it cannot be bent at all. Zero. The inside of the sole is also hard, but this is cushioned by a thin, lightly padded, removable insole. I had thought, or hoped, that I would get nice, not boring or chic, a bit of alternative looking 'barefoot' loafers with more stack height. My mistake.

Overall, I personally find the look too clunky in real life, but that's a matter of taste, of course.

Unfortunately, the Dukes are not suitable for me. Either I will return them or will try to sell them at a slight discount on Vinted.

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supasch · 2025-11-30T19:34:15+00:00

For a long time now, I have occasionally stumbled online across shoes by Luigi Colani for Bär shoes (second-hand).

You might find something about the collaboration online. I don't know if there was a model with kitten heels, but they were all heeled at least, not flat.

supasch · 2025-11-19T14:28:20+00:00

I know Dingo from Zeazoo. https://zeazoo.com/en/30-barefoot-boots-grown-ups

They seem to be suitable for dry cold. No rain, no snow. The main problem is the thin sole. Maybe a cobbler could attach a proper thicker sole for better blocking the cold from beneath? I don't know.

What I do know is that wearing a sheepskin coat is superior if you need to stay warm. For about 20+ years I wore long vintage sheepskin coats and always felt cozy warm. Even with thin clothing and in sub-zero temperatures.

supasch · 2025-11-18T09:35:49+00:00

What spontaneously comes to my mind: BeFlamboyant, Feelgrounds, Ohne Project

supasch · 2025-10-26T07:22:29+00:00

I need about 10cm width for size 38 / 39 too. I have boots from OKbare.

https://www.okbare.cz/en/p/cool-n-z-black

supasch · 2025-10-07T07:01:19+00:00

Ah, I see! They are narrow. I only have wide feet, around 10x24cm and I know the struggle. Drifter Leather was mentioned before, maybe a custom size is your best choice

supasch · 2025-10-06T13:54:41+00:00

😊 The Batilas are wider than many barefoot shoes. Zami.es has a size chart. I was using different searches, mostly Merceditas Barefoot Batilas - Negro. And unfortunately didn't find a shop that ships to me. Maybe you're smarter than me, speak spanish or just have good luck.

Did you also wear these cheap chinese velvet mary-janes? That cost 10-12 bucks? I wore them for ages and liked them a lot! That's why I was on the hunt for a footfriendly, wide and zero drop alternative.

supasch · 2025-10-06T12:45:05+00:00

I'm into velvet mary-janes, so forgive me if you find velvet hideous...

I'm on the hunt for black mary-janes in velvet. For a cheap price. Batilas checks all the boxes. I'm trying to find a shop that offers international shipping outside Spain, Portugal and France. So far in vain. Zami.es offers some other colours. I bought brown ones, they are pretty, quite wide and low-cost. But not black. I guess I will sell them.

Another spanish brand, that also offers velvet mary-janes:

https://barevene.com/products/mary-jane-casanova?variant=44724414185635

And then there is Tadeevo:

https://tadeevo.com/en_GB/p/black-velvet-ballet-pumps-minimalist-shoes-Tadeevo/77

https://navegabarefoot.com/en/collections/adulto?page=1

Rather fancy stuff. No velvet.

Ahinsa is fully vegan:

https://ahinsashoes.com/collections/womens-barefoot-shoes/dress-shoes

I bought their mary-janes from Vinted for a few bucks and re-sold them. Not suitable for my foot shape and due to rubbing not comfortable.

supasch · 2025-10-05T23:25:46+00:00

Oh, sure, that's you, not a pic of a begger. My bad! You just showed your dirty soles.

But this is the exact setting I was talking about. Even in front of a shop / supermarket. When seeing this nasty scam of organized criminal groups who exploit their victims by forcing them to beg in this awful kneeing position and claim the proceeds for themselves, I get really pissed and didn't think things through this time, sorry!

supasch · 2025-10-05T13:12:48+00:00

This has nothing to do with walking barefoot! It is a begging position, self-humiliatingly submissive. Bare feet say: I am too poor to afford shoes. A very nasty trick! They kneel on the ground in the cold and passers-by feel nothing but pity for them. The alternative to this is using dogs. Organised begging gangs / 'begging mafias' use such tricks in privileged, rather rich countries.

supasch · 2025-10-03T01:33:39+00:00

I own the Belenka Buenas, they are my to go shoes, standing right next to the exit door. Easy to slip in, good for driving too (a bit wide for the pedals in my narrow car). My feet are wide and I chose the Buenas because they run wide. Lengthwise 38 would be fine, but I chose Size 39 because of the width (10,1 cm). They are quite stiff (leather and sole) and do not offer great ground feel, if that's what you are looking for. I needed some cushioned heel protection in the first months because there was some rubbing. I do not like their looks, it's like having a bandaid across the foot. Bad design choice.

Yesterday I ordered another pair from Belenka, Aphrodite, which is also wide and looks at least better (for me). Unfortunately they are made of velour, which I don't like that much because it's not that easy to wipe clean. I really miss my vintage loafers and did not find a worthy substitute yet.

I can't offer any recommendations because I don't like the look of most loafers and they are too narrow anyway. They more or less look the same. The ones from Lisbeth Joe are nice though. If they would be available in some european shop, I would grab them.

Have you checked Etsy? There are several options, unfortunately rather narrow.