Barfoot Shoes

My Experiences with Barefoot Shoes

I have been using almost exclusively barefoot shoes for 2 years and have tried different brands, so now I want to share my experiences with barefoot shoes. All my barefoot shoes I have bought from the Widetoes shoe store, and now I am delighted to offer my readers a discount code for the same store. With the discount code SLOWFLOWERGARDEN, you get 10% off your purchase. Also, read here and compare the best barefoot shoes. More barefoot shoe experiences can be found on the Widetoes website.

❤️❤️ Discount Code 10%: SLOWFLOWERGARDEN ❤️❤️

Go to the Widetoes store here

Slow Flower Garden Vivobarefoot in the garden

My History with Barefoot Shoes

The first barefoot shoes I bought were black leather Be Lenka All Year Icon Unisex barefoot shoes. Since then, my shoe collection has grown with Groundies Helsinki winter boots, Groundies Nova sneakers, and Groundies Universe Pure Unisex sneakers, Vivo Barefoot running shoes Primus Lite III, Primus Trail II FG All Weather trail running shoes, Vivo Gobi Chelsea winter boots, and Xero Shoes Gracie rubber boots for gardening and Forza training shoes.

Before switching to barefoot shoes, I suffered from pain in the sole of my foot, and when I switched to barefoot shoes, I realized that my previous Adidas shoes might have been too stiff and small. The problem didn’t go away immediately after switching to Be Lenka, but when I found Groundies winter boots and sneakers and had walked in them for about six months, I noticed that my foot sole began to recover.

When Vivobarefoot trail running shoes came into the Widetoes shoe store, I decided to try them, and they fit my feet perfectly! I ordered another pair of Vivo running shoes shortly after. Vivos are perhaps the best shoes I have ever tried. Now I am looking forward to the Vivobarefoot winter boots coming into the store so I can try them. Vivo is a slightly narrower model, and for this reason, I believe they will fit my feet because I have slightly narrower feet.

Groundies Experiences

From Groundies, I use Groundies Nova sneakers, Groundies Universe Pure Unisex sneakers, and Groundies Helsinki winter boots. I recommend getting to know this brand if Be Lenka doesn’t quite fit your feet, as these are slightly narrower than Be Lenka. Read about my experiences with Be Lenka vs. Groundies and learn more about the differences between these brands. It’s worth testing different brands until you find the one that suits you best.

Groundies Nova Sneakers

I use Groundies Nova sneakers in spring and summer. The shoes have a beautiful suede surface and colorful details in delightful pink and green hues. They are comfortable to walk in all day and very comfortable.

I use these: in spring, leisure, at work, on sunny days
Pros: The colors and beautiful suede
Cons: Suede can be damaged in the rain (tip: protect with shoe protection spray)
Opinion: I love them
★★★★★

Groundies Nova barefoot shoes experiences

❤️❤️ Buy with discount code Groundies Nova sneakers
Discount Code 10%: SLOWFLOWERGARDEN ❤️❤️

Groundies Universe Pure Sneakers

Groundies Universe Pure sneakers are a Unisex model and are just as comfortable as Nova sneakers. I use these more in the fall and in rainy weather because the leather holds up better than the suede on the Nova shoes. They are also soft and comfortable all day long. These shoes do not breathe as well because they are made of leather, so on a hot summer day, if you must wear sneakers, choose Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III, which is lighter and highly breathable.

I use these: in spring, autumn
Pros: white, classic, and minimalist sneakers
Cons: white leather, so you need to be careful not to get them too dirty. Tip: care for them with shoe cream.
Opinion: All-round shoes, perfect for regular use
★★★★★

Groundies Universe Pure barefoot shoes experiences

❤️❤️ Buy with discount code Groundies Universe Pure Unisex sneakers
Discount code -10%: SLOWFLOWERGARDEN ❤️❤️

Groundies Helsinki Winter Boots

These are my favorite winter boots! Fluffy and soft, they feel like teddy slippers on your feet. I never get cold in these. They also breathe surprisingly well, and in winter, I don’t even switch to indoor shoes; they are comfortable to wear in the office during winter. The shoes are soft, even though they are winter boots, and you can still feel the ground when walking. They also have beautiful details. This is the second winter I’m using them, and they’ve held up very well. Of course, you need to be a bit careful in slushy weather, and it’s better to choose other shoes in such conditions.

I use these: in winter, at work, and during leisure time
Pros: warm, cute, beautiful color and details, comfortable
Cons: not suitable for slushy winter weather
Opinion: I love my teddy slippers
★★★★★

Slow Flower Garden Groundies winter boots experiences

❤️❤️ Buy with discount code Groundies winter boots
Discount code -10%: SLOWFLOWERGARDEN ❤️❤️

Vivobarefoot Experiences

I own several pairs of Vivobarefoot barefoot shoes, including the Primus Lite III training shoes, Primus Trail II FG All Weather trail running shoes, and the new Vivo Gobi Chelsea winter boots. Vivobarefoot is my favorite for outdoor training, and I bought their winter boots because the training shoes were simply the best on my feet. Read more Vivobarefoot experiences.

Vivobarefoot Primus Trail II FG All Weather Trail Running Shoes

Vivos are my favorite shoes, and they fit my feet perfectly. I ordered these Vivobarefoot Primus Trail II FG All Weather trail running shoes from Widetoes. However, I was unsure if I had bought the right size, so I went to their store the next day to try them on. I spent a long time testing them, and Lina helped me find the right size and gave me many tips on how barefoot shoes should fit. I kept the shoes and the size, and I couldn’t be happier. These are so wonderful to walk and run in the forest, feeling the ground underfoot! They fit my feet perfectly. I immediately ordered another pair of Vivo sneakers for casual use.

I use these: forest walks, walking and running
Pros: comfortable, supportive enough, good grip, waterproof, minimalist design
Cons: none
Opinion: I love them, the best for my feet, perfect for the forest
★★★★★

Slow Flower Garden Vivobarefoot All weather barefoot shoe experiences

❤️❤️ Buy with discount code Vivobarefoot Primus Trail II FG All Weather trail running shoes
Discount code -10%: SLOWFLOWERGARDEN ❤️❤️

Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III

I use these shoes for all kinds of training and leisure, from spring to autumn. I love Vivobarefoot shoes because they fit my feet perfectly. These Primus Lites are versatile; I also use them in the garden if rubber boots feel too hot. Nowadays, my gym shoes have been replaced with Xero Shoes Forza training shoes, but I managed to use these on the gym floor several times as well.

I use these: in leisure time, on walks
Pros: versatile, breathable, very lightweight
Cons: none
Opinion: I love them, the best for my feet
★★★★★

Slow Flower Garden Vivobarefoot primus lite experiences

❤️❤️ Buy with discount code Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III training shoes
Discount code -10%: SLOWFLOWERGARDEN ❤️❤️

Vivobarefoot Gobi Chelsea Winter Boots

My latest winter boots are the Vivobarefoot Gobi Chelsea. I bought them because I wanted a pair of Vivos to use in winter, and I also wanted a different style to match another outfit. They are just as comfortable as the Vivobarefoot training shoes. They are easy to put on, just slip them on thanks to the elastic edge. I recommend these if you want shoes that don’t look too much like barefoot shoes, as the edge makes them appear narrower than they are.

I use these: at work and in winter
Pros: elegant, minimalist, black leather, high quality
Cons: none
Opinion: I love them
★★★★★

Barefoot shoes experiences Vivobarefoot winter boots

❤️❤️ Buy with discount code Vivobarefoot Gobi Chelsea winter boots
Discount code -10%: SLOWFLOWERGARDEN ❤️❤️

Xero Shoes Experiences

My Xero Shoes collection consists of Gracie garden rubber boots and Forza gym shoes.

Xero Shoes Gracie Rubber Boots

Gardening can be enjoyable but also demanding. That’s why it’s important to choose the right shoes. I found Xero Shoes Gracie barefoot rubber boots and have used them a lot in the garden. They are especially good in spring and autumn when the ground is damp or when it rains. They are light, flexible, and provide good grip on wet and slippery surfaces. Comfort and room for toes make them perfect gardening shoes. I encourage others to consider these shoes for gardening. Read more about these gardening shoe experiences here.

I use these: in the garden, especially in rainy weather, in spring and autumn
Pros: comfortable all day, lightweight
Cons: Difficult to keep clean 🙂
Opinion: work well for a day in the garden
★★★★

Barefoot shoes experiences: Xero shoes Gracie

❤️❤️ Buy with discount code Xero Shoes Gracie barefoot rubber boots
Discount code -10%: SLOWFLOWERGARDEN ❤️❤️

Xero Shoes Forza Training Shoes

These are the best barefoot shoes for the gym! I chose Xero Shoes Forza training shoes for gym shoes, which also won awards for best weightlifting shoes in 2023. They also work well for crossfit. I particularly like the Velcro straps that allow you to adjust the shoe to the perfect size, even around the heel. The shoes are flexible in all directions, and balance activates better than with stiff gym shoes. I like the elegant black shades.

Forza barefoot shoes for the gym. Watch the video on YouTube

I use these: in the gym and for crossfit, weightlifting
Pros: wide for toes, better balance, stylish black, Velcro strap that adjusts easily
Cons: I don’t know yet
Opinion: very comfortable for training
★★★★★

Barefoot shoe experiences: Xero shoes forza

❤️❤️ Buy with discount code Xero Shoes Forza training shoes
Discount code -10%: SLOWFLOWERGARDEN ❤️❤️

Be Lenka Experiences

Be Lenka All Year Icon Unisex were my first barefoot shoes. These didn’t quite fit my feet, or maybe I had bought too small a size when I ordered online without trying them on, and I didn’t have the energy to return them. I still used them for a while, and it may also be that my feet have changed, as I now have a larger size. I later tested Be Lenka winter boots in-store, but couldn’t find the right size there either. Be Lenka might fit someone else well, so it’s worth trying different models until you find the one that suits you. Fortunately, there are so many different models of barefoot shoes available nowadays.

Be Lenka All Year Icon barefoot shoes

I use these: in leisure time and at work
Pros: Minimalist design and color, leather
Cons: Don’t breathe
Opinion: Didn’t fit my feet as well as other brands.
★★★

Be lenka all year icon barefoot shoe experiences

❤️❤️ Buy with discount code Be Lenka All Year Icon Unisex shoes
Discount code -10%: SLOWFLOWERGARDEN ❤️❤️

Benefits of Barefoot Shoes

Barefoot shoes have recently gained well-deserved attention for their healthy and natural footwear choice, and physiotherapists in Finland have also started recommending the use of barefoot shoes for children. Barefoot shoes are an excellent choice because they are wider than regular shoes and allow your feet to spread naturally. They promote healthy foot development and strengthen the soles as you walk on a thin sole. Barefoot shoes also have the advantage of being extremely comfortable to wear.

Test: 2 Years with Barefoot Shoes

What has happened after 2 years of using barefoot shoes? I haven’t measured my feet, but I know they have changed. First and foremost, the problem with the pain in my right foot has disappeared, yay! I’m sure this issue initially came from wearing small Adidas shoes that are also stiff. At its worst, I couldn’t walk barefoot with my right foot because it hurt. I’ve tried wearing some old shoes, but when I tried them (heels, winter boots, ski boots, sneakers, etc.), they immediately felt too small. I also sold three new Adidas sneakers because I just had to admit that I never want to wear small, tight, and uncomfortable shoes again. There’s no going back to regular shoes, haha! But on the other hand, why torment my feet when I don’t have to, now that barefoot shoes are so stylish and available for every need. I’m very happy that I’ve completely switched to barefoot shoes, and very grateful that we now have our own barefoot shoe store in our hometown 🙂

If you haven’t tried barefoot shoes yet, I recommend trying a pair and testing which model fits your feet best. Remember to use my discount code SLOWFLOWERGARDEN to get a 10% discount on your purchase at the Widetoes.se shoe store.

❤️❤️ Discount code -10%: SLOWFLOWERGARDEN ❤️❤️

Go to Widetoes store here

Read also: Froddo Prewalkers as a christening gift, Barefoot Shoes Gift Card, Barefoot Shoes Black Friday, Vegan Shoes, Beautiful Barefoot Shoes, Barefoot Shoes for Running, Indoor Shoes for School

Article updated on 25.8.2024

Katarina Dahlin is the author of the blog Slow Flower Garden, a cut flower producer, and a gardening enthusiast. She is also a developmental psychologist and holds a master's degree in social science from Åbo Akademi Univeristy. She is a Senior Growth Hacker at Genero, the leading growth agency in the Nordic region. She writes about cut flowers and the cultivation of cut flowers, as well as shares her own experiences as a flower grower. On the blog, she shares tips on growing cut flowers and making beautiful flower bouquets. Other topics on the blog include flower deliveries, gifts, and interior design.

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