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Barefoot Shoes

Barefoot shoes are minimalist footwear designed to let feet move naturally, as if unshod. With a wide toe box, flexible soles, and zero-drop design, they allow toes to spread, flex, and feel the ground. Lightweight and sensitive to terrain, they support the foot’s strength and resilience without restrictive support, ideal for walking, running, or casual use.

Xero Shoes Prio Running Shoe Review

Xero Shoes Prio Running Shoe Review

After making a name for themselves with their numerous sandal options, Xero Shoes have released their first dedicated running shoe: The Prio. Xero sent me a pair to test and review for BirthdayShoes readers, and in short, the Prios are relatively…

Earth Runners Elemental (Yellow Flash) and Circadian Hempies

Earth Runners Elemental (Yellow Flash) and Circadian Hempies

Earth Runners created an updated version of the popular Circadian with a trendy and functional hemp footbed and laces and a new all-around model, The Elemental. I received both to review here for BirthdayShoes. The previous Circadian was my favorite…

VivoBarefoot Primus Lux Review

VivoBarefoot Primus Lux Review

VivoBarefoot has been in the business of making minimalist, "barefoot shoes" for a long, long time. Looking back, I first reviewed Vivo Barefoot Aquas on BirthdayShoes seven years ago—this was back when they were Terra Plana Vivo Barefoot. What a…

Feelmax Kuuva 4 Boot Review

Feelmax Kuuva 4 Boot Review

With a waterproof lining, a 2.5mm zero-drop sole and wide toebox, the Kuuva 4 from Feelmax is the most versatile waterproof boot in the world! What Feelmax Says “All new barefoot hiking boot. Improved waterproofing, new lacehooks and more…

Review Feelmax Vasko 2

Review Feelmax Vasko 2

The Vasko 2 from Feelmax is a cold-weather, water-resistant outdoor shoe with an incredibly thin sole and thicker lining that aims to excite minimalist adventurers as the temperatures dip and the terrain gets tough.

Review Lems Mariner 2, Barefoot Boat Shoe

Review Lems Mariner 2, Barefoot Boat Shoe

A look at the updated Lems Mariner — the Lems Mariner 2

Review - Xero Shoes Umara Z-Trail Minimalist Sandals

Review - Xero Shoes Umara Z-Trail Minimalist Sandals

I've been a fan of Xero Shoes since before they adopted their current monicker. Like many runners, I was greatly affected by reading Born to Run and immediately set out to find myself some of those magical running sandals known as huaraches. My very…

Vibram FiveFingers V-Run (Bikila EVO update) Review!

Vibram FiveFingers V-Run (Bikila EVO update) Review!

Vibram’s dedicated road shoe received several upgrades this year and a new name, V-Run. With new upper and new sole materials, the already versatile Bikila EVO has been upgraded to handle warmer and cooler runs. Read on for my thoughts on the Vibram…

Trek Ascent Insulated Vibram FiveFingers Review

Trek Ascent Insulated Vibram FiveFingers Review

Vibram’s Trek Ascent Insulated is a fantastic variant of the Trek Ascent for a variety of winter activities. Featuring a wool sockliner that does a fantastic job keeping you warmer than you would expect from a toed shoe, the Ascent Insulated is great…

VIVOBAREFOOT Stealth II Review

VIVOBAREFOOT Stealth II Review

It's been almost two years since my last post here on BirthdayShoes. Reason being that I've transitioned almost completely to barefoot living. Or, at most, a pair of light running sandals. I mean, I'm no barefoot activist. I'm not going to be that…

Vivo Barefoot Porto vs Soft Star Shoes Hawthorne Chukka (Comparison)

Vivo Barefoot Porto vs Soft Star Shoes Hawthorne Chukka (Comparison)

Time for a comparison update! As a supplement to my review for the Soft Star Shoes Hawthorne, I will be adding additional thoughts on the shoe and a comparison with another handcrafted leather chukka, the Vivobarefoot Porto (That's a link to Justin's…

Vivo Barefoot Porto vs Soft Star Shoes Hawthorne Chukka (Comparison)

Vivo Barefoot Porto vs Soft Star Shoes Hawthorne Chukka (Comparison)

Time for a comparison update! As a supplement to my review for the Soft Star Shoes Hawthorne, I will be adding additional thoughts on the shoe and a comparison with another handcrafted leather chukka, the Vivobarefoot Porto (That's a link to Justin's…