5 BEST BAREFOOT SHOES FOR BEGINNERS

[@thatfitfriend]

Shop the best deals on the barefoot shoes featured in this video! 1. WHITIN Barefoot Sneakers: amzn.to/3Kd0hwX 2. Lems Primal Zen: www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=e8df0da8-a847-4269-8316-5d9656836fea&website_id=83ec72ed-a4ea-4e29-b3f8-73f54836ea2a&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lemsshoes.com%2Fproducts%2Fmens-primal-zen 3. Icarus Ascent: icarusfootwear.com/products/first-flight?sca_ref=3224873.r4BAxMVgb4 4. WHITIN Casual: amzn.to/3MHpJfu 5. Lems Primal 2: www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=e8df0da8-a847-4269-8316-5d9656836fea&website_id=83ec72ed-a4ea-4e29-b3f8-73f54836ea2a&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lemsshoes.com%2Fproducts%2Fmens-primal-2 The above is an affiliate link; if you buy through that link, I may receive a small commission on the sale. I buy ALL of the products featured on this channel and an affiliate link is NOT a sponsored link. I don't take money from companies and the commissions from affiliates help me buy more products and produce more content. At TF2, you have my promise that every review is performed independently and companies have no idea I'm reviewing their gear until it goes live Either way, use the link or don't! I just want to make sure you find the best workout shoes for your individual needs and wants. Reach out if you ever have additional questions!

[@krakatoasundra]

Great review!!! The Icarus Ascent is an incredible value!!! It’s top notch material and construction. Full grain leather!! cup outer sole and stitched in.

[@thatfitfriend]

Thank you, friend!

[@shad0w091]

I’d really love to see a review of Barebarics shoes. Basically, those are naturally shaped shoes with a bit of cushioning

[@thatfitfriend]

I have two pairs in my cart atm! Have a model you’re interested in??

[@shad0w091]

@@thatfitfriend Revive or/and Zing. Looking forward 😍😍

[@andresamell9367]

The guide I didn’t know I needed🙌🏼

[@thatfitfriend]

Ayyy let’s go!

[@cda9443]

So you've reviewed a ton a barefoot shoes. I recently stepped back into them and got both pairs of Whitins you mentioned and I am enjoying the changes taking place. They're a good starting point. I used to own a few pairs of Vibram 5 fingers but I couldn't see spending that much money for something that awful looking. I also can't wear them to work. I'm heavy from life and lifting and so my foot is already extra wide (think EEE). I feel like the Whitin 8 wide I got could be wider. Do you know what brand has the widest toe box if/when I upgrade to a slightly better made shoe?

[@chriswho6794]

Great video! It would've been nice to hear the stack height differences between them. They all look pretty thin. As a beginner, I don't want to suffer any injuries going into this and I believe something with a bit more cushion while still keeping the roomy toe-box and zero drop could help me achieve good results so I don't get hurt and end up just wasting money because I had to give up on the transition. I'm looking for something for everyday use (no running or gym training), walking to and from work (maybe a few miles each day), varied terrain like steel plating, sidewalks, dirt parking lots, gravel, asphalt, etc... and while standing at my office desk. Would something like Alta shoes give me enough cushion to not have achy sore feet, or are one of your picks from this video a solid option? I really worry that my heels will be really sore as I start out. -Thanks!

[@thatfitfriend]

I hesitate with putting stack heights in here because it can low-key be arbitrary for beginners acclimating and I don't want them to fixate on details that are multifactorial. For example, let's say you're new to barefoot shoes, but you're used to walking barefoot and someone else isn't. The stack height of said shoe will feel super different for you versus the person less exposed to that type of ground force/feel. If you didn't know any better then that info could be misleading and taken out of context - it's like these reviewers who focus on some of these in-depth details that just don't matter in a practical sense. I do think, however, that could be a really good stand alone video discussing ways to practically apply a shoe's stack heights to your buying decisions. Maybe there's a way to build that then tie in that info...because I do like that angle as it's more practical. I'd look into something like the Lems Primal Zen. Feel like they'd be perfect for that context and they tend to give you "enough" cushion to not beat your feet up too much!

[@chriswho6794]

​@@thatfitfriendthank you for the reply. I appreciate it.

[@thatfitfriend]

@@chriswho6794 Welcome, hope it makes sense. All of the models included in this vid are thicker, and I do like that idea of figuring out how to practically implement stack without doing too much.

[@chriswho6794]

@@thatfitfriend it's either find a comfortable transitional stack height since the roomy toe box and zero drop seem to be a no-brainer (for me) or play with the idea of buying cheap padded insoles inserts which I hear some people do and then just transition to a thinner and thinner insole as the body adapts. I just didn't know how practical that was vs just taking breaks from the minimalist shoe and going back to your normal shoe when you 'feel' you should.

[@thatfitfriend]

@@chriswho6794 Yeah, those are the two commonly used methods. I think it comes down to goals/preferences. I don't always love the insole swapping because it can feel weird with the upper volume/cause some potential durability issues. I'm a big fan of rotating my footwear based on what I'm doing/feeling. I don't box myself into just zero-drop thin shoes, for example. That's where exposure and time to plug and play comes into action here. I think as long you approach the transition period with strategy versus thinking you "have" to do anything with footwear (barefoot shoe folks can be a little dogmatic at times, lol), then you'll be well on your way!

[@Garrky]

Hi I have a specific problem and was wondering if you could help! I play arcade dance games such as Dance Dance Revolution or Pump it Up. The whitins are the perfect fit for my very wide feet that tend to roll inwards; however they don't grip onto the surface of the smooth metallic dance floor/ panels. Do you have any alternatives that might have better grip but feel the same?

[@thatfitfriend]

That is VERY specific, lol. That's a great question - may the Icarus Ascent?

[@Crossfat1]

I like it The pic of the grey whitin you were showing looked diff than the two shoes you featured - any thoughts on that shoe

[@kindasport]

Nice review! I'm new to barefoot shoes and this gave me a starting point. Now sth to think about is that not all shoes here are sold in Europe in a store. Plus you pay also import tax. The Icarus e.g would cost around $190 in Canada with tax 🫣

[@thatfitfriend]

Woof, that's rough! Are companies like Xero Shoes and Groundies just as bad?

[@kindasport]

I don't know. I was looking for the icarus because I liked it. But if a US company mainly sells through their website, any country around the US will have some fees on top.@@thatfitfriend

[@nonobebert7646]

The Withins made out of leather would be really nice !

[@nonobebert7646]

I've just bought 2 pairs of canvas Splay and I like them. Goodlooking, pretty cheap and comfortable.

[@PaulHo]

Shout out the anti-Amazon ethics. 🤙🏾

[@airamfarrais]

Do you usually get out the insole in whitin shoes? Maybe for feel the ground better?

[@thatfitfriend]

Here and there if I'm feeling like it!

[@MartyPape78]

Jake I’m looking for a pair of barefoot shoes to wear mainly around the house, and then probably just for deadlifts. I would prefer sockless as I tend to run a bit warm. I walk around barefoot a lot, but thanks to my dog and just the desert environment I regularly step on little prickers. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[@thatfitfriend]

I'd look into models like the Tolos Archetype 1.0, Merrell Vapor Glove 6, or Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III!

[@atwntennisclub]

Did you go up a half size with the primal zens?

[@thatfitfriend]

I did not!

[@sunce3mon]

Hello! I'm new to barefoot shoes and waiting for my first pair. What I don't get is how your foot don't freeze during the winter months with insole as thin as 3-5 mm? Usually the thicker the insole is the better isolation for walking around on the snow...? (Excuse my English)

[@thatfitfriend]

Some shoes def run cooler. Some folks winterproof their shoes with waterproof coating for example and warmer socks are usually a must for super frigid days. I’ll usually opt for other shoes on those days, tbh. I don’t love cold feet, lol

[@sunce3mon]

Tnx! 😊

[@jordanbaird5071]

Thoughts on flux footwear being a good beginner?

[@thatfitfriend]

Not bad! Just a tad narrow compared to these options!

[@Dylan-no3nu]

If i get a whitin can i assume i can get the same size as my vans or should i got up or down a bit from my vans size

[@thatfitfriend]

Yep!

[@vagron1127]

Would love to buy the Primal 2, but since I'm from Germany they'd run me ~200€ or so... Is there anything similar that's cheaper?

[@thatfitfriend]

Feelgrounds/Xero Shoes may be worth exploring. I'm not sure on models that ship cheaply to Germany, though, so I'm a little limited there!

[@kee_w33d42]

Is the raised toe box a concern?

[@thatfitfriend]

You mean the toe spring? Not necessarily with minimalist shoes because it’s easy to ground the feet. You wouldn’t notice it in most cases, imo

[@beckscald3855]

I've been trying to do a ton of research on barefoot shoes. I'm struggling to find any that are a budget price for a beginner and sold in the UK. It's tricky it seems.

[@thatfitfriend]

Have you checked out Splay? They may have some stock in the UK!

[@beckscald3855]

@@thatfitfriend I haven't as of yet but I'll add that one to my list. Thanks! :)

[@justsayin7865]

Looking for a good all day everyday shoe, i work at a warehouse,fast walks back and forth with somewhat heavy boxes, lifting up to 75 pounds, pulling pallets and pushing carts any suggestions?

[@thatfitfriend]

I'd explore the WHITIN models or a Xero Shoes Prio. Both should be plenty durable and are decently priced the latter being a little more!

[@Blue257]

I am still looking for a good gym shoe. Currently learning about softstar (they are expensive), belenka, feelgrounds and wildlings. Interesting how many different brands for barefoot shoes there are...

[@thatfitfriend]

Are you looking for a barefoot shoe for training?

[@Blue257]

@@thatfitfriend no, just general gym training. Prios aren't on the Australian xero website and for some reason all their shoes are unfairly expensive....

[@ayobamichiemeke717]

@@thatfitfriend what barefoot shoes do you recommend for weightlifting?

[@JorgeSanchez-ev7xc]

Witch is the height sole of Within 5 mm?

[@gnatscrafts]

what shoes do you recommend?

[@thatfitfriend]

For what context?

[@gnatscrafts]

@@thatfitfriend everyday wear, office job, an occasional afternoon walk on pavement?

[@gnatscrafts]

@@thatfitfriend also i think i meant to leave this comment on a short, not a whole review video😂 whoops!

[@thatfitfriend]

@@gnatscrafts alll goooood 😂 If you want to save go WHITIN. Tolos and Xero Dillon are also decent options!

[@MayTheSchwartzBeWithYou]

How do you know Whitin is owned by Amazon?

[@thatfitfriend]

Google

[@MayTheSchwartzBeWithYou]

@@thatfitfriend Here's what I found: _"Over the years, Whitin has changed hands several times and is currently owned by The Rockport Group, a leading global footwear company based in Newton, Massachusetts. The Rockport Group was founded in 1971 and has since grown to become one of the most respected and recognized footwear brands in the world. In addition to Whitin, The Rockport Group also owns several other well-known shoe brands, including Rockport, Aravon, and Dunham."_

[@thatfitfriend]

@@MayTheSchwartzBeWithYou a lot of others report they’re an Amazon owned brand now and that’s typically discussed in the Q&A on the product pages. Also a reason why they’re primarily sold through Amazon with no separate site and typically some of the most “sponsored” options. They push their own stuff over others 🫡

[@jpalo7733]

Now wheres the high end review?

[@thatfitfriend]

I have a best barefoot shoes vid and best barefoot shoes for working out. A lot of higher end models in those vids!

[@IronManOfficialguy]

Should of added Suavs

[@thatfitfriend]

Not a bad option and they’d be my 6th option, NGL. My only gripe is the upper on their models is just so meh and loose, though.

[@IronManOfficialguy]

@@thatfitfriend understandable, I do like them though

[@thatfitfriend]

@@IronManOfficialguy I do, too! Have a review on them!