ALPHA BLACKBEAR / the best barefoot trail sandals

[@AndrewFolts]

*Barefoot Trail Sandals* (referral links) all barefoot trail sandals - - - bit.ly/3VJBPJG toetem alpha blackbear - - - bit.ly/3U4cIQp monk ruivo plus - - - - - - - - - - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmfNhoqLfMZ8Z7c shamma warriors - - - - - - - - - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYq8nIGNrdyIi9k dld perception - - - - - - - - - - - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4rJepycoZV_e9U *Best Barefootwear* (referral links) casual shoes - - - bit.ly/3Smg8gx road shoes - - - - - bit.ly/48XEOBz trail shoes - - - - - bit.ly/4250J7B trek boots - - - - - - bit.ly/3SCgP5V winter boots - - - - bit.ly/3RRbI0X sandals - - - - - - - - bit.ly/4b2tfLu slippers - - - - - - - - bit.ly/3tNYvNz website - - - - - - - - www.barefootwear.org

[@gilldoyle3295]

Love your videos 😊

[@AndrewFolts]

Thanks a bunch, Gill. Your comments are always appreciated. (:

[@Llobu-p6m]

I have the Enix Raw, they are 5 years old and they are lasting me without wearing out, the sole and insole are all a 5mm piece of tire. They withstand the rain and everything on the road, I wash them and they are like new, I have only changed the belts once (they have spare parts on the website). I have never had a sandal so resistant that it lasts as long as the sole of the tire, they do not wear out and they do not slip in the wet, I skip stones in the river and on the beach and they resist absolutely everything. And they still sell them on their website. They are endless

[@AndrewFolts]

Those look pretty rad! They remind me of the Xero Genesis (also 5mm). But I can see the tire being more grippy.

[@RC-qf3mp]

I agree with you about the Shammas cutting into skin. Too bad, because otherwise very comfortable. Could clarify more your fix on the heel? Also - I finally got the Ahinsa Chitra trekking sneaker. Amazing. My favorite minimalist hiking shoe and favorite shoe I’ve ever had, period. This is a real hiking vibram tread, but with tons of groundfeel. Shoe is handmade and seems durable but totally flexible. I have wide feet and the normal size was fine, so maybe too wide for you. But simply the best shoe I’ve ever owned. On wet rocks with a backpack and my life on the line, this is the shoe.

[@AndrewFolts]

For Shamma's I just cut the finger off an old glove and slipped it over the hard post area that rubbed. That's great to hear about the Chitra, I'll have to try it! Love the aggressive Vibram sole on my Softstar's too.

[@cybersurf5]

Hi Andrew-not sure you will see this query within any contemporaneous time period, given this vid is now one month old, but your reviews and website have really helped me narrow down my choice in minimalist sandals. So first off, whether you respond or not, I think it important to express my gratitude. I wonder if you might provide some insight: I am trying to decide between the DLDs (prob Alchemy or Pursuit) vs Toetem Blackbear. Never worn active-wear sandals, let alone minamalist ones, but I'm no stranger to "barefoot" shoes-most of my shoes are Vivos. This sandal would be for warm weather travel, hiking and the occassional city walks. How would you compare and which would you rate higher along the below attributes: 1. Comfort (toe cord, webbing); 2. Security (stability of the foot); 3. Ease of adjustability; and 4. Versatility of use case? Also, as regards sizing, how "snug" were your feet in the print out size diagrams both companies offer? Did you go for a tighter fit, or allow for a bit of room, say in case one's foot expands? From my review of the various commentary out there (although Toetem seems to have less, prob for being a newer company), DLDs provide more customisation and foot shapes, allowing for a more bespoke look and fit (even permitting a fully bespoke footbed), whereas the Toetems seem like they have super comfortable straps as well as easy/secure adjustment system. My best!

[@AndrewFolts]

Toetems are my all-time fav's and a bit more agile than DLD (5mm vs 7mm). Although not custom, the Toetem shape is great and should fit most feet well. Their straps also my fav's. I'd go with DLD if you want a specific look/materials or have unusually shaped/sized feet. Both brands are comfortable and secure, though, and have the same Vibram soles. With either one I just adjusted once and never touched the straps again, since you can just slip out the back. I answer all my comments, btw. (:

[@cybersurf5]

@@AndrewFolts Much appreciated. There may come a time when the channel is too large for you to keep that promise to respond 😉

[@cybersurf5]

@@AndrewFolts this is a follow up query- My foot is definitely shaped better for a specific DLD template (the “slope” foot shape in 11.5). I was v close to pulling the trigger on the Toetem’s but because there is no inbetween sizes (I’d be a 12 wide with them) and as they go with more standardised foot shapes, I would be left with quite a bit of room from toe to edge of sandal from the middle toe onwards (given the acute gradient of my foot from the big toe). I’ve always read that one should find as tight a fit as possible-any advice? Would you-given your accumulated knowledge- prioritise finding as complementary a foot shape/size as possible over other considerations when two brands have otherwise great reviews? If I could only try these things on I wouldn’t have to obsess 🤷🏽‍♂️ Thx in advance

[@AndrewFolts]

@@cybersurf5 My feet are fairly narrow and sloped, but the square shape of the Toetem's still works perfectly for me. My normal size is between 10-11 and the Toetem 10's worked well with a small amount of room (sandals can be shorter than shoes, due to the lack of close toebox). The extra width up front is no problem and doesn't affect my agility, especially since it's a fairly thin sole with secure straps. As long as your foot fits within the template, you should be ok going with the smaller size, but the DLD's, of course, will have a more custom fit.

[@mysense7005]

Also, was wondering which ones do you prefer for running: sandals or five fingers?

[@AndrewFolts]

FiveFingers are thinner and more flexible/secure, which I prefer, especially for hilly trails and faster runs, but the BlackBears are my go-to's for super hot days

[@nimaidj108]

No mention of earth runners?! I have had a pair now for 2 years and wear them everywhere and they still are in great condition.

[@AndrewFolts]

They're on my list to try, I just wish they had thinner options, since their thinnest 7.5mm is a bit too much for me.

[@mysense7005]

Hi Andrew, how much free space should a sandal have in front? I bought xero genesis last year, and even though they seemingly have enough space, when I start walking my big toe kind of slides to the side a and starts touching the ground. At the same time, there is another issue of the front part of the sandal regularly bending under the sandal as I am walking. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to fix either of those problems, no matter how much I tried to adjust the straps. I have no idea whether it is caused by the wrong size, or bad sole/laces on that particular model.

[@AndrewFolts]

Sounds like your Genesis are too short, but you could try moving the laces back and see if that helps. Often, I have little more that a half a thumbnail's space, but as long as the strap lockdown is good, it's no problem. Could also be the minimal cord lacing on the Genesis, which is harder to get a secure fit with.

[@JawhBoyLeaf]

Oof wish I saw these before I bought the shamma sandals. 🤦🏻‍♂️ lol

[@AndrewFolts]

Yea, I do prefer Toetem, but Shamma has the same sole and they're good too after you add a little fabric to pad the harder side posts.

[@lukecolbeck5644]

So did you get the extra wide version? How would you compare the extra wide with other models like earth runners?

[@AndrewFolts]

No, I have medium feet, so I went with the standard. Presumedly the extra-wide would be very roomy, because mine already have a nice wide toebox. The XW Toetems would likely be wider than Earth Runners and they also have a better toebox shape as well as being more comfortable and flexible.

[@teddybear0116]

Did you get the regular or extra wide version?

[@AndrewFolts]

No, mine are regular, since I have fairly slim feet.

[@teddybear0116]

@@AndrewFolts Thanks for the quick reply! Do you prefer these or the vibrams for trail running?

[@AndrewFolts]

@@teddybear0116 Vibram's for steeper, more technical terrain where I need extra security and Toetem for hotter days where I need max airflow. But overall the V-Trek kzbin.info/www/bejne/honanpSPqad_d68 and Alpha sandal are what I wear the majority of the time in summer for trails.

[@teddybear0116]

@@AndrewFolts thanks!