SKINNERS long term review from the perspective of a hiker. How are they to hike in, camp shoe etc

[@DieterVanHolder]

I started a mountain biking channel! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZLNfp19m7B6kM0si=-2dvnvxJc2dCfSKl

[@therealcoolc]

I bought a similar product almost exclusively for air travel. You don't have to take them off at security and they give you at home comfort while on the plane or waiting at your gate.

[@elsuperpollo2273]

I made my own skinners with a sock and bedliner paint

[@GaryKetchum808]

Did you actually? Cus I’d like to try that.

[@WarlordMSM]

Your video was the only honest review I found :)

[@reymondlopez7468]

You answered all my concerns. Thank you for your review. My feet get hot and sweaty if the shoe is not breathable. Very glad I saw this before purchasing.

[@DieterVanHolder]

Happy to help!

[@domagojef2786]

100% agree with you. Bought 2.0, sweaty, hard to dry, when wearing them without socks additional insole stick to foot and goes out everytime you are removing shoes, at the end when realize they are useless in almost every situation, try to use them as slippers at home but tiny pieces of rubber sole were falling and carpet was full of them, imposible to vacuum 😁

[@DieterVanHolder]

Thanks! I try to warn people about all this but sometimes they seem to be offended when I don't give them buyer confirmation. 😄

[@SSchithFoo]

Thats coz u have sweaty paws. Not the shoes fault. Most people do not sweat on their feet or palms unless they have some thyroid issue or something.

[@Heldimar4633]

100% agree plus have to add that if used in autumn season on cold ground you will feel all that cold no matter how hot your feet were. So on the side of insulating a huge con. Simple crocs are doing a much better job on all above aspects. Sorry skinners

[@Heldimar4633]

@@SSchithFoo why debating, buy them you'll see yourself.

[@over1498]

@@SSchithFoo Lol what, that’s not true at all. Have you ever in your life heard of feet being smelly? Body odor comes from bacteria breaking down sweat. In fact, similar to the armpit, the feet are more prone to smelling because there’s MORE sweat glands there than most of the body. I don’t even know why I’m trying to explain this, literally everybody knows feet sweat.

[@davidwilkes3966]

I enjoyed your review. I have used Skinners since they first came out (I own both versions) and I agree with almost everything you said. They take a long time to dry and they do pick up smells. I do find they make great camp shoes especially in cold weather,(paired with some warm socks they are great for walking on ice/hard packed snow. As I have wide feet I end up having to get a slightly larger size resulting in my feet shifting forward/backward so they don't work well for me for going hiking up/down. They are AWESOME around the house (cold/slipery floors) and around the yard, so that is where I tend to wear them most.

[@DieterVanHolder]

Thanks for taking the time to comment David! :)

[@superwellplayed]

Do you think they both fit similar? I have both versions and 2.0 are supposed to be more wide but they feel the same as the first iteration.

[@karelpeeters1994]

Hi David! Wearing them in my house, that's exactly why I bought them for. Have just done so by the way and am expecting delivery in a couple of days. I'm tired of wearing stupid slippers with no value at all. I want to feel the floor at all times, so that I can ground myself better.

I think the 2.0 version really improves in the terms of the protection with it's new insert, it also adds to the breathability quite a lot.

[@karelpeeters1994]

Nice review Dieter, I saw it after I purchased a pair, but my aim is to wear them mainly at home and when I am visiting friends at their house .

[@thelthrythquezada8397]

I got me a pair of those rubber socks, but not that brand with a front and heal pad. But I just shaved it down. I wear them all day outside in inside. No issues with them. I haven't machine wash them yet. I just wet the sole, spray it with a cleaner and scrub with an old tooth brush then let it air dry in a few mins. No stinkiness either.

[@TheAvgJoeVlog]

I think, and maybe I’m stupid, but if they added woven Kevlar lining from beneath the insole and above the layer of the outer lining the puncture resistance would be viable and minimally invasive.

[@DieterVanHolder]

Yes, but that would make them much more expensive. I think the main thing to remember here is that these things are literally very expensive socks that do almost nothing better than a pair of $5 socks. It's certainly wrong to call them shoes. I'm also not sure about how pliable they would remain with sufficient thickness kevlar in them or how the kevlar would sustain continuous bending. :)

[@toraktech8731]

Love your review! ive been meaning to get either the fivefingers split toes, the furoshiki, or a skinners. you gave me a lot of important data to my decision. thanks a lot Dieter!

[@DieterVanHolder]

Happy to help! I've never heard of Furoshiki so you helped me back!

[@toraktech8731]

@@DieterVanHolder no probs man. I ordered a lookalike, probably cheapo imitation or something from shopee malaysia. Eager to test it on the roads and the jungle trail in Malaysia. There's so little content on this regarding jungle trails in the tropics. Maybe i will make some😁

[@iwayanjuliantapradnyana3264]

​@toraktech8731 hi is the replica feels good? Let me know, because I want to buy 1 😁

[@SuperDuce74]

They are an amazing option for the gym. I just ordered my second pair and have had an almost completely different experience than this review.

[@therealcoolc]

Yes, they are a huge game changer at the gym. Have you tried tire flips with them on?

[@Emtbtoday]

The skin sock maybe ok for cold nights in your tent, or divers wouldn't go as far as saying they are for camping or hiking

[@darklyclad]

Awesome review! Thank You. Decided they're not for me.

[@cassessments]

Thank you for such a honest and practical advice!

[@DieterVanHolder]

Thank you!

[@brentf3470]

Great review. I tried them for camp shoes and my feet froze. They are nice for river crossings with the foot feedback of the surface. I tried using them with a D30 insole and they were more usable but not as good as a Vivobarefoot for use when hiking. I no longer take them backpacking and only use them around home as a yard slipper to give a little foot protection. Would I buy them again? No, since they stay wet and aren't warm enough for a camp shoe

[@DieterVanHolder]

Yeah I was especially put off by the staying wet part

[@zmooc]

While I fully agree with almost the downsides you mention, I actually love my Skinners. They're great for festivals, on the campsite or for walking around the garden or through a forest. I think I've hiked well over 10k in them. Compared to Vibram FiveFingers or Vivobarefoots, the Skinners barefoot feel is absolutely superior and they allow you to move your feet in ways that regular barefoot shoes simply don't allow, especially bending the toes down (is that called plantar flexion?). One thing I don't agree with is the level of protection in practice. Obviously, thorns and sharp things will go right through, but I have found that as I walk more in barefoot shoes (I only use barefoot shoes for everything now), reflexes in my feet that I didn't even know I had have returned and my feet now retract from sharp things so fast that they almost never hurt me. I have no trouble walking thorny areas or sharp stones in my Skinners at all. The sweatiness is also an issue. However, I always wear socks and you only have to take the Skinners off for about a minute for your feet to be dry again. I can easily live with that - the advantages well outweight this disadvantages. I must also mention the higher version is much better at preventing sand, stones and bugs from getting in them. Smaller particles will go through the mesh anyway and you _will_ get dirty feet. They're definitely nice weather shoes though and I only use them in the summer.

[@michaelgrave8831]

ty for so big expiriense - was wondering what to buy in regular town walk and will try my first by Skinners cos its cheap and simpl. I just normal guy that wnat try be more healthy.

[@alexandrdanko2619]

Thanks man! What I've heard they don't fit my expectations so I won't wast my money

[@DieterVanHolder]

Happy to hear I could help

[@nicom4572]

Very straight forward review thank you - for this I wil follow you

[@louisdesp]

Tanks for the honest review

[@961R32]

Saved me $90 cdn 👍🏽 Great review!

[@DieterVanHolder]

Happy to help!

[@barrypanaretou9124]

Fantastic detailed video. Thanks

[@dakenneospear3039]

Great review. Also gave me new ideas about barefoot shoes. Thanks a lot!!

[@DieterVanHolder]

Gladly done! I always appreciate a like on the video! :)

[@joeljames7399]

Is there a link I can purchase the Baresocks? I got the skinners 2.0 but wanna try out this Baresocks in your review!

[@dalygratte]

Nice review, thanks a lot ! 🙏

[@samanthagarcia1398]

would you say then that these shoe/socks would be best for urban environments? like around town for errands, the gym, to the park, etc.?

[@DieterVanHolder]

It would depend on how safe your environment is. As mentioned in the video, Skinners are very vulnerable to sharp objects. If you do want to walk barefoot in urban environmentd I recommend going for something with a real sole like Vivos or vibrams

[@rendapelda7627]

That is exactly how I use them. During warm months I walk barefoot in towns and safe and short trails, when it gets colder I put on Skinners. I always wear another socks in them or they get smelly quickly.

[@kfsdk8]

@@DieterVanHolder the vibram really not same

[@ChefDuane]

I'm thinking about wearing these as camp shoes and sleeping in them. If I get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom I don't want to have to put on footwear. If you wear them when you sleep you can just go outside and do your business and then go right back to bed. Also they might keep your toesies warm.

[@DieterVanHolder]

For that they're great 😃

[@Italomendesrodrigues]

Hey, the song at the end is it from dpr?

[@DieterVanHolder]

I don't know what you mean by dpr. :) I think it was stock audio from storyblocks.com

[@ladyskye3179]

Thank you for review. I do not like these at all. But I'm sure they are good for some people. ❤

[@94music94]

Anyone using them in the gym? Any opinions on that?

[@lalystar4230]

Would be nice to have the autotranscribe/cc set to english... if youtube allows for that... >.

[@misterbilano]

Was this Skinners 1 or 2.0 ? Maybe they've improved a bit ... (but will never be prefect, off course)

[@DieterVanHolder]

This was V1 Jonathan. But the difference between those and V2 is negligent and wouldn't have changed my view I think. :)

[@SupaHotFjalla]

@@DieterVanHolder hey, could you please fix the description? It mentions V2, had me confused for a while.

[@DieterVanHolder]

@@SupaHotFjalla They are 95% identical and all the points I make in this video remain valid for all current versions :)

[@SupaHotFjalla]

@@DieterVanHolder are they? They claim they are more breathable and they have the inner sole, both of which seem to counteract the criticisms you had for them. I had them in my hands today and to me the difference was noticeable. But that does not change the fact they are not featured in the video.

[@DieterVanHolder]

@@SupaHotFjalla I've see both versions. Of course it's up to you to choose to believe the people selling them, or a person with zero gain from saying anything except an objective truth. I'm not selling outdoor gear, nor am I sponsored by anyone. I have not seen anything that changes my views on the product in any version. It's an expensive sweaty sock that will get penetrated by thorns or other sharp objects. Limited use in some situations, but way inferior to other barefoot footwear with a similar experience.

[@amirhosseinmoshfeghifar7608]

Such a great review...

[@DieterVanHolder]

Thank you! Glad to hear you appreciate my style of talking about the subject. :)

[@srikanthnadakuduru351]

Can I also wear it just like a socks and wear a normal shoe ? Thanks

[@DieterVanHolder]

😂 you can try

[@DieterVanHolder]

@@srikanthnadakuduru351 in this case it can be the perfect solution. But I would put them on last minute. They are not made to be worn with shoes and will be very uncomfortable in shoes. But as a sock, they will protect your foot substantially more than a regular sock.

[@DaemonViews]

Je zou eens moeten kijken naar je spikes van je microfoon. De S is heel scherp namelijk. Gwn om mee te geven als je graag je kwaliteit nog wilt verhogen.

[@DieterVanHolder]

Check, ik ga voor de volgende inzetten op de-ess. 👌 Waarmee luister je? Voor de rest nog tips ivm de EQ? Voor een grote lege zolder vind ik het al meevallen. ;) Background music vond ik hier bvb niet meteen een meerwaarde dus nam ik het risico van puur stem zonder saus.

[@Fjerid]

Klopt viel me ook al op, werd er een beetje gek van haha!

[@kfsdk8]

I like the Skinners. This like as barefoot but it protect your sole.

[@mamabear9389]

Great review

[@XxEvYx]

Ben jij vlaming? Je klonk vlaams in je intro vandaar. :)

[@DieterVanHolder]

Yep 😄

[@XxEvYx]

@@DieterVanHolder Fantastisch. Koop je je schoenen in Kortrijk? Ik heb net mijn eerste paar besteld. Ben benieuwd.

[@DieterVanHolder]

@@XxEvYx deze zijn mij ter review gegeven door Iedereen Loopt in Kortrijk in de winkelstraat. :)

[@XxEvYx]

@@DieterVanHolder Ah fantastisch. Daar heb ik net besteld (gewone schoenen) De skinners staan op mijn verjaardagslijstje. Vooral voor bij de kiné en voor en na ballet. En als ontspannende schoen op trektocht. Ik kijk ernaar uit. Danku voor de eerlijke review. Mijn verwachtingen zijn al wat getemperd nu. :)

[@DieterVanHolder]

@@XxEvYx ballet is hardcore dus je zit waarschijnlijk redelijk veel bij de kine :)

[@Quiiigz]

A little late to the party how is the toe box can I spread my toes or no?

[@DieterVanHolder]

Yes you can

[@Quiiigz]

@@DieterVanHolder thank you!

[@muzaregne2209]

thank you, I just saved 50 € :D

[@shayl2x]

It’s great that you present the video as a hiker perspective but it can be very misleading. Skinners were fundamentally created to provide the ultimate barefoot experience you cannot get from any shoe - not to that extent anyway. For barefoot fans this is the ultimate solution. They’re great for daily use around the city and typical places with some exceptions as you would expect from a barefoot experience. Also let’s not forget how cheap they are compared to actual shoes whether it’s barefoot shoes or not. Skinners will last at least 8 months before you’ll need to replace them and buying 3 pairs for 2-3 years will still be cheaper than buying a single pair of shoes

[@DieterVanHolder]

Unfortunately, that is a subjective position without convincing arguments. The only thing I read here is "they are cheap enough to wear out multiple pairs compared to an alternative". In my video I demonstrate multiple real life applications where they do not serve the user. And my experiences are confirmed here by other users. It's not my goal to discredit the socks. It's to make a real life user experience visible. What is hiking if not walking around multiple surfaces? It's easier on the footwear than running or street use. Do you suggest then that they should be used as indoor slippers?

[@shayl2x]

As I see it it, you address hiking as the requirement and Skinners as the bad solution. My point is that these sock shoes are not designed to be “the right hiking shoes” choice. They’re designed for the best barefoot experience. You can review them as barefoot shoes and claim they’re not right for hiking but saying they’re useless cause they disappoint during hikes, hence it’s a bad product, is like using a cup as a plate. It will work just fine but you probably won’t recommend it to others. For hikes, clearly, you need more support than Skinners provide. Yeah maybe daily slippers is the better way of introducing their purpose but for selling purposes that will never be said just like the required adjustment/training required for any barefoot shoes

[@DieterVanHolder]

@@shayl2x I'm sorry Shavy, but this is 100% a review of their use as barefoot shoes. :)

[@iedereenloopt5945]

@@DieterVanHolder actually that's not true. You can imagine that I don't quite agree with my your review. Your review is not of their use as a barefoot shoe. It's more a review like a multi-day hiking barefoot shoe. And they are indeed not the best for that. But there are many thing you can do with them. Somewhere in your review you say you are a bigger fan of your Fivefingers because they give you more protection. Well there are also many people who find the Fivefingers too thick (and especially the V-Run shown in your video, which is one of the thicker models). So skinners will give you more barefoot feel. Which you didn't like, but so many people do. And yes, you will feel everything through them, but basically only narrow, sharp objects will go through them (like nail, drawing pin and indeed thorns). But I have used them a lot on shell or coral beaches, for example, without hurting my feet. In addition, you indicate for example, that you don't find it necessary to immediately change shoes at the camp site, but many others do. Or take the example of a mountain hut, where you are usually not allowed to enter with your hiking boots. What I mainly remember is that you are not a fan of Skinners and that is of course your right. But there are also an awful lot of people who are fans of this. I kind of get the feeling that this review is throwing out the baby with the bathwater.

[@DieterVanHolder]

@@iedereenloopt5945 Thanks for sharing your thoughts. As someone selling these socks I understand you want to defend the product. However, I don't like the way you say I already didn't like the product. As if I have some prejudice or alterior motive. It is true that I don't think this is a product I would advise to people. But I state objective reasons and demonstrate my reasons in the video. I sometimes get the criticism that I don't review them for their intended use... These socks are being actively advertised as something to run in or walk on natural surfaces. My review is from the viewpoint of using them as a secondary option in natural situations. So 100% their intended environment and lighter than their intended use. Then the opposite criticism is that they should be used in more gentle and casual ways... The objective truth is that the product has some verifiable and demonstrated downsides. Which I demonstrate with real life examples. And my experiences are being confirmed by many commentors who bought them. My position is and remains that this barefoot product is not worth the money. Maybe if it was a lot cheaper and with less exaggerated promises. However, I do love barefoot products and the barefoot philosophy. Just not this product.

[@kfsdk8]

One more thing: you can't go into most shops with bare feet, and can't use public transport. If you wear this one, no one will say anything about it.

[@hrabianero]

When barefoot companies stop being price pricks, then I'll buy their products.

[@SSchithFoo]

I think the idea behind this is same as walking barefoot; but you get duck poop protection which is all I care.

[@callmeswivelhips8229]

Wait, I'm confused. You hike barefoot and you love it. Yet, these sock-shoes do not provide you with enough protection?? That doesn't make any sense. If you go hiking with your bare feet not wearing anything and love that...and yet put something on them to continue hiking and feel your feet are unprotected...this doesn't make any sense to me. I love going for walks wearing these things. To me, the entire point of them is to learn how to walk barefoot comfortably. You know, like how our ancestors did for millions of years?? And only on natural terrain?? Not that I would walk around completely barefoot all the time mind you, but it still seems disingenuous to say it's impossible to go hiking without wearing anything on your feet whatsoever.

[@DieterVanHolder]

Although I really enjoy the tactile parts of what "barefoot" shoes offer in comparison to other types of shoes, I would not want to go on extended hikes without protection. I've been stabbed, stung, cut, bruised enough to realize I prefer more protection. In my experience, the alternatives I show work better for me. This might be different for other people. These socks feel sloppy, they barely protect from common hazards, they're hot, stinky, suck up moisture and then don't dry... One would be better off literally going barefoot than spend too much money vs value on these things. That was my conclusion after using them out in nature for months. I'm not against barefoot. I also don't make money selling anything here. Just trying to give an honest view from real world use.

[@callmeswivelhips8229]

@@DieterVanHolder My question is...do you go barefoot? As in hike without wearing anything on your feet at all?? I'm curious because that's what I'm working toward myself at the moment. You _seriously_ do _not_ like these sock-shoes!

[@DieterVanHolder]

@@callmeswivelhips8229 not for big multi hour journeys. I'm often barefoot around camp and on rest days. I'm always barefoot at home except for when I leave the house.

[@callmeswivelhips8229]

@@DieterVanHolder Interesting! When and where you choose to be and not to be barefoot and why sounds like it would be a great video!! I know I'm interested!

[@dreamwalks8200]

The price of 60€ is insane for a pair of rubberized socks. lmfao. The idea is good tho not really thought through.

[@DieterVanHolder]

100% agree with you.

[@dreamwalks8200]

@@DieterVanHolder Have you found any alternatives for camp/riverpassings besides these barefoot shoes? I'm currently looking at the Arcteryx Norvan SL 2 which "only" weighs 170 gram each. They dry really quick according to reviews. I suppose those barefoot shoes are even lighter?

[@DieterVanHolder]

@@dreamwalks8200 i am very happy with both my vivo barefoot ones and the vibram five-finger

[@dreamwalks8200]

@@DieterVanHolder good to know , thanks.

[@darrensurff8554]

Why no one useing leather ,isnt this the natural old way ,? No plastic blocking the earths currents Im going to learn how to fix a peace of leather to socks

[@rogueskypilot4116]

Yes this is exatly what I've been looking for, unfortunately it isn't on the market, (that I know of.)

[@vacafuega]

@@rogueskypilot4116 Actually, it is! Earthing Moccasins will make custom leather shoes with leather soles, and they also sell templates and materials so you can do it yourself (!). The soles are replaceable and they teach you how to do that too, so as long as the shoes last, you can replace the soles when they wear out and the shoes should last several years.