Do you wonder why this brand succeed so fast? Why their shoes are worn even by the people who don’t usually wear barefoot shoes? Or why so many people decided to choose Feelgrounds as their first barefoot shoes? Well, keep reading and you will see why.
UPDATE: In Spring 2021 Feelgrounds updated all their models. Their sneakers now have a new toebox shape (wider and even more foot-shaped), slightly updated outsole for better durability and new size chart. The Dusty Pink model in the photos is their old model and I updated my review with photos of the new model in Light Blue colour.
When Feelgrounds started promoting their brand on Instagram account they immediately got my attention. Barefoot shoe that looks like a ‘regular’ shoe. Can this be true?
Feelgrounds proves it can be. These shoes look fantastic on foot and they definitely don’t scream from far away “Hey, I’m a barefoot shoe.” They look like a perfectly ‘normal’ shoe on foot and they are definitely one of the best designed barefoot shoes on the market. No wonder why they succeed so fast.
I follow this brand from its early beginnings and like me, other people noticed a good-looking shoe too. Their crowdfunding campaign goal was reached almost immediately and they ‘raised $250,000 by over 2,000 backers from more than 75 countries’ to fund their first production.
Disclaimer: I was sent these shoes as a gift to review, but as always, all opinions expressed here are my own. I’m also a Feelgrounds affiliate and I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase on the Feelgrounds website through the links on my website at no additional cost to you. Thank you for all your support ♥
1. General
- Brand: Feelgrounds
- Model: Original Mesh
- Colour: Dusty Pink (old model) and Light Blue (new model)
- Tested on: woman, medium-wide feet, 26.3 cm long and 10 cm wide (10.3 cm between metatarsal heads), low instep, skinny ankles with narrow heels, fin-shaped foot (see my how to measure guide and foot type) – wearing size 42
| Made in Vietnam | Adults | Vegan | Ship worldwide |
2. Material characteristics
2.1 Upper
Feelgrounds Original model is available in Mesh or Knit version. Mesh material is more breathable and suitable for warmer days. It is available in 7 different colors. In my review, you’ll see the colors Dusty Pink (old model) and Light Blue (new model).
The original Knit model is made of the same material as their Highrise models. I have not yet tested this low-cut model. You can check out more about this material in my review for the Highrise model here.
The upper in Mesh model is made from extremely breathable mesh material made from 100% recycled PET. The shoes are also machine washable on gentle cycle.
The laces are made from 100% recycled PET and are in the matching colour with the upper.
UPDATE: The laces on the new models has been slightly changed, so the new laces are a little firmer to the touch. In this way, they achieved greater durability of the laces.
A vertical stripe with the brand name in a contrasting white color is added to the back of the shoe.
2.2 Lining
The inside of the shoe is made of the same material as the outside, but the weave is denser. No insole added in the shoe.
2.3 Sole
Outsole is made from slip-resistant recyclable ‘special footwear TPE’.
The sole is 5 mm thick and the ground feeling is good. This material moves well with your feet, you can feel every pebble, but they still offer enough protection to keep you from feeling uncomfortable.
UPDATE: The new sole is still the same thickness, but it is no longer as soft as the old sole. You can easily bend it in all directions, but there is a small difference when walking, because the sole is firmer. By doing so, they achieved greater durability of the sole.
Also check my video for the close-up and to see how they look on my feet.
3. Sizing information
3.1 Length
Feelgrounds Original shoes are available in sizes 35-49 and are appropriate for men and women (unisex model).
UPDATE: The new models have a new size chart (the one below is new).
When choosing the right size, I recommend sticking to their size chart and choosing the size based on the stated inner length of the shoe.
My foot is 26.3 cm long and 10 cm wide and I opted for size 42. The inner length of size 42 is 27.4 cm, which means 11 mm of space in front of the toes. This is an ideal space for me to provide enough room for movement for all toes given my foot shape and width.
See post How much space do we need in shoes if you want to know more about that.
If you are still not sure which size to choose, you can print out their template to determine the right size. Just make sure to print it out at the right scale. The line at the marked size indicates the end of the shoe, so when choosing a size, also consider the space you need in front of your toes to move.
3.2. Toebox & width
UPDATE: The new Feelgrounds models have an even better toebox shape. The line at the big toe stays straight for a longer time and it tapers less, also more width and space has been added for the pinky toe.
The toebox shape has a milder slope towards the little toe and is best suited for foot types 2, 4 and 5. With type 1, more space may remain in front of the smaller toes if you want to provide enough space for movement for the big toe. More square foot shapes (3, 6) you may run out of space for little toes.
More about different foot types you can read in the post What is my Foot Type?
The new Feelgrounds Original models are best suited for medium-wide and wide feet and can be too wide for narrower feet. The width of the new model is ideal for my foot width.
The space above the toes isn’t huge, but due to the type of material, I don’t feel the need for a larger amount. However, in people who have the big toe bent upwards, the thumbprint may be observed on the material over time.
3.3. Fit
Feelgrounds Original fit perfectly on the low instep and skinny ankles, but they can also be worn by feet with a higher volume without any problems.
In case the Original Mesh model does not suit you and you need even more volume, I recommend the Original Knit model, which is more suitable for feet with more volume (for feet with less volume, the Mesh model is better).
4. Comfort
Feelgrounds Original shoes are extremely light and comfortable to wear. The material is soft and pleasant to the touch and the shoes can also be worn barefoot.
The material breathes well even in summer, but at high summer temperatures, your feet can sweat faster in this shoe than in a shoe made of natural breathable materials.
5. How to wear them?
Feelgrounds Original are great casual sneakers that can be paired well with jeans, trousers or sportswear. Feelgrounds also has its own clothing line with which you can complement your Feelgrounds styling.
A wide range of colors allows everyone to find something for their taste.
6. Price & where to buy
Feelgrounds shoes can be bought from their official website. Full price for Original model is 101,49€.
7. Shipping info
Feelgrounds ships worldwide. Delivery costs depend on the shipping country. You can read more about the shipping costs here.
8. To sum up
Feelgrounds Original will take care of your healthy feet, and at the same time you will look really good in them. I’m sure they’ll also appeal to those who don’t normally wear barefoot shoes.
With listening to their customers, followers on Instagram and Facebook and engaging them to every step of the process of designing new shoes, Feelgrounds is definitely doing a fantastic job. I’m sure they will just keep coming with great new styles and colours in the future. Are you as thrilled about them as I am?
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