The Jaya model is one of the most popular Ahinsa Shoes models and I was really looking forward to testing it. First impressions after opening the box were absolutely great, as such lightness is a rarity in a model like this. The vegan material proved to be very hard-wearing and easy to maintain.
Disclaimer: I was given these pair of shoes as a gift to review, but all opinions expressed here are my own. I am also affiliated with Ahinsa Shoes, which means that I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase using my discount code BU10 or use links on my website.
♥ Get 15% off on Ahinsa Shoes with my affiliate code BU10 ♥
1. General
- Brand: Ahinsa Shoes
- Model: Jaya
- Colour: black
- Tested on: woman, medium-wide feet, 26.3 cm long and 10 cm wide, low instep, skinny ankles with narrow heel, fin-shaped foot (see my how to measure guide and foot type) – wearing size 43
| Made in EU | Adult | Vegan | Ship worldwide |
2. Material characteristics
2.1 Upper
The Jaya model is made from 100% vegan materials. The smooth CF+ (cruelty-free) material used for the upper resembles leather at first glance, but according to Ahinsa, this vegan leather is even more durable. The CF+ material is waterproof and scratch-resistant. Another big plus for me is that the crease points of the shoe are not noticeable when walking, and do not affect the appearance of the shoe.
The model is available in five different colours in the ‘barefoot’ and ‘comfort’ option. I have chosen the timeless black colour from the barefoot range, which also fits all barefoot criteria (‘comfort’ models come with an insole with slightly elevated heel).
The black laces slide smoothly through the eyelets and do not come undone when walking. Untying the laces is relatively quick, but the design of this model does require a little more time to put on.
2.2 Lining
The interior is made of microfibres reminiscent of suede. The material is extremely soft and pleasant to the touch.
Jaya also comes with an insole made of a special vegan CF+ ultradry material that feels like suede. If you plan to wear the shoes in winter, you can replace the insole with a winter insole if necessary, but although the winter insole is warmer, the shoes are better suited for milder winter days.
2.3 Sole
The sole is extremely thin and flexible, suitable for urban environments and gives you a great ground feeling.
The whole boot is extremely flexible and soft, so twisting it in any direction is no problem. Despite the greater height of the boot, ankle movement is not impeded.
See also the video for a close-up view of the shoes.
3. Sizing information
3.1 Length
To help you choose the right size, Ahinsa Shoes has a chart where the recommended size is given according to your foot length.
Choosing the right shoe size is always easier when given the internal length of the shoe instead of the recommended foot length, but from past experience with Achins Shoes I was able to choose the right size for me.
I wear a size 43 in Jaya (my foot length is 26.3 cm), where the inside length with the thicker winter insole is about 27.5 cm, which is the optimum toe space for me.
See post How much space do we need in shoes if you want to know more about that.
3.2. Toebox shape & width
Ahinsa Shoes models have a milder slope towards the little toes, so the shoes will best suited for foot shapes 2, 4 and 5. A gentler slope with more space for the smaller toes may also suit foot type 6 well. With foot type 1, more space may be left in front of the smaller toes, which can be distracting when walking.
Ahinsa shoes also have a more pronounced ‘bean’ shape, which is ideal for feet that have a toe that curves away from the rest of the toes, like mine.
More about different foot types you can read in my post What is my Foot Type?
There is also enough space above the toes for those feet with a little more volume. In case your foot has less volume, I recommend wearing the shoes with a winter insole that is slightly thicker. The shoes are best suited for medium-wide and wide feet. For my foot shape and width, the model fits very well, but I still have some extra width left with my 10 cm wide feet.
3.3. Fit around the instep, heel and ankle
The boots allow good fixation on different calf and ankle widths and will fix well on both narrower and wider calves. On my narrow ankles the boots fit very well.
They are suitable for a variety of different instep heights, but in the midfoot (just before the laces start) they are best suited for average volume feet. High-volume feet may find them too snug at this point, but for very low-volume feet I recommend using a thicker insole if there is too much volume for you left.
4. Comfort
Their lightness will make you quickly forget you have anything on your feet. The height of the boot does not hinder ankle movement due to its softness. The breathability of the vegan materials is not as good as in leather, but I didn’t find it bothersome on colder days.
5. How and when to wear them?
This is a boot model that can be worn in a hundred and one ways – with tights in imitation leather, jeans in different cuts (skinny jeans, straight cut or mum jeans). The Jaya model is also perfect to combine with a variety of dresses.
6. Price & where to buy
You can buy the shoes on the official Ahinsa Shoes website. Some countries also have their own local websites. The price for the Jaya model is € 169.
You can buy Ahinsa Shoes with 15% discount with my affiliate code A15_BOSENOGICE. The code is valid only on their official website.
Due to handmade and sustainable production, not all sizes are in stock at all times. Shoes that are in stock will be dispatched within 1-5 working days, otherwise you will have to wait approximately 29 working days for production. You can check the stock on their website by selecting the appropriate size and model.
7. Shipping info
Ahinsa Shoes ship worldwide. The shipping costs for Europe are 12 € and for international shipping $19.
8. To sum up
Beautiful design, roomy toebox and the magic of lightness and flexibility. The Ahinsa Shoes Jaya is an excellent vegan boot for wider feet, which is in no way inferior to its ‘leather rivals’.
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