Wildling Crows

This model is part of their Winter Collection 2020. I bought this pair second-hand shortly after their release. I actually traded a pair of Vivobarefoot boots that did not work for me for these and I’m very happy I did.

I was not associated with Wildling when I reviewed them, but I love Wildling so much, I became an affiliate, you can buy them here.

Company

Wildling is one of my favorite brands because of their unique design and their values as a company.

They are:

• Sustainable: Environmentally, socially, and economically.
• Ethical: Good working conditions, many positions are held by women, production and suppliers are on the same country and are small family-owned companies.
• Slow fashion.

I have written a review all about wildlings: “Understanding Wildling Shoes.” You can find it here.

I will focus on the Crow’s design and fit:

Design

The Crows are one of Wildling’s warmest models as they are made with two layers of wool (uppers and lining), with an integrated membrane in between. Their sole is only 2.5 mm thick, making them one of the most flexible barefoot shoes on the market.

This is Wildling’s first model with an extra high cut. They are perfect when walking on deep snow as they protect my feet and ankles! Check Sizing and Fit to get help with measurements.

• Flexible all around (my most flexible shoes)
• Upper and lining: 100% virgin wool from certified organic cultivation
• Membrane: 100% polyester
• Edging: Microfiber (100% polyamide)
• Sole: 80% synthetic rubber (50% recycled content) and 20% cork
  • Zero drop
  • No toe spring
  • Natural shape
  • No artificial stabilization
  • 2.5 mm stack height
• Lightweight
• Color: Salt and pepper

Sizing and Fit

Wildling sizing can be confusing. There are 3 ways you can find your size on their website:

1. Drop-down, which shows European (US) sizes.
2. Fit Kit, which you need to print.
3. Size finder, where you find your size according to your foot measurements.

The drop-down is the least reliable. They have size 40 (my usual size) as size 8W… I usually wear 8.5-9W. Therefore, I highly recommend using their Fit Kit in order to find the right size for you, you can find instructions on how to use it here.

I printed the Fit Kit, and size 41 looks like it’s a little big for me, but I knew I wanted to add a wool insole and I was planning on wearing thick socks. Our winters can be very cold and I was planning on using these as my winter shoes. So I went for it!

At the beginning, these felt humongous! I thought I had made a huge mistake buying a bigger size, but after wearing them a few times, the shoes started to mold to my feet and have become one of my most comfortable shoes I own.

I do have around 10 mm of extra space in the front, which is what is recommended in order to give your toes space to splay.

Calf:  From the floor up 18 cm, my calf, with socks, is 27 cm in circumference. According to the measurements Wildling provide on their website, the circumference of size 41, is 26 cm. This might be the circumference if the buckle is closed on the tightest hole. I usually wear it on the second one (there are three).

If you have thick calves, this might not be the best match for you, even though, I have seen people cut the buckle in order to wear them.

Width: These fit my low volume, 10 cm-wide feet perfectly. Their sole is flexible, which allows the sides to flatten up to accommodate more width. Wildling shoes are recommended for narrow to medium-wide feet.

Toe box: Wildling shoes fit Greek and Roman shaped feet best as they are very squared.

Traction

I have worn these shoes all winter long. They are my favorite winter shoes but I do have to say that they are not the best on ice. I have yet to find a pair of barefoot shoes with great traction.

Cold Temperature Performance

We live in the Midwest USA. That means we have four seasons and our winters can be long and cold. We get a lot of snow and our shoes need to be able to withstand it.

Both myself and my youngest daughter have worn these Wildling Crows in below freezing temperatures. As long as we wear them with an extra set of wool insoles (check how I made my own here) and thick socks (sometimes two) they perform amazingly.

We have spent hours outside sledding, hiking, or just walking the dogs and our feet have stayed warm and dry as long as we keep moving.

I have not tried them on rainy days and we have not had puddles yet. Because they are made of fabric, I would not recommend submerging them under water. They are water resistant not waterproof.

Shoe Care

The first time I wore my shoes on a muddy day, I was really concerned about their aesthetics, but I followed their directions: let them dry and brush the dirt away… and it worked.  They look like new, even though, they are also my youngest daughter’s favorite shoes so they get double usage.

Wildling shoes are pretty low key, there are just a few things I like to do:

• Waterproof the microfiber edging before first wear.
• Apply glue to the exposed fabric on the sole to help with waterproofing.
• Add an insole to protect the lining.

Style

These boots have a unique look. They are flexible and minimalist. They are not your traditional chunky winter boots.

Because I bought them to be worn as winter boots, I only wear when I’m going to be outside for long periods of time. I do not wear them to work for example.

All the pictures I have of them, I am wearing my big winter coat and my Crows are full of snow.

They go easily with leggings and they look cute under wide leg jeans.

Are you ready to check them out? You can find them here.

Want to read more about Wildlings?

“Understanding Wildling Shoes”

Want to read about the other shoes I wore this winter?

“Tadeevo Winter Shoes”

“Lems Boulder Boots”

Do you want to learn how to make your own wool insoles?

“How to make wool insoles”