Sneakers

Sneakers for Women

On November 10, 2020 by
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I have never been a sneakers person. I have always been a high heels one.

The most difficult thing about transitioning to barefoot shoes is accepting that my shoes do not look girly, cute, sexy, nor small. I know this says more about our society and the roles we, as women, are supposed to fill. Women’s shoes, the ones that are girly, cute, sexy, and small are definitely uncomfortable and unhealthy for our bodies.

My small collection of barefoot sneakers, all size 40.

I am aware that I need to change the way I think and the way I perceive shoes. Pointy toe boxes and high heels are torture. They mess your alignment and create all sorts of ailments. I hurt my back and in the process of finding pain relief, I learned about barefoot shoes and their benefits. Once I tried them, there is no way I would ever wear high heels nor pointy shoes EVER again!

In my quest to find healthy cute shoes, I have tried different brands and models. I wear them to school (I am a teacher), where I walk at least 10,000 steps daily, while walking my dogs, and stay barefoot at home.

Table of Contents

Bohempia KOLDA – Light Grey $118+ Free shipping

  • Made in the EU
  • Company: Their goal is to promote environmental and social sustainability in fashion.
  • They use hemp, which is antimicrobial, hypoallergenic, moisture-wicking, naturally thermoregulating and super strong.
  • Less than 5 mm stack
  • Vegan

These look very similar to Vans or Keds. I feel that they pass as traditional shoes, except when you put them next to the real deal: These are wide! The Koldas are the widest sneakers of them all. They are designed for high volume feet, so I need to wear them with an extra insole, but that does not bother me at all.

Feelgrounds Original Mesh All White $127 + Free shipping

  • German company that produces under fair conditions in Vietnam.
  • Company: Their goal is to create shoes that are better for our feet and better for the environment than traditional shoes.
  • The upper material is made from extra breathable, 100% recycled mesh
  • Machine washable (on a gentle cycle with cold water, do not tumble dry)
  • Zero-drop with a stack height of 5 mm / 0.2 in
  • Lightweight with only 177 g (EU 41)
    • 100% animal-free (vegan)

The all-white color makes them look very main stream. The recycled material makes them super flexible, but they hurt the back of my ankle, I always have to put a band-aid in order to protect it. The first generations have had issues with the durability of their soles, but the company has changed that in their new models.

Mukishoes Thyme $135 + $18 shipping

  • The company is based and produces in Portugal.
  • Company: They follow the production process closely, supporting local fabricants and avoiding long transport distances. They want to have a minimum impact on the environment. Each shoe is handcrafted with natural materials and ecologically dyed. They only use fair trade materials.
  • This model is made of organic linen.
  • Vegan
  • 3.5 mm stack

My mukishoes are the cutest sneakers I own. I think part of it is because they are pink! These are also designed for high volume feet, so I have to add an insole to fill the space. The sole is really thin, so for me, adding this insole it’s actually a necessity for transitioning to barefoot shoes. I also love the creators and the philosophy of their company. They ship to the US, but they still charge the 23% VAT. I’m really hoping they will have a distributor here in the US that will make these shoes more affordable.

Wildling Tanuki Yoru $100 + shipping

  • German company, shoes are produced in Portugal.
  • Company: Their goal is to reduce its ecological footprint and they are aware of their ecological responsibility as manufacturers. They use natural fabrics and innovative materials.
  • The Tanuki models are made of Japanese Stretch Washi fabric is 75% paper, temperature-regulating, breathable and quick-drying. Its 25% polyester content, makes the fabric more durable and anti-bacterial
  • 2.5 mm stack
  • They weigh 56-151 grams

My Tanuki Yoru are very versatile. The are all black and the material makes them the lightest of all the sneakers I own. They also mold to your feet, making them look less bulky. I have heard many people comment about their width. They do not look the widest, but because of the combination of their soles and fabrics, they mold to your feet, instead of your feet molding to your shoes. If I could only keep one pair of shoes… these would be it. I wish they would offer more colors!