UNDERSTANDING WILDLING SHOES

Wildling is my favorite brand for barefoot shoes. I bought several of my shoes either directly from their website or second hand. I was not affiliated to them, until recently.

I stumbled upon Wilding at the beginning of my barefoot transition. They were having an end of the season sale and because I was not used to spending so much money on shoes, I decided to give their cheapest model a try (Drakes, Fall 2019). I wore those shoes ALL the time. They were super comfortable and versatile. I wore them when walking my dogs, climbing trees with my daughters, and also to work!

After my first pair did not fit the following season, I decided to buy another pair during their next sale. I did a lot of research on what model to get and how to choose the right size. The more I read about them, the more I liked them, and the more I want to support them.

Wildling does things differently. Their goal is to create a sustainable product that is good for our feet while using high quality materials. They want to create a product that is durable and environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable. They know the materials they use are valuable resources, therefore they have long-term partners with environmentally friendly distribution channels. This also means that there is a limited amount of the materials they use, therefore, Wildling will create a new collection every season with new models using materials that are primarily from certified organic sources.

You can buy here.

DESIGN

• Wildling are one of the most minimalist shoes on the market.
  • Wide Toe box: Even though their width appears to be on the normal side of barefoot shoes, the sides can expand to allow for a medium-wide foot.
  • Shape: It is square-shaped, allowing for different shapes of feet (Greek, Roman, and Egyptian).
  • Zero Drop: No toe lift and no heel drop.
  • Flexibility: The natural materials and unique outsole allow the shoe to bend in all directions.
  • Low stack height: Sole is 1.5 – 4.5 mm thick, depending on model and size.
• No toe and heel caps – the shoe adjusts to fit the foot, not the other way around. They will adapt to become your foot’s unique personalized companion.
• Wildling shoes protect our feet but they also minimize the restriction of their natural movement and growth.
• No footbed: the muscles are challenged to adjust to different surfaces, makes feet stronger
• All models are gender neutral.
• Wildling uses the same last for all models.

PARTS

• Upper
• Lining
• Membrane
• Insole
• Removable insole
• Edging
• Outsole (sole)
  • NOT ALL MODELS HAVE ALL THESE PARTS
  • Summer models have less parts (no lining nor membrane).
  • Winter models have all of the parts (except removable insole).

OUTSOLE

The most important part of the Wildling shoe is its unique outsole. It was inspired by Japanese ninja boots and the ribbed tread pattern inspired by a fox’s paw. It is only 1.5 mm thick!

The outsole has a gap right in the middle. This slot makes the shoe extremely flexible and it allows it to adjust to the foot’s movement and to any surface. The slot is protected by a patch which helps withstand various types of terrain while stopping moisture from getting in.

It is recommended to glue the fabric exposed on the sole for protection.

The outsole is made of 80% synthetic rubber with 50% recycled content and 20% cork.

MATERIALS

• Wilding uses materials that are primarily from certified organic sources: cotton, washi, hemp, linen, and untreated or felted wool.
• If dying a fabric, Wildling uses only natural pigments.
• Most of their models are vegan, except Winter/Fall models that have wool. Wildling will state on each model if they were made “without materials of animal origin.”
• Many of their materials possess natural anti-bacterial properties that also regulate moisture and temperature like washi, hemp, and wool. They specifically use them for their insoles!
• All Wildling shoes include an insole, made either of cotton, washi, or wool.
• They also sell extra insoles made of cotton, washi, wool, or wooly (50% wool, 50% hemp).
• On the Wilding website, you can find a list of the materials used for each model.

SPRING/SUMMER

• Wildling only uses natural pigments when dyeing the fabrics.
• Some models come with a membrane and/or a removable insole.
• For uppers, Wildling will use 100% linen, 100% cotton, plain weave (60% linen and 40% hemp) or other natural material.
• Their lining is made of 100% cotton.
• Their edging is made of microfibre (100% polyamide or 90% polyamide, 10% polyurethane).
• Some models will have a membrane, which is an extra layer found between the upper and lining materials. It is 100% polyester, it provides protection, and will make the shoe water resistant.
• Some models will come with a removable insole.

Feather sandals: The upper is made of breathable microfiber (50% polyamide, 50% polyurethane), they have an insole made of Lunatur (80% EVA and 20% walnut shell) and an insole cover made of washi (75% paper, 25% polyester) which cannot be removed.

• Tanuki models: Uppers, insole, and edging are made of Washi (75% paper, 25% polyester) some models come with a removable insole (Lunatur, 80% EVA and 20% walnut shells). They are not waterproof but water-permeable, it means that they can get wet and they will dry quickly.
  • Most people prefer to wear them without socks as the material is anti-bacterial. It is also temperature-regulating, breathable, and quick-drying.
  • The washi material is very soft to touch. It is malleable and becomes more supple with wear.

• Nebula: Their sneaker model made of 3 pieces and only a few stitches to give it its fit. The uppers are made of Knitted Merino Mix (55% polyester, 31% pure new wool IVN Best) which is abrasion-resistant that hugs the foot. The insole is made of washi (75% paper, 25% polyester) and removable insole of Lunatur (80% EVA and 20% walnut shell). Outsole is 80% synthetic rubber with 50% recycled content and 20% cork.

WINTER/FALL

Winter Wildling’s uppers, lining, and insoles will be made out of cotton, hemp, or untreated or felted wool from certified organic livestock and from landscape conservation projects like Nordwolle.

There are many different models.

• For uppers, Wildling will use 100% cotton/wool/corduroy or other natural material.
• All models have lining, Wildling will use 100% wool, 100% cotton, hemp-flax fleece (50% hemp, 50% flax), or other natural material.
• All models have a membrane, which is an extra layer found between the upper and lining materials. It is 100% polyester, it provides protection, and will make the shoe water resistant.
• All models have a microfibre (50% polyamide, 50% plyurethane) edging.
• Some models will have a removable insole.

Things to know:

• Models with uppers and lining made out of wool are the warmest.
• You can buy an extra wool insole for extra warmth.
• Wildlings are pretreated with environmentally friendly impregnation spray, which makes them water-resistant and breathable.
• You can buy their impregnation spray but it is only recommended for models with cotton uppers and for the microfibre edging (NOT WOOL).
• Wildlings use the same last for summer and winter models. Because winter models are lined, there will be less space inside the shoe, you might want to size up (especially if you are going to wear thicker socks).

TOEBOX AND WIDTH

Wildling shoes have a squared toe box that allows for different types of feet. They work perfectly for my squared feet, giving ALL of my toes extra space at the top of the shoe. Because of the outsole’s flexibility, it can expand for medium-wide feet, but they might start feeling snug. It also accommodates narrower feet thanks to their lacing system.

SIZING AND FIT

I would strongly recommend to print Wildling’s template. For barefoot shoes, you want a thumbs width between your toes and the front of the shoe. I prefer to have 1 – 1.2 cm of extra space.

When printing their template, check that it is the right scale. Fold the paper along the designated line, place it on the floor against a wall, and step on it. Make sure you are measuring both feet. If you are going to wear socks, make sure you wear them while measuring.

• Wilding provides step-by-step videos that will help you choose your fit.
• You can send a picture of your feet on the template and customer service will help you with sizing.

Because the shoes are made of fabric, they feel like wearing socks and will mold to your feet. I also believe that this is why it feels weird to have the 7 – 12 mm of extra space in front of your toes, as we don’t usually have any extra space in our socks! Wildling recommends to knead and massage the shoes before wearing, this will allow the fabric to move and become softer.

UNDERSTANDING THE TEMPLATE

On Wildling’s template, there are two areas at the top, one with dots and one with lines. Wildling recommends that full grown feet leave the space with lines open and growing feet leave both spaces, lines and dots, open… this is the extra space you will have in your shoes. If you are not used to having extra space in front of your toes, you might want to get an extra insole until you are. Take into consideration that socks will take some of that space too.

When I bought my first pair, my toes were touching the space with lines if not on top of it, I ordered size 39! Because I was used to wearing my shoes snug, I felt they had a lot of extra space for me (compared to traditional shoes). I wore them with socks and loved them. Once I got used to wearing barefoot shoes, I needed more space and realized the size I had bought was too small. I now wear a size bigger for my summer/spring models and 2 sizes bigger for the winter ones (I wear them with an extra wool insole and wool socks). I have around 1 cm in front of my toes.

TROUBLESHOOTING

• TOO NARROW: Many people feel their Wildlings start being too tight around the metatarsals, where the eyelets start.
  • First: Knead and massage the area where it feels tight.
  • Second: Loosen your shoelaces as much as you can, wear thick socks, and walk around the house. The fabric should shift and expand where it needs to expand.
  • Third: Make sure you have 7 mm – 12 mm of space in front of your toes, if you don’t, you might want to try a bigger size.
  • Fourth: Trade the cotton shoelaces for elastic ones (Wildling sells all different colors). They allow your feet to move more freely.
• TOO BIG: Let’s check the length… your toes should end at the beginning of the edging. You should have between 7 -12 mm of space in front of your toes.
  • Adults: If your toes end before getting to the edging, they might be too big for you.
  • Kids: If the child is not tripping while wearing the shoes, you have the correct size. It will allow the feet to grow and expand naturally.
  • Try adding an insole.
  • Wear thicker socks.
• TOO BAREFOOT: Try adding an insole, Wildling sells wool, hemp, washi, and wooly (50% wool, 50% hemp). I wore my Naboso insoles when I transitioned to barefoot shoes and they helped me immensely, they are stiffer and provide texture that our feet crave.

SHOE CARE

Wildling shoes are very low maintenance, but there are specific things you should do to elongate their life:

• Apply glue (shoe goo, aquaseal) on the fabric that is exposed on the bottom of the shoe for extra protection.
• Spray the cotton/linen models and the edging with their impregnation spray.
  • Do not impregnate wool nor washi!
• Extra insoles help with temperature-regulating, absorbing moisture, controlling odors.
• Do not wash in the washing machine.
• Allow the shoes and insoles to dry completely when damp or wet.
• Cleaning:
  • Let the mud dry and brush them off or wipe them down with a damp cloth.
  • Add coffee grounds to neutralize odor.

PRICE AND WHERE TO BUY

Wildling has a warehouse store in Engelskirchen and showrooms in Cologne and Berlin.

For us, around the world, Wildling has a very easy-to-navigate website where we can see all the models available with detailed information about the materials, their individual fit, and price.

At the end of summer and winter, Wildling will look at their warehouse space in order to plan for the new collection. If they need the space, they will run a sale for the models they still have available. Once in a while, a few models will linger for a few seasons, but once they are gone, they are gone.

Their permanent collection does not go on sale (Tanuki Yoru, Flying Bat, and Nebula).

Shipping cost is around $10 to the US, and sometimes Wildling will offer free shipping!

HOW TO WEAR THEM

Wildling shoes are very versatile.

I wear them to work a lot (I’m a teacher) because they allow me to move freely. I am very active, I squat down to help my students, sit on the floor with them, and jump and run during recess. I walk a lot in school and these shoes allow me to stay active, keeping up with third graders, and still look presentable.

You can dress them up or down. I do not wear dresses nor skirts very often, but I’ve seen people wear their Tanukis for weddings! (both the white and black models).

I prefer to hike with sandals, so I have not try them on extreme terrain. I also believe their outsole is so thin that it could get punctured by debris.

You can buy them here.

Wildling shoe reviews:

“Wildling Crows”

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