Wildling Manul, Spring 2022
On April 9, 2022 by Noelia
This spring, Wildling released a new collection and a new project called Regeneration #partoftheregeneration
Wildling wants to create a climate-positive company, this is reflected in both their company’s climate and the company’s values about climate change.
Wildling is creating and expanding a space for inclusion, feminism, and anti-racism. They invest in renaturation, renewable energy and the ecosystem.
Their model Manul is the first model made completely out of undyed fabric. Instead of metal eyelets, they come with embroidered ones. I received them as a gift, but my opinion is my own.
Material
- Uppers and edging: Canvas (100% linen) – off-white
- Interior lining/mid-sole: 100% certified organically grown cotton
- Insole: Hemp-flax fleece (50% hemp, 50% flax) [removable]
- Outsole: 60% synthetic rubber from roughly 33% recycled material, 25% silica, 15% recycled cork – off-white
Design
- Gender neutral
- Made of flexible and natural materials
- Embroidered eyelets.
- Best for narrow to medium width feet
Barefoot qualities
- Zero drop: no toe spring nor heel lift.
- Toebox: Wide and square shaped.
- Sole: 2.5 mm thick and extremely flexible.
- No artificial stabilization.
Outsole
The most important part of the Wilding shoe is its unique outsole. All the models are made with the same sole, which 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.
Wilding shoes have a squared toebox that allows for different types of feet. Because of the outsole’s flexibility, it can expand for medium to wide feet, but they might start feeling snug. It also accommodates narrower feet thanks to the lacing system.
If Wildling shoes are too minimal for you, you can add an extra insole and wear them with socks… this is what I did with my first pair. You can also start wearing them for short periods of time, giving your feet recovery time in between wears. Don’t forget to do your foot strengthening exercises!
Sizing and fit
This model is true to size as measured with the Fitkit.
Wildling sizing can be confusing. There are 3 ways you can choose your size on their website:
- US sizes provided on the drop down arrow.
- Printing out the template (click on “size finder”)
- And the “No printer available? – click here” option.
Things to know about sizing:
- The US sizes are NOT correct! Do NOT rely on this option.
- I tried to print their templates and I was unable to get the right size (they show a 2″ or 5 cm line and mine never measured correctly!!!). I printed at least 5 different times and they were all wrong. I got frustrated with my printer and used their “No printer available?” option instead.
- Once I was in their size chart (“no printer available? – click here” option), I could see the US size, foot length in cm and inches, and EU size. They have size 40 (my size) as size W8, I usually wear size 8.5-9W.
- Do NOT rely on their US sizes!
Because I have bought different Wildling models in the past, I know I like how size 40 fits when I wear them barefoot (no socks).
My measurements:
- Foot length: 24.8 cm
- Foot width: 9.8 cm
Wilding’s size 40 is recommended for feet that are 24.16 – 24.83 cm in length.
Care
Wildling shoes are pretty low key, there are just a few things I like to do:
- You can waterproof them with their spray.
- You can apply glue to the exposed fabric on the sole to help with waterproofing and protection.
- 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.
Accident
I got to wear my Manuls once before I had a glue accident.
I have always applied glue to the bottom of the sole, where the fabric is exposed in order to protect it from the environment.
This time, my fabric glue did not want to come out when I tried to apply it, so I squished the bottle as hard as I could. Surprise, surprise, I got all the glue to come out and spilled it on both of my shoes, my jeans, and floor.
I still wear them with pride. They are beautiful shoes, but I’m mad at myself for having this silly accident.
Opinion
Wildling shoes are one of the most minimal barefoot shoes on the market. The sole is extremely thin and the materials are super flexible, they give your feet a lot of freedom to move.
The model Manul is made without dyes with natural materials. I love the Wildling design, but this model represents the values I want to support: natural, ethical, sustainable.