Belenka Nevada – Black
On September 6, 2022 by Noelia
Even though I have been wearing barefoot shoes for a while, I had not tried Belenka shoes until now. I know, shocking! But I’m happy that I finally have.
These Nevada were sent to me as a gift, but my opinion is my own. I am an affiliate and you can buy them here.
Company
Be Lenka was established in 2017 by ex-paralympian Lenka Cenigova and Juraj Fehervari.
They created this company with a purpose, not only to create a barefoot experience, but to create a business plan that respects and supports its workers.
Belenka pays their employees fairly and provides fair working conditions. Their shoes are handmade in the Czech Republic and Slovakia under strict European Union laws related to health, safety, and quality.
They are not interested in being part of fast fashion… they want to create footwear that is versatile and can be worn throughout the years.
Materials
- Upper: Nubuck leather
- Lining: Leather / textile
- Sole: Rubber (WinterGrip)
- Insole: Cotton / PU recycled
Design
Belenka has been known for its bean-shaped footwear. It has now changed to accommodate different shapes. It still has a more sloped toe box, so my big toe has plenty of space while my 4th and pinky toes do not (my feet are mountain shaped).
The Nevada is a very stylish boot designed for fall or warm winters. They can replace your Timberland boots!
I chose the All-Black because I did not have a pair of black combat boots and now I do!
The sole is made out of anti-slip, abrasion-resistant rubber and it has pretty deep lugs that I hope will provide protection and grip while walking on various surfaces.
The top of the boot has a padded ankle collar that protects you from the elements but it does not feel overwhelming like in other boots, I actually do not even feel it. The leather is still malleable and moves with you.
They are:
- Zero drop: no heel nor toe lift
- Total stack height: 12 mm (4 mm sole + 1 mm midsole + 5 mm lugs + 2 mm removable insole)
- Wide: One of the widest brands on the market, but it does have a slanted shape.
- Flexible: The sole is thicker and therefore not as flexible as Wildling or Mukishoes, but more flexible than Lems Boulder boot and Feelgrounds Patrol.
Sizing and Fit
Belenka recommends adding an 0.5 – 1.2 cm to the total length of your foot, which will give you your ideal shoe size.
My feet are 25 cm in length and I chose size 41, which has 1.6 cm of extra length. I could not wear a smaller size because of the shape of my foot (mountain). I am also planning on wearing with socks, so I want to make sure I have enough space without my feet feeling cramped.
Care
The water-resistant leather repels water and moisture with regular application of waterproofing spray.
I have not sprayed my boots and already wore them when it was raining. My feet stayed dried even though the outer leather was soaked.
I am planning on waterproofing them because I plan on wearing them for this type of weather.
Opinion
These are my first pair of Belenka boots. They are slow fashion, which means they are made ethically and sustainably and will last a long time.
Things that I like:
- Design: They look stylish and can pass for traditional footwear.
- Sole: The lugs look hardcore and they are anti-slip.
- Leather: Super soft and comfortable from the beginning, no break-in period.
I have high hopes for them and will add an update after I wear them this fall/winter.