Wildling Fall Collection: Yew, Pine, and Chestnut
On September 16, 2022 by Noelia
Wildling shoes just released their new Fall Collection 2022. I am testing three of their models and want to share my first impressions.
I am an affiliate and you can find them here. My opinion is my own.
Free Shipping Code: MaestraWildling*
* Worldwide, New Customers, One-Time use, Sept. 12-30, 2022
YEW
- The most water repellent Wildling model yet
- It comes with ring eyelets
- Gusseted tongue
- Fits true to size, maybe a little small because of lining
- Higher volume than summer models
Upper: Olive gray canvas, which is an ultra-dense weave made of 100% recycled cotton.
Membrane: 100% polyester
Lining / mid-sole: Felted wool loden (100% virgin wool)
Edging: Microfiber (100% polyamide) – olive gray
Outsole: Golden brown with dark blue speckles. 60% synthetic rubber containing approx. 33% recycled material, 25% silica, 15% recycled cork.
PINE
- 100% vegan
- Fits big and wide
- Higher volume than summer models
Upper: Navy blue fantasy weave, which is made out of 67% certified organic cotton and 33% certified organic linen.
Membrane: 100% polyester
Lining / insole: Hemp-flax fleece, made out of 50% hemp and 50% flax.
Interior lining: Black/blue plaid flannel, made out of 100% certified organically grown cotton.
Mid-sole: 100% certified organically grown cotton
Edging: Microfiber (100% polyamide) – midnight blue
Outsole: Navy blue. 60% synthetic rubber containing approx. 33% recycled material, 25% silica, 15% recycled cork
CHESTNUT
- Warmest model from the collection
- New heel loop design.
- Fits true to size
- Higher volume than summer models
Upper: Brown/blue canvas, made out of 60% undyed brown virgin wool rom Nordwolleand and 40% Romanian hemp from Virgocoop.
Membrane: 100% polyester
Lining / mid-sole: Felted wool loden (100% virgin wool)
Edging: Coffee brown microfiber (100% polyamide)
Outsole: Brown/gray. 60% synthetic rubber containing approx. 33% recycled material, 25% silica, 15% recycled cork
Design
Wildling shoes are:
- Gender neutral
- Made of flexible and natural materials
- Best for narrow to medium width feet, although these designs might accommodate wider feet easier.
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 Design
The most important part of the Wilding shoe is its unique outsole. All the models are made with the same design, 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.
Sizing and Fit
Wildling sizing can be confusing. There are 3 ways you can choose your size on their website:
- US sizes provided on the shoe page.
- 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.
- If you know your EU size, they are true-to-size, you can order the EU size you normally wear.
- 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 and EU size, foot length in cm and inches.
- Wilding adds around 10 – 18 mm of extra length to their recommended shoe size.
My measurements
My feet are 25 x 10 cm.
Wildling recommends, for feet that are between 24.8 and 25.5 cm in length, to wear size EU 41 or US 9W/8M.
This is the size I wear for winter models. I add an insole and wear thick socks. I size down to size 40 for summer models, as I wear them barefoot and do not add an extra insole.
I wear size 40 for most barefoot shoe brands. So use your EU size as guidance.
Size comparisons
- Yew and Pine are both size 41, but Pine are longer than Yew.
- Because Yew are lined with wool, they have a snugger fit.
- Pine are lined with cotton, which gives more space for high volume feet.
- Chestnut and Tanuki Umi (summer model) are both size 43 and they fit similarly.
- Chestnut is higher volume, even with the wool lining, they fit bigger than the Tanuki.
Things to know:
- Warm models start by feeling big or loose. But the more you wear and expose to the elements, the better shape/fit they will get.
- All fall models feel a little wider compared to summer models and higher volume.
- The wool on wool models are the warmest.
- Warm models do not come with insoles, you will have to buy them if you want to add warmth.
Care
Wildling recommends that you waterproof the edging, which may cause it to darken slightly, but I haven’t found this true. I am planning on wearing my shoes when it rains and snows, therefore, I will be waterproofing the microfiber edging.
If your shoes get dirty, you can let them dry first, then knock them together to get rid of debris, and then brush them carefully.
If the spot is persistent, you can try wiping them carefully with a damp cloth.
They are NOT machine washable.
I highly recommend adding insoles to your shoes in order to protect the lining.
Style
I share a lot of reels and how-to posts on Instagram, so make sure you follow me.
Free Shipping Code: Maestra Wildling*
* Worldwide, New Customers, One-Time use, Sept. 12-30, 2022
Read more: Wildling Fall Collection: Yew, Pine, and Chestnut
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