WHITINMen's Minimalist Trail Running Shoes | Wide Toe Box | Optimal Barefoot-Feel

So far I just cannot believe these shoes cost what they cost- $27.I recently moved to an area (the PNW) that is fantastic for hiking, and being a cyclist I decided I wanted to do some cross-training in that regard. So I started doing regular hikes and through that and seeing everyone else running on the trails all the time, I decided I might like to try trail running (though I've never wanted to do such an abhorrent thing before).That said, I didn't want to pay an arm and a leg for a high quality running shoe if for whatever reason it didn't work out (I hated it/my feet broke simultaneously/I hated it/my leg fell off/I hated it). So after some limited research on 'zero drop' and 'barefoot' and other things I happened upon these shoes. They seemed to have a LOT of good reviews, so I thought why not, I'm not losing much if I spend the $27. And if I like it I'll just buy better shoes later.Well 1 run and multiple hikes later, I really can't imagine making a better decision (at least so far).When the shoes arrived I was honestly VERY impressed by how nice they looked, and how well-made they felt. After wearing them around the house (and feeling how comfortable they were), I could only assume that either they would fail me running in some way or fall apart completely instantly. How else could such a price be attained?Lo and behold, so far they have held up. I've only been able to run once so far (as a knee injury from cycling has slowed me down), but have also hiked in them a couple of times as well. They are VERY comfortable. I'm not sure I have ever in my life worn a pair of shoes for the first time and not had SOME issue, however slight. No issues with these. They are also surprisingly grippy... when I first looked at the rubber on the bottom I thought well that's not really going to give me much traction on all these wet roots/muddy trails we have here in the Portland area. But they surprised again and I've had zero issues with traction, even on steep inclines/declines (of course if your foot placement is idiotic, then yeah, you might have an issue...and a wet root is a wet root, period).The lacing system is great, with no tying involved, just push the button, pull the laces and let go of the button. There's also a handy velcro tab on the end of the laces to stick them to the top of the shoe so they don't flop around.Basically, I couldn't have asked for anything more from a pair of running shoes, even for 2x or 3x the price, much less the price I paid.Yes, coming from non-zero drop shoes, your feet/ankles have to get used to the situation, so be prepared for that if you are and don't go crazy at first.On fit, I wear a size 12 shoe in general, and ordered size 12. They are basically perfect. Toes very very near the tip so at first I worried it would be an issue but after one use my fears were assuaged as I have plenty of space in the toe box.I will edit my review to include comments on longevity/durability later on, but for now, as it stands, I really can't fault this awesomely priced pair of shoes.

You can truly feel the breeze through these shoes with average to thin socks. I love it. My feet are always hot and sweaty. Which Segways into my only minor issue with the shoes. And to their credit, I believe my sweaty feet wear out MOST insoles more rapidly than other folks feet. lol!Also I think the insoles are designed to let you feel the ground after they’re “broken-in”, which is what I want. And they are available for replacement for like $2.99, so I’m not complaining. Just informing.The rest of this long review is all positive. The insoles are my only small con, see the last photo. They halfway wore out in 3 months of extremely heavy use. So maybe it’s almost a feature and not a flaw. You want to feel the ground? Keep your insoles. Don’t mind feeling it or not? Buy replacements. I’ll keep mine till they fall apart.These shoes have acted as my one and only pair of shoes. I mean no other shoes used at all except slides occasionally for convenience. Any time I actually want to move around or walk/run efficiently, these shoes and only these are worn. I can stop on a dime/turn on a dime oh so comfortably. I’ve been working and exercising both indoors/outdoors alike, and enjoying leisure, day in and day out in these shoes.This is my second pair! I wish the grey was darker but who cares. They are THAT good. The other ones are still great. I’ve just dedicated them to the work at the construction site and the outdoors. Because they are SO MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE than work boots(obviously).I love sneaking around(OSHA) in them on the job site. Another worker was walking by and my feet were at his eye-level. In passing, he poked my big toe and laughed! Lmbo. You’re technically supposed to wear puncture resistant, steel toed boots. But I’ve been doing end stage HVAC construction so it’s easy to stay safe. Just watch out for occasional nails and metal shards. I bet I’m more comfortable in my actual physical shoes than anyone else there!I wouldn't even call this a gripe, because I’m keeping them. But the “dark grey” color is not dark. I’m tempted to return them and get black with gum sole, but I don’t like gum soles so I think I’ll keep them. They look great. Love the black strings and blue accent design on the sides. Such a great pair of shoes for the price. Even if they did cost more from what I can tell, they’d be worth it. Perhaps I’ll review again or update how long they last.[Amazon prompted to review the “slipperiness”]They aren’t slippery at all to me! A 26 year old, average weight male. I went from Addidas with a sole smooth as butter! I would slip as soon as there was enough rain to coat the bottom of my shoes. So immediately after it started raining. These have phenomenal grip. I use them for every day use rain or shine. They have also performed wonderfully on my trail hikes here and there as well! I love feeling the rocks, and tree roots beneath my feet. You’ll even feel the subtle crunch of leaves and pine straw beneath your feet.They fit great too. No surprise. I have worn US size 11 in men’s for all my tennis shoes since I was a teen. I didn’t check a conversion chart or anything. Just ordered 11s and they fit exactly as I would hope. Couldn’t be happier.

Been wearing barefoot shoes for several years. Was looking to replace a pair of Saguaros since they discontinued the style I like. The Whitins are very light and comfortable. I wear them without the insert, as I like the barefoot feel. Knocking off a star because the lace broke out of the Velcro lace holder (see pic) after just a couple weeks. Other than that, they have been more durable than Saguaro and they dry really quickly when wet (very "breathable"). Hopefully they can make the laces better in the future.