WHITIN Men’s Cross-Trainer Barefoot & Minimalist Shoe Zero Drop Sole Wide Toe Box – Product characteristics
- Rubber sole
- Anatomical shape provides natural comfort.
- Adaptive materials and minimalist construction.
- Zero drop from heel to toe for a natural stride.
- Our vegan friendly footwear uses 0% animal products.
- Note, if between sizes, order next size down.
- Anatomical shape provides natural comfort.
- Adaptive materials and minimalist construction.
- Zero drop from heel to toe for a natural stride.
WHITIN Men’s Cross-Trainer Barefoot & Minimalist Shoe Zero Drop Sole Wide Toe Box – Reviews
Tested the crap out of these and they held up!
If you guys want some shoes for running or obstacle races, These are for you! I am so impressed. I usually run in vibram shoes but they cost 80+ I figured for 30 bucks I’ll give them a try.Not only did these shoes hold up to 8 miles of sloppy mud and gravel but they did so comfortably. My brother and I put these bad boys to the ultimate test and pushed them beyond what I expected them to handle. Yet they held strong. When it was all said and done my feet were barely sore. As a matter of fact the next day I put on my tennis shoes and wanted to change back into these immediately! Where most shoes would have slipped they held firm. We climbed steep slopes packed and muddied by over 2000 runners before us yet went with ease (other than being out of shape).Last but not least they clean up so well. The picture of them on carpet were taken after the race after a hose down and almost no rubbing. For real I can’t say enough good things about this shoe!
Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2019
Timeline: My Experience with WHITIN (Updated)
*Updated*6/8/19:I have plantar fasciitis, a tight calf, weak ankles (from 8+ basketball and football sprains), Achilles tendinitis, and a heel spur in my left foot. I have used $400 custom orthotics from my podiatrist the past 12 years. Recently after working out at any intensity, the thing rears its ugly head, I feel scorching rocks with each step.I decided I need to take things into my own hands and did some research. Apparently our feet have been molded into nubs that require shoes to walk normally. The problem is that shoes allow your feet to experience nothing when our ancestors grew up in a natural world. Only recently have we been accustomed to shoes.Consequently, I wanted to buy a pair of Vibram Five Fingers, since it’s worth it to invest in my chronic foot problems before it is too late. The cost was quite high to justify on a product that I, although encouraged by, did not know would help or hurt my issues.So I decided to try these first. It’s my second full day of using them. I’m not promising a solution, but they are comfy enough and I enjoy walking on them. I have already noticed a natural correction in my gait presumably since I have a sense of connection from my spine to my feet now. It is something odd and interesting that I never experienced.I am happy with this purchase. Considering the $35 price tag, the quality and look are 5 star worthy…and so far it has been easier to process information and change my walking habits (watched YouTube extensively on the proper gait), not to mention some decrease in pain. If it continues to improve, I will order more this week and update this post.7/1/19:I purchased a second pair (all black, not as cool/fun) a few days after writing the original review. I wear them half the days, and the other half I wear Nike Frees, they are their version of minimalist shoes for running, but have significantly more cushion. The WHITIN shoes are still holding up strong, so the quality, again, for the price is exceptional.As for the foot pain, it comes and goes, but improving overall. I have not pushed my feet over strenuous activity for over a month now, and the pain isn’t completely alleviated. I have done functional training, yoga, stretching and massage therapy–the latter seems to have helped the most! I believe this product is working to strengthen my feet; certainly when I wear them, it is very obvious when my heel striking habits return due to the minimal padding, and I am much more aware of gait (which could be argued is the main purpose).Like I said, the entire routine has improved my foot pain from an 8 to a 4 or 5 (a month of effort). I am still happy with the purchases. For those of you who are on the fence, I say give it a try for a day–if you don’t like it, just return it. I am sure it’s not for everybody, and making your feet stronger isn’t the only solution to relieving your foot pain; like myself, I will need to continue to monitor and avoid the things that exacerbate the issues, and build good habits that counteract the 36 years of walking incorrectly.
Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2019
they are so comforatble
i am on my feet usually 16-18 hours a day in the hospital. they are great i always have worn minimalist shoes as the higher heel shoes tend to put alot of pressure on my knees. These are very light and feel like im barefoot. I can feel the ground and some people may not like that claiming they need more cushion, but for me it is ideal. Also helps me to remember to land on the ball of my foot not the heel I can stand at the operating table for 6 hours and feel fine as well as take a 6 mile walk with my dogs and not feel and stress on my feet or knees.Durability im not sure of yet as i have only had these for a week or so but so far i am very happy with them
Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2019
Proper foot sizing is key. Get it done at a shoe store before buying these.
Couldn’t be more happy with this shoe. The sole is thin and allows for a more natural feel while running. Being able to feel changes in the terrain greatly increases my ability to stay balanced. The tread pattern offers exceptional grip, even on wet or uneven surfaces. The mesh upper allows my feet to breathe quite well. I haven’t had problems with sweaty feet since switching to these. Having bungies instead of laces allows me to put on and remove the shoes quickly.So far, this has been a great shoe. The soles are pretty thin, so if you want something that is more cushioned, these are not for you. You WILL feel everything you step on with these. Small pebbles, sharp rocks, pointy sticks, etc… if you are looking for this type of feel, like I was, then this is obviously not going to be a problem. This shoe does not offer good arch support. If you have flat feet or fallen arches and they cause you problems, you will need to replace the insole with an orthotic. This shoe is meant to give you a barefoot like experience, which means if you’re flat footed without shoes on, you will still be flat footed with these.The sizing was dead on for me. Have your foot measured properly at a shoe store before you order these. They are very true to size. The toe box is also much wider than a regular sized shoe would be. If you have slender feet these may not fit correctly. I have wide feet and these fit perfectly. You’ll have quite a bit of wiggle room if you have a slim foot profile.Hopefully this all helps whoever’s going to be buying these. Good luck!
Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2019
Must Have Trail Shoes!
I’m in love with these and have many pair because I never want to be without. Your toes can spread WAY out so you can grip rocks and uneven or slippery terrain. They are the next best thing to barefoot. They are SO comfortable and fit wide feet. They are great for scampering around on a variety of surfaces and the soles are very grippy. They hug your feet like a glove, but give as your foot needs to move or spread. I love the elastic laces with the Velcro to fasten them out of the way so they don’t trip you up. The strap over the top is an added bonus. These shoes make you want to hike!
Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2018
- Anatomical shape provides natural comfort.
- Adaptive materials and minimalist construction.
- Zero drop from heel to toe for a natural stride.
WHITIN Men’s Cross-Trainer Barefoot & Minimalist Shoe Zero Drop Sole Wide Toe Box – FAQ
What exactly is a zero drop running shoe?
A zero drop running shoe has the same amount of material beneath the foot at both the heel and toe of the shoe. There is no angle. They are designed to support a more natural running gait and discourage heel striking.
I am used to Vibrams, but this year their sizes all run small, so my size 9 foot would be a size 10 shoe. So this is size 8?
I bought size 10, same as my foot size. Some shoes I need to buy 10.5. But for this I kept the same size(10) and fits perfect.
Is the sole hard enough to trail run? I’m looking for a cheap vibram sole alternative.
If you’re talking about over rocks, the sole will probably be too flexible for running. Dirt trails and boulders should be just fine. The sole is just really flexible so you’d have to take terrain into account.
I wear a 10.5 men but there’s no selection
Note, if between sizes, order next size down.
Is it recommended to wear socks with these?
I do not believe socks are necessary and I do not wear socks when I take daily 3-mile walks in these shoes. They are comfortable without socks.
In my regular running shoes I buy 11 which is a half size larger than my casual shoes. What size should I get in these?
Agree. I’m a 10.5 regular shoe. 10 fits nicely for me.
how is the padding on the insole for shock absorption
I took my insoles these came with out after the 1st day. I honestly think they’re better, and more comfortable w/o them as they felt a bit thick and padded for a true barefoot shoe experience.
I’m a bit confused by the sizing chart. i am a us 11 or eu 44 but these two sizes do not appear compatible based on the chart. what should i order?
I would order a size 12 for you . When you wear socks they make for a tighter fit to.
Can I use these as water shoes also
The barefoot shoe was built for daily workout or walking comfort. We will not recommend these as water shoes. And we do provide good quality water shoes. Please search water shoes sold by WHITIN. Thanks alot.
- Anatomical shape provides natural comfort.
- Adaptive materials and minimalist construction.
- Zero drop from heel to toe for a natural stride.
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