Introduction: These were my first ever pair of Wildlings. They are more of a winter/fall pair due to their wool lining. The color is extremely intriguing and playful at the same time. They reminds me of the forest and nature and the bold green hue pops anywhere.
Needless to say I was impressed straight out of the box.
I also was impressed by how fast the shipping was. I got it in about 3-4 days from when the order was placed. On top of all that knowing that the founders hail from my hometown where I live makes me all fuzzy and warm inside, kind of like the inner sole of the shoe ;)
The international website can be accessed here. Whilst the US website can be accessed here. Disclaimer: These shoes were given to me to review, however my opinion is my own. This page uses affiliate links, and by purchasing from an affiliate link, I will receive a small commission which doesn't cost you anything. Thank you, and enjoy the read!
Company Overview: Anna and Ran and their three children are the starting point and inspiration for this exciting journey. This is their story: “We lived in Israel for 12 years and our children were born there. They grew up barefoot in their first years of life and have always impressed us - with their agile, confident and powerful movements. In 2013 we moved back to Germany. The first shoes had to be bought in autumn, but we could not find a pair, even among the most expensive children's shoes, that our children could continue to walk with and that they wanted to wear with their usual feet. There seemed to be something fundamentally wrong with traditional children's shoes. A look at the statistics confirmed our fears - 98% of all children are born with healthy feet, but only a few adults still have healthy feet. This is usually due to poorly fitting and incorrectly designed shoes. High time for a new concept and a new generation of children's shoes! As a sports therapist, trainer and passionate barefoot runner, Ran has always been a fanatic when it comes to natural movement and biomechanical backgrounds. Anna loves the challenge of implementing new ideas and giving Wildling Shoes its very own identity through appropriate communication. Together with last builders, shoe designers and modelers, we have developed a shoe that offers a completely new concept from the fit over the materials to the sole. In contrast to conventional approaches, which assume that the foot must be held, supported and guided, we are convinced that the foot is naturally healthy and only needs the opportunity to develop vigorously. That is why our shoe leaves the foot as undisturbed as possible - like a second skin that protects against injuries and weather influences, but otherwise has no influence on the foot and its functions. ”
I do have to say as a fellow barefoot athlete, strength and conditioning coach, and personal trainer, it's so refreshing to know the shoe is actually made with my needs and healthy feet in mind.
Manufacturing and Sustainability: Wildling have a strong ethos when it comes to having a transparent supply chain. They have close relationships with their suppliers to ensure they have the best quality and sustainable manufacturing.
Their shoes are made to EU standards
They often used recycled materials
They have a transparent supply chain understanding where each stage of supply occurs
Their shoes are handmade and therefore made with precision and care
See more information here. Shipping:
Shipment to: Germany Shipping costs: €4.90 inc. VAT
Shipment to: International Shipping costs: €8.90 inc. VAT Shipment to: USA/Canada via the US wildlings site: Shipping costs: $9.90 From €200/200USD shipping is free. For more information about shipping via the international site, click here. For additional info via the US site, click here. Returns: Extended return period of 30 days as of now, with your first return to us being free of charge. For each additional return we charge a shipping fee of €3.50 for returns from Germany and €8.90 worldwide. This fee will be retained from refunds. If you return the complete order the shipping costs of €4.90 (Germany) or €8.90 (international) paid in the webshop will be refunded. For more information about international returns, click here. For additional info for returns via the US website click here.
First Impressions:
The color pops and is easily my most colorful shoe.
Very lightweight.
A Thin canvas outer with a warm wool inner.
As always very flexible and malleable.
Comfortable from the minute I put them on, they fit like a glove, no break in time needed.
Great quality manufacturing and materials on first glance.
Felt a bit big at first since I sized up but adjusted quickly.
Sizing and Fit: **My foot is approximately 26 CM with my second toe being longest.**
Based on their sizing chart, I noticed my second toe put me just a mm past size 42 so I ordered a size 43. They seemed a tad big at first but with thicker socks they fit me perfectly. Once I got used to their model and size they worked as well without socks. I am typically a 42 in most barefoot shoe brands. Wildling have a thorough sizing guide with a a sizing print out, which you can use to measure your foot against and work out your size. I would say the sizing for the boot is a little different to the sneakers due to the thicker lining. Head to this page for a comprehensive size guide, they even have Youtube tutorials on how to follow their size guide. Performance: The Wildling Fir is a perfect everyday and weekend shoe to wear running errands, out and about with casual wear, but also great if you're going for long walks around the city and commuting. It's a comfortable, stylish shoe that adds something to every outfit.
I even tried doing some gym sessions in to just to prove the theory that a barefoot shoe can do anything.
Upper and Lining:
Soft, flexible, and breathable upper with lightly cushioned lining.
It feels as if it has a microfiber heel cap on the inside.
Toe-box is generous in size but over all appearance of the shoes is slick and slim looking.
Width in the mid-foot is the smallest part but still comfortable.
As with all Wildling shoes, it has a tab at the back to easily pull on.
Sole:
The edge of the sole is rounded.
I like that the sole is both tough and flexible at the same time, I prefer shoes to have a sole than can still protect your foot well but allows for good movement. You get the best of both worlds with this shoe.
Weight and movement:
Extremely light weight for a high-top shoe.
In fact this is easily the lightest shoe I own.
Wildling have an extremely unique Tabi sole making it flexible in all directions and allows for your foot to move naturally when walking.
Despite being a high top shoe there is zero ankle restriction.
Packaging and Extras:
Standard cardboard box and tissue wrapping
Water proofing spray and instructions on use.
Specs:
Upper: Canvas (100% recycled cotton) – leaf green
Interior lining: felted wool loden (100% virgin wool)
Membrane: 100% polyester
Edging: microfiber (100% polyamide) – Irish moss green
Outsole: 80% synthetic rubber from 50% recycled material, 20% cork – carame
Weight: N/A
Stack Height: 2.5 mm (36 - 41), 3.5 mm (42 - 48) outsole + 2.5mm insole
Available sizes: 23-48
Price: 129 € inc. VAT plus shipping (adult sizing)
The shoe itself is made of non animal materials but the lining comes from wool
Care instructions:
We recommend thoroughly waterproofing the shoes before first-time wear as well as periodic follow-up treatments. The best way to clean soiled shoes is by brushing them gently when they are dry or by wiping them with a damp cloth. Not machine washable. We recommend removing the insoles from the shoes every day to air them out and avoid stagnant moisture accumulation. You can find shoe care products for your Wildlings here.
Video tutorials explaining how to waterproof, cleaning and care, and how to insert the elastic laces are available on the Wildling Shoes YouTube channel. Future Improvements: These shoes are amazing just the way they are. I love how unique Wildlings shoes always are from other barefoot shoes. Their design and workmanship is always well thought out and considered and they certainly have their own distinct style. Where and How to Wear.
I can wear this with anything casual or dressy casual. The color will make even the blandest outfit pop.
Conclusion: I think I'm in love. I never have worn such a lightweight comfortable easy to clean high-top shoe.
The amazing ground feel and style wrap up a shoe that I will be wearing very often throughout the cooler days of the year. I also very much enjoy that the shoe is mostly made from recyclable materials allowing every step I take play a part in making the world a better place. I think the thing I enjoy most about Wildling shoes is their range of unique colors available and that despite being a high top shoe it does not restrict ankle movement in any way!