Freet Shoes Review: My Honest Thoughts After Years of Barefoot Footwear

As a long-time wearer of barefoot and minimalist shoes and sandals, I've tried a bit of everything - including Vibram FiveFingers, Lems, Xero, and others. While I love the freedom of minimalist footwear, I found myself searching for something that looked more "normal looking" for everyday life. As well as looking for comfort in various activities, from summer to the cooler months. I walk between 2-3 km with my dog every morning, whatever the weather brings, so I like having shoes for different conditions.

After researching online I discovered Freet. Their commitment to a truly wide toe box, a zero-drop platform, and flexible soles immediately appealed to me. Over the years, I've collected quite a few pairs, and I wanted to share my honest experience of my favourite models and why.

Freet Vibe Review : Great all-around shoe

My first pair of Freets were the Vibes, and these were my introduction to the feel and fit of Freet. 

• The Good: The flexibility of the Vibe is just incredible. They are lightweight, comfortable, and the ground feel is among the best I've ever experienced. Walking on natural concrete, or jogging on a treadmill - these are a true joy. The sizing (EU 44 for me) needed to be a little larger than my standard EU 43. 
  

• The Not-So-Good: Unfortunately, that amazing flexibility came at the expense of durability. After 6 months of heavy use, I can notice a little bit of wear on the back corner (hell striker then walking). Not bad at all, if anything being a little picky.
  

• Verdict: The Vibe is a fantastic shoe for light use, casual walks, and really connecting with the ground. I wouldn't recommend it for dedicated road running if you're looking for longevity.

Freet Feldom 2 Review: The Versatile Trail Workhorse

After the Vibe, I wanted something more robust for trails. The Feldom 2, with its more durable HillGrip outsole, was the logical next step.

• The Good: This shoe is a significant upgrade in the durability department. The sole has held up extremely well and provides excellent grip on varied terrain. It feels protective and much more robust all-around.
  

• The Not-So-Good: The trade-off for the added protection is a small reduction in ground feel compared to the Vibe. I still feel this is the right trade-off for a shoe aimed at trails.
  

• Verdict: The Feldom 2 is a brilliant and versatile minimalist trail shoe. It strikes a great balance between protection and barefoot feel for more rugged adventures.
  

Freet Zennor (1 & 2) Review: The Smart-Casual Solution

Finding a barefoot shoe that fits in at the office can be tough. The Zennor (I've owned both the first version and now the Zennor 2) was my answer. The Zennor 2 uses TrailGrip outsole with a smart upper.

• The Good: The Zennor 2 nails the smart-casual look. It’s comfortable for all-day wear, and the “open” upper is genuinely effective in the warm months. It is also slightly wider in the toe box, so a definite improvement over the first version.  The multiple adjustments make this shoe particularly easy to set-and-forget (I use them like slip-ons).
  

• The Not-So-Good: Sizing was a little tricky, as I initially ordered the EU44 based on the official site’s advice, but I had to return for the EU 43 in this model.
  

• Verdict: An excellent choice for work or daily wear, especially in warmer months.  I use these the most when I am outdoors to run errands, walk the dog, etc..  These in black are also more presentable for casual office use, without giving up comfort.

Freet Tundra Review: The Winter Warrior

For true winter conditions, I turned to the Tundra boot.

• The Good: This boot is properly warm and has good water resistance, making it a reliable choice for cold and slushy weather.  It is also very light and flexible. This is my go-to shoe whenever it is raining, wet or snowy.
  

• The Not-So-Good: Like a few other Freets, I had to size up to a EU 44 to get a comfortable fit (most of my Freets are EU 43).
  

• Verdict: A solid and dependable winter boot that keeps the barefoot feel even when the temperature drops and/or it is raining cats-n-dogs.
  

Freet Esk Review: The Smart, Comfortable Boot

The Esk is essentially the boot version of Freet's Zennor 2 sandal, using the same footbed. It fills the niche for a smart-casual boot.

• The Good: The Esk is incredibly comfortable and looks great. It's a fantastic option when you need something a step up from a shoe but still want to look smart, especially when temperatures start to drop.  In the winter months, this is pretty much all I use, unless it is raining or wet, then I use the Tundra.
  

• The Not-So-Good: Sizing was tricky, as instead of EU44 like other Free boots I tried, I needed an EU43 in this boot for a perfect fit.
  

• Verdict: A wonderfully comfortable and stylish boot for cooler months.
  
  

BONUS: Freet Talus 3 Review – Slip-On Minimalist Shoe

I just got these recently, so this is not a lot of long-term review, but I am so happy with these slip-on shoes.  Not only super light and flexible, but these are also the most “barefoot” and thin-sole Freet shoes that I own.  Right now, my only nit pick is that they are a little bit too wide/loose on the back, around the ankle.  While I would not recommend them for trails, these are great for wearing in the house or going out on short errands. 

Final Thoughts: Are Freet Shoes Worth It?

I'm a huge fan of what Freet are doing. They offer excellent value and create shoes that honour barefoot principles without looking out of place. My single biggest piece of feedback is the inconsistent sizing across different models (to be fair, this is not unique to Freet, as other brands have the same challenge).

Although the exchange process is painless, it makes ordering online a bit of a challenge. I'd recommend anyone interested to measure their feet carefully and consult the specific size guide for each and every model. Freet also do a great job in answering email questions and providing additional sizing guidance.

Despite the occasional sizing quirks, Freet has become a staple in my shoe collection. They offer a fantastic range for any situation, from the trail to the town.