Calver

I run frequently in the Welsh hills, so conditions are general very muddy and wet, but these shoes handle it great. The lugs are solid, but most importantly don’t sacrifice the ground feel I love. They are solid and the lacing never lets me down.

250 Miles in and hardly any wear.
Tackles very greasy clay soil, deep mud, hard stony tracks, wet grass, claggy mud & road. (not tried rocky yet) Works well on off-camber mud. The soft studs toe space and lightness makes my Lone peaks seem very heavy (but those are my very cushioned option - same size). The studs give me protection from small sharp stones and I lose some proprioception. However this is worth it for the grip. Only criticism - deep heel counter is stiff. Makes getting shoes on/off challenging ie tongue lost inside shoe (prefer collapsible). We all have different shaped feet. However, you will not lose these in deep mud. Once on, they are staying on. I love the leopard stud design.
Well done Freet.

The shoes themselves are beautiful. Lots of tread which is what I wanted. You can absolutely tell that the build quality is top notch. However, I did some significant research, and before ordering my new shoes from Freet, I had even emailed Freet customer service my foot measurements I had taken on paper, and had told them I am typically size US 11 in other manufacturers shoes. They advised based on my information, to order the calver in size EU 44, and if I had ordered a Feldom (my other consideration), to order an EU 45. So, I took a chance on a promising barefoot shoes company, ordered my new Freet Calver in size EU 44. I was impressed by the shipping time from the US from USPS. The shoes arrived last week, the look, the build quality are excellent. I am rating my experience as 2 stars. Because I asked advice from Freet customer service prior to ordering. They ran too small, I am out total after everything $210CDN, Stated online CDN customers no Returns. I can't afford to order more hope that they will fit.

I cam back to add a long-term review for the Calver. I use these shoes for hiking, running and backpacking. I can say they are simply the best shoe for all three. I used to wear Altra Lone Peaks, but the Calver has supplanted them. My Altra's have some life left in them, but I don't wear them because I don't like the "feel" of them now that I have the Calvers. The latest test was a long and rigorous backpacking trip over all types of terrain. The Calver handled everything I threw at it. My partners on the trip were envious of the grip of my shoes on the different terrain. When I got them wet the dried very quickly. The shoes are so comfortable I don't even bother with camp shoes. Lastly the durability of the shoe is great. For sizing, I purchases my usual size 43 and they are perfect. Very fair price for what you get. Thanks Freet.

I wanted a new zero drop (minimal preferred) shoe for long distance backpacking. I've been a barefoot/minimalist shoe wearer for nearly 15 years trying a few different brands. I found this brand after a lot of searching online. This brand apparently stands out from the rest for having excellent traction and durability on the soles plus great foot design. And not overpriced! I bought size 40 even though I'm usually 39 (which is usually US size 8, foot length 9.75") and they have same length and toe box volume as Altura Lone Peak's size 8 (also oversized by about US 1/2). I have the Feldoms in size 39 and these compare in length but with wider toe box. They have great foot space for cushioned socks and swelling feet. The foot shape is much better than LP's ... I don't trip on the toes of these shoes with my pigeon feet! But I inserted Oboz's trail insoles because they reduce toe friction. The provided insoles in these shoes result in my toes sliding because my arches are very elastic. P.S. the laces are awesome ..durable with firm hold and good heel lock. Best of all, these shoes are incredibly lightweight, very breathable and made with sustainability in mind!