Freet Bootee M
$128.25
Mid height fabric bootee for natural movement on the trail and around town. Now with greater durability and a little water resistance.
Customers say: You may need to size up.
For more detail on sizing please see below left, second tab, ‘Sizing & Fitting’.
- Description
- Sizing & Fitting
- Care
- Reviews (12)
- Additional information
Description
- All our shoes are fully flexible, have a roomy toebox and are zero drop (same height at front and heel) to allow natural movement
- Freet 5in1 asymmetric forefoot for natural foot shape allowing toes to spread naturally
- BreatheMesh upper material for breathability, a little water resistance and temperature control
- Lining is a breathable water resistant membrane. This shoe is designed for excellent breathablity. If you want more water resistance, then look at Mudee
- Protective TPU overlay on high wear areas of upper
- ConnectComfort with 3mm Ortholite insole to aid shock absorption whilst ensuring excellent ground connectivity. Designed equally to be worn without the insole to be closer to the ground for greater connectivity
- Conventional lace
- GripPus performance outsole is ideal for light trail or mixed trail/urban use. If worn purely on tarmac/concrete, this outsole will wear more quickly than our MultiGrip, but provides more grip on the trail than MultiGrip
- Black
- Worn with or without socks
- For extreme wet, cold conditions wear with our waterproof sock (sold separately)
- Vegan
- Stack Height: 7mm with insole; 4mm without insole
Fitting: Sizes 37-48 You are likely to need a size larger than your ‘normal’ shoe size, especially if wearing a thicker sock and prefer a ‘roomy’ fitting shoe.
Wt. 420gms pr 42
Although a little more generous than our older styles, on average people still go one EU size larger than their ‘average’ shoe size.
The length and width of the insole of this shoe is as below. Remember the shoe has good volume in the forefoot so the actual comfortable width of this shoe will be a few mm greater than this ‘flat’ measurement. Fit is personal, but most people will prefer to have at least 4 or 5mm spare room in front of your largest toe(s). USA sizing is below the European:
Europe/Rest of World Sizing (metric mms):
Size 37/233mm length, 92mm width, Size 38/240mm length, 94mm width, Size 39/246mm length, 96mm width, Size 40/252mm length, 99mm width, Size 41/258mm length, 101mm width, Size 42/264mm length, 103mm width, Size 43/270mm length, 105mm width, Size 44/276mm length, 107mm width, Size 45/283mm length, 109mm width, Size 46/291mm length, 110mm width, Size 47/300mm length, 112mm width, Size 48/307mm length, 114mm width
Length and width measurements taken as follows:
USA Sizing (Inches):
Size 37 (USA w6.5)/9 1/4 inch length, 3 5/8 inches width, Size 38(USA w7)/9 1/2 inch length, 3 3/4 inch width, Size 39 (USA w8)/9 3/4 inch length, 96mm 3 3/4 inch width, Size 40 (USA w8.5)/10 inch length, 3 7/8 inch width, Size 41 (USA w9.5)/10 1/4 inch length, 3 7/8 inch width, Size 42 (USA mUSA 8.5)/10 3/8 inch length, 3 7/7 inch width, Size 43 (USA m9.5)/10 5/8 inch length, 4 inch width, Size 44 (USA m10.5)/10 7/8 length, 4 inch width, Size 45 (USA m11.5)/11 1/8 inch length, 4 1/8 inch width, Size 46 (USA m12)/11 1/2 inch length, 4 1/8 inch width, Size 47 (USA m13)/11 7/8 inch length, 4 1/4 inch width, Size 48 (USA m14)/12 1/8 inch length, 4 1/2 inch width
Length and width measurements taken as follows:
Hand wash with luke warm water and mild detergent. Air dry. Treat with a conditioner/water proofer suitable for synthetic uppers/liners.
Reviews
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Additional information
| Weight | N/A |
|---|---|
| Size | 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48 |
Andrea Hobbs (verified owner) –
I love my bootees! These are my first pair of barefoot shoes and I absolutely love them. I’ve used them for a few hikes in the Lakes and locally as well as my regular dog walks through muddy woodland and over the fields. They have been so comfy from the get-go and I can honestly say that my feet have never been as comfortable when walking as they are in my bootees. No more little toes being nipped and ripped….and my toe ring doesn’t rub!
Even when they’ve been wet after splashing through the beck they remain comfortable with no rubbing. I’m very happy with them on that front and don’t feel I need to pull on uncomfortable wellies anymore when it’s raining.
A wee bit slippery in mud but no more than anything else really and I’m finding the barefoot-ness does give me more confidence and foot-feel with toe grip.
And as a small footed in-between a 37 and 38, the 38s have been perfect. I’ve yet to really test them on a longer hike with steep descents – but these days my walks are usually moderate anyway, so I’m happy. I had lovely help by email when trying to decide which size to get.
My only wee whinge is that the mid- tongue tab that holds the laces in place came away on one shoe after just 3 weeks or so…but really it’s such a minor thing I couldn’t raise the energy to do anything about it and it makes no difference to the wearability.
I’ve just ordered an on sale pair of the talus 2s to see how I like wearing freets as more of an everyday pump when I don’t want to put my ancient teva sandals on!
The added bonus for me is that you are a local company at least in terms of business-base – although part of me wishes I could buy this shoe without a made in China tab…
Thank you for a great product and good customer service.
Jon D (verified owner) –
Coming from ‘other’ barefoot walking shoes, these are a delight. Comfy, flexible, light, nice water resistance. I really like the amount of ankle support in these too. I bought the Mudee at the same time, thinking I would only keep one or the other, but they are so good I kept both. The Mudee for when it’s properly raining, cold (U.K.) weather or wet (puddles) ground, these for damp weather or when the temperature creeps up a bit in spring. Freet are my new favourite walking shoes for sure.
yellowstonetodd (verified owner) –
Wow! This is a remarkable shoe/boot for hiking. I have worn moccasins, Xeros and Vivobarefoot shoes for years and have been looking for a hiking boot both for day hikes and backpacking and I think I found it! I can’t say enough about the amount of “feel” and flexibility in the boot, perfect for hiking. Love the ankle protection without prohibiting the ankle to move naturally, very clever! The boot just invites me to stride properly; no heel striking, weight forward with knee and ankle bend. Nice construction and wonderful grip on the sole on rocks and wet terrain, also nice in amount of water shedding but also the boot is warm but not hot (breathes). Think it will work well in Summer. Can’t say enough, great boot, will not be my last Freet Purchase. I followed the recommendation of “sizing up” and that worked well with nice toe space and no toe jamming going down hill with weight. (wear a 41 on my Vivo and ordered a 42 for the Freet and fits nice, I like room with my toes 🙂 Enjoy!!
Eroni –
Went out in the rain for my daily up-the-local-mountain walk/run. Thought rain was light enough to wear my Vibram 5 Fingers shoes, but returned after 5 mins, with shoes soaked. Donned the Freet Bootees with the W-proof socks for the first time in this weather and terrain, and 2 hrs later returned, after walking 90% in steady rain …with bone dry feet! Not sure if I even needed the waterproof socks…Very happy!!
David –
I got my Bootee Ms for my birthday in mid June. I usually take a size 7 DM, but followed the measuring guidance on this site which gave me a size 43. Unfortunately the left boot was millimetres too small so I opted for a 44. This gives me plenty of room for my feet to spread, however, it does feel a bit like walking in clown shoes.
This is my first foray into barefoot shoes and I have to say I’m impressed. I’ve been pretty much using them all of the time and they have been very comfortable. (I have no issues with the ankle collar, as far as I’m concerned it’s great) Obviously, I’m getting used to the barefoot way of doing things, especially coming from a place of problem feet and currently having planta fasciitis on my left foot isn’t helping.
Despite this, I managed a 7.5 mile mainly road walk at the weekend in relative comfort. Issues on tracks with gravel and stones, however, I am aware I have very sensitive feet and when I’m doing more off road walking I will look at the boots aimed more specifically for that.
Overall, I’m really pleased with the boots. The only downside I have noticed is that I get sweaty spots on my feet in certain places which I’ve not had a history of in other boots or shoes.
freetadmin –
Thanks for the feedback David. It’s important to take it a little easy whilst the Plantar Fasciitis heals. Noted on the sweaty spots – this may be something which sorts itself out. Let us know.
Wander Otter (verified owner) –
I got my Bootee M last week. I was looking for a good hiking boot that I can also use during the winter; and had been looking at these for a while. I finally ordered them ordered a size up, and they fit great. They’re really sturdy, great materials and the insole is a nice addition. I already used them for one hike and can’t wait to use them for many more. I had previously tried more expensive barefoot hiking boots from Vivobarefoot which were really uncomfortable and tore open my skin from the harsh materials and seems on the inside, but not with the Bootee’s from Freet. And that for half the price! Great wide toebox and more durable compared to Vivobarefoot , zero drop, overall just a good comfortable hiking boot. I just ordered another pair of Freet for when I’m not hiking and hope they will be just as comfortable in every day wear.
freetadmin –
Thanks so much for the feedback – and keep enjoying the hiking!
Timothy Bartholomew (verified owner) –
Freet is likely one of the best barefoot shoe companies on the market. (Full disclosure -I was sent a pair of these boots to review). I have tried over 11 different brands on the market, and nothing so far can compete with the constant improvement of Freet, new models every season that are an improvement on previous models. We also have the Bootee (without the M) and those are great too. The new durable uppers on this new ‘M’ model are water resistant (not quite water proof) and are a great addition to any barefoot connection. Pros- one of the best soles for natural stride on the market, with tapering on the sides and a great barefoot shape for the heel. The heels fit snug and the wide toe box gives my aching feet extra spread. After a few minutes my feet really warm up and loosen up in Freet shoes/ Boots. I wear mine without the insoles and the soles are just great- enough barefoot stimulation for the feet but enough protection from rocks. — Full review coming soon on youtube/ barefoot code blog.
Thanks Freet for another great boot!
Alan Moore (verified owner) –
I started experimenting with barefoot shoes a few months ago with a view to improving my running form and accommodating my short, wide feet. I have really got to like the barefoot feel, so decided to buy some ‘proper’ walking shoes – something that would keep my feet warm and comfortable when out walking all day over mixed terrain. The Bootee M has not disappointed after several outings in the last week. I still get that nice agile, barefoot feel, but with a good level of protection, grip and reasonable water resistance.
The ankle collar is probably the most obvious feature designed to aid walking in tougher conditions and seems well thought out. It is generously padded, but it doesn’t seem to spoil flexibility and holds the foot nicely in place when going down steep slopes. I’m OK with the padding, but I see others think it may be overdone.
My suspicion is that the barefoot design aids improvement in walking style by discouraging over stride in the leading leg and enabling longer stride in the trailing leg by allowing more flex at the toes. (Any comment?) Anyhow the transition to barefoot walking seems easy compared with the transition to running!
I was unsure about sizing. With a normal shoe I would go for size 7 : 4E (8 if narrower). I first tried a size 7 Magna Trail from Vivobarefoot, but sent them back as they felt too tight on width, but overly long, creasing uncomfortably on the top of my big toe. I took a chance on a size 7 (41) Bootee M. With thin socks I find them very comfortable – the right length, snug on width and plenty of toe room. I have since bought the Freet Motus (in the same size) as an everyday shoe and I am still pleased with the fit, despite the lack of a water resistant lining in this shoe. It would seem that Freet are quite accommodating on width.
freetadmin –
Thanks for the feedback Alan. Noted about the collar thickness on Bootee M. We’ll review for next production. Enjoy Motus too!
Nate –
I’ve bitched and moaned elsewhere here about my trouble finding durable minimalist boots that fit. I’ve ripped through 5 pairs of lem’s Boulder boots (good but not durable), a pair of Joe nimble wandertoes (good in other ways but not durable), and tried vivobarefoot Scott’s and xero daylights and sent them back for one reason or another.
One of my major complaints is onbiously durability. When lem’s were around $100, I was ok getting a year if use out of them, but the pricing has crept up, and I’m sick of disposable junk, from an environmental standpoint as well as my pocketbook. When I saw the price on the freets, I decided to try them, and today is my first day in them.
First impression out of the box was ‘very nice’. Construction looks beefier than expected, ankle height is perfect, and they look pretty good, not too dorky. I wore them around the house, and was thinking they weren’t wide enough for my V shaped feet, but I took the ortholight insoles out, and YES! I’m good to go, so I sprayed them with whatever waterproofing spray I had around, even though it’s probably not needed, and I’m wearing them now at work.
A common problem I’ve had, is the sides where the laces are are too close together. I’m not fat or chunky, and even though my feet are wide at the forefoot, they’re narrow at the heel, and not high volume. Some shoes when I lace them the laces almost touch, to the point I can’t properly tighten the shoe. These bootees are properly designed with lots of room to accommodate a variety of foot volumes.
My only complaint so far is the ankle/collar area is puffy and overstuffed. Now, it’s low enough to where it isn’t inhibiting movement at all, but all it accomplishes is causing my pant legs to catch and remain bunched up. Joe nimble did this right, and pants just naturally fell over the shoe collar. I messaged freet about this. Also, if you wore them with shorts, they might have a bit of a moon boot look, due to the puffy collar, but I’m not sure about that (and I’d never wear boots with shorts, wtf). It’s no big deal, and doesn’t affect fit or function, and hopefully with wear it’ll lose volume.
Obviously I have no feedback on longevity of the shoe, but….the issue with lem’s is the leather separates from the sole at the forefoot bend, because leather is less flexible (and they use crappy construction methods too I’m sure). Cloth lem’s didn’t have this problem, and these bootees seem better made anyway, so I’m hopeful in this regard.
freetadmin –
Thanks so much for the feedback Nate. Although a lot of people love the comfort from the sponge around ankle and tongue especially on a long outing, I think we will reduce this a bit for the next production (delivery aug15). Thanks again, and enjoy them!
Russ (verified owner) –
I have wide, shallow feet with bunionettes on my little toes. I only wear barefoot-style shoes now and needed something warm with good grip for winter.
When I first tried these shoes, I was worried that the raised sole on the outer edge would impinge on my bunionettes, however the shoes have softened up very quickly and are the most comfortable I have tried and cause no irritation. The shape of the toe box is very good anatomically, with room to to spread my toes and even wear toe spacers. The toe box is also nice and deep – I find vivobarefoot for example to be too shallow. The heel is well designed with soft padding so doesn’t irritate the Achilles tendon insertion and heel bursa.
The supplied insole is just right for me – firm enough to keep good ground feel and not interfere with foot mechanics but thick enough to give a bit of insulation from the cold and protection from stones.
The outsole has a really grippy rubber compound that keeps traction in the cold and wet – much better than Altras for example that get really slippery when the temperature drops.
Overall, a really good, warm barefoot shoe and I think they look pretty good. I normally wear UK9 /EU43 and EU44 fit me perfectly in this model. Better than vivobarefoot and cheaper too.
petersimp (verified owner) –
Having been using my Chukkas for everyday walking and work I needed something a little warmer and weatherproof for the winter …. Bootee M’s fit the bill perfectly !
I have some Mudees which are just awesome for hill walking and trekking and the Bootee M fit and feel is more similar to these than the lighter Chukka.
It’s great to have that barefoot feeling giving me all day comfort yet keeping me warm and dry from Winter’s worst !
Another great shoe from Freet !
Simmo.
Phil –
Morning, got my new Bootee M earlier this week ~ thank you. Bit of feedback for you.
I’ve been running in/wearing the original Bootee for just under two years, in all weather conditions ~ I’ve got two pairs. When I retired the first pair (that I’d worn constantly), fixed up and used them for everyday use (office/out and about, walking the dog). Second pair, only ran in.
Both pairs weak point was the Poron insoles ~ they broke down in random spots, leaving holes that rubbed. Everything else is still holding up ~ even now (I Shoe Goo/Glue soles where they wear to extend their life span).
First impression of the Bootee M ~ was it seems to have a thicker/harder upper, I’m guessing this is the combination of the lining and the mesh-upper (assume to address feedback that the original Bootee can be a cold shoe that soak your feet in wet conditions).
Personally, I feel you addressed that perfectly with the Muddee (I use those when I’m walking in winter/wet conditions).
Not sure if these new Bootee M just need bedding in, but doesn’t seems to have the upper movement/flexibility of the original. Did short/steady 5k in them and been wearing them around the office. Taken the insole out this morning to see if that helps, going to drop the Ortholite in to my old “running pair” of original Bootees (to cover the Poron holes).
Running wise, I was happy to run in the original Bootee (I’d just go without socks if it was wet). They soon dry out, didn’t hold water and cool in warmer conditions. …I really like the original upper ?
So far, to me the new Bootee M ~ feels more like the Muddee, more of a walking/hiking shoe than for running in. Little stiff, hoping the upper will bed in.
I’m considering one of the other designs ~ just to run in, if these Bootee Ms don’t work out. Are the Connect 2 machine washable? (Another thing I liked about the original Bootee, haven’t washed them often, but when I do ~ come out like new, low maintenance ?).
Last thing, more of a personal preference; I like shoes/clothes with minimal branding. Usually go for just black shoes. That’s what’s put me off trying the Connect 2/Respond (plus the original Bootees suited both running and casual wear ~ that’s why I got a second pair over one of your running shoe designs).
?none of this is a complaint, just feedback ?. Cheers, Phil
admin –
Phil – thanks so much for all that feedback – really appreciate it!
We had a difficult decision to make here with Bootee. The vast amount of feedback was that they were not durable enough and of course no water resistant. Like you though people loved the ultra flexible light duty nature of Bootee. We hope it is still very flexible but we have made it a lot more durable and with a bit of water resistance. I think taking out the ortholite insole will really help the feeling of flexibility. We are looking at an unlined version as a successor to the original bootee.
Have a look at our new shoe Flex, as a simple black trainer.
All the best and keep in touch, Andrew