Stride 2 4+1

The Freet Stride 2 have been my running shoes for nearly 2 years now. They are amazing! I tend to wear them with tabi socks (but not Freet's bamboo ones because they wear through very quickly indeed). These shoes are good for runs of more than 10k (although I have built up to that slowly, having transitioned from conventional shoes). I would never go back to a conventional shoe now (the ones I was running in before used to cause my feet to cramp, despite having been fitted by a running shop). As my running distances are increasing further, I might consider getting more padded shoes with the Ortholite 6mm insole, such as Freet Pace.

A couple of things to be aware of. I keep the lace loops fairly short to avoid catching it around the big toe of the other foot (this has never happened to me but seems like it could be a possibility with longer loops). When traversing ground with long grass or other taller foliage, some gets caught between the big toe and the other toes, on both feet (this has never caused an issue for me but I guess it could lead to tripping). Running on wet grass will lead to wet feet (unless you're on a cricket crease or golf putting green maybe!) but that's to be expected with these shoes (and waterproof socks can be worn if preferred).

I'm 6'5", weigh 16+ stone, and have always had poor balance and weak bony feet. I've always struggled to walk on pebbled beaches, grass - let alone gravel! Even walking barefoot on a beach has always been uncomfortable for me.

I was tempted by barefoot shoes almost 10 years ago - but more recently have struggled with spinal issues and sciatica - and so I took the plunge.

I initially liked the Freet Chukka - but wasn't available in my size and I didn't want to spend £65 on what might turn out to be a waste of money for me. So I bought the Stride 2.

First impressions when wearing them was that my heels hurt - as I was standing and landing on my heels too much. Second impression was that it felt like the shoes were loose or threatening to fall off - as I've been so used to wearing stout boots cinched up tightly.

I reigned my enthusiasm in, and limited the distance and amount of time spent in the shoes to 1/2 a mile a day and to soft surfaces.

But oh my word what a transformation!! Firstly, balance. I can now walk on logs and branches with my hands in my pockets (not advised) and my body relaxed - no more wobbling and losing balance! My new favourite hobby and calf workout is rock hopping for about a mile long stretch of river - I can really race along, bouncing on the balls of my feet hopping from rock to rock along the banks and centre of the river!

Which brings me to my next positive - the grip. Not ideal on wet rocks A but on dry rocks the grip,is phenomenal. Literally feels like my feet have suckers on them - I now have extreme confidence in walking and running up steep rocks - whereas in boots I'd have been looking for a crevice or a toe jamb.

The loose feeling now feels really nice - and conventional shoes feel restrictive and clumpy. I have to wear chainsaw boots for my work - which now feel horrible to wear as they're stiff and immobile and I'm not getting any feedback through my feet.

In the short time I've had my Stride 2's, my life has changed and my perceptions have changed dramatically.

The pair I ordered are in hindsight a size too big - but I'll still get wear out of them. I've just ordered a pair of Chukkas so that I can wear them casually without feeling self conscious about the slipper look of the split toes.

The on.y negative I can give is that when walking through bracken, ferns can get stuck between the toes. It's not a massive concern - just a nuisance that you have to stop and pull them out.

And finally - when I bought these I was anxious that it'd be painful walking on gravel - as I live in a forest and all roads leading away are gravel. I needn't have worried. In the 2 months I've had these - I can now walk completely barefoot on gravel - even on railway ballast!

Went for a first run in these this morning. They're very comfortable and feel secure, in that I don't think they'll fall off whilst running like my pair of "Talus" threaten to sometimes!

Having the big toe separate seems to help a lot with gait stability. I'm not sure how "minimal" the sole is, but I think this trades some of the "barefoot" feel for better grip and a bit of protection of the toes. I'd be happy walking/hiking in these too...

The downside: I don't feel they look respectable enough to wear them as everyday footwear. I might get over that in time, but I'm happy to have a functional shoe for occasions where I don't care too much about the appearance.

A rounded-up 3.5...

I have had my pair of Freet Stride 2 for a few weeks now and worn them walking on tarmac and on longer hikes on the coast and I love them. I enjoy the spread through the toes the feedback from the ground is great and the shock absorbency is surprisingly good. I am sure it won't be long before I add another pair of Freets to my collection!