Are you looking for comfortable shoes that provide you with the right amount of cushioning, protection, and stability while still allowing you to move freely and naturally? Look no further than the Alaska GX1 Barefoot Boot from Groundies.
The Makers
Groundies is a company from Germany and is dedicated to designing and creating shoes that provide a balance of form and function. Groundies focuses on embracing the minimalist barefoot mentality, developing a strong range of pure feel footwear.
The team at Groundies has an extensive knowledge of materials, foot biomechanics and production, enabling them to create shoes that don't just feel good, but are also aesthetically pleasing and bring out your signature style.
Opinion of Features
The Alaska GX1 is Groundies’ take on innovative barefoot boots. It's made with a 100% cowhide suede upper and 100% virgin wool lining, and features rustic thick leather laces. The flexibility of the boot is remarkable, allowing the foot a lot more mobility than a lot of other boots. The quality design and material allowed for zero break in time, they were comfortable out of the box.
The toe box is anatomically designed for a foot-friendly, wider fit, giving me an enjoyable walking experience, perfect for chilly days. The boot also has a zipper along the shaft for easy on and off, and gusseted tongue for warmth and a snug fit.
The outsole is a TrueSense® GX1 sole, with a 4mm base and 4.5mm tread, which is crafted in Germany and manufactured in Portugal. This sole is flexible, non-slip, and abrasion resistant; perfect for those who want to stay protected and grounded.
Also, with the zero drop and neutral footbed, the boot allows for a more natural walking experience. In addition, I found the boots are extremely lightweight, making them easy and comfortable to walk in.
Technical Specifications
• Barefoot Boot: made of 100% cowhide suede upper and 100% virgin wool lining
• Anatomical toe box designed for a foot-friendly, wider fit
• Zero drop and neutral footbed
• TrueSense® GX1 sole with 4mm base and 4.5mm tread, flexible, non-slip and abrasion resistant
• Made in EU: sole from Germany, produced in Portugal
• Size tip: runs true to size
• Features a special rustic lacing
• Perfect for chilly days, keep feet warm and healthy
Fitting/Sizing Advice
Generally speaking, it is recommended get your correct size for the Alaska GX1 Boot. The boot is true to size, but it’s important to remember that sizing will vary depending on the foot’s width, length, arch, and instep. I recommend checking out their sizing guide on their website.
Price
The price of the Alaska GX1 is around $140 USD.
Overall Thoughts
Overall, the Groundies Alaska GX1 Boot is an incredibly functional and stylish boot. It is comfortable and provides protection while still allowing your feet to move freely. Its anatomically designed toe box and neutral footbed create a barefoot-like experience, and its breathability and water-repellency keeps your feet cool, dry and warm.
It is perfect for everyday wear, work and dress occasions, as well as for protecting your feet from the cold and snow. And if you don’t love your purchase, Groundies offers free shipping to most countries and free returns in US, Germany, Austria, France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Often Compared With
• Vibram Furoshiki Mid Boot – a lightweight, wrap-around, full height boot made from an extremely flexible Vibram sole, perfect for light outdoor terrain.
• Vivobarefoot Tracker – a shoe with an incredibly soft, abrasion resistant polyurethane sole and waterproof leather upper, ideal for trekking, walking, camping and other outdoor activities.