π This is post 2/11 of our series of Golden Toe Awards 2023 announcements.
In the heart of the bustling barefoot community, the anticipation reaches a crescendo as we proudly unveil the winners of the coveted "ποΈ Best Barefoot Trail Shoe" category in the Golden Toe Awards 2023.
The communities journey of exploration, testing, and collaboration has led us to the doorstep of excellence, where the most exceptional trail shoes have emerged victorious.
This is the second instalment of the Golden Toe Awards 2023 results, where the community votes and celebrates the finest in the world of barefoot shoes and minimalist footwear.
And the Winners Are...
π₯ Mesa Trail II by Xero Shoes - Rating: 9.85
π₯ Feldom by Freet - Rating: 9.50
π₯ Primus Trail II by Vivobarefoot - Rating: 9.00
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Why They Won - Community Feedback
We've gone through all the community feedback and reviews about the winning shoes and compiled it to give you a clear picture of why these shoes have captured the community's heart.
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π₯ Mesa Trail II by Xero Shoes - Rating: 9.85
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Design and Fit:
- Feet and toes can bend and flex
- Perfect shape
- Mesh could have smaller holes to prevent sand from entering
- Adjust sole pattern for longevity
Comfort and Performance:
- Great for mountain hikes and long runs
- No blisters
- Lightweight and flexible
- Provides ground protection
- Super comfortable for hiking and trail running
- Grippy sole with room to move
- Dries fast
- Lets dust and fine particles through the upper, making feet dirty
- Ideal for disc golf
- Provides just enough protection and grip without sacrificing ground feel
- Sizing similar to original
- Lighter laces
Specific Requests and Improvements:
- Improve the insole or the way it is put in the shoe/glue or change the insole to prevent it from creeping out
- More durable fabric for the upper
- Add gusseted tongue and better wet rock traction
- Make some shoes without reflective stripes
- Improve sizing accuracy
Customer Feedback and Experiences:
- Durable and comfortable
- Used for dirt, rock, gravel, and sand trails
- Willing to purchase multiple pairs
- Recommended for hiking and everyday use
- No break-in period required
- Loved for running and backpacking trips
Overall Value and Price:
- Great grip and comfort
- Lightweight and durable
- Absorbs impact well
- Provides barefoot feel
Get the Xero Mesa Trail II ->
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π₯ Feldom by Freet - Rating: 9.50
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Design and Fit:
- Lightweight and flexible
- Roomy toe box
- Slightly larger than indicated on size chart
- Limited color options
Comfort and Performance:
- Excellent grip on soles
- Suitable for both trail and pavement
- Breathable
- Good ground feel
- Roomy and comfortable
Specific Requests and Improvements:
- Water resistance
- More color options
Customer Feedback and Experiences:
- Positive overall feedback
- Comparable to other minimalist shoes like Altra Lone Peaks and Xero Mesa Trails
- Positive experience with traction and breathability
Overall Value and Price:
- Relatively inexpensive compared to other barefoot shoes
- Positive experience with shipping and delivery time
- Recommended for those in need of a minimalist-yet-grippy trail shoe
Get the Freet Feldom ->
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π₯ Primus Trail II by Vivobarefoot - Rating: 9.00
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Design and Fit:
- Resistant and fits very well
- Lacing system could be improved with either elasticated pullcord laces or normal laces that can be tied
- Great colors available
- Variation with a knit upper/sock opening is comfortable
Comfort and Performance:
- Sole is very good for walking/running on hard ground
- Great traction for long hikes and trail runs
Specific Requests and Improvements:
- Laces should be shorter and thicker
Customer Feedback and Experiences:
- Amazing feel and worth the price
- Used for both hikes and everyday use
Overall Value and Price:
- Lower price appreciated
Get the Vivobareoot Primus Trail IIΒ ->
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What's Next?
This is post #2 of our series of Golden Toe Awards 2023 announcements. Stay tuned as we continue to unveil winners in other categories. Next up, we'll be spotlighting the exceptional performers in the π₯Ύ Best Barefoot Hiking Boots category. Don't miss out on discovering the shoes that are redefining trail running.
A huge shoutout and gratitude to the brands that have made the Golden Toe Awards even more special with their contributions to our epic giveaway: Barebarics, Be Lenka, Cool East Market, Deliberate Life Designs, Earthing Moccasins, Feelgrounds, Freet, Fullsoul Runningpad, Geniale Sandals, Iguaneye, Kyrgies, PaperKrane, Shapen Barefoot, The Last Shoe Maker, Tomar Creation, Xero Shoes, and Zlatush.
Let's continue to make our community a thriving hub for the best in footwear.
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See The Winners Of Other Categories
π Best Barefoot Road Running Shoe ->
ποΈ Best Barefoot Trail Shoe ->
π₯Ύ Best Barefoot Hiking Boots ->
π₯Ά Best Winter Barefoot Shoe/Boot ->
π Best Barefoot Dress Shoe ->
πΆ Best Kids' Barefoot Shoe ->
ποΈ Best Gym/Training Barefoot Shoe ->