AliExpress Barefoot-Friendly Converse-Style Shoes Review

I recently tested a pair of barefoot-friendly Converse-style shoes from AliExpress, which intrigued me due to their purported barefoot benefits over traditional Converse. Here is my detailed review based on a few days of wearing them, focusing on comfort, design, and overall barefoot attributes.

Unboxing and First Impressions

The shoes arrived promptly within a week, a smooth process with AliExpress. My first impression was positive; the design closely resembles the classic Converse style but with a noticeably more rounded toe box, which was a promising start. They also had a great flex in the sole!

Fit and Comfort

I have very wide square feet, measuring 24cm in length and 9.8cm in width. I chose the largest size, CN39, which seems closer to an EU38. Unfortunately, size options are limited. The shoes come with a thick light foam insole, adding a slight heel rise, which I removed immediately for a more barefoot experience.

Without the insole, the sole measures approximately 10mm thick (the insole adds another 13mm). The shoes are much wider than conventional Converse, offering a more rounded toe box. However, there’s still some tapering in the big toe area, leading to a bit of toe cramping. They offer more room and toe movement than traditional Converse, but not enough for maximum toe splay or natural movement.

The shoes feel comfortable in the sole but gave my toes a cramped feeling, particularly in the toe box, similar to Rocket Dog Jazzins, where the sole feels thick and heavy compared to the thin canvas upper. This creates a bottom-heavy feeling, unlike the lightweight feel desired in proper barefoot shoes.

Flexibility and Groundfeel

The ground feel is present but somewhat muted compared to other barefoot shoes. The sole is flexible and moves with the foot, which is a positive aspect. While thicker than some barefoot options, they still provide some sensory feedback from the ground.

Material and Breathability

The material quality feels similar to real Converse, which suggests decent durability. Breathability is adequate, comparable to the traditional Converse experience.

Design and Aesthetics

Aesthetically, the less pointed, more rounded toe box is a significant improvement over the original Converse design. While not fully anatomical for my foot shape, the overall look is appealing. The classic sneaker style remains in fashion, making these shoes versatile for casual wear. The chunky sole is absolutely illusory; the real sole only comes up to just below the black piping line all around the outsole.

Practicality and Usage

These shoes are practical for casual, everyday wear. The elastic laces offer convenient fastening, making them easy to put on and take off. However, after wearing them for six hours, my toes felt cramped and less comfortable than expected.

Comparison to Other Brands

Compared to other barefoot brands like Peerko or Bohempia, these shoes fall short in terms of comfort and proper foot shape. Despite the style appeal, they don’t offer the same level of toe splay and natural movement. For teenagers looking for fashionable barefoot options, these might be a better alternative to traditional Converse, causing less foot damage. However, there are better options for those prioritising foot health.

Ethical Concerns

Ordering from AliExpress raises ethical concerns, as items come from China, where manufacturing laws and standards differ. This might be a consideration for those prioritising ethical shopping practices.

Conclusion

In summary, these AliExpress Converse-style shoes offer a more barefoot-friendly alternative to traditional Converse but still have limitations in terms of toe splay and natural movement. They are a stylish and affordable option but may not provide the full barefoot experience. For those looking for true barefoot alternatives, brands like Peerko or Bohempia available at Happy Little Soles are recommended.

For more details or to purchase, visit AliExpress.