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Freet Esk Walking Shoe Review

Freet Esk: A Versatile Companion for All-Season Adventures

As a barefoot shoe enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for footwear that provides a natural experience, whether I’m hiking trails, walking through town, or exploring new cities. The Freet Esk Walking Shoe has been an exciting addition to my collection, offering all-day comfort and performance in a simple leather design.

First Impressions

The Freet Esk is designed with a focus on simplicity, versatility, and durability. From the moment I put them on, I noticed how much room they allowed for my toes to spread, which is essential for proper foot function. The shoes felt longer than the Freet Mudee, likely due to the thinner lining, even though they share the same sole. I opted for my regular size but found them slightly more spacious than expected—if you prefer a snug fit, you might consider sizing down.

Left: Mudee L; Right: Esk

One of the standout features of the Esk is its breathable, premium full-grain leather upper. The leather provides excellent water resistance, especially when treated with a good leather conditioner, like Nikwax waterproofing wax. After wearing them for a few weeks in various conditions, including on muddy mushroom foraging walks in the UK and a trip to Australia, I’m happy to say they’ve held up incredibly well. They’ve even become more comfortable as the leather has softened.

Fit and Comfort

I have wide, square feet, measuring 24.2 cm long, and I’m often cautious when choosing footwear. The Esk’s wide fit and flexible design make them an excellent choice for anyone with similar foot shapes. The 3.0 mm Ortholite insole offers a bit of extra cushioning without compromising ground feel, while the zero-drop sole ensures that my feet remain in their natural position, promoting better posture and balance. Removing the insole offers up a lot of room giving more volume if you need it. The Freet Esk feels incredibly lightweight, which is perfect for long walks.

What I appreciate most about these shoes is their adaptability. The breathable leather makes them suitable for different temperatures, and you can easily switch between thick, warm socks for cold weather or thinner socks for warmer days. In fact, during my visit to Perth, Australia, I enjoyed wearing them on urban walks as they kept my feet cool and comfortable in the spring heat.

Traction and Durability

The Freet Esk’s TrailGrip outsole, with its 3.0 mm tread, provides a reliable grip on various surfaces, from muddy trails to city streets. Even though the stack height is 9.5 mm with the insole (6.5 mm without), the shoes still allow for great ground connectivity, enhancing that barefoot feel I love. They’ve been especially helpful on uneven terrain, offering the stability and balance I need without feeling bulky.

For those looking for a shoe that bridges the gap between urban and trail environments, the Freet Esk does a fantastic job. The flexibility of the midsole (MidFlex) strikes a good balance between protection and barefoot responsiveness. Despite their durability, they remain soft and pliable, which is essential for keeping that natural foot movement intact.

Styling and Performance

In terms of style, the Freet Esk combines ruggedness with simplicity. The minimal design means you can wear them on hikes or in town without them feeling out of place. However, I do have one small critique: I would have preferred external lace eyelets like the Freet Mudee rather than the punched leather eyelets. I feel external eyelets would provide a bit more durability over time, especially when you’re tightening the laces for a snug fit on a long hike.

Water resistance is another key feature of these shoes. While they’re not fully waterproof, the leather upper does a great job repelling moisture when treated regularly. After applying dubbing, I found they handled wet and muddy conditions very well, keeping my feet dry and comfortable.

Final Thoughts

The Freet Esk Walking Shoe has impressed me with its versatility, comfort, and barefoot-friendly design. Whether I’m walking through muddy fields, hiking trails, or exploring new cities, these shoes have become my go-to. Their lightweight feel, wide fit, and flexible construction make them a fantastic option for those seeking a balance between natural foot function and practical durability.

If you’re considering a pair, just keep in mind that they run slightly large, so sizing down may provide a better fit. With the ability to wear them in various conditions and temperatures, the Freet Esk truly shines as a multi-season, all-around walking shoe. And for those with wider feet like mine, the spacious toe box and flexible design are a huge win.

Affiliate LinkFreet Esk Walking Shoe
Discount Code: Use BAREFOOTBRIT10 for a discount at checkout!

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