Saguaro Brisk I Rain Boot (Welly) Review

Affiliate Link: Buy Saguaro Brisk I Wellies
Discount Code: BAREFOOTBRIT10

The Saguaro Brisk I Rain Boot [Saguaro Wellies], is a unique offering in the barefoot shoe market. It promises a minimalistic design with waterproof capabilities, making it a go-to choice for those who want to maintain a barefoot feel even in wet and muddy conditions. As one of the first foldable barefoot rain boots made with a wide toe box and ultra-soft, PVC-free material, it’s an interesting contender for nature walks, gardening, or simply embracing the outdoors in unpredictable weather.

Let’s take a closer look at how the Saguaro Wellies hold up in terms of barefoot qualities, performance, and overall usability.

Minimalistic Design

The Saguaro Wellies stand out for their clean, minimalistic design. Despite their waterproof nature, they don’t carry the bulkiness you’d expect from traditional wellington boots. The thin waterproof material ensures that these boots keep your feet dry while maintaining a sleek profile, almost behaving like a second skin around your foot. The stretchy and lightweight material allows the foot to move naturally, unlike the stiff, heavy feel of regular wellies.

The design also features a wide toe box, ensuring that your toes have enough room to spread naturally, which is crucial for maintaining balance and stability when walking barefoot. Unlike traditional wellies that tend to pinch or restrict toe movement, these provide ample space, enhancing comfort and promoting proper foot posture.

Performance in Muddy Conditions

In terms of performance, the Saguaro Wellies fare well in muddy and rainy conditions. The soles provide sufficient grip to prevent slipping, though it’s worth noting that the older version of the soles (which I have) has a less aggressive tread pattern. Despite this, they offer a decent level of traction on various terrains, including mud and wet grass. However, the newer model features an improved anti-slip sole, which enhances grip and stability, making it a better option for those needing extra traction on slippery surfaces.

For average use, such as nature walks or light gardening, the original soles are more than adequate. I have worn mine in muddy fields and around the garden, and they’ve performed admirably without any significant slips. However, if you regularly encounter deep mud or slick surfaces, you may want to opt for the newer version with enhanced grip.

Fit and Sizing

I ordered the EU 39 for my 24.2cm feet, and my toes are right at the end of the boot. While this gives me a more intimate barefoot experience, I’d recommend sizing up if you want to add extra layers like wool socks for warmth. The material is soft and stretchy, which means it comfortably moulds to your foot shape, allowing for a snug but flexible fit.

For those with wide feet, these wellies are surprisingly accommodating, thanks to the stretchiness of the material. While the width is average compared to other barefoot shoes, the pliability of the wellies ensures that my tailor’s bunion isn’t cramped, and the foot outline is visible through the material, which speaks to the second-skin-like feel.

These wellies are not designed to keep your feet overly warm, so if you’re planning to wear them in cold or damp weather for extended periods, sizing up to allow room for thicker socks is advisable. The thin material doesn’t offer much insulation, but this can easily be addressed with the right socks.

Flexibility and Ground Feel

The 3mm thin sole provides excellent ground connectivity, a hallmark of barefoot footwear. Despite being waterproof, the sole remains flexible, allowing your foot to move naturally and sense the ground beneath. This level of flexibility is rare for rain boots and makes the Saguaro Wellies a fantastic option for those looking to stay true to the barefoot lifestyle even in adverse weather conditions.

The flexibility of the upper part of the boot also enhances overall comfort. The foldable design is a testament to how malleable these wellies are—making them easy to store and pack away. This feature is particularly handy if you’re travelling and want lightweight, space-saving footwear that doesn’t compromise on waterproofing.

Durability and Quality

One of the standout features of the Saguaro Wellies is the reinforced connection line between the upper part and the sole. This ensures durability, particularly during continuous bending and movement. While the material is thin and lightweight, the boots have shown no signs of tearing or losing shape after several months of use.

However, keep in mind that these wellies are designed for light to moderate use. While they hold up well in rainy conditions and muddy terrain, they may not be suitable for extreme outdoor activities or extended wear in harsh environments. For casual wear, gardening, and typical rainy-day walks, they’re more than durable enough.

Delivery and Returns

Ordering the Saguaro Wellies can take some time, as they are shipped from China. For both my son and myself, it took approximately three weeks for the boots to arrive. While this wait time may be longer than some are used to, it’s worth it for a unique product like this. We ordered black for my son and blue for me, and we were both satisfied with the quality and comfort upon arrival.

One downside to note is that returns can be tricky. Since the boots are shipped from China, returning them may not be cost-effective. However, Saguaro’s customer service is generally responsive, especially when it comes to sizing queries, so I recommend contacting them before ordering if you’re unsure about the size or fit.

My Experience

As a long-time barefoot shoe wearer, I’ve been on the lookout for wellies that truly provide a barefoot feel while keeping my feet dry in wet conditions. The Saguaro Wellies deliver on both fronts. They allow for a natural walking experience while offering decent waterproofing, and the minimalistic design is a refreshing change from bulky, traditional wellingtons.

I wore these boots recently while gardening and on several nature walks, and they performed admirably in both settings. I particularly appreciate how the soft, stretchy material accommodates my foot shape, including my wide feet and tailor’s bunion, without causing discomfort. They truly behave like a second skin, which is rare for a rain boot.

For the price point, these are a fantastic option for anyone wanting to maintain a barefoot feel on wet and muddy days. Whether you’re taking a stroll in the rain, working in the garden, or even just running errands on a soggy day, the Saguaro Wellies are a solid, minimalist choice.

Verdict

Overall, the Saguaro Brisk I Wellies offer a true barefoot experience with waterproof functionality. They’re comfortable, flexible, and lightweight, making them ideal for light to moderate use in wet and muddy conditions. While the fit may require some adjustments (such as sizing up to accommodate warmer socks), their foldable, second-skin-like design and minimalistic aesthetics make them an excellent addition to any barefoot shoe collection.

If you’re ready to brave the rain in barefoot style, I highly recommend giving these wellies a try. Just remember to check the size chart carefully or reach out to Saguaro for advice to ensure the perfect fit.

Affiliate Link: Buy Saguaro Wellies
Discount Code: BAREFOOTBRIT

Brit👣