Sockwa G4 Minimal Barefoot Shoes

When I received an email to rate these shoes, it had a series of boxes to check like how well do they fit, how comfortable etc. Last was, do these shoes have good arch support? I got a good laugh on that one. That's why I bought them. Next best thing to barefoot. People stare at them and then me. Occasionally, someone will ask me about them and I'll explain about nature did a good engineering job on the foot if not the knee. Best I can tell, arch support in shoes was and continues as a marketing device. Same with conventional mattresses.I hit balls at the golf range in them and they grip even when the grass is wet. I got use to wearing sandles in the winter. With socks when it got really cold. These shoes wouldn't be good in snow but most years it doesn't snow here. I bought some thin socks- don't were them but probably will in the winter. Cold rain will probably be more than I can deal with.A little baking soda sprinkled in them eats the odor.These are my first minimalist shoes, but not my last. They're available in more conventional-looking uppers. Even dress shoes. I won't spring for those because I'm retired. I find myself going to more funerals, but only every couple of months or so. But in all other aspects of my life, it's minimalist footwear of one form or another.

Sockwas have always been my favorite barefoot shoe, but I haven't been able to wear most of their models. Their G2 model and hi-playa model were too narrow for me. Their G3's fit great, but the edge of the soul would break away from the fabric a little (I still have a pair and I don't care that the sole has a spot that's separated a bit.) Their X8 model was a bit too rough and tight in the ankle for my taste. Their G4 model is just perfect! It's accommodating to my wide foot, not too tight in the ankle, the sole edges seem fully intact, and the back of the ankle band has cushioning to help ease any problems with the arch nemises of runners everywhere- achilles tendonitis. I can squish them up into a tiny ball and put them in my bag anytime I have to go out in heels too. If my feet start to hurt I can just trade my heels for these. I just love these SO MUCH I don't know what I would do without Sockwas. Though their website claims the G4 is true to size this was definitely not the case with me. When I got my regular size my toes were squished together. I used the measurement on the side of the sockwa box that my shoes came in and it said that for my foot I needed to go two sizes up. I did and the new ones fit perfectly.

As soon as I slipped these on, I was amazed! I feel like recommending them to everyone!PROS:Very comfortableGive the true barefoot feel (I normally run barefoot and these did not prevent the natural stride)Feel like they aren't thereMulti-terrain protectionComfortable with socks as well.Very good customer service (Sockwa agent is very friendly and helpful in getting the right shoe)CONS (sort of):I am a 10.5 in shoes but had to get a size M12 in these. Keep that in mind when ordering.The left shoe was pulling my big toe slightly to the left due to a defect, so I sent them back for an exchange with no hassle whatsoever

I bought these to use during my team's outrigger canoe practice. They do help grip the bottom of the canoe better and the do help with walking on rough beach terrain/rocks/shells in the water when bringing the canoe back onshore. Unfortunately, they are not holding up to the task I purchased them for. I purchased them July 2017 and now it is July 2018 and they are about to go in the trash. I used these shoes for 1-2 hours 3-4 days a week for about 6 months out of the year for our regatta (racing) season in Hawaii. The shoes are subjected to the elements such as the saltwater, the sun and the sand. I am diligent about rinsing the shoes in freshwater after each use to preserve them for as long as possible. The soles themselves are in great condition as the shoes are used in a water sports and they have held up to the saltwater, sun, and sand very well. The shoes are now showing significant signs of wear; the soles are separating from the fabric, and the fabric has stretched significantly making it difficult to walk in and out of the water with them. I really enjoyed using these shoes and I am so disappointed that they aren't holding up to regular usage, especially for the price $$$.

The material is great. They are very minimalist and I like the feel of them.I bought one size bigger than my usual size as suggested, and it's a little bit too small. I may need one size up and will try to exchange them.The toe box is much too small. My big toe is smushed up against my pointer toe. This might be a sizing issue, but I think it's just the shoe design. That's a big bummer because it means I can't wear them for very long.They are not good for running, which I didn't subtract a point for, because they don't advertise that they are. The plastic soles buckle uncomfortable. That's fine, these are intended for minimal wearing to business functions.I would give this 3.5 stars if I could

I just got these in and they are basically the shoes of my dreams. I have worn Vibrams for years and years but they have their issues (stitching durability, differently shaped toes, really strange looks from people that see them). I wish I had found these before. I have been relegated to basically wearing mocassins in public and they wear pretty quickly and don't do well with rain. These are perfect. They are very well made and fit perfectly. They fit a little small for what some people may be used to but wearing them regularly should remedy that. I have been wishing there was a shoe out there like this for so long. I am hoping they last me a reasonable amount of time!