I've had the ST-4s for about a year now and I like them a decent bit as someone newer to barefoot shoes. Its outsole looks to be very similar to the ST-5, so I can confidently say that the rubber parts of the outsole hold up quite well, but the foam in the middle of the shoe has certainly worn down a decent bit. I wear them for daily wear and lifting, and walking around on concrete has definitely taken its toll on the foam.
Yeah I’ll add that I had the ST-3s and the foam midsole squashed down extremely quickly to the point where my heel was on the ground within a couple of months at most. For this shoe type, I’m loving Xero shoes with homemade insoles. I bought some Eva foam in the density I like (density roughly equals ‘squashy-ness’) and made a 10mm footbed. The result is a barefoot shoe but with approx 14mm stack height in a cushioning level of my choosing. The only thing I love more are the excellent reviews on this channel which are brilliant and hugely appreciated- thank you 🙏
Just received mine a few minutes ago, and I really dig them so far... the fit/comfort/weight are about as good as I could ask for, given that my use case will be for drumming. Having arch support while having a zero drop, along with having just enough midsole to dampen joint impact/vibration, are welcome features for me, so two thumbs up so far.
Although it doesn’t necessarily apply here, I’ve tried Topo shoes for hiking and the arch support is absolutely noticeable. Be aware if you prefer a flatter footbed. Thanks Jake!
Lems Primal, Altra Solstice, ST-5? Which for a mix of daily wear and basic gym? I have the maximalist Phantom. Very comfortable. I had some issue with the rubber pods peeling and needing glue. The insoles also wear relatively quick and hold onto water. It’s a great alternative to Hoka with a wide toebox.
I mainly wear barefoot shoes (Vivo, bohempia), but I'm not dogmatic about wearing them exclusively. I actually wear crocs classic the most whether around the house or out and about because they're just so easy to get in/out. I recently got the Topo Pursuit because I prefer a bit of padding for comfort against the jagged rocks for long hikes. For long walks on concrete, I'd prefer a bit of cushion so I might try this model! I personally would only get this for daily wear since I have the Vivo for those purpose.
Watched a few of your videos - anything you can recommend for wide foot, fairly low stack height, wide toe box but capable enough to play basketball in. Torin 6 was ok but fell apart on me and foot slipped around on the inside a little bit
@@thatfitfriend yes but not essential as I have my own gym so often barefoot. More so for wearing casually but still capable and maybe to use instead of a basketball shoe as I can’t find a wide toe box one that looks good
Finally, a Topo! I just saw a dude say the Hoka Transport X beats the Puma Deviate Nitro 2 for both running and gym/lifestyle. That's high praise. It's also $200 🫠
Hey guys, so I'm making the switch to barefoot shoes. I've got plantar fasciitis, and I'm about to go on vacation where I'll be on my feet all day, walking around. Do you think these shoes will be okay for that? Or should I go with something with a higher heel? Certainly, I am seeking a shoe with zero drop and a wide toe box.
Hey @thatfitfriend, thanks a bunch! 😊 I have one last question for you: should I go with the Topo Magnifly 5 or these ST-5s? I'm not really feeling Altra because I've heard some not-so-great things about their quality. Again thank you !!!
@@martixxleivix depends how much cushion you want! Magnifly is a plusher ride and st will be a little denser. I’d go with your preference. Yeah, Altras outsole durability is meh
I have a question about which shoe would be best for me. I wear zero right now for cross training and for the most part they are great. What I need is a shoe for daily wear that doesn’t break down or cause foot pain specifically medial arch pain. On and NB 1080 and muzino used to be my go to but now all fail. The only shoes I have comfort in are Birkenstocks footbeds or my xeros but I find myself needing more support than the xeros provide for all day wear. I was looking at Flux, Topos, or Altra but now I’m not sure.
As a flat footed individual I really appreciate you mentioning the arch!
Appreciate you checking out the content!
I don't have a flat foot but I dislike it, thanks a bunch for mentioning 😊
I've had the ST-4s for about a year now and I like them a decent bit as someone newer to barefoot shoes. Its outsole looks to be very similar to the ST-5, so I can confidently say that the rubber parts of the outsole hold up quite well, but the foam in the middle of the shoe has certainly worn down a decent bit. I wear them for daily wear and lifting, and walking around on concrete has definitely taken its toll on the foam.
That’s my concern, too, and I appreciate you sharing that!
Yeah I’ll add that I had the ST-3s and the foam midsole squashed down extremely quickly to the point where my heel was on the ground within a couple of months at most.
For this shoe type, I’m loving Xero shoes with homemade insoles. I bought some Eva foam in the density I like (density roughly equals ‘squashy-ness’) and made a 10mm footbed. The result is a barefoot shoe but with approx 14mm stack height in a cushioning level of my choosing.
The only thing I love more are the excellent reviews on this channel which are brilliant and hugely appreciated- thank you 🙏
@@AndreS_22246that's real smart thx for the ideea
Just received mine a few minutes ago, and I really dig them so far... the fit/comfort/weight are about as good as I could ask for, given that my use case will be for drumming. Having arch support while having a zero drop, along with having just enough midsole to dampen joint impact/vibration, are welcome features for me, so two thumbs up so far.
Heck yeah!
Although it doesn’t necessarily apply here, I’ve tried Topo shoes for hiking and the arch support is absolutely noticeable. Be aware if you prefer a flatter footbed. Thanks Jake!
I’m glad I’m not the only one who picked up on that!
please do a review on the new TYR barefoot shoes!! and a comparison with the motus strength from vivo would be awsome too
What do you think I’m at the gym LITERALLY as we speak 😂
@@thatfitfriend you're the best haha, thank you!!
Great shoe, but too bad about the arch being high. I ended returning them. Thank you for the heads up about the arch.
Feel you there! Thank you!
Lems Primal, Altra Solstice, ST-5? Which for a mix of daily wear and basic gym?
I have the maximalist Phantom. Very comfortable. I had some issue with the rubber pods peeling and needing glue. The insoles also wear relatively quick and hold onto water. It’s a great alternative to Hoka with a wide toebox.
Altra for sure or this model!
I mainly wear barefoot shoes (Vivo, bohempia), but I'm not dogmatic about wearing them exclusively. I actually wear crocs classic the most whether around the house or out and about because they're just so easy to get in/out. I recently got the Topo Pursuit because I prefer a bit of padding for comfort against the jagged rocks for long hikes. For long walks on concrete, I'd prefer a bit of cushion so I might try this model! I personally would only get this for daily wear since I have the Vivo for those purpose.
Def worth trying then! Their upper is sick for daily wear, too.
Watched a few of your videos - anything you can recommend for wide foot, fairly low stack height, wide toe box but capable enough to play basketball in. Torin 6 was ok but fell apart on me and foot slipped around on the inside a little bit
Are you wanting a training shoe specifically? Plan to lift and cross-train in them, too?
@@thatfitfriend yes but not essential as I have my own gym so often barefoot. More so for wearing casually but still capable and maybe to use instead of a basketball shoe as I can’t find a wide toe box one that looks good
Jake, have you done a review on Tyr DZ-1 Dropzero? I can’t seem to find any reviews on it yet.. just ads from Squat University
Just had my pair arrive! Stay tuned :)
Finally, a Topo!
I just saw a dude say the Hoka Transport X beats the Puma Deviate Nitro 2 for both running and gym/lifestyle. That's high praise. It's also $200 🫠
Interesting…I want to dive deeper into their brand catalog. Haha, I’ll do the buy and can let you know!
Hey guys, so I'm making the switch to barefoot shoes. I've got plantar fasciitis, and I'm about to go on vacation where I'll be on my feet all day, walking around. Do you think these shoes will be okay for that? Or should I go with something with a higher heel? Certainly, I am seeking a shoe with zero drop and a wide toe box.
These or Altra Solstice XT 2s would be good options!
Hey @thatfitfriend, thanks a bunch! 😊 I have one last question for you: should I go with the Topo Magnifly 5 or these ST-5s? I'm not really feeling Altra because I've heard some not-so-great things about their quality. Again thank you !!!
@@martixxleivix depends how much cushion you want! Magnifly is a plusher ride and st will be a little denser. I’d go with your preference.
Yeah, Altras outsole durability is meh
@thatfitfriend thank you so much, I truly appreciate your assistance. I wish you the very best.
How structured is heel cup ? Many barefoot shoes got no any hard structure there .
Not much structure at all, also, these aren't true barefoot shoes! In-betweener between trainer/barefoot
Lems primal zen has a pretty solid heel cup
Is the arch support only from the insole? So does it went away if taking/exchanging the insole?
More so the sole! I don't think it will fully go away when doing so. If you have a thicker insole you could probably dampen it, tho
I have a question about which shoe would be best for me. I wear zero right now for cross training and for the most part they are great. What I need is a shoe for daily wear that doesn’t break down or cause foot pain specifically medial arch pain. On and NB 1080 and muzino used to be my go to but now all fail. The only shoes I have comfort in are Birkenstocks footbeds or my xeros but I find myself needing more support than the xeros provide for all day wear. I was looking at Flux, Topos, or Altra but now I’m not sure.
Topo would be my first suggestion! They have a decent amount of support. I'd try those then go from there.
Could these be used for paddle tennis?
To an extent if it's indoors. Outdoors, outsole durability could be an issue.
315lb squat is moderate? Oh god I'm so weak 😂 thanks for the breakdown, very informative
Is always tough language thresholds. My strength sports friends are far stronger than me so I feel like I often language because of them 😂
Thank you!
Good as it is; it's not worth £100-115
@@r.b6170 tough finding models for less unless you go with cheap ones off amazon/budget models
@@thatfitfriend I'm comparing it to an "altar superior", which can be purchased for £70-80
@@r.b6170 fair! Good callout there. I figured we were talking industry competitors which actually cost more in many cases 🙃