I have the Freet Pace and love it. Very breathable and dries quickly. I take out the insole though, otherwise too much padding for me. Taking it out increases the depth of the shoe which may be a problem for low volume feet but I love it.
Nice review. bought these a while back and it looks like the outsole will hold verry long. They fit me really well to. Good thing about these is that there still is enough space left inside if they are worn with an insole, this is not always the case with barefoot styled shoes.
Thanks for the review, I tried the freet pace but they were too short and quite a bit too narrow, meaning sizing up is probably not going to be enough, so I am returning them. I have also ordered the flex as they were on sale, your feet arent that much longer than mine but are a lot wider so it looks like the flex may be fine. Hopefully.
Re your unusual lacing: have you ever thought of just lacing them up from further back (i.e. skip the front pair of holes or the front two)? It's a tip I just saw under another video and I just tried it with my softstar primal runamocs, which had felt not wide enough for my little toes, and it's made a big difference.
Awesome, thanks for the tip John! The only reason I haven’t tried it was because I did not think it would give me that noticeable of a difference for forefoot width as I was already side to side in every shoe I try’s volume. But I may give it a try and see if I do notice a difference. Appreciate you checking back in with what’s worked for you!
Hi, I just came across your video, and was happy and relieved to see that you have about the same foot width that you have. Up until today, I tried Vivo, too narrow for me. I have a pair of Birchbury, which are okay. Happy to see that the shoe that you're reviewing fits you, because if it does fit you, it fits me. Currently, it is good that this shoe fits us, but I wonder what will happen once my foot gets used and wider as it has more room to play with. Then the predicament will start to find an even wider shoe, have you foreseen this scenario? I know that it is a "one thing at a time and we'll cross that bridge when we get there" type of situation. A well deserved "Like". Greetings from Montreal.
Cheers my friend, greatly appreciate the support ✊ I have started encountering the problem you mention of your foot slowly starting to splay out wider and wider over time due to healthier footwear. The first pair of minimalist shoes I got (the Merrell Vapour Glove 4’s) are far too narrow for me now. Still technically wearable, but they really squeeze my metatarsal bones together while running to the point of discomfort. I eventually get used to it on my run (as most peoples feet do, hence why so many people are used to the “normal” shoes of today, but I still don’t like that this is the case. I try my best to counter this by wearing my Wild Toes (toe spacers) when I feel necessary. As well as trying to wear sandals that don’t compress my foot together at the sides (or by going completely barefoot) when I can. However, this way is unfortunately not practical when we must work wearing closed toe shoes throughout the day. I have considered trying to contact some custom minimalist shoe making companies to make a tailored shoe to me, but have heard mixed results on the actual outcome of these, not being as precise as people would have wanted. This also skyrockets the price of already not-cheap footwear being custom made - not to mention returns being possibly unlikely with some companies. Sorry for the long comment, but hopefully it helped somewhat. Let me know if you end up getting the Freet Flex and if it works out for you. Us wide-foot-ers need to stick together 😉
@@GuyettsGuide Okay, Flex are too narrow for me. I also got the Tanga, which are not a good fit either, so they're going back. There's such a sizing disparity between both models. In the process of sending them back to the UK, hoping it won't be pricier than the sneakers. I have a pair or Lems Primal 2 due to arrive soon, I hope these are good. If not, there is not much out there that could fit me. I have a pair of Altra XT Solstice that fit well, and I'm thinking that maybe the Escalante 2.5 could fit well. Also considering getting Vivos size 47, instead of 46, my size, to see how they fit, but I don't want to pay the equivalent of another pair of sneakers in return postage. Given that we have very similar measurements in terms of width, how is that "1 size up Vivos" still working for you? In any case, I'm not a runner.
@@GiopoloMtl Dang, that is such a shame about the Flex’s being too narrow. They technically only barely work for me. It’s good you have a pair of Altras that fit well, I think most of their shoes would have too thick of a outsole for me unfortunately. Most likely the same goes for the Lems Primals for that matter, but hopefully you have more luck with those ones! It’s never fun paying return shipping 😓 I gotta say, the Vivo Primus in the one size too-large are still doing me good. Despite being too long for the toes, they are still one of my go-tos for runs or casual wear because the width is at least bareable (definitely not perfect, but not literal pain inducing). Thanks for the update! Best of luck with the Primal 2’s!
I love these shoes, but after a year of everyday use, there is a hole at my big toe and at my little toe. The stitching has gone at the crease the shoe makes when I step. Despite the holes, I still prefer to wear them over my other freet shoes...
It’s so funny you just commented this Michael, as I literally just pulled out my right insole the other day, and low-and-behold, a clean hole right through it under the big toe! A little bit of other wear and tear here and there, but not unwearable yet. I completely agree with you though, still prefer these over every other minimalist shoe I’ve tried 🤷♂️ Thanks for sharing!
I ran a bunch this past summer in the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite Men’s in a size too big to try accommodating width. It worked somewhat well at first, but eventually the excessive length started to bug me more than the relief of being slightly wider. (Should have a review on these out soon) That is why I prefer these, because the width is basically just as good, and still not too long for my foot.
ah yeah i've found sizing with Vivo's to be a little strange In terms of shoes similar to the freet flex...not that i have one yet for comparrison, but i feel like Xero's HFS model could be quite close and is the shoe i use for most stuff at the moment
I have not! I feel like Lems outsoles are too thick for me. That being said, I did get the waterproof boulder boot for this last winter to try, but unfortunately was still not really wide enough for me 😖 should hopefully have a video on them up at some point.
I have not tried the connect 2s. They would most likely fit pretty good, however, be weary that it is on sale with no newer version of the shoe out... I have the original Freet Bootee that (although fits fine) is wearing out quicker than it should being an older model. The newer model they fixed some of the weak points in the shoe. The Connect 2’s may totally be different, that was just my experience trying to save a few bucks from a sale shoe.
I walked a lot (everyday) with these flex freets, but after 5 months i got some holes on both of my feet on the top. I did wear some toe spreaders (correct toes) though and think this contributed to the wear.
I don't understand your sizing. I wear a full size down from you on Nike's and two down on Clarks (and other city shoes) and my foot is a couple of mm longer. In particular shouldn't you pick shorter sizes with these shoes that become large closer to the toes.
Keep in mind UK & EU sizes are different and not very comparable to US sizes. Sometimes you need to size up in EU sizes because it encompasses two US sizes (like in between). Plus, with some of Freet’s shoes, they suggest you should size up also. (So if you are normally a 45EU, to go with 46EU) just due to how the shoe was manufactured and fits. On the contrary! You still want a little extra length so that your toes can still move around freely to not develop hammer toes for example. It’s mainly extra width with minimalist footwear that just allows your toes to move more freely and your foot to splay. Which you definitely want! The less room your foot has to function how it should, equals being more dysfunctional. Comparable to if you wore stiff gloves the whole duration of a day, every day, your hand muscles would start to atrophy if they aren’t able to work to their full capability.
good review, I'm glad you addressed the way they're laced, since I saw they don't look "normal"
I have the Freet Pace and love it. Very breathable and dries quickly. I take out the insole though, otherwise too much padding for me. Taking it out increases the depth of the shoe which may be a problem for low volume feet but I love it.
Nice review. bought these a while back and it looks like the outsole will hold verry long. They fit me really well to.
Good thing about these is that there still is enough space left inside if they are worn with an insole, this is not always the case with barefoot styled shoes.
Thanks for the review, I tried the freet pace but they were too short and quite a bit too narrow, meaning sizing up is probably not going to be enough, so I am returning them. I have also ordered the flex as they were on sale, your feet arent that much longer than mine but are a lot wider so it looks like the flex may be fine. Hopefully.
Re your unusual lacing: have you ever thought of just lacing them up from further back (i.e. skip the front pair of holes or the front two)? It's a tip I just saw under another video and I just tried it with my softstar primal runamocs, which had felt not wide enough for my little toes, and it's made a big difference.
Great tip!
Awesome, thanks for the tip John! The only reason I haven’t tried it was because I did not think it would give me that noticeable of a difference for forefoot width as I was already side to side in every shoe I try’s volume. But I may give it a try and see if I do notice a difference. Appreciate you checking back in with what’s worked for you!
@@GuyettsGuide A pleasure. Hope it helps.
Hi, I just came across your video, and was happy and relieved to see that you have about the same foot width that you have. Up until today, I tried Vivo, too narrow for me. I have a pair of Birchbury, which are okay. Happy to see that the shoe that you're reviewing fits you, because if it does fit you, it fits me. Currently, it is good that this shoe fits us, but I wonder what will happen once my foot gets used and wider as it has more room to play with. Then the predicament will start to find an even wider shoe, have you foreseen this scenario? I know that it is a "one thing at a time and we'll cross that bridge when we get there" type of situation. A well deserved "Like". Greetings from Montreal.
Cheers my friend, greatly appreciate the support ✊
I have started encountering the problem you mention of your foot slowly starting to splay out wider and wider over time due to healthier footwear. The first pair of minimalist shoes I got (the Merrell Vapour Glove 4’s) are far too narrow for me now. Still technically wearable, but they really squeeze my metatarsal bones together while running to the point of discomfort. I eventually get used to it on my run (as most peoples feet do, hence why so many people are used to the “normal” shoes of today, but I still don’t like that this is the case.
I try my best to counter this by wearing my Wild Toes (toe spacers) when I feel necessary. As well as trying to wear sandals that don’t compress my foot together at the sides (or by going completely barefoot) when I can. However, this way is unfortunately not practical when we must work wearing closed toe shoes throughout the day.
I have considered trying to contact some custom minimalist shoe making companies to make a tailored shoe to me, but have heard mixed results on the actual outcome of these, not being as precise as people would have wanted. This also skyrockets the price of already not-cheap footwear being custom made - not to mention returns being possibly unlikely with some companies.
Sorry for the long comment, but hopefully it helped somewhat. Let me know if you end up getting the Freet Flex and if it works out for you. Us wide-foot-ers need to stick together 😉
@@GuyettsGuide Okay, Flex are too narrow for me. I also got the Tanga, which are not a good fit either, so they're going back. There's such a sizing disparity between both models. In the process of sending them back to the UK, hoping it won't be pricier than the sneakers.
I have a pair or Lems Primal 2 due to arrive soon, I hope these are good. If not, there is not much out there that could fit me. I have a pair of Altra XT Solstice that fit well, and I'm thinking that maybe the Escalante 2.5 could fit well.
Also considering getting Vivos size 47, instead of 46, my size, to see how they fit, but I don't want to pay the equivalent of another pair of sneakers in return postage.
Given that we have very similar measurements in terms of width, how is that "1 size up Vivos" still working for you? In any case, I'm not a runner.
@@GiopoloMtl Dang, that is such a shame about the Flex’s being too narrow. They technically only barely work for me. It’s good you have a pair of Altras that fit well, I think most of their shoes would have too thick of a outsole for me unfortunately. Most likely the same goes for the Lems Primals for that matter, but hopefully you have more luck with those ones! It’s never fun paying return shipping 😓
I gotta say, the Vivo Primus in the one size too-large are still doing me good. Despite being too long for the toes, they are still one of my go-tos for runs or casual wear because the width is at least bareable (definitely not perfect, but not literal pain inducing).
Thanks for the update! Best of luck with the Primal 2’s!
How much space do you have between the end of the shoe and your big toe? I have about a fingers width and I don’t know if it is too much
Great review!
Hi good rewiew!I have the same size foot 27.7 cm.Do you think 45 is it tge right size?thx
I love these shoes, but after a year of everyday use, there is a hole at my big toe and at my little toe. The stitching has gone at the crease the shoe makes when I step.
Despite the holes, I still prefer to wear them over my other freet shoes...
It’s so funny you just commented this Michael, as I literally just pulled out my right insole the other day, and low-and-behold, a clean hole right through it under the big toe! A little bit of other wear and tear here and there, but not unwearable yet. I completely agree with you though, still prefer these over every other minimalist shoe I’ve tried 🤷♂️
Thanks for sharing!
Same here!!! Love my ibex but under a year an I’m seeing daylight. That’s expensive footwear
Tray to size up. Have a nice life.
Compared to Freet Flex Vs Vapor Glove 4, which one is better?
My small toe and big toe are wide like yours. Dont know which one I should buy.
Thanks. Is it just me or does the measurement part not make much sense? Can't you just read out the numbers, I can't see them! Thanks.
curious what the other workout shoe is you use? ^^
Also currently debating on picking up a pair of these
I ran a bunch this past summer in the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite Men’s in a size too big to try accommodating width. It worked somewhat well at first, but eventually the excessive length started to bug me more than the relief of being slightly wider. (Should have a review on these out soon) That is why I prefer these, because the width is basically just as good, and still not too long for my foot.
ah yeah i've found sizing with Vivo's to be a little strange
In terms of shoes similar to the freet flex...not that i have one yet for comparrison, but i feel like Xero's HFS model could be quite close and is the shoe i use for most stuff at the moment
@@Rev0UK1 I’ve yet to try any of Xero shoes. Was a little nervous how the width would fair with my feet. May try a pair one day though!
@@GuyettsGuide well if its of any use, they run wider than the Vivos that ive tried.
@@GuyettsGuide I got a pair of their Hanas a while back and immediately sent them back: nowhere near wide enough.
great review! Have you tried Lems Primal 2?
I have not! I feel like Lems outsoles are too thick for me. That being said, I did get the waterproof boulder boot for this last winter to try, but unfortunately was still not really wide enough for me 😖 should hopefully have a video on them up at some point.
@@GuyettsGuide looking forward the review. I have a pair a lems primals in the mail hopefully they fit as I have wide feet as well.
hi have you tried their connect 2s ? plannin to buy a pair this month..
I have not tried the connect 2s. They would most likely fit pretty good, however, be weary that it is on sale with no newer version of the shoe out... I have the original Freet Bootee that (although fits fine) is wearing out quicker than it should being an older model. The newer model they fixed some of the weak points in the shoe. The Connect 2’s may totally be different, that was just my experience trying to save a few bucks from a sale shoe.
How long do they last?
I walked a lot (everyday) with these flex freets, but after 5 months i got some holes on both of my feet on the top.
I did wear some toe spreaders (correct toes) though and think this contributed to the wear.
I don't understand your sizing. I wear a full size down from you on Nike's and two down on Clarks (and other city shoes) and my foot is a couple of mm longer. In particular shouldn't you pick shorter sizes with these shoes that become large closer to the toes.
Keep in mind UK & EU sizes are different and not very comparable to US sizes. Sometimes you need to size up in EU sizes because it encompasses two US sizes (like in between). Plus, with some of Freet’s shoes, they suggest you should size up also. (So if you are normally a 45EU, to go with 46EU) just due to how the shoe was manufactured and fits.
On the contrary! You still want a little extra length so that your toes can still move around freely to not develop hammer toes for example. It’s mainly extra width with minimalist footwear that just allows your toes to move more freely and your foot to splay. Which you definitely want! The less room your foot has to function how it should, equals being more dysfunctional. Comparable to if you wore stiff gloves the whole duration of a day, every day, your hand muscles would start to atrophy if they aren’t able to work to their full capability.