Do you wear minimal dress shoes? How about a paleo club shoe
Created February 04, 2012 at 1:39 AM
http://www.russellminimalistfootwear.com/
http://www.indiegogo.com/the-Primal-Professional-barefoot-dress-shoe
I'm starting to see quite a few paleo/barefoot dress shoes. Although they all seem to be very expensive. Does anybody actually have a pair?
Also is there anything like a mark nason shoe? With a faked heel? That is one of the interesting things about the second link I posted.
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10 Answers
I actually have a survey up at http://www.dayshoe.com for when I was considering making a minimalist office shoe, but the realities of the shoemaking industry and importation overwhelmed me (especially when dealing with big and wide sizes), so I put it on hold for now.
Here's a couple of things that I wear to work regularly with fairly minimalist soles:
I have these in brown and black L.B. Evans Finn driving moccasin and I have no problems with forefoot striking, even though the heel seems a little thick.
I also have these Route 66 Nolan slippers in brown and black but they are obviously not as nice, but the sole is very thin and flexible. So far no one has given me hassle about them except one guy who also owned the Route 66 Nolan in brown and said "Why are you wearing slippers?" But this is a business casual environment, I would not wear any of these to an interview.
Today at a resale shop I saw a pair of these Drillmasters Marching Shoes and was surprised at how thin and flexible the soles were. They weren't my size, but I made sure to look them up just in case. They are also all synthetic, which I'm not into.
I have made some of my own shoes just by removing the sole and replacing it with a SoleTech 144 sole using Freesole but my first try just mangled it. :) I hear shoe repair places can do it for around $30.
I even had a guy on eBay make me a pair of jazz dancing shoes with a minimalist sole, but he ended up using a flat plastic sole instead. Thankfully it was cheap. Jazz dancing shoes like these are almost perfect, just get rid of the heel and make the sole more waterproof and you're done. Or just wear them indoors at work.
The dayshoes area all great especially the oxfords. And I like the drillmaster one.
THose are really nice looking to. I'd love to see a wingtip oxford.
Which ones look nice? I posted a bunch of links. :)
I wear Vivobarefoot Ra to work and Vibram Five Fingers for fitness. The Ra are expensive and sell out quickly but are excellent for an office environment. They seem to be very quality shoes, I took out the insole so it's just the Vibram sole between my foot and the ground. Nobody noticed them as outside of the ordinary except this guy that thinks he's the fashion guru, and he was like "Wow, are those Italian?!". Sure guy. http://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/mens/ra-8.html
If you keep care of them, they seem like they will last years. Also, 0 drop heel to toe. I'll never buy another type of work shoe unless one comes out exactly like it for a lot less :)
Ideally shorten your stride and take more steps to minimize the crashing of your heel into the floor. One way to do it is try walking as quietly as you can. More info on walking: http://www.mobilitywod.com/2011/11/episode-343365-stop-walking-like-the-duck-you-arent.html Also when standing try to keep both feet pointing forward, not making an L shape with your feet, try to keep weight evenly balanced between both legs most of the time, but also find any excuse you can to bend your knees and move around. See if you can sneak in full squats here and there.
I might be able to try these at a store. Is there any trick to standing up for long periods of time or walking with barefoot shoes in office environments? Normally I use my vibrams on grass.
One problem I have is that I reflexively go back to the L position when I walk or the duck walk. I have to actively think each step to get it to go straight. And after awhile the old habit comes back in full force.
I finally gave in bought a pair of Ra shoes. They appear to be the most minimal dress shoe out there right now, and come in three colours. @jatx - How was sizing for you? I read that people typically need to size up with Vivobarefoot shoes. I wear a 41/42 in VFFs, a 9-9.5 in normal shoes, and picked up a 43 in the Ra. I'm hoping I don't need tor eturn them.
Oh yeah and I took the insoles out of the Ra so it's literally no cushion. That might help you think about your walk if you get better ground feel.
@WyldKard - Yeah I love 'em. I wear 8.5-9 and I got the 41. I also am most comfortable in size 41 Komodosport LS Vibrams because my 2nd toe is longer than my first.
@primallykosher - Yeah it's hard to kick the habit. I am that way with slouching in my office chair. All I can say is find something to constantly remind you and keep after it
I love my Merrell Tough Gloves. I have them in black and plan to get a pair in brown in a few months. http://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Product.mvc.aspx/22874M/0/Mens/Barefoot-Life-Tough-Glove?dimensions=0
They do stretch pretty well. They hurt my feet at first but after a week the are so comfortable.
They need to make them in wide!
You asked for wide? see 7:45 http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=lqN9drfock0#t=465s
Hey folks, IAmA founder of the Primal Professional barefoot dress shoe, Ask Me Anything =) e.g. product inquiries, manufacturing & business development advice, what's it like having an ironic name, etc.
So why do you have an ironic name, are you a hipster? OR related to Cliff?
My father was an immigrant from Taiwan who thought Mountain would be a nice name. It's ironic because mountains are tall and I am not.
How much are they going to cost and when in spring?
$300, in line with other high-end dress shoes. We put a lot of care into how our shoes are conceived, designed, and made, and we want them to last you as long as possible. While other companies try to upsell you on these essential items, each pair of the Primal Professional will come standard with: 1) a shoe horn, to help you get in and out of your shoes smoothly without wear & tear, and 2) cedar shoe trees, customized to fit our wide-and-dressy toebox, to absorb moisture, help the shoe retain shape, and keep wrinkles from setting in. No exact date set yet, but late spring.
Any updates MtnEvan?
@Caveman, lots of design revisions but we're done now, first production run set to complete Apr 12, 2013. You can pre-order now at a discount at http://theprimalprofessional.com/
I just wear my Vibram KSO Treks. Buff 'em up a bit and they work just fine. Besides, if anyone is paying that much attention to my feet in a formal setting, I have to wonder.
I do notice but I'm weird.
I would, but I'm a 3d character artist. So I notice everything down to pores. Its kind of curse for personal life but great for creating art.
paleo club shoes looking really nice, it depends on the person that what he wants to have and the look of shoes and i think these shoes are really good, thanks for sharing.
I never wear minimal dress shoes, I like wearing wedge sneakers daily like this http://www.upere.com/upere-wedge-sneakers-suede-black-beige-p-3.html. Paleo club shoe sounds good, you can have a try.
That is not a dress shoe. Can't say I like the style either.
http://www.zappos.com/clarks-un-kerrigan-black-leather
I almost got a pair of these, since the heel is quite low and it feels fantastic. I do need a pair of dress shoes by March 10, since I am starting a new job in catering. It needs to be all black, and I'm not sure if the vivo Ra or Merrel Tough Glove are acceptable options yet. I will buy a pair of the primal professionals though, if they are as good as those clarks, at least in construction and overall feel. I need to be able to stand for 6+ hours and walk through grease.
For the ladies it looks like vivobarefoot has some decent options now, like a boot, and a mary jane.
For something a little more tennis-shoey but not in a tropical fish palate these look promising:
http://www.stemfootwear.com/Survival-Origins-Women_p_37.html
That's what my wife wears to the office (in all black), and she is quite pleased with the comfort. They did however, develop a tear out at the stitching rather quickly. But, the company took care of it by sending her a new pair very quickly.
I really satisfy with you and your post. It sounds about fashion that I really search for. With my minimal dresses I also cover my leg with legwear from cold. Its really amazing.
spam, spam, spam, spam. your mother was a hamster, and your father smelt of elderberries, now go away spammer, or I shall taunt you a second time!
spam, spam, spam, spam!
primallykosher
(4131)
on January 08, 2013
at 05:55 PM
That is not a dress shoe. Can't say I like the style either.
GK
(115)
on January 08, 2013
at 02:10 PM
That's what my wife wears to the office (in all black), and she is quite pleased with the comfort. They did however, develop a tear out at the stitching rather quickly. But, the company took care of it by sending her a new pair very quickly.
MtnEvan
(365)
on December 19, 2012
at 05:19 AM
@Caveman, lots of design revisions but we're done now, first production run set to complete Apr 12, 2013. You can pre-order now at a discount at http://theprimalprofessional.com/
raydawg
(19483)
on September 15, 2012
at 10:57 AM
spam, spam, spam, spam!
raydawg
(19483)
on September 15, 2012
at 10:57 AM
spam, spam, spam, spam. your mother was a hamster, and your father smelt of elderberries, now go away spammer, or I shall taunt you a second time!
Caveman_formally_known_as_Dan
(4303)
on August 21, 2012
at 01:18 PM
Any updates MtnEvan?
jatx_www_jasonmoore_me
(550)
on February 24, 2012
at 09:56 PM
Oh yeah and I took the insoles out of the Ra so it's literally no cushion. That might help you think about your walk if you get better ground feel.
jatx_www_jasonmoore_me
(550)
on February 24, 2012
at 09:55 PM
@primallykosher - Yeah it's hard to kick the habit. I am that way with slouching in my office chair. All I can say is find something to constantly remind you and keep after it
jatx_www_jasonmoore_me
(550)
on February 24, 2012
at 09:53 PM
@WyldKard - Yeah I love 'em. I wear 8.5-9 and I got the 41. I also am most comfortable in size 41 Komodosport LS Vibrams because my 2nd toe is longer than my first.
WyldKard
(1906)
on February 24, 2012
at 05:17 PM
I finally gave in bought a pair of Ra shoes. They appear to be the most minimal dress shoe out there right now, and come in three colours. @jatx - How was sizing for you? I read that people typically need to size up with Vivobarefoot shoes. I wear a 41/42 in VFFs, a 9-9.5 in normal shoes, and picked up a 43 in the Ra. I'm hoping I don't need tor eturn them.
dsohei
(1791)
on February 23, 2012
at 07:58 PM
shoe design today is not based on health, it is based on victorian foot-binding practices for the wealthy of that era who got carried around everywhere.
primallykosher
(4131)
on February 18, 2012
at 05:34 AM
One problem I have is that I reflexively go back to the L position when I walk or the duck walk. I have to actively think each step to get it to go straight. And after awhile the old habit comes back in full force.
MtnEvan
(365)
on February 17, 2012
at 09:02 PM
$300, in line with other high-end dress shoes. We put a lot of care into how our shoes are conceived, designed, and made, and we want them to last you as long as possible. While other companies try to upsell you on these essential items, each pair of the Primal Professional will come standard with: 1) a shoe horn, to help you get in and out of your shoes smoothly without wear & tear, and 2) cedar shoe trees, customized to fit our wide-and-dressy toebox, to absorb moisture, help the shoe retain shape, and keep wrinkles from setting in. No exact date set yet, but late spring.
jatx_www_jasonmoore_me
(550)
on February 16, 2012
at 03:26 PM
Ideally shorten your stride and take more steps to minimize the crashing of your heel into the floor. One way to do it is try walking as quietly as you can. More info on walking: http://www.mobilitywod.com/2011/11/episode-343365-stop-walking-like-the-duck-you-arent.html Also when standing try to keep both feet pointing forward, not making an L shape with your feet, try to keep weight evenly balanced between both legs most of the time, but also find any excuse you can to bend your knees and move around. See if you can sneak in full squats here and there.
primallykosher
(4131)
on February 16, 2012
at 04:00 AM
How much are they going to cost and when in spring?
primallykosher
(4131)
on February 16, 2012
at 03:59 AM
I might be able to try these at a store. Is there any trick to standing up for long periods of time or walking with barefoot shoes in office environments? Normally I use my vibrams on grass.
MtnEvan
(365)
on February 09, 2012
at 03:47 AM
My father was an immigrant from Taiwan who thought Mountain would be a nice name. It's ironic because mountains are tall and I am not.
primallykosher
(4131)
on February 09, 2012
at 12:36 AM
So why do you have an ironic name, are you a hipster? OR related to Cliff?
primallykosher
(4131)
on February 09, 2012
at 12:35 AM
http://www.marknason.com/ Excellent quality shoe that really stands out. Very good build quality and I believe they last a long time. Expensive though. A woman's shoe will generate more income though, especially if its good looking. Far bigger market.
MtnEvan
(365)
on February 09, 2012
at 12:22 AM
@primallykoserh, What's a Mark Nason shoe? @Bree & @Stephanie, we've worked out mini-holographic projector prototypes that will display an image of whatever shoe you want around your feet. Kidding aside, my girlfriend and I are seriously working on a solution for women! @Eric P. yes, very old industry. We had to make new lasts. I actually didn't find the Munson all that comfortable...although the snug heel was nice, the toebox was still too restrictive at the pinky toes.
MtnEvan
(365)
on February 09, 2012
at 12:18 AM
You asked for wide? see 7:45 http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=lqN9drfock0#t=465s
primallykosher
(4131)
on February 05, 2012
at 05:45 AM
The dayshoes area all great especially the oxfords. And I like the drillmaster one.
gismcieri
(623)
on February 04, 2012
at 09:20 PM
They do stretch pretty well. They hurt my feet at first but after a week the are so comfortable.
Eric_P_
(335)
on February 04, 2012
at 05:26 PM
Which ones look nice? I posted a bunch of links. :)
Eric_P_
(335)
on February 04, 2012
at 03:51 PM
Cool! I certainly will be watching.
primallykosher
(4131)
on February 04, 2012
at 02:40 PM
https://www.facebook.com/thePrimalProfessional
primallykosher
(4131)
on February 04, 2012
at 02:22 PM
THose are really nice looking to. I'd love to see a wingtip oxford.
primallykosher
(4131)
on February 04, 2012
at 02:19 PM
He got the rest in loans. SO it sounds like he will be starting up soon.
Eric_P_
(335)
on February 04, 2012
at 06:15 AM
They need to make them in wide!
Eric_P_
(335)
on February 04, 2012
at 06:01 AM
Notice that the Primal Professional only received $12,000 of the $50,000 needed for startup. Shoe making is an old industry, and most of the equipment has been around forever. The lasts have all been in use for decades, and all made for a heel. No one overseas has heard of a Munson last either. Having it made in the USA will be very expensive as well. I wish them luck.
primallykosher
(4131)
on February 04, 2012
at 04:17 AM
I forgot about women and shoes...
Stephanie_8
(1123)
on February 04, 2012
at 03:26 AM
I did the same, Bree!
Thumper
(12379)
on February 04, 2012
at 03:06 AM
haha i went on that link looking for womens shoes - I was thinking how can they make a 4inch heel minimalist?? oops ;)
Kyle_1
(1363)
on February 04, 2012
at 01:57 AM
also interested in some affordable paleo footwear for work
primallykosher
(4131)
on February 04, 2012
at 01:49 AM
I do notice but I'm weird.
primallykosher
(4131)
on February 04, 2012
at 01:44 AM
I would, but I'm a 3d character artist. So I notice everything down to pores. Its kind of curse for personal life but great for creating art.