Minimalist or “barefoot” footwear seems to be the rage these days. To be honest, I’m not sure I’m an embracer of the trend (you won’t find me in these Vibram Five Fingers Barefoot Sports Shoes — remember, I’m the girl who doesn’t love things between her toes). That said, I was eager to try out a pair of minimalist, eco-friendly shoes from kigo footwear (lowercase intentional), since my buddy Beth over at The Vacation Gals gave them such a glowing review. Plus, they come in my favorite Mary Jane style, called the curv.
Indeed, these shoes are incredibly comfortable — like slippers for your feet. I’ve worn them with socks and jeans on spring-like days here in Colorado in recent weeks and find them easy to get on and off (great for airport security). I love the simple lines of the shoe, with contrasting strap across the top in cute colors like green and orange (or you can buy all grey, with contrasting color stitching). They are incredibly lightweight at just 4 ounces a shoe.
Regarding their environmentally friendly nature, the uppers and lining are actually made out of stretchy, water-resistant fabric crafted from recycled milk jugs! A very minimal amount of rubber is used on the sole and protective toe cap (like KEEN) — just a 1.5-millimeter rubber outsole with cool non-slip grooving. Adhesives are water-based and dyes are non-toxic.
Packaging is also eco-friendly: boxes are made from recycled corrugate, and shoes are wrapped in simple brown kraft paper (no plastic bags). Each pair comes with a cool drawstring bag made from biodegradable cornstarch – for use when shoes are dirty after a day on the hiking trail or river. Or I could see using the bag to store shoes when packed in a suitcase.
A couple of caveats:
If you need arch support in a shoe, the curv is not for you; there is minimal arch support, if any.
Also, since kigo footwear advertises these as a light exercise shoe, I wore them to a strength-training and stretch class without any socks (they look silly, I think, with socks and capri-style yoga pants). I found my feet sweated a bit during the workout, and the back of one chafed against my heel. Frankly, I wasn’t expecting this, as they are so comfortable with light socks and long pants!
I plan to give my kigo curvs another try as warm weather descends on Colorado, because I’d love to pair them with my new Mountain Khaki Cargo Capris or skirts (no socks). I’m wondering if it’s the minimal amount of insole — with the foot so close to the rubber outsole — that results in sweaty soles. I am hoping I’ll find they breathe better when worn outside and perhaps more air is circulating.
Purchase kigo curvs for $69.99 from the kigo footwear website. Also check out the unisex kigo edge. The company does suggest purchasing in a half or full size bigger than your normal street-shoe size; I ordered a 9, and normally I wear an 8 or 8.5. The fit is great.
Check prices on the Kigo Curv at PlanetShoes.com
