Esk

Probably sounds like an exaggeration but these actually make walking pleasurable, the ground feel is a joy, like a novelty that doesn't wear off. I like to brush them with dubbin to keep them looking waxy. I have put cord locks on the laces and cut off the excess, so i can whip them on quick for the garage or around camp or lock them down for offroading. Dunno what the Esk 2 is about (haven't watched the vid) but that sole looks like a retrograde step (typical of shoe manufacturers to meddle unnecessarily, which i had hoped Freet wouldn't do as they looked to have the confidence to stay true to minimalism). The grip on the Esk 1 is amazing, yes it's not the aggressive lugs typical of most waking boots but the black compound itself is grippy and the amount of flex and ground feel allows your feet to do the work gripping the terrain (especially if you know the subtleties of weight distribution, such as nose-over-toes going down hill). The other thing about the Esk 1 sole is the large spaced lugs clear mud much more readily than skinny closer lugs like on the Esk 2, so i personally would avoid them as they look like they would retain mud. In summary, extremely comfy, extremely grippy and good looking.

The Esk is my third Freet variant. I bought these for their lighter weight and relative coolness compared with my Muddee L’s which look very similar. My Esks are for bicycle touring and since I am a minimalist cyclist too (aside from barefoot shoes) I don’t use toe clips or clipless pedals. Important in this regard is the Esks have a good pedal grip on their own. I like ankle coverage on my bike shoes so I don’t scrape my ankles on the cranks. After weeks now of use, walking and cycling… these are the best. I did size down (44 instead of 45) and they are snug, but have broken in nicely so they are comfy. 45 would be better for thicker socks. So I would say they are sized 1/2 size large maybe. Very satisfied!

They were just much too high volume for me, but they were so beautiful so I had my Mom try them. Luckily, she has very wide and high volume feet that are just a smidge longer than mine, and they fit her like a glove. So she's keeping them but I guess Freet are not for me!

This is my third pair of Freet shoes. This time I was looking for a shoe that I could wear everyday and importantly go on dog walks etc.in the autumn/winter. They do the job, are so comfortable and are great indoors and in the rural environment I live in.

Importantly, my lower legs, ankles and feet feel so much better for wearing barefoot Freet footwear.

I am a total convert to the brand. Well done team

They are lovely walking shoes. Very comfortable and can wear them all day and not know they are on your feet

Plenty of room however the uppers wrinkle when the laces are tied.
So comfortable but not pretty.

These are the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn, even right out of the box! I couldn't help myself from saying how comfortable they were after I tried them on for the first time. Seriously, these are amazing shoes that are easy to lace up, handle everything I've walked on without slipping, and keep my feet cool in hotter weather. I can't recommend these enough!

These are perhaps the most out of the box comfortable boots I’ve ever owned. From the full leather upper to the right amount of tread under foot, I feel connected and grounded while simultaneously protected. Thanks Freet!

I was not sure what to expect when I ordered these, they were my first pair of barefoot shoes. They are very comfortable and look great. They are very light and as someone with cannot abide by a heavy clodhopping shoe, they are perfect. They’re good on the trails as I’ve used them so far and they’re good in the city.

I am very happy with these shoes, they are looking great and are soo comfortable to wear! Perfect for fall and light winter days, even so I have worn them when it was very cold with two pair of socks and they have been warm enough.

Customer service from Freet is so helpful and friendly. Happy to find these amazing brand!

I like this shoes very much. They fit like a glove and loo very nice.

I have been wearing barefoot shoes for the last few years and my brother has been living in Spain for the past few months and walking a ton, so I decided to buy him a pair of barefoot shoes for Christmas. It's only been a few weeks since he's been wearing them, but he already loves them! He said they feel as comfortable as being barefoot (of course lol) and that there hasn't been any break-in period. These look great and you could wear them out on the trail or walking around a city, which is what I wanted for him. Would highly recommend these!!

After many years and brands of barefoot shoes this has become one of my favorites. A great combination of understated good looks, versatility, quality and function. Great as an everyday shoe. I live in a rural community and my day varies from walking on dirt roads to going into town or the office. They can be worn with casual office attire or as an everyday shoe with a variety of looks. My only gripe would be that they're only available in the beautiful brown. Would be nice to see them in black or charcoal.

this review is for size 46.
I tested this shoe extensively on a multi-day hike in lower mountains. It´s very comfortable and there´s plenty of space for your toes.
I had to experiment a little until the shoe lacing felt right, but then the shoe was very comfortable to wear. I prefer a soft sole in barefoot shoes because that's what I think the point of such shoes is. This sole is soft but offers enough protection even on rough and sharp stones.

The only disadvantages I have identified are:
1. Waterproofing – after a certain amount of rain, the shoe becomes saturated and water gets in. But that was to be expected. You don't need to worry about short showers. Even longer walks in wet grass are no problem.

2. The tongue: The tongue is very thick, which certainly adds to the comfort, but if you want to tie the shoes tighter, you have to try around for a while until they no longer pinch anywhere.

All in all, I am very satisfied and even after 30 km I didn't feel like I had to take my shoes off quickly, as is the case with classic hiking boots.

I recently discovered Freet and now own three pairs, these, Feldoms, and Richmonds. I also find these run true to size, even slightly shorter than the Richmonds and Feldoms but not narrower. Because of the sizing recommendations, I ordered 42s but had to send them back and get 43s like my others. I have about an index finger's width space in front of my big toe in all three, maybe slightly more in the Feldoms and Richmonds, and I am usually a 9.5-10 in most US brands. The toe boxes in all of these could actually be a tad more spacious for me, but they are comfortable for everyday wear and exercise.

I am very excited about these because they are very similar to my former all-time favorite shoe, the original Merrell Tough Glove. The construction and quality of the leather seems very good. Keep up the good work Freet.

I'm confused about all of the reviews saying that this shoe runs big. I always wear a 40 or 41, depending on the brand and style, so I tried both. My toes were practically at the ends of the 40, and the 41 could possibly work though it was a little shorter than I prefer. I'm actually going to exchange them for a 42 (a size I've never worn in my life!) and see how those feel.

Other than the confusing sizing, they're quite comfortable and seem to be well made. The leather is soft straight out of the box, and I imagine it will only get more comfortable with time. Hoping the size up works out!

I am completely happy with my new shoes. They are simply wonderful.

Fabulously comfortable! I normally buy 11 from Freet but took recommendation and downsized..... I was concerned at first, but so far fit like gloves. When we get to very cold weather and need thick socks I may have to buy a pair in 11... but that just makes them last longer!

Had them a few weeks now, great fit, comfortable and good grip. Good advice from freet regarding sizing too.

Very comfortable, waterproof look good, very impressed.

Very comfortable but 44 was too small and 45 is a bit too big

These are the best shoes I have ever owned. I live in Scotland so my shoes need to be waterproof. These are perfectly waterproof!
They fit great, toes have plenty of room.
Lightweight. Oddly enough... they don't smell like my other shoes do.
Lovely brown leather. Soft but tough!
I wear these constantly, school run, dog walk, night out, to the office, to the shops. They are versatile, comfortable, practical and stylish.
I've replaced the insoles in them twice (I walk a lot, easily getting my 10k a day regardless of weather/season).
Another great thing about them is that -unlike other, cheaper barefoot shoes I have owned- I have never slipped in these (save once, and that was because I was trying to climb a muddy embankment).
The sole has worn down since I first got them: I would say they have lasted just over a year of heavy use (I'm a heavy lad too) and they will last a few more months. Leaving this review (I never do this) because I am coming back to buy another pair.

I just needed to share my experience with the Esk boot. Freet is really onto something!
I have to say, these boots exceeded all expectations. They were my go-to footwear for a recent trip that started in Montreal and took me across the varied terrain of Switzerland. Stylish enough for casual outings and polished enough for a nice dinner, they proved incredibly versatile.
What really impressed me was their performance in challenging conditions—handling four feet of snow, rain, and slippery surfaces with ease. Despite long days of walking, my feet never felt tired or sore. They were an absolute dream to wear.
I was genuinely surprised by how well these boots adapted to such different environments. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for reliable, comfortable, and stylish barefoot footwear. Freet deserves far more recognition in the barefoot community!

Really great quality shoes, beautifully water resistant. I had to buy a shoe that was 1.5 US sizes smaller than I normally buy. Even then, the toe box had way too much space for my feet, especially after I took out the uncomfortable liner. I ended up replacing the liner with a flat wool liner I bought online, which helped with the extra volume in the toe box. The other thing I was concerned about was that the tongue of the shoe rubbed against my foot, and I was afraid it was going to be uncomfortable for long hikes. I almost returned the shoes. But so far it has been fine, and after just a few miles of breaking in, it seems like the leather has softened, and it does not rub as much. I would give the shoes 5 stars except for the hassle with sizing.

very comfortable. I le those shoes. those very warm and more water repellent en i thought. good for hiking. very satisfied!

Tried them on and fit right feel comfortable but not actually worn them yet. Hoping they are just what I need for center parcs this coming week

I feel like walking on clouds… space and comfort, all what your feet need.
A bit oversized though : I feel better with an extra sole. So next time, I’ll order a 37 instead of 38 :)

the Esk are my first pair of Freet shoes and I absolutely love them very comfy shoes and can walk for hours in them without getting tired or painful feet. I've been wearing barefoot shoes now for about 2 years and these are the comfiest I've had so far so really happy with them will be buying more 😉