The Ultimate Guide to WHITIN Shoes: Cheap Barefoot Shoes for Beginners

If you’re beginning your journey into foot health and barefoot shoes, it can be overwhelming to figure out where to start and which shoes to buy. For those hesitant to invest in expensive shoes with high shipping and return costs, the affordable WHITIN Shoes may be a great option. This guide will review six of WHITIN’s wide barefoot casual shoe models, giving you everything you need to pick the right pair and size for you.

What Are Barefoot Shoes?

Barefoot shoes, also known as minimalist shoes, aim to interfere as little as possible with your natural walking or running gait. They typically feature a wide, anatomically shaped toe box that doesn’t squish your toes and a thin, flat, and flexible sole. The goal is to strengthen your feet naturally rather than relying on supportive shoes.

Why Choose WHITIN Shoes?

Several features make WHITIN shoes an excellent choice for transitioning to barefoot shoes:

Wide Toe Box

WHITIN shoes feature a wide, foot-shaped toe box, which is crucial for a healthier shoe. This prevents further damage and issues, allowing your toes to spread naturally. WHITIN’s toe boxes are often wider than brands like Wildling, Mukishoes, and Vivobarefoot, comparable to the Altra Lone Peaks, and slightly narrower than Lems Primal 2s and BeLenka Eazy slip-ons.

Moderate Cushion

Transitioning from cushioned shoes can be challenging. WHITIN shoes offer a moderately cushioned sole, making the adjustment smoother for most people. Despite the cushioning, the soles remain flexible, promoting natural foot movement.

Zero Drop, Flexible, and Flat Soles

WHITIN shoes are listed as zero drop, meaning the heel and forefoot are at the same level, promoting natural alignment. Removing the insole provides a flatter, more barefoot experience. The soles are flexible, ensuring they don’t interfere with your natural walking gait.

WHITIN Shoe Reviews

WHITIN Barefoot Casual Fashion Sneaker

This model features a knitted upper that is soft and flexible, with a suede strip along the side and reinforced eyelets for the laces. The back half of the shoe is lined with smooth fabric for comfort, and there’s padding around the ankle. These shoes are roomy and can accommodate wider and higher volume feet, especially when worn without the insole. They come in various colors, including black, white, grey, beige, light blue, and bold red.

WHITIN Barefoot Athletic Sneaker

These sneakers have a sporty look with a sock-like fit and knitted upper. The stretchy mesh makes them easy to slip on and off, and the laces help tighten the fit. They have built-in padding around the ankle and feel slightly less wide than the casual style.

WHITIN Canvas Casual Barefoot Sneakers

Resembling the Vans Era Shoe but with a much wider toe box and thinner sole, these canvas sneakers are significantly lighter. They come in neutral colors like black, white, brown, and grey, with a padded collar around the ankle and metal eyelets around the laces.

WHITIN Barefoot Slip-on Loafers

These minimalist slip-ons are similar to HEYDUDE shoes but with a wider toe box and zero-drop sole. The uppers are made from woven jacquard fabric with some texture. These loafers are a good alternative to conventional slip-on shoes for those looking for a more natural toe alignment.

WHITIN Minimalist Trail Runner

This model features a more rugged outsole with a deeper tread, making it suitable for easier runs. The outsole extends over the front, reminiscent of Vibram Five Fingers. The uppers are stretchy mesh with an elastic lacing system and a velcro strap. These are lower volume compared to the casual models.

WHITIN Zero-Drop Running Shoe

This running shoe offers more cushion than other WHITIN styles but remains zero-drop with a wide toe box. The additional cushion includes an EVA midsole, and the uppers are breathable synthetic mesh. These shoes are currently available only in men’s sizes, starting at US Men’s 8, in five different colors.

WHITIN Shoes for Kids

WHITIN also offers barefoot shoes for kids, featuring the same sole design as many adult shoes and using a breathable mesh upper with a protective bumper around the toe. These shoes are available in sizes Little Kid US 11 to Big Kid US 3, making them an affordable option for younger barefoot enthusiasts.

Fit and Sizing

WHITIN Shoes generally fit true to size, with sizing ranging from EU 36 to EU 48 for adults. This equates to US women’s sizes 6 wide to 11.5 wide and men’s sizes 7 to 13. The sizes listed on Amazon are US sizes, but the actual shoes are marked with EU sizes. Each Amazon listing typically includes a size chart specific to that style, so be sure to reference it when ordering. Measure your feet and compare them to the size chart for the best fit.

Quality and Durability

WHITIN shoes are known for their affordability, priced around $40. Despite their low cost, they are reasonably durable. Some users report wearing them almost daily for six months with minimal signs of wear. However, compared to higher-priced barefoot shoes, WHITIN’s materials and construction may not feel as premium. Some models may show signs of glue around the outsole, but this has not generally led to issues with separation.

Ordering and Returns

One of the significant advantages of WHITIN shoes is the ease of ordering and returning through Amazon, with free shipping and returns. However, be careful to differentiate between WHITIN’s barefoot and traditional shoes, as both types are available on Amazon. Ensure you choose the “wide” barefoot styles for the proper fit.

WHITIN Shoes: Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you’re curious about their durability, suitability for bunions, or washing instructions, this section should help you make an informed decision about your footwear choice.

Can you wash WHITIN shoes?

Yes, many users have successfully washed their WHITIN shoes in a washing machine using cold water and a gentle cycle. After washing, it’s best to let them air dry. However, washing shoes in a machine can be risky due to potential issues like color bleeding or glue deterioration, so proceed with caution.

Where are WHITIN shoes made?

WHITIN shoes are marked as being made in China. This is clearly indicated on the shoes themselves.

Do WHITIN shoes have arch support?

WHITIN shoes are designed with flat, zero-drop soles, but the insoles do provide some arch support. If you prefer a more barefoot experience with a flatter sole, you can easily remove the insoles.

Are WHITIN shoes good for bunions?

Absolutely. WHITIN shoes feature a wide toe box and soft upper materials, making them an excellent choice for individuals with bunions. The spacious toe box allows your toes to stay in proper alignment, preventing further issues. One reviewer with a prominent bunion found WHITIN shoes to be the most comfortable option among the various barefoot shoes they tried, thanks to the shoe’s width and soft uppers.

Conclusion

WHITIN shoes offer a budget-friendly entry point into the world of barefoot footwear. With features like a wide toe box, moderate cushioning, and flexible, zero-drop soles, they are ideal for beginners transitioning to barefoot shoes. While they may not be as premium as more expensive brands, they provide excellent value for their price, making them a popular choice among those new to barefoot shoes. Whether you’re looking for casual sneakers, athletic shoes, or trail runners, WHITIN has a variety of styles to suit your needs.