Although I’ve been trading in my conventional shoes for barefoot shoes more frequently, I will admit, I was hesitant to trade in my UGGs for a barefoot shoe alternative at first. As a true UGG enthusiast, there is nothing that I love more than the comfort and warmth of my UGGs on a cold winter’s day. That being said, when I discovered that a barefoot shoe alternative was available, I was curious to see whether this barefoot shoe brand called ZeaZoo would come even close to doing my precious UGGs any justice. So, I did what any shoe lover would do, and I decided to test them out myself.
Upon purchasing the Dingo boot from ZeaZoo, I was pleasantly surprised to see that it came in three colors: black, brown, and purple. I decided to go way out of my comfort zone and choose purple as the photo looked vibrant and fun, plus I already own a pair of black and brown UGGs. Now, let’s get into this detailed review of whether the Dingo boot by ZeaZoo scores anywhere close to the classic UGG.
First Impression & Experience
Upon opening the box for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised by the boots’ beautiful, vibrant purple hue. With fine suede, fluffy wool on the inside, and a thin yet flexible sole that can be rolled back completely –something you won’t find with UGGs, but you will find as a trademark feature of barefoot shoes.
Upon putting on the shoes, I was a little caught off guard as my average shoe size is 39 (European) and 8.5 (US), and they seem slightly too small for my foot. After a slight panic, I remembered back to the ZeaZoo website that stated, “the shoes will take the shape of your foot after you put them on and wear them for a while.” And indeed, after a day of walking around town, the Dingos fit like a glove, and the initial uncomfortable feeling was completely gone!
Look & Feel
The Dingo boots have a luxurious feel and look fantastic with jeans, a jumpsuit, and a dress or skirt with tights. At home, I even wear them with sweatpants for extra warmth and comfort. These boots are made of soft suede fabric with a high-quality stitch that looks handcrafted and stunning. They are very cozy and breathable, so you never have to worry about overheating. I even wear them in the mild spring and summer, and my feet stay at the perfect temperature. The thin, flexible sole provides my foot with enough support while making me feel like I’m walking barefoot on the ground.
If I’m honest, when comparing the Dingos to my UGGs, I like the way they feel on my feet more as I enjoy having contact with the ground, which you do not experience with the UGGs. In fact, now, when I put my UGGs on, they feel a lot bulkier and heavier on my feet. Additionally, as I mentioned earlier, when it comes to the overall fit, I thought the sizing was off; however, once I began wearing the shoes, they molded to my feet flawlessly, as mentioned on the ZeaZoo website. In case you feel like buying a pair for yourself, make sure to check their size chart that is listed under the “How to Determine The Size,” which is located under the “Dingo grown-up sizes.”
Material
The Dingo boots are made of high-quality sheepskin leather that provides you with a lot of isolation that is perfect for the colder weather. It absorbs moisture and keeps your feet dry consistently. As I said, you can even wear them in warmer weather without overheating, which is due to the 100% natural leather and sheepskin, that is very breathable. You can even wear these boots without socks which I do myself to experience more of that barefoot feeling.
The flexible Vibram sole comprises a 6mm lightweight rubber that provides a good grip and is shock-absorbent. However, it should be noted that these boots are not very suitable for heavy rain or snow as the suede is very delicate. I suggest looking out for oil and any food or drinks that may be on the ground to keep the integrity of the shoe pristine for as long as possible. Additionally, as the boots aren’t waterproof, I suggest coating them with a waterproof spray for extra protection. Look for more information about this here.
Is the ZeaZoo Dingo the right shoe for a barefoot shoe beginner?
Yes, absolutely –it’s a fantastic shoe for all barefoot beginners. The ZeaZoo website indicates that when you first begin to wear the shoe, you should break them in slowly. For some useful suggestions on how to do so, you can click here. This will allow you to get used to the feeling of walking in a barefoot shoe. After your feet get used to the shoe you can begin wearing them every day!
Are the ZeaZoo Dingo’s a good barefoot shoe for the winter?
Yes, the ZeaZoo Dingo is made to be mostly worn during the dry winter and colder months of the year. The shoes are very well insulated, and the wool on the inside of the boot is very comfortable and warm. Remember to avoid heavy rain and snow to keep the exterior’s quality suede looking as beautiful as it did when you first bought your boots!
Can you wear the ZeaZoo Dingos in warm weather?
On the ZeaZoo website, they recommend that you wear these boots in 32 to -59 degrees Fahrenheit (0 to -15 degree Celsius) weather. However, as I mentioned, I wear these boots during warmer weather, and I never experience any overheating. The vibrant purple color is fantastic in the sunshine and will offer you pleasant vibes throughout your day. That being said, everyone’s bodies are different; therefore, you may not experience the same comfort as I do in the sunshine while wearing these boots, so be aware of that.
Are the ZeaZoo Dingo’s water-resistant?
No, these shoes are not suitable for wet weather. While the suede can withstand some rain, you should spray your boots with a waterproof spray frequently to ensure you do not ruin the fabric. You can see more about the care and maintenance of the boots here.
How long will the ZeaZoo Dingo’s last?
Personally, I feel the Dingo boot’s sole will last longer than the UGG sole, mainly because I see the sides of my UGG’s soles wear down over time. While the UGG sole is a lot thicker, it does put you at risk of altering the shape with continuous wear. In turn, this is going to affect the quality of your stride as you walk. The thinner the sole, the less effect continuous walking will have on the shape.
Price Comparison: ZeaZoo Dingo vs. UGGs
The ZeaZoo Dingo boots’ overall price is very reasonable when you consider they are made of genuine sheepskin leather. When considering the price of UGGs, they are actually twice as expensive as the ZeaZoo Dingo. However, UGGs do come in more color choices for customers compared to the Dingo boot which may be a deal-breaker for some people.
Final Thoughts
The purple ZeaZoo Dingo boots are pleasantly comfortable and very trendy that undoubtedly compare to UGGs. I love the fact that they are handmade as it offers an enhanced personal touch and adds to the shoe’s quality. The flexibility for the sole, combined with the wool’s softness, is an excellent and affordable barefoot shoe alternative for the popular UGG brand. Overall, if you are looking for a barefoot shoe, this is a fantastic option, and I highly recommend it.