Finding the perfect barefoot shoe is no easy feat (pun not intended, but happily welcomed). I’m here to help narrow down your search for you with an honest review of the Leguano Sneaker barefoot shoes. Are they worth it?
Leguano Sneaker Barefoot Shoes are great for experienced barefoot shoe wearers. The sole is thin but slip-resistant and protective, while the upper section is breathable, durable, and encloses the ankle for debris prevention. If you’re new to barefoot shoes, these may be too big of a leap for you.
Overall, I’m a big fan of the Leguano Sneaker model, but I’ll break it down into what I loved, what I wasn’t too keen on, and address some frequently asked questions. Keep reading to hear more.
First Impressions
You can probably already tell that I’m a barefoot lifestyle enthusiast, but I’m also a practical minimalist. I first came across the Leguano Sneaker two years ago. From the moment I saw them, I couldn’t resist grabbing them for myself.
As a minimalist, I’m cautious about what I buy. I don’t like owning a lot of stuff, so it takes some consideration before I add a piece to my wardrobe. However, these shoes caught my eye. Since I also love minimalist design, these spoke to me, and I just had to have them.
Appearance
When I saw the Leguano Sneaker in-store, the shop had displayed them on a model foot with another pair curled up beside it. This helped make it clear to shoppers like me that they are, in fact, sock shoes. Since they’re so thin and flexible, they naturally scrunch up when they aren’t being worn, so it can be difficult to tell at first glance.
I opted for the all-black version of these sock shoes, and I can’t believe how much they look like normal socks. When I wear them in public, I notice that some people stare until they realize that they’re actually shoes. If you’d rather avoid getting confused looks, Leguano also has a similar model available in blue. This version has a silver sole, which makes it look more shoe-like than the all-black ones.
Fit and Feel
These sock shoes create an overall excellent barefoot experience. Leguano Sneakers sit slightly below the ankle.
Any Leguano-lover will recognize these as they have the company’s trademark structure. The anti-slip sole is bubbly to enhance grip (It literally looks like bubble wrap!) and feels pleasant to walk on. They seem to be protective while being thin enough to provide a true barefoot experience. Like any good sock shoe, Leguano Sneaker is a zero-drop with a wide toe-box that allows the foot to sit and splay out naturally.
The upper portion of the shoe is primarily composed of polyamide (nylon): one of the best materials for socks and other hosiery. Nylon is a strong, durable, and flexible textile that makes these feel like a true sock but stronger.
I’ve also noticed that these shoes combat foot odor very well. So far, I’ve had no problems with it. Some others have mentioned that they’ve worn their pairs so much that the shoes have gotten smelly. However, Leguanos are anti-bacterial and machine-washable, so they’re very easy to clean. I’m not concerned with this.
Pros of the Leguano Sneaker
I had an overall great experience with these shoes. From their design to durability, they have many advantages. Here are some reasons why I like them:
- These shoes provide a true barefoot experience. Leguano Sneaker is nice, light, and breathable – sometimes I even forget I have them on. Their wide toe-box and thin, zero-drop sole make for a great barefoot feeling.
- The soles of Leguano Sneaker are strong and durable. Just because these soles are lightweight doesn’t mean they have to be weak. Leguano soles are made entirely of Lifolit®, a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) compound that is hardy, UV-resistant, and weatherproof.
- My feet are well closed-in. The great thing about these shoes is that they wrap around just under the ankles, keeping out dirt, sand, and any other debris.
- Leguano Sneakers complement my lifestyle. If you’re a minimalist like me, you’ll love the make of these shoes. They’re very easy to store when I’m on the go as they don’t take up much space. Plus, these shoes are light, so they’re easy to bring along anywhere. Leguano Sneakers are perfect for the minimalist lifestyle.
- I enjoy doing activities in these shoes. The Leguano Sneakers are great for doing activities. Personally, I enjoy wearing them to the gym and the beach. Since they’re water-friendly, you can even wade in them.
Cons of the Leguano Sneakers
There are some aspects of these shoes that I wasn’t too keen on. Here are some of the drawbacks of Leguano Sneakers:
- The sock-look makes them stand out. While the minimalist style of these sock shoes can be a plus for someone like me, not everyone is into that look. I’ve gotten some stares when I’ve worn them because they look so much like socks. If you’re not into this, try the navy model that I mentioned earlier or look at some of Leguano’s more standard-looking shoes.
- My pair started to tear at the heel. Unfortunately, I noticed that my shoes began to tear after a while. However, this might have more to do with my impatience and roughness when I put them on and less to do with the manufacturing. If you’re slow and gentle with them, you might have better luck than me.
- The shoes close too tightly around the ankle. I listed this as a pro, too, because I love that the closely protected ankles keep any debris out, but I did find that they were quite tight. Depending on your preference, this could either be a pro or a con. It wasn’t too bad, but I was very aware of them for the first few minutes that I had them on.
Are They Suitable for Everyday Use?
If you’re an experienced barefoot shoe walker like I am, you can keep these shoes on all the time and still be comfortable. I used these as a second pair, so I alternated between them and another set of shoes. Flipping between a couple of pairs is a great way to help your barefoot shoes last longer.
I wouldn’t say that these were my absolute favorite for day-to-day use. Sometimes I only wore them for half of the day. However, I did really enjoy them for certain activities like working out in the gym, walking my dog, going to the beach, and gardening. Plus, they were so convenient to take with me on the go.
If you’re still new to the barefoot lifestyle, I wouldn’t recommend these for you. Instead, I’d suggest going for a style that is more similar to regular shoes. Check out this blog post/list on the best barefoot brands for everyday use. It’s a great place to start!
Do They Make Good Athletic Shoes?
Leguano Sneakers make for fantastic activewear. In fact, I enjoyed them the most while I was engaging in physical activities. They were great for everything from more strenuous hikes in the sandy dunes to casual walks on the beach. The tightly closed ankles kept my feet well protected from the sand, which I really appreciated. At the same time, they’re surprisingly breathable, so my feet didn’t overheat.
I also wore these playing frisbee, walking my dog, and camping. They’re protective from any rocky terrain and hazardous materials like broken glass despite their thin feel. This makes them a great choice for just about any activity. I love that they absorb moisture like sweat and water but are still quick-drying.
I particularly loved wearing these kicks to the gym. These shoes have typical barefoot qualities: they’re lightweight, have a thin sole, wide toe-box, and are composed of flexible materials. All of these really come in handy when working out – especially during balancing exercises. These characteristics help your toes naturally find the ideal placement and grip during movement instead of restricting your feet like normal shoes.
On the other hand, minimalist barefoot shoes encourage natural toe splaying, support the better transfer of force, and have great traction. Despite some of these technical advantages, one very real concern stands: there is little material to protect your feet if you drop a weight on them. Exercise caution if you’re using these to weightlift.
Wearing shoes like Leguano Sneakers can improve your workouts overall for a few reasons. Barefoot shoes may encourage the use of muscles that standard shoes restrain. When these feet and leg muscle groups depending on the support of regular kicks, they can weaken over time. Minimalist alternatives require these muscles to engage so that they may become stronger.
Plus, runners who have made the switch report fewer injuries and pain but increased stamina. I highly suggest giving the Leguano Sneakers a shot for your next barefoot workout. I really enjoyed them!
How Do They Stand Up in Different Seasons?
Not all shoes are great for year-round use, and these just might fall into that category. It does depend on your climate, though! Let’s look at how these sock shoes stand up throughout the seasons.
Summer
These shoes are perfect for summertime. Their light, breathable material keeps your feet ventilated and feeling fresh. Unlike some other shoes I’ve worn, I feel like I really can feel the air flowing. My feet are finally breathing like they should be, not suffocating. This makes the barefoot experience feel very real.
If you are looking for a Barefoot Minimalist shoe for Water Sports, you might want to read this blog The Leguano Sneaker made it on our list of recommended brands for water sports and activities!
The shoes’ slip-resistant soles also make them an ideal footwear choice for many fun summer activities. Are you into Sea-Dooing? How about paddleboarding? Or are you headed off on a kayak to a rocky island? Leguano Sneakers can handle just about anything you throw their way, including water. Still, their protective sole saves you from having to get an unanticipated Tetanus shot. You’ll even be able to navigate rough terrain with their impressive grip.
Even better, these shoes travel well when you’re on the go. You can wear them all day if you’d like to, but if you’re like me, you can toss them in your bag and bring them with you. Since they’re so light, they don’t add any weight to your pack. And, they shrink down to nothing when they’re not in use. It’s super practical to bring them to switch into when you’re fed up with your flip flops or uncomfortable formal shoes.
If you usually wear sandals in summer because your feet get sweaty, don’t worry. The fabric readily absorbs moisture, forcing it out. Even better, the shoe’s material is anti-bacterial, so you’re less likely to end up with a nasty foot infection.
Despite this, you’ll eventually have to wash your kicks. You don’t have to hand-wash or spot-treat these shoes; you can conveniently toss them in the washing machine! All you have to do is throw them in a protective mesh laundry bag like the Simple Houseware Mesh Wash Bag, select either a warm or cold water cycle, leave out the fabric softener, and then let them naturally air-dry. It couldn’t be easier.
Winter
Depending on the types of winters you get where you live, these shoes might not be your best friend. If you’re located in a warm, dry climate, you shouldn’t have a problem rocking these barefoot sock shoes all winter long. However, if you’re used to celebrating the holidays amongst rain or snow, I don’t think you’ll have as much luck.
I don’t recommend the Leguano Sneakers in any kind of wet weather because moisture can easily sneak inside, leaving your feet damp and uncomfortable. This is especially true with deep snow or downpours. The closed-in lower-ankles help minimize this, but still, they just aren’t precipitation-friendly shoes.
If you’re just walking around on puddle-scattered sidewalks, I think these shoes would handle that decently. After all, the fabric dries remarkably well, so it shouldn’t be an issue if only the outside gets wet.
If it’s relatively dry but chilly outside, I’d suggest slipping on an extra pair of socks to keep your feet nice and cozy. Be mindful, of course, of how low your local temperature is dropping. Remember that these shoes don’t offer much insulation. While another layer of socks can cut the cold, I don’t want you getting frostbitten feet! Use your best judgment.
How Long Do Leguano Sneakers Last?
The structural design of Leguano Sneakers makes me feel like they will last quite a while. The strong sole and solid upper-sock material make me hopeful that they won’t fall apart anytime soon. Well, that is if you’re gentler with them than I am.
I do also love that there is no stitching or glue used to hold the shoe together. “Then how do they do it?” you ask? The upper sock-like part is actually fused to the sole using heat! This means they’re bound to stay in tip-top condition for the foreseeable future.
According to Leguano, their shoes last approximately 800-1,000 km (497-621 miles) if you’re walking solely on asphalt. This lifespan is similar to the average pair of sneakers, so you won’t be getting the short end of the stick or anything – not that I don’t think they’re worth it regardless.
Ultimately, it does depend on the types of adventures you’re taking your shoes on. You’re bound to get a few more years out of your Leguano Sneakers if you’re only wearing them on a weekly stroll down your local beach than if you’re rock-climbing in them for 5 hours a day. This makes it pretty impossible for me to quote you with an exact timeframe, but I’m confident you’ll get at least two years out of them.
Also, if you’re like me and use your pair as a backup, they’ll definitely last longer than if they’re your go-to shoes. If you want to stretch out your time with your barefoot sock shoes (or really any pair of shoes, for that matter), I suggest rotating between a few different options.
Check out our blog post on how long barefoot shoes last for more information on the factors that determine your shoes’ lifespan and some tips on preserving your favorite pairs!
Are You a Barefoot Shoe Beginner?
I don’t think this style is the best option for barefoot shoe beginners. As I mentioned earlier, Leguano has other models better suited to those just starting that are closer to standard sneakers.
With shoes like this, it’s best to slowly wean yourself off of standard shoes by slowly integrating barefoot shoes into your life. Don’t rush the process. Think of it like breaking in new shoes. Start by trying barefoot shoes out for half an hour and gradually increase as your feet become more used to sitting naturally.
Leguano’s article on how to transition to barefoot shoes is a must-read for beginners. Take some time to get used to the changes, and you’ll fall in love with this lifestyle just like I did.
My Overall Experience
At the end of the day, I did genuinely like the Leguano Sneakers a lot. They did make it feel like I was very close to being barefoot, which truly is the best indicator of a good minimalist shoe. The sole is incredibly durable, considering it’s a sock shoe. I found it to be a little bit more firm than other similarly styled shoes I’ve tried before, and that pleasantly surprised me.
To me, they weren’t the best for everyday use, but I loved them for specific activities like hitting the gym, going for walks, or slowing down and practicing some yoga. They’re also great to have as an extra pair to toss in my bag while I’m out or just to switch it up from my regular ones.
When they’re not in use, the shoe’s nose kind of curls up into the air, but I didn’t mind that and can’t see it being an issue. Unfortunately, there were times when I experienced a little slippage inside the shoe. Note that the outer sole of the Legunao Sneakers is anti-slip, but the inside is apparently not.
Overall, I enjoyed these shoes and would definitely recommend them to other experienced barefoot shoe consumers. If you’re looking for other similar models that replicate the barefoot experience well, I also suggest Skinners and Moc3 RunAmoc. Take a peek at this article for more information on great barefoot shoes and additional product recommendations.
Final Thoughts
Leguano Sneakers are great sock shoes for experienced barefoot shoe wearers. I love their durability, sturdy sole, and lightweight, breathable material. They are very true to a real barefoot experience, but I preferred to use them for specific activities like going to the gym or doing yoga rather than for day-to-day wear.
I found that this style looks alarmingly similar to a regular pair of socks, so some people might not be into that. Still, all in all, I would recommend the Leguano Sneakers to a fellow barefoot connoisseur.