Hi there, Tina here!
If you’ve caught up with the blog lately, then you’ll recall that Tarek and I are currently traveling via camper across Italy. It’s been such an incredible, eye-opening experience, but it’s one that certainly requires the right footwear.
Like Tarek, I put a lot of careful consideration into which shoes and boots I brought with me on my travels. Since we’re living in a camper van for the time being, we don’t exactly have all the space in the world, which meant picking wisely.
Tarek is more into minimalism and practicality, and while those values matter to me too, I also like barefoot shoes that look cute. If you’re going to wear the same shoes for weeks on end when living in a camper like we are, looks matter, you know?
So too do comfort, functionality, and other barefoot shoe traits.
That brings me to the Jaya boots from Ahinsa Shoes. If you’re looking for a pair of boots for autumn and winter wear that checks all the boxes above and then some, you’ve absolutely come to the right place.
In today’s review, I’ll share my personal experiences wearing these boots and provide all the information you’re looking for so you can decide whether to add the Jaya boots to your collection!
My Experience Wearing the Ahinsa Jaya Boots
Before we go any further, here’s a link to the Jaya boots.
Okay, with that out of the way, what has my experience been like wearing these autumn/winter-friendly boots? I’m so glad you asked!
First. I have to talk about the compliments I’ve received. I mean, they’ve been constant. People stop me all the time and tell me how stylish the Jaya boots are, and most of them aren’t even aware these are barefoot boots!
Not like they have to be. We’re so far removed from the Vibram FiveFinger shoes days when every pair of barefoot shoes stood out like a sore thumb. Today, barefoot shoes look like any other shoe but are so much better for your feet.
But I digress.
I found that the Jaya boots are great for most seasons. Although Ahinsa recommends the boots for autumn and winter wear, I’ve discovered that you can get away with wearing them in the spring, especially if springs are cooler where you live.
That said, I wouldn’t wear these boots in the summer. They’re too tall, and your feet and legs will sweat.
That said, these boots are surprisingly lightweight. They’re still not light enough for summer use, but you’ll be surprised by how little they weigh. I know I was!
I have an older pair of Jaya boots that don’t include a zipper. The newer models have an extra zipper. Although I can’t comment on that feature directly, I can say that the additional zipper does seem super handy!
I adore the flexibility of these boots. Compared to a regular pair of boots at the same height and in a similar style, you can move your legs, ankles, and feet so freely in the Jaya boots. You won’t forget you’re wearing them, but you won’t feel encumbered when you have them on.
I decided to buy a size up from my regular shoe size with these Ahinsa boots, and I didn’t regret it. I’ve found that they can fit a bit small, so sizing up will prevent you from having to return yours.
The ultra-thin sole doesn’t make these shoes feel unstable. Quite the contrary, actually!
I have narrower feet than most women, so a narrow toe box doesn’t bother me. That said, the spacious toe box in the Jaya boots certainly made me happy.
Ahinsa Jaya Boots Features
So that was my opinion, but now, I want to delve even deeper into the Jaya boots, including a complete overview of the features of these boots.
I’ve talked a lot about Ahinsa Shoes on the blog lately, so I won’t go too much into this company except to say that they’re one of the premier barefoot shoe brands out there. With men’s and women’s footwear, Ahinsa has some exceptional variety.
I must also mention that the company has the backing of physiotherapists, who confirm that wearing Ahinsa shoes is as healthy as going truly barefoot. Your feet will have more sensory ground contact and the freedom to move, flex, and splay.
Here are some other starring features of the Jaya autumn and winter barefoot boots.
Lifo+ Sole
Ahinsa’s choice of sole, the brand’s trusted Lifo+ outsole, is part of what makes the Jaya boots so exceptionally flexible.
The German-manufactured sole features an ultra-durable compound that can take a beating before it ever scuffs. The rate of wear and tear resistance of this sole will surely impress, and I recommend you put it to the test by walking around in the Jaya boots whenever you can!
Wet surfaces won’t stop you, as the Lifo+ sole can handle all sorts of terrain, including wet and slick surfaces. Maybe it’s not as good on ice, says Ahinsa, but you’ll feel stable traction elsewhere.
The light, thin sole promotes awesome flexibility so your feet can move with all the freedom you desire.
Cruelty-Free Material
The outers of the Jaya boots will naturally catch your eye. These tall autumn and winter barefoot boots almost look made of leather, but is that really the case?
No, it isn’t. Instead, the boots use Ahinsa’s own CF+ material, a European-constructed material that’s both high-performance and cruelty-free. That sounds great to me, and I’m sure it will to you too!
The inners also feature CF+ material because it’s that darn good.
Here’s how the CF+ material works. The inside of the boots will absorb the moisture that naturally accumulates as you walk. The CF+ material does more than store moisture but can also dissipate it.
This should keep the insides of your boots fresher or, at the very least, drier.
The outers maintain their dryness so you can confidently stroll in the Jaya boots all day. The eco-friendly material is also ethically-made and very scuff-resistant.
Shaped to Your Feet
When your feet have to bend and squeeze to get into a pair of shoes, disastrous consequences tend to follow.
Long-term, you can end up with serious foot pain and damage, especially if you wear very constricting footwear like heels.
No more will you have to put your feet through torture to look stylish! Ahinsa designed the Jada boots the same way it does its other barefoot shoes.
In other words, the shoes have a shape like the human foot, with no contorting to fit required!
You’ll have more space in the toe box, which I’m sure women with wider feet than mine will appreciate. Your toes can flex and move freely, and the groundfeel you’ll enjoy thanks to the thin Lifo+ sole will further enhance the barefoot experience.
Water-Resistant
Do you stress about splashing around in puddles because you want your shoes to last? I get it, as I’ve ruined a pair or several of nice shoes in wet weather.
The Ahinsa Jaya Boots can handle wet conditions better than you’d expect.
I still wouldn’t recommend getting them wet if you can help it, but their water resistance means you don’t have to panic if you’re caught in a downpour in these barefoot shoes.
You can also relax if you step through a puddle or several during your daily commute!
Handmade
I love a pair of handmade boots, as they have their own unique flair. That’s the perfect word to describe the Jaya barefoot boots, flair.
Ahinsa makes each pair of boots in Croatia and the Czech Republic. The handmade quality lends these cute boots even more charm!
Vegan
I’m not sure how I haven’t mentioned it up to this point, but that’s right, the Jaya boots are completely vegan from top to bottom!
Flexible Lacing
If you’re looking at the Jaya boots wondering how you’ll ever finagle your feet into them because you have bigger calves, I promise, it’s easier than it looks!
Ahinsa made these barefoot autumn and winter boots for narrow and wider calves alike. You can simply adjust the laces to make the boots fit more comfortably around your legs.
Great Color Variety
I love color options when buying footwear, and Ahinsa did not disappoint with the Jaya boots.
You can’t go wrong with a standard black, but that’s far from your only option. You can also try these boots in a grey, dark blue or a bright tan brown.
The grey color is nice too, and the burgundy boots will certainly have all eyes on you no matter where you go.
Comprehensive Warranty
Ahinsa offers a fantastic warranty that’s sure to inspire confidence in your purchasing decision. The brand offers an extended three-year warranty.
On top of that, if you find another barefoot autumn and winter boot that has better features and specs than the Jaya boots, Ahinsa will knock 50 percent off the cost of your boots. How cool is that?
How Much Do the Ahinsa Jaya Boots Cost?
Speaking of cost, how much will you pay for a pair of Jaya boots from Ahinsa Shoes?
The boots cost 189 euros or $205.95 USD. For full-coverage boots, that’s not a bad price at all!
Are the Ahinsa Jaya Boots Worth It?
So, with all the facts at your disposal, should you buy the Ahinsa Jaya barefoot boots?
If you’re asking me, I say yes, absolutely! Let’s go over what’s so excellent about these boots.
They offer a lot more coverage than most barefoot winter boots yet feature an adjustable lacing system so that whether you have narrower calves or thicker ones, you won’t have to stress about not being able to fit.
In fact, fit is at the core of what Ahinsa does. They handmake vegan shoes with a foot-like shape. Between the flat sole, the generously-sized toe box, and the flexibility, wearing these shoes will benefit your feet as much as walking barefoot.
You’ll certainly have the same degree of foot freedom and comfort. The breathability and water-resistant measures of the Jaya boots also augment your comfort, so you can relax if you’re wearing these boots in inclement weather.
The eco-friendly outer and inner fabric does more than resist water but scuffs and other damage. Although you’re spending a fair sum on the Jaya boots, they should look their best for a long time to come due to the scuff resistance.
You’ll get some good value for your money!
The Lifo+ outsole is another huge selling point. This outsole promotes the ultimate in foot flexibility like any barefoot sole should. The sole is lightweight and thin for a better groundfeel yet has traction on all types of terrain.
Even in wet weather, you should feel surefooted, although maybe don’t push your luck on ice!
Conclusion
The Jaya barefoot autumn and winter boots by Ahinsa Shoes have gotten me through the first stretch of my road trip through Italy, and I plan on continuing to wear them well into the spring.
They’re versatile, appealing, scuff-resistant, water-resistant, and designed to improve your foot health. What’s not to love?
If you’re in the market for a new pair of seasonal boots, I hope it’s the Jaya boots!