REVIEW: Freet Tanga

I’m looking for a pair of barefoot running shoes to replace my current ones that are getting pretty worn out. I’ve heard a lot of good things about Freet shoes, so I decided to give them a try. I looked at Freet’s different models and landed on the Tanga model based on looks and some great reviews I read and watched online.

I bought them off the Freet website, and paid 110.16 including shipping. Shipping took less than 2 weeks from the UK.

I’m typically a women’s 8, or EU 39. I ordered the Tangas in a 39, even though the website said they run big.

To me, the Freet Tanga’s don’t look quite as sleek in person as the pictures online do. They still look pretty rad, but I think that the large amount of fabric on the upper adds unnecessary bulk, especially when the laces are cinched and the fabric bunches up underneath.

I have high volume feet, and I was very impressed with the amount of space for my high arches, as well as both height and width in the toe box for my toes to wiggle and spread.

The insole was a bit more cushiony than I was expecting, which for some people may be nice, but personally I prefer as much ground feel as possible. There’s also already so much height in the shoe, that to take the cushy insole out would make these shoes too roomy for even my high volume feet.

The back of the shoe comes up pretty high, which rubs on my achilles uncomfortably. The fabric is soft enough that I don’t think this would cause a problem long term, and my skin would probably get used to it.

The fabric is actually made from recycled coffee grounds, which is pretty cool! I’m a textile-lover, and the feel of this fabric was very nice to the touch. And a lot of the reviews I saw online said the fabric is super durable, water resistant, and easy to clean.

Pros:

• Plenty wide and deep

• Cool looking

• Interchangeable laces (they come with elastic in the shoe, but they include traditional laces to switch out if you want)

• Can slip on and off easily

• Very flexible

• Seem well made and durable

• Eco-friendly, made from recycled coffee grounds

Cons:

• Squishy insole (may be a positive to some)

• Too much volume if insole is taken out

• Rubs on achilles

• Too much fabric on upper (bunches under tightened laces)

• Wouldn’t recommend for low volume feet

• Elastic laces are way too long when cinched (maybe these could be altered?)

• Quite wide at the heel

In conclusion, I was happy to see the Freet Tangas in person, because they are a very good shoe overall. If I was going for a more casual sporty shoe, these would be perfect, but they aren’t exactly what I’m looking for in a running shoe.

I’m actually kicking myself for not getting these from PedTerra, a stateside barefoot shoe distributor with free shipping and returns. Their prices are a little higher, but to me the reassurance of free returns when needed makes it worth it. I’ve learned my lesson for next time!

I’m sad to say that I’ll be returning these, but that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t recommend them. They just aren’t quite exactly what I’m looking for.

Amy S. is a labor and delivery nurse, sun-seeking horseback rider, and outdoor-exploring barefoot shoe fanatic!