Why your feet hurt

A wider foot does not need a bigger shoe, it needs a wider one

Tap a spot to see why it hurts.

A woman standing in the Boulder shoes, side view showing her hips, knees, ankles and the ball of her foot
  1. When your feet are tilted all day, everything above them adjusts to compensate.

    In BoulderHeel and toe sit level, so you stand the way you do barefoot.

Nothing pressing. Nothing tilting.

What you get with Boulder

A wide, steady base that still looks like a normal shoe

1

Your toes spread the way they do barefoot

Wide at the toes, so nothing crowds them.

2

You stand level instead of tipped forward

Flat from heel to toe, so you stand level.

3

The sole bends with you

A sole that bends with every step.

4

Footing you can trust

A wear resistant rubber outsole with a multi directional tread.

5

Cool and dry rather than damp by lunch

Air mesh panels with a canvas lining move air straight through.

6

On your feet in seconds

Lace them once and they stay set.

The details, if you want them

Style
Wide-toe barefoot style casual sneaker
Shoe type
Low-top casual walking shoe
Upper material
Air mesh with microfiber overlays
Lining material
Canvas
Insole material
EVA
Outsole material
Rubber (wear resistant, anti slip)
Toe box
Wide, round, widened toe cap
Drop
Zero drop
Closure
Lace up (cross-tied)
Upper coverage
Below ankle
Upper construction
Stitched and bonded
Toe protection
Reinforced toe overlay, no metal toe cap
Heel
Reinforced heel counter
Water resistance
Not waterproof
Fit
True to size
Pattern
Patchwork panels with contrast side stripes
Best for
Everyday casual wear, walking, light outdoor use, travel
Care
Wipe clean, air dry (do not machine wash)

What to expect

The first two weeks

Your feet need a few weeks.

  1. Putting the Boulder on at home on day one

    Day 1 to 3

    Around the house

    An hour or two indoors.

  2. A short walk in the Boulder

    Day 4 to 7

    Short walks

    Short walks outside.

  3. Sitting down after a walk in the Boulder

    Day 8 to 14

    Most of the day

    Wear them most of the day.

  4. Walking easily on a pavement in the Boulder

    Day 15 on

    Your everyday shoe

    Wear them anywhere.

Why it works

What Boulder actually does for your feet

Boulder barefoot cushioned retro sneaker photographed in the studio

Your toes finally have room

Wide at the toes, like your foot.

The Boulder seen from the side

You stand level, not tipped forward

Flat from heel to toe.

Boulder worn on a pavement

Your foot actually bends

Bends with every step, wear resistant grip.

The weight

You do not wear your shoes. You lift them, about 7,000 times a day.

A normal sneaker adds a few ounces. You lift it 7,000 times a day.

11.5 oz per shoe

Weight you stop lifting, every day

0 lb

One shoe per step, at 7,000 steps a day.

Why this pair

Boulder against the shoes you wear now

In real use
Boulder
A cushioned everyday sneaker
Across your toes
Boulder✓Foot shaped
A cushioned everyday sneaker✗Tapered, presses
Standing posture
Boulder✓Level
A cushioned everyday sneaker✗Raised heel
How the sole moves
Boulder✓Bends with you
A cushioned everyday sneaker✗Stiff under foam
Ground feel
Boulder✓Low, you feel it
A cushioned everyday sneaker✗Thick stack mutes
Grip underfoot
Boulder✓Multi direction
A cushioned everyday sneaker✗Smooth foam slides
Warm afternoons
Boulder✓Air mesh, canvas
A cushioned everyday sneaker✗Padded, holds heat
Getting them on
Boulder✓Cross tied laces
A cushioned everyday sneaker✗Laces, every time
Weight on foot
Boulder✓Light
A cushioned everyday sneaker✗Heavier all day

Fit and anatomy

Shaped like a foot, not a wedge

Your toes should sit inside the outline, with room to spread.

Overhead view of Boulder showing its wide barefoot toe box

Put your foot on the insole. Your toes should sit inside the outline with room to spread.

It gives where your foot needs it to.

Air mesh panels with a canvas lining.

  • Foot shapedtoe box, room to splay
  • Levelheel and toe on one plane
  • True to sizeorder your usual size

No seam across the top, so nothing digs in.

Questions

What people ask before buying

How do I pick my size in the Boulder?

The Boulder fits true to size for most people, so order your usual sneaker size. Barefoot shoes can run a little short, so if you are between sizes or have wider feet, going up half a size is the common call. Women and men are sized separately, so use the Women or Men buttons at the top to land on the right fit.

What are the Boulder made of, and what are they best for?

The upper is air mesh with microfiber overlays, lined with canvas. Underneath is a wear resistant anti slip rubber outsole. They are made for everyday casual wear, walking, light outdoor use and travel.

What does a zero drop sole feel like?

Your heel and your toes sit on the same level, the way they do when you stand barefoot. Nothing tips you forward, so your foot lands the way it would on its own and the sole bends with it. The toe box is wide, round, widened toe cap, so your toes have room to spread instead of being squeezed together.

Do the Boulder need breaking in?

Most people wear them comfortably from the first day. If you are coming out of cushioned shoes, ease in over a week or two. Start with a few hours, walk in them, and build up from there while your feet get used to moving on their own again.

How do I clean the Boulder?

Wipe them down with a damp cloth and mild soap, then let them air dry away from direct heat. Keep them out of the washing machine and the dryer.

Are the women's and men's Boulder different?

Same shoe and the same build. They are sized on their own lasts so the proportions suit each foot, so switch between the Women and Men buttons at the top and pick your size from that range.

What if the Boulder are not right for me?

Wear them for 30 days. If they are not for you, send them back for a full refund. Shipping is free and there is a 30 day money back guarantee.