Why your feet hurt

A trail shoe should not squeeze your toes to keep you upright

Tap a spot to see why it hurts.

A woman standing in the Ridge 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 RidgeHeel and toe sit level, so you stand the way you do barefoot.

Nothing pressing. Nothing tilting.

What you get with Ridge

One pair for the commute and the weekend trail

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

Lugged rubber outsole with hexagon texture at heel and forefoot.

5

Cool and dry rather than damp by lunch

Air mesh upper and mesh lining, so air moves straight through.

6

On your feet in seconds

The laces stay put in a tongue keeper.

The details, if you want them

Upper material
Air mesh with suede overlays
Lining material
Mesh
Insole material
EVA
Outsole material
Rubber (lugged, anti slip)
Toe box
Wide, round
Closure
Lace up
Upper coverage
Below ankle
Upper construction
Glued (cemented)
Toe protection
Reinforced toe, no metal toe cap
Heel
Reinforced heel counter with pull tab
Best for
Urban commuting, casual outdoor wear, light hiking and suburban trails
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 Ridge on at home on day one

    Day 1 to 3

    Around the house

    An hour or two indoors.

  2. A short walk in the Ridge

    Day 4 to 7

    Short walks

    Short walks outside.

  3. Sitting down after a walk in the Ridge

    Day 8 to 14

    Most of the day

    Wear them most of the day.

  4. Walking easily on a woodland trail in the Ridge

    Day 15 on

    Your everyday shoe

    Wear them anywhere.

Why it works

What Ridge actually does for your feet

Ridge barefoot trail ready sneaker photographed in the studio

Your toes finally have room

Wide at the toes, like your foot.

The Ridge seen from the side

You stand level, not tipped forward

Flat from heel to toe.

Ridge worn on a woodland trail

Your foot actually bends

Flexible sole, lugged rubber outsole.

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

Ridge against the shoes you wear now

In real use
Ridge
A cushioned hiking shoe
Across your toes
RidgeFoot shaped
A cushioned hiking shoeTapered, presses
Standing posture
RidgeLevel
A cushioned hiking shoeRaised heel
How the sole moves
RidgeBends with you
A cushioned hiking shoeStiff under foam
Ground feel
RidgeLow, you feel it
A cushioned hiking shoeThick stack mutes
Grip underfoot
RidgeHexagon lugs
A cushioned hiking shoeSmooth foam slides
Warm afternoons
RidgeAir mesh, lined
A cushioned hiking shoePadded, holds heat
Getting them on
RidgeTongue lace keeper
A cushioned hiking shoeLaces, every time
Weight on foot
RidgeLight
A cushioned hiking shoeHeavier 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 Ridge 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.

An air mesh upper with a mesh 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 Ridge?

Most people fit their usual sneaker size in the Ridge. 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 Ridge made of, and what are they best for?

The upper is air mesh with suede overlays, lined with mesh. Underneath is a lugged anti slip rubber outsole. They are made for urban commuting, casual outdoor wear and light hiking and suburban trails.

Do the Ridge 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 Ridge?

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 Ridge 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 Ridge 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.