Why your feet hurt

A warm boot should not cost you your toes

Tap a spot to see why it hurts.

A woman standing in the StripeBase boots, 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 StripeBaseYou keep a natural stance on frozen ground.

Nothing pressing. Nothing tilting.

What you get with StripeBase

High top winter cover that keeps its grip when it turns cold

1

Two layers of warmth, not one

A short plush fleece lining over a cotton padded layer.

2

Grip that survives the cold snap

A low temperature compound, so the deep lugs stay flexible and keep biting.

3

Winter socks without crushing your toes

The front keeps its five toe barefoot shape instead of tapering.

4

Rain and wet snow bead off the upper

A water repellent umbrella cloth and microfiber shell sheds rain and slush.

5

In and out with one pull, gloves on

A bungee toggle cinches the whole boot in a single motion.

6

High cover that still lets you move

The collar sits above the ankle to keep snow out on deeper ground.

The details, if you want them

Style
Barefoot winter snow boot
Shoe type
Insulated high top boot
Season
Winter, cold weather
Best for
Snow, winter walks, cold weather commuting, light hiking
Upper material
Water repellent umbrella cloth with microfiber
Lining
Short plush fleece with cotton padding
Insole
Plush thermal
Outsole
Cold resistant lugged rubber
Sole profile
Zero drop
Toe box
Wide, five toe barefoot shape
Closure
Bungee toggle with heel pull tab
Water resistance
Water repellent, not fully waterproof

What to expect

The first two weeks

Your feet need a few weeks.

  1. Day one, wearing the StripeBase indoors on a wooden floor

    Day 1 to 3

    A couple of hours

    Around the house.

  2. Stepping outside in the StripeBase on a cold winter day

    Day 4 to 7

    Half a day

    Short walks outside.

  3. Sitting outside in the StripeBase after a winter walk

    Day 8 to 14

    Most of the day

    Out on frozen ground.

  4. Walking easily along a frosty path in the StripeBase

    Day 15 on

    All day, every day

    Wear them anywhere.

Why it works

What StripeBase actually does for your feet

Overhead view of the StripeBase showing its wide barefoot toe box

Warm all the way round, not just underneath

Plush fleece lining with a padded layer.

Side view of the StripeBase showing its level zero drop sole

Your toes still splay, even in winter socks

Wide at the toes, even with thick socks.

Three quarter view of the StripeBase winter boot

A sole that stays grippy when it is actually cold

Rubber that stays flexible in the cold.

The weight

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

A normal winter boot adds a few ounces. Multiply that by 7,000.

18 oz per shoe

Weight you stop lifting, every day

0 lb

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

Why this pair

StripeBase against a standard winter boot

In real use
StripeBase
A bulky winter boot
Below freezing
StripeBaseStays soft, bites
A bulky winter bootHardens, slides
In thick socks
StripeBaseFive toe shape
A bulky winter bootNarrow, presses
On frozen ground
StripeBaseLevel
A bulky winter bootLifted heel
Cold coming up
StripeBaseThermal insole
A bulky winter bootThin footbed
Draughty wind
StripeBaseWindproof, padded
A bulky winter bootWind cuts through
Deep snow
StripeBaseHigh top collar
A bulky winter bootLow collar
Getting them on
StripeBaseOne toggle pull
A bulky winter bootCold bare hands
A full day
StripeBase13 oz, and bends
A bulky winter boot18 oz, stiff plank

Fit and anatomy

Shaped like a foot, not a wedge

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

Overhead view of StripeBase 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.

Room across the front, even over thick winter socks.

  • Foot shapedtoe box, room to splay
  • Zero dropheel and toe sit level
  • True to sizeelastic laces, nothing to tie

No seam across the top, so nothing digs in.

Questions

StripeBase questions, answered

How warm are the StripeBase boots?

Plenty warm for everyday winter wear. The dense full coverage fleece lines the entire boot, and the mid ankle padded collar seals in heat around your ankle so cold air stays out on your commute and errands.

Are they waterproof or water resistant?

They are water resistant, not fully waterproof. The oxford cloth and synthetic leather upper carries a water resistant treatment that handles snow, slush and light rain. We would not wade through deep puddles or standing water in them.

Will they grip on snow and ice?

The durable textured rubber tread bites into packed snow and wet pavement for steady footing. Like any winter boot, take it slow on sheer glare ice.

Are these really barefoot boots?

Yes. They are zero drop with a wide toe box and a flexible lightweight sole, so your toes can spread and your foot can move naturally. You get real winter warmth without giving up that barefoot feel.

What size should I order if I wear thick winter socks?

These fit true to size for most people. If you plan to wear thick wool socks or you are between sizes or have wider feet, going up a half size gives your toes and socks room to breathe. Women and men have separate sizing, switched with the Women and Men buttons at the top of the page.

How do I care for the upper and fleece lining?

Wipe the oxford cloth and synthetic leather upper with a damp cloth and let the boots air dry away from direct heat, which protects the water resistant treatment. Air out the fleece lining between wears and never machine dry them.

What is your return policy?

You have a 30 day money back guarantee. If they are not right for you, send them back within 30 days for a full refund. We ship to the US and CA.