Why your feet hurt

A wide label on a narrow last does not give your toes room

Tap a spot to see why it hurts.

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

Nothing pressing. Nothing tilting.

What you get with Vale

Genuine width across the front, not just a wider look

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 slip resistant rubber outsole.

5

Cool and dry rather than damp by lunch

Breathable textile with suede overlays over a cotton lining.

6

On your feet in seconds

Lace them once and they stay set.

The details, if you want them

Style
Wide-toe barefoot style minimalist trainer
Shoe type
Low-top training / casual sneaker
Upper material
Breathable textile with suede overlays
Lining material
Cotton
Outsole material
Rubber (slip resistant)
Toe box
Wide, wide-width last
Sole profile
Low-profile minimalist
Closure
Lace up
Upper coverage
Below ankle
Upper construction
Glued (cemented)
Toe protection
Reinforced toe overlay, no metal toe cap
Heel
Reinforced heel counter
Water resistance
Not waterproof
Fit
True to size, wide width
Pattern
Solid with contrast side stripes
Best for
Gym and fitness training, yoga, martial arts, running, casual everyday wear
Packaging
1 pair per pack
Care
Wipe clean, air dry (do not machine wash)

What to expect

The first two weeks

Your feet need a few weeks.

  1. Wearing the Vale

    Day 1 to 3

    Around the house

    An hour or two indoors.

  2. The Vale seen from the side

    Day 4 to 7

    Short walks

    Short walks outside.

  3. The Vale seen head on

    Day 8 to 14

    Most of the day

    Wear them most of the day.

  4. The Vale seen from above, showing the toe box

    Day 15 on

    Your everyday shoe

    Wear them anywhere.

Why it works

What Vale actually does for your feet

Vale barefoot shoe photographed in the studio

Your toes finally have room

Wide at the toes, like your foot.

The Vale seen from the side

You stand level, not tipped forward

Flat from heel to toe.

The Vale seen from above, showing the toe box

Your foot actually bends

Flexible sole, slip resistant 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

Vale against the shoes you wear now

In real use
Vale
A cushioned training shoe
Across your toes
Vale✓Foot shaped
A cushioned training shoe✗Tapered, presses
Standing posture
Vale✓Level
A cushioned training shoe✗Raised heel
How the sole moves
Vale✓Bends with you
A cushioned training shoe✗Stiff under foam
Ground feel
Vale✓Low, you feel it
A cushioned training shoe✗Thick stack mutes
Grip underfoot
Vale✓Slip resistant
A cushioned training shoe✗Smooth foam slides
Warm afternoons
Vale✓Textile and suede
A cushioned training shoe✗Padded, holds heat
Getting them on
Vale✓Lace up
A cushioned training shoe✗Laces, every time
Weight on foot
Vale✓Light
A cushioned training shoe✗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 Vale 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.

A breathable textile upper with suede overlays and a cotton 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 Vale?

The Vale 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 Vale made of, and what are they best for?

The upper is breathable textile with suede overlays, lined with cotton. Underneath is a slip resistant rubber outsole. They are made for gym and fitness training, yoga, martial arts, running and casual everyday wear.

Do the Vale 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 Vale?

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 Vale 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 Vale 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.