Why your feet hurt

Easy on and off usually means a sloppy fit and a narrow toe

Tap a spot to see why it hurts.

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

Nothing pressing. Nothing tilting.

What you get with Willow

Step in and go, with room across the front

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 hard wearing gum rubber outsole.

5

Cool and dry rather than damp by lunch

Knitted air mesh, unlined, so air moves straight through.

6

On your feet in seconds

One pull on the toggles snugs the whole shoe.

The details, if you want them

Style
Wide-toe barefoot style slip on sneaker
Shoe type
Low-top casual / outdoor walking shoe
Upper material
Knitted air mesh
Lining material
None (unlined)
Insole material
EVA
Midsole material
EVA
Outsole material
Rubber (gum, hard wearing)
Toe box
Wide, round
Closure
Elastic bungee laces with toggle
Upper coverage
Below ankle
Upper construction
Stitched and bonded
Toe protection
No metal toe cap
Heel
Reinforced heel counter with pull tab
Water resistance
Not waterproof
Pattern
Solid
Best for
Everyday casual wear, summer walking, easy on-and-off use
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 Willow on at home on day one

    Day 1 to 3

    Around the house

    An hour or two indoors.

  2. A short walk in the Willow

    Day 4 to 7

    Short walks

    Short walks outside.

  3. Sitting down after a walk in the Willow

    Day 8 to 14

    Most of the day

    Wear them most of the day.

  4. Walking easily on a park path in the Willow

    Day 15 on

    Your everyday shoe

    Wear them anywhere.

Why it works

What Willow actually does for your feet

Willow barefoot hands free knit sneaker photographed in the studio

Your toes finally have room

Wide at the toes, like your foot.

The Willow seen from the side

You stand level, not tipped forward

Flat from heel to toe.

Willow worn on a park path

Your foot actually bends

Flexible sole, hard wearing gum rubber.

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

Willow against the shoes you wear now

In real use
Willow
A cushioned everyday sneaker
Across your toes
Willow✓Foot shaped
A cushioned everyday sneaker✗Tapered, presses
Standing posture
Willow✓Level
A cushioned everyday sneaker✗Raised heel
How the sole moves
Willow✓Bends with you
A cushioned everyday sneaker✗Stiff under foam
Ground feel
Willow✓Low, you feel it
A cushioned everyday sneaker✗Thick stack mutes
Grip underfoot
Willow✓Gum rubber
A cushioned everyday sneaker✗Smooth foam slides
Warm afternoons
Willow✓Unlined air mesh
A cushioned everyday sneaker✗Padded, holds heat
Getting them on
Willow✓Toggle lock laces
A cushioned everyday sneaker✗Laces, every time
Weight on foot
Willow✓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 Willow 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 knitted air mesh upper with an unlined interior.

  • 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 Willow?

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

The upper is knitted air mesh, unlined so there is less sitting between your foot and the air. Underneath is a gum rubber outsole. They are made for everyday casual wear, summer walking and easy on-and-off use.

How do the Willow fasten?

They use elastic laces with a toggle. One pull on the toggle snugs them to your foot and they stay put, so you can slip them on and off without tying anything. The laces are still there if you want to adjust how they sit.

Do the Willow 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 Willow?

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 Willow 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 Willow 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.