If you have a love for the Mary Jane style of shoes that have been a classic for decades but want a more foot-friendly pair of barefoot shoes, then you’ve come to the right place with the Ahinsa Bare Ballerina. These vegan shoes are a great ultra-minimalist shoes option for the office, church, or everyday wear.
Disclaimer: I bought these myself in a public sale, but I am an affiliate which means that you support this blog by using my links/code to make a purchase, and it costs you nothing extra. Thanks!
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Company Information
Ahinsa translates as ‘non-violence’ and the company is founded on the ideals of non-violently caring for animals, people, and the environment through their practices. They are dedicated to producing their shoes sustainably and putting out products that help, not harm, others. The founder Lukáš Klimpera is a physiotherapist focused on helping “the whole body to work naturally, healthily and happily.”
Technical Specifications
- Upper: CF+ ultra suede
- Outsole: 2mm thin rubber sole
- Lining: AirNet®
- Insole: not listed, but appears to be a layer of similar suede over a sturdier material, possibly foam
- 4 model options with a suede black or grey and both red and black options in a smooth CF+ high performance upper
- Currently, this brown is not available
Appearance
These Ahinsa Bare Ballerinas look like suede, even more than I expected. On a closer look, you can see that the nap is lower, maybe closer to a nubuck, but either way they don’t immediately say ‘vegan’ to the eye.
The black strip sets off the color nicely, and does the same for the grey suede and red smooth models currently available on the site. You can also get all-black in either suede or the performance material.
They work with both casual and dress outfits easily, like a Mary Jane style.
Fit
Ahinsa has a very wide fit. So wide, in fact, that I can easily wear Correct Toes inside mine even with my wide feet. The only thing wider in this style at the toes is the Softstar Primal Merry Jane.
Volume is a bit mixed on these. At the strap, the volume is very accommodating to high and wide feet, and people with lower volume may have the strap extended beyond the base of the shoe and/or need an insole to get a good fit. At the back of the vamp, though, where the toes go into the shoes, the volume is more medium or even low. When I put them on I run my finger under this portion to even things out and then I’m off to the races, but know that if you’re fluffy here, you’ll notice it when you put them on.
Sizing
You’re going to need to measure for your Ahinsa shoes. I know, I know, that’s effort. But we want healthy feet so we need space, and not every pair of shoes follows an easy pick-a-number-off-the-chart. And anyway, it’s good to know your measurement and self-advocate to make sure you’re always in the best size. Measuring tips: here. Why we need space: here.
At the time of writing, Ahinsa gives you recommended foot lengths. Thing is, since I have 3 pairs of Ahinsa barefoot shoes, I can tell you that the internal lengths in the same size but different models are not all the same. For the moment, we’ll concentrate on this one but get with me on Instagram or Facebook if you want information about the Jaya and the Winter models I haven’t yet reviewed.
The chart is too long to share here, but you can find sizing information on any product page. I went with 44, which reads as:
| 271 – 276 (Recommended foot length) | 44 | 10.5 / 9.5 (Women’s/Men’s) |
That recommended length is longer than my longest foot at 26.8, but I knew about the lower volume ‘waist’ of the shoes from my Jaya experience, so I went with it.
A Plus 12 measurement gives 28.6, which is exactly 1 cm longer than the longest recommended foot length. If I’d gone by my US size of 11.5, I’d have picked a size 45, though. Lengthwise, I fit well inside the 43, but I’m up 1 for the one lower-volume zone, and happy with it. If you have low or medium volume feet you should be able to go with your normal size in these.
How do they feel?
They feel very secure on my feet thanks to the strap, wide at the toes (yay!), and have very high ground feel and flexibility. I live in the southern US, though, so they’re running really hot on my feet. They have no smell at all, in fact even smell quite pleasant. They’re lined in a breathable textile that should keep moisture from getting too high, as well.
If you have flat feet, however, I don’t think you’d like these. Some barefoot shoes work very well for flat feet thanks to a minimal feeling of an arch because they don’t cut in that much, but these cut in quite a bit. I don’t have flat feet, but if my foot twists for whatever reason when I step, I notice the arch shaping. The shoes have no arch support, but they definitely have an arch ‘zone’ that is palpable.
Cleaning and Care
This vegan suede is so well-engineered that it has a texture to it very like animal suede or nubuck. I have not sprayed it with a waterproofing product (check out options here) but would pick something for fabric or suede if I do in the future. Do not use a wax on these which would ruin the nap. Machine washing and drying is not suitable either. The shoes do pick up particles in the texture, which I have been able to brush off. I have used a vegetable brush on a more stubborn stain and you do start to see it affecting the texture after a while. Most stains should come off with a more gentle damp cloth.
At this point, I cannot answer what effect long-term wear will have on the texture (ie, if it will wear off like animal suede does) but so far I’m impressed with them showing zero signs of wear.
Purchasing, Shipping, and Returns
Ahinsa has a few around-the-world options for buying their shoes, but most people purchase them directly from the company. If they’re not on a deep-discount overstock sale like mine were, the barefoot ballerina models range from $109-$120, but you can drop 10% off the price with my code A10_OWBSHOES and worldwide delivery via DHL is $19. Returns are accepted, but the buyer bears the costs.
Final Thoughts
Because of the hot feet issue in summer in the south, I have to put these Ahinsa‘s at more of a cool-weather shoe. If you’re in a more northerly climate or ‘run cold’ that may not be an issue for you. It’s May here and it’s hot and humid and I need more breathability. See me in October and I’ll share how amazing they feel and how my feet are protected from the breeze.
They have a long list of pluses for barefoot shoes lovers: vegan, wide, light, flexible, comfortable… they’re a great pair of shoes and I look forward to wearing them for a long time.
Want more reviews?
Check out All the Barefoot Shoe Reviews for more in-depth looks.
Want to check out other lists, such as color and type break-downs?
Check out all the BIG lists here.
