If you love color, barefoot shoes, and versatility, check out Be Lenka City. This is one of my all-time favorite barefoot shoes models and it can slot perfectly into any wardrobe with minimalist shoes.
This City pair was sent to me for review, but all thoughts are my own, and any previous City pairs mentioned were bought. I am an affiliate of both Be Lenka and the US-based retailer PedTerra mentioned in this review, which means that you support the blog when you use the related links and/or codes below, but it costs you nothing else.
Technical specifications:
- Upper: Brushed leather
- Lining: Canvas
- Insole: Leather
- Sole: TPU
- Sizes 36-43 in this color, up to 47 in other colorways
Company:
Be Lenka produces barefoot shoes and ergonomic baby carriers, as well as clothes and other accessories (did you know that?). They’re constantly seeking ways to bring us more modern and fresh designs and looks that grab people worldwide, and always endear me with their proud use of color and patterns. You can read all about them and the people behind the brand here.
Appearance:
The Be Lenka City model comes in an impressive 14 color options, from neutrals to colors, leather to vegan. Be Lenka really brings it when it comes to serving all your color desires. You can even kick it up further with their barefoot socks and colorful laces. Shoes + laces alone can be mixed over 100 different ways. Toss in 45 sock choices and you truly #dobarefootshoesyourway.
My pre-blogging shoe collection was rich in City already, so I have several of the brightest colors, including Red and Orange, but this brilliant Turquoise was new to me:
The website does a good job of giving you a good approximation of the color, though the actual tone can vary in different lights. It’s a dressy shoe (not a sports shoe) giving you a beautiful color that pops with neutrals and holds its own against other outfit colors. It pairs beautifully as a corresponding accent in a full-color outfit:
As a colorful addition to a more low-key outfit:
Or as a straight-up colorfest:
Take your pick and wear the color, anyway you like. Or go neutral, no biggie! One of my faves in my original collection is the black, which blends perfectly into black pants for some color blocking.
Fit:
The City model trends more high-volume than other Be Lenka models such as the Eazy I reviewed here. It is very similar to Icon in that respect, and not quite high enough/wide enough for me to wear socks so I wear it sockless.
The shape of Be Lenka shoes is distinctive and matches consistently across all of their models:
This pronounced curve leaves max room for the big toe, which is great, but it can be problematic if you have a noticeably longer second toe or slope slowly. Some of this can be solved by playing with your sizing, so check your shape in advance against this one to understand your options.
I slope a little more slowly than Be Lenka, so I have max space ahead of my first toes and less for my outer toes.
Sizing:
Be Lenka includes their sizing chart on every page and are quite reliable in matching it well, including with the City model. The best way to size your shoes is to measure your feet and compare against the listed values. Be Lenka recommends adding .5 and up to 1.2 cm of extra space, while some research says 12 mm is ideal. Whatever you chose, if you follow the chart, you’ll get the most accurate results.
How do they feel?
The City model is made from a good thickness of leather and is neither floppy nor nor painfully stiff. It is firm when you start out, but not in any way uncomfortable. I went right to sockless wear for an entire day on this model with no discomfort anywhere.
The sole is a medium firmness, but still quite flexible.
It’s sought for its durability and style, with the attractive leaf detail on the bottom giving your shoes an elegant touch.
The ground feel is not high here, but the sole is flexible enough that your feet will get plenty of sensation. You’re also not going to take these shoes on any kind of major hike anyway, mostly be in an urban environment on flat surfaces, so ground feel is never going to be at a premium with whatever shoe your wearing. It’s okay! Balance out your environments and enjoy your flexible, fun shoes.
The inside is lined, with the front in canvas and the rest feeling like a soft microfiber material. The insole is not removable, and has a small amount of cushion to it for comfort.
Cleaning and Care:
Be Lenka ships every pair with a detailed cleaning and care guide, which is also available on their website. Leather like this should be protected against moisture and stains with a product appropriate for leather with a nap, such as a Suede/Nubuck protector listed on this page. Generally, you can brush off dirt best once it has dried. Oily stains may require a cleaner. Handwashing is best and machine washing or drying is prohibited.
Purchasing and Returns:
There are multiple places you can buy City, including directly from Be Lenka and, if you’re in the US, from the retailer PedTerra. PedTerra has the benefit of free shipping and returns inside the US and, if it’s your first time buying there, you can save 10% with my affiliate code OWBSHOES.
Ordering from Be Lenka is fast and easy, and offers worldwide DHL Express shipment at the cost of $28+ (it will go up if the weight does with multiple pairs). The discount code OWBSHOES (not affiliate) will save you 5%. Returns are free for 14 EU countries, and other EU countries can return as well, but are responsible for shipping. No returns are allowed outside the EU. You can get VAT removed, but you must request it via the notes field when you submit your order (before completing the payment).
If you’re in the UK, check out Happy Little Soles which carries several City models, including this Turquoise.
Final thoughts:
Do you like elegant cuts? Color? Neutrals? Durable construction? Reliable sizing? Need something a little dressy but not flashy? Like kicking up your outfits a little? Like playing it 100% safe? Or need all-black shoes for work? City can meet every single one of those needs. It’s always felt like a core model in Barefoot Shoes – something reliable as a good shoe you can trust to meet your wardrobe needs – and with the myriad of colors, you can match any wardrobe under the sun.
Want more reviews?
Check out All the Barefoot Shoe Reviews for more in-depth looks.
Love color or need a specific type of shoe?
Check out the BIG lists here.
