If you want barefoot shoes that are Easy to Wear ✔ Super Flexible ✔ Light on Your Feet ✔ Cool-Looking ✔ and, oh yeah, Vegan ✔ then check out Feelgrounds Droptop. These minimalist footwear options come in both Knit and Mesh materials with a variety of colors to suit any wardrobe.
Disclaimer before I dig in: While I am an affiliate of Feelgrounds, I bought both of these pairs myself. If you use any links on this page it will cost you nothing extra, but a small portion will be returned to me.
**starting June 8th and lasting this week only, you can save 13% on non-discounted (NEW) Feelgrounds models using the code SUMMER2021** Check out my initial comparison between new and old soles here, another look at Original here, and new Highrise video here
Technical specifications for both models:
- Upper: Recycled PET
- Sole: Recyclable TPE
- Lining: Recycled PET / Heel Lining: Microfiber
- Color options: 13 total, 6 in knit and 7 in mesh
- Sizes: EU 36-49 (Women’s 6-Men’s 15, US)
Company:
Feelgrounds has been around since 2019 and started with a crowd-funding campaign that was fully funded in just 48 hours. They’re run by a “young, dynamic, and passionate team” that delivers fun, light, comfortable, and cool barefoot shoes. You can read all about them and the individual members here.
Appearance:
The mesh model has a more open weave than the knit, giving it a more casual look. Along with that, it comes in the most colorful options, including pastels, a deep navy, and a black model with a red sole.
The knit model has a tighter weave and smoother look, and the color options trend toward the neutral side. It’s has a water-repellant coating, making it a great option on rainy days.
Both are available in solid black.
Fit:
The fit on these is generous over the instep, so those with particularly low-volume feet might want to go for Original or Highrise (reviewed here) instead, or be prepared to use an insole or sticky felt pads inside. Some options are available here. The knit version is more generous than the mesh, if you’re in doubt about which way to head. An alternative shoe for the really low-volume is the Be Lenka Eazy, reviewed here.
At the higher size I’m at (44 in these) they are also quite deep at the heel, giving me some extra space around the edges there and settling in at the back at a high spot on the back of my heel. One of the pairs, I think it was the knit, rubbed a bit at first. My go-to solution for this, if it becomes severe, is to use moleskin pads like these, but they were not necessary here.
Sizing:
I sized up in these because I did it in the more snug-fitting Highrise and Original. I have some extra room, but in the 43s I normally buy I’d have been too short, with barely a centimeter of extra room against the listed length, when at least 1.2 cm is ideal. (Check out this post for why it matters and this sizing post for additional sizing details.)
Feelgrounds includes multiple ways for you to get the right fit, including exact length measurements. I used the Plus 12 device on both of my size 44 pairs and get lengths that are a few mm short, but close. Keep that in mind if you are between sizes, and especially if you have thicker feet like me, and consider sizing up. I cannot recommend that for lower volume feet, however.
Feelgrounds also includes a printable sizing guide and their own measuring instructions on the site to help you get the right fit in their shoes.
How do they feel?
Really comfortable and chill. Slide them on and go, no fuss. They are warm, so keep that in mind if your feet run hot. My advice with any type of vegan shoes made from a manufactured material (quite common) is to wear socks. There can be less breathability in such materials and if you get moisture trapped, bacteria can grow, and then it’s very hard to keep them smelling fresh. Socks are great prevention. My favorites are very low-cut hidden socks that let the shoes get all the attention. However, if you’re the sockless-or-else type, the inside is soft, lightly padded, and stitched comfortably for sockless wearing.
Cleaning and Care:
Below the purchase section on both pages you can find their care instructions. The Mesh version is machine washable, but the knit should be hand washed. Both should be air-dried. If you purchase the knit, be sure to renew the water repellant treatment regularly with a suitable fabric spray. I like this Nikwax.
Purchasing and Returns:
Feelgrounds includes Shipping and Returns information on each product page, just below the sizing information and they have the most detailed information of any brand I’ve seen, with information about potential import charges for different major shipping destinations. You can return them to in-country locations in the US, Canada, and Australia, as well as Europe, but (at least for the non-EU locations), you are responsible for the return costs for now. They use a standard shipping company that takes about 2 weeks to deliver to the US.
Final thoughts:
I feel like I need a pick a favorite, but it’s hard. I like the smoothness of the knit fabric more, and it’s water-repellant qualities, but I like the vibrant blue of the mesh. I also think that the best-looking versions are the ones with a contrasting sole and elastic triangles, such as this blue, or the similar one that’s black.
Whatever color you like, or fabric you choose, these are a relaxing wear. Slip-ons (I have a whole BIG list here) can be challenging to fit right, but are some of my favorite barefoot shoes. Feelgrounds ticks all the right boxes and these a great addition to a variety of barefoot shoes styles.
Check out my Highrise Review and Patrol First Look for more information.
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.
