Mukishoes has the prettiest colors #youcantchangemymind. They always have a very natural feel to them, even when they’re going undeniably bright and fun with their barefoot shoes. Makes my color-loving heart happy.
Raspberry and Blueberry are two models released in the Fall of 2021 Mukishoes collection that Bring It on the color front, on the foot-healthy barefoot shoes front, and on the snuggly comfort we need in sweaters-and-warm-drinks weather.
Disclaimer: I bought Raspberry myself and Blueberry was sent to me for review. All thoughts are my own, on either model. If you chose to use my affiliate discount code OWBMUKI, you will save 10% and a small portion will go to support reviews like this.
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Company Information
Madlen and Marta founded Mukishoes in 2018 and launched their crowdfunding campaign in early 2019, followed a few months later with a direct online ship. They started with neutral colors and have expanded greatly into the beautiful color palette they sport today, but have always remained true to their principles of sustainability and foot health through minimalist shoes. Read more about them here.
Technical Specifications
- Models: Blueberry and Raspberry
- Upper: Deadstock cotton cord
- Lining: Organic cotton flannel
- Padding: Hemp fibers
- Sole: 100% natural rubber
- Laces: Cotton
- Sizes: EU 35-48 in Blueberry and 36-44 in Raspberry
- Both models are 100% Vegan
Appearance
Blueberry is an adult take on one of their first kids’ minimalist shoes and the colors are fun and young-at-heart. There are multiple shades of blue combined with a bright orange pop. Raspberry is more subtle, low-cut, and very natural in feel.
There are two ways to approach styling them: integration or color pop. Interestingly, I find it easier to integrate the Blueberry than the Raspberry, because they’re such distinct and strong colors, while Raspberry is an undefinable shade of pink/red+ with a dusting of white depending on the angle that it’s difficult to match.
Integration #1
Integration #2
And color pop (but unfortunately not awesome pics in the full sun)
I don’t want to change their appearance at all, except for one thing – the laces on Raspberry. It seems that Mukishoes picked the same length laces for both models, and it works out perfectly on the high-top, but they are far too long on the low top. If you face a similar problem, here is one solution – silicone elastic laces:
I chose these off Amazon (affiliate link) and they have their plusses and minuses. A big plus is that I was able to get really close to the color and they are completely slip-on with these laces. A drawback is that the laces should really be all the same length for barefoot shoes, like Feelgrounds offers for their shoes. This angled appearance really fits better with a narrow toe box. Lastly, what I show here is not the full set. They actually come like this, so you can pick the lengths that work best for you.
Fit
Both of these shoes have toe boxes that are more tubular in shape than I expected (especially Blueberry), making them best-fit for those with medium wide feet.
The sole is the same across all Mukishoes models, but the different material uppers and design changes can make some have wider or more narrow toe boxes, and I’d put these at some of the more narrow options.y
Neither of these feel crazy high volume at the instep, though Raspberry is more high-volume tolerant than Blueberry. You can see on the far right that hemp models like Paprika are wider throughout, while a high-top padded model like Blueberry runs a much more straight line.
I now always size up with Muki because of the toe box running more narrow, whatever the model, (don’t sue me, I just really enjoy their style), and I’ll share more about sizing below.
Lastly, the opening of Blueberry, like all their taller models, is pretty much designed for narrow ankles and calves. So it’s not perfect for my thicker ankles and legs, but it isn’t a detriment if you are fluffier, either.
Sizing
Mukishoes has a full sizing chart for all their models:
If there’s a big difference they may tell you in advance on the sizing page in a note. These have no note, and in measuring myself I get 28.6 in both models verses the listed 28.8. Slightly, but not dramatically lower. And with different models, this happens. The more narrow fit to the toe box is a clue that you’re probably going to have a ‘drawing in’ everywhere compared to some other models.
Mukishoes recommends you add .5 to 1.5 cm to your measurement (my measuring tips here) and my personal recommendation is 1.2-1.7 (some science here). Mukishoes has always trended a bit more narrow and sloped at the toes than most people, so I would caution to err higher rather than lower on the extra space front, especially knowing that these run a tad short.
How do they feel?
Cozy, warm, and comfy on the feet. That, of course, is on top of the reliable barefoot qualities from Mukishoes of getting super flexible, light shoes.
There is no breaking in on these shoes and no discomfort. Both models feel great.
Cleaning and Care
The best care is prevention, and you should be able to spray these with a fabric-appropiate protector (options here) but know that it may darken the color.
Be gentle with care and never machine wash or dry. Most debris will fall off easily if you let it dry first and then knock the shoes together, gentle brush, or use a damp cloth on them.
The sole can pick up stains quickly because of the grippy natural rubber, but wipe off easily with a towel and water.
Purchasing, Shipping, and Returns
Mukishoes are typically bought directly from the company, though retailers do exist. Blueberry will run you €105,00 before any discounts, VAT removal (for non-EU countries), or shipping. Raspberry is €95,00 at the raw price.
Wherever you are, be sure to save 10% with my affiliate discount code OWBMUKI and get either model at the best possible new price.
Final Thoughts
Mukishoes delights with their color choices and surprises with their fresh materials in different lines. I love the coziness and soft cotton cord they’ve chosen here, and how fun the colors are in Blueberry. They make for a great pop of color on your feet and signal to others that you aren’t taking yourself too seriously in this world, but instead enjoying life, healthy shoes, and fun colors. That’s right up my alley!
I would love to see something similar come back in the future, especially the beautiful combination they’ve put forth with Raspberry. I’m sad it’s almost sold out but understand it completely. The more understated fun of this pretty low-cut slots in easily and complements a variety of outfits. The cord cotton and overall softness are excellent on both models and I hope they can leverage excess like this again.
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.
