Mukishoes Paprika – A Full Review (with a dash of Sand in the mix)

Mukishoes Paprika Potential Featured Image 2.png

I can’t go too long without doing a review of Mukishoes Barefoot Shoes because I just love them so darn much. The Cloud Canvas was one of my earliest barefoot shoes and first true love along the journey, and I’ve enjoyed a bunch of models since. You can see reviews of it and Sol, Chelsea Cork, Plum, Nimbus, as well as a good look at the Kids versions, here on the blog. They are one of the most minimalist shoes options available with the natural rubber sole and bring a go-with-anything look I adore.

Disclaimer: I bought both of these pairs myself and all thoughts are my own. I am an affiliate of Mukishoes, however, so if you use my code OWBMUKI you will save 10% and a small portion will be returned to me to support the blog. Reviews are a labor of love because I want to help people get a great fit in great shoes that are good for feet, so you are always welcome to the information no matter what.

Sections

Technical Specifications

Model: Paprika, and its sister model Sand
Upper: Herringbone Hemp
Lining: Organic Cotton
Outsole: 100% Natural Rubber
Sizes: 36-48
100% Vegan

Appearance

Paprika from Mukishoes is a beautiful color that I couldn’t pass up. It may be too special for your wardrobe, but for me it pops in a very understated, comfortable way. I love it with jeans especially:

Same me, same jeans, and same garage, but weeks apart with very different weather, and a very different attention to detail about the camera’s positioning.

They also go great with leggings:

Or dresses (I didn’t love any of the full photos here, just one of those days, but Mukis always go great with dresses)

The pattern is a light herringbone:

And matches exactly with it’s sister Sand model:

The sole of both models is a medium brown and accents the uppers well.

Just don’t ask me what to call the color. I tried salmon, but the shoes are darker than that. Some say burnt orange, but I think they’re too pink for that. Maybe brick? Whatever you want to use to describe it, they’re beautiful.

I also took a pic of Sand just this morning and between rain threats (actually Flash Flood Warning), a kid that didn’t want me out of sight, and a tall yard in need of a trim… things did not go as planned. But this is what I’m wearing today, rain or not.

And some pics showing what happens in the wet grass:

Fit

The fit of Paprika is medium at the toe box but very generous further back. I would like Mukishoes to switch those, with more toe box room and less room further back. In the previous sole I wore 43s almost exclusively (my normal size) but I have accepted that all my new purchases will be 44s and that gives me just enough room at the front, and even more than I need further back – and I have high volume feet. Read sizing tips below, but I don’t mind saying here and then repeating: do not size up beyond your normal if you have low volume feet.

I have Sand in 43 (old sole) and Paprika in 44 (new sole) and I’m way above what I need at the instep – again, I sized up, not complaining – but just right at the toes/ball of the foot with no socks in, giving me a tad extra room. The sole, pushed flat, has plenty of room in my normal size (it’s sized exactly the same as the previous iteration, but just has updated material), but the uppers at the front just don’t sport nearly as much room as they do further back, giving an experience of a smaller toe box. This tighter feeling is aided by the fact that the 100% rubber soles are one of the most barefoot soles available, with a high flexibility that means they don’t provide as much resistance against any pulls from the upper.

Anyway, food nerd time over and we’ll move on to actual sizing advice.

Sizing

Mukishoes uses my favorite device, a Plus 12, to check the internal length of their shoes and tries to be as accurate as possible with their sizing information. If there’s a notably deviation, they will usually mention it (sometimes happens because of the handmade process and variety of materials) but there’s no note on this one.

I, too, have a Plus 12, and I can’t for the life of me get exactly what’s listed on the chart for my size. I get at most 28.6. It’s only 2 mms, and the difference may not be present across the sizes, so I’m going to go ahead and say that you should be able to trust the lengths here and size accordingly.

I don’t like the question of whether a brand runs true to size, however. I used to think that sizing was clear and consistent, but have found that to be anything but true. My recommendation is that you know your foot length and you compare against the chart. If you’ve never measured your feet but are going by sizing numbers, I have tips for measuring in this post, and some advice about extra space in this one. My normal is 26.8cm+1.2cm = 28cm, which puts me almost exactly in the 43s by numbers alone.

I went up an extra size beyond this for more toe room, but that is only something you should consider if you already have high-volume feet. There’s too much room in the upper for someone with low volume feet to be able to do that. A different model, like Plum, will fit more closely.

How do they feel?

As I was finishing up this review, I got into an in-depth discussion on Instagram about exactly this question. There are a few nuances here:

First: the 100% rubber sole is thin and flexible. Even the older version was flexible (Sand) but the new version on Paprika is just incredibly so.

Next: the material is very soft to the touch and does not disappoint. The inside is a little bit different, though, being lined in cotton. It feels about like a dress shirt, and makes one wonder why it’s needed at all. Hemp is very light and breathable on it’s own. I’d love to have *just* the hemp. Maybe they need the cotton for a structural reason, or to protect the soft hemp, but one can’t help but feel the cotton, while fine, is a step down from the rest of the soft upper.

Lastly: these do run hot, maybe due to the lining, maybe due to overall thickness, but they are warmer than some other options and keep that in mind if you dislike hot feet, are worried about moisture, or don’t like wearing socks as this may bother you.

Cleaning and Care

Neither of these pairs should be machine washed or dried. I find it best to let the shoes dry before worrying about dirt or debris. Highly flexible barefoot shoes can be very easy to care for when dry with a quick smack together, light brushing, or even just re-wearing to remove basic issues. You can use gentle brushing or wiping with a damp cloth, or a gentle handwash for anything more stubborn, but you don’t want to use harsh techniques or chemicals on these soft shoes.

Purchasing, Shipping, and Returns

There are some vendors for Mukishoes, including Pedterra in the US. They don’t currently carry either of these models, but keep an eye on them if you’d like to try with less risk via their free shipping and returns. You can also save 10% if with my affiliate code OWBSHOES if it’s your first time ordering with them.

Most purchases are directly from Mukishoes, which is where I’ve gotten all of mine and the discount code OWBMUKI saves you 10%. Paprika was €85.37 with the discount and VAT removed. Shipping is via a worldwide flat rate of €25.00, and free if you hit the minimum threshold of €300.00. At the time of this posting, both Paprika and Sand are limited in available sizing.

Their full return policies are here but the short version is that they do accept returns within 30 days, EU returns may be free, but you are responsible for shipping costs if you return from outside the EU.

Final Thoughts

Mukishoes isn’t the best shape for my toes, or fit for my splay, but they are my go-to shoes and they check the important barefoot shoes boxes for me of being light, flexible, and foot-shaped. They never restrict my feet and I happily wear them all without socks. I always tell people that maybe you can’t wear Mukishoes, but if you can – go for it. I do, again and again and again. Paprika is an uplifting, beautiful pair of shoes that’s great for feet, comfortable wear, and classically styled go to with a wide range of pieces in a sustainable wardrobe.

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.