The Wildling Feather model is truly a unique experience for feet and a great pair of barefoot shoes. It’s officially classed as a sandal, but it’s both more and less than that common word. Read on to learn more about these minimalist shoes and how they might be just the adventure your feet need.
I have to admit that I have been hesitant to try more unique barefoot shoes. I’m American, and not only that, Southern American, where boots, tennis shoes, and flip flops are just about all you ever see.
Every time I have tried something new in barefoot shoes, however, it’s been worth it. And the Wildling Feather takes the crown on this adventurous route for more foot health, and more and more lovely shoe options in this niche-but-growing barefoot shoes market.
Disclaimer: Wildling sent this Feather pair to me for review, but all thoughts are my own. Since the original posting of the review, I did become a Wildling affiliate so you use the affiliate links to the international or US sites, a small portion may be returned to me to support reviews like this.
Really important note: most of the links on this page go to the main Wildling website. I know you all come from all over the world and I LOVE that. As of 6/15/2021, however, US and Canadian customers must use THIS LINK to purchase and it will require a brand new account to do so. If you sign up, however, you will receive a 5% discount code valid on your first order placed in 2021.
Sections
Company Information
Wildling‘s focus on sustainability and environmentally-sound practices has this year extended beyond their manufacturing and into special endeavors such as supporting bees with habitat and building their own garden. The beautiful fabric that appears inside the Feather and on the outside of Eden is a reference to this new focus, but these latest wild adventures are just one more way Wildling goes beyond words to actions that support their values and positively impact Germany and beyond.
Read all about Wildling Values, History, and Team on their website.
Technical Specifications
- Upper: Microfiber
- Mid-sole: 100% Organically Grown Cotton – Certified
- Insole: Lunatur (80% EVA and 20% Walnut Shell)
- Colors: Api (pictured here), Jackdaw (black) and Amaranth (wine/burgundy)
- Sizes: 18-48 across the Cubs, Wildling, and Rewild categories
- Does not contain materials of animal origin
Appearance
Is it uncouth to say something like “If a shoe and a sandal had a baby…” ?
Feather is labeled as a sandal, but gives hints in its structure of the shoes we love from Wildling. Part of that is because it uses the exact same sole you’re used to, but the upper is entirely it’s own:
The lines of Feather are well-designed for a balance of security and airflow. Every time I wear them I feel a breeze around my toes, like the material itself actually channels the air in a way most sandals can’t. I like it!
The color of this Api version is a honey brown/gold and goes very well with blue, and other natural colors.
You can take a normal, everyday, neutral outfit like this:
Or you can pair it with other bold colors and enjoy the cheerfulness that golden fabrics always bring:
New in 2022
Wildling once again improved Feather in 2022, embodying the idea that less is more by removing even more material from the design and opening it up to additional airflow and lightening the look (and probably the weight too, but with different sizes I can’t confirm that precisely).
In 2022, my 9 year old selected this as his model to test, and he’s impressed. He’s normally either in no shoes at all or a hiking sandal, and loves how light these are.
I did size him up 1, and we could have not done that – you can see the extra space he has above – but he is very much in the ‘growing foot’ category and by the time cool weather returns in the fall they may no longer fit him at all. It is long enough at the moment to make him more cautious, however. Oh the joys of trying to keep your kids in the right size, but also have them be able to wear them for more than a few weeks. #thestruggleisreal
Some people may want to size up in these, but it’s unlikely that everyone will (similar to last year). Wildling notes that they run smaller but does not expressly say that people should size up. I don’t have a new pair in my size (though I’m tempted) but my thoughts are that most people will not size up.
2022 Wildling Feather Magpie (International) (US/CA)
2022 Wildling Feather Plum (International) (US/CA)
2022 Wildling Feather Forest (International) (US/CA)
Fit (2021)
The fit on these is quite generous at the instep, and I believe moreso than previous years. My feet are wide and high-volume and I am using some extra length on the strap, but I have more than enough space in the front, where it is very open. This means I need to pay attention to how I secure the strap, both in tightness and in the position of my foot when I lock it down. If you have extra room and you secure it too far back, then the front will feel floppy and that’s not good for your gait. It’s best to sit your foot a little more forward if you have the extra room, then secure the strap, for a balanced and secure fit all over. For reference, Wildling sent me 44s, which are 1 size above my normal.
Sizing
Wildling has detailed sizing information on their website and includes tips right on the product page. In this case:
Growing feet: Runs smaller. We recommend choosing the size WITH growth zone. If you are between sizes, we recommend choosing the next bigger one.
Full-grown feet: Runs smaller. We recommend choosing the next bigger size.
I’ve obviously got full-grown feet at size 43, so we went with the 44s, which measure (by me) as the same length as the 43 Tanukis I already have.
Not everyone has wanted to size up, or enjoyed it once they did, however. For me, it was exactly the right recommendation, and it has been for others, but it’s by no means a settled issue in the populace, and personal preference, foot shape at the toes, volume, and probably several other factors all play into that.
My normal recommendation is to measure and compare, but it doesn’t quite work here. When in doubt, asking in the vibrant Wildling community groups on FB (there are several, in different languages) can get you advice from actual wearers and employees. Sizing (width, length, volume) can scale differently for different sizes and it’s great if you doubt to try to find someone at or very close to your size to inquire about measurements.
Another option is to take advantage of the smooth return process Wildling offers, including free returns for your first pair. You could order your size and one size up, and see which one works best.
I don’t normally say things like that, but I feel like this is a special case. They’re really, really great shoes, but the sizing can be a big question mark. I fully support sizing up per the recommendations, but know that won’t work for everyone’s personal preferences or needs.
To add: please don’t wear shoes that are too short. You need space. Whether you want the full 12 mms or not, make sure you don’t hit the end. Here is a Reel I made using these exact shoes, demonstrating why.
How do they feel?
The Feather model from Wildling is one of the lightest sandals I’ve ever had the pleasure of wearing. It feels like almost nothing on your feet and is primarily secured by the instep strap, leaving your toes to feel free and breezy in the heat.
It also has the expected Wildling flexibility, but that is kicked up even further by the minimal fabric used in the upper, leaving it as one of the least restrictive shoes you can own.
Maximum ground feel. Very lightweight. Unrestrictive. Great boxes to check!
Cleaning and Care
These shoes should not be machine washed or dried. Handwashing is best and usually you can get materials off best by letting them dry first, and then brushing with a brush. You can also use a damp cloth on soiled areas. Generally, you can protect microfiber with a fabric protectant, but that would be strictly for stain prevention here.
Purchasing, Shipping, and Returns
You can purchase these worldwide from the Wildling website. The ship via DHL shipping at about $10, unless you exceed the minimum cost threshold. Wildling also has the easy return service around, handled in-house through DHL. They accept the returns worldwide and your first one is free. See their full policies here.
As of 6/15/2021 this has changed and US/Canadian customers must now use THIS LINK.
Final Thoughts
My hesitancy on these Wildling shoes is gone. Yes, they are unique in appearance. And sometimes you may wonder if they’re highlighting your perceived flaws more than you’d like. But they bring such a light foot freedom that when you wear them you don’t even think about any of that. I enjoy them thoroughly, and will for a long time to come.
I also went back and bought myself the Amaranth (light pink/purple color) as well. That sums up my thoughts nicely 🙂
Want more reviews?
Check out All the Barefoot Shoe Reviews for more in-depth looks.
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Check out all the BIG lists here.
I really love that last photo and I think it embodies the spirit of Wildlings. I find myself standing straighter, walking slower, being overall quieter but somehow more light and playful when I wear the Wildlings! Quite a feat for a mere shoe.