This post is all about Wildling Nebula, which I’d have to say is the 2nd most unique model they own (Feather definitely comes in first!). This review originally appeared on Instagram but includes some updated wording and revised points.
***As of February 2021, this review has been completely redone. Read the complete, grown-up, scaled-up review HERE***
Technical details:
- The upper of these shoes is a mix of polyester and Merino wool, which gives a stretchy, sock-like sensation.
- The sole is a synthetic rubber and cork design that’s 2.5mm thick up to size 41 and 3.5 mm thick in higher sizes (including the 43s pictured).
- There is a removable insole, but it’s generally best to wear to protect the shoe and have a more comfortable experience.
Pros:
- They are Wildling. Seriously. That alone is a major pro. This company knows barefoot. They make quality shoes that let feet be feet.
- The Stretchy Upper: It hugs like a sock, so you’re coming up against a material that’s close, but it’s not immovable like most uppers.
- The Sole: The unique design of Wildling soles lets your foot move in any direction and never feel restricted.
- The Style: This shoe is On. Point. with style.
Cons: (time for some repeats)
- The Upper: While it’s not as immovable as most uppers, the extra hug can introduce the same problem as socks. If you’re wearing it for long periods, you may have some toe misalignment. I have to wear without socks to avoid this and still my pinky toes are visible when wearing. The biggest hug on my feet is from pinky toe straight across to the joint at the base of my big toe. My toes aren’t restricted, but if I wear my favorite toe socks I definitely feel the pinch there.
- The Sole: The flexibility is wonderful, but the open areas can lead to extra moisture and dirt problems, as well as excess wear, but the patch on the bottom of the shoe helps combat that problem.
- The Removable Insole: This thing can be really shifty. Some people have resorted to sticky tape to keep it in place.
Be sure to check out this IGTV video (also on YouTube) for detailed thoughts and a thorough look at these shoes. This is my one Wilding model and I keep it despite not dealing well with the sole (lazy, I guess). I know plenty of people do ALL the things in their Wildlings, and that’s awesome! It’s just not something I ever adjusted to. I wear these happily around town and almost look like a normie.
Edit: So much has happened since this mini review, including receiving my first Winter Wildlings: Wombat to test and review. I’ll be updating this in full in the future, as well as reviewing Wombat. Check out the Instagram page for current pics and thoughts, and come back for the future full Nebula review.
Love Wilding shoes? Have a question? Drop a comment below or come chat on Instagram.
Want more reviews?
Check out All the Barefoot Shoe Reviews for more in-depth looks.