Wildling Shoes releases collections multiple times per year, like the recent Fall 2021 drop, but they also give us staple barefoot shoes for different seasons and maximum wearability. Flying Fox is one of these that just flew back into stock in adult and kids sizes as a staple pair, and it may be just what you’ve been looking for to go with a wide variety of looks.
Disclaimer: These were gifted for review but all thoughts are my own/my son’s. He wears a size 36 currently and is very picky about what he puts on his feet, preferring nothing at all every chance he gets. I am also an affiliate, so if you make a planned purchase using any of my blog links then a small portion will go to support the reviews and resources you see here.
Check out the complete Fall 2021 Wildling Shoes collection on this page.
Sections
Company Information
Sustainability is big buzz word, and Wildling Shoes falls right into that category of slow fashion and sustainable manufacturing practices, but they go beyond most in intentionally informing everything they do with a vision of environmental consciousness and the deeper meaning behind everything we do and every step they take. Check out their site, international or US/CA, to learn more about their values, vision, and mission.
Wildling US/CA link
Technical Specifications
- Upper: Double-knit twill (100% organic cotton from certified organic sources)
- Lining and insole: 50% cotton, 50% cotton from certified organic sources
- Membrane: 100% polyester
- Edging: microfibre (97% polyamide, 3% polyurethane)
- Outsole: synthetic rubber with approx. 50 % recycled content, cork
- Sizes: 23-48
- Does not contain materials of animal origin
Appearance
Wildling Shoes can do color or neutral and understated, and these are definitely the latter. I managed to dig up a picture of my pair on from long ago:
But mostly, this centers on my son’s experiences with them in the here and now, including wearing them as part of his Halloween outfit where he was the Master Chief from Halo.
I don’t show my younger kids’ faces online, and he’s not a huge picture fan, but is another of him enjoying them on a walk:
Up close, they are completely black and will basically disappear in outfits, with only the hint of red at the top defining them.
Fit
Wildling Shoes notes that these correspond to FitKit sizing (more about that below). I would break that down as that they’re designed for medium-everywhere feet. My son is more high volume and wider, so he wears them sockless, which is his preferred method of wearing every shoe anyway. I think it’s been over a year since he even wore socks. That’s just a big no from him.
They are unlined to any degree of warmth, though there is a membrane for water protection, so there’s nothing that will make it difficult to wear them, but you do need to be aware that they’re not going to be the shoes for super wide feet or those with super splays, especially if you plan to wear socks or double socks.
Sizing
Wildling is one of the companies that cares about sizing and gives tons of resources to help. Every product page links to the Size Guide just above the available sizs, like this:
And they also give model-specific tips on the page:
I’d recommend you peek at the sizing tips and then hit the Size Guide, but a few bits of information first.
1) The US site’s listed sizing are probably not accurate. Simple, bald truth. They just aren’t accurate, right now. Which is okay and we can work with that anyway, because Wildling includes a lot of other information that will get you in the right size.
2) There is an area that will show you EU size conversions, even on the US site. It’s under the Size Guide, at the bottom + option and it’s very helpful if you already know your EU size because those are still accurate, and it will help you pick the correct US size on the product page.
3) You can hit No printer available? and get to a PDF with foot lengths and measurements. This is my favorite way to size. If you don’t know how to measure, here are some tips, and be sure to leave about 12 mm of extra space in your shoes, even more for kids.
4) They also have printable FitKit templates that allow you to visually assess your size, and most of the Sizing Guide is devoted to this. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully and print the page to the correct scale for accurate information.
How do they feel?
These are an all-use, all-season (to a point) midcut that is very light, thin, and breathable. When I had my own pair (which I sold to ‘try something new’ and instantly regretted) I wore them even in winter – just added more socks and off I went in my moderately cold but not days-below-zero environment.
Like all Wildling, they are supremely flexible:
They will not restrict your feet at all, for any motion.
They also have zero breaking in. You pull them out, slide them on, and go.
On their own, they are not warm shoes. You can add an insole to improve protection from ground cold, but they are not lined so will need extra socks for the cold.
Cleaning and Care
Waterproofing is a great idea with every pair of Wildling Shoes, and you can use either the spray they sell or a product bought independently. I have options here with notes about which ones I’ve personally used, including on Wildling Shoes).
As far as cleaning goes, Wildling Shoes are very flexible, which means they don’t hold on to stains well or debris at all. Most stains can be handled by letting them dry, knocking them together to remove loose debris (or just wearing them – I swear, it just falls off), and using a non-damaging brush to remove adhered stains. If something goes deeper, you can use a damp cloth or handwash. It is never recommended to machine wash or dry them.
Purchasing, Shipping, and Returns
Wildling Shoes Flying Fox is available in kid sizes starting at EU 23. The cost is $119 USD for adult sizing and $89 for kid sizing, and can be purchased directly from Wildling Shoes through either their international or US/CA storefronts.
Adult Link for US/CA customers
Adult link for International customers
You can return shoes to Wildling wherever you are. They use a DHL-specific internal Return Service to handle these and the first return is free.
Final Thoughts
I can’t go back and get my pair back, but I’m glad to see them again in person and appreciate their classic style. Yes, they have a unique sole that’s super for barefoot feeling, but does stand out. But we’re here for the benefits, and these shoes bring them, hands-down. Wear them with office wear, be a Halo Master Chief for Halloween, or even pair them with a dress – they’re going to work with a lot, be extra light, and not leave you clunky or restricted.
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 breakdowns?
Check out all the BIG lists here.
