Wildling Shoes can get adventurous in their colors, but what they really do perfectly is natural, neutral colors like this multi-tone brown offering in the Fall 2021 barefoot shoes collection: Marten. This versatile model works for kids and adults, so read on to see if it might be just what you’re looking for this year.
Disclaimer: Wildling Shoes Marten were sent to us for review but all thoughts are personal between my youngest son and I (yes, I totally ask him what he thinks – 4 year olds are bossy and opinionated!). I am an affiliate of Wildling Shoes, so if you use any links on this page then a small portion will be returned to me and go to support this blog and reviews like this.
To check out the full Fall 2021 Wildling Shoes collection, visit this page.
Sections
Company Information
Wildling Shoes wants you to be more than just someone who buys their shoes. They want to take you along on a mindful journey of natural movement, environmental sustainability, and lifetime health through shoes that minimally restrict your movement. Whatever site you visit, you will find a lot of information about their values and how they act on them, so I highly recommend browsing around their site to check out the information.
Based on your location, you can check out Wildling either via their US/CA site or their International storefront:
Wildling US/CA link
Technical Specifications
- Upper: Canvas (100% recycled cotton) – beige
- Mid-sole: 100% certified organically grown cotton
- Interior lining: herringbone (100% certified organically grown cotton)
- Membrane: 100% polyester
- Insole: Lunatur (80% EVA, 20% walnut shell) [removable]
- Edging: microfiber (90% polyamide, 10% polyurethane) – clay brown
- Outsole: 80% synthetic rubber from 50% recycled material, 20% cork – cream
- Sizes: 23-48 across Kids and Adult sizes
- Does not contain materials of animal origin
- Comes with end caps for elastic laces, but we haven’t used them out of personal choice
Appearance
The coloring of these is a pleasant, very natural brown with a light upper, medium trim, and extra light accents.
When wet, the trim of the boot, and eventually the upper itself, with enough moisture, starts to darken, but that returns to the same medium brown when the shoes dry.
If you protect them with a spray (more about that below in Cleaning and Care) then you can expect a darker tone to remain.
I don’t show my younger kids’ faces online, but we did run around and have some fun in them on a couple of different occasions to get some pictures showing them in action:
Fit
The Marten model fits well to different volumes and widths and line up with the typical/expected fit from Wildling. You won’t find any need to adjust your sizing.
The cut is a mid-level cut and covers the ankle bone. Naturally, the opening is aimed at thin ankles/calves, but can be loosened to work well for a larger opening.
Really, it’s unremarkable (in a good way). If you’re an established Wildling Shoes fan, these should be an easy model to pick up and go.
Sizing
Wildling cares to get you in the right sizes, but things can be confusing. Directly on their site, you can use either templates or lengths to check your size, and they put sizing tips on the individual models.
Sizing tips can always be found on the individual product pages themselves:
Marten is listed as running true to Fitkit, which means you can also trust the measurements.
Once you have checked the tips, you can click/tap into the Size Guide section, which you can quickly access right above the available sizes on the product page.
Current kid shoes outlook:
Current adult sizing outlook:
One you tap on the Size Guide, you will get a lot of information related to using the Fitkits, which are printable templates based on size.
They do not show width accurately, but as long as you print to 100% scale, you can trust that they are showing you correct lengths, including recommended extra space to allow for healthy toe movement inside the shoes.
Below the Fitkit sections, however, are two really important links: No printer available? And EU sizes for reference needed?
First, the last link – this is critical if you are in the US. The US sizes listed on the Wildling website tend to be inaccurate. Maybe not for every size, but definitely for some, so be sure to check this link for the correct EU size. If were me and normally wear an 11.5 US, the correct size on the Wildling US pages is 10 US. Order your normal ‘true to size’ and you’re going to be way too big.
The link above that, for no printer available, is my favorite way to check sizes as it goes off actual foot lengths and measurements. I know Wildling has put a lot into their Fitkits, and they are super helpful for a lot of people, but if you can get comfortable measuring, adding extra space for toes and/or kid growth, and checking charts, then you will be able to get a great fit anywhere. If you’re new to measuring, check out this page and if you have no idea what’s meant by adding extra space, then check out this one.
How do they feel?
Every pair of Wildling Shoes brings great barefoot shoes cred in flexibility and ground feel:
The inside lining is a herringbone canvas of medium thickness – neither sheet-thin nor bag-heavy, but comfortable with or without socks.
The perk of these is the membrane. We haven’t sprayed them yet, but even in soaking wet grass he has kept completely dry feet. Spray them, and between the protectant, membrane, and gusseted tongue you can have some great adventures.
Cleaning and Care
Wildling Shoes Marten care will largely involve prevention through spraying (I like Nikwax, but you can buy direct from Wildling or browse options here) and letting debris or stains dry before attacking. It’s very easy to remove debris from barefoot shoes by knocking them together after everything dries, or with the use of a medium-stiffness brush. The upper could also be brushed the same and if that doesn’t cut it, use a damp cloth. Never machine wash or dry and only use immersive washing as a last resort.
Purchasing, Shipping, and Returns
Wildling Shoes Marten is available in both kid and adult sizes and range in cost from $99-$129 and must be purchased directly from Wildling using these links:
Adult Link US/CA Site
Adult Link International Site
Returns are accepted and the first one is free. Wildling manages the process internally through scheduled DHL pickups worldwide.
Final Thoughts
My little guy instantly gravitated toward these brown boots and runs around in them so freely, making me thankful that we have such great barefoot shoes options, even for little kids. I love that Wildling carries this model across sizes. He’s in 31, but we could easily match him in 36, 41, 43 and 46 and that’s the kind of versatility that is easy to love.
Style-wise, these also will go with so many things, and don’t look gendered in either direction, making them an excellent fit to just about any wardrobe. All of this on top of the top-shelf water resistance makes Wildling Shoes Marten a great pair of barefoot shoes.
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.
