I’m kinda obsessed with gladiator sandals and have been for years and years, long before I found barefoot shoes. I eyed the Zeazoo Nymph model for a long time because I’m so leery of non-velcro sandals, but read on to see how these have worked out and whether they might for you.
Disclaimer: I purchased these at a discount from Zeazoo but all thoughts are my own. If you use my code OWBSHOES to purchase it will cost you nothing extra, and in fact will save you money while you support the work of reviews and other resources on this blog.
Sections
Technical specifications
- Upper: Natural Nappa Leather
- Lining: Chrome Free Leather
- Insole: Leather
- Sole: 6 mm Vibram Superflex
- 4 Standard Color Options + Vegetable Tanned Leather customization in 9 colors
- Customization Options to Straps and More
Company
Zeazoo was founded in 2011 in Bulgaria and has been going strong for the last 10 years. They only make minimalist and barefoot shoes and they are handmade with care. They love to customize and love color (you know I’m a fan!) and know their products inside and out. You can read about their history here and see their team here. They also have an extensive FAQ with even more information.
Appearance
I’m a bit fangirl about the appearance here as it’s very much a style I have missed from before my minimalist / barefoot shoes days. Gladiator looks can take a little work with extra strapping like the ankle work here, but I personally love this look. If you don’t want to deal with tying and would prefer a buckle, check out the Symphony version, new out in 2021, that features a buckle at the back instead.
You can easily wear this with neutrals, but I don’t wear a lot of neutrals, so colorful we go!
I also took these pictures with dresses and a shorter jumper a few months ago when the shoes first arrived. We (meaning my husband and I) were playing with a longer lens and don’t have the hang of it, so the ‘looks’ are better than the pictures, which are a bit fuzzy.
I don’t wear animal prints very much, but I like that look the most.
If you’d like a less strappy look but still with the Zeazoo flair, check out the Sahara review.
Fit
Without making any sizing adjustments, these are going to fit well to average feet when it comes to ankle opening and general volume. They do have 3 sole widths and they can do additional customizations for a fee that make the shoes non-returnable but can get you a perfect fit for your feet.
The slope of the toebox is in between rounded options like Tikki and highly sloped options like Be Lenka. My toes are gently sloped, meaning that I have more space in front of the big toes and not much extra at the outer edge.
There is a bit of inward angling of the front of the straps. I get about three-quarters of my splay while wearing them, and my pinky toes are held against their neighbors. It’s not enough to have a severe impact on your big toe, but it is there and likely a key part of the front straps both in looks and security.
Sizing
Zeazoo goes above and beyond to give you detailed sizing information. Check it out:
If that is confusing, let me break it down this way:
First, you need your length. If you don’t know how to measure then check out this post.
Second, check your width. They have narrow, regular, and wide-width options. This changes both the toe base and the heel width.
Third, check your volume at the toes. Zeazoo is almost entirely unique in discussing toe volume, but that’s really important when you’re looking at a sandal like this that does not have an adjustable front. If you’re drastically over or under the usable circumference at the toes, then you will have issues. Note that if you go narrow or wide on the sandal width it does also add a small adjustment to the volume as well in correspondence with the change to maintain the structure and appearance of the sandals.
Fourth, compare to the shape of your own toes so none will end up falling off the sole when you walk.
The strap length at the ankle is customizable, but because of their complexity this is more expensive than customizing an option like the Sahara I have also reviewed. I chose this customization so I could keep the sandals looking as intended even on my bigger ankles, and not have a large gap at the front. I gave them my measurements and they made the necessary adjustment. This change is focused around the ankle circumference and not on the height of the straps.
Zeazoo sizes tend to be longer than expected for their EU number and this holds true for me. I’m typically a size 43 but a size 42 in this, so definitely compare to the chart and don’t be surprised if you size down.
How do they feel?
The Vibram Superflex is one of the best minimalist soles you can get in a casual shoe like this. It has a slight squish to it that makes for great comfort during extended wear. I can walk on this sole forever.
It also meets the roll and squish standards we want:
The upper is very thin and light. Think thin and light, and then go thinner and lighter. It really is about as thin as it gets. This means that the shoes don’t feel uncomfortable at all, but they do have a tendency to drape where there’s any looseness, which for me is at the back of my foot, likely due to extending the ankle strap length and the way the upper is stitched down from the outside, a common sandals technique that adds to interest of the look.
They have stretched with wear to a small degree, but not extensively so and I don’t expect them to. You’re going to get much more stretch from a thicker leather that’s closer to its original state. This is smooth, thin, and likely already stretched during its original processing. Don’t expect to squeeze into something under your volume and have it stretch out, is my point.
Cleaning and Care
Leather shoes should be treated well and Zeazoo has got you covered. They have a detailed care guide here covering how to treat each type of leather, preserve the color, and more. If you would like to use a protectant spray, wax, or other product, check out my resource list. Same rule for nearly every minimalist/barefoot shoe applies: no machine wash or dry.
Purchasing and Returns
The best way to purchase Zeazoo Nymph is directly from zeazookids.com, where you can have the maximum color options and customizations. The standard cost is 73,00€ but you can save 5% with my affiliate code OWBSHOES.
If you’re in the UK, the brown version of Nymph is available from Happy Little Soles.
If you’re in the US, there are limited sizes of the black version of Nymph at Pedterra.com, where my affiliate code OWBSHOES saves you 10% on your first order.
Final thoughts
For me personally, these are a compromise. I don’t get as much splay as I’d like and my pinky toes are held in close. Some people compromise with occasional heels. I will do it with my gladiators and love the look in moderation.
If you are a better fit for them, either through customization or a better personal fit through your toe slope/volume, then enjoy them in full. They are light, flexible, and oh-so-fun barefoot shoes.
Want more reviews?
Check out All the Barefoot Shoe Reviews for more in-depth looks.
Love color or need a specific type of shoe?
Check out the BIG lists here.
