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Add to SafariWhen comparing Skinners vs Sockwa X8, the Slant community recommends Sockwa X8 for most people. In the question“What are the best closed toe barefoot shoes?” Sockwa X8 is ranked 1st while Skinners is ranked 3rd. The most important reason people chose Sockwa X8 is:
With a velcro strap or large rubber band roll the Sockwa up and it takes almost no space in your bag or pocket.
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Packable and light
These roll up and are very packable, a decent lightweight camp shoe option.
Pro Reviewer reports wearing these around fires
Seems to be more durable around fires compared to similar products.
Pro Foldable
With a velcro strap or large rubber band roll the Sockwa up and it takes almost no space in your bag or pocket.
Pro Lightweight
2-4oz per foot depending on the size.
Pro Mostly blister free
The development of blisters is dependent on how tough the sole of your feet is. People wearing these shoes should not develop blisters in conventional places such as in the toe box due to rubbing against the front or sides or the ankle area of conventional shoes. People without callused feet may get blisters on the bottom of their feet if they're walking on gravel or rocky terrain, at least until the bottom of their feet toughen up and adapt to the barefoot lifestyle.
Pro Breathes really well
These are great for outdoor use as they breathe so well, they dry super fast, your feet won't stink as bad with all the airflow.
Pro Traction + Super thin sole
One would be hard pressed to find a sole that is thinner than these, yet still have traction and a fully enclosed foot. Also non marking outsole.
Pro Somewhat discreet
Compared to Vibram 5 toes, these fly under the radar more. The occasional bystander may think someone wearing these are wearing just socks, but most of the time the black ones don't call attention to themselves. The white ones may differ. YMMV
Pro Easy to take on and off
It is super easy to take on and off. A child could do it.
Cons
Con Looks like a sock
The top portion is actually sock material, so this is guaranteed to attract unwanted attention.
Con Not very breathable
Reviewer reports feet becoming clammy due to insufficient ventilation.
Con Not wide enough at the forefoot
The Sockwa people should re-think their toebox. It needs to be wider to allow more room for your toes to splay.
Con Not appropriate for wet/rainy weather or seasons
Because there is virtually no height to the soles, the bathtub design goes up just a slight bit to get by, but generally, these will get wet when walking in areas where water pools and floods.
Con Doesn't last long before holes develop
The issue is mostly with the top mesh, they get holes easily from fire embers, asides from that they are very tough and can withstand a lot, but fire embers is nailing the Achilles tendon of this shoe.
Con Socks may get dirty depending on use, may need to change laundry approach
If you wear socks with these (recommended) they will get very dirty if you're in an environment that is dry and dusty. It's no big deal, just shake em out and launder them. But keep it in mind that there will be more dirt in your socks, so it may be desirable to change one's approach in doing laundry.
