Calver

I normally buy size 41. I got these in 42 and they are nice and roomy. They are a replacement for vivo barefoot shoes that were rubbing a couple of my toes. These are a much better shape for me, a bit squarer across the toes. I can let my feet spread in toesocks with no rubbing, I haven't tried them with correct toes but I wouldn't expect them to fit in comfortably. They also have a more normal lacing system which I prefer. The colour maybe isn't what I would choose, it reminds me of a poison frog. They show up well at dawn and dusk. The grip is really good, I've had a chance to run on soft slippy ground and felt confident in my footing. Also the treads didn't get clogged with mud. I like the spongy free draining insoles.They are very flexible but the thickness of the treads means you don't feel every little stone you land on.

I run frequently in the Welsh hills, so conditions are general very muddy and wet, but these shoes handle it great. The lugs are solid, but most importantly don’t sacrifice the ground feel I love. They are solid and the lacing never lets me down.

250 Miles in and hardly any wear.
Tackles very greasy clay soil, deep mud, hard stony tracks, wet grass, claggy mud & road. (not tried rocky yet) Works well on off-camber mud. The soft studs toe space and lightness makes my Lone peaks seem very heavy (but those are my very cushioned option - same size). The studs give me protection from small sharp stones and I lose some proprioception. However this is worth it for the grip. Only criticism - deep heel counter is stiff. Makes getting shoes on/off challenging ie tongue lost inside shoe (prefer collapsible). We all have different shaped feet. However, you will not lose these in deep mud. Once on, they are staying on. I love the leopard stud design.
Well done Freet.

The shoes themselves are beautiful. Lots of tread which is what I wanted. You can absolutely tell that the build quality is top notch. However, I did some significant research, and before ordering my new shoes from Freet, I had even emailed Freet customer service my foot measurements I had taken on paper, and had told them I am typically size US 11 in other manufacturers shoes. They advised based on my information, to order the calver in size EU 44, and if I had ordered a Feldom (my other consideration), to order an EU 45. So, I took a chance on a promising barefoot shoes company, ordered my new Freet Calver in size EU 44. I was impressed by the shipping time from the US from USPS. The shoes arrived last week, the look, the build quality are excellent. I am rating my experience as 2 stars. Because I asked advice from Freet customer service prior to ordering. They ran too small, I am out total after everything $210CDN, Stated online CDN customers no Returns. I can't afford to order more hope that they will fit.

I cam back to add a long-term review for the Calver. I use these shoes for hiking, running and backpacking. I can say they are simply the best shoe for all three. I used to wear Altra Lone Peaks, but the Calver has supplanted them. My Altra's have some life left in them, but I don't wear them because I don't like the "feel" of them now that I have the Calvers. The latest test was a long and rigorous backpacking trip over all types of terrain. The Calver handled everything I threw at it. My partners on the trip were envious of the grip of my shoes on the different terrain. When I got them wet the dried very quickly. The shoes are so comfortable I don't even bother with camp shoes. Lastly the durability of the shoe is great. For sizing, I purchases my usual size 43 and they are perfect. Very fair price for what you get. Thanks Freet.