24 Comments
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Paige Diako's avatar

I’ve been zero drop barefoot and natural fibers for all clothing including activewear for a few years now. It’s definitely the way to go. I’ll be posting a roundup of all the cute zero drop shoes out there in a few weeks.

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S. Jane Kim's avatar

Oooh looking forward to it! Will you post a link here when it’s out?

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Paige Diako's avatar

Sure!

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oliverkhobbs's avatar

I also don’t have the genetic predisposition to do well in any race lol. Love working out and also love the fits (for fashion purposes), but would very much like something that isn’t plastic and still comfortable. Love the recos.

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S. Jane Kim's avatar

Right?! Why can’t more cute workout fits just not make us sick 🥲

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GOYLE's avatar

love this! i’m predicting barefoot shoe silhouettes will be mainstream in 5 years. Love my vivos and love the xero sandals you have in the article.

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GOYLE's avatar

i have the motus studio which i think are so chic! and the primus trail for the gym and running :)

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S. Jane Kim's avatar

Totally agree!! Which vivos do you have? I got the canvas sneaks because they were the cheapest but eyeing Motus Strength

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Katharine Kaufman's avatar

S. Jane, Thanks for all this research! I'm taking notes!

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S. Jane Kim's avatar

thanks for reading, Katharine!

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Tina Boetto's avatar

Thank you for all of these great recs! The big brand "sustainable" items rarely hold up under inspection - the Nike skirt is especially disappointing to be marked as sustainable with just a link to their Move to Zero landing page. I'm not a runner but am intrigued by running in sandals since we're conditioned to think running shoes first in the US.

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S. Jane Kim's avatar

Right? I'd love to see cute sustainable gear from Nike. Regarding running sandals— I won't be trying that in NYC where a rat might skip over my toes

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Margarida Salvado's avatar

I was so happy when I found MUKIs on the list of zero drop shows 🥹 I love mine which are dyed with press flowers! I also have the Altra’s zero drop and I have done two Caminos with them, and I wear Xero’s for the gym. I am so happy with the change I’ve made! Next up is natural fibers for all clothing

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S. Jane Kim's avatar

You're so far on the barefoot journey! Do you ever wear non-zero-drop shoes? It's shallow, but I'm scared of not fitting into my fun shoes if I transition completely...

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Margarida Salvado's avatar

I feel exactly the same 😅 I’ve never tried them and I feel the aesthetic is a bit part of it

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Misha's avatar

Love the recs, but I play tennis in 100 degree heat and high humidity. I struggle with wearing natural fibers and being able to compete “comfortably” in soaking wet clothing. I stick to natural fibers in my everyday wear to try and balance.

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S. Jane Kim's avatar

That is badass!

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Kate Jackson's avatar

I have been curious about this brand, which makes adventure skirts, but they are nylon :/

https://www.macabiskirt.com/products/macabi-skirt-dark-cherry-red

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S. Jane Kim's avatar

What a fun design!

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Mariana's avatar

Hi! Did you read Born to run? I bet you are going to love!

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Mariana's avatar

Not exactly, but I do love lighter running shoes and I’ve been using Nike Free models since 2016 (including training for marathons). I do use another models but I prefer the ones that allow more space for feet and less cushion, like Pegasus 37. Just start with light versions. Now I do yoga and realize my feets are kind of strong and “smart”

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S. Jane Kim's avatar

Just finished Born to Run! What an adventure! I haven’t run long distance in years but I’m convinced by the argument that what differentiates us from monkeys & dogs are our big booties and ability to regulate temperature through sweat. Kinda makes me wanna run now lol

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Mariana's avatar

Cool!!

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S. Jane Kim's avatar

I haven’t! Did it convert you into barefoot shoes? I wear zero-drop for workouts but scared of not being able to wear conventional shoes if I go all-in…

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