This company is now closed.
**I have heard too many reports of people having issues ordering from Da Vinci that I am now recommending caution. I hope that they’ll get things sorted, but at this time I advise against ordering from them**
DaVinci Footwear is a brand of barefoot shoes with an old world feel. Made in the classic way to be re-solable and extremely long lasting, there are few barefoot shoe brands that approach this rustic aesthetic.
But DaVinci is going through a change! When they first launched in 2019 they were made with a much narrower toe box than most barefoot shoe buyers prefer. Hearing the voice of the community, DaVinci has kept all the great features of their original shoes, but increased the toe box width considerably. These new boots will be available for presale starting Saturday January 9th! Read on for everything you need to know about the new DaVinci Barefoot Boot line!
The DaVinci Brand
First things first, check out my Original DaVinci Review for an introduction to the brand and their flagship styles.
For my full list of coupon codes just for Anya’s Reviews readers, check out this post!
The Differences
Old toe box in unwaxed brown (left), new toe box in waxed brown (right).
There will be 4 main differences between the new DaVinci boots and the old ones. Those are toe box shape, outsole material, sizing, and color options. The new boots will also be made of a higher quality leather. The styles of the boots remain the same.
Toe Box
The biggest difference will be the toe box, which is considerably wider than the original. The shape of the midfoot and heel is the same, the volume of the shoe is the same.
Outsole
The new outsoles will be entirely of rubber with no split in the center. They are grippy with some traction, but I do not recommend them as a snow shoe for icy conditions.
Sizing
*There’s been some confusion with their size charts. Since writing this post I have received another pair of boots in a size 6, the same size I wore in their original line, and they are the exact same length. My husband also got a pair of the new line and they are also the exact same length as his original pair. So I would recommend sizing down a half to full size just like before.
See the bottom of the post for the updated size chart which you should use to determine your correct size (the 2021 size charts are also up on their website). See this post for help on understanding size charts and how to measure.
Based on the size chart I would say the new boots run long, but not as long as the old boots. Both my husband and I got a smaller size than we normally would in the old boots (a size 6 for me). But in the new boots I tested out a size 7. They are rather long on me and I am able to wear thick socks and an extra insole. Based on the fit of the size 7 and the size chart below, a 6.5 would be a comfortable size for me and still leave space for medium weight socks. A 6.5 is in my normal range, but it’s not uncommon for me to wear a 7 in boots, or even a 7.5 for thick socks. So compared to other size 7 boots I own, these seem to be longer. Be safe and make sure you use the size chart.
Color Options
All 3 styles will still be available for men & women, but there will no longer be burgundy. All boots will come in the following leather colors: waxed brown, waxed black, unwaxed brown, unwaxed black. Read my original review for more info on the differences between waxed and unwaxed leather.
Leather Quality
The new boots will be made with a higher quality leather that should be softer and less crease-y.
Cost & Ordering
DaVinci is a US brand and offers $10 shipping within the US. They ship internationally, and the cost is calculated based on the location. Returns are possible, but buyer pays return shipping.
During the first week of the presale the new line will cost the same as the old ($230-$250). But after the first week the prices will go up slightly to reflect actual manufacturing costs. These boots cost more to make than the old ones. Again, refer to my original review for my thoughts on the pricing and quality of these shoes. Note that there are no pictures to go with the listings of the new wide boots. On their website, click the Shop tab and scroll down past the original models to see the new listings.
The shoes should be in stock and shipping out by the end of January, but because of the strain Covid is placing on manufacturing it could be as late as February. Styles will continue to be restocked throughout the year, so if something does sell out it will be replenished at some point.
New Styles?
There won’t be any new styles released during this presale, but we can expect a low top model and vegan options from DaVinci later this year.
What about the old styles?
At this time, DaVinci does not plan to restock their older models. If there appears to be big demand, they will consider it, but right now the plan is to phase them out. They will remain on the website as long as they are in stock.
Comparisons to other major barefoot shoe brands
From Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Mukishoes, Xero Shoes, Groundies, Vivobarefoot, Wildling, Feelgrounds, DaVinci, Lems, Be Lenka, Ahinsa, Shapen Ivy, Softstar Primal
I have tested and reviewed 100’s of barefoot shoes and understand how they stack up. The above photo is a handful of common barefoot shoe brands put in order of toe box width, from narrowest (top left) to widest (bottom right). DaVinci’s updated toe box shape puts them in the category of a “barefoot shoe brand for extra wide feet.” Their old model would have been in last place, but now they are going from narrower than average to wider than average. That means they are wider than brands like Vivobarefoot, Wildling, Mukishoes, Xero shoes, and Groundies.
For more context on how other barefoot shoe brands compare to each other, read this post.
Fit Type
DaVinci lace up boots fit a medium to high volume foot. The chelsea style is medium to high volume over the arch and ankle, but shallow over the toes. I have low volume feet and am able to make all DaVinci styles work for me by using the tips I talk about here.
The leather, especially the waxed leather, requires breaking in and the shoes soften significantly with wear, but I have found all the DaVinci styles I’ve tried to rub my heel. I have a bone spur, so I use heel cushions in many of my shoes, and if you also have sensitive heels I would plan on it too.
The DaVinci Talmadge next to the Vivobarefoot Fulham, a popular barefoot chelsea boot. The DaVinci boot is wider and less tapered on the pinkie toe side.
Size Chart
*There’s been some confusion with their size charts. I am not sure if these charts are 100% accurate, but since writing this post I have received another pair of boots in a size 6, the same size I wore in their original line, and they are the exact same length. My husband also got a pair of the new line and they are also the exact same length as his original pair. So I would recommend sizing down a half to full size just like before.*
Huge thanks to DaVinci Footwear for making their shoes work for the people! And special thanks to Scott from DaVinci for taking the time answer all these questions from the community. Happy shopping!
38 thoughts on “DaVinci’s New EXTRA WIDE Handcrafted Barefoot Boots”
Thank for sharing this, I’d love a review of the Conker boots in the Chelsea style in 2021 if you get the chance!
oooh I have had my eye on Conker for a while! Thanks for letting me know you’d like to see a review.
Anya, what exact size did you get in the new boot? Did you get the same size as the Fulham boot? Thanks. I’ve been looking at these for such a loooong time.
After looking at the DaVinci size chart I just got this evening and realizing some things I went back and updated the section on sizing, so you might want to take another look at that. It appears they are running a little long, longer than Vivobarefoot. My Fulhams are a size US 7, the DaVinci’s in these photos are a US 7, and the DaVinci are almost a cm longer. I would be most comfortable in a size 6.5 in the DaVinci’s if I was wearing regular weight socks, but the 7s work with thick socks.
That’s what I was wondering. Thank you.
Too bad these don’t work for snow or ice..I can’t afford to buy a pair of boots just for the fall. I wish these had a better sole. I think I’ll hold out and see if Vivo will make their Fulham in brown again. I lobe my black ones. Would you say the tread/ grip on these are slicker than vivo Fulham? I find the Fulham quite good in snow and ice. Also, how do people get the right size when having to account for socks? I’m concerned about paying $330 for a boot, waiting weelmiver a month and then have to pay for return shipping if it’s not the right size. When I bout the Vivos I bought two different sizes and sent back the wrong size…but these are more expensive. I’m a size 40 in the Vivo Fulham so I have lot she of room for medium thick socks. Any idea what size I would get in these? Also, I feel ok with the size 40 ( US 9) in the Vivo because the toe box isn’t super wide. I’m co corned if I get these in a size large enough to fit socks in they will be enormous. Thanks for the review tough. Since Vivo doesn’t offer the Fulham in the brown this year I have been looking for a brown Chelsea boot. I like the overall look but just not sure.
Compared to the Fulham, the outsole on the Da Vinci’s is a little bit slippier but not by much. I wouldn’t consider the Fulham a good snow boot actually, but at least the outsole is grippy. I recommend measuring your foot with the socks you plan to wear on, that can help you find the right size. In the Fulhams I wear a size 37/US 7 and they are narrower and slightly shorter than the DaVinci. So you should be ok in a half size down, or an 8.5. I would of course double check by measuring your foot and comparing it to the size chart just to be sure. Also, I shared a link in this post to a Paypal return shipping reimbursement program! It does take more work than just being issued a free return label, but it helps.
Hi Anya, can I had your advice on sizing for the new Talmadge DaVinci? Also would you recommend them to an active person doing outdoor activities in nature? My feet measure 25,3 Cm (no socks) and 9,7 Cm wide. I am planning to wear heavier wool socks in colder season or even add a wool insole. I usually go with size 41 in barefoot boots. Thank you!
Hi Anne! I replied to your e-mail 🙂 If you normally wear a 41, then the 9.5 might actually be better. But I would defer to the size chart.
I’m wanting to clarify, they’re wider than groundies? According the the size chart, a size 37 in groundies is closest to a size 36 in davinci, however the davinci says it’s just a hair narrower (.2cm). I have really wide feet and currently own a pair of 37 groundies. They are a bit narrow for me, but the style is a looser leather so I make it work. When I saw the size chart I was thinking I might have to pass on these, but your review is giving me a little hope. Are the size charts off?
Width measurements get in the weeds really fast. I do not know how Groundies or DaVinci get their widths, it could be the width of the last used to mold the shoe or the length of the insole. When width is measured from the last it tends to fit wider than you would expect based on measurements. It’s my guess that’s how DaVinci is getting their width. I have Groundies in size 37, and my DaVinci boots are a size US 7. Sole to sole the DaVinci size 7s a quite a bit wider than the Groundies. I will be getting their lace up boots when they come in stock in a size 6.5 since the 7 is kind of long on me. Maybe the 6.5 is the size you need? It’s true that the Groundies outsoles are so soft that you can fudge the width a little bit. The DaVinci boots can stretch to fit, but it’s a process and you’ll likely need to break the boots in.
Thanks for your review! I have the Fullham boots in black and find them a little bit snug around my ankles. Would you say that the Da Vinci boots has the same circumference or are they bigger/smaller? I do not like to have a muffin top on my legs. 😉
It’s pretty similar in circumference 🙁 Unless your black Fulhams are the first model that came out. Those ones are tighter around the ankle. The ones from this past year are a little looser.
Hi
Just to clarify- are these called the ‘Talmadge’ on the da Vinci website? The pics on the website make them look narrower than your pics so I just wanted to clarify I am looking at the right thing before purchasing. And also just to clarify not he sizing am I right in understanding you are suggesting that they are long and that one could size down to get the right fit?
I think you’re probably looking at the original Talmadge, which is a lot narrower. If you scroll down past those listings there are a bunch with just names and no images. Those ones are the new models with the wide toe box. It’s kind of janky, I know. And yes, they do run long! But the size chart show the exact internal length of each shoe, so it would be best to measure before choosing.
Hi Anya
I love the style of the old da vinchi shoes, which are totally sold out in my size (every model). My feet are narrow. I’m scared that the newer versions are to wide for me. Would you say that the new toebox is to wide for narrow feet? For example: my feet swim in be lenka’s. I feel like a duck in them. Wildlings are perfect for my foot with.
Thank you very much and thank you for your reviews. I’m new to the barefoot scene. I have read allmost every review here. 🙂
Cheers,
Evelien from Belgium
The new ones are quite wide, wider than Wildlings. You might have some better luck with narrow-average width brands found on the Barefoot Shoe Finder!
https://barefootshoefinder.com/
Thank you!
Have a nice day.
Cheers,
Evelien
Ps: love your reviews. Very structured, informative and even humoristic.
Ah, thanks so much!
What color are the Fulhams in this post? Desert Sand? I’ve been looking at getting a pair in that color but it looks super orange on the Revivo site!
Yes, it’s Desert Sand! You can see more pictures of them here. And yes, their photos of them look super orange.
https://anyasreviews.com/vivobarefoot-fulham-review-barefoot-chelsea-boot/
Hey Anya,
My feet are 23.6 cm and I consistently order one size larger than you, or 38 in boots. I ordered a 7 in the black waxed Talmadge boots but they sent size 6.5 because they didn’t have size 7. My left big toe is hitting the right side of the boot so was wondering if I exchange them for a size 7 in a different color or try to stretch them. How much do they stretch and will the waxed leather soften up? Thank you!
Suzie
Hey! I haven’t put too much effort into stretching my new ones yet (I have two new pairs that arrived just recently, one for me in a size 6 and one for my husband in a 12). Based off my husband’s experience wearing them to work several days they don’t stretch really fast. It would probably be worth stuffing the toe box to try to loosen it up. I can’t imagine you would need a size 7 with your length, unless you like a lot of space.
Thank you for your input! I stuffed them with socks and have been massaging the top and bending the front sole and its helping. It definitely will take time to get it soft and flexible, but will keep working at it because I love them! Thank you for introducing me to Davinci!