As you may know, I love trying out new brands and am always on the hunt for hidden gems. Last summer I was searching for a barefoot sneaker I could use for more strenuous exercise, but that still looked like a “normal” shoe. In my search, I happened upon Tadeevo.
Tadeevo is a Polish company that makes barefoot sneakers and winter boots for men, women, and kids. They also carry a men’s dress shoe. They pride themselves on using science to manufacture some of the most minimal shoes out there.
Materials
These shoes are incredibly flexible, and very lightweight. On top they are made of leather and mesh (very breathable) and are completely unstructured, so they really move with your foot. The outsole is rubber. The insole is leather, but it’s kind of rough and I don’t love wearing them with no socks or insoles. I wear either my North Sole insoles or these no show socks (these socks have the seam underneath and don’t pinch my toes). Otherwise, these are VERY comfortable.
Barefoot qualities
These are foot shaped! Hallelujah! They’re also completely flat, and very thin with a stack height of 5mm. For those who are transitioning to barefoot, you might want to add more cushion with North Sole’s zero drop insoles. I find that I often need some extra cushion in these shoes, because they are so minimal and I’m still adjusting my gait and heel strike. They are incredibly comfortable with the insoles in though.
Price
This style of shoe ranges from $94-$99 with free shipping. That’s pretty much in the ball park when it comes to barefoot shoes, and maybe even on the cheaper side because of the free shipping. They do accept returns within 30 days, but you pay for your return shipping. I tried their winter shoes as well (I’ll add a few pics of them at the end for those interested) and sent those back for a refund. It cost $30 to ship them back to Poland. I did have to wait a really long time, like over a month, before the shoes made it to them and I got my money back.
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Sizing
I followed their size guide and was pretty much in between a 36 and 37. I ended up going with the 37s and they fit well, with lots of room. The 36s would probably work too, but because of the laces I can cinch them around my foot and still have space around my toes. I always use the manufacturer’s size guide before ordering shoes, thankfully Tadeevo has a pretty detailed chart up for reference.
Styling
Style-wise, I really appreciate the neutral color of these. There are several neutral options and I chose Volcanic Grey. When I wanted to purchase they were currently sold out, but I didn’t have to wait long for them to get back in stock. I’m not into shoes that are sporty looking, and I looked long and hard for something I could exercise in but looked more like a fashion sneaker. These Tadeevos are simple and easy to throw on with joggers or leggings. They don’t look like they only belong in a gym or on a trail. For those who like color, there are some fun bright options as well (bright red, green, and orange).
Shoe Care
I used Chamberlain’s leather cleaner to clean up the leather sections, and it’s been working great at getting the stains out. I haven’t needed to clean the mesh, but I would just use a rag with soapy water. If these got really dirty, I’d risk washing them on gentle in cold water with my soap nuts detergent (I have done that with my Vivobarefoot Gobi’s no problem!). Surprisingly, I haven’t ruined any leather shoes yet by washing them in the machine, though I don’t recommend it for any fancy shoes!.
Conclusion
Based on my experience, these are some of the most minimal sneakers out there. They check all the boxes, and are cute to boot!
Have any of you found barefoot sneakers that aren’t too sporty looking, but function like a dream? I’d love to hear what else is out there!
Below are a few photos of Tadeevo’s winter shoes that I snapped before sending them back. I had no intention of reviewing them at the time, so the photos are poor. Thick and warm, very flexible, but too boxy for my taste.
46 thoughts on “Tadeevo Minimalist Shoes Review”
Hi Anya. Thanks for this review–it’s one of the best on the net. The sizing info is really helpful and I wanted to avoid sending them back to Poland if possible. One question: On the winter shoe style, did you find the sizing also true to their chart?
So glad it is helpful for you! Yes, I ordered the same size in the winter shoes, using their size chart on their website. They were just as roomy as the sneakers.
Hi Anya,
You mentioned in your post you paid through Paypal and got the $30 sending back cost refunded. How do we go about this if we want to send back a pair? Did you make the initial purchase through paypal? My husband is reluctant to buy these shoes due to the shipping cost if the size isn’t correct, would be great to hear how you went about this.
Thanks
Yes, you do need to make the initial purchase with PayPal, and you need to activate the return shipping offer on your account via this link:
https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/returns
Then you can go back and find the transaction later and click a Start Return (or something like that) button. Then you’ll have an opportunity to upload images that show what you paid for the return shipping and they refund it to your paypal account. I think I uploaded an image of the receipt and the shipping label.
if your still looking for a similar sneaker, check out the Primal from Lems! I really like them (all their models actually)
Thank you! I’ve heard good things, but have yet to try Lems.
I’ve just received new ballerina’s from them, and love them! Their sizing chart is pretty correct and I love the placement of the straps. They’re wide enough and leave enough room for my wide and high feet. Found my new go to brand!
awesome! thanks for sharing
Xero shoes, Softstar,SOM, vivobarefoot, Muki shoes, belenka, solerunner, wildling, lems, kigo are the all brands that I have read or tried out
Can I ask you which brands you have tried and how are they?
I’ve tried tons of different brands! Check out my Instagram page to see what shoes I wear on a daily basis.
I love my Tadeevo color of storm shoes. The sole is just now wearing thin after walking outdoors miles and miles for a few years. I can’t find anything else online that is truly barefoot and doesn’t have ugly elephant toes or plastic in the insole.. I tried Xero sandals and a strap broke after one wearing, so I hesitate to try their shoes. Tadeevo has well made shoes with accurate sizing, I wearUS 9, corresponding to EU 40. I’ve gotten many compliments on these, and they are totally comfortable for my wide toes and narrow heel.
The Tadeevo sneakers are great! Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
Love my Winter black minimalist boots, I was very disappointed to find out they ARE NOT WATERPROOF!
Do you know if they can be waterproofed with a spray or a waxy product? Are they water-resistant?
You definitely could spray a water protectant on the boots! But not having worn mine out I’m not sure how they hold up to water as they come.
Lisa, which boots aren’t waterproof?
Anya, thanks for the great review of this shoes. I am planning to purchase a pair but is a bit confused with the sizing. I typically wear US Man 8.5 for my running shoes, however, i I follow the sizing chart, I should be ordering a US Man 7.0.
Base on your experience, do I follow the sizing chart or go with my typical shoe size. the difference between 7.0 and 8.5 is pretty big
That is a pretty big difference. I would re measure you foot two different ways (from a foot tracing and using the wall method) and double check. Then maybe reach out to Tadeevo to double check. They do run a little big, so it’s possible, but I’d want to be sure before ordering.
Have you tried Lems ? I have 2 pairs of Lems Primal 2. Love them. I’m going to try the Tadeevos next.
I actually am testing out my first Lems this season! I just shared my first impressions of the waterproof boulder boot on my Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/p/CE7eM_yhH-K/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
I have a question. I’m looking for a stream lined shoe, like these, for wearing while doing house cleaning…(which I do for work). ..would you recommend these or would you say there might not be enough support for being on my feet all day. I hate clunky shoes, but with age I’m finding in need a shoe that I can wear, maybe just in the house👍🏻 (Starting to have some knee issues and have been told I might just need an indoor shoe) Any help or info about these shoes or others that you think would work for me, would be greatly appreciated!!😎
Hi! These shoes are very comfortable and lightweight, but also very minimal so the sole is super thin. If that bothers your feet after a long day of work adding an insole would help you be more comfortable but wouldn’t add bulk or weight to the shoe.
https://anyasreviews.com/barefoot-insoles-review/
Hi Anya!
Tadeevo shoes are good for greek type, wide feet?
Thank u
Yep, I would say so! They are also good for high volume feet.
I don’t know what “greek type” is, but I have rather wide feet and the Tadeevo Bliss I just got are way too narrow over the metatharsal joints. Kind of disappointed, they are narrower than my old pair of Merrel trail gloves, which are kind of slim. The sole of the tadeevos are way too narrow under the metatharsal joints.
This is strange, our Tadeevo Bliss is very wide, one of the widest! Is it possible you have the incorrect size? We reviewed their Bliss model in this Running Shoes article.
That review is why I bought them, …and why my expactions were high:)
Sizing seemed ok, length wise, used their guide. My Camper Peu is far wider (but not zero drop, sadly). Altra Superior is wide enough, but they´re not minimalist regarding cushioning (I do use them for running, as my old feet have been in non- barefoot shoes too long to quite take on running in thin soles..). But would like to find something like the Bliss for summer hiking/trail walking. Trying Joe Nimble, next.
Thank you for this review! They helped me decide to buy a pair I just got in today. I’m like you, right between 36/37. Every pair of barefoot (and otherwise) shoes I own are 37’s, so I went with 37 and the ended up feeling really big! I’m not sure if I’m just not used to the super flexible toe box (even merrell and vibram don’t seem to be this flexible) or if they are too big. Any advice on the fit? You said you could go with the 36 too maybe, would you?
It’s not too uncommon for barefoot shoes to feel big if you’re not used to the space. The main thing to watch out for is if the shoe doesn’t feel secure and you can’t walk comfortably. So try going around the house in em and see if you catch the toe on things or feel like they’re slipping around. The 37s fit me better now that my feet have spread more, it’s been a couple years since this review.
Hi Anya! You helped me many times, so I feel brave enough to ask you one more question 😉 Have you sent the Winter boots back because they were too high / bulky in the toebox? I have rather wide (10 cm wide with 25 cm long) but skinny feet and wonder if they would fit me. If not them, which one should I try (Belenkas probably)?
Hi! I didn’t like the square shape of the toe box, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. Personally, I prefer the look and softness of Be Lenka, but the Tadeevos are fine shoes.
Hi Anya,
I’m looking at ordering these but I’m unsure of what size. My feet measure 26.1cm and are narrow sloped low volume. Would you recommend getting the 41 or 42? I’m new to barefoot and looking for my first pair of trainers to walk in.
Thanks for all your reviews, they’re so helpful!
Hi! If you are in between sizes on the chart then you can probably go down. Otherwise I would just stick with what they recommend per their size chart (it’s on every product page, you just find your foot length and the corresponding shoe size is below it.
Hi, I’m thinking about getting some Tadeevo autumn boots. But I’m not sure what size, I don’t want to pay the delivery if they don’t fit because I’m from Mexico! and it’s quite expensive (almost the cost of the shoes!). My feet are 23.6 cm. Do you recommend I get size 37 or 38? (I see the chart and this size is in the middle of those two sizes…) Thanks a lot!
Personally I would go 38 with that length, especially if you plan to wear socks or have wide feet!
Thanks for your thorough reviews. The size I ordered are a bit too snug on the widest part of my feet. What method/service did you use to return your boots? The Fedex quote I came up with was over $150 dollars US. USPS International doesn’t recognize/accept the address provided by Tadeevo on their website.
I used regular USPS mail, but I went into the post office to ship it. When you create the label online it can be a little more fickle about the address. You should have the option to override the message that the address is incorrect when you are in person. But you also might want to contact Tadeevo just to double check – it’s been some time since I returned those and I don’t remember if I had to do that (but it sounds vaguely familiar).
Thanks very much for the advice. I’ll try going to my local USPS.
Hello, how wide ate The Tadeevo you tried?
I use Xero HFS now and like the width of them.
Are the tadeevo similare?
Regards
Sara
Xero HFS in women’s is narrower than Tadeevo by a good bit. If you got the HFS in men’s it’ll be closer to the Tadeevo width.
I have a mountain foot shape with a narrow heel. My vivio primus lite III womens doesn’t provide enough space for my little toe, and it gets squeezed from the side. It’s because it tapers down too aggressively on that side. My wildling tanukis fit. Do you think these shoes are wide enough, and have a suitable toe box shape that doesn’t affect my little toe? How wide are they? My feet are 24,6 cm long. Would size 39 eu be right?
Yes, if you like Wildling Tanuki I think you will be pleased. These are a good bit wider than the Tanuki’s and don’t have that steep slope on the outside edge that you find in Vivobarefoot shoes. They have a size chart that shows you exactly what size to get based on your foot length. I would consult that for the best sizing advice.
Comfy on my wide, high volume narrow-heeled feet, but not very stable for any lateral motion. When coaching rugby in them, they often slip off at the heel or “roll” around my feet upon lateral pressure, like cutting or pushing off sideways.
Hi Anya, thank you for all the work you do here. It’s really helped me with my barefoot journey the last couple years.
I’m now looking for a pair of running shoes and these look to be a good option, but I want to ask if they are wide enough to use with toe spacers? I’m comfortable in my Wildlings and Groundies but would be very snug with toe spacers on.
I’ve also tried a few shoes with Vibram soles and find them extremely uncomfortable. They seem very solid and make my feet hurt. I’ve tried Freet’s Flex, which isn’t officially Vibram but gave me the same feeling. Are the soles on these shoes similar?
Thank you.
Hi Seraphina,
Tadeevo sneakers should be plenty wide enough for toe spacers, but it does depend on how wide your feet are to begin with. Compared to Wildlings and Groundies, the Tadeevo Bliss is a lot wider so I don’t expect you’ll have a problem. The soles are soft and flexible with a bit of squish but still very thin. Vibram makes many different outsoles so I’m not sure exactly what it is that’s bothering you, but if you like Groundies soles I think you’ll be happy with Tadeevo.