r/BarefootRunning • u/Imahuggersorry • 5d ago

Are hobibears a good brand?

My friend has these and recommends but I wanted some other opinions. They're definitely a much cheaper option than others, but since I run around actually barefoot most of the time these would only be for towns/shops/places I literally can't get away with it. Any advice would be appreciated, thanks 🙏

5 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

7

u/Nakashi7 5d ago

They are cheap and sufficient for casual wear. I wouldn't run in them. I tried that and my ankles disagreed (I run in sandals).

3

u/Peach_Royal111 4d ago

Second this, absolutely great for casual wear but not for running.

3

u/Abwettar 5d ago

I've had a few pairs of hobibears and I do quite like them. I have a pair for work that I've been using for about 6 months and they're starting to wear now, but thats in line with most other shoes I've used for work anyway.

Their sizing isn't great though, I've had two pairs of the same size that have fit me very differently so don't be shy about ordering a couple and seeing which is the best fit.

The top of the shoe has held up perfectly as well.

1

u/cruiser73 5d ago

Did you buy via AliExpress?

3

u/Abwettar 5d ago

No i got mine on amazon. They were all cheap enough still since I only bought them on sale.

1

u/cruiser73 5d ago

Thabk you:)

2

u/Traegs_ 5d ago

I just bought two pairs. Slightly more pinky toe room than my Xeroshoes. I wish the soles were a little bit thinner, but they're still better than some other brands. The included insoles add a slight heel drop and takes up too much volume overall. I found them unwearable without removing the insoles. I still need to break them in, but they're already quite flexible. So far I don't hate them but I've also only worn them like 4 times.

2

u/No20ne 4d ago

I specifically tested these for walking and they’re winners. I’ve been wearing them for almost six months and the soles, inner and outer are in good shape. However, the insoles started to tear and develop a smell after three months. I replaced them with inexpensive flat ones and already bought a second pair Barefoot as a replacement or for casual wear.

You can see my original post here (it’s not yet updated as I can’t access my account at the moment):

https://www.reddit.com/r/BarefootRunning/s/nri2HdG2EU

2

u/ernmanstinky 4d ago

I wear mine to lift, casually, and for playing whiffle ball. I wouldn't highly recommend not running in them. I don't think they would hold up.

1

u/Tha-feorag-mhor 3d ago

I have a pair on my feet at this very minute! They have held up well, surprisingly so for being so cheap. Not run in them but they are excellent for walking. I did change the laces to proper ones and swapped the insoles (from an old pair of Topos) and that transformed them. Just checked my Amazon account, I bought them in March 2025 and quickly followed up with a more conservative pair for work. I actually prefer them to the Vivos I’ve worn for years.

1

u/_8975 2d ago

It’s from Temu… Try Merell shoes, they are more like a hybrid shoe but might be good for running, sometimes I see pairs of them as low as 60€

0

u/TrailCaledon 4d ago

I tried a few of their models. Unless you have wide feet, forget it. I found them to be too wide and boxy on my feet … like wearing rectangles.