inov-8 EvoSkin™ SKU: #7707501

Brian E

from Newport, RI

To start, the first review here wasn't posted before I purchased the EvoSkins, but I do believe this could be a case of different 'strokes for different folks. I have had my EvoSkins for about a week now and have not only used them for running on pavement, but have also used them for wading in the rocky New England beaches. Yesterday was leg day at the gym, and because I like to squat in the most minimal outsoles possible, these were perfect for the gym. They afforded me the ability to feel the floor and remain stable on heavy lifts (similar to the reason why hard-core body builders often squat in Chuck Taylors...no differential from heel to forefoot...nice and flat). During my runs, I have had no slippage, whatsoever, and they protect my feet from abrasions very nicely. Last weekend I decided to wear them at one of our many rocky beaches in the area and was able to walk in the shallow waters, on rocks and such, without worry of destroying my feet! Talk about versatile! The style is unique and trendy; you can be sure you'll be turning heads left and right and getting inquiries like: "Where can I get those?!" Love them! Will certainly be trying other Inov-8 footwear soon!

Anonymous

from Seattle, WA

I really like these, although my left big toe is slightly too big for the shoe. They fit really well, and I've successfully run on both treadmills and on an outdoor trail in them. I don't seem to have a problem with sweat inside, unlike the other reviewer - there are holes in the toes that allow some breathability, and mine fit snugly enough that I don't slip around in them while running.

Brands I'd also recommend: Vibram

Lauren M

from Boston, MA

I have worn my EvoSkins on a few recent adventures and even used them in a triathlon race that included a Kayak leg instead of a swim leg. It provided perfect protection and grip both in and out of the water. There was minimal drag under water when running the boat up on shore (as you would get with other open strapped shoes) and they drained quickly and easily out of the water. Following the kayak leg of the race there was an approximate 1/4 mile, up-hill trail and field run to the bike transition area and the EvoSkins were the perfect solution for foot protection that could quickly and easily be removed for switch out to the bike cleats. I can't provide perspective on long term barefoot running in them but in my race transition run I didn't feel foot slippage even though they were wet (as it was raining and I had just come out of the water) and there were roots and rocks to dodge along the way. I have used them on several other Kayak adventures and I think they are fantastic for that use and would be for other water based activities such as fishing without waders, etc. I would suggest that users try a size down first because you would want them relatively fitted to avoid any potential slippage within the shoe. I am a woman and I had to affix the straps at the tightest setting as well. Overall, the EvoSkins have performed well for the activities I have used them!

Michele

from San Antonio, Texas

The shoe is comfortable and great for outdoors. The only negative about the shoe is there is no ventilation. I would not wear these shoes for long periods of time because of the accumulation of moisture within the shoe.

Anonymous

from Little Rock, Arkansas

I love these! I use them for my morning workout every morning. They are comfortable enough to use jogging on the street or staying inside and using my elliptical.

Steve r

from tacoma,wa

I bought the Evoskins for backpacking (in camp and stream crossing), but they seem well suited to many activities from the backyard to the beach. The smoke color looks very neutral and natural on my feet. The fit seems awkward at first, but a little foot powder helps the two smallest toes find their way and then the Evoskins are actually quite comfortable once you get used to each digit having its own parking space (probably also helps alleviate any clammy feel and keep nasties from growing) . Its early on but I suspect that the silicone material will prove virtually indestructible. I have other products I use for work made out of similar stuff that last indefinitely. The little holes in toes must work because I have no difficulty removing the Evoskins. The big con for my use is that the claimed weight of 3oz. is a gross exaggeration. Each shoe weighs 4.75oz.( over half a pound total ) which is a lot if you trying to shave weight off your pack. Still, they are the best solution to my needs so they'll stay.

Karen M

from Rolla, Missouri

If I had had these shoes 15 years ago, I would not have hammer toes and bunions! For the first time in a long time, my feet look normal! My hammer toes are even flattened and straight and my big toes go straight instead of curving in which affects my bunions! I am a gardener who loves to go barefoot so now I have the benefit of straightened toes and the feel of the earth's surface under my feet. I am ordering a second pair to sleep in instead of other painful devices for straightening out my big toes.

Anonymous

I wear a women's size 12B and bought the size LG (women's 11½ - 12½). The toes are too short and, while they stretch, it makes wearing them for longer than 15 minutes at a time uncomfortable; I recommend buying up a size if you are in the middle of the range and have long toes as I do.

Anonymous

from Miami, FL

I love my Evo's. They are true to size. Down side: They are a little to hot for Miami humidity. Up side: great for Miami coolness and any cool or cold weather areas if just wearing around the house/yard. Also, I have an obsession with maintaining my toes aligned and they do just that, great for posture and yoga!

Anonymous

from Pittsburgh, PA

These shoes must only work for a few people with very specific toe lengths and foot widths. Or maybe they just need a wider range of sizes divided for the different genders. I bought the small (WM's 7.5-8.5) for my women's size 8 feet. My big toe was slightly too long for the big toe slot, but my pinky and "ring" toes barely made it into their slots. The shoe was also too wide at the toe part, and I had a good half inch of empty space on the side of each foot that could not be corrected with the straps (though granted, my feet are typically considered narrow). Also, while I expected the material to not be the most breathable, even with the breathing holes it felt like I just tied my feet into tight plastic bags. My feet are not abnormally sweaty, but I was sliding around in the shoes within 5 minutes of walking around my (very) air-conditioned apartment. The idea of the material is nice. The silicone is comfortable in general, and maybe the company would benefit from lining the inside of the shoes with some sort of cloth to prevent so much sweating and slipping. I did not get a chance to run in these shoes (I returned them right away) so unfortunately I cannot comment on their comfort while running.

Brands I'd also recommend: Vibram

Anonymous

from Southern Cali

I take several types of water aerobics classes each week, and was disappointed by the clunky, heaviness of the traditional water shoes. The five finger concept has always intrigued me, so I decided to try these out and have been using them ever since. I love them for the pool! Thin and flexible but very durable and protective. They give me just enough traction, while allowing me to balance and run on my toes with ease. Tiny air holes at the toes makes sure no water sneaks in and builds up. The only con I have found that after having them on for a few hours, the straps will sometimes dig into the sides my foot a little, but I have wide, flat feet. If you get these, be ready for a ton of attention. Every single time I wear them, someone will comment or ask me about them. They are unique!

Brands I'd also recommend: Vibram FiveFingers

Anonymous

from Texas

I am a woman with 13N feet. I needed a water shoe to take to Costa Rica. Bought the XL and they seem to fit just fine. Upon wearing them, they became very uncomfortable. They did not make the trip home. They look great and got lots of attention. No support, more like going barefoot. May work for someone with smaller feet.

Nolan

from Boston MA

Well made barefoot shoes. They are the most minimal shoe I have ever worn. One thing, they tend to get slippery when sweated in. Good for running outdoors, but move around a bit on the treadmill and impossible to use in a kickboxing class where you're moving side to side. If you want a thin barrier for running, this is your shoe, but don't buy if you want to partake in classes at your gym with them. If your feet aren't exactly 'normal' shaped, they still conform pretty well. My big toe is a bit large, and my smaller toes don't fill up the entire toe space, but they still work well. Tend to fit better as your feet warm up the silicone. Can't wait to use them on trails and in the water... Will most likely buy Vivobarefoot shoes for road running, though.

Anonymous

My husband wears a size 10.5EE, and I got him the size Large. Generally, these fit him very well, but the toes were way too tight (where "too tight" is defined as restricting blood flow such that the toes turned white and then bluish). We have not tried the XL size because everything else fit very well. The first pair we got had a rip at the top of the anchoring holes, which suggests there may be a problem with the material tearing (Zappos immediately provided a replacement pair through their spectacular customer service).

Anonymous

Good intro shoe for barefoot running. I've tried Vibram's 5 fingers and their sizing is crazy, it's different for each style of shoe. The EvoSkin does a great job protecting feet while jogging on pavement. It's thin compared to Vibram's 5 fingers barefoot shoes however, for street jogging it's great but not fantastic on trails. The range in size means that some of your toes may have more than enough room but it doesn't affect it's comfort. As your workout progresses the shoes mold to your feet. One suggestion, give your feet time to adjust to barefoot running, trust me you will regret going out the first day for a long run or a run on cold pavement. Your feet are accustom to traditional shoes so go slow but your patience will be rewarded. I highly recommend these shoes.

Brands I'd also recommend: Vibram's 5 fingers

Alex M

from Miami, Fl

I wanted these to fit so bad because they are really cool looking, but my toes were uncomfortable in the foot bed and I was honestly not sure how they would hold up over time.

Anonymous

from Northern California

Outrageous waste of money - might have kept if they were $5. Might not have. Sending back immediately. Hard to put your toes in - sweaty feet will be sweatier than ever.