Travel Gear: Skinners Barefoot Sock Shoes
Skinners takes the stance that plenty of traveling feet would be happier on most terrain unbound by all that structure and weight.
Everyone knows that you’re supposed to pack sturdy walking shoes for excursions out and about. The folks who designed Skinners Minimalist Barefoot Sock Shoes beg to differ — or at least broaden your options.
They take the stance that plenty of traveling feet would be happier on most terrain unbound by all that structure and weight. Skinners’ alternative is a pull-on, ankle-hugging high-tech sock with a grippy, shoe-like sole.
The breathable multi-layer uppers combine yarns made of silver-infused antibacterial, moisture-wicking polypropylene, silky viscose, soft cotton, and Lycra (for form-fitting light compression). The soles are made of a puncture-resistant, waterproof, double-layer polymer/plastic compound and are securely fused to the sock uppers with no glue or seams.
Weighing less than 6 ounces a pair, Skinners Sock Shoes are machine-washable and stash compactly in the included drawstring pouch or in a pocket. They are not intended for extended cold-weather exposure, nor for feet with serious orthopedic challenges.
Skinners Barefoot Sock Shoes in black with red, green, blue, or other color accents are about $60 in unisex sizes at skinners.cc.