Turriff Functional Footwear C-02

I’ve worn and loved barefoot-style shoes for twelve years, most notably Vivobarefoot. I've found that for me they beautifully balance out the hard miles I also put into stiff and chunky heritage boots. Upon learning on the Stitchdown website that a former Viberg designer was launching his own barefoot line and putting out a first production batch, I jumped in line straightaway. These combine the best of what I love in both barefoot shoes and handmade boots: unmatched fit, feel, and freedom of movement, with the durability, repairability, premium materials, and transparency of construction and sourcing that you get from a small maker. I can’t wait to beat these up outside and report back with a full review. First impressions: these are finely finished, supple, extremely well considered throughout their design, and beautiful (if you’re into the look!)

Turriff recommends sizing down from brannock. I opted to order true to size given my exceptionally wide and high-volume feet. I found when trying them on that true to size was the right choice for me. However, for most people, following the advice of sizing down by half or even a full size will probably yield the best fit. Turriff offers personalized fit advice if you send in personal measurements according to their website instructions. For Vivobarefoot/Xeroshoes wearers, the Turriff last fits wider at the instep and forefoot and narrower at the heel for equivalent size. Length is similar.

I pre-ordered through the Turriff online store. I received periodic production updates on my order batch. There was a delay of a few days in production that Turriff explained was due to a deliberate change in insole materials. I otherwise received these with no issues during ordering, wait time, shipping, or delivery.