Background information
Is less shoe more? Step by step into barefoot life
by Michael Restin
Meindl "Pure Freedom": The shoe with the wrong name
8.9.2020
Translation: machine translated
The "Pure Freedom" from Meindl promises nothing less than pure freedom. From the point of view of the passionate barefoot walker, this is not true. The minimalist shoe is a great prison for slender feet.
This summer, I've largely got out of the habit of wearing 'proper' shoes. Whenever possible, I'm travelling barefoot or putting on my Skinners. Why is that? Because I can do it. Rarely has there been so little pressure to conform to the dress code. That's liberating, but of course not the main reason. I walk barefoot or in minimalist shoes because it makes me feel good. And I'm now good at it.
At least I no longer have a problem doing without cushioning and a footbed. That's why I jump at the chance to test the "Pure Freedom" from Meindl. A shoe that only lives up to its name at second glance. At first glance, I ask myself: How cramped can great freedom be?
The shoe is as narrow as it looks. Compared to my model from Vivobarefoot, in which the toes have plenty of room to play, the "Pure Freedom" sits tightly. If you're looking for the wide toe box typical of barefoot shoes with maximum freedom of movement, you can stop reading here. The tight Meindl doesn't want to be a barefoot shoe. It has other qualities. Let's get the shoe out of the bag.
Material and workmanship
The "knit mesh" upper material is thin and elasticated, with only the toe and heel areas discreetly reinforced. With the help of the heel tab, it is quick to put on and fits around the foot like a compression sock. The speed lacing system can also be used to fasten the shoe and ensure a very firm hold, which is no longer necessary for me. The large flap on the lacing system can also be used to roll up the shoe and store it in the pack sack provided.
When the shoe is on the foot, this strap sticks out like an antenna, unless I hide it under the laces. Then it reaches almost to my toes and spoils the look a little. The Litebase sole from Vibram, which is extremely flexible, is really impressive. I'll go into its properties later. First a look inside the shoe: no footbed to be discovered. Instead, there is a thick seam that follows the contours of the sole. The manufacturer gives the weight as 135 grams, which may be correct for the smallest size. My shoe in size 44 weighs 168 grams and is superbly made.
A little barefoot feeling
Without socks on the foot, the Pure Freedom cuts a fine figure. Slim, black, unobtrusive. Minimalist. I decided to only wear it with socks for two reasons. Firstly, I'm bothered by the circumferential seam, which I can clearly feel on my bare feet. Secondly, it chafes my skin at the level of the Achilles tendon, where the heel tab is sewn. Funnily enough, this is only on the left foot, although I can't see any difference or fault in the workmanship.
It may be due to my running style. In any case, socks eliminate both problems and still give you that barefoot feeling. Thanks to the zero position of the sole, which has no noticeable rise. Thanks to the flexibility and good feedback. Stones and roots are perceptible without hurting. Compared to the Skinners, the Vibram sole is a thick thing and dampens a little. Depending on the measurement test, I came up with 0.8, 0.6 or one centimetre - I can't say for sure. And I don't care as long as their properties are convincing.
The sole
Meindl advertises the Pure Freedom as an all-rounder in all situations. Whether as a second shoe on a hut tour, for biking, in the city or for water sports. One for everything. For me, it has become the first choice for all situations where the Skinners are not enough. It impressed me in the mountains. I was actually planning to get back into light boots for a short but steep hike. After five minutes, I had had enough.
I'd rather slip in minimalist shoes than sweat and have no feel for the ground. That's what I thought, because the ground was softened and the profile of the Pure Freedom didn't promise the best grip. Vibram sole or not. A misjudgement on my part. I was at least as safe as my fellow runners. Without lumps of mud on the soles. But with a lot of grip and fun, because the foot can feel the ground very well and judge the next step. With Litebase technology, Vibram promises the usual traction and abrasion resistance despite up to 50 per cent less thickness and up to 30 per cent less weight. However that may work - I'm convinced by the result.
Conclusion
As a second shoe on a mountain tour, the lightweight Meindl are a good companion. A lot of shoe, little weight - this calculation works out and you won't get wet feet immediately despite the "knit mesh". Of course, such reduced footwear offers less protection. However, once you've got used to walking in them, you'll be happy to do without and the risk of twisting your ankle is low with thin and flexible soles.
For me, the "Pure Freedom" is a great shoe that simply has the wrong name. Instead of freedom, it gives me the feeling of being well protected despite having very little material on my feet. The workmanship is good, the cut rather narrow. If you have wide feet, you probably won't be happy with this model. I would have preferred to take it half a size larger, as it fits snugly in my usual size. Apart from that, it's a good compromise for anyone who likes minimalist style and wants to bring a little barefoot feeling into autumn.
Michael Restin
Senior Editor
Michael.Restin@digitecgalaxus.chSimple writer and dad of two who likes to be on the move, wading through everyday family life. Juggling several balls, I'll occasionally drop one. It could be a ball, or a remark. Or both.
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