Skinners: rugged soles, soft socks and a comfortable barefoot feeling
10.7.2023
Translation: Veronica Bielawski
People always say that you need a pair of sturdy shoes for the outdoors. But the soft, minimalist Skinners barefoot shoes have become a favourite of mine. Here’s why.
There are some really beautiful shoes out there. Yet I mostly walk barefoot. Why? For a few reasons. For one, I like to feel the ground and pay attention to how I walk. In addition, walking barefoot exercises the 20 muscles and over 100 ligaments in your feet.
Strong feet help with balance and are important for stand-up paddleboarding and trail running. Oh, and I have very wide feet. Many shoes squeeze and chafe my feet, making them feel like they’re trapped in a cage that’s too small. That’s why I usually walk around barefoot – or in barefoot shoes when going au naturel isn’t an option.
The Skinners Compression 2.0 aren’t your classic barefoot shoes. Instead, they’re a cross between shoes and socks – in essence, they’re socks with a sturdy sole. Earlier models have already been extensively tested by the Galaxus Editorial Team. In this latest iteration, the socks go up higher and fit tightly at the ankle and calf, like sports compression socks. This is meant to provide more support and balance when running as well as during dynamic movements like jumping and hopping.
Travel friendly – lightweight and compact
At first, I was hesitant to rock the Skinners’ sock look around the city or office. But for leisure and outdoor adventures, they seemed perfect. And since they’re very light at 230 grammes and can be rolled up to the size of a fist, I took them with me on my seven-day kayaking trip to Sweden.
Source: Siri Schubert
As soon as I got on the train, I threw on the Skinners. The minimalist shoe socks feel very soft and comfortable, and the wide toe box offers ample space for wide feet. I can feel the compression around my ankles and calves. It feels nice and gives extra support, while the perforated insole provides comfort. You can remove the insole to feel the ground even better.
Source: Siri Schubert
The core of the Skinners is the sole made of polymers. It’s black, textured and looks like a thin layer of lava. Sitting on the train, I’m glad to have a protective layer between my feet and the definitely not germ-free floor. But it’s only once I reach the islands in the Swedish region of Östergötland that the Skinners really shine.
Rough ground is no problem for the tough sole
The islands are small and uninhabited, with hardly any paths. Instead, the ground is littered with small sharp branches, pine cones and dried, prickly blackberry vines. Thanks to the sole, which is attached to the socks without seams or glue, I can walk around freely without having to pull splinters and thorns out of my feet at the end of the day.
Next, I test the Skinners on the slippery, algae-covered rocks at the water’s edge. The sole provides enough grip – I can safely get into my kayak without slipping. The Skinners are also suitable for use in the water and feel lighter than a neoprene shoe. What’s more, the knit fabric does a better job at draining the water, so I don’t feel like I’m standing in a puddle in my shoes.
Source: Siri Schubert
Washing gets out the stench
During my seven-day kayaking trip, I put the socks through an endurance test. I wore them almost permanently, only letting them dry a bit during the short, humid nights. As expected, they reeked by the time I got home. This came as no surprise to me, as I’m familiar with other barefoot shoes. Even the patented Anti-Odor Stretch Knit fabric, which makes up the top of the Skinners, is of little help.
Source: Siri Schubert
Luckily, the Skinners are washable at 30°C. I immediately turned them inside-out and threw them in the wash in a laundry bag. After one wash they were almost like new again; only the sole proved a tad crumbly. According to the manufacturer, this is normal and should stop with use.
As for my Skinners, they’re back on my feet. I’ve got used to the sock look and wear them when I go for a quick walk to the lake or through the woods. They’re perfect for the outdoors.
Source: Siri Schubert
Motivated by my good experiences, I even gave the Skinners Compression 2.0 a go at the office. But my feet quickly grew too warm and started to sweat. To be fair, I could have expected as much in a non-air-conditioned office in high summer.
I definitely consider the strengths of the Skinners Compression 2.0 to lie in outdoor use – for running and jogging, be it if you’re a barefoot-shoe newbie or pro. But you should be careful if you’re a newbie: start slow, and don’t go over 10 to 15 minutes in the beginning. For off-road hiking, camping and water sports, the lightweight and compact Skinners are definitely a good addition – if not a replacement – to sturdier shoes.
Header image: Siri Schubert
Siri Schubert
Senior Editor
Siri.Schubert@digitecgalaxus.chResearch diver, outdoor guide and SUP instructor – I love being in, on and around water. Lakes, rivers and the ocean are my playgrounds. For a change of perspective, I look at the world from above while trail running or flying drones.
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