“What are those?!” Just when you thought the meme — and the toe-shoe craze — was dead, here I come, waltzing in like it’s 2010 all over again.
In full transparency, I didn’t understand the appeal when Vibram made its sneaker splash with the FiveFingers footwear phenomenon. At the time, Born to Run was a bestselling hit that had runners and non-runners alike embracing the minimalist movement.
But the trend faltered as folks ran into injuries or simply lost their enthusiasm for shoes that brought them closer to the ground beneath their feet. Minimalist shoes faded in popularity, and max cushion swept in to take its place. It’s a wave the outdoor industry has been riding for the better part of 10 years.
With this arc, I had thought the toe-shoe design quietly died when minimal footwear lost its prominence. But recently, a young brand, Peluva, reached out to offer a test pair with a similar, if softer-looking design. Curious about what I missed the first time around, I agreed.
Where FiveFingers touted utility and rugged performance benefits, Peluva says it’s simply “changing the way the world walks.” After 2 months of daily wear, I’ve become a convert (if not an evangelist). Here’s why I think this new-look toe shoe has a shot to go beyond fad.
In short: You have to crawl before you walk, and the toe shoe revolution — if there is to be one — needs an easier approach than it started with. Peluva’s Lightweight Trainer has become my favorite light-duty daily shoe because it leaves my feet feeling less fatigued, crowded, and overworked at the end of the day. It’s not my preferred shoe for hard miles or peak performance, but for everything in between, it’s a stellar change of pace.
- Weight: 7.5 oz. (size 13 tested) / 7.2 oz. (size 10.5 claimed)
- Stack: 9mm
- Drop: 0mm
Pros
- Sleek, around-town design
- Secure fit
- All-day comfort
- Lightweight
Cons
- Learning curve to put on
- Must use toe socks or wear barefoot
- Laces too long
- Not ideal for long runs
Peluva Toe Shoe: What Is It?
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Peluva Lightweight Trainer Review
Fit
Material & Specs
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Honest Impressions
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Good Almost Everywhere
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