An Introduction to Minimalist Footwear

A Healthier Alternative to Traditional Shoes

"Rediscover the Power of Healthy Feet"

Tuesday 6th of january 2025

Flow S Carbon

Minimalist footwear offers a healthier, more natural option compared to typical shoes, which can negatively impact the biomechanics of our feet and lower limbs. Traditional shoes often change how our feet interact with the ground, leading to weaker muscles and decreased foot sensitivity over time. This can cause foot health issues and increase the risk of injury, particularly as we age.

Historically, early footwear was simple, made from materials like animal skins that allowed for more natural foot movement. However, modern shoes often include thick heels and rigid soles that dull sensory input, affecting the way we move and causing a loss of foot strength and flexibility. Our feet are complex, with 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 20 muscles in each. These work together to support movement and absorb shocks, but standard shoes limit the natural movement of the foot, particularly the arch, which can result in injuries or impaired function over time.

60%

Foot strength increase in 6 months

Let your body flow naturally and confidently with our barefoot shoe design

Minimalist footwear aims to reverse these effects by allowing the feet to move more freely and regain strength. By restoring natural movement and sensory feedback, minimalist shoes help strengthen the muscles and ligaments of the foot, promoting better foot health and preventing injuries.

At LONO, we believe in the power of minimalist footwear to enhance foot health and overall well-being. Our FLOW shoes are designed to allow your feet to move as nature intended, helping you rediscover the strength and flexibility you've lost over time. Explore our range of barefoot-inspired shoes, designed to be flat from heel to toe with a wide toe box that allows your toes to splay naturally for better stability. Crafted from biodegradable materials, our shoes will be there every step you make into a healthier, more natural future.

What do the experts think of our product?

Anya's Review

Anyasreviews

The Lono Flow is a true barefoot shoe that I really like! The stretchy uppers are soft and comfortable, and the outsole is really thin and flexible – everything I look for in a shoe!

Foltsy

AndrewFolts

Overall the Lono Flow is a rare example of an affordable barefoot shoe that not only competes with more premium brands at twice the price but actually improves on them with some clever features.

That Fit Friend

Thatfitfriend

The FLOW works well for cross-training, and if you want a budget-friendly option and routinely do athletic, circuit, and mobility-focused sessions, then you’ll like this shoe.

Barefoot Strength Project

TheBarefootStrengthProject

The absolute thing I love is that lono has been listening to barefoot consumers and fixing existing problems, I think that’s hugely commendable!

For new barefooters

3 tips to get started

If you are new to the barefoot game, there are some things to prepare yourself for. Here are 3 tips to get started on your barefoot journey.

See the Flow S Carbon

See the Flow S Tusk

Flow S Tusk
Flow S Tusk
Flow S TuskFlow S Tusk

See the Flow S Black

Flow S BlackFlow S Black
Based on 332 reviews
74%
(246)
14%
(45)
7%
(22)
2%
(5)
4%
(14)
Great shoes, Great customer service

Shoes are great, look awesome, use them for walking and gym. Sizing is slightly larger than other brands, make sure you use the size chart

Customer service was friendly and efficient, exchanging sizes was straightforward.

Fun and functional

I've been a Vivobarefoot fanatic for almost 10 years, but I'm always curious about other brands that are getting into the minimalist sneaker space. Most of them are no good, but the Lono Flow is AWESOME, and the price point is a lot more approachable. It's more flexible than today's Vivos, with a softer and grippier rubber in the sole. The fit is fantastic, they hug through the mid-foot so the shoe stays put and yet also have plenty of room in the toe box for me to get a great toe splay - and even have plenty of room to wear toe spacers. I buy the cork insoles and don't wear socks, and the cork keeps the stink to a minimum. I like the two-tone design of this new Flow S, but I miss the round laces of the original Flow. I was worried the flat laces wouldn't be stretchy enough for the foot to move freely, but they're fine - I just like the aesthetic of the round lace better and wish it was a two-tone round lace! The pads inside the heel of the shoe to anchor the heel down seem a little thicker in the Flow S, and so at first they felt a little shorter, but the pads broke in to feel the same as the original Flow after a couple of wears. The other subtle updates are all nice and don't materially affect the way the shoe feels. Huge fan of this brand!

LOVE

I'm obsessed with these shoes :) I've been wearing barefoot shoes for several years but have never found any trainers that are comfortable. They all scrape my skin or pinch in a weird area, and I do not love to wear socks (sensory things), so this has been an issue. The Flow model is super comfortable, fit like a glove and are breathable and soft. I am a dancer and foot/ankle articulation is important to me when I'm strength training, and these are perfect. No socks needed! I can't wait for the red to be back in stock in my size!

best barefoot shoe i've owned

extremely comfortable yet they still feel durable and of high quality. I highly recommend

It is comfortable to wear.

The Barefoot Shoes is awesome. I have wear around 2 weeks as casual wear and gym wear, it's really comfortable. I'm not sure it's good for flatfoot or not, compared to usual shoes with air cushions, the feet do not seem to get tired easily when wearing barefoot shoes. Pay attention to your gait.

Great shoes

The shoes are very comfortable. Easy to wear. Easy to wash and handle.

My 3rd pair of Lonos!

It's my 3rd pair of Lonos and it's now my daily preferred footwear! I'm a Personal Trainer who's always on the go - and Lono makes movement comfortable and flexible. I'm always recommending it to clients and friends.

Very comfy to my feet

Highly recommend to other people. I like it because so comfy to my feet and I don't feel pain the way in my long and hard trail . Its so barefoot feel while I'm walking. Love your product tho 🦵💪🤲💚

Great pair of workout shoes

Very good quality and the sizing charts are accurate so the fit was great as well! Highly recommended!

Excellent grip

Bought these on a rec from my PT. They have excellent grip which is helping me a lot when lifting. Super light and comfortable. Wouldn’t run on a treadmill in them but for everything else 👌🏻

Transformed my gym experience

I dont think I fully realised the impact well fitted shoes would have on my gym training experience. It's been incredibly comfortable from day one. Would hands down recommend.

very pleased

I am extremely pleased with the insoles and the cost.
Great job!

New shoes

I love my new shoes! They are so comfortable! I love being bare feet, but leaving in a Nordic country, this is not easy many months of the year. This is the closest to bare feet :-)

Great value for money barefoot shoes

Very comfortable barefoot shoes and nice toe box size. The white color is easy to get dirty though

My new favorites

Stylish and comfortable…

A good barefoot shoe.

Flow

Its comfortable and earth contact

Hands down, the best barefoot shoe I've ever bought!

Superb fit, craftsmanship, attention to detail. I have been stopped by people on the street, in doctor's waiting rooms, by doctors! to ask me where I got my shoes,
And they look soooo sexy (IMHO).

Flexible & Secure

The outsole seems designed in a way that allows flexibility in all directions. The heel is very secure, and for someone with a wide mid and forefoot, but narrow ankle and heel, this is perfect. The lacing system allows adjustability for those with wide midfoot, and so this shoe fits much better for me than Vivobarefoot’s athletic line. I’ve been able to run in these for up to 10 miles on roads with inclines so far and they have been fine. They are stable and I find myself landing correctly on my mid to forefoot while running without having to think about it. They’re also great in the gym. The sole is thin and not very aggressive, so they might not be the best on trail. I only wish they came in half sizes as well.

I love your product !

The shoe is easy to put on and fits firmly on my feet without discomfort. The traction is supper great and still allows me to maneuver while performing difficult moves.

Sizing recommendation seems off

I'm 274mm. Ordered size 45. Too big sent back. 44 sold at cost to neighbor... too big. 43 in he mail. Quality of shoe is awesome.

Very nice shoes. A bit better fit than ordinary flows.

Great for daily wearing

Like the tight design of ankle. Vamp is Breathable.

Flow S carbon

Its awesome, the colour is also good .. I have been wearing it for days in gym and also to office!

Lonos flow s

This model does not come with padding but it give a more confident feel and snuggly fitting your feet. Side movement is good as the shoes like a sock wrapping your whole ankle not too tight due to its elasticity. Good pair of shoe. Will buy again.

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