Reviews for WHITIN Men's Cross-Trainer | Barefoot & Minimalist Shoe | Zero Drop Sole | Wide Toe Box

People say Whitin is really similar to Merrell.

5.0

Amazing for the price!

I am a long-time minimalist shoe-wearer and I wore Merrell Trail Gloves for years. I decided to try a different brand this year and noticed that these were a quarter the price but had similar features. I ordered the black/gum color in 11.5. My feet are wide (2E) and these had no problems with fit. The toe box is nice and wide and the fabric is adaptive to my feet. No drop, and just enough protection for the soles. I bought these primarily as a gym shoe but have since worn them daily as my all-around shoe. They are less supportive and more flexible than the Merrill barefoot line (road glove, trail glove or vapor glove). I found these shoes to be a better fit for me, probably due to how unstructured the body of the shoe is, allowing them to conform to my feet. There is some support on the heel cup, but it is very flexible and not restrictive as I've found in other brands. The arch support is truly minimal. With the zero drop I found the feel to be similar to wrestling/deadlift shoes. In fact I've used these to deadlift on a few occasions when I didn't have my deadlift shoes with me. My only complaint is that I wore these once without socks and the liner for the insoles immediately shifted and shriveled up. I removed the liner, which was a very thin foam layer, and haven't had any issues since. I don't feel any real difference without the liner, so I'm kind of surprised it's included at all. There is still a full insole, so the addition of a thin foam layer seems redundant. ... Read More

5.0

Great shoes

I originally bought these shoes to replace my Merrell running shoes. I really enjoy these shoes. I have not ran in them though. That is mainly because of the material. While I like the minimalist arch support, the side of the shoes doesn't really offer stability because it is made of fabric. My foot moves in them a lot just walking around. I can't imagine running in them. For a walking shoe I rate them as a 5 star because I love the feel and simplistic look and my feet never hurt with them.

5.0

So comfortable!

I really love these shoes! I am a woman and wear a womens 10.5 or mens 9.5 usually. I ordered the mens size 9 and it fits me perfectly with athletic socks with plenty of room at the toe ends. I have not run in them yet but mostly got them for everyday wearing/walking. I have several zero drop/minimalist athletic shoes…Inov8, Merrell, Xero, so was super happy these were inexpensive compared to my usual purchases. And I actually like the look of them - they are interesting and not the usual. Trying to talk my husband into getting a pair.

5.0

Comparable to Merrel Glove 2

I bought these in white. I think they sent the wrong size, 1 size smaller than I ordered and they were very tight when I first put them on but I loosened the laces and that solved the problem. They are the most comfortable shoes I own. I have bought them again in black and hopefully I will get the size I asked for. I’ve gotten lots of compliments on the white. They also clean up in the washer and don’t fall apart. UPDATE- I’m having trouble with the black pair, the removable insoles keep slipping and ride up the back of my heels.

5.0

Great value

I have worn minimalist shoes for nearly a decade, and these are the best value I've found. I've worn Inov8, Xero, Merrell, and a few other big-name brands, and I've grown frustrated with them all over time as it seems they've gradually changed production standards (or something) and their durability has always declined. I got sick of buying $100+ shoes that break down quickly (even for the ones I purchased for casual wear). I took a shot with these, and I have been pleased. These have helf up well to moderate hiking and jogging a few time per week. For the price, they're a great deal.

5.0

Awesome shoe

Very attractive and comfortable for urban adventures and the gym. It isn't very supportive when it comes to rocky ground but that is to me expected from a lightweight "barefoot" shoe. For the price I freaking love this show way better than my hundred dollar merrells of a similar style.

5.0

Perfectly designed. Wide natural toe box. Very comfortable all day!

I had my doubts. But I’ve ran 3-6 miles a day in them. They feel great for everyday wear. I own merrells and 5-fingers. And these by far have been the most comfortable for pretty much everything.

5.0

Comfortable and inexpensive

Been wearing these every day since I purchased a couple weeks ago, they are comfortable like slippers, allow plenty of movement and can be worn all day without foot fatigue. The whole shoe is flexible so they don’t offer support so have good walking technique if you want these. They look good and feel good, haven’t ran in them yet but I’m sure they will be good. So far they are more comfortable than my $100 Merrell runners

5.0

Best barefoot shoe for the money

I’ve been a barefoot shoe devotee for a few years now. I mostly wear Vivo’s. They’re great, but expensive. I’ve also gone through many pairs of Merrell Trail Gloves, which can also be pricey. These Whitin cross trainers surprised me. They have a comfortable, sock-like fit and seem well constructed. They actually have more lateral stability on my feet than Vivo’s or Merrill’s. I’ll be getting more in the future.

5.0

Amazing shoes good value

Bought these shoes to replace my Merrell trail running shoes. While I love my Merrell shoes, I can't afford to pay $100 to replace them every year. I also have size 15/16 feet so finding shoes that work for me in this style is limited. Great value. Great shoes. Holding up well