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O Sole mio: Seven days on Skinners
by Michael Restin
Two years with Skinners: a re-review
11.7.2020
Translation: Eva Francis
I'm used to having to explain my unusual choice of footwear. «Skinners» are unique – they can’t be put into any box, but replace half my shoe cabinet.
Yes, I know. It looks like I forgot to put on shoes. I've heard that so many times. And, of course, it feels like that too. I can feel every stone under my feet. For almost two years, I’ve been wearing «Skinners» instead of «proper shoes» regularly. That’s whenever I wasn’t barefoot. Skinners have a thick upper and a thin sole, which extends over your heels and toes and is very robust. No more. But no less either. That’s one of the main aspects – but by far not the only one – I like about this lightweight footwear. Two years ago, I never thought I'd be wearing them so much.
Not indestructible, but very robust
Shards, stones, sharp edges – I walked over pretty much everything that came my way. When jogging, climbing, playing football or paddling, I found it just as natural to wear them as in the gym or on my bike. The list doesn't end here. My walk and my joints feel good in Skinners. That's why they are more than backup shoes for me. In fact, I've covered many kilometres with them. While the strange-looking soles were crumbly in the beginning, they've now melted into a rough, grippy surface in the places that carry most weight. The sole isn't particularly elastic, but more robust than I'd expected.
I have to take a close look to see any signs of damage. Two small areas on the left Skinner are beginning to wear out. The right Skinner has no tear, no holes and no problem areas. The upper material is still in great condition, only the embroidered logo is beginning to come off.
Even though I regularly ignored the washing instructions and neither washed the Skinners inside out nor put them in a laundry bag to wash them, they aren't coming apart. A product without delicate adhesives or seams, free of poisonous softeners, made in the Czech Republic and which lasts for two to three years with intensive outdoor use. In my opinion, there's nothing to complain about. The material and processing are quite ingenious.
Yes, they smell
If you wear Skinners barefoot for an extended period of time, they will smell. Even the silver threads they include, which are supposed to have an antibacterial effect, can't change that. They don't change the fact that you're standing barefoot on a layer of rubber. But you'll also have stinky feet and shoes if you wear sneakers without socks. And even with sports socks, your trainers will start smelling sooner or later.
As far as the Skinners are concerned, I can live with that, because they're so easy to look after. While sports shoes need to be washed, sprayed or filled with scented bags, which is tedious and expensive, Skinners are added to your regular washing and washed in the machine. Afterwards, they're as fresh as a pair of socks and dry within a few hours. Socks are also the keyword when it comes to comfort: wear socks and the Skinners are much more comfortable. When I walk on gravel paths with sharp stones, I also use insoles. They cushion my feet a little, absorb sweat and can also be washed.
Workout, water, whatever
I wouldn't wear neoprene shoes to the gym. And I wouldn't wear socks in the water. Skinners are good for both these occasions – and many more. When I'm travelling, I take them along with me and don't need to pack an extra pair of shoes. And if I'm walking barefoot, I carry them with me just in case. By the way, only their sole is waterproof. A wet meadow is enough to get your feet wet. With my pair, water seeps in through the sole as well. They certainly won't replace wellies. But they were great on my stand-up paddle board and offer excellent grip on all kinds of surfaces.
Skinner family
Experienced parents have spare clothes with them at all times. As I like wearing Skinners myself, I got my kids a pair, too. They're quick to put on and take off, fit two to three shoe sizes and are great as backup footwear for a trip or as water shoes. They fit well, even at the lower end of the size range, and if there's no foot bed, it's also impossible to support the foot incorrectly.
My verdict
Skinners aren't shoes. They're high-quality socks that protect the sole of your foot and your toes. It takes time to get used to what this looks and what it feels like. They fully meet my needs and expectations – which are, of course, individual. But the quality is, without a doubt, great. Skinners can cope with almost anything and, if they smell, all you need to do is throw them in the washing machine and they will be as good as new. For me, they replace half a shoe cabinet full of special footwear. I'm going to give my pair one more summer in non-stop action and then I'll get new ones. If you use them less, they will last longer. Skinners come at a price. Is it too high? Not in my opinion. This minimalist product is maximally well designed.
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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