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Let’s be honest — most barefoot shoes are far from winning extra points for their styling. Wide-toe-boxed designs are easy to spot, and they may seem cumbersome for inexperienced users. That’s where Barebarics UrbanEdge in beige or black changes the game.
Unlike usual ultra-minimalist options, these actually look like regular sneaker-like boots — versatile, modern, and sleek to put on and wear anywhere. However, as the model’s aesthetics are rocking, what about other performance-based features? Let me share my hands-on experience with these ankle-cut winter boots. Onwards!
General Assessment: 4.7 out of 5
Pros:
- Waterproof efficiency
- Warm winter boots for men
- Lightweight
- Barefoot-friendly design, featuring a wide toe box and a zero-drop sole
- The PowerGrip sole for better traction on icy surfaces
- Sneaker-style aesthetics
Cons:
- Short laces
- They tend to run small
- They may make your feet seem larger
Overall, I’m pretty satisfied with what Barebarics UrbanEdge has turned out to be — a pair of comfy, warm, and stylish winter boots for multiple terrains. After two months, they do look new; make sure to follow the brand’s care and maintenance principles.
I don’t think they will work as multi-seasonal boots — they are too warm for that. If you are interested in winter-ready footwear that prevents your feet from feeling stiff in colder temperatures, its insulation will be enough.
Comfort & Fit
The primary takeaway from this Barebarics Barefoot Shoes UrbanEdge review is simple — these boots run small. I had to order a size up to ensure they would fit — EU 44 instead of my standard EU 43. At the same time, some reviewers mentioned that their standard size fit fine, but I didn’t want to risk a cramped fit or deal with troublesome returns.
It wasn’t a wrong move. The insulation does take up some internal space. Plus, you might want to wear a pair of thicker socks. Take this into account when choosing the right size to avoid a cramped fit. Besides, Barebarics recommends going a size up, too.
They feature a flexible sole and a wide, foot-shaped toe box. That’s another reason to go for a size-up if you want to benefit from these minimalist footwear aspects. The thing is that you may lack enough space for a natural toe splay in the forefront of the shoe, otherwise.
Another drawback of the model is its lacing system. Its laces are shorter than desired, which may make it difficult for customers to fully control how these boots fit. Using the top eyelets wasn’t as simple as ABC, so I just replaced the laces.
Traction & Slip Resistance
The PowerGrip sole on the UrbanEdge does a decent job, but it didn’t quite meet my expectations. The horizontal tread pattern is pretty effective, but I’ve seen better choices for improved traction so far. In comparison, Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest Boots offer a complex system of more aggressive lugs of 7 millimeters on the 2.5 mm sole base.
Waterproof & Warm
Another crucial observation is that these boots can keep your feet dry and provide decent stability on different terrains. UrbanEdge features a water-repellent breathable membrane, which is proven waterproof after rigorous testing by the brand. I didn’t try to keep them soaked wet for hours, but walking outside in slushy conditions proved that the waterproof membrane is the real deal in this case.
That said, this model does offer a solid balance of comfort and grip, which makes it a great solution for winter adventures outdoors. Please don’t get me wrong — these aren’t the perfect match for trekking and hiking. Instead, they are best suited for navigating city sidewalks and similar activities.
The Primaloft insulation is another top-notch feature, making long-time spent outdoors a breeze without the slightest discomfort. I’d definitely skip wearing these indoors for long periods unless you want to experience sweaty-feet hazards.
Final Thoughts
For anyone who’s held off on switching to foot-health-oriented minimalist shoes because of their looks, Barebarics UrbanEdge might be the answer they’ve been looking for. This model proves that you can gain both that special streetwear look and foot freedom. While there are some features that wouldn’t mind improvements and modifications, its core functional profile is flawless — winter boots for secure and cozy movement.
I have included Alaskan Buffalo in such categories on the site: The Best Waterproof Barefoot Shoes and Non-Slip Barefoot Shoes. With us, you’ll also learn more about equally great alternatives from other barefoot manufacturers.