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Even though the variety of minimalist footwear isn’t as impressive as in the case with traditional alternatives, it doesn’t mean you can and should forget about being picky. I want to get what I pay for and even more, so testing barefoot models has already become a passion of mind. I always pay attention to details to check whether the target pair checks must-have boxes for a barefoot pair in terms of flexibility and overall efficiency.
Saguaro Vitality III offers a top-tier price-to-quality ratio. Testing them and revealing what they are truly capable of has turned out to be fun and exciting. Now I am ready to share my take on how Saguaro Vitality III works.
Zero-Drop
Change the way you move with Saguaro Vitality III. It might take some time until you get accustomed to and confident about barefoot walking, but this shift is worth the hassle:
- no forced posture;
- improved gait;
- no arch pressure;
- no painful sensations in your knees, hips, and so on.
After continuous wear, you will notice better foot posture and balance — that’s what happened with me, too, when I transitioned to barefoot movement. Vitality III hasn’t disappointed me in this regard.
Flexibility
Saguaro Vitality III is the next-level flexibility, I must admit. You can literally roll them up with two fingers — so smooth and comfy, just like slippers. Their ultra-softness also contributes to how balanced and efficient your movement is. Honestly, I haven’t seen anything like that in a long time — A+ from me to Saguaro, for sure. If you are looking for athletic and aesthetic slippers-like comfort, this pair’s quality is approved.
Wide-Toe Box
While these aren’t what people call extra wide toe boxes, the design is a highway to a natural toe splay. So far, I haven’t experienced any discomfort caused by my shoes squeezing or cramping my feet.
Top-Notch Grip
Frankly speaking, when I checked the tread pattern of Saguaro Vitality III, I thought it might be a bit slippery. So I decided to see in practice whether they would come in handy for experiences on a wet trail and wasn’t let down — both literally and figuratively. The rubber sole copes with the task even though the tread system isn’t as deep and varied as with alternatives from Vivobarefoot, for instance.
What’s more, enough space in the toe box allows for a natural toe splay and improved grip. These athletic shoes contribute to the range of movements I can do.
Sizing & Fit
They are available in several sizes. You can check whether the brand has your fit and convert it to the system of measurements you are accustomed to in one click — choose between EU, UK, US Men, and US Women. I ordered my standard size, i.e., US M 9.5-10, and had no issues with it. With elastic lock laces, I can easily secure the fit.
Ground Feel
These are zero-drop, breathable, and flexible. With a sole of 4 millimeters, Saguaro Vitality III is a good choice when you want to transition to barefoot shoes without spending a fortune. Still, it offers enough protection thanks to its silhouette not to feel like every rock beneath your foot pierces your soul.
Build Quality
Saguaro Vitality III comes with both ups and downs in this regard:
- On the one hand, the use of durable yet soft materials contributes to how comfortable they are. With the mesh lining and upper, they do feel like home — I didn’t have a break-in period with them.
- On the other hand, they mold to your feet but lose a bit of their original sparkle. They don’t retain their shape perfectly and may look more worn-out than they actually are if you don’t stick to the brand’s care and maintenance recommendations.
By the way, they don’t require any master-level techniques to keep them on the go. Saguaro Vitality III is machine-washable. However, I do recommend the delicate wash without using any harsh cleaning solutions.
Five-Finger Design
Unlike other models, these shoes are a fashionable take on what barefoot solutions for men and women should look like. They don’t look too wide even though they work for people with various foot anatomy. They are 100% athletic in terms of their aesthetics, though. A classic black upper with a brown rubber sole is clean and sleek in its own way.
Breathability
This design is oriented for summer and spring. My feet can actually breathe. I wore them in the heat and didn’t notice sweaty feet or other hazards like an unpleasant odor after long-term wear. I tested both with socks and sockless regimens — either way, you will feel comfortable.
Final Thoughts
If you want your feet to feel stronger and get a multifunctional pair of athletic shoes at an affordable price, Saguaro Vitality III is highly recommended. It may not be as durable and advanced as other solutions at a higher cost, but they do cope with the challenge of making your foot happy and healthy at an A+.
I have included Saguaro Vitality III Review in categories such as Best Affordable Barefoot Shoes and Best Non-Slip Barefoot Shoes. With us, you’ll also learn more about equally great alternatives from other barefoot manufacturers.