Kigo Edge Shoe : Simple, Slip-On Comfort

There's a trend in outdoor gear that's all about "barefoot" footwear--i.e., shoes that hug your feet and give you as close to a bare foot feeling as possible. Being a fan of thick, orthopedic-style footwear, I was sure I wouldn't be interested in any of the new minimalist shoes displayed at this summer's Outdoor Retailer show. I was wrong, of course.

Kigo Footwear's Edge shoe is a streamlined, slip-on shoe that's equally appropriate around the campground, by the lake, around town, and anywhere else a fashionable man- or woman-on-the-go might want to go. This full-coverage unisex shoe was designed to be worn without socks; it's foot-hugging upper prevents debris from getting in.

The Edge is attractive and bold, but still subtle. I like the dark grey uppers and the contrast green color panel and top stitching.

I also like that the shoe has a versatile fit. I have wide feet, and I wear a full-length orthotic, so finding lightweight footwear is usually a nightmare. Surprisingly, the Edge accommodated my feet and my insoles because it's made out of stretchy material. I think people with normal-width feet will still find a great fit, too.

The Kigo Edge has a grooved sole that provides great traction. It's also completely flexible; I can fold the shoes in two for easy packing. At four ounces a shoe, the Edge is great for travel. Normally, such a shoe wouldn't be supportive enough for me, but once I started wearing a pair I couldn't take them off for days because they're so comfortable.

The Edge has removable insoles, so I can still wear my orthotic (I just sized up by 1/2 size). I loved the barefoot feel. Initially, I'd given these shoes to my boyfriend to wear test during a 10-day road trip, and he loved them. Then one evening I slipped them on for a quick visit to the pool of our hotel, and he hasn't seen them since!

I wore them every day we traveled. The Edge was ideal for wearing in the car and for stopping to check out roadside attractions. I love that I wore them one day with a skirt and my boyfriend wore them the next day with shorts and a tee. Style-wise, they really are unisex. Normally, I wouldn't be able to interest my boyfriend in any of my fun shoes (whew!), but he's happy to wear "our" Kigo shoes whenever he gets a chance.

Available in six colors. This shoe runs small. Order one size bigger than usual. (Or check with Kigo in the future to see if their sizing has changed.)

Materials: Upper is made out of eco-friendly materials and contains post-consumer waste.

Bottom Line: I love this sweet slip-on shoe, and so will you!--E.D. (Sept '10)

BUY ONLINE : $69.99

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Manufacturer's Site : www.kigofootwear.com