- Review: Lono Wild – Best budget barefoot hiking shoes around? - April 30, 2025
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Lono is the new kid on the barefoot block, and in my Lono Flow Review I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and value of these, even they they had their small problem.
They’ve upped the game with the Lono Wild – a purpose-made hiking barefoot shoe at a competitive price and interesting build. Lets skip any more preamble and hop right into it!
For more of my top picks check out my Ultimate Barefoot Shoes Buyers Guide
Table of Contents
Comfort
I love leather. It’s smooth, soft, flexible, and moulds to your feet. I certainly feel that with these shoes and they have excellent comfort. While I would say my Primus Trails and Tracker Decon Low feel better on my feet, these are in no way uncomfortable and in fact feel better than my Xero shoes.
The thick rubber sole does reduce that barefoot feeling/sensation by a good margin, but on the other hand that may be more comfortable as the pokiness of rocks, roots, and gravel is dramatically reduced. For me I prefer a raw barefoot feeling, but for many they prefer a bit more space between them an sharp things. Personal preference here.
In terms of weather comfort, I’d say these are best suited towards cool-mild weather. As there is not much for breathability and ventilation, I find temperatures over 15°C to be too warm for these, and I’d say you want more insulation starting at about -5°C, or at very least, double layer wool socks.
Overall in terms of comfort they rate highly for me!
Link to Lonos official website
Performance
Since these shoes are mostly oriented towards hiking/outdoor activities, that’s how I’ll judge performance.
Coming in a 382 grams I would say they’re an average weight – lightweight compared to a regular hiking shoe or boot (430 grams), but a bit heavier than a lightweight trail runner like the Vivobarefoot Primus Trail (270 grams). This is a clear compromise to add durability, which, is well-needed for hardy trails.
The density and spacing of the lugs does have a little problem with shedding thicker mud and wet clay, and doesn’t provide as much grip as the ESC or FG treads found on Vivobarefoot shoes. However, I find it’s certainly adequate in most cases.
As a benefit form this tight spacing, you’ll have improved grip on flat, wet surfaces, and the lugs will last significantly better in the long term.
The clever lacing which hooks into the sole improves that locked-in feeling and stability. Further assisting confidence is the squared heel stabiliser, which gives just a bit more traction on the heel when on a decline. The rubber toe bumper also helps mitigate the inevitable toe-bashes on invisible roots and rocky ground. Very impressive design choices!
They’re certainly adequate for trail running, though the lack of ventilation will of course lead to hot, sweaty feel. Likewise for hiking in mid-summer heat. However, when conditions cool down and it starts to lightly rain, then it’s a significant improvement.
Overall they perform very well, and while I prefer my lighter, more feedback, more agile, Primus Trails, these are far stronger and more durable than those, and strike a nice middle ground.
Link to Lonos official website
Durability
The density of the rubber and the nature of leather/suede, topped with the stitched sole, metal eyelets and thick laces really inspires a lot of confidence that these will last a long time! Of course only time will tell so I’ll have to update this review later once I’ve put them through their paces a little more.
So far, judging off the stitched-through sole, lacing, materials, rubber density, and other small details – these are going to stack up to be well-reliable shoes! Quite high hopes for these ones.
Link to Lonos official website
Build Quality & Materials
A suede upper and strong rubber role are is the makeup of the Lono Wild. The sole is a stitched-through design, which, is great for longevity. To add to that, a cork & foam insole adds nice insulate properties for cooler weather while remaining lightweight and thin.
The lacing, eyelets, material quality, etc – all of it screams high-quality! In fact, it feels akin to Vivobarefoot in terms of build quality – which is a huge compliment!
I really enjoy the large heel loop, squared heel stabiliser, and lacing system. Toe bumper and cork insole are cherry on top.
It has a 4mm sole with 4mm lugs for a total 8mm stack height, which, isn’t enormous, but is substantially more than ‘barefoot’.
In short – the build quality far exceeded my expectations and I have full confidence in saying these are the best built shoe for the money! Bravo!
Link to Lonos official website
Aesthetics
You know what this shoe reminds me of? An approach shoe! More specifically, the Scarpa Crux. Heck, they also resemble my La Sportiva Mythos climbing shoes.
More importantly, the Lono Wild passes my proven aesthetics test: my picky housemate. She really doesn’t like the look of almost any of my barefoot shoes, but these she said look quite nice! This surprised me a lot.
The ‘clown shoe’ silhouette is mostly obfuscated by clever design choices and the create use of patterns and empty space makes the shoe look more ‘premium’ than generic shoes.
I think it still appears like a typical hiking shoe, but a nice one at that. I quite like how they look and while they won’t be winning me any fancy dates, they certainly look far better than lots of barefoot shoes. Well done!
Conclusion
Colour me impressed, these things are really quite good!
Especially at the price – the build quality is exceptionally nice considering the cost. They perform nicely, seem to be built to last, and look not half bad either!
I would say that the sole could use wider spacing between lugs to improve shedding of debris, however that’s about my only complaint.
If you’re in for a tough, well-built, durable, decent looking, well-priced barefoot hiking shoe, then I think this is the one to grab.
Personally, I will still primarily opt for my Vivobarefoot Tracker Decon Low and Primus Trails for their improved ventilation in dry weather, however I would absolutely be fine transitioning to these one full-time as well. Considering the price, it’s almost a no-brainer.
Well done, Lono – the Flow were good, but these are far better! Big ups.
Questions? Leave a comment down below and I’ll get back to you! Thanks for reading and peace 🙂
For more of my top picks check out my Ultimate Barefoot Shoes Buyers Guide
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Lono Wild
Barefoot hiking shoes designed for trails and the great outdoors, with emphasis on durability and comfort.
Product Brand: Lono
4.8
Pros
- Good price
- Great build quality
- Comfort
Cons
- Breathability
- Barefoot feeling