Skinners blends shoes and socks with latest hybrids

Is it a shoe? Is it a sock? With two new shoe-sock hybrids, outdoor specialists Skinners are blurring the line. Taking barefoot footwear to the extreme, the two new models attempt to harness the best of both worlds, allowing for a barefoot feel whilst ensuring protection and durability. Of course, there are plenty of barefoot running shoes and barefoot hiking shoes out there already, but these claim to go a step further.

Combining a smooth sock-like upper with a ‘protective yet flexible’ 0.1"/3mm polymer sole, the new ‘Comfort 2.0’ and ‘Compression 2.0’ models claim to provide all the cosiness of a sock with the durability of a well-worn outdoor shoe. Durable for up to 500 miles / 805 km of standard use and weighing under 7oz / 200g, Skinners' latest offering is suitable for all manner of outdoor pursuits including hiking, surfing and wild swimming.

The low profile Comfort 2.0 features a removable, perforated insole to optimise breathability and comfort.

Differing slightly, the Compression 2.0 features a similar insole, but has a higher cut construction and narrower toe box . Aiming to provide additional support and balance, this model is fit to compress around the ankle and foot.

Available in a range of colorways, the high-top Compression 2.0 is retails for $82 / £62.90, while its low-top counterpart, the Comfort 2.0 is $70 / £54.

Here, Skinners leaves us in no mans land, both products are very well priced in comparison to their competitors in the barefoot shoe sphere, but extremely expensive for a pair of socks.

Bursting on to the scene in 2016, Skinners began life as a Kickstarter project , promising supporters the freedom, flexibility and sensation of walking barefoot.

Alongside customers in over 120 countries, the Czech brand boasts eco-friendly production methods.

Manufactured by hand using environmentally responsible Swedish materials, Skinners glue-free production doesn't use phthalates - the toxic chemicals frequently found in the production in shoes.

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