Review: Kigo Footwear Edge
With the minimalist footwear movement showing no signs of slowing down any time soon, a new crop of forward (or backward, as it were) thinking companies are answering the call. Among them is a company that I had not previously heard of called, Kigo.
Originally made as an après ski answer to relaxing in heavy boots. The vision of Kigo is to provide stylish, athletic minimalist shoes that are constructed to be good for the body and the Earth. Kigo’s are lightweight, super flexible and breathable. Their shoes are also made with eco-friendly, post-consumer and biodegradable elements.
The pair of Kigo’s that I’ve been trying out are the Edge. A unisex slip-on, the edge is super lightweight and has a water and stain resistant outer. The shoe lives up to its billing as a shoe that allows your foot to act as it would when bare while providing protection from some of the debris and such that is too often found on the road. The anti-microbial EVA insole is quite comfortable while not taking away the afferent feedback that our feet give us.
These shoes are easy on and easy off and fold neatly to fit in most bags and even some pockets, all
this without sacrificing durability. I did a few shorter runs in the Edge and really enjoyed it. Since I consider myself a minimalist runner who tends to a more forefoot/midfoot strike, the Kigo’s allowed me to run without compromising my technique.
The shoe is a bit narrow and I can see where anyone who has a wider foot may have some trouble wearing them for extended periods of time. That said, the stretch and flex in the fabric of the shoe allowed my foot, while running and walking to move as needed (my foot is not narrow or wide, just normal).
If you’re looking for a comfortable, minimalist shoe that allows you to keep up a minimalist lifestyle, I would highly recommend Kigo’s. They come in four models, 2 for women and 2 unisex.
