Tarkine's Primal Barefoot running shoes are really comfortable to wear. The stretch material makes it easy to put the shoes on and it hugs the foot without squeezing. The no-lace lacing system with its easy to adjust toggle stays put, and is a refreshing change to having to tie laces.
If you have worn Altras or Topos, you will need some adjusting to wearing these shoes because of the low stack height, but if you wear Xeros or Vivobarefoot shoes you will find Tarkine's Primal Barefoot a pleasant alternative option to your running wardrobe.
The Tarkines are true-to-size, but one of my feet is slightly bigger than the other and the shoes were a little too tight on first wear for that foot, but that has eased somewhat in the two-weeks I have been wearing Tarkine. I walk approx. 70km a week, and the shoes are starting to show some signs of wear. How long the shoes last before requiring replacement is still an unknown.
However, without doubt the best point for me, in this economic climate, is the cost for Tarkine Primal. I can buy 2 pairs for the cost of one pair of other branded minimalist shoe. If Tarkine Primal Barefoot shoes have a good wear life before requiring replacement, the low cost just may lead to Tarkine producing the leading minimalist shoe in the future.
