# Speaking of the Nike Free (casual/dress equivalents?) **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [April 21, 2008, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speaking-of-the-nike-free-casual-dress-equivalents/446243 "2008-04-21T16:12:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Figaro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ea666f/32.png) [@Figaro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Figaro)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2008, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speaking-of-the-nike-free-casual-dress-equivalents/446243/1 "2008-04-21T16:12:23Z")
Reading and posting in [this](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=462031) thread got me thinking… My Nike Free running shoes are currently my most comfortable shoes, and I wear then whenever I’m at home or just out doing things, as well as for my workouts. But my work life requires both office and professorial attire, meaning anywhere from dress shoes to nicer looking casual kicks that are never very comfortable for me. And I’ve tried lots…my feet just aren’t happy in most shoes. So…there were some great suggestions for shoes in that other thread. Can anyone point me towards a shoe that is similar in design/function to the Free, but which could pass visually for a more work-appropriate shoe? This dream shoe may not exist, but I figured I’d at least ask around. One thing: I have narrow feet that usually won’t stay put in loafers, so something that laces would be better. But I’m open to any suggestions. Thanks for any help! ~fig ETA: For those that don’t know the Free, or who didn’t read the other thread, the Nike Free is a shoe that is supposed to simulate being bare-footed. The sole is extremely flexible, and the support is relatively light. ---
**Author:** ![tremorviolet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e47774/32.png) [@tremorviolet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tremorviolet)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2008, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speaking-of-the-nike-free-casual-dress-equivalents/446243/2 "2008-04-22T16:51:22Z")
I just read an article called [Why you walk wrong](http://nymag.com/health/features/46213/). The guy mentions shoes called Vivo Barefoot which have nothing but a light Kevlar sole to protect the bottom of the foot. I’d link to the site but the server must be overwhelmed as it won’t come up. Anyway, they look like they might be dressier versions of the Nike Free. ---
**Author:** ![Ceejaytee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ceejaytee/32/2956_2.png) [@Ceejaytee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ceejaytee)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2008, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speaking-of-the-nike-free-casual-dress-equivalents/446243/3 "2008-04-22T17:49:52Z")
I just read that article too, and passed it onto my husband. He ordered a pair of Vivos today. They won’t fit me–I have very very wide feet, so I’m ordering moccasins from [here](http://www.softstarshoes.com/index.cfm). You can design your own in smooth leather or suede (vegan options available) in almost any color. I’m really excited about them. ---
**Author:** ![Figaro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ea666f/32.png) [@Figaro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Figaro)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2008, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/speaking-of-the-nike-free-casual-dress-equivalents/446243/4 "2008-04-22T18:33:13Z")
Wow - thanks to both of you! I had given up on this thread once it sank off the first page. I’m definitely going to look into the Vivo Barefoots 🆒