Footwear that is both fashion-forward and foot-friendly can be hard to come by. Thankfully, Be Lenka has come to the rescue with Be Lenka Royale — a beautiful pair of minimalist sneakers with a wide toe box and zero drop sole. Featuring a flexible upper and sole, the Royale appeals to a wide range of customers, even those who may not typically seek out barefoot footwear.
If you’re a fan of minimalist footwear, you’ve probably heard of Be Lenka. This Slovak-based brand is known for their high-quality barefoot shoes, which are designed to promote natural foot movement and comfort. Their latest offering, the Royale sneaker, is no exception. In this post, we’ll share our thoughts on the Royale and give you an inside look at what makes these shoes so special.
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Tested on: woman, medium-wide feet, 26.3 cm long and 10 cm wide, low instep, skinny ankles with narrow heel, fin-shaped foot (see our how to measure guide and foot type posts) – wearing size 42
| Slovakia | Adult | Leather | Ship worldwide |
2. Material characteristics
2.1 Upper
Be Lenka’s Royale is a versatile city sneaker crafted with precision and attention to detail. Made in Slovakia, it boasts premium Nappa and smooth leather uppers in a crisp white hue with four additional color options available for the heel and tongue.
The minimalist design adds to its clean aesthetic, making it easy to pair with any outfit, from a sharp suit to casual jeans and a t-shirt.
In addition to the sleek appearance, small details such as the golden eyelets and subtle Be Lenka green logo elevate the Royale’s style.
The suede leather heel collar, available in different colors, feels soft and comfortable against the skin, adding to the overall luxurious feel of the shoe.
2.2 Lining
The Royale offers more than just a stylish exterior. Inside, it is fully lined with a soft textile lining, ensuring a comfortable experience even when worn barefoot. The removable insole provides minimal cushioning, giving your feet just the right amount of support.
2.3 Sole
The Be Lenka Royale features the brand’s signature EverydayComfort sole, which is just 4 mm thick. Made from thermoplastic rubber, it boasts excellent flexibility in both directions, allowing your feet to move and flex naturally with every step.
While the sole doesn’t have deep lugs, it is designed for urban wear and provides just the right amount of grip and traction. This makes it a versatile choice for everyday use, whether you’re walking on city sidewalks or navigating slick office floors.
3. Sizing information
3.1 Length
The Be Lenka Royale sneakers are unisex and available in sizes 36-47. However, please note that the peach colorway is only available up to size 43.
Before placing your order, we recommend consulting the Be Lenka’s size chart to ensure a perfect fit. Simply measure your foot length and add 10-12 mm to determine the correct size. For example, my foot length is 26.3 cm, and I need a size 42, which is 11 mm longer than my foot.
3.2. Toebox shape & width
The Be Lenka Royale features a new toe box shape that feels slightly different from other models such as the Champ or Prime.
Its stronger slope towards the pinky toe makes it less suitable for those with more square-shaped feet . While you can gain extra space by adding more room in front of your toes, those with very square-shaped feet (like shapes 3 and 6) may find that the Royale isn’t the perfect fit for them.
However, the Royale will be an excellent fit for those with a longest big toe. It has a less pronounced bean shape, which means that those with a stronger bean shape of their feet may feel their big toe touching the side of the shoe. In this case, we recommend trying Be Lenka’s sneakers made on the UrbanComfort sole.
The shoes are best suited for medium and wide feet, but will not fit extra wide feet.
For more information on foot types, we invite you to check out our blog post, What is my Foot Type?
3.3. Fit around the instep, heel and ankle
The Be Lenka Royale is best suited for low to average height insteps and can be adjusted well to different ankle widths. However, if you have high-volume feet, especially in the midfoot where the laces start, this model may feel more restrictive as the design does not allow for a lot of adjustments in this area.
4. Comfort
The Be Lenka Royale feels super comfortable on the feet from the moment you put them on, whether you wear them with or without socks.
5. How and when to wear them?
They are super versatile sneakers and their design allow you to pair them with any outfit – pair them with jeans and t-shirt, dress or upgrade the look of your suit with Royale for a perfect sporty elegance look.
6. Price & where to buy
You can purchase Be Lenka shoes on their official website, as well as at various local barefoot footwear retailers around the world.
Additionally, by using the code BOSENOGICE, you can get a 5% discount on all Be Lenka shoes (non-affiliate).
7. Shipping info
Be Lenka offers international shipping to customers worldwide. Shipping costs vary based on the destination country. For customers in select EU countries, Be Lenka offers free returns, making it easy to find the perfect fit without any additional costs.
8. To sum up
The Be Lenka Royale is an exceptional barefoot shoe that not only offers a sleek and stylish design but also prioritizes comfort and natural movement. Whether you’re looking for a shoe to wear on daily commutes or to add a sporty elegance to your formal wear, the Royale is an excellent choice that won’t disappoint.
So, if you’re in search of a shoe that can keep up with your lifestyle and support your feet in the most natural way possible, the Be Lenka Royale is definitely worth checking out.
