Feelgrounds constantly surprises us with new models of vegan shoes. Their Highrise model is thus another amazing unisex sneaker design. I am sure these shoes will not leave anyone indifferent.
UPDATE: In Spring 2021 Feelgrounds updated all their models. Their sneakers now have a new toebox shape (wider and even more foot-shaped), slightly updated outsole for better durability and new size chart. The Cloud Gray model in the photos is their old model and I updated my review with photos of the new model in Dusty Pink colour.
The Highrise model is another success story of Feelgrounds. Shoes made of soft knit material have instantly become one of my favorites and I am happy to recommend them to my friends as well.
Disclaimer: I was sent Cloud Gray colour as a gift to review and I bought Dusty Pink, but as always, all opinions expressed here are my own. I’m also a Feelgrounds affiliate and I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase on the Feelgrounds website through the links on my website at no additional cost to you. Thank you for all your support ♥
1. General
- Brand: Feelgrounds
- Model: Highrise Knit
- Colour: Cloud Gray (old model) and Dusty Pink (new model – limited edition colour)
- Tested on: woman, medium-wide feet, 26.3 cm long and 10 cm wide (10.3 cm between metatarsal heads), low instep, skinny ankles with narrow heels, fin-shaped foot (see my how to measure guide and foot type) – wearing size 42
| Made in Vietnam | Adults | Vegan | Ship worldwide |
2. Material characteristics
2.1 Upper
The Feelgrounds Highrise model is available in six different standard colors. The colors All White and Dusty Pink (on the photo below), were also released as a limited edition colours.
The upper is made from water-repellent knit fabric made from recycled PET bottles.
I usually avoid shoes made from recycled PET materials as they can make my foot sweat, but Feelgrounds proved me wrong here. They always amaze me with the softness and breathability of the materials they use. I already loved their Original model, but I love this material even more.
UPDATE: The knit material in the updated model is no longer as soft as in the old model. It’s still soft, but I notice a difference in the compactness of the materials.
The laces are made from 100% recycled PET too and are in the matching colour with the upper.
UPDATE: The laces on the new models has been slightly changed, so the new laces are a little firmer to the touch. In this way, they achieved greater durability of the laces.
The padded collar helps to increase the softness and comfort of the shoe.
At the back of the shoe there is a strap with Feelgrounds brand name on it. In some colours the brand name stands out a little bit more, but in Cloud Grey colour the name is blended with the colour of the upper.
2.2 Lining
The inside of the shoe is made of the same material as the outside. No insole added in the shoe.
For cleaning Feelgrounds recommend using a dry, soft shoe brush for removing dirt and soiling. Because of the water-repellent treatment, the shoes are not machine washable as their Original model.
Shoes are treated with wax (paraffin) and silicon (PFC, PFOA, and PFOS free) for water-repellence. Submerged in water, they did not withstand the test for long (40 seconds before the water came into the shoe), so I would still recommend this shoe for dry weather.
2.3 Sole
Outsole is made from slip-resistant recyclable ‘special footwear TPE’. The same sole that is used in their Original model.
The sole is 5 mm thick and the ground feeling is good. This material moves well with your feet, you can feel every pebble, but they still offer enough protection to keep you from feeling uncomfortable.
UPDATE: The new sole is still the same thickness, but it is no longer as soft as the old sole. You can easily bend it in all directions, but there is a small difference when walking, because the sole is firmer. By doing so, they achieved greater durability of the sole.
You would probably think that the shoes like this are more compact and harder to roll, but they are really light, soft and you can roll them in any direction you want.
Also check my video for the close-up and to see how they look on my feet.
3. Sizing information
3.1 Length
Feelgrounds Original shoes are available in sizes 35-49 and are appropriate for men and women (unisex model).
UPDATE: The new models have a new size chart (the one below is new).
When choosing the right size, I recommend sticking to their size chart and choosing the size based on the stated inner length of the shoe.
My foot is 26.3 cm long and 10 cm wide and I opted for size 42. The inner length of size 42 is 27.4 cm, which means 11 mm of space in front of the toes. This is an ideal space for me to provide enough room for movement for all toes given my foot shape and width.
See post How much space do we need in shoes if you want to know more about that.
If you are still not sure which size to choose, you can print out their template to determine the right size. Just make sure to print it out at the right scale. The line at the marked size indicates the end of the shoe, so when choosing a size, also consider the space you need in front of your toes to move.
3.2. Toebox shape & width
UPDATE: The new Feelgrounds models have an even better toebox shape. The line at the big toe stays straight for a longer time and it tapers less, also more width and space has been added for the pinky toe.
The toebox shape has a milder slope towards the little toe and is best suited for foot types 2, 4 and 5. With type 1, more space may remain in front of the smaller toes if you want to provide enough space for movement for the big toe. More square foot shapes (3, 6) you may run out of space for little toes.
More about different foot types you can read in the post What is my Foot Type?
The updated Feelgrounds Highrise models are best suited for medium-wide feet and wide feet. For narrower feet they may have too much volume, especially over the ball of the foot. You can see the change in volume and some creasing with the new model in Dusty Pink for my foot too. This was not the case with the old model.
There is enough space above the toes. Despite the same width as the Original model, the Knit model feels more spacious and is therefore more suitable for feet with more volume than the Mesh model is.
3.3. Fit around the instep, heel and ankle
The shoes fit the lower and medium high instep best. They fit nicely on the narrower ankles and heels as well. However, they are not the most optimal choice for high instep and wide ankles.
4. Comfort
The shoes are extremely comfortable to wear and make you feel as light as a feather. One downside is that they are harder to put on. I recommend using a shoehorn.
5. How to wear them?
Highrise are shoes that really fit my style. They pair well with jeans or sportswear. Feelgrounds also has its own clothing line with which you can complement your Feelgrounds styling.
6. Price & where to buy
Feelgrounds shoes can be bought from their official website. Price for Highrise model is 122€.
7. Shipping info
Feelgrounds ships worldwide. Delivery costs depend on the shipping country. You can read more about the shipping costs here.
8. To sum up
Highrise are another wonderful shoes from Feelgrounds. They instantly became one of my favourite shoes I have. I usually just grab those out of the closet when I need to go somewhere.
I enthused all my family and friends about Feelgrounds and this is definitely the brand that suit my feet and also my style really well. I hope you will like them as much as I do too.
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