Cute as a button. I love the simple style of these shoes and the neutral, earthy color options available.

Comfort. I wouldn’t say that wearing these is like taking a walking on fluffy beach sand, BUT after I wore them in (a process that took a week or two), they are super comfy. 

Like Barefoot. I have naturally flat feet–something that I’ve been able to change a bit through years of focusing on truly grounding the outside edges of my feet and lifting my arches every time I’m on my yoga mat. Because of this experience, I really do believe that being barefoot (and mindful!) is the healthiest thing for my feet. Most shoes make it difficult for me to make the kind of connections with the floor I can find during yoga, but Juil shoes are designed to facilitate that connection because of the design of their soles and those little copper dots on the bottom of the shoe (more on that later*).

No room for toes to spread. I can’t really complain about this, because Juil has tons of styles of sandals to choose from that I’m sure would let me practice my yoga toes. The ballet flat confines my piggies so I can’t really lift and spread them when I’m standing in line at the grocery store. What can I say? This is a sacrifice I’m willing to make for the cuteness of ballet flats. At least they’re not high heels.

You have to wear them in. When I first got these shoes, they pinched my heel and gave me a blister. I couldn’t wear them for longer than an hour or so at a time for a week (or maybe even two!) before they started to feel comfortable. 

Price. At $99 a pair, these shoes aren’t cheap. But if you’re in the market for a new pair of shoes that will get you from Point A to Point B without

*One more thing.. Those little copper dots on the bottom of the Juil shoes supposedly have health benefits. The company claims the copper discs (which can be seen on the inside of the shoe as well as on the bottom) help connect you to the Earth’s magnetic field. The copper acts as a conductor, which can help us release environmental toxins and even stress and minimize inflammation. (I’m no scientist, but I think of it this way: If you’re ever struck by lightning, you DON’T want to be connected to the Earth because it’s the connection that allows the electricity to move through you and fry you like a piece of veggie bacon. However, if you’re not out in a lightening storm, being connected to the Earth is a good thing.) 

But does it really work? I can’t say for sure.

Did I notice a big, dramatic difference in my stress levels and overall health from wearing these shoes? Nope, not really. But that doesn’t mean there weren’t subtle differences. There are so many variables that go into health it’s almost impossible to pinpoint what really causes little shifts in one way or the other. (As I’ve mentioned, I’m not a scientist!) Juil’s explanation for those copper dots seems plausible, though. And if there’s any chance these shoes can help reduce stress buildup in my body (even if just by the power of suggestion), it’s worth a shot, right? I need all the help I can get!  

Anybody else ever try these shoes? What did you love/not love about them?