Overview

The Freet Tanga is part of Freet Barefoot’s lineup of shoes that are not only geared toward sports enthusiasts but also towards those who prefer a more natural and minimalistic lifestyle. The product’s distinctive feature is its single-piece upper, constructed from CoffeeFlyMesh, a material derived from recycled coffee grounds.

Some of you, minimalist footwear enthusiasts, may know that the Freet Tanga has generated considerable buzz within the community, especially due to its key selling point: the use of CoffeeFlyMesh. This material promises durability, breathability, and quick-drying capability, which is what people typically look for in products of this type.

The Freet Tanga was launched as part of Freet Barefoot’s Spring collection, a decision in line with the company’s strategy of introducing new or updated styles each season. For those of you who don’t know much about the company, it’s worth mentioning that it was founded in 2010 and is based in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, UK. The rugged terrain of this region provides an ideal backdrop for developing and testing shoes intended for outdoor and athletic use.

I approached the new shoe model as a consumer who is interested in minimalist footwear and who likes products that come with a design that supports natural foot movement without the excess bulk found in traditional sneakers. Like some other buyers, I was particularly curious to see what it’s like to wear shoes partly built out of recycled coffee grounds

Features

If you are in the U.S., you will be able to purchase the Freet Tanga at what I would regard as a reasonable price – USD $105.00. In the UK, the product will cost the equivalent in pounds (£85.00) while folks in continental Europe will find the shoes priced at €100.00.

Alright, it’s time to get a bit technical. The Freet Tanga’s specifications are meant to underscore the minimalist and eco-friendly design, with clear examples being the zero-drop sole and the upper made from CoffeeFlyMesh. Here are some useful details:

• Upper Material: The product uses a unique flyknit material made from recycled coffee grounds, branded as CoffeeFlyMesh (SCafe). This material is sustainable and offers durability, breathability, and antimicrobial properties which are important for reducing odor and maintaining a fresh internal shoe environment.
• Sole Composition: The shoe incorporates a ConnectMax EVA 2mm midsole for good ground connectivity, relevant for the barefoot running experience. For those seeking additional shock absorption, there’s an optional ConnectComfort removable 2.5mm Flexile insole and an available 6mm OrthoLite® insole for purchase.
• Forefoot Design: The freet 5in1 asymmetric forefoot is meant to mimic the natural foot shape, allowing for a wider toe spread and enhancing the barefoot feeling.
• Lacing System: An elasticated lace allows for easy slip-on while providing a snug fit. Equally important, the shoe comes with a conventional black/white fleck lace as a spare or alternative option.
• Outsole: The MultiGrip performance outsole is suitable for light trails and urban pavements, as it is meant to provide adequate grip and durability in varied conditions.
• Stack Height: The stack height is 8.5mm with the insole and 5.5mm without it, providing a close-to-ground experience.
• Color Options: Available in navy with black and gray accents.
• Additional Features: The Tanga is vegan-friendly and suitable for wear with or without socks. For colder and wetter conditions, it can be paired with a waterproof sock, sold separately.

I’ve already talked a lot about the CoffeeFlyMesh upper, so let’s skip this part. Another interesting feature is the ConnectMax EVA midsole and ConnectComfort removable insole, which together provide good ground connectivity and optional shock absorption, allowing users to customize the shoe’s feel according to their activity or comfort needs. The Tanga Freet also comes with an asymmetric forefoot design, known as Freet 5in1, which mimics the natural shape of the foot, allowing for a more natural toe spread. This design is supposed to provide better balance and a more natural walking or running gait.

The inclusion of elasticated and conventional laces is for the purpose of versatility and convenience. More specifically, the idea is to enable a quick accommodation between a more relaxed or snug fit, depending on the situation. The Freet Tanga’s outsole is all about multi-environment versatility, where you have a reliable grip on both trails and urban surfaces.

The design is, as you might suspect, minimalistic, where functionality is more important than anything else. The shoe features a sleek, low-profile aesthetic that appeals to those who favor a more understated look, yet it packs a robust set of features tailored for high performance and comfort. The single-piece upper construction not only reduces the number of seams and potential irritation points but also contributes to the shoe’s lightweight feel, making it ideal for prolonged wear during various activities.

Also relevant, the design incorporates practical elements like the elasticated lace system for ease of slipping on and off, which is complemented by a conventional lace option for those seeking a more secure fit.

Experience

OK, so now to the more subjective part. How does it feel to wear the Freet Tanga and does it deliver its promises? So far, after weeks of use, my answer is yes and yes to both of the questions. More specifically, I can say that after using these shoes for both running and everyday wear, I found them comfortable and, indeed, versatile.

During runs, the zero-drop and minimal stack height facilitated a rather natural running form, enhancing my connection with the ground and enabling a more responsive stride. The breathable CoffeeFlyMesh material kept my feet cool and comfortable, even on longer runs and in warmer conditions.

For daily wear, I found the minimalist design and lightweight construction a good choice for long hours of wear without discomfort. A feature I particularly enjoyed is the roomy toe box, as it allows your toes to spread naturally, which is really appreciated during days with extensive walking or standing. The ease of slipping on and off the shoe, thanks to the elasticated laces, also added a layer of convenience for casual use, such as quick errands or when transitioning between indoor and outdoor environments.

I wear the shoes on various surfaces, including city sidewalks and light trails. My impression was that the MultiGrip outsole does what it is supposed to do, namely to provide adequate traction without the bulk typically found in more traditional outdoor shoes.

It’s hard to review the Freet Tanga without mentioning the CoffeeFlyMesh multiple times. Without a doubt, this is one of the product’s main pros, as the material is sustainable but also delivers in terms of durability and breathability. I found the shoe’s design to provide excellent airflow, as my feet remained dry and comfortable, even during intense physical activities. In addition, the natural foot shape and wide toe box made things even more comfortable, as I was able to wear the shoes for a long period of time without feeling the urge to take them off.

This part is subjective, I know. But since we’re talking about things I liked, it’s worth mentioning that I found the shoes to look quite pretty. The design may well be minimalist, but Tanga does not sacrifice aesthetic appeal for functionality. I think many would agree that the sleek and understated look, combined with practical features make the shoes a versatile choice suitable for both sports enthusiasts and casual wearers.

The minimalist design, while beneficial for natural foot movement, offers limited cushioning with its 2mm ConnectMax EVA midsole. This may not provide adequate protection on very rough or uneven terrains, potentially making the Tanga less ideal for more rugged outdoor activities. While optional thicker insoles are available, they may slightly diminish the barefoot sensation that is crucial for many users.

Although the design is functional and stylish, the limited color options available might not cater to all tastes. If you strongly dislike navy with black and gray accents, then you may well end up not buying the product, despite the many positives. Expanding the color palette could help attract a broader audience, allowing more consumers to find a style that aligns with their personal preferences.

Conclusion

My verdict is: I like them. The Freet Tanga is a good option for anyone interested in transitioning to minimalist footwear or enhancing their collection of eco-friendly shoes. Its innovative use of recycled coffee grounds for the upper and the focus on sustainability are commendable, setting it apart in a market that’s crowded with conventional athletic footwear. The shoe’s design effectively balances performance with a minimal environmental footprint, making it a good choice for the conscientious consumer.

While it excels in urban and light trail environments, potential buyers should consider the Tanga’s performance on rougher terrains and adjust their expectations regarding cushioning accordingly. The optional insoles available for purchase, however, are a practical solution, offering adaptability based on individual comfort and terrain requirements.