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These are amazing! I have a short (36) foot that is almost half as wide as long with high arch & high instep (high volume).. I measured per Anya’s instructions and found a shoe that actually fits which is amazing. Even more amazing is experiencing the Barefoot sole, just enough padding to walk comfortably on concrete.. and the soft suede feels simply luxurious but protective at the same time. I’m recovering from hip/leg injury and thought I needed a cushioned sole until I realized that created problems with my balance (as did wearing shoes too long in order to have needed width). After reading Anya’s various articles and reviews, I tried the Koel Ila.. (I’ve long gone barefoot in house and worn Birkenstocks & Wolky jewels so my foot and Achilles are used to a flat concept and transitioning was relatively easy. Not only did my balance problems disappear but I realized I could suddenly feel injured tendons/muscles in my hip/leg subtly ‘awaken’ because my foot was allowed to be fully active when in motion. (The Birkenstocks & Wolkys while flat and allowing room for my foot to spread both have relatively stiff cork soles, so the thin but comfy barefoot soles were a revelation. LOL, I now have a leather pair, another suede pair coming from Anya's and a black pair coming from Koel in Portugal because I decided after trying a few other barefoot brands for a dressier shoe, I decided I could get away with wearing the black suede Koels for dressier occasions (at least until my injuries are fully healed). Many thanks to Anya’s for her reviews and articles on barefoot shoes that convinced me to try them-it’s been a game changer!
Hi Candace, we're thrilled to hear how much you love the Koel Ila Suede Sneakers and how they've made such a positive impact on your recovery and daily comfort! Thank you for sharing your inspiring experience and for trusting Anya's guidance. Wishing you continued progress and stylish comfort on your journey!
These shoes are fantastic!!! My PT recommended Anya's to me to help address pain and other concerns from wearing ill-fitted footwear most my life.
I wear a size 10/11 in women's and have a flat, wider, mountain shaped foot (and raptor pinky toes) that makes shoe shopping an absolute nightmare. It's been impossible to find stylish, in fashion shoes that are comfortable... until now! These shoes are my newest obsession! After measuring my foot per Anya's guide and following the size guide for the brand, I ended up going with size 43 and they fit PERFECT. My middle toe and pinky toe have enough room, and I honestly forget I'm wearing shoes when I'm wearing them.
I got the regular suede green, the color is beautiful and the quality is amazing. I plan on buying them in every color! Cannot hype these up enough!!
We love every bit of what you wrote here, Caitlin! Thank you for taking the time to review them. I, too, need them in every color! Enjoy!
I had high hopes for these shoes, but unfortunately, they did not live up to expectations. First, the back of the shoes rubbed terribly and I had to either use moleskin or ankle socks to prevent my skin from getting rubbed. I am not sure the shoes ever broke in on that front. Second, I wear Correct Toes regularly and these shoes are NOT good for that; they are too narrow to allow for the extra width. If you don’t wear Correct Toes, they might be good because they are still somewhat foot-shaped. Third, they are quite heavy and the sole is too stiff and too thick, all features that suggest that they aren’t really barefoot shoes (although they didn’t purport to be). I do regret buying these and will be looking for a better casual sneaker options that are more foot friendly for me.
What a bummer to hear these aren't working out for you, Lo! If you're willing to continue giving them a try - the soles and perimeter do soften up with time and wear. A way to expedite this is to work them with your hands a bit when they're not in use. Regarding the width - you may find the Ilo a better option for you since they are wider. I use correct toes as well and the Ilo is more suited for me in that instance. Please let us know if you need further assistance! Our expert team is ready to help at shop@anyas-shop.com. Thanks for the review and we hope to serve you again soon.
Phenomenal shoe! The quality is superior. The color is wonderful. And also extremely comfortable shoe. I have a medium width foot, but sized up since the 39 was a little too short for me. I just prefer more room around my toes these days.
The inside is fully leather, very soft and very nicely done. So comfortable right from the start. I couldn’t be happier.
They look retro and chic, great with jeans and work with dresses as well!
So happy I found these. Will purchase more colors!
I’m just not sure - Are these the regular ILA or are they the ILA wide? Since they seem very wide, which is perfect for me.
I have other barefoot sneakers (wildling) but these are a way better fit for my slope shaped feet. Finally I found my favorite barefoot sneaker!
Also, I‘ve had great experiences with Anya’s store in general - I own several pairs of great high quality barefoot shoes now.
Returns are easy and and even when I had a problem with a damaged shoe once (not this brand!) from Anya’s shop, I could return easily. The customer service has always been absolutely great!
Thank you for this detailed review, Jeannie! We are so glad to serve you and hope to continue serving you for years to come. :)
I don’t usually write reviews but I love these shoes!!! So cute and comfortable and well made. I had to size up to a 41 and they fit perfectly with about a thumbs width of room in the toes. I usually wear a US size 9. The green color is beautiful and will pair perfectly with lots of different outfits.
We are so glad to hear your experience with these, J! Thanks for the review and we hope to serve you again very soon! :)