2008 - BEST OF THE BEST SNEAKERS

Growing up in a small town in the middle of the Canadian Plains meant that Native American culture was very much rooted in my childhood. Although I can’t explicitly pinpoint one moment in time when I became interested in the culture, I eventually developed a profound respect for the ways in which indigenous people went about life.

As a young’n there was ample subjection to the culture with subjects delving extensively into tribe culture, different styles of lodging, diet etc, and memorably, I remember story time with ‘The Indian in the Cupboard’ in grade five. Upon news of the Folk Series from Visvim, immediately my ears perked up. I was interested to see how Visvim footwear could be further improved upon. Any speculation was quickly quelled with the inaugural Folk releases with the FBT Lhamo. Their experience on my feet was ‘almost’ justifiable for the price, with the new Nike Free-esque sole and unparalleled suede upper construction. However, when the Bearfoot FBT Shaman was released as a Hong Kong FIL 1st Anniversary exclusive, I debated furiously as to whether I could justify another expensive purchase so soon.
I find the ‘sectioned skirt’ interesting on all ‘Shaman’ themed Visvims. It’s a contemporary tribute of sorts and offers a nice balance of subtlety when your foot is stationary, but instantly springs to life with each step. I actually passed on the first drop and a few weeks later FIL actually got a re-stock. Few shoes give me an uneasy feeling passing them up, but these were one of them. After a second lifeline, I jumped at the opportunity. The Bearfoot sole is actually not all that comfortable and ultra-thin.
A look at the foot-less shoe and you can see how pliable the sole is as it curls up and the toebox falls in on itself. You can feel every rock or curb you step on, but in some ways it’s an even more authentic attempt at the moc-meets-sneaker. It’s an acquired taste, but given my childhood obsession it seems to make all the more sense when I actually analyse it.