The LONO Flow’s practicality shines through, especially in challenging climates. Living in Bangkok means contending with constant humidity and heat, but the Flow’s breathable knit upper has proven remarkably effective at keeping our feet cool and comfortable. This breathability also proved its worth in heavy rain; the upper surprisingly repelled water, and the shoes dried out quickly afterward. This quick-drying capability, combined with their incredibly lightweight design (comparable to barefoot sandals), makes them ideal for travel. They won’t weigh you down during long days of walking, a fact we appreciated during a recent road trip around Thailand. And when it’s time to pack, they compress down remarkably flat, taking up minimal space in luggage.

The comfort of the Flow is another standout feature, and it’s closely linked to that excellent knit upper. It feels fantastic, even without socks, making them the most comfortable barefoot shoes we’ve owned. The supple knit moves naturally with our feet, and strategically placed bending points enhance flexibility. Subtle padding in key areas adds to the overall comfort and secure fit, working in harmony with the insole. The insole itself strikes a perfect balance – enough cushioning for walking on concrete without sacrificing ground feel and proprioception. This balance is something we’ve struggled to find in other minimalist shoes; in terms of comfort, the Flow surpasses our Vivobarefoot and Lems shoes.

While we haven’t used the Flow for workouts (we train barefoot), their design, particularly the flexible upper and grippy outsole, suggests they would be well-suited for such activities.