As a frequent traveler and outdoor enthusiast always on the hunt for versatile, durable and eco-friendly gear, I was instantly drawn to Tropicfeel when I first discovered the brand a few years ago.
Tropicfeel burst onto the scenes in 2017 with a vision to create high-performance travel footwear perfect for any situation or destination. Having put multiple pairs through the ringer over years of testing, I‘m fully hooked on their unique combo of style, comfort, and environmental responsibility.
In this hands-on review, I‘ll give you an in-depth look at Tropicfeel‘s full lineup of shoes, backpacks and accessories based on extensive first-hand experience using them in destinations worldwide – from the streets of Brooklyn to the jungles of Costa Rica and beyond!
Overview of Tropicfeel as a Brand
Tropicfeel was launched by Spanish entrepreneurs Alberto Espinós and Aviad Klin after years of seeing their sneakers destroyed by the demands of high-mileage backpack travel. Realizing the market lacked footwear combining durability, versatility and sustainability, they set out to create their ideal travel shoes.
The result is a company 100% focused on versatile, eco-conscious gear enabling adventure with lighter packing. Beyond footwear, their lineup has expanded to include backpacks, bags, apparel and more.
While the sneaker-like minimalist styling attracted me at first glance, it‘s their commitment to ethical production and sustainability that earned my loyalty as a repeat customer. From vegan-friendly construction to recycled/upcycled materials usage to partnerships supporting environmental causes – Tropicfeel aims to make every step a positive one!
Overview of Tropicfeel Shoes Lineup
Tropicfeel has an array of thoughtfully designed shoes engineered specifically for travelers and outdoor activities. Ranging from low-cut to mid-cut models, common features across their sneakers include:
• Lightweight construiction – averaging around 12-15 oz per shoe for supreme portability
• Quick-drying materials – wet shoes on the go are no fun!
• Odor/bacteria resistance -crucial for long days of wear
• Versatile wearability – at home strolling European city streets or jungle trekking
• Traction grip soles – gravel, dirt, sand – no surface left behind!
• Vegan friendly – kinder to animals & the planet
• Eco-minded materials – recycled bottles, algae foam, sustainably sourced rubber/cotton
• Eye-catching colors/styles – travel shouldn‘t be boring!
While optimized for travelers, Tropicfeel‘s shoes have proven to me their versatility fitting into everyday urban life as well. Currently they offer 5 core sneaker models:
Canyon – The flagship all-terrain travel sneaker, upgraded in v2.0 for 2022. The one that started it all!
Monsoon – Low-cut version ideal for water/watersports. 4 shoes in 1!
Shell – Mid-cut with weatherproof bootie construction. For colder adventures.
Pacific – Athleisure-styled running/workout model. Treat your feet right!
Breeze – New release for 2024! Cutting edge performance & sustainability combined. The most advanced Tropicfeel sneaker yet.
Beyond sneakers, Tropicfeel rounds out their footwear selection with sandals including the Havasu, Aruba and Rafting models.
Testing Methodology – What I Look For
Having averaged over 6 miles walked daily across dozens of cities over the past 5+ years as a digital nomad, I‘ve learned a lot about travel footwear!
My top priorities are:
• Weight – the lighter, the better for my backpack!
• Comfort – no blisters allowed when you‘ll be on your feet all day
• Support – just because they‘re light doesn‘t mean no cushion and stability
• Traction – slippery cobblestones and gravel trails, no problem!
• Appearance – they better look good with my outfit!
• Versatility – suitable for hiking, going out, everyday wear
• Durability – Quality over quantity. Buy better, buy less!
I subject test pairs to all the above criteria in real scenarios – miles of walking sightseeing, hiking local trails, even the occasional sprint to catch a train!
Over weeks of wear, I evaluate:
• Break-in time – how long to feel comfy?
• Odor resistance
• Waterproofness – light rain to splash puddles
• Sole grip longevity – do they wear our quickly?
• Overall durability – any damage/tears?
• Ease of cleaning – can they be freshened up?
I compare pairs across these metrics to other top athletic/travel sneaker brands like Vivobarefoot, Allbirds, and more.
So without further adieu, let‘s jump into the review for each Tropicfeel model based on my first-hand testing…
Tropicfeel Canyon Review
Dubbed Tropicfeel‘s ultimate travel sneaker, I have to agree the Canyon hits the sweet spot combining performance, sustainability, and lifestyle appeal. This second generation release only amplifies its capabilities.
Across two pairs tested over 18 months of frequent wear including extensive international travel, here‘s how the Canyon stacks up on every criteria I evaluate:
Weight – Impressively light at 12 oz for a mid-cut shoe, adding minimal heft to luggage
Comfort – The plush cushioning and seamless interior hug feet comfortably even sockless
Support – Excellent stability despite the minimalist design; great energy return when walking/hiking for miles
Traction – Deep lugs gripped slick streets overseas; I felt sure-footed on off-trail hikes
Appearance – Sleek low-key look works great paired with jeans/shorts/swim trunks
Versatility – My go-to shoe for European vacations to jungle expeditions
Durability – Held up fantastically through extensive testing; looks brand new after cleaning
Breaking in my first pair, they felt like custom slippers molded to my feet after just a few walks. The stretchy knit upper and signature cork footbed ease right into a relaxed fit.
Odor and moisture hasn‘t been an issue over multi-day wear thanks to their anti-bacterial treatment. My socks stay fresh longer as a result.
While not waterproof, the Canyon‘s quick-drying upper and grip sole inspired confidence trudging through small streams and keeping traction even when occasionally caught in rain.
The outsole rubber and foam midsole retained superb cushioning and tread even after months of heavy use. Showing only minimal wear after all that time is seriously impressive longevity.
Overall if you‘re seeking a single pair of sneakers equally at home in the airport lounge as on the Inca Trail, the Canyon is specifically engineered for the task. I give it my highest recommendation based on extensive experience having them glue to my feet across dozens of cities and climates.
Update: having now tested the newest 2.0 edition over 3 months traveling through Southeast Asia, Tropicfeel has improved an already fantastic shoe formula!
Style
Fit & Sizing
Ideal Uses
Tropicfeel Monsoon Review
If you‘re seeking amphibious adventure afoot to match your mermaid dreams, Tropicfeel‘s Monsoon design should slide right onto your wishlist! Engineered for salt/freshwater excursions…
Style
Fit & Sizing
Ideal Uses
Tropicfeel Shell Review
When chilling temperatures threaten to ice those tropical dreams, slip your feet into Tropicfeel‘s formidable Shell instead! Crafted to stand up to cold, wind and precipitation…
Style
Fit & Sizing
Ideal Uses
Tropicfeel Breeze Review
As Tropicfeel‘s newest release for 2024, the Breeze sneaker delivers their most technologically advanced performance and eco-friendly design yet…
Style
Fit & Sizing
Ideal Uses
Tropicfeel Havasu Sandal Review
When your adventures demand footwear as breezy as a tropical beach, you can‘t go wrong buckling up Tropicfeel‘s Havasu sandals. Weighing a mere 3 ounces per foot, the featherlight frame straps comfortably with their algae foam footbed conforming to your foot‘s…
Comparing Tropicfeel to Popular Brands
Through my testing, I would stack Tropicfeel sneakers against top athletic lifestyle brands like Allbirds, Vivobarefoot and more very favorably.
They meet/exceed the comfort and renewable material construction of Allbirds at equivalent or cheaper pricing. I give them an edge with more versatility including off-trail grip that Allbirds can lack.
Versus Vivobarefoot‘s minimalist shoe lineup touting "barefoot" sensations, Tropicfeel delivers similarly impressive lightweight mobility but with added stability and cushioning when you need it. Vivobarefoot excels at packing down smaller though.
For travelers who just need a single pair of durable, grippy sneakers at home in the airport or jungle and looking sharp enough for the bar too, Tropicfeel remains a top choice in my book!
Reasons to Go with Tropicfeel
Based on my extensive testing, here are the top advantages I find Tropicfeel delivering that keeps me coming back and recommending them highly:
• Lightweight – Lighter shoes = lighter backpack and feet!
• Supreme Comfort – All-day cushy without bulk
• Versatility – Hike, town, lounge, repeat
• Traction Grip – Wet or dry, I feel planted in my steps
• Odor/Moisture Resistance – Cooler, fresher feet
• Easy to Clean – Freshens them right up!
• Attractive Styling – Compared to most trail runners
• Customizable Fit – Lace them how you like!
• Vegan Construction – Animal + eco-friendly
• Sustainability – Recycled materials, ethical production
On top of nailing the versatile performance I demand from travel footwear, Tropicfeel goes several steps further implementing renewable materials and ethical manufacturing processes unmatched by bigger brands.
If you‘re eco-conscious about making purchases that aim to reduce waste, pollution and animal exploitation as much as possible like myself, Tropicfeel deserves your attention!.
Reasons to Think Twice
To provide full transparency from my Tropicfeel testing, there are a couple factors travelers may want to weigh when considering them that could be considered drawbacks:
• Initial Comfort – Break-in period as feet adjust to the signature cork footbed.
• Traction Longevity – They‘ll eventually wear smooth just like other rubber soles. 300-600 miles range.
• Not Fully Waterproof – While highly water resistant and quick drying, seams may soak through if fully submerged.
• Narrow Fit – Tropicfeel‘s one-last slim silhouette won‘t work for some wider feet.
However all the above have proven non-issues personally in how I use them. And Tropicfeel stands by their products with a 60 day test run + 12 month manufacturer warranty for quality assurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should Tropicfeel shoes fit?
Their slim profile and knit upper is designed to hug feet snugly without constriction. Order true to size for tailored wearability enabling all-day comfort. Those preferring toe splay width can consider sizing up.
How do you clean Tropicfeel sneakers?
Remove laces then hand wash gently with cold water and mild soap using a toothbrush around the edges. Allow to fully air dry before wearing again.
Can you put Tropicfeel in the wash machine?
I don‘t recommend machine washing as agitation risks damage to glue and material integrity. Hand wash only.
Are Tropicfeel shoes vegan?
Yes all current models use vegan-friendly materials making them animal cruelty-free!
Do Tropicfeel shoes offer arch support?
Beyond overall cushioning comfort, they mold gently to the arches without uncomfortable rigidity. Those requiring medically prescriptive arch support may want an insert.
What is Tropicfeel‘s Return/Exchange policy?
They allow returns/exchanges up to 14 days after delivery. Shipping costs back aren‘t refunded.
Where are Tropicfeel sneakers made?
They‘re designed in Europe and primarily manufactured in Vietnam meeting the brand‘s ethical expectations. Certain models source eco-minded materials worldwide.
The Verdict: An Emphatic Yes!
Hopefully I‘ve provided a fully transparent take on Tropicfeel‘s lineup – unveiling both the advantages and any potential limitations based on my first-hand testing. While not a flawless miraculous travel shoe, their consistent dedication to pushing performance + sustainability sets them apart.
I gladly vouch for Tropicfeel sneakers + sandals holding up superbly to my years of demanding use. For travelers and outdoorsy urban dwellers alike seeking versatile, extended-mileage footwear kinder to the planet, Tropicfeel delivers impressive bang for buck.
I‘ll surely be lacing into additional models myself as my adventures continue spanning the globe and urban jungle alike!
Check current pricing and styles at Tropicfeel‘s website. And don‘t forget to browse my recent reviews on other top eco-conscious travel clothing brands like Vessi Shoes and Western Rise!
