These are the thinnest pair of shoes I have ever owned, and they've lasted for over 10 years.

I bought them so long ago that I couldn't find the exact record, but I did find a photo of me wearing them in 2016.

They're called Earth Runners. I first learned about them when I was learning more about biomechanics and the barefoot shoe movement.

They are by far my most worn pair of shoes - I've hiked in them, taught classes in them, and have basically lived in them for over a decade. And, as I write in early 2026, I've only just replaced them with a new pair after the first wore through about a month ago.

When we wear barefoot shoes, we aren’t trapped in a thick sole. Our feet can adapt and mould to the shapes in the environment. Which as Katy Bowman (biomechanist and author of Move Your DNA) writes, has long term health benefits for our feet, knees, hips, and the rest of our body.

I highly recommend checking them out!

Follow this link (affiliate — I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you) and use code LILLIAN for 10% off.