LONO FLOW Review

Performance Assessment

To break down the performance of the LONO FLOW, I made sure to push this primarily for lifting, cross-training, and day-to-day use. I wore them for some light runs, but I was interested in how they compared to other do-it-all-style models like the Tolos Archetype 2.0.

	Test Thresholds	TF2 Rating
Deadlift	455 lbs x 5	8.6/10
Sled Push	4-5 plates	7/10
Box/Broad Jumps	Max Length / 36″ Inch Height	8.2/10
3-Mile Walk	Concrete Walking	8.8/10

For Strength and Hypertrophy, They’re Great

Where I’ve liked my LONO FLOW the most has been for my strength and hypertrophy sessions. This shoe delivers everything you want from a solid barefoot shoe for lifting, especially in the context of static strength work.

• Grip Thoughts: The rubber outsole grips well on different surfaces, so it delivers the traction you want when doing machine and free-weight exercises. For example, when doing heavier trap bar deadlift sets on rubber gym floors, I like how much bite this shoe’s outsole provides.

• Grip Thoughts: It also did a good job of providing grip when doing explosive trap bar deadlift jumps (a blend of high pulls and vertical jumps) on turf this shoe’s outsole did a satisfactory job. Note, for this exercise I’m jumping more vertical so lateral upper security isn’t a big concern.
• Ground Feedback Thoughts: You also get a nice level of ground feedback in this shoe, and the removable insole with finished internal construction is nice for getting you as close to the ground as possible. I’ve been taking the insole out on my posterior days, and I’ve enjoyed the feeling of these shoes.
• Flexibility Thoughts: For lunges and split squats, I think you’ll enjoy how well this shoe moves with the feet. The midfoot is wide and the sole articulates well when training with or without socks, and with or without the insole out.

• Width Thoughts: I have an E/EE width foot and find that I have plenty of room to splay my toes when lifting in this shoe. With its more lax upper, even 3E+ width feet should be fine in this model when lifting and wanting toe splay room.
• Overall Thoughts: For the price, these have been great for lower body sessions and for my athletic workouts, where I’m lifting heavy and fast. They will have limitations for weightlifting (clean & jerk and snatch), though, so I’d suggest finding options with more rigid upper materials if that’s your main ask.

Athletic Feeling for Cross-Training Sessions

When assessing this shoe’s cross-training performance, I made a point to test its upper security for multi-directional exercises and its outsole for gripping different surfaces. Since this shoe’s upper is stretchier, I was most concerned with lateral security.

• Upper Security Thoughts: If you’re doing exercises like jump rope, box jumps, and jumping lunges, then you’ll be fine with the security that you get with this shoe and it will lock the foot down well enough.
• Upper Security Thoughts: For sled pushes, this shoe’s upper security worked up until 5 plates. At this threshold, I started to notice that my heel was sliding a bit. I think this is due to the laces and upper lacking the ability to lock the foot down incredibly well.

• Upper Security Thoughts: For multi-directional exercises, these shoes do a pretty good job. For example, I liked their performance for skater strides, but if you’re trying to do harsh cuts and agility work then you may find yourself spilling over a little bit in this model.
• Fit and Feel Thoughts: I think something I started to like about this shoe is how athletic they feel. They’re lightweight and when you leave the insole in you get a little extra comfort and protection with these.
• Grip Thoughts: Whether I was doing kettlebell swings on turf or box jumps on rubber gym floors, the outsole in this model grips well and does a good job with the cross-training workouts I’ve tested these in.

• Overall Thoughts: The FLOW works well for cross-training, and if you want a budget-friendly option and routinely do athletic, circuit, and mobility-focused sessions, then you’ll like this shoe.

Comfortable for Cardio, But Laces Are Interesting

To test this shoe for running and walking, I made a point of exclusively wearing these for all-day wear and walking longer distances. The majority of settings I wore these in were urban settings, and I also wore them for a few days while camping.

• Running Thoughts: This shoe’s feel for running reminds me of the Vivobarefoot Geo Race Knit and Motus Flex. The upper reminds me of the Geo Racer Knit and the sole reminds me of the Motus Flex.
• Running Thoughts: I think for running, this shoe will work well for those needing a model for 1-3ish miles. To me, it’s a good barefoot shoe for casual runs pre and post-workout, but it wouldn’t be my go-to pick for long-distance runs.
• Walking Comfort Thoughts: For a daily wear example, I’ve worn this shoe for 5-mile walks with Maui (my mini Aussie), then running errands, and I’ve enjoyed how they feel for this distance. They’re a good option for long walks and for standing all day.

• Breathability Thoughts: I like wearing barefoot shoes for day-to-day wear with and without socks, and these are a great option for doing both while promoting good comfort. There’s no awkward toe creasing in this shoe, which I like.
• Breathability Thoughts: As stated by LONO, I agree that these will be a better option for warmer climates due to the ventilation of the upper. For cold and damp days, I’d pass on wearing these. The upper gets dirty fast, and the knit and suede materials absorb water pretty easily.
• Lace Thoughts: My only gripe with this shoe is the asymmetrical lacing system; I do wish the laces laid more flat and centered but that’s a personal preference of mine — I’m curious how others will feel about this.
• Overall Thoughts: For casual runs and daily wear, these are great, especially if you’re in dry, warm climates. These can be a great option for warm spring and fall days and for summer use.

Construction Details

Upper

• The forefoot, midfoot, and heel are covered with a suede overlay. This material adds a little more structure to these parts of the shoe but it can pick up dirty relatively easily.
• The main upper material is made of light knit. It has a lot of stretch to it and ventilation throughout. This upper reminds me of the materials used in the Lane Eight training shoes.
• The bootie of this shoe is constructed with a stretchy knit that hugs the foot rather well. It feels less rigid and “sharp” compared to its knit peers like the Primus Lite Knit.

Sole

• This shoe has a full rubber outsole that wraps up around the perimeter of this shoe. It’s not a crazy aggressive wrap, but it does add a little structure to this shoe’s feel on the feet.
• The tread of this shoe features a triangle-like pattern with raised and sunken lugs throughout. The tread of this shoe is somewhat similar to the tread used in some of the Flux shoes.
• This rubber has a nice grip, and I’ve also noticed it’s a little more “soft” than other rubber outsoles used on barefoot shoes, like the TYRTac used in DropZero.

Laces

• There are three core eyelets in this model, and the lacing construction reminds me of the system used in the HIIT Trainer from Lane Eight. I’m curious if this is due to them using similar manufacturers.
• The lacing system on this model has an asymmetric build, so the laces sit on the medial side of each shoe. I’m hit or miss on this feature and don’t love how they hang to the right on each model.

Final Remarks: Would I Get These Again?

I would. These have been surprisingly solid in terms of price.

These offer another option for the budget-conscious barefoot shoe lover or beginner getting into this style of footwear. They work great in the gym and can work casually with ease.

I also like that the upper in these models is soft and forgiving, so the break-in process is relatively smooth, which is why I like them. That said, they’re not a perfect shoe. Below are some other options to explore if you’re not committed to the FLOW.

If Not These, What Would I Get?

• If you want a barefoot shoe that’s a little more running-friendly, go with the Xero Shoes Zelen.
• If you want a knit barefoot shoe for a little bit of training and business casual settings, go with the Primus Asana.
• If you’re new to barefoot shoes and want a cheap model, explore the WHITIN Barefoot Shoes.

If you have additional questions about the LONO FLOW, drop a comment below or reach out via Instagram.