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After building quite the following with the popular Archetype 1.0 and 2.0, Tolos has flipped the script and added a new shoe to their lineup. They saw an opening for a zero-drop, barefoot shoe (and transition shoe) that can be worn at the gym, and, arguably, looks even better when they’re dressed up.
Between the Canvas High and the Soleil, Tolos has been rolling out some awesome products. The Canvas High is a wide high-top shoe that draws inspiration from Converse Chuck Taylors. The Soleil looks like a classic office and summer shoe.
Where the Canvas High leans a bit more towards training, the Soleil leans towards lifestyle. Just like they did with the Canvas High, Tolos released the Soleil in two variants, a barefoot option and a transition option.
I picked up both options and, after wearing them for a few weeks, love them both for daily wear. They can dress up or down with ease, fitting in with gym shorts and a t-shirt as easily as they fit with jeans and a button-up.
They’re not built for heavy training like the Archetype or Canvas High, though they can hold their own for lighter sessions.
Tolos Soleil
$115
Pros
- Stylish appearance
- Good outsole durability
- Spacious upper volume
Cons
- Fray stitches can happen
- Sizing can be finicky
Best For
- Casual Wear
- Business Casual Settings
- Barefoot Beginners
- Casual Working Out
Specs
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 0mm |
| Weight | 10.10 oz (barefoot), 12.25 oz (transition) |
| Width | Wide |
| Lifting Threshold | ~405 lbs |
| Run Distance Threshold | N/A |
Who Should Buy The Tolos Soleil?
- You Need a Shoe fro Office Wear: If you’re looking for a barefoot option that’s better suited for casual wear, this is the shoe for you. It can be dressed up or down seamlessly, pairing just as well with gym shorts as it does with slacks and a button-up.
- Barefoot Beginners: If you’re new to barefoot shoes and are looking for something to help ease you into them, the transition variant of the Soleil is a perfect starting point. The transitional shoe has a stack height of ~13mm so it will give you a little more cushion and comfort for all-day wear.
- Wide, Thick Feet: If you have wider or thicker feet, the upper volume and toebox have enough room for you to be comfortable without any uncomfortable pinching or squeezing. Size up, friends. More on that below and on Tolos’ product page.
Who Shouldn’t Buy The Tolos Soleil?
- Training-Focused Friends: If you’re looking for a barefoot (or wide, zero-drop) shoe for heavy training, this isn’t going to be the shoe for you. You can train in these, but they’re built more for daily wear than chasing PRs.
- What to Buy Instead: Motus Strength for cross-training, Notorious Lift Radix or AVANCUS Apex Power for powerlifting.
- Narrow, Low-Volume Feet: If you have extremely narrow feet or low-volume feet, these may be a pass for you. The spacious upper and forefoot will feel loose and unsupportive. You could look into models like the Primus Lite Knit or Xero Shoes Glenn if you need a lower profile upper.
Fit & Sizing Suggestions
About My Feet: I have a normal arch/instep and my feet come in at an E/EE width. The length of my left and right foot are consistent with one another, and I size as a true US 10 for most companies’ sizing charts.
Fit Breakdown:
- Narrow (<D): True to size
- Medium (D): True to size, maybe size up a half-size
- E/EE: Size up a half-size
- 3E+: Size up a half-size
I went with my normal size 10 US in these and my recommendation for most is to go up half a size. The toebox shape makes them feel a bit shorter than expected. They’re not uncomfortably short, but having that extra ½ size would be perfect.
If you’ve worn other TOLOS models like the Archetype or Canvas High, go up a half size from what worked in those. If you have a narrower foot and have a thumbs width at the end of your toe, stay true to size. That said, excessively narrow feet may want to pass on these altogether.
The upper has plenty of volume, which is great if you wear custom orthotics or insoles. You’ll have room without feeling squeezed through the midfoot.
Performance Assessment
For the Soleil, I didn’t really focus on testing them a TON for training. You can train in these, but they’re not exclusively built for that, so as you read the performance section, please keep that in mind.
Training: 7.5/10
Honestly, the Soleil is just okay for lifting. Just make sure you size right or they’ll be frustrating and limiting. The grip is what makes them stand out in the gym. Thanks to the full rubber outsole with the deep tread and lug pattern, wooden platforms, turf, machines, rubber flooring, you won’t be slipping on anything.
You can even get away with a bit of dynamic lifting and cross-training in these. They’ve got decent enough structure and support with the suede and synthetic overlays that you’ll get a good amount of lockdown for those athletic style movements. You can get away with some dynamic lifts, though they feel a little heavy for a barefoot shoe.
They aren’t going to perform like the Archetype or even the Canvas High in the gym. That’s not what they’re best suited for though. They’re not built for lifting or cross training, and they’re definitely not going to be of any use running. Rumor has it though TOLOS is working on an Archetype 3.0 that will fill the void of sporty training left open by the Soleil.
Daily Wear: 9/10
This is where the Soleil really shines, especially the transition variant. I found myself wearing these exclusively on some recent trips. I was able to dress them up for going out at night, and dress them down for running around during the day.
If you prefer to wear them looser like I do, they slide on and off so smoothly. You can also cinch them up for a more business casual vibe without having to worry about the materials showing any awkward folds or creases.
Socks or no socks? It doesn’t matter, they’re straight up comfortable. And it really doesn’t matter how dirty you get them. The ripstop and suede materials are incredibly easy to clean up.
Like I said, I’ve found myself gravitating more towards the transition option, especially since I’m not wearing them for training. For training, I do prefer a barefoot feel. For all day wear like this, having that extra bit of midsole to protect my feet has been *chefs kiss*.
Construction Details
The barefoot option weighs 10.1 oz with a 7 mm stack height, while the transition option comes in at 12.35 oz with 13 mm of stack. Both shoes have a 0 mm heel-to-toe drop, and neither shoe comes with a removable insole.
The toebox has a suede overlay with an internal TPU layer for added durability and protection. The upper is made from a ripstop material that runs from the forefoot through the midfoot to the heel. The heel is more structured with nylon and synthetic overlays. There’s a suede outer layer on the back of the heel that features a faint heat-pressed TOLOS logo.
There are 6 core eyelets that run up the midfoot, with a 7th for lace lock. The tongue is a light foam material and is gusseted. It also features a loop for added security.
The outsole is a full rubber outsole with a deep tread and lug pattern. The transition variant adds a thin, firm foam midsole stitched through the shoe. It’s consistent in density, not plush, but protective enough for long days on your feet.
Final Thoughts: Would I Buy Again?
Once I stopped thinking of the Soleil as a training shoe and started treating it as a daily wear option, it clicked.
Sure, I can train in them if I need to, but that’s not what they’re for.
They’ve become one of my go-to daily wear shoes. The transition option gives just enough cushion to keep my feet fresh all day, and they pair with pretty much anything.
They’ve earned a permanent spot in my rotation.
If you’re already used to barefoot shoes and want max ground feel, go barefoot. If you’re new to barefoot or want more cushion, go transition. Simple as that.
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