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Women's Strand Lightweight Trainer Reviews — page 2

What verified buyers say about the Women's Strand Lightweight Trainer — comfort, fit, durability and how it compares to conventional shoes.

4.8

474 verified reviews

96% rated 4 stars or higher

5 star397
4 star60
3 star13
2 star3
1 star1

474 Women's Strand Lightweight Trainer reviews

Verified Buyer

My Personal favorite pair. Lightweight. Squishy, Great Durability

I love my size 8 lightweight trainers they are by far my most favorite pair compared to the all black Trail hiking boots and the Desert Boot designs. While I love all Peluvas the light weight trainers are true to their name and weight nothing, they fit my feet perfectly and give the best barefoot experience. They are not waterproof in-between the toes but these are made to have breathable material between the toes to reduce sweat during exercise so its only inconvenient when it's really rainy and I accidently step in a big puddle going to my car but that doesn't stop me from wearing them everywhere . This specific pair i wear almost everyday for work and exercise in everyday so 5 stars for quality design. They show no signs of any bad wear and tear and I have had them for almost 6 months already..which is why the pictures are of Dirty peluvas i wanted to show how well they have held up for someone who goes through shoes fast . I run on dirt roads constantly in my area and they have held up very good on tread, foam, and overall hold up. My bunion pain and nerve pain in my feet has definitely reduced since wearing which is one of the main reasons I wanted to try toe shoes. I tell people the only bad thing about Peluvas is that its hard to wear all your old shoes once you start wearing them. They say to size up but for some reason I have found my normal size 8 seems to fit me the best. I didnt have to return them the first time for this specific pair the first pair didnt fit me but peluvas return and exchange process was so fast and easy I was able to figure out the right pair and get them shipped within days. Will definitely get a new pair of this design once these start to fall apart especially if they get different colors.

A black and white shoe sole lying on a tiled floorA single black toe shoe with individual toe compartments and laces sitting on a tiled floorA black sneaker with white sole being held by a hand on a tiled floorPerson wearing black toe shoes with individual toe compartments, standing on tiled floor
Alexis· April 28, 2026

Response from Peluva

This is wonderful to hear! We’re so glad the lightweight trainers have become your favorite and are holding up so well.

Verified Buyer

Easiest 5 to shoes I have owned

I grew up mostly barefoot and generally not a fan of shoes so I tried Vibran once before and quickly didn’t like them. Figured these would be the same but been pleasantly surprised. These ones I have been wearing around the house and also doing some explorative hiking. I actually ended up getting the sportier model for hiking because I like the barefoot feel. The trainer was slipping climbing hills. I also ordered a size down so they would be snugger for hiking. But the size they recommended with the paper test is great for everyday around house and out and about. Only negative is I keep going back in forth with wearing socks of not. Without socks they seem to be rubbing where the seams are. That is the only reason it isn’t a 5 star. But potentially.. a break in period is needed.

Rebecca H.· April 27, 2026

Response from Peluva

We’re so glad these surprised you in a good way! Thanks for the honest note on the seams and hiking fit.

Verified Buyer

comfortable seams

The first pair of Peluva's had seams that irritated my toes, so they recommended this pair. These are much more comfortable! Still tricky to put on, but I can feel an improvement in the bunion I was developing. I'd prefer a more neutral gray color to either black or white.

Jane F. L.· April 26, 2026

Response from Peluva

We’re so glad this pair feels more comfortable and that you’re noticing improvement. We appreciate the color feedback too.

Verified Buyer

Love, love, love!

I was very skeptical of these shoes. I am a 62 year old woman who has been wearing Kurus for a few years. I decided to try them as I still have some foot pain and I wanted to fix the underlying issues instead of just trying to medicate the pain with shoes. I ordered a pair and the first thing I noticed, when I tried them on, is how stable I felt. I took a couple of weeks to get used to them and then wore them to walk the dogs for an hour. They felt wonderful! Then I wore them to the gym. Again, amazing! I love them and I am now ordering a 2nd pair. They do have some traction which I also love because in life, water gets spilled and sidewalks get wet from sprinklers. I wanted to be safe and many of the barefoot shoes have no traction. I tried a different brand and as soon as I put my foot down on the wood floors, they felt slick. Not safe. Peluva has passed all the tests. Don’t hesitate to order.

Coby C.· April 16, 2026

Response from Peluva

This is wonderful to hear! We’re so glad they passed every test and helped you feel stable and comfortable.

Verified Buyer

Black /White Lightweight Trainer

These are the most comfortable shoe Peluva has and that’s coming from someone who has several pairs.

Andrea D.· April 14, 2026

Response from Peluva

That’s awesome to hear, Andrea! We’re so glad these are your most comfortable Peluvas yet.

Verified Buyer

Great Shoe!

First time trying this type of shoe. Love it so far!

Heather C. W.· April 6, 2026

Response from Peluva

That’s awesome to hear! So glad you’re loving them so far.

Verified Buyer

So comfy!

I got the Strand Lightweight Trainer to use as my daily walking shoe (transitioning from the running shoe I have worn for years). They are very comfortable and I’m glad I made the switch! Plus, I’m getting compliments on my “fun” or “cute” shoes.

Peggy P.· March 19, 2026

Response from Peluva

So glad you’re loving them! Love hearing they’ve been such a comfy switch.

Verified Buyer

Impressed AND obsessed!

The minute my new Peluva's arrived, I put them on and took them for a spin on my daily walk with my dog. I was immediately impressed with how comfortable they were! I have a history of plantar fasciitis and my feet pronate inward so I was concerned they might not work for me. But even after wearing them all day, my feet still feel great and I'm obsessed with them! I can't wait to buy another pair, I just have to decide which one's I want next.

Person wearing black toe shoes with individual toe compartments and black pants, standing on wooden flooringPerson wearing black toe shoes standing on gray asphalt pavement
Stacy· March 18, 2026

Response from Peluva

That’s awesome to hear! So glad they’ve been such a great fit for your daily walks.

Verified Buyer

Lightweight Joy!

The Peluva shoe is the way to go! Perfect structure for all feet. Couldn't ask for a better solution for walking, exercising or hikes for proper placement of toes and foot. So comfortable that you do feel like you are barefoot. Thank you Peluva for your manufactured uniqueness in these trainers!

Woman in purple top and sunglasses standing on boat deck with desert landscape and water in background
Shirley M.· March 17, 2026

Response from Peluva

This is so lovely, Shirley. We’re really glad they’re working so well for you.

Verified Buyer

My feet are loving these!

I've only had these shoes a couple weeks and I am loving them! It takes a little practice getting them on, but my feet are so thankful! I can't wait to try some different styles!

Jennifer P.· March 11, 2026

Response from Peluva

So happy your feet are loving them, Jennifer. Hope you enjoy trying more styles too.

Verified Buyer

Love

Hard to put in but once you have them on your feet feels great!!! Already purchased a second pair

Person wearing black sneakers with feet resting in clear acrylic footrest under granite kitchen counter
Tamia H.· March 9, 2026

Response from Peluva

Love hearing that, Tamia. So glad they feel great once they’re on.

Verified Buyer

TOE SHOE ADVOCATE

I was really surprised by how comfortable these shoes are gonna be. I already wear five finger brown shoes. It's an excellent brand, but I believe Peluva is the next best brand. I am happy to say that I feel a lot more comfortable walking barefoot again in these shoes. I'm just hopeful that maybe in the near future there will be a shoe with thicker. Try it on the bottom of the shoe in order to hike, trek, and have shoes that give you the ability to participate in more outdoor activities. I am happy with my purchase. I typically wear a 9 1/2 inch shoes however they suggested to purchase a size up if need be. I just stuck with a size 10 and I am happy.

Chinwe N.· February 23, 2026

Response from Peluva

We really appreciate this, Chinwe. It’s awesome to hear you’re feeling that barefoot comfort again, and thank you for the thoughtful idea about a thicker outsole for more hiking and trekking options.

Verified Buyer

So Comfortable!!

I slipped these shoes on and it took a little adjusting but they felt so good to walk in. I did overdo it the first day and had to come back to them a few days afterwards and start introducing them a little at a time. I had a meniscus tear in my right knee so this irratated it when I was in them too long. I am doing better as I am getting my body used to the shoes. I will continue to wear these. I love them!!

Kathleen C.· February 17, 2026

Response from Peluva

Kathleen, we love hearing how comfortable they felt right away. You approached the transition exactly right by easing back in after overdoing it on day one. With a meniscus tear history, that gradual ramp-up is key. So glad you’re improving as your body adapts, and we’re excited you’ll be continuing with them!

Verified Buyer

Purchased size 10 wide instead of 10.5 wide

These shoes fit perfectly without the toe socks. When I did decide to wear toe socks with them I'm impressed with the feel and fit! I like this soft material. I would love to have this same upper material with all black soles versus white.

Greta W.· February 16, 2026

Response from Peluva

Greta, love hearing they fit perfectly, especially even without toe socks, and that you like the softer upper material. The request for an all-black sole option is great feedback. We’ll pass that along.

Verified Buyer

Achy Feet Are GONE!

I bought these shoes and love them!!!! So easy and comfy. They do get rid of foot pain! YOU HAVE TO BUY a size up!!!! I am an 8.5 and the 9 fits perfectly

Ashley D.· February 9, 2026

Response from Peluva

Ashley, we love hearing that your achy feet are gone. Thank you for sharing the sizing tip too. That will help others.

Customer Review

2 Stars

They aren't that comfortable for me. I still choose my Vibram give finger toe shoes over these. They just don't fit my feet the same to square and generic toe box. Others might like them but Vibrams for me fit better.

Dannielle· February 6, 2026
Verified Buyer

Love my shoes!

I am enjoying wearing my shoes whilst walking and going to the gym. I can feel my feet opening!!! Sometimes my toes don't want to go where they are supposed to go...shows me that even though my toes are straight, they have been squished from years of wearing shoes. For the last 6 years I've been working out barefoot and that has been very helpful at keeping my foot shape..but again interesting to put my feet in wider shoes. I wear a size 7.5 but suggested 8.5 and they fit wonderfully. Thanks again for a great shoe. My friends think I'm crazy but also say I'll have the best toes and feet years for now!

Tanya W.· February 4, 2026

Response from Peluva

Thanks, Tanya! We love hearing how your feet are adjusting and opening up.

Verified Buyer

Sooooo light and wonderful!!!

I am a PE Teacher and I have been looking for some light shoes that helped me with my balance, help me build strength in my legs, and also support my bones in my joints in my feet. I have arthritis in my left foot after getting run over by a car and I am wanting all the help I can get with these bones!!! These Peluvas are incredible and I am so happy with them!! Working out in the weight room with them has been so awesome, and my students are now asking me where I got them and what these toe shoes are all about, lol I love it!!

Taylor E.· February 3, 2026

Response from Peluva

Thanks, Taylor! We love hearing how they’re supporting you in the gym and beyond.

Verified Buyer

wow!

I'm new to the minimalist/barefoot shoes. I've always felt that I needed a shoe with a good arch support. A couple years ago I noticed a positive difference when I bought tennis shoes with less of a 'drop', so my shoe shopping since has been in search of a drop like 7mm or less. Enter barefoot shoes! ZERO DROP. Figured it was worth a shot! I tried 2 brands, these toe-shoes and another non-toe-shoe. These have a 9mm sole, the others have 2mm. I tried my peluvas first! (took a minute to get them on properly) As soon as I had my feet in them I really felt like they fit like a glove! lol I mean, they really wowed me right from the start! ... but being brand new shoes, they did rub in a few spots. It took a few days for that to fade away, just had to break them in. Next I tried the other brand. They were fine, definitely did not wow me like peluva. I wore each brand for a full weekend and a few half days during the week. The other brand began feeling like 'meh, ok', and ended feeling like 'meh, not so ok'. I honestly couldn't wait to get my peluvas back on my feet! Regarding the prior need for good arch support - SO NOT NECESSARY. I don't feel like anything is lacking in these shoes, don't even miss the arch support. I'm left wondering why I've needed it in my other shoes anyway?! lol Today is actually my first day wearing my peluvas to work! I was nervous because they look different (*look kinda funny) , but SERIOUSLY nobody has noticed at all! No one has said a word! I'll keep wearing them, I'm really loving these zero drop barefoot minimalist peluva toe shoes!

Person wearing gray pants and mismatched footwear - one black toe shoe and one black sneaker - standing on wooden deck boards
Stephanie S.· January 27, 2026

Response from Peluva

Wow, thanks, Stephanie! We’re so happy your Strands impressed you and helped you transition to barefoot comfort.

Verified Buyer

Love it

Because of bunions and other foot issues, it was time consuming to put the shoes on, but once I got them on, I loved them!

Natalie M.· January 26, 2026

Response from Peluva

Thanks, Natalie! We’re glad to hear you loved them once they were on. We know it can be tricky with bunions, and we appreciate you sticking with it.

Verified Buyer

Long time VFF switch

I had to size up half size (as noted on website, but I did this to the size predicted by the white paper / app measurement, which predicted half size too small). I would have been better off skipping the app. I did get the right sized pair quickly though through the Shop app, I like these shoes as they remind me of the original VFF KSO shoes that were soft and comfortable (now thin and fragile). I am rebuilding my running so it it is very slow going, but I am grateful for new shoes to replace ancient VFF KSOs that I loved too much.

Person wearing black toe shoes with individual toe compartments and laces, standing on concrete pavement
Linda K.· January 26, 2026

Response from Peluva

Thanks, Linda! Glad you got the right size and that they’re helping with your running rebuild. Appreciate the detailed comparison to your old VFFs!

Verified Buyer

favorite ever workout shoe

I love working out in these shoes. I feel I have better grip and better balance wearing these, even when doing yoga. As you can see, they have gotten a lot of wear and they still are in great shape. My feet don't cramp when I am done working out as they have done in other shoes. Plus they are so light, you don't feel like you are wearing any shoes at all.

Pink toe shoes with individual compartments for each toe, sitting on brown carpet
Carol· January 26, 2026

Response from Peluva

Thanks, Carol! So great to hear how well these support your workouts, grip, and balance, especially for yoga. Appreciate the love!

Verified Buyer

Great shoe for training.

This is a really good shoe for running and weightlifting.

Person holding a dark green sneaker with white sole and black laces indoors
rashad a.· January 22, 2026

Response from Peluva

Thanks, Rashad! We appreciate the recommendation.

Verified Buyer

Can see and feel a difference already!

It has been a month since I started wearing Peluva. I will admit, in the beginning it was very frustrating trying to get the shoes on. I had to re-order my size 3 times until I got it right! But now, I can actually see my feet changing shape and the strength and balance growing from the ground up! I actually prefer my Peluvas now compared to my other shoes. They work. I'm sold. Thank you. PS. My friends and family are so tired of me talking about my toe shoes! Ha Ha

Jennifer M.· January 15, 2026

Response from Peluva

Thanks, Jennifer! We love hearing how much you’ve seen and felt the difference. It’s awesome that you stuck with it and convinced others too!

Reviews for other Peluva models