ANGLES CHRONOS 2.0 REVIEW: Elegant barefoot lace-ups for work and the city

Can barefoot lace-up shoes be comfortable, elegant, and still respect natural foot movement? Physiotherapist Lucie Kinclová tested ANGLES Chronos 2.0 and shared her experience with us.

We tested the black barefoot lace-up shoes ANGLES CHRONOS 2.0, which look like classic leather smart shoes on the outside, but give your feet complete freedom of movement. Elegance blended with barefoot comfort for work, formal occasions and everyday life in the city. The shoes were tested by physiotherapist Lucie Kinclová.

Finding year-round shoes that look great with a city wardrobe and still give your feet total freedom can be a bit of a challenge in the barefoot world. Anyone who knows me knows I spend most of my time in the woods and on trails, so I don’t usually reach for elegant footwear. But the black ANGLES CHRONOS 2.0 caught my eye straight away – with its clean, elegant look it works for the office, formal meetings and even the theatre, but it’s just as good for a stroll around town and a coffee stop.

Main pros:

• clean, elegant design – at first glance they look like premium leather smart shoes, not typical barefoot footwear
• top-quality materials and craftsmanship – smooth Italian leather combined with a comfortable microfibre lining, handmade in Portugal
• spacious anatomical toe box – your toes have plenty of room and aren’t squeezed out of shape
• ultra-light and flexible – they feel great on the foot and are surprisingly light
• 3 mm rubber sole with no heel at all – the shoes follow the movement of your feet nicely and don’t restrict push-off
• easy to style – smooth black leather pairs perfectly with jeans, trousers and dresses, as well as a suit or coat

Main cons:

• not footwear for demanding terrain – the smooth sole and leather upper aren’t made for mud, rocks or mountain hikes
• smooth leather is prone to scuffs and, like any natural leather, needs regular care (conditioning, waterproofing) to keep it looking its best
• the fit isn’t suitable for very wide feet and a high instep, or conversely for very narrow ankles and heels

Key features and overall verdict

ANGLES CHRONOS 2.0 are city lace-up shoes made from high-quality smooth Italian leather and hand-stitched in Portugal. I really rate the design, which works with multiple styles and can easily be worn both to the office and to a social event. At first glance, they’re practically indistinguishable from classic leather smart shoes – you only notice what makes them different once they’re on your feet.

I was genuinely surprised by how comfortable they are to wear without socks. The inside is lined with a pleasant microfibre that wicks moisture and keeps you comfortable all day. Thanks to the laces, you can adjust them well to your individual foot shape, so they feel secure without pinching anywhere. I’d recommend them for spring and autumn, or a cooler summer.

Otherwise, ANGLES CHRONOS 2.0 tick everything barefoot shoes should: no heel, no shaped insole and no unnecessary stiffeners – just space for natural foot movement. That’s why each step feels light and almost as natural as walking barefoot, just with the protection the shoes provide. The timeless cut also means you can easily wear them with any outfit, whether you’re heading to work, into town or to an informal meet-up – the soft materials and flexible sole adapt to your feet and the comfort lasts all day. 

Testing out and about

On city paving and in the park

I put on ANGLES CHRONOS 2.0 for an ordinary walk around town and tried them where barefoot shoes face their toughest test – on hard paving, asphalt and, in places, typical cobbles. With such a thin sole, you might expect your feet to ache on hard surfaces. But the reality was completely different. The 3 mm sole flexes beautifully while still giving me plenty of ground feel, without walking over sharp cobble edges feeling unpleasant.

I also took them for a walk in a city park, away from the hard street surfaces. Even on grass and the more uneven ground in the park, it was clear how comfortable they are to walk in.

Final verdict

What I loved most about ANGLES CHRONOS 2.0 is definitely the elegant look combined with low weight and excellent comfort for your feet – even worn barefoot. During testing I didn’t get a single blister or rub, and they were easy to wear with ankle socks from naBOSo too. Very few barefoot lace-ups manage to look this stylish while still feeling so natural on the foot.

I’d recommend them to anyone looking for elegant, comfortable city shoes for work, social occasions and everyday wear, while still wanting an anatomical shape and quality materials. ANGLES CHRONOS 2.0 are proof that this type of footwear can be very elegant and at the same time healthy for your feet.

The ANGLES CHRONOS 2.0 lace-ups were tested by Mgr. Lucie Kinclová, Ph.D. (Barefootcoaching), a physiotherapist specialising in children’s feet, child psychomotor development and podology. She is also the author of the e-book O dětských nožičkách.   

Read more articles:

• Ball season: How to choose barefoot shoes for a ball
• Got a wedding coming up? You can spend your big day in barefoot shoes too – and we’ll advise you on how to choose them
• Enjoy barefoot walking to the fullest, even if you spend all day at home, in the office or at the clinic
• How to care for leather barefoot shoes properly