If you’re looking for a barefoot-style shoe that won’t break the bank, the Lono Flow might just be what you’re after. As someone who’s always on the lookout for functional, breathable, and budget-friendly footwear, I was curious to see if this Hong Kong-based brand could deliver real value in a market dominated by expensive names.

After six months of regular wear, here’s my honest take—covering fit, comfort, performance, style, and who I think will benefit most from this shoe.

Quick Overview

Price: ~HKD 761 (~USD $97)
Best For: Gym sessions, walks, errands
Not Great For: Wide feet, dressing up
Pros: Excellent value, breathable upper, decent grip
Cons: Runs narrow, white version gets dirty fast

Lono flow Single shoe — Lets see how this barefoot shoe holds up in this review

About Lono Barefoot

Lono is a young, Hong Kong-based brand with a clear mission: to make barefoot footwear accessible, functional, and sustainable for everyone. Unlike many established names in the barefoot shoe market, Lono set out to challenge high prices and limited availability by offering shoes that promote natural movement without compromising on affordability or environmental responsibility.

At the core of Lono’s philosophy is the belief that footwear should support both the health of our bodies and the planet. Their approach to design emphasizes a minimalist, foot-shaped fit and lightweight flexibility—key features for encouraging natural foot function and everyday comfort. Lono also stands out for its commitment to eco-friendly practices, using biodegradable DPET materials in the Flow to help reduce the long-term environmental impact of discarded shoes.

With a focused product lineup and a growing presence in cities like Hong Kong, Lono is quickly becoming a go-to brand for those seeking an affordable entry point into barefoot shoes, while staying true to values of health, simplicity, and sustainability.

First Impressions: A Budget Barefoot Contender

The Lono Flow is designed for people who want the natural feel of barefoot shoes without the premium price tag. With its thin, flexible sole and knit upper, it ticks the right boxes for flexibility and breathability.

I picked up mine for 611 HKD (approx 78 USD), even though full retail is 98 USD its a big win.

They are a lot more affordable than other barefoot gym shoes like the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite Knit - approx. 160 USD (review coming soon).

Lono seem to have exploded (at least here in Hong Kong), I almost see a pair on the street daily now. Dare I say almost as much as I see Vivobarefoot here.

More brands need to pay attention: when barefoot shoes become affordable, people will buy.

Sizing & Fit: Mind the Narrowness

Fit is always a big deal with barefoot shoes. In my experience, the Lono Flow runs noticeably narrower than many other barefoot options. My usual size (EU 46) felt snug—almost too tight for extended wear, especially if you have a wide forefoot. If you’re between sizes or have wider feet, definitely size up, but even then, the narrow fit may still be an issue.

Given the narrow fit, I strongly recommend sizing up if you’re between sizes or have wider feet. If you can, try them on before purchasing, especially if a wide toe box is a priority.

For quick errands or gym sessions, the snug fit wasn’t a dealbreaker. But for long walks or all-day wear, the squeeze became uncomfortable. If a wide toe box is a must for you, consider other models or try before you buy.

Lono FLow top down view — Good lock down but is on the narrower side

Upper: Breathable and Lightweight

One of the Flow’s best features is its knit upper. The material is super breathable—you can literally see the ventilation holes. This makes it a standout for hot and humid climates, and the stretch provides a secure lockdown without feeling restrictive. There’s just enough padding around the collar to keep things comfortable, and the upper has held up well after months of use.

While the white version does get dirty quickly, I found it cleans up surprisingly well with a quick wash. The material may not feel ultra-premium, but it’s impressive for the price and has proven more durable than some higher-end barefoot shoes I’ve tried.

Lono Flow upper — *The upper, breathable but definitely gets dirty!*

Outsole & Grip: Solid All Round

The Lono Flow features a 4mm outsole with 2mm lugs, offering solid grip on city streets, gym floors, and even in wet conditions. The tread isn’t aggressive enough for serious hiking or rugged trails, but it’s more than adequate for everyday urban use, dog walks, and cross-training. The ground feel is excellent—just what you’d expect from a barefoot-style shoe.

Lono Flow outsole — *Very good durability on the outsole*

Performance: Gym and Cross Training

Whether it’s walking the dog, running errands, or hitting the gym, the Lono Flow handles daily activities with ease. The flexible upper and removable insole provide a comfortable, adaptable fit for a range of workouts—from HIIT and strength training to yoga and light runs. The shoe’s lightweight design makes quick movements and transitions feel natural.

For longer runs or high-impact sports, you might want a shoe with a bit more structure and support. But for most casual fitness and daily movement, the Flow is a solid performer.

Style: Sporty and Functional

Let’s be honest—barefoot shoes aren’t always known for their looks. The Lono Flow has a sporty, activewear vibe that’s grown on me over time. I wouldn’t wear it to a formal event, but it pairs well with gym gear or casual outfits.

The white version is my pick, though it does show dirt quickly. Other colorways might be more forgiving if you’re worried about stains.

Sustainability: A Step in the Right Direction

Lono uses biodegradable DPET material in the Flow, making it an eco-friendly choice. While synthetic, the brand claims the shoe will break down in landfill conditions within about three years. For those who care about sustainability, this is a notable plus.

Final Verdict: Great Value for the Right Feet

For under $100 USD, the Lono Flow delivers impressive comfort, breathability, and versatility—especially for gym-goers or anyone living in hot, humid climates. The narrow fit is the main drawback, so wide-footed folks may want to look elsewhere. But if you’re after a minimalist, barefoot-style shoe that won’t empty your wallet, the Lono Flow is well worth a look.

Lono is proving that barefoot shoes can be both accessible and functional—hopefully inspiring more brands to follow suit.

Check out our review of the Vivobarefoot Geo Racer and Vivobarefoot Primus Asana -Both comparable shoe that I've used for many of the same use cases.

Lono Flow Review: Punching Above its Price Tag?