Note: this item was provided for review.
I’ve been wearing my last pair of Kyrgies daily, so when they offered to send over the Bishkek Kicks, I was very excited to get them. I’ve been wearing them a couple of weeks now, and I am very happy with them. A little different than the slippers I had before, but in most ways a lot better too.
Materials
100% wool felt uppers, with a natural rubber sole at the bottom. No further specs are listed, but the wool felt does feel much thicker than my last pair. The sizing is true to size for me. I normally wear an EU 45 / US 12, and that fits for me here.
The construction is well done, and there’s no imperfections.
Wear
Here’s what these are designed for:
Meet Kyrgies’ first “wear it everywhere” shoe. Handmade from all-natural felted wool, Bishkek Kicks are the most versatile Kyrgies yet. Designed for workdays, walks, and everything in between, these shoes pair the breathable, temperature-regulating comfort of traditional Kyrgyz felt with the resilience of natural rubber soles.
Compared to my other pair of Kyrgies, these have more structure and a thicker felt — in addition to the rubber soles instead of a suede sole. In practice, these are more supportive to wear, and they do wear a touch warmer. Where I would occasionally get cold toes in the other slippers, but never overheat, in the Bishkek I have yet to get cold toes, and have come close to overheating a couple of times when the house was warm.
The rubber soles offer good grip on all surfaces, from carpet to concrete floors, without collecting so much stuff on the sole like the leather tended to do. They don’t feel like wearing a sneaker or proper shoe, they still feel very in line with being a slipper and the comfort and relaxed feeling you would expect. But with just enough added structure and support that it doesn’t feel odd wearing them outdoors.
I’ve been comfortable in them when the house was down to 64°F, or when I was working in the garage in 45°F. Only feeling too warm at around 74°F while wearing wool socks. They are certainly warmer, but the wool still breathes well and does a good job regulating your temperature.
Where these really excel is in comfort. I stand while I work, so there’s a lot of time on my feet when I wear slippers, and these are the most comfortable slippers I’ve worn for that. They offer good overall support, without feeling like I am wearing a full shoe. My feet don’t get tired the same why they do when going without a slipper.
I didn’t wear these outside other than for a couple quick jogs to the mailbox, as I don’t like to mix indoor shoes and outdoor shoes, but I see no reason why they would cause any problems wearing them out of the house if that’s your thing. Visually they look the same, and very much read like a slipper. I’ve seen plenty of people in Boulder wearing wool felt slippers when out walking dogs, so I doubt it would be out of place where I live — but not really my vibe.
I have no doubt they will be great if you are doing a quick school drop off, or walking a dog. But they are equally great indoors, standing for work, cooking, or just keeping my feet cozy.
Overall
These are my favorite slippers. I appreciate the added warmth for the cold months, and the structure and sole is a great upgrade overall on these. The price is great as well.
Great gift to yourself, or to anyone — two thumbs up.