The Body Glove 3T Barefoot Cinch water shoe is a mouthful of a name that describes exactly what it is and what it’s for. Its stitching creates 3 toe compartments with a barefoot feel, intended to appeal to surfers and water sports enthusiasts.
With decades of history, there’s a lot of design that has gone into this particular water shoe to attempt to thread the needle between protection and performance. For kayakers, paddle boarders and sailors that need to tread through water, over stony beaches every once in a while, these might hit a sweet spot.
But for runners, especially barefoot athletes, the 3T Barefoots could be the performance panacea to make everything possible. They feel a little like climbing shoes.
Our review details what our test of these Body Glove water shoes can and cannot do for you. We tested the mens water shoe type, but there is also a model available for women that we have but have yet to test.
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
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Patented three-toe design that allows for easy slip-on entry and minimizes possibilities of injury
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Reduced sole height that maintains a natural balance
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Easy-to-adjust shocklaces that offer the perfect fit
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Skin-friendly, stretch fabric uppers
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IDS that ensure breathability and quick-dry functionality
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Ultra-grip soles that deliver traction
Things we don't like:
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Sizes may not be your exact shoe size, so it’s necessary to follow the sizing chart (which works pretty well measuring heel to toe-tip)
Overview
The Body Glove 3T Barefoot CINCH Water Shoes are not your typical water shoes. They are part of the patented 3T Barefoot series, which means that they are designed to protect your feet from various terrain hazards while providing comfort and ensuring performance.
In terms of how they feel on the foot, the minimalist feel of the rubber sole is reminiscent of climbing shoes that fit the contours of your feet for better traction.
The 3T stands for three-toe because these water shoes have a three-toe design. This design offers many benefits. However, its most obvious advantage is allowing you to wear the shoes easily and comfortably. To add, they are integrated with adjustable shocklaces that allow for a tailored fit with which you are most comfortable.
Since the Body Glove 3T Barefoot CINCH Water Shoes are all about comfort, it is worth noting that they have an IDS that lets them dry faster than you expect. With this system, water flows quickly from the uppers through the outsoles. The result is improved air circulation and breathability.
These water shoes are also known for having lower profile outsoles that help you maintain your natural balance as if you are barefoot. Despite that, these shoes still provide ample protection. Contributing to this firm grip are the ultra-grip soles, which give traction, especially to moist surfaces.
Windsurfers and kayak tourers will likely revel in the comfort and performance of these. Beach athletes, too, will likely find great utility in them. During our test, while running on the beach with small shells, our feet were protected nicely while a modicum of support (thanks to the shocklaces) also provided that ideal barefoot plus experience.
Let’s dive in to further discuss the features of the Body Glove 3T Barefoot CINCH Water Shoes in-depth!
Specs & Features
- Men’s
- Available Colors: Black/Black, Black/Rio Red, Black/Yellow
- Available Sizes: 8 to 13
- Adjustable Shoelace
- Stretch Fit Upper
- Three-Toe Design
- Zero Heel Lift
- Integrated Drainage System (IDS)
- Women’s
- Available Colors: Black/Black, Black/Poolside Azure
- Available Sizes: 6 to 10
- Adjustable Shocklace
- Stretch Fit Upper
- Three-Toe Design
- Zero Heel Lift
- Integrated Drainage System (IDS)
- Ultra-Grip Outsole
Comfort
Firstly, these water shoes boast a three-toe design that makes them easier for you to slip on and off your feet. They also have reduced sole heights that offer a grip so firm as if you are barefoot and able to hold your footing. Even in restrictive spaces like kayaks, you can wear them comfortably without suffering from movement limitations or losing your stability.
Make sure to follow the sizing chart. In particular measure the tip of your toe to the end of your heel and order accordingly. It worked just fine for us.
The Body Glove 3T Barefoot CINCH Water Shoes have adjustable shocklaces that allow you to attain the perfect fit effortlessly. Further, they have skin-friendly, stretch fabric uppers, keeping your feet cool in any environment.
With an IDS, water can easily flow from the uppers through the outsoles. This system optimizes air circulation and gives a breathable fit. As such, you can expect these water shoes to dry quickly. For a hassle-free experience trekking or crossing rivers, it also keeps sand and other twigs out.
Together, the features of the Body Glove 3T Barefoot CINCH Water Shoes deliver optimal performance as they reinforce your natural balance while still providing comfort.
Use
As part of the patented Barefoot series, these water shoes maximize your toes’ articulation, ensuring protection while you are outdoors. Effectively, this technology helps prevent injuries to let you brave through your activities in and out of water. Specifically, these shoes’ three-toe design articulates the first and second toes to maximize performance while minimizing your chances of hurting yourself.
Maintaining your balance is also crucial, which is why the Body Glove 3T Barefoot CINCH Water Shoes are engineered with ultra-grip soles that provide traction to wet surfaces. As such, you can count on them to perform in any terrain without worrying about your safety.
While not as robust as Vibram soles, the likes of which we see on the Merrell Blaze, the 3T soles are rubber and have held up nicely after a couple of days’ punishment.
So, for canoe tripping or kayak touring, water sports and beach athletics, Body Glove has a really good option for those who can get used to the 3 toe design. Strange at first, it quickly feels like an experience you can get used to.
They dry quickly and provide protection against potential injuries, so they are a suitable bit of footwear for your outdoor trips.
Material
The Body Glove 3T Barefoot CINCH Water Shoes are intended to promote comfort while optimizing performance in any environment, be it in or out of water. As such, they are made of breathable neoprene and skin-friendly materials that let you move freely without worrying about small rocks and twigs. Moreover, their drainage system allows them to dry fast, which minimizes soggy and smelly feet.
Value
The bottom line with the Body Glove 3T CINCH water shoes is that they cater to people who are active. It goes without saying that it’s a minimalist shoe offering a maximalist range of sensation for sporty activities.
Are you looking for Water Shoes for your little ones? See the 7 Best Water Shoes for Kids
Our Overall Review
Things we like:
-
Patented three-toe design that allows for easy slip-on entry and minimizes possibilities of injury
-
Reduced sole height that maintains a natural balance
-
Easy-to-adjust shocklaces that offer the perfect fit
-
Skin-friendly, stretch fabric uppers
-
IDS that ensure breathability and quick-dry functionality
-
Ultra-grip soles that deliver traction
Things we don't like:
-
Sizes may not be your exact shoe size, so it’s necessary to follow the sizing chart (which works pretty well measuring heel to toe-tip)
Frequently asked questions
Body Glove is an award-winning manufacturer of sports equipment. It is known for many product innovations, especially its water shoes. One of its best-selling products today is the Body Glove 3T Barefoot CINCH Water Shoes, which deliver reliable performance in and out of water. These are available for both men and women. To learn more about these water shoes, check out our in-depth review here.
Body Glove’s patented 3T Barefoot series is composed of water shoes with a three-toe design that optimizes dexterity. With this design, the shoes are easy to put on and off. More importantly, it helps you avoid injuring yourself. The Body Glove 3T Barefoot CINCH Water Shoes are excellent examples of water shoes belonging to this series, and you can learn more about them here. If you are looking for other options that provide great protection from blisters and rough terrains, check out Speedo Men’s SURFWALKER PRO 3.0 Water Shoes and Keen Whisper.
Firstly, water shoes with a three-toe design are easy to wear. You can slip your feet on and off them without any hassle. On top of that, it minimizes your risk for injury because it improves your toes’ dexterity. As part of the barefoot style of shoes it allows for the toes to play a bigger role in gripping the terrain over which one moves.
Water shoes with an IDS dry quickly because the system is designed to drain water as soon as possible. It even helps keep debris out of your water shoes, guaranteeing your comfort as you shift between land and water.
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