Kuru Shoes Review

About Kuru

Kuru is an orthopedic shoe brand that sells footwear such as sneakers, boots, and sandals. Users can shop by finding specific shoes tailored to alleviate certain types of foot pain such as arthritis and fibromyalgia. Kuru has been featured in multiple articles written by publications such as Wired and Forbes. 

Is it worth walking a mile in Kuru shoes? This Kuru shoes review will take an in-depth look at the brand and its products, customer ratings, promotions, and more, to help you decide if their products are worth the buy. 

Overview of Kuru

Ever since fifth grade, Bret Rasmussen loved shoes, which spurred his dream of creating his own footwear company in the future. In 2008, Kuru Shoes was born, leading to the creation of their signature KURUSOLE–a special type of shoe sole designed for maximum comfort and performance. 

In an interview with Footwear News, Rasumussen gives his insight into creating the best, high-performance shoe, “I didn’t realize that footwear is a combination of art and science. Nailing both elements is critical to success.”

With a mission to create shoes to help alleviate any discomfort when it comes to being out and about, Kuru is committed to innovating footwear for a pain-free life. To prove it, the majority of Kuru shoes are vegan! 

Now based in Salt Lake City, Utah, this brand continues to make waves with their footwear by also donating to charities related to education, economic development, environmental causes, and health and well-being. 

You may have also come across their marginally famous advertisement showcasing a Kuru actor playing Achilles endorsing their shoe brand. 

Before we get into this Kuru shoes review, let’s go over some initial pros and cons:

Pros

• A variety of orthopedic shoes to choose from; buyers can shop through footwear designed to alleviate specific types of foot pain
• Kuru donates a portion of their sales to charities through a program called Kuru Cares 
• Expert endorsed shoes for both men and women 
• Has ‘Free Shoe Friday’ where customers have a chance of winning $120 worth of Kuru Cash to use in future orders 
• 100% free returns, exchanges, and shipping for domestic US shipping 

Cons

• Mixed customer reviews 

Kuru shoppers can browse through footwear tailored to specific types of foot pain, such as Kuru shoes for plantar fasciitis or shoes for arthritis. Collections are also organized by activity and career. Let’s take a look at the orthopedic designs Kuru has to offer.

Women’s Kuru Shoes Review

In the women’s category, Kuru sells sneakers and tennis shoes, hiking shoes and boots, slip-on shoes, boots, dress shoes and flats, sandals, wide shoes, and shoes for arch support. You can also shop by color, foot size, or by additional footwear features such as added anti-slip support or designed for cold weather. 

This Kuru shoes review will go over four of their bestsellers in the Kuru shoes for women section. 

Kuru Atom Shoes Review

The standard black shoe, let’s face it, has been worn to death. That’s not to say that it’s an outdated look, but it’s seen as the essential go-to shoe which easily pairs with every outfit. The Kuru Atom shoe is designed with their signature Kuru Sole and flared KURUCLOUD midsole that “combines the proven benefits of orthotics with our patented flexing action to dynamically hug your heels.”

What’s super cool about this shoe is that its insoles harness your body heat to custom mold to your feet. This promises arch support and takes away the need to ‘break in your shoes’, plus the B+ width gives your foot some room to move naturally. 

With it’s breathable, patented comfort and athletic fit design, you can walk for miles. If black shoes aren’t your thing, they also offer Atom in Cloud Gray, Desert Green and White, Blue and White, and Jet Black with Lilac Accents. The Atom shoe retails for $130.

Kuru Ellie Shoes Review

The Kuru Ellie shoe is the perfect yoga shoe or slip-on to wear for a light jog on the treadmill. This footwear design has built-in arch support, a heel to toe drop for better pressure distribution, and is super breathable. 

Ellie is optimal for those with Plantar Fasciitis, heel pain, bone spurs, fallen arches, and more due to the KURUCLOUD EVA midsole supporting you along the way. Plus, Ellie’s B+ width allows for your feet to fit naturally into the shoes for maximum comfort. 

With its easy slip off and on design, you can quickly get up and start being active as soon as you walk out the door. There are 5 different color choices, ranging from Red Plum, Black and Gray, Blue and Gray, Black and Gray, and Blue and White. The Ellie shoe is available in sizes 6-11 in a medium width for $110. 

Kuru Kinetic Shoes Review

For those ‘on their feet’ workers such as nurses, retail workers, post office delivery workers, and other careers that entail you to keep on moving, the Kinetic by Kuru is the way forward when it comes to ensuring you aren’t in any foot pain while on the job. 

There are various features to be admired with the Kinetic shoe, such as the leather uppers, spacious toebox, and KURUCLOUD insole ensure maximum comfort and support. The three-hole molded eyelet ensures a secure fit while the anti-slip rubber deflects grease, oil, and other fluids to improve traction. These also have a reflective logo on the side, forefoot, and heel help you be seen in low visibility environments. 

The width of the Kinetic is a B+, which allows the shoes to fit well to the natural shape of your foot. Kuru states that it’s a “favorite among nurses, doctors, food service, retail, restaurant and hospitality workers and more.” 

Currently, there are two models of these shoes available in White or Black. Get working but stay comfortable with the Kinetic shoes for $150, available in sizes 5-12 (including half sizes). 

Kuru Tempo Shoes Review

While leather boots continue to be the pinnacle of cold weather fashion, sometimes caring for them can be a nuisance as they are not designed for snow or the rainy season. However, the Tempo boots by Kuru are designed to stand against wet climates as the leather is water-resistant due to special tanning processes.

The Tempo boots are not only durable but also quite fashionable and comfortable. Detailed with rose gold metal accents, a classic high-top silhouette, and an easy-to-pull side zipper, you can go on your downtown adventures with ease. They also feature the KURUCLOUD EVA insole and KURUSOLE which add ample cushion in a lighter weight. 

This Kuru footwear is not listed as vegan on the brand’s website. But the B+ width on this boot and the added ULTIMATE INSOLES allow for the perfect fit that lasts. The Tempo boots come in two different designs: one in Tan and one in Black. 

Don’t sacrifice fashion over function. With these $140 Kuru boots, you can get both. The Tempo is available in sizes 6-11, including half sizes. 

Men’s Kuru Shoes Review

Kuru’s collection for men features the same styles as the women’s line, minus flats. In case you skipped over the women’s shoes, here’s the line up: sneakers and tennis shoes, hiking shoes and boots, slip-on shoes, boots, dress shoes and flats, sandals, wide shoes, and shoes for arch support—all designed for maximum comfort and performance. 

This Kuru shoes review will go over four of their most loved pairs for men, ranging from the classic sneaker to the traditional urban boot. 

Kuru Draft Shoes

As we pay more attention to buying shoes for outerwear, it’s typical that the at-home slipper is a purchase we don’t think about. However, indoor slippers are regarded as a type of footwear that most people use quite often. Instead of buying cheap plastic (or oftentimes made out of cardboard) slip-ons, try Kuru Draft slippers for a more long-lasting change.

Designed with mesh uppers and the signature KURUSOLE, you get a good balance between warmth, breathability, and support. Its backless design makes it easy to slip on and off. This slipper also has built-in arch support and a heel to toe drop for even pressure distribution.

The Draft is tougher than the average slipper, featuring premium suede and a synthetic toe. It’s not listed as vegan on the company website and has a D+ width. The Draft slipper, retailing for $105, comes in Jet Black and Cocoa Brown. 

Chicane

If you are an outdoorsy, nature lover kind of person, investing in the right pair of athletic footwear is quite important. The Chicane hiking shoe is the optimal footwear to slip on for those steep heels, winding paths, and rough terrains. 

This hiking shoe is available in full-grain leather uppers or a more airy combo of mesh and leather. The Chicane is designed with an asymmetric tongue that follows the natural curve of your instep and has the signature KURUSOLE insole for heel support. 

This hiking shoe also has a more generous broader toe box for some more flexibility and breathability and features an adjustable Ghillie lacing system that wraps the webbing around your foot. An added D+ width allows for the perfect fit that lasts you a long time.

Available in sizes 7-14 (and half sizes), the Chicane hiking shoe comes in Black, Black with Red accents, Mocha Brown, Black with Gray accents, and a Light Tan color with Blue accents. Conquer your next hiking expedition with the Chicane shoes for $145. 

Quantum

Following the famed Chicane hiking shoe, the Quantum hiking shoe has all the same features but with a different design. Offered in a lighter, desert tan color, this shoe has bright blue laces and an added blue Kuru Logo on the side as an accent. Designed with the same KURUCLOUD midsole and signature KURUSOLE, you get both protection and ventilation.

The Quantum hiking shoe is listed on the website as a vegan product with a D+ width and available in US size 6.5-14. Not only that, but the Quantum is also breathable and has shock-absorption capabilities to endure whatever you put them through. 

Not only is their insole comfortable, but it improves your alignment and posture. Additionally, The Quantum shoe has moisture-wicking liners to keep your feet dry and happy. Lead the pack in the next hiking trail wearing the Quantum hiking shoes for $140. 

AALTO Chukka 

The AALTO Chukka boots are the perfect mix of dressy office attire and the traditional winter boot. If you’re looking for a pair of winter boots that are both adequate to wear at work but durable enough to get you there during the winter months, these boots are made just for you. 

Underneath its classy silhouette, it has all the components of an athletic Kuru shoe with its Eva midsole, TPE strobel board, and springy cushioned soles. The Aalto Chukka is listed on the website as non-vegan, comes in a D+ width, and with a built-in KURUSOLE. This boot is available in sizes 7-13, including half sizes.

These AALTO Chukka boots are made to withstand the cold and are designed to help those suffering from Plantar Fasciitis, heel pain, flat feet, bone spurs, and more. These winter boots come in Hickory Brown and Jet Black. Look classy, but feel covered in the AALTO Chukka boots for $132, marked down from the original $165. 

Kuru Shoes Reviews: What Do Customers Think?

This Kuru shoes review found a mixed customer response based on its research. On their website, most people have commented favorably, leaving an average of 4-5/5 stars. Most of the reviews detail that their footwear is comfortable, breathable, and great in alleviating foot pain. 

“These are very light and breathable. Lots of room for the toes to spread out. Good arch support and heel support. I have plantar fasciitis and these have helped so much,” one reviewer wrote on their website for the Atom shoe. 

On their Yelp page, Kuru scores a 3/5-star rating over 83 reviews. While some have commented that the shoes are comfortable, some have reported otherwise that their foot pain has not been alleviated and that the footwear wears down easily. 

“I was recommended KURU shoes by a coworker after a painful experience with plantar fasciitis, so I bought the ATOMS. Wore them for a little over a year and already there is a hole forming where my toe is,” one Yelp reviewer wrote. 

My search led me to a few Kuru shoes Reddit forums. It appears that the Kuru shoes reviews Reddit has mainly discussed that “the shoes are extremely comfortable.” While there are few comments, there are some that believe the shoes are not visually appealing, but altogether comfortable. 

Are Kuru Shoes Worth It?

Are Kuru shoes worth the money? For shoes that are generally comfortable as seen in countless customer reviews, we readily recommend this brand to anyone looking to invest in quality, orthopedic shoes. What’s especially great about their website is that with each product, there is a lengthy description of what makes the shoe one of a kind in terms of its design, what makes it comfortable, and how it is durable. 

Additionally, from the customer’s point of view, it’s especially useful to browse through different types of shoes recommended to alleviate pain with different types of footwear, and shoes recommended to different professions as well. It makes it seem that each style is catered to the needs of different people. 

Though some commented on the shoes not being visually appealing, it is essential to remember that Kuru believes in making shoes that keep your feet and body healthy. 

It’s also great to know that Kuru has a program called Kuru Cares, where they donate a portion of their money to multiple charities, so you know your money is going to a good cause. Try out Kuru footwear and see if there’s a difference in your daily commute. 

Kuru Shoes Promotions & Discounts 

The Kuru shoe sale category on the website features limited edition and last chance shoes for a discounted price. Additionally, this Kuru shoes review found out that they offer a rewards program where customers can collect cash points that can be used in their future orders. 

They also have a refer a friend program where customers can introduce the brand to their friends to receive $10 off as a thank you gift. 

Kuru also has a ‘Free Shoe Friday’ program where customers can win a chance to receive $120 worth of Kuru Cash. Keep checking the website and their social media for a Kuru footwear promo code.

Where to Buy Kuru Shoes?

You can buy Kuru shoes exclusively on their website, KuruFootwear.com. 

FAQ

Where are Kuru shoes made? 

This Kuru shoes review found out that their footwear is designed in the United States and made in their partner factories in Asia. 

Do any stores carry Kuru shoes? 

Unfortunately, Kuru shoes are not sold in retail stores.

Do Kuru shoes have good arch support? 

This Kuru shoes review found out that all their shoes have added arch support built into their design. Customer reviews have also backed this up by stating that Kuru shoes has good arch support. 

Are Kuru shoes true to size? 

Most Kuru shoes are true to size, but you can check within each product description. This Kuru shoes review will provide their size charts for both men and women below. 

What is Kuru’s Shipping Policy?

Kuru provides free shipping on all United States domestic orders. For this option, most orders ship within 1 business day and arrive within 5 business days. They also have expedited shipping for $15 and expedited overnight for $30. 

For international shipping, it takes around 7-10 business days for orders to arrive. For US territories, it is $2 per order, for Canada it is $19 per order, and for all other countries it is $29 per order.

Customers can track their orders by going onto their website and inputting their order number and email address. 

How do I return Kuru shoes?

Kuru has a ‘No Hassle’ policy, in which they implement 100% free returns and exchanges. All items can be returned and exchanged within 45 days of the original purchase.

Kuru footwear will ship out their exchange order and process returns within 14 days. All eligible Kuru footwear returns should be in new condition to be valid for a refund or exchange. 

How to Contact Kuru

If you have questions outside of this Kuru shoes review, you can contact the company through:

• Chat online via website 
• Phone: (877) 211-5878
• Email: gurus@kurufootwear.com
• Filling out contact form on their website 

If you’re not set on Kuru, check out orthopedic footwear by OrthoFeet and Oofos.

Learn about the muscle recovery benefits of compression clothing from Tommie Copper.

Sophie Diego