Free shipping and returns on US orders over $100. Free international shipping

Ascent Gen 2
Ascent Gen 2
Ascent Gen 2
A black Icarus Ascent Gen 2 barefoot sneaker with metallic gold accents, displayed on a stack of gold bars.
A black Icarus Ascent Gen 2 barefoot sneaker with metallic gold accents; top view
A black Icarus Ascent Gen 2 barefoot sneaker with metallic gold accents, displayed on a stack of gold bars; front-view
Bottom of black/gum Icarus Ascent Gen 2 barefoot sneaker; showing herringbone high-traction outsole pattern and red accent
A white Icarus Ascent Gen 2 barefoot sneaker with metallic gold accents, displayed on a stack of gold bars; side-view
A white Icarus Ascent Gen 2 barefoot sneaker with metallic gold accents, displayed on a stack of gold bars; rear-view
A white Icarus Ascent Gen 2 barefoot sneaker with metallic gold accents, displayed on a stack of gold bars; rear-view
A white Icarus Ascent Gen 2 barefoot sneaker with metallic gold accents; bottom view of the high-traction herringbone rubber outsole
A pair of white Icarus Ascent Gen 2 barefoot shoes with red accents; rear-view
3 wide-toebox insoles of varying thicknesses: 3mm zero-drop, 4mm zero-drop, and 4-9mm thick (non-zero-drop)
Ascent Gen 2
Ascent Gen 2

Ascent Gen 2

Regular price $144.99
Unit price  per 

INVENTORY RESTOCKED!

Description

The Ascent is our minimalist version of the classic court sneaker. Dress it up or dress it down. Wear it to work, wear it to the gym, wear it to dinner or the bar. Enjoy the comfort and health benefits of a barefoot shoe without getting weird looks or awkward comments from your date, friends, family, or coworkers. These will quickly become your go-to pair of barefoot shoes that seamlessly fit into your lifestyle.

Upper: The upper is constructed using a full-grain leather for unparalleled comfort, water-resistance, and breathability. The leather breaks-in with each wear, adopting the exact shape of your feet. Soft padding was strategically added to the tongue and ankle collar to ensure all-day comfort.

Outsole: The outsole is thin, flexible, and zero-drop. Made using a mix-of natural and synthetic rubber to balance grip with durability. The sole features a herringbone tread-pattern; proven to be the optimal design for maximizing grip in all directions.

Insoles: You don't have to sacrifice cushion for a wide toebox - you can have both! Each order includes 3 insole options: 3mm insoles (zero-drop), 4mm insoles (zero-drop), and 4-9mm insoles (5mm heel-toe drop). You can swap insoles to change the volume of the shoe and to change the level of cushion to match your activity and personal preference. 3mm offers the highest level of sensation, while 4mm gives you a little more cushion for long days on concrete. Our insoles also fit many other wide-toebox shoe brands.

Sizing

If you already have a "usual" US shoe size - just order that instead of trying to re-measure. Our shoes run true to size. If you don't know your US shoe size, please reference the sizing guide before purchasing, or message us using the chat feature! The "Recommended Foot Length" in the table below already includes 1.5cm of space in front of your toes, so the recommended numbers represent just your actual foot length.

What's Included?

1x pair of Ascent Gen 2 shoes

3x pairs of insoles: 3mm (zero-drop); 4mm (zero-drop); 4-9mm "high cushion" (5mm heel-toe drop)

1x pre-paid return mailer (US orders only)

Gen 2 Improvements

Sizing: We switched to a Unisex sizing approach, starting from Women's US 6 through Men's US 14, including half sizes. Our updated sizes are slightly wider and fit true to size compared to our initial release, which were 1/2 size (or more!) too big.

Lace loop: You spoke and we listened! Based on feedback that the tongue wouldn't stay in place and fell to the side of the shoe: we added a lace loop to secure the tongue and prevent it falling to the side.

Leather Finish: Although we used a premium full-grain leather for the initial production, we added a thin protective finishing coating to increase durability. This will decrease the likelihood of cuts and scuffs and extends the lifespan of the shoes.

Insoles: 

  • We increased the density of the 3mm zero-drop insole to be less flimsy and more durable.
  • We changed the 4mm insole from die-cut (flat) to a more durable, secure molded design. This 3-dimensional structure will be more durable, secure, and won't roll-up under your heel like the original. The density of this insole was also increased.
  • We decreased the thickness of the "high-cushion" insole from 5-11mm to 4-9mm. The thinner heel will be closer to zero-drop and also allow your foot to sit deeper in the shoe for a more secure fit. We also increased the density of this thick insole to provide the same amount of cushion in a smaller form factor.
Shipping

Domestic (USA) Orders:

Free shipping, returns, and exchanges. Each package includes prepaid return mailer.

International Orders:

Free shipping; you may be charged import duty fees by your country. Check our FAQ Page to see estimated import fees by country

You are responsible for arranging return shipping back to USA for either return or exchange.

Gallery

Man in green jacket and black pants leaning against a building wall, wearing Icarus Ascent white/red sneakerTom Segura wearing Icarus Ascent barefoot shoe on the Power Bell podcastMan dressed for dinner date wearing Icarus Ascent Gen 2 barefoot shoe in white/redMark Bell posing with Thor Bjornson wearing Icarus Ascent Gen 2 sneakers (white/red colorway)Man doing Crossfit working, lifting weights in a gym wearing Icarus Ascent Gen 2 barefoot shoe in white/redPerson deadlifting a barbell with weights in a gym setting, wearing Ascent Gen 2 sneaker in white/redPerson performing a bench press with weights in a gym setting wearing Icarus Ascent Gen 2 in barefoot shoe in white/redMuscular man sitting on a weight bench in a gym setting; wearing Icarus Ascent Gen 2 barefoot shoe in white/redShane Hunt sitting on a chair outdoors on a deck wearing Icarus Ascent Gen 2 sneakers in white/red

Customer Reviews

Based on 298 reviews
85%
(253)
11%
(33)
3%
(8)
0%
(1)
1%
(3)
A
Amanda

Finally got my sneakers! Love how they look and are really comfortable. Great value for money with the extras you get!

E
Elliot Kleiman
Really good

I like these shoes a lot. The fact that each purchase includes three different thicknesses of soles and toe spacers makes it unlike any other shoe brand that I am aware of. Also, the fact that they are foot-shaped to accommodate the splay of toes with spacers makes them more comfortable than a regular shoe. Plus, they look great. So its both functional and cool - I recommend this brand to anyone looking for a minimalist shoe. I am definitely telling friends about these going forward for sure!

B
Bryant Novick

Ascent Gen 2

Y
Yuuki
Great! Straight out the box

I was incredibly surprised on how well the shoe fit as well as how it looked. The design of it is super sexy and most importantly, really comfortable. I really appreciated all of the options of the insoles to vary the level of minimalism. Looking forward to wearing these more.

J
JAY - 100% REAL BUYER - 100% REAL REVIEW
I Only Wear Wide Toe Box/0 Drop - Tried All Main Options - Super Stoked to Find These - Better Qu...

Quality 10/10 The construction is levels up from the Olukai and Xero shoes I wear. The sole is much better quality which you feel right away. The presentation and care and thought that has been put into the package and accessories, I've never seen something like it. To send out with 3 options for insoles is awesome. I feel like I'm always chasing just the right balance of casual wide toe box shoes that can be worn with a dressier outfit, or just out for dancing at live music, and the best I had before these are not as cool as the Icarus Ascent Gen 2. I really like how they have the zero drop somewhat minimal, but have such a good quality sole the also feel like you get support differently then other brands, but just the right amount.

Stoked to have these as a new shoe to add to just two other type shoes I ever wear, as I had only found 2 that are so comfortable I just gave up on all random other shoes used to wear. And I love that the outside of sole isn't white, and the also perfectly fit my high end custom orthotics.

Grateful for the time and effort that was put into designing and manufacturing this shoe.