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Ascent Gen 2
Ascent Gen 2
Ascent Gen 2
Ascent Gen 2
Ascent Gen 2
Ascent Gen 2
Ascent Gen 2
Ascent Gen 2
Ascent Gen 2
Ascent Gen 2
Ascent Gen 2
Ascent Gen 2
Ascent Gen 2
Ascent Gen 2
Ascent Gen 2
Ascent Gen 2

Ascent Gen 2

Regular price $144.99
Unit price  per 

ORDER PROCESSING DELAY

Due to Denver Barefoot shoe convention, expect 2 week order processing before shoes ship. Please add note during ordering if you have a specific travel date; we will try to accommodate!

What's different for Gen 2?

Sizing: We are switching to a Unisex sizing approach, starting from Women's US 6 through Men's US 14, including half sizes. Our updated sizes will be slightly wider and should fit true to size compared to our initial release, which were about 1/2 size too big. Please reference the sizing guide before purchasing, or message us using the chat feature!

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. This will secure the tongue in the center of the shoe and prevent it falling to the side.

Leather: Although we used a premium full-grain leather for the initial production, we sourced an even higher grade of full-grain leather which should be even more durable, and decrease the likelihood of cuts and scuffs. The intent is to help extend the lifespan of the shoes.

Paint finish: We are improving the paint finish of the leather to make the paint more durable and resistant to wear. This will help the brand new-look last longer.

Insoles: 

  • We increased the density of the 3mm zero-drop insole. It will be less flimsy and more durable.
  • We changed the flat 4mm insole to a more durable, cup-sole design. This 3-dimensional structure will be more durable, secure, and won't roll-up under your heel like the original 4mm insole. The density of this insole was also increased.
  • We decreased the thick 5-11mm insole to be 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.

Your order includes:

  • 1 pair of Ascent (gen 2) shoes - Our minimalist version of the classic sneaker: a premium, full-grain leather upper, featuring padded ankle and tongue, which has been glued, pressed, and stitched to our 5mm, zero-drop, high-traction rubber outsoles. They feature a spacious toe-box to allow toe-splay, all-day comfort, and are podiatrist-approved.

  • 2 pairs of shoelaces - In addition to the laces that come installed in the shoes, each order will include an extra set of shoelaces in a different color, allowing you to change your look! The black shoes will include black/gold laces (not pictured) and the white shoes will include maroon laces (not pictured).

  • 3 pairs of insoles - Each package will include: 3mm insoles (zero-drop), 4mm insoles (zero-drop), 4-9mm insoles (not zero-drop). You can swap insoles to change the level of cushion to match your activity and personal preference.

  • 1 pair of toe spacers - We include a pair of our 30 Mike Mike toe spacers which can be used to help spread your toes into natural alignment. These can be used separately for foot mobility and during foot strengthening exercises, or while wearing the shoes. 

  • 1 pre-paid return mailer (US orders only) - Each package include a pre-paid return mailer; you just place the shoes inside, peel and seal the adhesive strip, and drop off at your local US Post Office. This can be used for both returns or exchanges. International customers have to arrange/pay for return shipping.

  • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee - We stand behind our product. If you don't feel like the shoes you received are worth what you paid for them, send them back in the pre-paid mailer and we will gladly refund your money, no matter how long it's been or what condition they are in. This doesn't mean our shoes will last forever (they won't), but you should never regret buying them.

Note: the photos below are of sample shoes - the production models may differ slightly in color/design: the red logo on the sole may be a darker shade of red - the gold logo on the tongue may be smaller.

International Orders: You may be charged import duty fees by your country. Check our FAQ Page to see estimated import fees by country

Customer Reviews

Based on 229 reviews
87%
(199)
11%
(25)
1%
(3)
0%
(0)
1%
(2)
N
Nicholas

Immensely impressed on a multitude of levels in reference to these. I highly recommend.

J
Jamie H
Shoes are comfortable and pretty; great customer service

I really appreciated the Icarus team's customer service. I was way off in my size and they exchanged for multiple different sizes for me to find the right one. I also love the information/education about how to wear the shoes that came in the box, as well as the various insoles and toe spacers to help me explore this new world of zero drop shoes. I even liked the "max-cushion" insoles so much that I also started wearing them in my other pair of zero-drop shoes (Altra Escalante). Thanks very much for everything!

The shoes are comfortable so far, and they seem they will last a long time; looking forward to wearing them more! I feel I can wear them for a wide variety of occasions - they feel they can be dressed up or down since they are white leather. :)

B
BOYKO NIKOLAEV ATANASOV
Would recommend

The Ascent Gen 2 are pretty comfortable, quality and visuals are also pleasing. Would definitely recommend.

R
Ryan McNeil PT, DPT
Best shoe at the Barefoot Shoe Expo 2025 IMO

I am a Physical Therapist that has been wearing wide toebox shoes and helping my patients transition into wide toebox shoes since 2017. I am very happy to have found this shoe at the Barefoot Shoe Expo in Denver. Some wide toe box brands are still not wide enough in the toes for my feet personally, but no such problems here with my size 14 - and they look great! I enjoyed rocking these on the streets of Cartagena on first use and found them to break in quickly and clean off easily/nicely. I think the toe spacers and the transitional inserts are a nice touch for those new to the game. I will without reservation be suggesting this shoe as an option to my patients that are considering a transition to wide toe box shoes.
(I’m not receiving compensation for this review just want to see good brands succeed in the space.)

B
Barry
Well built, stylish, comfortable and versatile

The Ascent Gen 2 are a comfortable pair of shoes right out of the box. I wear a size 14 and the sizing is accurate. The toe box is great - nice and wide. The midsection and heel of the shoe is perfect for me. For reference, the width of my foot is above average, but not by alot. If I were to, hypothetically gain alot of weight, these shoes might be rather tight around the midsection and heel. For that reason, I would recommend very heavy set individuals to look elsewhere. But, for everybody else these shoes should fit true to size in length and width.

They are well built. I delayed for several months to write this review because I wanted to test their durability. Day to day wear, yes; but, also playing alot of basketball in them to test their durability under stress. They are holding up well. They are durable enough, athletic enough, and versatile enough to wear them for sporting activities.

They are stylish as a street shoe, and would be acceptable in many modern business casual settings. A versatile and good looking pair of shoes.

Customer Reviews

Based on 229 reviews
87%
(199)
11%
(25)
1%
(3)
0%
(0)
1%
(2)
N
Nicholas

Immensely impressed on a multitude of levels in reference to these. I highly recommend.

J
Jamie H
Shoes are comfortable and pretty; great customer service

I really appreciated the Icarus team's customer service. I was way off in my size and they exchanged for multiple different sizes for me to find the right one. I also love the information/education about how to wear the shoes that came in the box, as well as the various insoles and toe spacers to help me explore this new world of zero drop shoes. I even liked the "max-cushion" insoles so much that I also started wearing them in my other pair of zero-drop shoes (Altra Escalante). Thanks very much for everything!

The shoes are comfortable so far, and they seem they will last a long time; looking forward to wearing them more! I feel I can wear them for a wide variety of occasions - they feel they can be dressed up or down since they are white leather. :)

B
BOYKO NIKOLAEV ATANASOV
Would recommend

The Ascent Gen 2 are pretty comfortable, quality and visuals are also pleasing. Would definitely recommend.

R
Ryan McNeil PT, DPT
Best shoe at the Barefoot Shoe Expo 2025 IMO

I am a Physical Therapist that has been wearing wide toebox shoes and helping my patients transition into wide toebox shoes since 2017. I am very happy to have found this shoe at the Barefoot Shoe Expo in Denver. Some wide toe box brands are still not wide enough in the toes for my feet personally, but no such problems here with my size 14 - and they look great! I enjoyed rocking these on the streets of Cartagena on first use and found them to break in quickly and clean off easily/nicely. I think the toe spacers and the transitional inserts are a nice touch for those new to the game. I will without reservation be suggesting this shoe as an option to my patients that are considering a transition to wide toe box shoes.
(I’m not receiving compensation for this review just want to see good brands succeed in the space.)

B
Barry
Well built, stylish, comfortable and versatile

The Ascent Gen 2 are a comfortable pair of shoes right out of the box. I wear a size 14 and the sizing is accurate. The toe box is great - nice and wide. The midsection and heel of the shoe is perfect for me. For reference, the width of my foot is above average, but not by alot. If I were to, hypothetically gain alot of weight, these shoes might be rather tight around the midsection and heel. For that reason, I would recommend very heavy set individuals to look elsewhere. But, for everybody else these shoes should fit true to size in length and width.

They are well built. I delayed for several months to write this review because I wanted to test their durability. Day to day wear, yes; but, also playing alot of basketball in them to test their durability under stress. They are holding up well. They are durable enough, athletic enough, and versatile enough to wear them for sporting activities.

They are stylish as a street shoe, and would be acceptable in many modern business casual settings. A versatile and good looking pair of shoes.