Bert Shoes: Built for Life

After a gruelling 32-hour trip back to the US—complete with cramped economy seating and a 10-hour layover in Istanbul where I explored on foot—my feet were absolutely fried. I found myself wishing for a travel shoe that was incredibly lightweight and comfortable, one that could almost make me forget I was even wearing shoes.

That's when I discovered the Bert shoes. Some products make an impression the moment you pick them up, and these were one of them. They're incredibly light. I was immediately impressed by how effortless they felt, striking a perfect balance between a featherlight sneaker and a pair of cozy slippers.

These weren't the heavy, clunky shoes I had become accustomed to through countless travels or daily things, they brought just the right amount of support without any unnecessary bulk. The design was exactly what I needed. They provide enough structure to keep my feet secure all day long. However, with such a light build, I'm curious to see how they will hold up over time. That's something I'll have to keep an eye on.

Whether I was making a spontaneous detour for coffee or taking a relaxing walk after a long ride, these shoes seemed tailor-made for those in-between moments that typically leave you wishing for a pause.

For someone like me who tends to rely on one go-to pair of shoes until they are worn out, having a dedicated, purpose-built option was a genuine game-changer. It isn't about replacing what I already love; it's about finally having a reliable travel companion for those days when my regular kicks just can't keep up with all the miles and madness. Like a bikepacking trip.

Bert Shoes are all about making life easier for people who are constantly on the move. Whether post-ride, post-run, or post-flight, the brand exists to fill that in-between space—those moments when you're done with the hard miles but still need something easy, comfortable, and reliable.

Behind Bert

More than just a footwear company, Bert is built on a philosophy of simplicity and practicality. Founded by Juliana Mantilla in Bogotá, Colombia, the idea for Bert was born out of a real, everyday problem—taking her dog Berta for early morning walks in cold, wet weather. She wanted something as cozy as slippers but stylish and functional enough to wear outside. That's where Bert started.

With help from her uncle, renowned industrial designer Alberto Mantilla, Juliana developed a shoe that made life a little easier—something easy to slip on, durable, and minimal in design. But Bert was never just about footwear. From the beginning, Juliana saw it as a way to give back. The brand helps fund sterilization programs for stray dogs and cats in areas of Colombia and supports rubber-producing communities in conflict zones.

Every pair is handmade in Colombia, keeping production local while thinking globally. Bert might be a small brand, but it has a big mission: to create something useful, run a business with purpose, and offer products that fit those in-between moments of life, such as a ride, a run, or a flight. Bert is all about embracing transitions and resets. This spirit is threaded into every pair of shoes.

Instant comfort

Slip-on, slip-off—no laces, no fuss. Bert shoes are a game-changer for convenience, perfect for airport security, quick errands, post-ride hangs, or even setting up camp after a long day's ride.

After a long travel day, slipping them on felt effortless—no stiffness or awkward adjustments, just immediate comfort. What impressed me most was how lightweight they are; they're the kind of shoes you forget you're wearing, which is a blessing for tired feet.

Design & Construction

The entire pair weighs just 422g, roughly the same as a bag of coffee, making them an incredibly light addition to your travel gear. Despite their featherweight feel, they don't come across as flimsy. The construction is solid, with three-way zigzag stitching in certain areas and double straight stitching reinforcing key points. Every seam is tight and well-executed, giving the shoes a durability that's immediately reassuring.

The breathable neoprene upper keeps things airy and cool, ideal for warmer climates. It doesn't trap heat either, particularly useful for post-ride recovery or casual wear in hot environments. The slip-on design eliminates the need for laces or zippers, keeping things minimal but functional. The upper stretches just enough to fit different foot shapes without feeling too soft, maintaining a structured softness that provides comfort without compromising durability.

Fit & Sizing

Bert keeps sizing straightforward: if you have narrow feet, stick with your usual size; if you have wide feet, go one size up. I chose to size up—it was the right call—there was no pinching or discomfort. The shoes still feel snug and secure. This extra space helps on long days, especially after a ride or travel, when your feet have swollen a little.

As for durability, I haven't had them long enough to fully assess how they hold up over time. However, based on their construction, they feel built to last. The reinforced stitching and solid build provide confidence that they will hold up well. The recycled rubber sole is relatively thin but provides a decent amount of grip and feels durable enough for everyday use.

On paper, Bert shoes check all the boxes: lightweight, packable, and comfortable straight out of the box. But how do they hold up when put to the test? This is where the real story begins.

Usage & Performance

The true test of a shoe like the Bert is found not in extreme challenges but in everyday routines. I brought them along for my usual activities: picking up coffee from a local shop a mile away, visiting the dog park with Paco, and enjoying a short, easy family hike. They performed effortlessly, exactly what you want from a slip-on shoe.

Breaking them in was effortless. From the moment I slipped on the Bert shoes, they adapted to my feet, stretching just enough to handle any swelling from long bike rides without losing their snug fit. They felt remarkably light and natural during coffee runs, almost as if I were barefoot, and remained comfortable whether I was walking the dog or spending time in the backyard.

In terms of performance, these shoes excel in everyday scenarios. Whether navigating the dog park or taking a brisk one-mile walk, the traction handled both sidewalks and light dirt trails with ease. For gentle hikes, they performed well, though I could feel the uneven surface of sharp rocks on more challenging trails. That said, for post-ride use, they were perfect—effortlessly slipping on and off as I moved in and out of the house. Their breathability kept my feet fresh even in warm weather, defying the usual heat-trapping issues of neoprene.

The recycled rubber sole offers a reliable grip on pavement, grass, and light dirt paths, though it's less effective on rough terrain—a trade-off for the shoe's overall lightweight, flexible design. Their packability makes them an ideal choice for bikepacking, as they easily fit into my gear when I'm off to camp or grabbing a meal on the go. Having this alternative to stiff cycling shoes has already made the Bert a valuable addition to my routine.

Ultimately, Bert shoes aren't meant to replace specialized footwear but to fill a niche for those in-between moments—whether it's post-ride recovery, a quick errand, or long travel stretches. They excel in their intended use, proving hard to beat for casual wear.

Conclusion

The Bert shoes hit a sweet spot for anyone needing a lightweight, no-fuss shoe for post-ride recovery, travel, or quick errands. They're comfortable right out of the box, pack down to nearly nothing, and shift easily from adventure mode to downtime.

For bikepackers, they solve a real problem: offering relief from stiff cycling shoes without adding bulk. Weighing about as much as a bag of coffee, they're an easy upgrade in camp comfort—perfect for grabbing food, walking around, or just letting your feet breathe after a long day in the saddle.

They're equally useful off the bike. After a recent 30-hour travel stint, I can say with confidence these would've made a huge difference: easy to slip on and off at security, breathable enough for long-haul flights, and sturdy enough for airport wandering.

At $79.99, they offer great value, especially considering they're handmade in Colombia from recycled materials. Most comparable options in the lightweight travel shoe space either lean more minimalist (and less structured) and many exceed $100, like Vivobarefoot's Primus Lite ($160). The Bert sits right in that middle zone: more shoe than slipper and significantly more convenient than lugging around a second pair of sneakers. If you're after a comfortable, packable, and versatile “other shoe” that won't weigh you down, Bert delivers.