The Wildling Tanuki Koi is born from a creative collaboration between Wildling and Japanese design partners — a meeting of European barefoot principles and Japanese craft aesthetics. Made from recycled cotton canvas, it carries the wide toe box and flexible sole of every Wildling shoe, but with a distinctive character that sets it apart from more utilitarian options in the range. The Tanuki collection is one of the most visually distinctive things Wildling makes. Children's sizing — the same Tanuki design scaled for younger feet.
Within the canvas barefoot shoe category, the Tanuki sits alongside the Vivobarefoot Geo Court IV and the Xero Shoes HFS as a versatile everyday option. The Tanuki is the most characterful of the three — where the others lean functional, the Tanuki leans expressive. On sole flexibility, Wildling edges ahead of Vivobarefoot; the Xero HFS is comparable. If you want a barefoot everyday shoe with genuine design personality, the Tanuki is a strong choice.
The Wildling Tanuki fits true to size with a generously wide toe box. The recycled cotton canvas upper is soft from day one with no stiff break-in period. Low volume overall — works well for narrow to medium feet, though the wide toe box accommodates wider forefoot shapes comfortably. EU price: €89.
What we like: Distinctive design that stands apart from the generic barefoot aesthetic; recycled cotton construction; flexible sole with excellent ground feedback. Worth considering: Canvas is not water-resistant — a waterproofing treatment is recommended for wet climates; the bold design won't suit every wardrobe.
Q: What is the story behind the Tanuki name?
A: Tanuki refers to the Japanese raccoon dog — a figure of folklore associated with good fortune. The collaboration brought this cultural reference into Wildling's European barefoot tradition.
Q: How does the Tanuki Koi compare to the Vivobarefoot Geo Court?
A: Both are canvas everyday sneakers with barefoot principles, but the Tanuki has a more flexible, thinner sole and a unique collaborative design. The Geo Court is slightly more structured and better suited to those transitioning from conventional shoes.
Q: Is the recycled cotton as durable as regular cotton?
A: Yes — Wildling's recycled cotton canvas is woven densely enough for everyday wear. The construction quality matches the rest of the Wildling range.
| Color: | Blue, Purple, White |
| Size: | 20, 24 |
| Material: | 100% Polyester |
