Manufacturing:<\/strong>\u00a0Made in China, brand based in USA<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nOn-Court Feel<\/h2>\n Let\u2019s start here: the Koto isn\u2019t a barefoot shoe\u2026at least not by a strict definition.<\/p>\n
At 19mm of stack with an eTPU midsole, there\u2019s real cushion underfoot.<\/p>\n
That midsole material is worth calling out. eTPU is made by expanding TPU beads (similar to how popcorn pops), creating a lightweight foam with strong energy return and durability. Compared to traditional EVA, it tends to hold its bounce longer\u2014something that matters with the constant lateral impact of court sports.<\/p>\n
On the court, that translates to a more\u00a0protected, responsive feel<\/strong>. You\u2019re not as connected to the ground as you would be in a minimalist shoe, but you get a level of comfort and shock absorption that\u2019s hard to ignore, especially during longer sessions on hard courts.<\/p>\n\nFlexibility<\/h2>\n With that added cushion comes a tradeoff: flexibility.<\/p>\n
The Koto is flexible enough for court movement, but it doesn\u2019t have that second-skin feel you get from a true barefoot shoe. The midsole creates a more structured, platform-like experience underfoot.<\/p>\n
The base is also a bit more squared off compared to the rounded feel of many minimalist shoes, which adds to the overall stability, but also reinforces that this is a more traditional feel.<\/p>\n
Grip<\/h2>\n The non-marking rubber outsole performed well during play on an outdoor pickleball court.<\/p>\n
I didn\u2019t experience any slipping during quick direction changes or lunges. Grip felt consistent and reliable, which is exactly what you want for pickleball and tennis.<\/p>\n
(Still planning to test more extensively on indoor courts, but initial impressions are good.)<\/p>\n
Lacing & Security<\/h2>\n The Koto uses a more structured lacing system than most barefoot-style shoes.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a midfoot cage built into the upper, so when you tighten the laces, it actually cinches the shoe around your foot\u2014not just the fabric. This creates a more locked-in, stable feel, especially during lateral movement.<\/p>\n
I noticed this most when changing direction quickly, it helps keep your foot from sliding over the platform.<\/p>\n
One thing to note: the laces are a bit slippery, so I\u2019d recommend double-knotting. Mine came undone a few times before double-knotting them.<\/p>\n\nFit and Sizing<\/h2>\n I\u2019m wearing a US 8 in the Notace Koto. For reference, my feet are 23.3cm, medium width, with a higher instep, and I\u2019m typically a US 7.5\u20138 (EU 38). I initially tried a 7.5, but they felt a bit short, so I went up a half size.<\/p>\n
Interestingly, when I compare them to the Xero Shoes Rally 360 (which I have in a 7.5), the Koto feels longer\u2014which makes sense given the size difference. That said, the closer fit works well for me in the Xero, while I preferred the extra length in the Koto.<\/p>\n
Here is my summary of the fit and sizing for the Notace Koto: <\/p>\n
\nPlenty of room in the toe box for my medium-width feet<\/li>\n Should work well up to wide feet<\/li>\n Good volume overall, including for a higher instep<\/li>\n Not finished under the insole, so you\u2019ll need to leave them in<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nThe Koto comes in half sizes from Men\u2019s US 7 to size 15, and Women\u2019s US 5.5 to 11.<\/p>\n
Who It\u2019s Best For<\/h2>\n The Notace Koto is best for:<\/p>\n
\nPlayers who want a\u00a0wide toe box court shoe<\/strong><\/li>\nAnyone transitioning away from\u00a0traditional tennis or pickleball shoes<\/strong><\/li>\nThose who want\u00a0zero-drop<\/strong>\u00a0without going fully minimalist<\/li>\nPlayers who value\u00a0cushion and stability<\/strong>\u00a0over ground feel<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nIf you\u2019re already deep into barefoot shoes and want maximum flexibility and connection to the ground, this probably won\u2019t be your favorite.<\/p>\n
But if you\u2019ve struggled to find a court shoe that fits your foot\u00a0and<\/em>\u00a0performs well, this is a really strong option.<\/p>\nPricing<\/h2>\n The Notace Koto is priced at $165. Get 10% off using code KELLY.<\/a><\/p>\nShipping and Returns<\/h2>\n Shipping is free within the US. Returns are also free for unworn and unused shoes.<\/p>\n
Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n The Notace Koto fills a gap that\u2019s been missing for a long time.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s not a barefoot shoe, but it doesn\u2019t need to be. What it does offer is a rare combination: a foot-shaped fit, zero-drop platform, and the kind of structure and cushioning most court players are used to.<\/p>\n
For a lot of people, that\u2019s exactly the bridge that\u2019s been missing.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Notace Koto 1 is one of the first true wide toe box court shoes designed specifically for pickleball, tennis, and other racket sports. It features a zero-drop platform and foot-shaped fit, but with a cushioned, structured feel that\u2019s closer to a traditional court shoe than a barefoot one. If you\u2019ve consistently found the current […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7068143,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[229206,167756,229207],"tags":[229208,1067,410,2855,1801,421,585,229209],"dealstore":[],"offerexpiration":[],"class_list":["post-7068142","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-athletic-shoes","category-barefoot-shoes","category-wide-toe-box-shoes","tag-athletic-shoes","tag-box","tag-court","tag-cushion","tag-shoe","tag-toe","tag-wide","tag-wide-toe-box-shoes"],"yoast_head":"\n
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