The Be Lenka Cityscape is the perfect blend of timeless style and minimal design, perfect for barefoot enthusiasts that want to look as good as they feel. Featuring a nappa leather upper with stitched 4mm outsole, the Cityscape can be dressed up for formal occasions, dressed down for a casual evening, and hold up to long-term everyday wear.
Features
- Nappa leather upper with leather/textile lining
- Recycled PU & cotton insole
- Be Lenka’s Everyday Comfort 4mm outsole made with Thermoplastic Rubber is suitable for spring through autumn
- Water-resistant leather (with regular treatment)
- Stitched sole for added durability
- Casual outsole best suited for light, everyday wear
- Zero-drop with wide toebox and somewhat tapered heel
- High groundfeel and flexibility
Sizing
The Cityscape fits true to size, and the soft leather upper should stretch out somewhat with wear. It features a generous toebox that can work well for a variety of foot shapes, but tends somewhat more towards a sloped or plateau-shaped toecap.
With a low volume forefoot and moderately tapered heel, the Cityscape will fit very comfortably for those with a more triangular, low-to-average volume foot and can accommodate even quite wide and high volume feet with the soft and stretchy leather upper.
Be Lenka uses unisex EU sizing and we recommend ordering your usual European size. You can see our sizing guide for conversions from US sizing under Shop Online.
Fit Notes
- All leather shoes can stretch, soften, and mold to the shape of your foot with wear.
- Triangular foot shape with a tapered midfoot and heel
- Their design has a shallow toebox that gets taller at the midfoot and ankle, so the overall volume of the shoe is average-to-low
- Wide toebox with medium width through the heel
- Fairly adjustable fit with derby-style lacing and a soft leather upper
- Generous toebox accommodates a wide variety of foot shapes, but likely best for plateau-shaped toes
- Width in the forefoot area skews slightly towards the big toe
Ground Feel
The 4mm outsole provides very high groundfeel and both the sole and upper are very flexible. The nappa leather upper will soften with wear and become even more flexible over time. The tread is designed for casual urban use such as taking transit to work, so they are grippy on wet surfaces.
The material qualities of the Thermoplastic Rubber soles and their thinness allows your feet to feel what’s underneath them so you can navigate the world confidently. You will also feel physical feedback as you walk informing you of how comfortable your gait really is without cushioning. Finally, the flexibility of the soles allows them to bend with your feet over obstacles, meaning the shoes allow for a greater variety of foot movements to occur.
The Cityscape is a great option for people who want a classy, casual-use shoe that doesn’t compromise on having maximum groundfeel and flexibility. If you are new to minimal shoes, take your transition very slowly in these and research the transition process to improve your experience, we’re happy to point you in the right direction!
Care
As with any leather, the cityscape needs some care to continue looking good long-term. Be Lenka recommends a nappa-specific waterproofing agent if needed, though this is not essential, and the leather can be spot-cleaned with a damp cloth or a small amount of vinegar or gentle soap to remove mud and other debris.
The full Be Lenka care guide can be found on their website, with tips and advice for a wide range of materials.
Best Uses
The Be Lenka Cityscape is the perfect option for those who want a shoe with maximum barefoot feel that doesn’t compromise on style. Boasting high groundfeel and flexibility in the sole and upper, and a classic style that can be dressed up or down as needed, the Cityscape is the perfect choice for a night out, a day at the office, or anything in between.
The Cityscape is also built for durability with a stitched sole and a tough rubber outsole that should wear well, even as a daily driver on city streets. That being said, the cityscape is meant for casual use and is not well suited for athletics.
