If you’re looking for barefoot sandals that can keep up with your active lifestyle—but still look good around town—Shamma Sandals should be on your radar. Handmade in Santa Cruz, California, these minimalist sandals are lightweight, durable, and fully adjustable to your feet. Whether you’re trail running, heading to the beach, or just want a more natural alternative to flip-flops, Shamma has a style for you. 

In this review, I’m sharing what makes Shamma stand out and breaking down the different sandal models I’ve tested. 

Note: This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click on one of them, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more information, read our full disclosure.

Brand Overview: Shamma Sandals

Shamma Sandals was founded by Josh Styles, an avid runner who still tests all the models on the trails and roads near their workshop in Santa Cruz. From day one, the brand has been focused on performance; every pair is designed to move with your foot and let it function naturally. 

Shamma offers several sandal styles: a classic huarache design (common in the minimalist running world), a toe-loop style, and a flip-flop-inspired model with a back strap for a more secure fit. 

Vibram Outsoles 

All Shamma sandals are built on Vibram outsoles, which come in a variety of thicknesses and lug patterns to suit different needs. Vibram soles are known for their durability and ability to offer long-lasting performance while still maintaining flexibility. You can go super minimalist with the 6mm Warriors, or opt for more cushion and grip with the 13mm Ibex, which includes 4mm lugs for better traction on rugged terrain. I’ve worn Shamma sandals for years, and they were a game-changer in transitioning away from stiff, overbuilt hiking sandals (Chacos, I’m looking at you). 

The Leather Footbed 

One of my favorite Shamma upgrades is the leather footbed. It’s a 2mm layer of soft, premium leather that adds comfort without compromising ground feel. It’s not slippery like some leather footbeds can be, and it molds to your feet over time. If you’re planning to be in water a lot, I’d skip it—but mine have gotten wet here and there, and they’ve held up just fine. 

Repairable 

Shamma’s modular design means each part of the sandal—sole, straps, footbed—can be replaced if needed. So instead of tossing your sandals when one piece wears out, you can repair and refresh them. I’ve had mine for several years and haven’t needed any replacements yet, but if you’re logging high mileage and you’ve been seeing some hard wear, it’s nice to know you’ve got options. 

How They Feel to Wear 

Shamma Sandals feel secure and comfortable right out of the box, with no rubbing or chafing in my experience. With a quick strap adjustment, they hug your feet like a second skin. I know some people experience discomfort with straps or footbeds from other brands, but Shamma consistently seems to have fewer issues in those areas—so if you’re sensitive to hotspots, these are a great option. 

And despite the simple strap design, they stay firmly in place. If you’re planning to run or want extra hold on uneven terrain, you can always add the Power Strap to your Elites for even more security. 

You can see how Shamma stacks up next to some other popular minimalist sandals in this post on the best barefoot hiking sandals.

Coupon Code

You can use code BAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE for 10% off at Shamma Sandals.

Now, let’s get on with the individual styles in this Shamma Sandals Review! 

Shamma Sandals Review

Shamma Elite Sandals: The OGs

These are the first Shamma Sandals I ever owned, and I’ve been testing them since 2021. I’ve worn them hiking, for everyday errands, and often take them on trips with me. They were the only shoes I brought on a two week trip to Costa Rica (not on purpose, somehow my other shoes didn’t make it in my bag), but they performed perfectly from rainforest to beach. 

The Elite series is Shamma’s original huarache-style sandal built for running and hiking. They use a tri-glide and Velcro tabs for easy, secure adjustments with three separate adjustment zones. You can even add a power strap for extra security when running or hiking.  

These are minimalist sandals at heart, but you can customize them with a range of sole thicknesses, footbed materials, and strap configurations. My go-to is the Elite Maximus with a 9mm stack height and a leather footbed—it’s a nice sweet spot of ground feel and comfort. The Vibram Newflex sole has a zigzag tread that I’ve found is just enough for hiking dirt trails, and the rubber/EVA blend provides a nice amount of cushion and bounce.  

If you’re looking for a do-it-all barefoot sandal, the Elite line is a great place to start. The leather footbed adds a touch of softness underfoot and molds beautifully to your feet over time. And if you’re tired of all of the black sandals, the Elite Maximus now comes in the Tan Sahara colorway.  

Cruzers: Simple sandals for Adults & Kids

The Cruzers are another huarache style sandal, and they’re one of the most affordable barefoot sandal options out there, starting at just $60. They’re a stripped-down version of the Elite series, making them ideal for everyday sandals, beach shoes, or lightweight camp footwear. 

Built on a 6mm Vibram Morflex sole coupled with Shamma’s UltraGrip footbed, they offer light cushioning without any lugs. The soft nylon straps are available in black, green, blue, and red. Despite the minimal design, the Cruzers have two adjustment points for a dialed-in fit. 

If you’re after a simple, barefoot-friendly sandal for yourself—or your kids—these are a fantastic, budget-friendly choice. 

TrailStars: Toe Loop Sandals

The TrailStars are a barefoot answer to popular toe-loop sandals like the Chaco Z2. I’ve worn them for light hikes, camping, and everyday wear—they’re versatile, easy to adjust, and super comfortable.  

The toe-loop strap system is easy to adjust, and gives me a secure fit without any rubbing or pressure points. The straps themselves stand out for how soft they are; they’re made from Toray® Ultrasuede. If you tend to dislike sandals with straps that go in between the toes because you feel like the strap is too thick or pulls back, these can be a good option because the strap is laying flat between your toes, and it’s just going over your toe.  

I especially love the tan leather version, which feels polished enough to wear around town without screaming “hardcore hiker.” 

Pacific Avenue: Leather Flip-flop replacement

If you’re on the hunt for a barefoot flip-flop alternative, the Pacific Avenue sandals are a huge upgrade. These slip-ons feel like a minimalist version of Rainbow Sandals, with the added bonus of a secure heel strap to keep them in place. 

They’re available in 9mm, 12mm or 15mm Vibram soles, and the leather straps and footbed add a premium feel. These are great for the beach, around town, or casual days when you want something easy to slide on. They come in tan, dark brown, and black, and like all Shamma sandals, they’re handmade and fully repairable. 

Watch a video of the Pacific Avenue sandals review here.

Numa: Slip-on sandals

For those looking for hands-free sandal, the elastic straps of the Numa make them easy to slide on. I love these for the beach days when my hands are full, and I don’t want to have to drop everything when I reach the parking lot to slip on my sandals. These come in 5 different sole options, so you have a ton of choice! 

Watch a video review of the Numa Sandals here.

Fit & Sizing 

Shamma Sandals fit true to size and use unisex (men’s) sizing. For reference, I wear a Shamma size 6 based on my 23.3cm foot length, which corresponds to a women’s 7. The brand offers a printable size guide so you can be confident in your fit before ordering. 

Thanks to the fully adjustable straps, Shamma sandals accommodate a wide range of foot volumes and widths, from narrow to wide. Once you dial in the fit, you’re good to go. 

Shipping and Returns 

Most Shamma Sandals are made to order, with an estimated production time of 8 to 10 business days before they ship. If you’re hoping to get them quickly, just keep in mind that production plus shipping typically means about a two-week turnaround from order to delivery. 

Shamma offers free U.S. shipping (2–5 business days) on orders over $10, and also provides faster paid shipping options, including USPS Priority and UPS 2-Day. International shipping is available, with duties and taxes calculated at checkout for smoother delivery. 

They also offer a 30-Day Worry-Free Guarantee, which lets you test out your sandals and return or exchange them if they’re not the right fit. Just make sure you don’t modify them—trimming laces or altering the sole (like on the TrailStar or Numa models) will void your eligibility for a return or exchange. 

Custom Barefoot Sandals 

One of the perks of Shamma being handmade in the U.S. is that they offer customization options. You can keep it simple—like mixing and matching sole types, strap colors, or footbeds—or go more in-depth when you’re dealing with a specific need. A few of the customizations on these barefoot sandals include extra-large sizes, split sizing, a custom sole shape to better match your foot, or even different stack heights to accommodate for leg length differences. It’s a great option if you’ve struggled to find sandals that fit just right off the shelf. 

Final Thoughts 

Shamma Sandals has carved out a niche for people who want performance and freedom of movement in a lightweight, minimalist sandal. I love that you can customize the sole thickness, choose your favorite strap style, and even repair them down the line instead of replacing them. 

I hope this Shamma Sandals review gives you an overall understand of the brand, and which styles, straps or footbeds are the best options for you. Whether you’re training for a trail race or strolling a beachside boardwalk, there’s a Shamma sandal that fits the bill.

Code BAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE for 10% off

The post Shamma Sandals Review: Handmade Barefoot Sandals for Running, Hiking & Everyday Wear  appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.

Toe posts can be polarizing—some people love them, some people can’t stand them. While there’s a good argument for toe posts on sandals (especially if you’re hiking or running in them, since they help secure the foot and allow for full toe splay), one of the reasons I love sandals is the variety of designs out there. It’s no fun to feel limited to just one or two styles.

In the barefoot shoe world, though, finding a sandal without a toe post that still fits well, doesn’t look overly wide, and feels good on the foot can be tricky. The width of the strap over the toes is especially important—what works for one foot type may not work for another. But good news: there are some great options out there. And I’ve noted all the details you’ll need below, including if they’re a good fit for narrow, medium or wide width feet.

Here’s a round-up of a few of my favorite barefoot sandals without a toe post.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Barefoot Shoe Guide!

Groundies kos

$100 | EU36 – 43 | Best for: medium width

This is my top pick for a versatile leather sandal without a toe post. The width fits my medium feet perfectly, and the 8mm stack height adds just enough cushion. I chose an EU37 for my 23.3cm foot. My code isn’t always active, but you can try KELLY15 for 15% off.

Groundies US

Groundies EU

Groundies Corfu

$100 | EU36 – 43 | Best for: medium width

A newer strappy sandal from Groundies with a knit front strap. These can easily be dressed up with skirts or down with shorts or jeans. I wear an EU37.

Groundies US

Groundies EU

Vivobarefoot Sensus yin

$150 | BSG20 for 20% off | EU35 – 43 | Best for: narrow to medium

Vivo’s latest sandal features thick leather straps and a fixed front that suits narrow to medium-width feet best. The ankle and heel straps adjust easily with velcro, while a cushy foam insole adds a touch of bounce underfoot.

Vivobarefoot

shapen calla

$109 | Code: BFSHOEGUIDE5 for 5% off | Women’s US 5.5 – Men’s US14 | 5mm: | Best for: medium to wide

Dressier sandal with shimmery straps in white and rose gold. Also comes in natural and black.

SHAPEN

AHINSA hava

$189 | Code KELLY10 for 10% off | EU37 – 44 | Best for: medium to wide

Vegan leather sandals with crystal decoration. Comes in two different thickness options. Also available in black.

ahinsa

BELENKA FLEXI

$95 | Code: KELLY5 for 5% off  | Sizes: EU36 – 43 | 4mm | Best for: narrow to medium

These simple z-strap sandals are casual and comfortable, with soft fabric straps and a leather footbed.

belenka

BELENKA Grace

$95 | Code: KELLY5 for 5% off  | Sizes: EU36 to EU43 | 4mm | Best for: narrow to medium

Simple, stylish sandal with an adjustable front strap.

Belenka

mukishoes nazaré

€89 | Code KELLYMUKI for 10% off | EU36 – 48 | Best for: medium width

Birkenstock-style sandals with 6mm stack height and cork insole covered by suede. Thick leather with adjustable buckle straps. Best fits narrow to medium width.

mukishoes

softstar camino

$130+ | Women’s US 5.5 – Men’s US14 | 7mm to 15mm | Best for: medium to wide

Birkenstock-style sandals with stack heights ranging from 7mm to 15mm. Thick leather with adjustable buckle straps. Fits medium to wide width.

softstar

mukishoes SOLSTICE

€79 | Code KELLYMUKI for 10% off | EU36 – 48 | Best for: narrow to medium

Teva-style sandal with a 6mm stack height, cork insole, and adjustable velcro straps. Best fits narrow to medium width.

mukshoes

Grecian Sandals on etsy

$86 | Women’s US 5.5 – Men’s US14 | 7mm to 15mm | Best for: narrow to medium

Vibram SuperFlex soling and thicker leather insole for a slightly stiffer feel. Adjustable front leather strap. These do taper some, so my big toe overhangs the sole a bit.

grecian sandals

SAGUARO

$51 | Code KELLY15 for 15% off | EU36 – 44 | Best for: medium to wide

More affordable sandal included here, though not as high of quality materials as other options on the list. Both straps are adjustable with velcro. Come in gold and silver, and two different thickness options.

saguaro

zeazoo FREYA

$115 | Code KELLY for 10% off | EU35 – 42 | Best for: narrow

Vibram sole paired with soft nappa leather. These are best for narrow feet– I find them too narrow for my medium width feet. Available at PedTerra in the US.

zeazoo

zeazoo olymp

$130 | Code KELLY for 10% off | EU35 – 42 | Best for: narrow to medium

Teva-style sandal with Vibram sole and vegan leather uppers. Available at PedTerra in the US.

zeazoo

Xero Shoes D-Trail & Z-Trail

$80 | EU35 – 42 | Best for: medium

Sportier sandals with adjustable velcro straps and lightly cushioned footbed. Also available at REI.

xero shoes

Final Thoughts

If toe posts just aren’t your thing, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort, foot health, or style to avoid them. While it can take a little more digging to find barefoot sandals that check all the boxes and skip the toe post, I hope this list shows that it’s totally doable, especially with the growing list of barefoot shoe brands and styles. Getting the right width and volume is particularly important when you’re trying to get that barefoot fit, and adjustable options can make that a little bit easier. I hope this list helps you find a pair (or two!) of barefoot sandals without a toe post that you’ll love wearing all season long.

The post Women’s Barefoot Sandals Without a Toe Post appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.

Barefoot sandals are a favorite among runners, hikers, travelers, and anyone who wants to stay cool while staying connected to the ground. Most styles are technically unisex, especially in the running and hiking categories, but the most minimalist options can sometimes look a bit delicate, with ultra-thin straps and lightweight designs.

That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with thinner styles—they’re functional, and plenty of people love them. But if you’re after something that feels a little more substantial or masculine this list is for you.

Below you’ll find barefoot sandals that are not only zero-drop and foot-shaped but also favored by men for their bolder straps, darker colorways, and all-terrain toughness.

Whether you’re looking for a casual everyday sandal or a serious hiking companion, here are the best barefoot sandals for men that deliver function and form.

Hiking sandals are usually unisex. If you don’t mind thinner straps, find more options on this complete list of the best barefoot running and hiking sandals.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click on one of them, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support. 

Best Barefoot Sandals for Men for Everyday

1 Softstar Camino Sandals

Leather Uppers | Retail: $130 and up | Sizes: Women’s US 5.5 – Men’s US14 | Stack height: 7 to 15 mm

SHOP softstar

Looking for a barefoot-friendly alternative to Birkenstocks? The Softstar Camino Sandals are your answer. With thick, oiled leather straps and a cork-inspired design, they offer a more rugged and masculine look than many minimalist sandals.

Softstar now offers three versions of the Camino to suit different comfort and ground feel preferences:

• Original Camino – 15mm stack height (5mm outsole + 6mm midsole + cushioned footbed). This is the plushest model, ideal for all-day wear or barefoot beginners wanting comfort without arch support.
• Street Edition – 8mm total stack with a thinner 2mm outsole. A more flexible version while still retaining structure.
• Camino Lite (2025) – 7mm total with updated colors and a slightly firmer feel. Thinner and lighter than the Original, but still not ultra-flexy.

While none of the Camino versions are the most flexible sandals on this list, they offer a nice middle ground for men who want barefoot function with some underfoot cushion and classic styling. These work especially well for casual wear or transitioning from conventional sandals.

Available directly from Softstar with free shipping and easy returns in the U.S.

The Freet Salcombe is another solid barefoot alternative to the Birkenstock Milano, with a similar look and feel—at a more affordable price point ($100). You can use code KELLY for 10% off.

Fit tip: Softstar’s sizing runs a bit short due to the padded footbed. If you’re in between sizes or at the upper end of their range, size up to avoid toe overhang.

2 Shamma Sandals Pacific Avenue

Leather Uppers | Retail: $125 | Code BAREFOOTGUIDE for 10% off | Sizes: Men’s US6 – US14 | Stack height: 9 – 12 mm

What I love: 

• Versatile and comfortable leather uppers
• Built to last

What I don’t: 

• No big ones!

SHOP shamma

If you’re looking for a barefoot-friendly alternative to classic flip-flops like Rainbow Sandals, the Shamma Pacific Avenue are a super comfortable and high-quality minimalist upgrade. Made with soft leather and available in two minimalist sole options (9mm or 12mm), these sandals offer a comfortable fit that molds to your foot over time. The slip-on design with a built-in heel strap keeps them secure, and the look is perfect for everyday wear—from the beach to the street. Like all Shamma sandals, they’re handmade in California and can be easily repaired with Shamma’s modular parts. It’s a great choice for guys who want a more natural feel underfoot without sacrificing style or durability.

Come in tan, dark brown and black. Use code BAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE for 10% off.

Fit tip: Use Shamma Sandal’s printable size guide to check your size. Note that they have a “Shamma Size” which typically mean’s the men’s US size.

Best Barefoot Sandals for Men for Hiking

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3 Bedrock Cairn Sandals

Sole Thickness: 8mm – 20mm | Weight: 7.8 oz | Price: $70 – 135 | Vibram Soles 

SHOP on Bedrock

SHOP on REI

What I love: 

• Very durable with Sole warranty and repair program
• Secure fit with options for whitewater rafting

What I don’t: 

• Can’t replace straps on your own
• Heavier option

The Bedrock Cairn Evo strikes an ideal balance of durability, traction, and just enough cushion for rugged adventures. With a 14mm stack height, they offer solid protection while remaining flexible enough to keep that barefoot feel on varied terrain.

These are among the heavier barefoot hiking sandals—but that’s all relative. At about a pound per pair, they’re still half the weight of traditional hiking sandals like Chacos. You get the toughness without the bulk.

Bedrock offers a range of models, from thinner-ground feel versions to the Cairn Pro line built for high-intensity use like whitewater rafting. All feature Vibram soles and a secure, no-flop strap system that holds up to serious use.

You can order directly from Bedrock or there is a limited selection available on REI. Both offer free shipping. Bedrock has free returns online, while REI has free returns in store.

While you can’t replace the straps for Bedrocks on your own, they offer a Rock Solid Warranty. This is a lifetime warranty on the Vibram soles, which also covers any manufacturing defects on the straps. If you damage your straps, Bedrock offers reasonable repair rates through their Re-Soul program ($20 for a complete strap replacement per sandal).

Fit & Sizing: These run true to size. Like most standals that come in whole sizes, I recommend going for the size down. Aaron typically wears a US Men’s 10.5 or 11, and wears these in a Men’s 10.

4 Xero Shoes Z Trails

Sole Thickness: 6mm to 11 mm | Weight: 5.5 oz | Price: $80 

If you’re not into toe posts, the Xero Shoes Z-Trail is a solid starting point for a light hiking or everyday barefoot sandal. With a comfortable Z-style strap system and a price tag around $80, it’s one of the most budget-friendly barefoot sandals for men.

The Z-Trail was my first minimalist hiking sandal—and my husband and son still wear theirs regularly. They’re lightweight and easy to pack, making them great for travel, light hiking, or everyday casual wear.

That said, the affordable price does come with a few trade-offs. The foam insole feels soft and springy at first, but over time tends to compress—especially under high-pressure points like the heel and big toe. The outsole is functional but not made from Vibram, and mine showed noticeable wear faster than some higher-end options.

Still, Xero backs the sole with a 5,000-mile warranty, which helps offset concerns about longevity. Xero Shoes are also available at REI.

5 Lems Switchback Sandals

Sole Thickness:  14/17mm with 3mm heel-drop | Price: $120

The Lems Switchback is a comfort-focused hiking sandal that offers more cushion than most barefoot options—making it a great pick for guys who find traditional minimalist sandals too firm or thin.

With a 14–17mm stack height and a soft EVA midsole, the Switchback prioritizes shock absorption and underfoot comfort. It still checks some key barefoot boxes—like a wide toe box and flexible sole—but it’s not zero-drop. The 3mm drop is subtle, but worth noting for purists.

The simple single-strap system is easy to adjust and stays secure on the trail. It includes a soft toe post that doesn’t irritate, and a contoured footbed with textured ridges and a raised toe bar. Depending on your foot shape, that toe bar may take some getting used to.

Compared to heavy-duty sandals like Tevas or Chacos, the Switchback is lighter, more flexible, and better shaped for natural foot movement—though it doesn’t offer the same ground feel as more minimalist options.

Fit & Sizing: I typically size down for sandals, which is what I did with these Lems. For example, if you typically wear an 10.5, I’d opt for the size 10 in the sandals.

Conclusion

The best barefoot sandals for men don’t need thick soles or bulky straps to get the job done. Look for a design that fits your style, with a flexible sole and secure fit that works for your daily life. Whether you’re hiking, traveling, or just enjoying warm weather, minimalist sandals offer comfort, function, and a more natural way to move.

The post Best Barefoot Sandals for Men: From Town to Trail appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.

Now that sandal season is here, it’s time to take a break from the quest of finding the perfect barefoot sneaker to finding the perfect barefoot sandal. 

The difficult part is that “perfect” when it comes to shoes is a combination of fit, style and comfort, which is different for everyone.  

That’s why Etsy can be a great place to look for barefoot sandals. Most of them are handmade leather sandals that can often be customized, whether that’s making them a little wider, changing the placement of the toe post, or lengthening the straps. Not every Etsy seller offers customizing, but many do! 

I’ve found some of my favorite barefoot sandals on Etsy, and I hope this Barefoot Shoe Guide will help you find some too. 

Note: This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click on one of them, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Why I wear barefoot sandals

If you’re tired of sandals that squish your toes, press on your bunions and make them worse, are too stiff, or just generally uncomfortable to wear, then check out barefoot sandals! I wear them because I want happy, healthy feet, and footwear that respects both the shape and natural movements of your foot is key to keeping them that way!

Tips for buying for barefoot sandals on Etsy

Sandals are a little bit easier to make in a barefoot version compared to sneakers, though you do still have to watch out for narrow toe boxes, stiff soles, and those little heels. Some sandals are so close to barefoot, and just have a little heel. If you find one like this, it never hurts to ask the seller if they can make them without so that they’re totally flat.

The Etsy shops listed in this post specifically make barefoot sandals, though some make conventional sandals too. When you’re searching Etsy, here are some helpful tips:

• Look for the options with Vibram Soles – while you can clearly see a heel, and may be able to tell if the toe box is too narrow, it’s hard to visually see how stiff the sole is if someone isn’t trying to display the flexibility. A Vibram sole is high-quality, and typically has a good amount of flexibility. There is still a range of flexibility depending on the thickness and type of Vibram sole. That’s not to say that non-Vibram soles aren’t good options; you just have more of guarantee with the Vibram soling.
• Ask about customization options – some sellers note that they’ll make custom changes, like a wider sole, or changing the straps. This can help get a much better fit if you haven’t had much luck so far when bigger brands
• Since most of these are handmade and shipping from further distances, they can take a little longer to get. I would except about a month between order and receipt of the sandals.

Best Barefoot Sandals on Etsy

Nikola Sandals

Leather Uppers | EVA or Vibram Soles | Price: $68 – $88  | Shipping: $16 | Sizes: EU35 – 46

Nikola Sandals on Etsy offers a nice selection of quality barefoot sandals for both men and women. Based in Greece, the shop draws inspiration from traditional Greek styles—most notably in the thicker leather footbeds. While this leather does break in over time, it adds some initial stiffness to the sandals.

They’re also one of the more affordable barefoot sandal options out there, especially if you choose the EVA sole. A $20 upgrade gets you Vibram 8868 Super Newflex soles, which I usually go for since they’re impressively durable yet still flexible.

I’ve been wearing this design, which has thin, adjustable straps that still give a secure fit. I opted for black, but there are 19 strap colors to choose from.

Sizing runs true to their chart. I went with an EU36 based on my 23.3 cm foot length, even though I typically wear an EU37 in sandals and EU38 in sneakers.

Grecian Sandals

Leather Uppers | Vibram Soles | Price: $60 – $86  | Shipping: $14 | Sizes: EU35 – 46

This Etsy shop has a lot in common with Nikola Sandals—both are based in Greece, feature similar minimalist designs, and use the same Vibram sole option for their barefoot styles. The main difference is that the footbed leather on Grecian Sandals is a bit thinner and more flexible right out of the box, making them a little softer underfoot. The 6mm Vibram sole plus 4mm leather footbed leads to a total stack height of 10mm.

The Grecian Sandals shop has a lot of non-barefoot styles, so make sure you double check the description if you’re looking for something flat, flexible and more foot-shaped. I tested two different barefoot sandals: one with a toe loop and another with an over-the-toe strap.

Both had a sole that tapered near the end. Because the taper happens after the big toe joint and the sandals are open-style, it didn’t cause any discomfort or pressure. That said, I did notice that if my big toe stayed straight, it tended to hang slightly off the edge.

I especially liked the look of the gold toe loop style—it’s chic and minimal. But because there’s no anchor point on the inner ankle, they felt a bit floppy, and I found myself using my toes to grip a little while walking. They’re perfect for shorter events where you want something dressy and comfortable, but I wouldn’t pick them for all-day wear.

The over-the-toe style, on the other hand, had adjustable buckled straps, which made them feel more secure and adaptable to different foot shapes.

Sizing runs true to their chart. I’m wearing an EU37.

Grecian sandals

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Laboo Leather

Leather Uppers | Vibram Sole | Price: $108  | Free shipping | Sizes: EU35 – 46  

For a strappy sandal, check out the cute Laboo Leather sandals on Etsy. The Tan color is the perfect nude color, but they also come in black, brown, and full rainbow of other shades. You can get this as more of a slip-on version, or one with a longer ankle wrap. I opted for the slip-on version, but the excess strap is long enough for one wrap around the ankle. I found that I wanted a bit more of a secure fit, so left this remaining strap. The EU38 has been a great fit for length.

These sandals used the same Vibram Super Newflex soles as the Nikola sandals, but the leather on the footbed is much thinner and more flexible, so the sandal overall keeps the same flexibility as the Vibram soles.

Laboo Leather is Hungary, so keep that in mind for a little longer shipping times, and note that returns or exchanges are not accepted.

Laboo Leather

Bioworld Sandals

Vegan Leather Uppers | Vibram Sole | Price: $88  | Sizes: EU35 – 45

For those wanting a barefoot vegan sandal check out Bioworld. These sandals are handmade by two brothers in Spain and available on Etsy and on US retailer PedTerra. The uppers are faux leather or faux suede. They use a flexible, durable Vibram sole. 

On Etsy, shipping is about $30 to the US and returns are only accepted from EU countries. On Pedterra, shipping and returns are free, but the sandals have a higher price. Use code KELLY for 10% off on Pedterra.  

Ruby Barefoot Sandals

Leather Uppers | Price: $84  | Discount code: KELLY35 | Sizes: EU35 – 43 | Stack height: 6mm 

Ruby Leather barefoot sandals have softer, thinner leather strap and a sole with a total 6mm stack height. These run longer than the size chart. I originally ordered an EU38 which was much too long, so ended up sized down to an EU37. Ruby Barefoot also offers some customization in sizing and shape; you can message them about custom sizing. 

Use code KELLY35 for an extra 35% off.

More barefoot sandals on Etsy

• Crupon Sandals
• Feelbarefoot – use code KELLY50
• Astir Sandals
• Daniela HM
• Tread Light Gear

Have you found an Etsy shop that deserves a shout out? Share your favorite barefoot sandals on Etsy in the comments.

The post Best Barefoot Sandals on Etsy: Comfortable and Customizable  appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.

I used to be a die-hard Chacos fan, mostly because I was trying to avoid hiking boots that squished my toes. But most traditional hiking sandals like Chacos are still stiff, clunky and comically heavy. 

Ever since I discovered the world of barefoot shoes, I opt for barefoot and minimalist hiking sandals as often as I can. They’re comfortable, lightweight, and I feel so much quicker and nimbler on my feet using a shoe that can move with me. 

Hiking is one of my favorite activities, whether I’m at home or traveling. I’ve tested these hiking sandals on trails throughout the United States and 4 continents—and these are the ones that make my top list for hiking and high mileage travel days. I’d be happy walking in these sandals on the trails or exploring a new city.  

Types of Barefoot Hiking Sandals

Barefoot and minimalist sandals for hiking and running typically fall into two categories: a huarache style sandal with a toe post, or a strap over the toes. Both styles are included in this list, though there do tend to be more huarache-style options for barefoot sandals as they don’t restrict toe splay and create secure fit. 

Key Characteristics of Barefoot Hiking Sandals

Tips on picking the best size and fit for barefoot sandals

Fit and sizing for both barefoot shoes and sandals can be tricky when you’re ordering online. I promise that as you get a little bit more familiar with your own feet and with some of the barefoot shoe brands, it does get easier. 

Always start with measuring your own feet (both length and width). Look for sandals that are 5mm to 10mm more than your longest foot measurement. You typically do not need as much extra space in sandals as you do in closed toe shoes. While you don’t want your toes falling off the front, you also don’t want sandals that are too long and cause you to trip.  

Next, gain an understanding of your foot shape and volume. These barefoot hiking sandals have adjustable straps that can accommodate a range of widths and volumes, but some styles may still tend to be better suited to a certain type of foot.

Sizing reference

I’ll note my sizing as a reference for each sandal style. My feet are medium width and measure 23.3cm long with a high instep. I typically look for sneakers with extra 1.2cm of space, and sandals around 1cm of extra space.

I’m most often a US7.5/EU38 in my barefoot shoes, but often times size down to a US7/EU37 in barefoot sandals. This can vary from brand to brand and sometimes even style to style. Sandals usually don’t need as much space as you don’t have to worry about a toe hitting the front of the shoe, and the toes can go to almost the end of the sole.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click on one of them, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support. 

All of the sandals in this post are unisex, and work well as hiking sandals for both men and women. Find a list of cute and dressy sandals for women here. 

Best Barefoot and Minimalist Hiking Sandals

After trying dozens of sandals, I’ve rounded up the best options based on the barefoot criteria I’ve listed above, comfort, fit and quality. Whether I’m heading out for a long walk around my neighborhood, a day at the lake, or a day of hiking, these are the barefoot hiking sandals I reach for again and again.

1 Earth Runners

Sole Thickness: 8, 9 or 12 mm | Weight: 5.9 oz for Circadians| Price: $68 – $89 | Vibram Soles | Discount code: KELLY10 for 10% off 

SHOP earth runners

Discount Code: KELLY10

What I love: 

• Versatile sandal for hiking and travel 
• Can be dressed up or down 

What I don’t: 

• Performance laces can be very uncomfortable (opt for lifestyle laces)
• Some don’t like the textured footbed over longer distances
• Footbed can get dirty and smelly, but is easy to clean 

Earth Runners are a popular huarache-style sandals for hiking and running. They come in three different sole thickness and tread patterns. The 9mm Circadian sandals with the lifestyle laces have been one of my go-to sandals for hiking, heading to the beach, and traveling. They perform well on a hike, but don’t appear out of place if you’re wearing them casually too.  

The straps are easy to adjust and replace if needed. The continuous strap is secured at the bottom of the sandal with a copper grounding plus and can be tightened with the buckle at the end.

I recommend the lifestyles laces as they’re soft but still durable after several years of wear. I still find the performance straps too uncomfortable between my toes. The break-in period for the performance straps can be pretty painful; getting the straps wet and pinning the the area just above the toe post together with a clothespin in between wears can help soften that area.

The canvas footbed wicks moisture and provides a little bit of grip. I personally find the footbed comfortable, but if you’re more sensitive to texture on the bottom or your foot, you may want to opt for the Primal Sandals which do not include the additional footbed.  

Fit & Sizing: Fits true to size. I wear Earth Runners in a size 7 with a 23.3cm foot measurement. They typically fit up to wide feet, and with the adjustable straps, work well with most foot volumes.

2 Shamma Sandals

Thickness: 6 mm – 15mm | Weight: 4.5 oz | Price: $50 – $140 | Vibram Soles | Discount code: BAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE for 10% off 

SHOP Shamma sandals

Discount code: BAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE for 10% off

What I love: 

• Large range of sole options 
• Comfortable, secure and very adjustable strapping system 
• Option to add leather footbed 

What I don’t: 

• Very utilitarian look (but most on this list do!) 

Shamma Sandals was founded by Josh Styles, an avid runner that tests all of the sandals around their workshop in Santa Cruz, CA.  

Shamma Sandals has two sandal styles—a huarache style and one with a toe loop. The huarache has two Velcro tabs and a tri-glide, so every section of the straps is adjustable. You can even add an extra power strap to get a more secure fit. Shamma uses Vibram soles, ranging from the thin 6mm Warriors to the 13mm Ibex with 4mm lugs.  

The Shamma Trailstar sandals are reminiscent of the Chaco Z2 sandals with a toe loop.  

For those looking for hands-free sandal, the elastic straps of the Numa make them easy to slide on. I love these for the beach as I can put them on when I reach the parking lot without having to drop all of my beach gear.  

You can add a leather footbed to many of the sandals, which feels so comfortable under foot. You’ll most often find me wearing the Elite Maximus sandals with a 9mm stack height and a leather footbed. This is a comfortable middle ground of not too thick and not too thin for me! 

Fit & Sizing: Fits true to size. Shamma sandals lists its sizing in unisex sizing (which is really just men’s sizing). I wear a Shamma size 6, which is a women’s 7. Check out their sizing template and printable size guide. Thanks to the adjustable straps, these barefoot hiking sandals fit a wide range of volumes and narrow to wide feet. 

3 ZuZu Sandals

Sole Thickness: 7mm – 11mm | Weight: 6 oz | Price: $79 – $99 | Upcycled Soles | Discount code: KELLY10 for 10% off 

Discount Code: KELLY10

ZuZu makes huarache style sandals that are built for walking, hiking and running. The soles for all three models (the Flow, the Flex and the Groove) are made with upcycled tire rubber. ZuZu’s goal is to make both more durable and more sustainable hiking sandals, and does this by keeping high quality rubber in use and out of a landfill. For a more in-depth discussion on these sandals and their materials, read the full ZuZu sandals review. The stack height of the sandals varies depending on the additional footbed. 

The straps are easily adjustable and replaceable; you can opt for nylon, recycled polyester or leather straps. For the best performance, especially wet conditions, I recommend the recycled polyester straps. The strap is thin but secure and work well for both hiking and casual wear. 

Fit & Sizing: I wear ZuZu sandals in an EU38, which is the same size I wear in barefoot sneakers. They’re slightly longer than my Earth Runners and slightly shorter than my Shamma sandals, so the EU38 equates well to a women’s sandal size 7.

4 Bedrock Sandals

Sole Thickness: 8mm – 20mm | Weight: 7.8 oz | Price: $70 – 135 | Vibram Soles 

The Cairn Evo sandals by Bedrock are a good combination of grippy tread, cushion and durability with a 14mm stack height. They’re still flexible but provide enough protection for almost any terrain. 

These are the heaviest hiking sandals on the list; a pair of Bedrocks will run you about a pound. To compare, a pair of Chacos clock in around two full pounds, so even this beefier option among minimalist hiking sandals is still much lighter than the conventional ones. 

Bedrock has a range of thinner and thicker options, and even a Pro line with a specific strapping system made for whitewater rafting adventures.  

You can order directly from Bedrock or there is a limited selection available on REI. Both offer free shipping. Bedrock has free returns online, while REI has free returns in store.

While you can’t replace the straps for Bedrocks on your own, they offer a Rock Solid Warranty. This is a lifetime warranty on the Vibram soles, which also covers any manufacturing defects on the straps. If you damage your straps, Bedrock offers reasonable repair rates through their Re-Soul program ($20 for a complete strap replacement per sandal).

Fit & Sizing: These run true to size. Like most standals that come in whole sizes, I recommend going for the size down. My husband typically wears a US Men’s 10.5 or 11, and wears these in a Men’s 10.

5 LUNA Sandals

Sole Thickness: 5mm – 15mm | Weight: 8.2 oz | Price: $110 – 135 | Vibram Soles | 15% off using this link

Get 15% off using this link

Barefoot Ted met Manuel Luna in the Copper Canyons of Mexico back in 2006, and learned about the ultra-running techniques and minimalist sandals worn by the Tarahumara. He started his own minimalist running sandal company, and named them Luna sandals after the man that inspired him.  

Luna has a range of soles, with a lot of really rugged options. My current favorite Luna hiking sandal is the Middle Bear Winged Edition. The goal of these sandals is to give you the best of both worlds—it’s not too thick and not too thin and uses the Vibram MegaGrip outsole.  

They’re an ideal option if you’re using them for a lot of tough terrain, but can be overkill if you also plan to use them as a daily shoe. For thinner options, check out the Venado or Leadville trail sandals.  

Luna sandals has two strapping systems. The original (now called retro lacing system) just uses a twist of the straps around the soles to hold them securely in place. The new lacing system has plastic wings that attach the straps to the sole just before the heel. Some people find that the plastic wings can rub the inside of their feet, especially while running over long distances. Adjusting the straps to set the back strap higher on the heel can prevent the rubbing. Or, opt for the retro lacing system that doesn’t have the plastic wings.

The main drawback I’ve found in my Luna sandals is that the toe post will twist around, so that the twisted strap feels thicker between my toes. It can easily be twisted back, but usually needs to be untwisted each time I wear them. 

Fit & Sizing: I wear a women’s size 7 in Luna Sandals. They fit up to medium width feet well, and are somewhat narrow compared to other brands, like Shamma.

6 Xero Shoes

Sole Thickness: 6mm to 11 mm | Weight: 5.5 oz | Price: $80 

Sandals Without Toe Posts: If you’re not a fan of toe posts, Xero Shoes is a great place to start. Their Z-Trail sandals were my very first minimalist hiking sandals, and my husband and son still wear theirs regularly. At $80, they’re one of the most affordable barefoot sandals available. However, I do think the lower price point reflects the quality—both the outsoles and insoles on mine have shown noticeable wear over time, whereas other sandals I’ve worn for similar mileage are holding up better.

That said, like all Xero Shoes, the Z-Trails come with a 5,000-mile sole warranty, which adds some peace of mind. Just be aware that they don’t use premium outsoles like Vibram, which may account for the faster wear.

The Z-Trail has an 11mm stack height, with a soft and springy top foam layer that feels great underfoot—at least initially. Over time, mine developed deep compression marks at the heel and big toe, which affects the comfort and support. The tread is fairly minimal, so I’d recommend these for light hiking or everyday wear, rather than rugged terrain.

The strap system forms a Z-shape across the foot and secures around the heel, with two points of adjustment. If you’re looking for something similar but with a thinner sole, check out the Z-Trek, which has a 6mm sole and similar strapping.

The D-Trail sandal also shares the same foam footbed and outsole as the Z-Trail, but skips the heel cup and instead uses three fully adjustable Velcro straps, offering a different fit and feel.

Xero Shoes is the main brand to start with if you’re simply not a fan of toe posts. The Xero Shoes Z-Trails were my first minimalist hiking sandal, and my husband and son still wear these regularly.  At $80, these are one of the most affordable sandals on the list. But I think the price does reflect the quality; the outsoles as well as the insoles show considerable wear, whereas other sandals I’ve worn for similar mileage are in better shape. Like all Xero Shoes, these do have a 5,000 mile, so you have some insurance on the sole since they’re not using a more premium product like Vibram soles. 

The Z-Trails have a total stack height of 11mm. The top layer of foam offers a softer and more bouncy footbed; the downside is that it compresses over time, so the footbed of my sandals have deep compressions in the heel and big toe. The sole has a minimal tread, so they work well for light hiking, but I wouldn’t choose these for a tough trail.  

The strap is in a z-shape over the top of the foot and a strap around the back, so there are two separate adjustment points. The Z-Trek sandals also have a similar strap, but with a thinner 6mm sole.

The D-Trail has a similar footbed and sole but with no heel cup. There are three separate velcro straps, making these fully adjustable. And finally, the Z-Trek has a similar strapping system, but the sole is less cushioned with only a 6mm sole.

Sandals with toe posts: If you prefer toe-post sandals, Xero Shoes offers a few minimalist options here too. The H-Trail hiking and running sandals uses the same sole as the Z-Trail but swaps in a huarache-style strap system, with the webbing sandwiched between the outsole and footbed—meaning the straps aren’t replaceable.

One of Xero’s most iconic models is the Genesis sandal, which retails at just $50. It’s made with thin rope laces and a 5mm sole, and while it’s ultra-minimalist, it’s currently having a fashion moment—even featured in Vogue and stocked at Free People. If you’re into DIY, Xero also sells a sandal kit with a 4mm or 6mm sole and rope lacing starting at $22—a great budget option.

Xero Shoes sandals are also carried at REI.

Fit & Sizing: I have the Z-Trails in Women’s Size 7, which feels a tad long, but with the heel cup, I didn’t want to risk any issues with my foot hitting the ridge. I sized down in the D-Trail sandals to a Women’s size 6. They have a completely flat footbed, and they’re just long enough.

Xero is one of the few barefoot sandal brands that offers separate men’s and women’s sizing, with the men’s versions running wider.  They work well for medium-width feet, but on wider feet, the over-the-toe straps can start to squeeze the toes together.

7 Bahé Respire Sandals

Sole Thickness:  13mm | Price: $109 | Grounding Soles | Discount Code: BAREFOOTGUIDE for 10% off

BAREFOOTGUIDE for 10% off

The Respire sandals prioritize comfort with soft webbing straps and an extra EVA layer in the footbed. The huarache-inspired design features adjustable velcro straps and added heel padding for a secure fit. With 13mm stack height, 7mm of which is EVA cushion, they offer more padding than typical minimalist sandals, which improves comfort but reduces ground feel.

Bahé does not market these as specifically a hiking sandal, but with their secure fit and lugged sole, they’ve worked really well for easy hikes–especially beach hikes where it’s not problem if they get wet, and the thicker soles can easily deal with the sharper rocks. The rubber outsole has the same lug pattern as Revive sneakers, providing traction and protection, with grounding technology integrated into the sole and straps.

The lightly textured footbed adds traction, though other sandals may offer better grip in consistently wet conditions. These sandals are ideal for those seeking versatile outdoor footwear with added cushioning.

Fit & Sizing: Bahé Respire sandals are unisex and available in sizes EU36 to EU47, which corresponds to US men’s 4/women’s 5 up to men’s 12/women’s 13. The sandals are currently available in whole sizes only. I’ve found that these fit true to the size chart. I’ve been wearing them in a US6/EU37. The footbed on the sandals is a similar length to the Revive sneakers; feet don’t tend to need as much room in sandals, which is why I opted for the EU37 in the sandals and the EU38 in the sneakers. Since the straps are adjustable, they can fit low to high volume feet. The footbed can accommodate extra wide feet.

8 Toetem Sandals

Sole Thickness:  5mm – 14mm | Price: $120 – $140 | Vibram Soles | Discount Code: KELLY5 for 5% off

SHOP Toetem Sandals

KELLY5 for 5% off

What I love: 

• Squared toe box to accommodate foot shapes that do not slope 

What I don’t: 

• Straps are thicker and bulkier 

These huarache sandals are made with Vibram soles that 5mm, 8mm and 14mm soles, so you can pick your level of cushion and grip. The straps are made with a soft microfiber that’s thicker than the straps you’ll find on most other barefoot hiking sandals; it can feel a little bulky. There are long pieces of velcro around the heel and over the top of the foot to adjust the sandals. The back strap sits a little lower on the heel for me, so I find I have to tighten these a little more to get them to stay up. 

To further customize your Toetem sandals, opt for the hemp footbed that is designed for good grip in wet conditions. 

Fit & Sizing: With the squared off toe box, the Toetem sandals fit those with square and plateau feet well. They now come in extra wide and standard width; the extra wide is their original sole shape, which I found to fit medium and wide width feet well.  

9 Lems Switchback Sandals

Sole Thickness:  14/17mm with 3mm heel-drop | Price: $120

SHOP lems switchback

What I love: 

• Lightweight, springy EVA midsole adds bounce without feeling bulky 
• Easy-to-use single-strap design that stays secure during wear

What I don’t: 

• 3mm heel-to-toe drop is noticeable after years in zero-drop shoes
• Less ground feel due to extra cushioning — may not suit barefoot purists
• Raised toe bar sometimes hits awkwardly on the footpad

The Lems Switchback is a comfort-focused hiking sandal with a 14–17mm stack height and a soft, springy EVA midsole. It prioritizes cushioning over ground feel, which may be a plus or minus depending on your preferences. While it still offers a wide toe box, the added padding and 3mm heel-to-toe drop make it a solid choice for those who find true barefoot sandals too minimal.

The sandal’s single-strap design is simple and effective—easy to adjust, secure while walking, and soft between the toes. The contoured footbed includes textured ridges and a raised toe bar; the latter can feel a bit awkward depending on your foot shape.

Compared to heavy, high-drop hiking sandals like Tevas or Chacos, the Switchback is a lighter, more flexible option—though it doesn’t deliver the same ground feel as true barefoot sandals. It’s a great middle ground for comfort-seekers who still want a natural fit.

Fit & Sizing: I typically size down for sandals, which is what I did with these Lems. I opted for the Women’s size 7 (compared to 7.5 in most of their shoes, or even size 8 in boots), and it’s the perfect fit.

Comparison of the best hiking sandals

Barefoot hiking sandals without a toe post

I know some people have a hard time adjusting to a toe post—I was definitely one of them! I wore the Xero Shoes Z-Trails for a few years, but after gradually switching to brands like Shamma and Earth Runners, I’ve found that sandals with a toe post give me a much more secure fit. Without that central anchor point, your feet can slide forward or backward in the sandal, especially when hiking uphill or downhill. It also becomes harder to keep the straps tight enough without compromising natural toe splay. Toe posts aren’t for everyone, but there’s a reason most performance hiking sandals include one—they really do improve stability and control on varied terrain. If you’re mostly sticking to flat ground or just really don’t want to try the toe post, then here’s a list of the barefoot hiking sandals without a toe post.

Xero shoes Z Trail or D Trail

The Z-Trail is Xero’s classic hiking sandal with an adjustable Z-strap, while the D-trail offers two separate straps with their own adjustments and a microfiber lining.

feelgrounds pathway

Code KELLY5

Simple, lightweight sandal, but don’t feel particularly ideal for hiking. The sole is wider than some at the front, but due to the straps, it feels more like extra material than usable space.

unshoes pah tempe

Code nomanbefore10 for 10% off

monk sandals

VIVobarefoot Tracker Sandals

Code BSG20 for 20% off

Closed toe barefoot hiking sandal featuring Vivo’s Firm Ground outsole with 4mm lugs.

Our testing process at the Barefoot Shoe Guide

I’ve been wearing many of these sandals for several years, and I’ve logged countless miles both on hiking trails and in everyday life. I’ll usually test out new sandals by bringing them on a trip with me where they will be the only shoes I’ll wear for a week or more. It’s an efficient way to tell how the sandals performs in varied terrain, in the water, and in different weather and if any issues pop-up from repeated wear. 

As my first barefoot sandal, I wore my Xero Shoes Z-Trails on dozens of hikes through California. I spent over a week hiking through the jungles and along the beaches of Costa Rica in my Shamma Sandals. And recently, I packed my ZuZu sandals on a 10-day trip through Morocco, where I went from the coast, through sand dunes, hiked to an oasis, and spent several days exploring the busy streets of Marrakesh.  

FAQs 

Final Thoughts

The best barefoot hiking sandals are the ones you find most comfortable. I hope that with the real-life insights included in the reviews above, you’ll find a pair of sandals that will be the best fit for you, and you can enjoy the outdoors with happy, pain-free feet.

The post The Best Barefoot Hiking Sandals – Tested by a Hiking Enthusiast  appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.

Switching to barefoot shoes can often feel like you have to give up all your favorite brands and styles. Fortunately, as more brands and styles come to the market, we now have a lot of similar styles. Birkenstocks have been a popular sandal for decades, but seemed to experience another swell in demand these last few years.

Are Birkenstocks good for your feet?

This is a frequently asked question, so let’s talk about it. 

Birkenstock does two things really well:

First, they have a wider, more naturally shaped toe box that allows the toes to properly splay.

Second, most of the Birkenstock sandals are zero drop, or flat from heel to toe, so they do not alter your natural alignment.

Where Birkenstocks fall short:

When I’m evaluating whether a shoe is good for your feet, I don’t want the shoe to interfere with you natural foot function, meaning it can move naturally, so the foot maintains or improves it’s strength and mobility.

The signature cork footbed in Birkenstocks are thick, stiff, with a lot of contouring and support. This arch support and other foot support acts like a sling or a crutch. It can be helpful during a recovery period, but muscles that don’t get used get weak. If we want our the muscles in our feet to be able to support and stabilize our feet and body, they can’t rely on a shoe. 

These very stiff and thick cork foot beds limit your mobility and change your walking gait.

Lastly, many Birkenstock sandals are open back slides, which do not securely attach to your foot. People often compensate by toe gripping or shuffling. 

Birkenstocks can be a starter tool as you work towards healthier feet, but ultimately your feet can’t get stronger when they’re supported by shoes. [watch this video about Birkenstocks here]

So, if you’re looking for styles you love that will help you on a path towards healthier feet, then check out this list of barefoot and minimalist sandals like Birkenstocks. Keep the style, but not the parts that are limiting your foot mobility.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click on one of them, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Barefoot Sandals like Birkenstocks

All of these barefoot shoes feature a wide, anatomically shaped toe box and a flat and flexible sole. They range in sole thickness, from moderately cushioned to very thin, so you can find one that best suits your preferences. These are all most similar to the Birkenstock Milanos.

Softstar Camino Sandals

Leather Uppers | Retail: $130 and up | Sizes: Women’s US 5.5 – Men’s US14 | Stack height: 7 to 15 mm

Softstar now has several versions of the best barefoot Birkenstock dupe called the Camino sandal, with stack heights ranging from 7mm to 15mm. The Camino sandals are inspired by the Birkenstock Milanos, with thick, oiled leather straps, which make them feel most similar to the original Birkenstocks out of all of the sandals on this list.

For a barefoot sandal that prioritizes cushy comfort, look to the original SoftStar Camino Sandals. The original Camino (pictured above in brown) has a thicker sole and more cushion than most of the other options on this list, with a total 15mm stack height. This consists of a 5mm Vibram outsole and a 6mm Vibram midsole, topped with a foam and suede footbed that will mold to your foot. You’re giving up some ground feel and flexibility, but they can be a good transition option as they don’t have the stiffness and support you’d find in a Birkenstock. 

The second “Street Edition” camino sandal is more flexible, made with a thinner 2mm outsole for a total stack height of 8mm.

And new in 2025, Softstar introduced the Camino Sandal Lite. These have a total stack height of 7mm, made with a 2mm Vibram Street Rubber outsole and a 3mm Vibram midsole. The Camino Lite also comes in new colors: Blush Pink (pictured below), Beach Glass (a stunning green-blue nubuck), and Black. This is stripping away 8mm of extra cushion that was on the Original, but note that neither are the most flexible option out there. The original feels like more squishy cushion, while the Lite is thinner, but the sole materials have some hardness and stiffness to them.

Fit & Sizing: Softstar has a unique sizing chart, so it won’t line up to other brands. I’m wearing a 6U in these Camino sandals and they’re just long enough. Because of the foam topper, the footbed isn’t totally flat, so you don’t have quite as much length as what you measure on the outsole. In Softstar’s size guide, it recommends size 6U for feet with length 23 to 23.9. I wouldn’t recommend much longer than my foot length (of 23.3cm) as your feet will start to overhang the bump of the foam. Therefore, I’d generally say look at the lower half of the range for size recommendations; if you’re on the upper half, I’d go up to the next size.  

Mukishoes Nazaré

Leather Uppers | Retail: €89 | Discount code: KELLYMUKI for 10% off | Sizes: EU36 – 48 | Stack height: 6.5mm

If you’re going for more of a minimalist feel, then the Mukishoes Nazaré highlight how barefoot this style can be. The Nazaré sandals feature a 3.5mm flexible rubber outsole and a lightly cushioned cork midsole for a total stack height of around 8mm. The adjustable straps are made from soft suede that comes in light brown. They aren’t as thick as the straps on the Softstar Camino, but they don’t feel too thin where I forsee stretching out to be a big issue.  

I went with an EU37. These fit medium to wide feet well and offer good adjustability to accommodate different foot volumes. They’re unisex, and available in sizes EU36 – 48. 

Freet Salcombe

Leather Uppers | Retail: $100 | Discount code: KELLY for 10% off | Sizes: EU37 – 48 | Stack height: 11mm

The Freet Salcombe has become another fast favorite for barefoot shoe wearers looking for a replacement for their stiff Birkenstocks. They come in a brown, thicker full-grain and unlined leather upper. The total stack of 11mm consists of a 5mm rubber outsole, and 3mm firmer midsole, and a 3mm softer insole. These are a good fit for wider feet. Freet sizing can vary between styles, and these tend to run a little large.

Wildstride Leather

Bison Leather Uppers | Price: $179 | Sizes: US6 – 14 | Stack height: 10mm 

Wildstride is a US-based brand that hand makes their barefoot sandals from locally-sourced bison leather. Bison leather feels similar to cow leather, but it’s supposed to be 40% stronger, so I’m expecting these are going to be exceptionally durable sandals. The brand notes that these may need some break in time, but I felt that they were so soft out of the box.

Since this is a smaller brand, they do have a lead time of about 2 weeks to make your sandals, but on the plus side, they do offer custom orders. And if you really want a slide, they make those too.

These feel like the perfect middle ground of not too thick and not too thin with their total 10mm stack height. This includes a 4mm Vibram outsole that is both durable and flexible. I opted for the size US6/6.5, which is their smallest size (it’s similar sizing to my EU37 sandals from other brands).

Sambas the Bambas Freya

Vegan Leather and Fabric uppers | Price: €119 | Discount Code: KELLY for 5% off | Sizes: EU36 – 44 | Stack height: 10mm 

The Freya sandals from Sambas the Bambas share a similar minimalist design with other barefoot-style sandals like Birkenstocks, but with a more playful and refined twist. They feature thick vegan leather straps layered with recycled microfiber and finished with gold buckles—Sambas is a fully vegan brand known for its creative use of sustainable materials.

The midsole includes about 4mm of coconut fiber for light cushioning, and the cork insole feels smooth underfoot without being slippery.

Fit and sizing: They’re fully adjustable with two buckle straps and velcro at the heel. They fit my medium-width feet comfortably, but might feel snug on wide or extra-wide feet. I’m wearing a size EU37.

Posh Panda Sandals

Leather Uppers | Prices start at $107  | Sizes: Women’s US 5 – Men’s US13 | Stack height: 4 to 10mm 

Posh Panda Sandals are the barefoot sandals that can be fully customized—chose your sole thickness, buckle color, and from 40 different leather colors and patterns. These are also similar to the Birkenstock Milanos.  

The leather on the Posh Panda sandals is thinner and softer compared to something like the Softstar Camino. The underside is the sueded side of the leather, so it’s really soft on your foot. My main concern is that it could stretch over time, but so far my pair has held up well. 

You can choose from soles that are 4mm to 10 mm. For the most barefoot sandal like Birkenstocks, I opted for the 4mm. It is a very thin and flexible sole. As I’ve mentioned in my other posts on barefoot sandals, sometimes there is such a thing as too much flexibility for a sandal as it increases the risk of the front catching. While I love the feel, I may opt for the 6mm next time just to prevent any issues. 

Ruby Barefoot Sandals

Leather Uppers | Price: $84  | Discount code: KELLY35 | Sizes: EU35 – 43 | Stack height: 6mm 

Ruby Leather offers barefoot shoes and sandals on Etsy. These also have softer, thinner leather strap and a sole with a total 6mm stack height. These soles aren’t thick, but they’re still a little stiff. These run longer than the size chart. I originally ordered an EU38 which was much too long, so ended up sized down to an EU37. Ruby Barefoot also offers some customization in sizing and shape; you can message them about custom sizing. 

Use code KELLY35 for an extra 35% off.

Bioworld Sandals

Vegan Leather Uppers | Price: $88  | Sizes: EU35 – 45  

For those wanting a barefoot vegan sandal like Birkenstocks, look to the beautifully made sandals by Bioworld. These sandals are handmade by two brothers in Spain and available on Etsy. The uppers are faux leather or faux suede. They use a flexible, durable Vibram sole. This specific Vibram soling is one of their more flexible options.

Shipping is about $30 to the US and returns are only accepted from EU countries. 

Other barefoot sandals like the Birkenstock Milano

There’s a few more options to check out here:

Wildstride: These are made in the US from bison leather, which has a more rugged, textured appearance.

Crupon Sandals on Etsy: These aren’t quite as similar to the Birkenstock Milanos as some of the others, but still have a similar style.

Butterfly Your World: This is a one-person shop based in the US that periodically opens for orders, with current processing times around 8 weeks. All the sandals are custom. Find more about them on Instagram.

Tara Soles: These are slip-on sandals that only have the two front straps like the Birkenstock Arizona. They do have a flat and flexible sole, but I generally recommend a sandal with a back strap and secure fit that doesn’t impact a natural walking gait.

Tomar Creation: These affordable handmade sandals start at €50 and are made in Slovakia.

Slip-on sandals like the Birkenstock Arizona

Slides aren’t usually part of a barefoot shoe lineup, since they lack a back strap—something that helps keep your foot secure and supports natural movement. But even barefoot shoe fans can appreciate the convenience of a slip-on now and then. These barefoot-style slides are similar to Birkenstock Arizonas, but with a wide toe box and flexible sole for a more natural feel.

VIVOBAREFOOT SENSUS YIN SLIDE

$140 | Code BSG20 for 20% off

Leather uppers with a lightly cushioned foam insock

wyde footwear maia slides

$145 | Code KELLY for 10% off

Thicker cork footbed, but with more flexibility and no arch support compared to Birkenstocks

AHINSA SLIP-ON SANDALS

€139 | Code KELLY10 for 20% off

Find any other barefoot sandals like Birkenstocks that you love? Share in the comments!

The post Barefoot Dupes: Barefoot Sandals Like Birkenstocks appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.

When it comes to sandals, I want to wear all the cute, colorful and strappy styles, but I don’t want to compromise on the comfort. Fashion and function should not be mutually exclusive! While many conventional brands come so close to creating sandals that are good for your feet, they often including little heels or a toe box that’s just a little too narrow. Find your next perfect pair of sandals here, with my top 10 list of the best stylish barefoot sandals for women.

Criteria for barefoot sandals

First, here’s a quick list of things I’m not into when it comes to sandals: heels (even little ones), backless sandals that don’t fit securely, a “break-in” period, tons of structure or support. 

And here is what I am looking for when it comes to a healthy, comfortable barefoot sandals: 

Tips on picking the best fit for barefoot sandals

Fit and sizing for both barefoot shoes and sandals can be tricky when you’re ordering online, but I promise that as you get a little bit more familiar with your own feet and with some of the barefoot shoe brands, it does get easier. 

You’ll want to start with measuring your own feet (both length and width), Next, gain an understanding of your foot shape and volume. Sandals with adjustable straps can often accommodate a range of widths and volumes, but may still tend to be better suited to a certain type of foot.

Sizing reference

I’ll note my sizing as a reference for each sandal style. My feet are medium width and measure 23.3cm long with a high instep. I typically look for sneakers with extra 1.2cm of space, and sandals around 1cm of extra space.

I’m most often a US7.5/EU38 in my barefoot shoes, but often times size down to a US7/EU37 in barefoot sandals. This can vary from brand to brand and sometimes even style to style. Sandals usually don’t need as much space as you don’t have to worry about a toe hitting the front of the shoe, and the toes can go to almost the end of the sole.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click on one of them, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support. 

This post is about cute and stylish barefoot sandals for women that can be worn every day. If you want sandals with more rugged tread that will have you prepared for any adventure, check out this post for barefoot walking and hiking sandals. Or, if you want something a little more dressed up, check this list for dressy barefoot sandals. 

Best Stylish Barefoot Sandals for Women

After trying dozens of sandals, I’ve rounded up the best options based on the barefoot criteria I’ve listed above, comfort, fit and quality. These are the brands I reach for again and again.

1 BeLenka Sandals

Price: From $99 | Code: KELLY5 for 5% off  | Sizes: EU36 to EU43

Stack height: 4mm outsole | Materials: Leather

Best For: narrow to medium width, low to average volume 

SHOP BeLenka

Discount Code: KELLY5

What I love: 

• Large selection of sandal styles and colors   
• High-quality materials 

What I don’t: 

• Only one sole thickness option  
• Over-the-toe options don’t fit extra wide feet 

BeLenka is a great place to start for a stylish barefoot sandals. They have a lot of cute designs with a thin, flexible sole and leather straps. All of the sandal straps are adjustable in some way too, either with buckles or velcro. 

My most worn BeLenka sandals are the Promenade, a thong-style sandal that can fit a lot of different shaped feet. I personally like the sand as it’s a versatile nude color that goes with everything.  

As you work your way down BeLenka’s sandal page, you’ll find the Grace and Summer, which both have velcro-adjustable over the toe straps. The grace now comes in gold and rose gold, so you can add a little shimmer to your wardrobe. 

The Claire looks to be inspired by the Birkenstock Taormina, though obviously without the overly stiff and supportive cork footbed. See the list here for more barefoot sandals inspired by Birkenstock designs. 

The soles for all of BeLenka’s barefoot sandals are 4mm. They’re thin, but firm enough that the front doesn’t catch. The footbed has a thin layer of leather. 

Fit and Sizing: BeLenka’s womens sandals fit narrow to medium width feet best. Due to the adjustable straps, they tend to fit a wide range of volume. I wear an EU37 in all of my BeLenka sandals based on my 23.3cm foot measurement. For comparison, I wear an EU38 in their sneakers and an EU39 in most of their boots. 

 I measured the soles, and they line up to the size chart with a length of 24.4cm. It’s long enough that I don’t have any overhang on the heel or toes, and not too long that I’ve had issues with the front catching.  

2 Feelgrounds Seaside Sandals

Price: From $89 | Sizes: EU36 to EU43 

Stack height: 7mm sole | Materials: All vegan options including cotton and faux leather

Best For:  Medium to extra wide, low to average volume 

SHOP Feelgrounds

What I love: 

• Fits wide and extra wide feet 
• Unisex, versatile design 
• Vegan option 

What I don’t: 

• Basic design

This unisex Feelgrounds Seaside barefoot sandal is versatile in both its style and fit. It has one of the widest toe areas, and the t-strap design means there is no chance of it squishing any toes together. They’re a little more elevated than a hiking sandal, and I’ve often packed them for trips where I’ll be walking all day. I find the cork bed really comfortable. 

All of the strap options are vegan; choose from cotton, faux PU leather or bamboo leather.  

Fit and sizing: These can fit medium to extra wide feet. They also fit low to medium volume feet best; the t-strap is not adjustable, so there isn’t as much variation in the fit for this one.

Read in-depth Feelgrounds brand review

3 Vivobarefoot Opanka Sandals

Price: From $150 | Code: BSG20 for 20% off | Sizes: EU35 to EU43 

Stack Height: 6 mm | Materials: Leather

Best For: narrow to medium feet, low to medium volume 

Discount Code: BSG20

The Vivobarefoot Opanka sandals feature a beautiful strap design that are perfect if they fit your feet like a glove. But if they don’t, you’re a bit out of luck as they don’t have a lot of adjustability. The back strap does have built in elastic so you can easily slip them on. 

The quality is great. Even after a few years, the leather straps and footbed on my pair still look new. These sandals come in black, brown and white.

The rubber sole is 4mm, topped with a 2mm leather footbed.

Fit & Sizing: These fit medium width feet with medium to slightly higher volume best. I’m wearing them in an EU38, which is the same size that I have for my Vivobarefoot sneakers. However, I do have a little extra room at both the back and front.  I may have been able to size down to an EU37 without any issues, but am happy with this size.  

4 Groundies Sandals

Price: $90 and up | Sizes: EU36 – 43 | Code KELLY15 for 15% off (limited time)

Stack height: 8mm | Materials: Leather 

Best For: medium width, low to high volume 

KELLY15 for 15% off

Most barefoot sandals tend to have a toe loop or between-the-toe straps to ensure proper width and function, so I appreciate that Groundies has made the Kos sandal with an over-the-toe strap that is actually wide enough. Groundies has several other styles, but the Kos are my favorite for their simple and classic design.

They have good flexibility for a sandal, and do include a midsole with a few millimeters of cushion, so if you’ve tried other barefoot sandals that were just too thin, Groundies could be a great option.

The sandals feel well-made, but something felt a little bit cheap to me–the buckles on the Kos are plastic, and while I haven’t seen bad wear yet, the leather looks like it might crack with extended used.

I have a limited time coupon of KELLY15, so these are one of the more affordable options. Groundies has separate websites for the US and international customers—if you’re in the US, be sure to shop on the Groundies US site for lower shipping costs and faster delivery.

Fit and Sizing: womens sandals fit narrow to medium width feet best. Due to the adjustable straps, they tend to fit a wide range of volume. I wear an EU37 in these sandals. They’re a little bit longer than I need, but don’t feel too long. For comparison, I wear an EU38 in their sneakers.

5 SoftStar Camino Sandals

Price: $130 | Sizes: Women’s US 5.5 – Men’s US14 

Stack height: 11 mm | Materials: Leather 

Best For: medium width, low to high volume 

For a barefoot sandal that prioritizes cushy comfort, look to the SoftStar Camino Sandals. These are inspired by the Birkenstock Milanos, with thick, oiled leather straps.  

These have a thicker sole and more cushion than most of the other options on this list. They’re made with an 5mm Vibram outsole, a 6mm Vibram midsole, and topped with a foam and suede footbed that will mold to your foot. You’re giving up some ground feel and flexibility, but they can be a good transition option as they don’t have the stiffness and support you’d find in a Birkenstock. 

The Softstar Camino sandals come in dark brown, light brown, blue and silver.  

Fit & Sizing: SoftStar has a unique sizing chart, so it  won’t line up to other brands. I’m wearing a 6U in these Camino sandals and they’re just long enough. Because of the foam topper, the footbed isn’t totally flat, so you don’t have quite as much length as what you measure on the outsole. In SoftStar’s size guide, it recommends size 6U for feet with length 23 to 23.9. I wouldn’t recommend much longer than my foot length (of 23.3cm) as your feet will start to overhang the bump of the foam. Therefore, I’d generally say look at the lower half of the range for size recommendations; if you’re on the upper half, I’d go up to the next size.  

 All straps have buckles and are fully adjustable, so these minimalist sandals fit most foot volume. These fit medium to wide feet best.  

Check out this list for more barefoot sandals like Birkenstocks.

6 Earth Runners

Price: From $68 | Code: KELLY10 for 10% off | Sizes: US Women’s 6 – 16

Stack height: 7.5 to 10.5 mm | Materials: Textile  

Best For: medium width, low to high volume 

Discount Code: KELLY10

You’ll find Earth Runners at the top of my list of the best barefoot hiking sandals, but they’re cute enough that I don’t think their functionality should be held against them. If I was only going to buy one barefoot sandal, it’d be this one. I often take them traveling as they’re excellent walking and hiking sandals, but still look nice enough to be paired with a summer dress. 

Earth Runners has a few different sole thicknesses to choose from. For the most ground feel, opt for the 7.5mm Primal Sandals. I like the mid-option—the Circadian Sandals. These have a 9mm Vibram sole and a canvas footbed. If you have sensitive soles, you may not like the texture of the footbed (I personally like it).  

For laces, choose between the lifestyle laces and the performance laces. The Performance laces are thicker and wirier, and I found them too thick and uncomfortable between my toes.  I’ve used the thinner and softer Lifestyle laces for several years, and they’ve held up to a ton of use from hiking.  

Earth Runners are grounding sandals, which means they have an earthing plug on the bottom of the sandal and conductive thread throughout the textile lace.  

There are several other sandal brands that use a very similar huarache design that double well as both hiking and casual sandals. One of my favorites is ZuZu Sandals — check out a full review here.

Fit & Sizing: Fit medium to wide feet. With the fully adjustable lace, these sandals fit a large range of volume. I wear a Women’s 7/EU37 with a 24.2cm sole length. 

7 Shapen Sandals

 Price: From $99 | Code: BFSHOEGUIDE5 | Sizes EU35 – 44

Stack height: 6 mm | Materials: Leather 

Best For: narrow to wide width, volume depends on style 

Code: BFSHOEGUIDE5

After talking about Earth Runners, we’re hopping to the other side of the spectrum to dressy barefoot sandals from Shapen. The Calla Sandal is my favorite stylish barefoot sandal to pair with dresses and skirt. Shapen has several similar styles, like the Daisy and Jasmine. 

While I love the flexibility of these sandals, the downside is that they front can sometimes catch on the pavement when walking. I’ve done this a few times, and it’s scraped away at the leather lining on the footbed. Therefore, I tend to wear this style when I’ll mostly be indoors. 

To add a bit more style and flair to your sandals, Shapen has a line of clip-on bows, decorations and buckles.

Shapen also has many popular closed-toe sandals, like the Poppy and the Orchid. 

Check out this post for more dressy barefoot sandals. 

8 Luna Sandals

Price: From $115 | Sizes US Women’s 6 – 12 

Stack height: 6 mm | Materials: Leather 

Best For: narrow to wide width, low to high volume 

THEBAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE for 15% off

Luna Sandals are most well-known for their running and hiking sandals, but their lifestyle sandals with simple leather straps are a great casual option. The Luna Earth sandals are made with a leather footbed, which is soft and flexible, but still durable. They come in a slip-on option or a multi-wrap, which wraps and ties around the ankle.  

Fit & Sizing: Luna Sandals fit up to wide feet and can adjust to a wide range of volumes. 

9 Zeazoo Sandals

Price: From $100 | Sizes: EU 35 – 42 

Stack height:  6 mm | Materials: Leather and Suede 

Best For: narrow width, low volume 

Zeazoo is a Bulgarian barefoot shoe brand with a larger selection of styles and colors. Their casual sandals for women use a 6mm Vibram Superflex sole, and are often topped with a leather footbed. Many of Zeazoo’s most popular sandal styles are sold in the US through the online barefoot shoe retailer PedTerra, which offers free shipping and free returns. Otherwise, shipping is €30 when ordering directly from Zeazoo. 

It’s a mix of sandals with adjustable top straps and ones without. They’ve added a few more fun styles this year, including more trendy fisherman style sandals (the Marlin). For a solid Teva dupe, check out the Olymp. 

While I love the styles, most have ended up being too narrow and too low volume for me, especially any of the designs that go over the toes, and the strap is not adjustable.

10 Nikola Sandals

Price: $75+ | Sizes: EU35 – EU46 

Materials: Leather 

Etsy is a great place to find handmade, high-quality barefoot sandals (find a full list of barefoot sandals on Etsy here). One of my newest favorites is Nikola Sandals, which makes both men’s and women’s casual barefoot sandals. They make conventional sandals as well, so make sure you click on the barefoot tab for the zero-drop sandals. Choose between a Vibram or EVA outsole. The Vibram sole is about $20, but from my experience it’s well worth it as they’re flexible but very durable. They also have a large selection of colors for the leather straps, including metallics like gold, silver and bronze.

11 Laboo Leather

Price: $107 | EU35 – EU46 

Stack height: 8mm | Materials: Leather 

Best For: Narrow to wide width, low to high volume

I love the look and feel of these Laboo Leather sandals available on Etsy. My main qualm is that you need to tie the straps to secure; I never feel like I can get as secure of a fit as I do with a buckle. Similar to the Luna sandals, these come in a slip-on version and one that wraps multiple times around the ankle.  

I’ve been wearing the slip-on version, but they come with enough extra lace that you can wrap it once around the ankle if you choose not to cut off the excess.  

The Vibram soles measure 6mm thick with a 2mm leather footbed. They’re soft and flexible while still providing just the right amount of protection.

Fit & Sizing: The straps are fully adjustable as they run underneath the footbed, so you can tighten or loosen each part. I opted for an EU38 which has a 24.6cm length, and feel like this is a good fit for my foot.  

Barefoot Dupes: Barefoot Sandals like your favorite conventional brand 

While there are a good number of different styles to choose from, I do find that many of the barefoot shoe brands seem to be stuck on the same wavelength, with many brands offering very similar styles. This can be good in that each brand may have a slightly different fit or features, so if you really love the style, you have several alternatives to find the best version for you. But it does also mean that we still don’t have near the breadth or depth of options that I think most of us hope for.  

Taking a very popular sandal and making a barefoot version of it is common. If you’re looking for a barefoot version of your favorite sandals, check out these lists below. If there’s any I missed, please leave a comment! 

• Barefoot Sandals like KEEN Sandals 
• Barefoot Sandals like Tevas – coming soon! 
• Barefoot Sandals like Birkenstock

The post 10 Comfortable and Stylish Barefoot Sandals for Women  appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.

In the process of switching over to barefoot shoes, you’ll inevitably find yourself searching for a barefoot version of a shoe you used to wear all the time. My DMs are full of questions starting with, “is there a barefoot version of [insert popular shoe style here].” As the barefoot shoe industry has grown exponentially, I can now often respond with a, “Yes, there is. And multiple options too!” 

This Barefoot Shoe Trades series will highlight barefoot versions of popular shoe styles, starting with the KEEN Newport sandals. 

Are KEEN sandals barefoot shoes? 

I think KEEN sandals are a good starting point, but they can definitely be better. It’s true, KEEN sandals do have a wider toe box than most conventional options out there, but for me the biggest issues are their stiffness, heaviness, rigid toe spring, and 10mm+ heel-to-toe drop.

KEEN somewhat remedied this themselves by offering a more minimal version of the Newport Sandals called the Seacamp CNX, which only has a 3-4 mm heel-to-toe drop, but again, I still think we can do better.

That’s why I created this list of closed-toe barefoot sandals that offer the durability and protection of sandals like KEEN, but with much more minimal feel. All of the sandals on this list have a wide, anatomically shaped toe box, and a thin, flat and flexible sole. And they have a secure fit, unlike some wildly popular clogs like Crocs, which are also wildly floppy, and always look like one trip away from disaster.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click on one of them, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Barefoot Water Sandals

Here is our list of rugged, closed-toe barefoot water and hiking sandals for kids!

1 Saguaro Breeze I Shoes

For a breathable sandal with a similar design to KEENs, with all the durability and comfort your kids need, check out the Saguaro Breeze sandals. With the 15% off coupon KELLY15, they come down to a more affordable price point of $54. These sandals feature an adjustable Velcro back strap and elastic laces on top, allowing for a fully customizable fit. Extra padding around the ankle helps prevent rubbing and blisters, while the flexible rubber sole is both grippy and protective, extending over the toes for added coverage.

Price: $63 | Use code KELLY15 for 15% off

Sizes: Toddler US9.4/EU26 through Big Kids US4/EU36

2 Freet Zennor

The Freet Zennor is a barefoot open trail shoe, meant to be take you through rivers, lakes and waterfalls. These have an overall stack height of about 7mm; or 4mm if you take out the removable insole. If you want something super similar to the KEEN sandal, but a wider toe box and more flexible sole, these Freet sandals are a great choice.

Price: From $65 for Junior Sizes, $110 for Adult sizes | Code: KELLY for 10% off

Sizes: Starts at Kid’s US11.5/EU30 to US Men’s 13/EU48

Location + Shipping: UK, ships to most countries

3 CIOR Barefoot Water Sandals

For the most affordable option, check out the CIOR barefoot water sandals on Amazon. They have soft, grippy flexible soles with water holes for better drainage, and the uppers are breathable and dry quickly.

Price: Under $20 on Amazon

Sizes: Starts at Toddler US9

4 Reima Valoa Barefoot Sandals

Reima is a Finnish kidswear brand known for quality and durability, all in service of their mission to help kids spend more time outdoors. While they’ve been making clothing and footwear for over 80 years, they only recently entered the barefoot shoe space, and continue to expand their offerings each year.

The Valoa barefoot sandals are ultra-breathable thanks to their lightweight knit uppers, with synthetic overlays added for extra durability. They feature a wide toe box, zero-drop sole, and flexible construction that supports natural foot development. Sizing and fit are consistent with the rest of Reima’s barefoot line, so if you’ve tried their shoes before, you’ll have a good sense of what to expect. The Valoa sandals are available in green, black and pink.

The Rantaan Mesh sandals are also another great barefoot closed-toe sandal from Reima.

Price: $75 | Code: BAREFOOT20 for 20% off

Sizes: Little Kid US11 through Big Kid US7.5

5 KOEL Madison Water Sandals

These Koel Madison water sandals are another barefoot option that provides plenty of toe protection, plus adjustability with elastic laces and a velcro strap. The 6mm rubber soles are anti-slip and very flexible.

Price: $105 to $120 | Code: KELLY for 10% off on PedTerra

Sizes: US8 Toddler/EU24 through US Men’s 8/EU41

Location + Shipping: Available in the US on PedTerra

6 Vivobarefoot Ultra Bloom

The Vivobarefoot Ultra Bloom are barefoot water shoes made with a lightweight, quick-drying algae-based foam. While the first ones on this list of barefoot water sandals have a very similar design to the KEEN sandals, these are more reminiscent of Crocs. But, these have a vastly different feel on the foot. They are thin, flat and flexible and securely attach to the feet.

Thanks to the breathable hexagon cutouts and molded shape, they offer solid protection while still allowing water to drain and feet to breathe. They’re perfect for all the summer adventures, from the pool to the beach, the splash pad to the creek.

Price: $68 – $80 | Code: BSG20 for 20% off on Vivobarefoot

Sizes: US9 Toddler/EU25 through Big Kid’s US6/EU38

Location + Shipping: UK with worldwide shipping

7 Merrell Bare Steps H20 Sneakers

The Merrell Bare Steps line makes minimimalist shoes for toddlers at a pretty affordable price point. I opt for the wide width for my toddler, even with his average width feet. They have good width and good volume, which I appreciate as many toddlers have thicker feet.

The Bare Steps H2O water shoes provide a good balance of barefoot qualities and protection. The soles are a little bit stiffer in the heel, but overall pretty flexible.

Price: $40 (though I do see these on sale for under $30 sometimes)

Sizes: US4 Toddler – US10 Toddler

Location + Shipping: US

More options for barefoot water sandals

• Xero Shoes Colorado Sandals | It seems like they may have discontinued this style, but I’ve found some on Amazon, and you can also find them used. Hopefully Xero Shoes brings it back!

The post Barefoot Water Sandals Like KEEN Sandals appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.

Both shoe companies and tire companies have a reputation for being big polluters, but what if a shoe brand could be part of the solution? ZuZu Sandals challenged themselves to not only make a comfortable and durable barefoot hiking sandal, but make use of materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill.  

One billion tires make their way to the dump every year; ZuZu Sandals is working to disrupt this cycle by upcycling tire rubber and using it to make their barefoot hiking and adventure sandals. This rubber is high quality and durable — think about it, an average tire can last up to 50,000 miles.  

 The name ZuZu means “move” in Hebrew. These minimalist sandals are built to let you run, walk, and hike. ZuZu Sandals has three different huarache-style models, all of which have the same strapping system. You can replace the straps easily, so if your soles are still going and your straps wear out, it’s only $15 to replace them. These upcycled car tire soles feel like they’re going to be super long-lasting, and have a good grippiness to them. 

All sandals are unisex, which makes these a great barefoot sandal for men or for women.  

Code KELLY10 for 10% off

Note: This post contains affiliate links and is sponsored by ZuZu Sandals. I do my best to provide an informative, honest review to help you make a purchasing decision. My goal is to help you find the best shoe for you. Using affiliate programs and collaborating with brands is a way I can continue creating this content. For more information, see my Sponsored Content policy. Thank you for your support!

ZuZu Sandals Overview

Discount Code

You can use code KELLY10 for an extra 10% off your purchase at ZuZu Sandals.

Outsole 

All ZuZu Sandals use 100% upcycled rubber from car tires for the outsole. In this scenario, ZuZu is using tires that had a defect during production. Therefore, they’ve never been used on the road, but would’ve gone to a landfill nonetheless due to the defect.

This rubber is flexible and incredibly durable. Plus, they maintain good grip, even in more slippery conditions.  

Is it safe to use upcycled car tires in shoes?

Car tires have a reputation for containing some toxic chemicals, so I went down the research rabbit hole to see if a sandal using upcycled or recycled rubber was a good idea.

I started with the fact that all of these sandals have a separate material for the footbed, so my skin wouldn’t be in direct contact with the rubber. Two of the models also have a midsole, which means there is an additional few millimeters of separation.

In addition, all of the materials used by ZuZu sandals were tested and approved by the AFIRM Group and meet REACH regulation, both of which are designed to assess the safety of chemical substances used in clothing and footwear in the EU.

I read articles and studies that discussed the safety or recycled car tires, and from what I understand, it sounds like the main concerns are ingesting small particles, either from crumb rubber that is ground up and used in things like turf fields, or when micro particles from car tires rub off on the asphalt, then make their way into runoff, the soil, and then up into the food supply.

An additional concern is prolonged, repeated and direct contact. There were some articles that talked about whether this exposure could be linked to cancer; they looked into soccer goal keepers that later developed cancer, noting that they repeatedly dove into turf that had recycled tires, where they would frequently make direct contact, and sometimes even get particles into and under their skin. Ultimately the found that the cancer rate of the soccer goal keepers was actually less than what they expected, and in line with the occurrence in the general population. Most researchers think that more studies need to be done to develop a better understanding of what is safe, but so far, evidence is not conclusive.

After all the research, I felt comfortable wearing these sandals as 1) it passed the AFIRM Group and meet REACH regulations 2) there is a footbed of separate material between the tire rubber an my foot, and 3) I’m not planning on eating, inhaling, or getting the rubber underneath/into my skin. It’s best to do whatever you’re most comfortable with!

Footbed

Since this is the part that’s touching your foot, I know people can be pretty picky with how it feels. For a minimalist hiking and running sandal, you don’t want it to be too slick, but also want it to be comfortable for long trails.

Each of ZuZu Sandal’s different models have a different footbed. I’ll get more into it in the review of each sandal, but both the Flow and the Flex have footbeds with a little bit of traction that dry quickly, making them good for activities around water. The Groove uses a vegan leather footbed which looks and feels incredibly nice.

Laces 

The laces on huarache-style ZuZu sandals are easily interchangeable. You can swap them out for different colors just for fun, or replace the first set of straps when they wear out. There is a metal plug to hold them into the sole. The buckles which hold the straps into place are also metal and very secure; I haven’t had any issues with these slipping or coming undone.

Since the soles are made to last for so long, you’ll be able to extend the life of your sandals just with a $18 replacement pair of laces. Again, this means the rubber is staying out of the bin and on your feet longer, and offering a great value!  

Nylon straps: The performance nylon straps come in six different colors. These are very soft and lightweight. 

Recycled Performance straps: These straps are a little thicker and have more structure compared to the nylon straps. I like to pair these with the Flow sole as they’re a good fit for the slightly heavier sandal compared to the other two styles. I also like having sturdier straps for hiking and running. (It looks like these aren’t quite on the website yet, so stay tuned!). These are the most versatile and durable option.

Natural Leather: These leather straps give the sandals more of an elevated everyday look vs a typical adventure sandal. I really like these paired with the Groove sandals that have a brown vegan leather footbed. The leather straps are soft and have a natural stretchiness. This makes them super comfortable for everyday use, but also means they’re not as optimal for running.  

Sizing

ZuZu Sandals are available in sizes EU36 – 47. The brand has a printable size guide, along with a size chart that includes the sandal length. I’ve opted for the EU38 for my ZuZu Sandals, which feel similar to a women’s size 7. I compared them to my Shamma Sandals unisex size 6, and they’re the same size. (You can find my sizing notes for all barefoot hiking sandals here). I could probably go a half size down as sometimes they feel a tad big, but the whole size down feels a little too small for my 23.3cm foot measurement. While I prefer to have a little extra space on my closed-toe shoes, I like my sandals without much excess so I don’t have to worry about the front catching.

Barefoot Sandal Features 

As these are barefoot/minimalist sandals, the focus is on letting the feet function naturally. The straps fit securely on the feet without restricting the toes. The soles are thin, flat and flexible. 

ZuZu Sandal Styles 

ZuZu Sandals has several different versions of their huarache style sandals, and an over-the-toe style with three adjustable velcro straps. I’ve tested out each of different ZuZu Sandal models, including trying them out with different straps. Here’s a review of each style.  

The Flow 

7mm upcycled rubber sole | imbedded textile footbed | $79  | KELLY10 for 10% off

Best for: most barefoot feeling, water activities 

The Flow is the thinnest and most flexible model from ZuZu Sandals. It only uses upcycled rubber for the sole (so no midsole). Most of the minimalist hiking sandals I’ve worn previously use a Vibram sole, which feels less dense, so I can feel the increased weight of these compared to a Vibram sole of the same thickness. The Flow isn’t super heavy by any means, but I found these felt best with the black recycled polyester straps, which had more structure to them. I could secure them better to my feet compared to the nylon straps.  

All of the sandals have a different footbed material. The Flow has a textile footbed that is very comfortable underfoot, provides good traction, and dries quickly (which makes these a great pick if you need a barefoot sandal for water activities!).  

The Flex 

11mm stack height; 5mm rubber sole; 5mm EVA midsole; 1mm slip-resistant textile footbed | $89 

Best for: rockier trails or longer days, running, water activities 

The Flex is a little beefed up in the sole compared to the Flow. If you want a minimalist hiking sandal with some cushion, this has a thinner layer of recycled rubber for the outsole, plus a lighter weight EVA midsole for cushion, resulting in a total stack height of 11mm. So even though the Flow has an overall thicker sole, they feel lighter than the Flow.  

With this minimalist hiking sandal, you’ll trade off some of the ground feel with that additional cushion in the EVA midsole. It offers some shock absorption as well, which can make these a good pick for minimalist running sandals. The soles still have plenty of flexibility. I like this thickness of sole for rockier trails, or if it’s going to be a really long day on hard surfaces.  

The textile footbed on the Flex also lends itself well to water-use. It’s lightly textured to provide good traction, but doesn’t start to feel abrasive even after long hours of wear. It is also water-repellent. 

I recently brought these on a 10 day trip through Morocco, and wore them almost every day. They were comfortable and performed well in every situation: hiking, at the beach, through desert, and walking through the city.

The Groove 

11mm stack height; 5mm rubber sole; 5mm EVA midsole; 1mm vegan leather footbed | $99 

Best for: everyday, versatile travel sandal  

Similar to the Flex, this sandal also features the rubber sole plus the EVA midsole. The Groove has a vegan leather footbed, which is super comfortable, and offers a more casual look. I love these paired with the leather straps for every day wear. If you like to pack light, these are a versatile sandal to pop in your bag as they’re great for hiking, the beach, and long days full of new adventures.  

The Dune

11mm stack height: 5mm rubber sole; 5mm EVA midsole; water-repellent leather footbed | $105

Best for: everyday, water activities, those with a sensitive sole

The ZuZu Dune keeps the same strap design and similar stack height as the other sandals, but swaps in a water-repellent sueded leather footbed. It’s the Goldilocks of hiking sandal footbeds—smooth and soft underfoot, but it doesn’t get slippery when wet. If you have a sensitive sole and have found other footbeds too rough, these might feel just right! On my first rocky beach walk in them, I was surprised to watch water bead up and roll right off. While they will still feel damp if you fully submerge them, they dry quickly. If you’re often in and out of the water, the Dune is a fantastic choice.

The Drift

9mm stack height; canvas footbed | $99

Best for: Casual wear, those who don’t like in-between the toe straps

The Drift is ZuZu’s newest sandal, featuring a fresh strap design. Instead of the classic huarache style, it leans more toward a casual outdoor look, reminiscent of the ever-popular Tevas with three velcro-adjustable straps. This gives you plenty of room to fine-tune your fit, and means they can accommodate narrow to wide and low to high volume feet. The 9mm sole feels like a good balance of not too thick, not too thin and the canvas footbed feels soft, and isn’t slippery when wet. I’m using these mostly for casual wear like summer days around home, the beach or the pool. I opted for an EU38 in these like I did the rest of my ZuZu Sandals. Like I mentioned in my overall sizing comment at the top of the post, I think a half size down would be ideal, but the EU38s still work great.

The Drift sandals have a special launch price of $79 through September 10, 2025. My code KELLY10 stacks on top of this for a final price of $71, which is perfect because you qualify for free shipping over $70.

Conclusion

Since switching to barefoot and minimalist footwear, huarache sandals have become one of my most-worn designs for their comfort and versatility. ZuZu Sandals not only executes the huarache design well, but offers a great combination of sustainability, longevity, and practicality. I’m impressed with the flexibility and grip of the soles. I also appreciate that the straps can be replaced, which again makes these a better option both for my budget and to keep the shoe in use as long as possible. Use code KELLY10 for 10% off your ZuZu Sandals!

The post ZuZu Sandals Review: Minimalist Hiking Sandals with Upcycled Soles appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.

With summer around the corner, hopefully it means more barefoot time at the beach, by the lake, or hanging around the pool. But for all the in between times, this Barefoot Shoe Guide will help you find a great barefoot sandal for kids. This post is split out into three different categories: 

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. This means if you click on one of them, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Here’s what we looked for to find the best summer sandals

1 Wide, foot-shaped Toe Box – Look for sandals that fit the natural shape of the foot. Most conventional shoes taper in the toe box, which squishes the toes together. Feet are widest at the toes, and shoes should reflect that.  

2 Flat aka zero-drop — There shouldn’t be any heel-to-toe drop. A flat shoe allows a child to stand in a natural, neutral position.   

3 Thin, Flexible Soles – Soles should provide protection, but still allow for a sensory connection to the ground beneath and easy movement. 

4 Securely attach to the foot – A lot of kid’s sandals are notoriously floppy. A healthy kid’s sandal should have enough straps in the right place to attach securely to their foot so it doesn’t flop off and slide around. A loose shoe can lead to tripping, twisted ankles, or toe gripping (which can eventually lead to hammer toes). It helps if there are some kind of adjustable straps as feet vary in shape and volume.  

Prevention is easier than remediation 

One reason I’m passionate about starting off kids in barefoot shoes and sandals is that prevention is so much easier than remediation. When kids wear healthy, barefoot shoes that respect their foot anatomy and allow a natural walking gait, they are much less likely to have to deal with many of the foot and body issues associated with modern footwear. Bunions, hammer toes, ingrown toenails, gait issues and plantar fascia pain are too common and mostly preventable.  

Note: This post may contain affiliate links. This means if you click on one of them, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Best Barefoot Sandals for Kids 

Barefoot Casual Sandals for Kids 

1 Ten Little Everyday Sandals and Splash Sandals

US Sizes Toddler 4 – 13 | Retail: $39 | Shop Ten Little 

SHOP TEn little

Ten Little makes affordable minimalist shoes and sandals for kids that have simple, classic styling. The Everyday sandal is a minimalist closed toe sandal with water-resistant, quick-dry uppers and velcro to secure around the ankle. They’re reasonably flexible, but stiffer than most of the other barefoot sandals on this list.

The Splash sandals are a great replacement for Crocs or Natives. They’re made from EVA foam, so they’re very lightweight and very flexible. We’ve loved them for the pool, beach and splash pad.

Both shoes fit up to medium width and higher volume feet.

2 Feelgrounds Arcade Sandals

EU22 – EU37 | Retail: $74 | Code KELLY5 for 5% off | Shop Feelgrounds

SHOP Feelgrounds

Code KELLY5 for 5% off

The Feelgrounds Arcade sandals are a closed toe barefoot sandal made with cotton, tencel, microfiber and mesh. They’re a great everyday barefoot sandal for kids. They come in two fun color combinations, plus an all black option.

They’re easy to put on and secure quickly with velcro. They’ve been a great fit for a toddler with higher volume feet. My older son has lower volume feet and is still able to wear them as he can secure them tighter with the velcro straps.

3 Wildling Feather 

Toddler US Size 3/EU18 | Retail: $59-$69 | Free Shipping code: AWN_ BAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE

SHOP Wildling US

SHOP Wildling IntL

For the most minimal shoes that are as close as you can get to being barefoot, check out Wildling shoes. The Feather is their sandal that comes in toddler through adult sizes. Like all Wildling shoes, these barefoot kid’s sandals feature a super flexible 2.5mm sole. The uppers are soft microfiber. These run small, so it may be best to first consult the Wildling size chart, and then size up from there.  

4 Reima Rantaan Sandal 

US Sizes Toddler 11/EU22 – Kids US6.5/EU40 | Retail: $40 | BAREFOOT20 for 20% off | Shop Reima 

SHOP Reima

Code BAREFOOT20 for 20% off

Reima is a popular Finnish kidswear brand that recently entered the barefoot shoe market with a knit sneaker and a summer sandal. The Rantaan sandal has a breathable, polka dot mesh upper that dries quickly (so these can work well for water too). The sole is thin, flexible and zero drop. The toe box is foot-shaped, but these are a better fit for narrower feet.  

See a full review of Reima’s barefoot kid’s shoes here. Use code BAREFOOT20 for 20% off kid’s clothes and barefoot shoes at Reima.

5 Merrell Toddler Bare Steps Sandals

Toddler Size 4 – 10 | Come in Medium and Wide Width | Retail: $45 | Shop Merrell Bare Steps

SHOP merrell

The Merrell Bare Steps Sandals are another affordable minimalist sandal for kids. They’re a cute, two strap sandal with adjustable velcro straps (though they have buckles on top to give them a little more style). The soles are similar to the Merrell water shoes listed above, where the front part has good flex, but the heel portion is stiffer. 

6 Magical Shoes Leather Sandals

EU23-29 | Retail: $43 – 56 | Code KELLY for 10% off | Shop Magical Shoes 

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Magical Shoes makes a few styles of casual barefoot sandals for kids with soft leather uppers. A few of the smallest sizes come with leather soles, but most have a thin and super flexible rubber sole. I’ve loved the Magical Shoes kid’s shoes, especially as they are perfect for thicker and wider baby feet. The ones pictured above are the Moxy Sandals, but they also have some sandals with more cut outs for less coverage and more of a sandal style and feel.

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7 Softstar Laguna Sandals

EU23-29 | Come in Medium and Wide Width | Retail: $70 | Shop Softstar 

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Softstar handmakes leather barefoot sandals in their Oregon workshop. Softstar is a great brand for toddlers and kids with wide and extra wide feet as they offer a wide option. The soles of the Laguna Sandals are 6mm vibram soles. You can also customize your colors. 

Barefoot Outdoor and Hiking Sandals 

8 Earth Runners Kid’s Sandals 

Start at Child Size 12  | Retail: $53 | Code KELLY10 for 10% off | Shop Earth Runners 

Code KELLY10 for 10% off

The huarache is a popular style for barefoot hiking sandals. Earth Runners is one of the most popular barefoot sandal brands making huaraches, and they make them starting in children’s size 12. This style is so popular as a barefoot sandal because it has an in-between-the-toe-strap that doesn’t put any force on pushing the toe inwards. But, they still attached securely to the foot (unlike flip flops). 

Earth Runners use 8 or 9mm Vibram soles and offer the option of adding a hemp footbed. I like this feature, but if your child is more sensitive to texture on their feet, then you may want to opt for the 8mm sole without the hemp footbed. 

Earth Runners are grounding sandals. They have a copper plug on the bottom to serve as a connection to the earth, but they’re great sandals whether you’re interested in grounding or not.  

9 Freet Zennor Sandals 

Start at Kid’s US11.5/EU30  | Retail: $65 | Code KELLY for 10% off | Shop Freet 

Code KELLY for 10% off

Before I learned about barefoot shoes, I used to think the KEEN Newport sandals were the ultimate kid’s adventure sandals. They’re rugged with a protective toe bumper, they never slipped off, and I felt like they were good for just about any situation with water or warm weather. But the soles are incredibly thick and stiff. I want sandals there to protect my kid’s feet when they need them, but not at the expense of natural movement. 

The Freet Zennor sandals have all of the things I look for in a rugged adventure sandal, and they have a flat and flexible sole. The sole comes up over the toe for a tough bumper. I also like that the tops can be tightened with an elastic pull, and there is a velcro strap around the back to adjust around the ankle. 

For more barefoot water sandals that are similar to KEEN sandals, check out this post.

10 Xero Shoes Z-Trail Sandals 

Start at Kids Size 12 | Retail: $59.99 | Shop Xero Shoes 

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Xero Shoes dubs its Z-Trail sandals as the “ultimate trail-friendly” sandal. When I was looking for minimalist hiking sandals to replace much stiffer and thicker styles that both me and my son were using, this is the first option we tried. Years later, and I still think they’re one of the best barefoot sandals, especially for kids.  

This barefoot sandal has a few features that make it a great adventure and hiking sandal for kids. The sole has some smaller lugs for more grip, and it’s zero-drop and flexible. At 10mm, it has enough substance to protect from rocky trails. The heel cup keeps little rocks from sliding underneath the foot.  

The velcro straps on the Z-Trail are thick but soft and easy to adjust. The sandals easy to put on and take off, but stay securely put. Mine are still holdling up after several years. My son is on his second pair, but only after growing out of the first pair. And that first pair still has a lot of life left.  

11 Shamma Sandals Kid’s Sandals 

Starts at size Kid’s US 1 | Retail: $60 | Code BAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE for 10% off | Shop Shamma Sandals 

Code BAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE for 10% off

Shamma Sandals handmakes barefoot running sandals for kids and adults using vibram soles. They offer a few different sole options, and several of them come in kid’s sizes. The Cruzers are simple but durable sandals that will take your kid through plenty of summer adventures. The straps on Shamma’s sandals have two different spots to adjust to get a good fit.  

12 Luna Sandals Lunacitos 

Start at Kids Size 12 | Retail: $60 | Shop  Luna Sandals 

SHOP Luna Sandals

Luna Sandals is another popular brand for huarache style adventure and running sandals. The kid’s version, the Lunacito, comes with an extra tech strap over the top to make it a little easier to adjust and get a secure fit (seen in blue here). 

These minimalist kids sandals are made with Vibram moreflex soles that are meant to hold up to a lot of hiking, climbing and outdoor adventures. They’re a little bit thicker than some barefoot sandals, but still have decent flex. 

13 Unshoes Children’s Keota 

Starts at Toddler US 5/EU21 | Retail: $45 | Code nomanbefore10 for 10% off | Shop Unshoes 

SHOP Unshoes

Code nomanbefore10 for 10% off

The Unshoes Keota start at US toddler size 5, so these are a great option if you’re looking for toddler barefoot sandals. The Keota have a thin and flexible 8 mm sole. They’re a little different than the huarache sandals as the toe strap is elastic and goes out into a V, a little more like a flip flip (but don’t worry, the extra straps mean they fit securely). The sole has a very slight upward pull at the toe to help prevent it catching. 

Barefoot Water Shoes for Kids 

14 Saguaro Water Shoes 

Size US Toddler 7.5 to Adult | Retail: $35 | Code KELLY15 for 15% off on Saguaro Shoes | Also available on Amazon 

SHOP Saguaro Shoes

Code KELLY15 for 15% off

Saguaro Shoes makes barefoot water shoes with stretchy mesh uppers and grippy soles. They’re affordable and durable. The toe box is wide, and the sole is flat and flexible. They come with an insole that may have a small heel lift, so you can remove it for a completely flat sole with more ground feel, or leave it in for kids with lower volume feet. These shoes are available on the Saguaro Shoes website and on Amazon.

Some of the Saguaro water shoes dry faster than others–the thicker knit tend to take longer to dry.

15 Merrell Bare Steps H20 Sneaker 

Toddler Size 4 – 10 | Come in Medium and Wide Width | Retail: $40 | Shop Merrell Bare Steps 

The Merrell Bare Steps H20 Sneakers are a great option for minimalist water shoes for toddlers. They have full coverage over the toes and dry pretty quickly. Most of the sole is pretty flexible, but the heel area can be more stiff.  

The Bare Steps line come in regular and wide width; I recommend opting for the wide width unless you have a toddler with a narrow foot. 

I like that these are easy to put on, and a toddler can take them off by themselves.  

These are usually $35-$40, but we’ve been able to snag them on sale for $20. 

16 Vivobarefoot Ultra Bloom summer shoes

Toddler US Size 9 – Kid’s US6 | Retail: $68-80 | Code BSG20 for 20% off |  Shop Vivobarefoot 

Code BSG20 for 20% off

These remind me a lot of crocs, but a healthier, barefoot version. While Crocs are bulky, thick and let the foot slide around, the Vivobarefoot Ultra Bloom summer shoes are thin, flexible and securely attach to the foot. The uppers are made from a special Bloom foam (it’s partially made with algae, how cool is that!) that is really lightweight and dries quickly.  

Have a pair of barefoot sandals for kids that you love? Share in the comments below!

The post 15 Best Barefoot Sandals for Kids appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.