If you’ve switched out your regular, restrictive footwear to barefoot shoes, the next obvious question is often, what about socks? Most socks are often tight in the toe box too, so to get the most of your newfound toe freedom in your barefoot shoes, check out toe socks! This post lists the best toe socks to wear with your barefoot shoes by category.

Do you have to wear toe socks?

No, you do not have to wear toe socks. Whatever you wear with your barefoot shoes, you just want to make sure that it isn’t limiting your movement. There are wide toe box socks and Tabi socks that are great options as well.

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!

No Show Toe Socks

Perfect for everyday wear and invisible under low-cut shoes, this section highlights no-show toe socks that preserve toe splay while staying hidden.

Injinji hidden socks | $13

Saguaro Shoes Toe Sox | $15 for 5 pairs | Code KELLY15 for 15% off

Feelgrounds Invisible Socks | $15.90

Creepers Merino Toe Socks | $15

Amazon AoMagic toe socks| $27 for 3 pairs

MyFootFunction No Show Toe Socks | $11 | KELLY10 for 10% off

SoxSense Toe Socks on Amazon | $20 for 4 pairs

Vibram | $10

Serasox | $11 | Made from bamboo, these are thin and soft. A great option if you’re just getting used to toe socks.

Knitido+ | €15,90

Best Toe Socks for Running, Hiking and the Gym

When it comes to running, hiking, and working out, toe socks can offer advantages over traditional socks. By wrapping each toe individually, toe socks reduce friction between the toes, which helps prevent blisters during high-impact or long-duration activities. They also promote better toe alignment and natural movement—key benefits for anyone training in barefoot shoes. Whether you’re hitting the trail, logging miles on the road, or lifting at the gym session, toe socks support full foot engagement and help maintain a dry, comfortable environment inside your shoes.

Injinji Lightweight Runners | Starting at $12 | Injinji a lot of options including different heights and weights. I like the Lightweight runners for running. They also have thinner liners to pair with some of the midweight hiking toe socks, which can help wick moisture and prevent blisters while hiking. I like wearing these liners as stand-alone socks too in warm weather. You can also shop Injinji socks on REI.com.

AONIJIE toe socks on Amazon | $30 for 3 pairs

XOSkin XoToes | $22.80 | These are the most expensive, but the most durable. They’re made with a special material that includes copper in the yarns.

Crew Toe Socks

If you like your socks a little bit taller, this list of crew toe socks is for you!

Injinji Crew Socks | Starting at $14

AONIJIE toe socks on Amazon | $30 for 3 pairs

ToeToe Cotton Crew Socks | $16

Maro | 100% organic cotton toe socks

SeraSox | $13

Creepers Merino Wool Crew Hiking Socks on Amazon | $18

Boot Toe Socks

Creepers Merino Wool Boot Socks

Nylon Tights Toe Socks

ToeToe Tights |$20

Final Thoughts

Incorporating toe socks into your barefoot shoe routine is just one more way you can ensure that your toes are getting the space they need! There are now toe socks in so many different materials and types, I hope this list helps you find a pair that works for you.

The post Best Toe Socks for Barefoot Shoes appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.

Barefoot boots aren’t necessarily known for their warmth as there’s the push and pull between creating a sole that’s thin and flexible and one that insulates from the cold ground. Barefoot shoe brands often consider the warmth factor when designing the soles of their boots, so they’re usually thicker than what you’d find in a casual barefoot sneaker.  

Even with a little thicker sole, freezing weather calls for pulling out all the stops. These tips can help keep your feet as warm as possible when there’s a cold front coming on. 

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!

Tips to make your barefoot boots warmer 

1 Opt for a wide toe box 

This is a given if you’re picking out a pair of barefoot boots since the wide toe box is a defining feature. But in the struggle to find the warmest boots, some might be tempted to veer back towards a conventional boot with a more tapered toe…but it may actually end up being colder. A tight toe box can restrict adequate blood flow to your feet and especially your toes. 

2 Get a pair of insulated, waterproof barefoot boots 

Investing in a high-quality, insulated barefoot boot can go a long way at keep your feet warm there’s an extra layer built in. Here’s a quick list of some of my favorites, but you can find a complete lists of barefoot boots for winter right here.

• BeLenka Winter of Snowfox Boot: Code KELLY5 for 5% off
• Vivobarefoot Tracker Winter: Code BSG20 for 20% off
• Xero Shoes Alpine 
• Koel Rana Wool Boots: Available directly from Koel, or from PedTerra if you’re in the US. Use code KELLY for 10% off at PedTerra.
• Koel Faro

3 Size up in your boots  

I recommend sizing up at least one size from your typical shoe size so you can insulate with warm socks without restricting blood flow. This doesn’t mean the boots fit too loose, it means they fit just right with the thicker wool socks. While I typically look for about 1.2cm of extra space in my barefoot sneakers, often times it’s closer to about 2cm larger than my foot length for winter boots in order to take the socks into account.  

Even with your thicker socks, you should have some space to wiggle your toes. And as the extra air around your feet warms up, it functions as another layer of insulation between you and the cold outside air.  

4 Add a felted wool or shearling wool insole 

This added warmth goes a long way, especially with barefoot boots that have a thinner sole. Some barefoot brands come with insulated insoles and others sell them separately. If a brand you like doesn’t have an insole, you can purchase a larger size from another brand and cut it down to make it an exact match. 

You can also cut out and customize your own insoles from this felted wool.  

Find a complete list of wool insoles for barefoot shoes here.

5 Wear merino wool socks 

Merino wool is one of the warmest fabrics as it can efficiently hold in heat relative to its thickness. Therefore, a thinner wool sock can be much warmer than a thicker sock made from synthetics. Wool has several other amazing properties; it’s moisture-wicking, breathable, odor-resistant and naturally antimicrobial. 

I look for at least 60% wool (the higher the better here), with a little bit of spandex for stretch and nylon for durability. These are going to be much warmer than a wool blend sock that has a higher percentage of polyester or another synthetic. Here’s a list of my favorite merino wool socks for winter. The socks featured here are from Wide Open, with a roomier toe box and 65% merino wool (they’re a part of the same group that makes Darn Tough Socks). You can also get them at REI.

Whatever you do, do not wear cotton socks! Once your cotton socks get wet, they’re going to stay wet until you take them off and put them in the dryer. If your feet sweat or some snow sneaks into your boots, wool will both work to wick the moisture away and will do a much better job at providing warmth even when wet.  

6 Reapply Waterproofing Cream or Spray 

Cold feet are wet feet! Maintaining the waterproofing of your boots is crucial in keeping your feet warm. Over time, the waterproof coating on boots may wear off. Regularly reapplying a waterproofing cream for leather boots or spray for non-leather/synthetics creates a barrier against moisture, preventing your feet from getting cold due to dampness. 

Learn more about waterproofing your barefoot boots for winter here.

Have any more tips on making your barefoot boots even warmer? Drop them below.

The post How to Make Barefoot Boots Warmer for Winter  appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.

Learn how to properly waterproof barefoot boots for winter so your feet stay dry and your boots last longer.

Barefoot shoes are all about keeping your feet comfortable…and part of that is keeping them warm and dry in the winter. Snow, rain, slush and freezing cold temps can be a challenging time for those of with minimalist footwear as you’re trying to balance flexibility of movement with staying warm. Adding thermal or sheepskin insoles and waterproofing your barefoot boots are two ways to prep for winter to keep your feet warm and dry.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll take you through the steps of waterproofing your barefoot boots and shoes for winter. This includes the products we’ve used to clean, condition and waterproof our boots.

Why Waterproof your Barefoot Boots?

Leather Boots

Many barefoot boots are leather, so we’ll first start with why it’s important to waterproof your leather boots.

Leather is naturally water-repellant, but as skin, it’s a pourous material that needs to be cleaned and conditioned regularly. Waterproofing your barefoot leather boots will keep the leather from drying out and add a protective barrier that prevents rain and snow from penetrating the leather. Proper maintenance of your leather boots will not only keep your feet dry, but significantly extend the lifespan of your leather footwear. Barefoot boots are expensive, so it’s definitely worth the effort to help them last as long as possible.

Many leather boots may come pretreated, but this will likely wear off with time and use. It’s best to apply a waterproofing treatment to your leather boots at least once a season, and more if you’re sloshing through a lot of water regularly.

Fabric or Synthetic boots

Fabric or Synthetic boots can benefit from waterproofing too. Some come with a waterproofing agent pre-applied, or you can add your own to boots that don’t come with any treatment. Regularly applying a waterproofing treatment will help you get the most out your barefoot boots during winter!

How to Waterproof Barefoot Boots: A step-by-step guide

Here we’ll walk through the process of waterproofing your barefoot boots, including the materials you’ll need.

1 Clean your shoes

Before you waterproof your boots, you’ll want to make sure they’re clean. Use a  shoe cleaning brush to wipe off any visible dust or dirt. After this, I also liked to wipe the shoes down with a damp towel.

For a deeper clean, use a shoe cleaning product. Try this one for leather boots, and this one for nubuck and textiles. After cleaning your shoes, rinse them off.

Allow them to completely dry before going on to the next steps.

2 Condition leather boots if needed

As leather ages, it becomes dry and dull. Periodically using a leather conditioner will help restore leather’s natural oils, which makes it more supple and resistant to water.

3 Choose the right waterproofing product

Selecting the appropriate waterproofing product for the material of your barefoot boots is the most important part of this process.

Note that many waterproofing products, especially those for leather, will darken the color as it is adding moisture. Waxes and creams usually make the leather appear darker and richer. It’s best to test the product on an inconspicuous place first to make sure you’re happy with the way the waterproofing product alters the color of the boots. 

Waterproofing wax is best for full-grain leather.  

• Otter Wax: My go-to pick for waterproofing barefoot leather boots is Otter Wax. Otter Wax is an all-natural product made from beeswax and lanolin. It moisturizes and protects your boots, so I find that I can skip the leather conditioner if I’m using this.
• Nikwax Waterproofing Wax: Nikwax is one of the most popular brands for footwear cleaning and waterproofing products, and they have an option for almost every kind of material. Opt of rate Waterproofing Wax for your full-grain leather boots.

Waterproofing Spray is ideal for smooth, soft leather. 

• Nikwax Fabric and Leather Proof Waterproofing Spray: If your boots are smooth leather, a spray or a cream works best. A spray like this can also be used on fabric.  

Waterproofing Spray for Nubuck and Suede 

• Nikwax Nubuck and Suede Spray: Waterproofing products for smooth leather vs nubuck and suede are usually not interchangeable. Nubuck and suede are textured — they appear fuzzy and napped. Applying a waterproofing wax like Otter wax would ruin suede boots, so make sure you’re using the correct waterproofing product that will both preserve the texture and make them water repellant.

Waterproofing Spray for Fabric

You can also add a waterproofing spray to your cotton or knit barefoot sneakers to make them more wearable during the wetter months. Here are a few good options:

• Nikwax Fabric and Leather Proof Waterproofing
• Jason Mark Shoe Protector: Great for sneakers!
• Wildling Waterproofing Spray: Wildling has a full range of cleaning and waterproofing products for their barefoot shoes, but they’re only available on the International website. We’ve found their waterproofing spray to be effective for both the microfiber edging and the cotton uppers. Note that you should not use this waterproofing spray on the wool portions of some of the winter styles.

4 Apply the Waterproofing Product

Use a cloth or applicator brush to evenly apply the product, making sure to cover all areas of the boot. Pay extra attention to seams and stitching.

5 Allow the boots to dry

Let the boots dry naturally, away from direct heat sources. Some products may require exposure to heat for activation, so check the product label for specific instructions.

6 Repeat as Needed

Depending on the product and usage, you may need to reapply waterproofing periodically to maintain protection. Waterproofing your boots at the start of every winter is a good practice, and then you can assess based on wear from there!

By waterproofing your barefoot boots, you’re not only preserving their appearance but also ensuring that they serve you well in wet, wintery weather while keeping your feet dry and comfortable. It’s a simple yet effective way to care for your investment in healthy, barefoot shoes.

The post How to Waterproof Barefoot Boots for Winter appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.

If shoes matter so much to our foot health, then don’t socks matter too? Yes, yes they do! 

Just like shoes with a narrow toe box, socks that are too tight or tapered can restrict toe splay and natural foot function. When toes don’t have room to spread, it can affect balance, stability, and even long-term foot development, especially in kids.

To get the full benefits of barefoot shoes and their wide toe box design, it’s important to pair them with wide toe box socks too. I often wear toe socks myself, but in my experience, kids (especially the little ones) don’t have the patience for slotting each tiny toe into its own space. And honestly, with those adorable tiny toes, it can be tricky!

That’s why this list focuses on kids’ socks with a wide toe box that allow for natural toe splay and foot movementwithout the fuss of toe socks. There aren’t a ton of truly anatomical socks for kids (yet!), but these are the ones we’ve tried and loved.

Wide Toe Box Socks for Kids

Let’s start off with some kid’s foot-friendly socks for every day wear.

Everyday Anatomical Socks

Plus12 Socks | $10 | Wide toe box merino wool socks | These Plus12 socks come in kid’s sizes and are specifically made with a wider toe box. They’re available from several barefoot shoe retailers, including Softstar Shoes in the US, the US Wildling website or the Wildling International website. Use code AWN_ BAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE for free shipping at Wildling.

Kids Tabi Socks on Ali Express | $15 for 5 pairs | While many kids might not have the patience for toe socks or like the feeling of fabric in between each of their individual toes, they may be fine with tabi socks. Tabi socks only have the big toe separate, with the rest of the toes together. My son has really like these and wears them regularly. He’s been using them for about 2 years and they’ve held up well (featured below).  

BeLenka Crew Socks | $10 | Code KELLY5 for 5% off | Most barefoot shoe brands eventually start making socks for adults, and some of the bigger brands are starting to come out with some barefoot socks for kids too.

Foot Buddy | $29 for 5 pairs | code KELLY15 for 15% off | These socks are meant to grow with your child, so they don’t have a defined heel cup. These socks are made to fit children 2-6. They also have a more relaxed toe box.  

Kids’ Toe Socks | If your kids have a little more patience than mine and do want toe socks, there are some affordable options over on Amazon.

Thick wool socks with a wide toe box

Magical Shoes Barefoot Socks | $10 | Code KELLY10 for 10% off | Thicker merino wool socks with anti-slip bottoms.

BeLenka Merino Wool Socks | $8 | Code KELLY5 for 5% off 

Wildling Tall Wool Boot Socks | When Wildling released their rain boots, they also came out with some tall, knit wool socks to pair them with called the Calora socks. These are perfect to wear with their rain boots, or really any barefoot winter boot that has a roomier fit. These come in child through adult sizes, and are available on the Wildling US or Wildling International website. Use code AWN_ BAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE for free shipping.

Nui Organics Thick Wool Socks | $18 | Code NOMAN15 for 15% off |These socks are really thick and cushy, so they can make great indoor socks that almost acts like a slipper when it’s cold, or a thicker sock for the winter. 

The post Kid’s Wide Toe Box Socks: Anatomical Socks that don’t Squish Toes  appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.

So, you’ve bought some barefoot shoes! Great! And maybe you’ve slipped them on and are enjoying all that extra room in the toe box…until you put on your old socks. Similar to how most conventional shoes are too tight for our toes, so are many socks.  

If your old socks are tight and squishing your toes together, you’re not going to get all the benefit that comes from wearing a foot-shaped shoe with a wide toe box. This post has all the best socks to wear with barefoot shoes.

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.

Can you wear socks with Barefoot Shoes? 

If you’ve had this question, don’t worry, you’re not the only one. Barefoot shoes are kind of a misnomer because you’re obviously not barefoot, you’re wearing shoes. The term “barefoot” can be a little confusing and make people think that you’re not supposed to wear socks with them. When I use the term “barefoot” with regard to socks or shoes, I mean that they are mimicking the shape of your feet and allowing you to move as naturally as you do when actually barefoot. 

You can totally wear socks, it’s really about personal preference. I prefer opting for a breathable shoe and going sockless in my everyday shoes during the warmer months. But in the colder months, or when I’m doing something more active like hiking, I need comfortable, foot-shaped socks to wear with my barefoot shoes.  

Get the full benefit of your barefoot shoes with barefoot socks 

In order to get the full benefit of the wide, anatomical toe boxes on your barefoot shoes, you need to make sure your socks aren’t squishing your toes inside your shoes. There are a few different variations of barefoot socks, so you can find the kind you like the most.  

You can opt for a sock with a wider toe box, toe socks, or tabi socks that just have the big toe separate. These tabi socks are usually made by sandals companies so you can wear socks with your barefoot sandals if that’s your jam. 

Some of these are from sock companies, but many are from barefoot shoe brands that also sell socks. Sometimes buying the socks and shoes together can help save on shipping, so you may want to add a pair of socks the next time you buy a pair of shoes.  

Everyday Wide Toe Box Socks

If you’re not into toe socks, don’t worry, there are other options! These socks with a wide toe box (aka anatomical socks) look just like your typical socks, but they have more room in the toes. Several barefoot shoes brands have started making their own socks with a wide toe box, and there are several sock brands that offer these as well.

Wide Open Socks

$20 – $25 | Merino Wool socks

This may be a newer label, but it comes from the founder of the wildly popular sock brand Darn Tough. Wide Open was created with people who have wider legs and feet in mind, but honestly, since most socks run tight to begin with, these roomier designs are great for anyone who wants a more natural, anatomically shaped fit. I don’t have particularly wide feet or legs, and they still fit me really well.

Most Wide Open socks are made with over 50% wool, blended with nylon and a touch of spandex. They’re not overly thick, making them a solid choice for everyday wear. Available directly from Wide Open and on REI

Plus12 Socks

$10-$14 | Merino wool socks

Plus12 socks were created for much of the same reason barefoot shoes were created– the founders realized how much most socks were squished their toes. Plus 12 socks are designed to allow your big toe to lie straight and give you plenty of wiggle room. It’s a European company, but these wide toe box socks are sold by Softstar in the US. They have both adult’s and kid’s socks.

OnlyFootprints on Etsy

$35 for 7 pairs | Organic cotton

These wide toe box socks were recommend by a reader, and I had to try them out! They’re handmade in the US from organic cotton. Since they’re 100% cotton, they have a looser fit overall, including both the toe box and the ankle, but I haven’t had any issues with them slipping down my heel. They come in sizes that line up to shoe sizes EU35 – EU50. I got the EU38s (my regular shoe size) and they fit great!

Mukishoes socks

€18 for two pairs of Crew Socks | Code KELLYMUKI for 10% off | 83% organic cotton

Quite a few of the barefoot shoe brands have socks now, but these Mukishoes socks have been some of my favorite. They have a generous fit, and the middleweight cotton feels just right for a crew sock. These cotton socks are marked with a R for right and L for left as they’re shaped for the anatomy of your feet! These barefoot socks feature a reinforced bottom for extra cushioning or extra insulation. They go great with boots!

More Wide Toe Box Socks

• Injinji | $20 – $29 | Hiking and Running socks | Injinji started as a toesock company for hiking, running and other sports, but they’ve expanded and sell wide toe box socks as well.
• Icebreaker | $19+ | Merino Wool socks | Icebreaker makes a range of wool socks and clothing, and has a selection of socks with an anatomical toe box. These are usually noted with a “+” in the title, like “Run+” or “Hike+”. They are marked with a left and right sock. For the widest fit, opt for the men’s socks.
• Flux | $30 for 3 pairs | No show athletic socks made from nylon. These run smaller, so I would size up to get the anatomical fit, and wouldn’t recommend if you need a wide/extra wide.
• Ahinsa | €13 | Quarter height bamboo barefoot socks
• BeLenka | $9 | KELLY5 for 5% off | Ankle Socks and Crew socks
• Feelgrounds | $15 – $20 | Ankle socks and Crew socks | Feelgrounds is a barefoot shoe company that makes socks with a wide toe box to pair with their shoes. They are 80% cotton and the sneaker socks are a great everyday option. I’ve found them roomier in the toe box than conventional socks, but they are not quite as roomy as their shoes, so if your feet take up the full width of the Feelgrounds, you may want a wider sock. One thing I love about the Feelgrounds shoes is that they’re really comfortable to wear without socks, but you can wear these socks with any shoes.

Toe Socks

Before learning about barefoot shoes, the last time I’d worn or really even thought about toe socks was when I had some crazy colored ones in 7th grade. They were, of course, matched to my two-toned Old Navy flip flops (it was a vibe). There are a lot of great toe sock options to pair with your barefoot shoes so you don’t have to worry about squished toes.

Injinji Toe Socks

$14 – $29 | No Shows up to Knee High Socks | Large range of toe socks including everyday, hiking, running, boot, and compression socks

Injinji was founded as a toe sock company specializing in running and hiking socks, and currently have one of the largest selections. If you don’t love the feeling of things between your feet but you’re considering toe socks, then I’d recommend the Injinji liner socks. They’re meant to be a super lightweight liner sock that goes under your thicker hiking sock on super long trails, but I like them as just an everyday warm weather sock. Since they’re thinner, they’re comfortable between my toes, and they’re really soft.

Injinji has option for almost every other activity along with a range of thicknesses and materials so you can find the perfect toe sock for you.

Many large retailers also sell Injinji toe socks, like REI.

Creepers Toe Socks

$15 – $17 | Code KELLY for 10% off | Merino wool blend

Creepers are my personal favorites when it comes to toe socks; their merino wool blend feels so soft and not too thick. These toe socks come in several heights, including no show, quarter crew and crew length. They have a set of standard colors available year-round, and periodically do special editions color drops. The original merino wool 2.0 socks are thin enough to be used as a liner on a longer backpacking trip, but thick enough to be durable and work well as an everyday sock. They recently released boots socks with a slightly higher weight for more warmth, comfort and durability.

Knitido+ Toe Socks

$20 – $28 | KELLY20 for 20% off

Knitido+ makes a full range of toe socks, including ankle and mid calf toe socks, as well as a few unique options, like gripper socks and open-toe leg warmer stocks. These cable knit wool socks pictured above are a little thicker, and perfect for winter.

More Toe Socks

• Feelgrounds |$15.90 | Code KELLY5 for 5% off | Ankle and no show toe socks by Knitido+
• Decathlon |$10 | Non-slip Yoga Toe Socks Amazon
• Amazon | There are any different styles and brands for toe socks on Amazon. Soxsense is a brand I’ve tried and liked.
• Vibrams |$18 for two pairs | No show toe socks

Tabi Socks

If you’re not quite ready to dive into full toe socks, tabi socks might just become your new favorite. They separate your big toe from the rest, giving you better alignment and stability. It’s the perfect balance—promoting natural movement while keeping things comfy for your smaller toes.

Earth Runners |$24 | KELLY10 for 10% off | Crew Tabi socks made to wear with sandals

Luna Sandals |$30-$35 | These tabi socks from Luna Sandals are made to wear with sandals, so you can continue running (or walking) in your sandals in colder weather. They’re made with a warm mix of merino wool, washi paper threads, and polyester to give the fabric strength . These come in ankle height and the taller crew height. If you’re on the edge of the sizes, you may want to size up. I usually wear a US7.5 or 8 and went with the small. Most of the sock fits just right, but the pocket for the big toe is really giving me a squeeze, and these socks don’t have too much stretch.

Winter Barefoot Wool Socks

For the winter, I’m all about wool socks. I incorporate merino wool into a lot of my winter wear, especially base layers and socks because it is moisture-wicking, durable and warm. Many merino wool socks tend to be more spacious in the toe box and stretchier, so I’ve found a number of winter socks that aren’t from barefoot shoe brands that are still comfortable for my toes. You can also try sizing up for more space. The space may vary by size and style, but here are some that have worked well for me.

I usually look for at least 70% wool in my socks. Nylon helps with durability, and most have a little bit of something to make them stretchy. Socks that are a wool-blend with lower percentages of wool tend to not be as warm and lose out on some of the helpful benefits of wool, so always make sure to check the material content.

Wildling Calora Wool Boot Socks

Wildling released these socks when they launched their new rain boot. They’re a soft, knitted wool socks that pairs with a roomy barefoot boot. Made from 98% virgin merino wool and 2% polyester. These barefoot socks come in child through adult sizes, and are available on the Wildling US or Wildling International website. Use code AWN_ BAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE for free shipping. | $35 – $40 per pair

Costco Wool Socks

Costco carries Kirkland signature branded merino wool socks that have been some of the best wool socks I’ve ever purchased. They’re 85% merino wool, super warm and have a roomy, stretchy toe box. They’re $14.99 in-store at Costco for a four pack, but you can also order them online from Costco where they run a bit more at $16.99. They’re women’s one size, and meant to fit women’s 6-10 ½. I’m on the lower end of that range, which may help me out when it comes to having more space. I bought these a few years ago and they’re still holding up great. Unfortunately the men’s merino wool socks by Costco are different, and don’t seem to have as much toe space and don’t have the same merino content.

Wildly Goods Wool Socks

Wildly Goods is another brand of wool socks that we’ve worn a lot and loved. We use these pretty often as hiking socks and during the winter. They’re 80% merino wool. | $16 per pair

BeLenka

BeLenka makes merino wool socks with an anatomical toe box. They’re 70% to 85% merino wool depending on the style. | $19 – $25 per pair | Code KELLY5 for 5% off

Nui Organics

Nui Organics is a brand I’ve loved for years for their merino wool clothes, and they make amazingly thick merino wool lounge socks. These are available for babies, kids and adults. My kids wear them around the house all winter, and they’re great if you have boots that can accommodate thick socks. | $36 | Code NOMAN15 for 15% off

Knitido+ Leg Warmers

Leg warmers are a great way to add more warmth to a winter outfit. Knitido+ offers wool blend leg warmers to pair with barefoot shoes and boots. | $38 – $48 | Code KELLY20 for 20% off

Kid’s Barefoot Socks

Toe socks and wide toe box socks for kids can be a little harder to find. Simply sizing up in regular socks can be a good option for some kids, but here are some good barefoot socks for kids.

Plus12 Socks (sold by Softstar) | $10 | Merino Wool socks | These Plus12 socks come in kid’s sizes. They’re available on the SoftStar website in the US.

Kids Tabi Socks on Ali Express | $11.44 for 5 pairs | These are off Ali Express. It can take awhile for shipping and some Ali Express items are hit and miss. Most kids don’t seem to love toe socks and they can be a little time consuming to put on, so these tabi socks offer a good balance of having a separate big toe.

Cat & Jack Toddler Socks | These cotton toddler socks from Target have a roomy toe box, and go from sizes 6-12 months to 5T. I’ve typically gone up a size or two for my toddler to make sure we have enough space.

Nui Organics | $11- $32 | Code NOMAN15 for 15% off | These are very thick wool socks that work well as slipper-replacements, to wear at night, or in thicker boots (like snow boots!)

The post Best Socks for Barefoot Shoes: Toe Socks and Wide Toe Box Socks appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.

Why add insoles to barefoot shoes? 

Insoles for barefoot shoes are very minimal, usually only a few millimeters. They’re also flat, so they’re not providing arch support or creating a heel drop by adding extra cushion to the sole. These are the main reasons I would consider adding an insole to a barefoot shoe: 

Comfort

If you’ve just started your transition to barefoot shoes, you may not be ready to have so little cushion in your shoes. While you’re adjusting, you may find it more comfortable to add an insole with a few millimeters of extra cushion.  

Even after wearing barefoot shoes and very minimal soles almost exclusively for the last few years, I still appreciate the extra cushion at times too. If I’m going to be walking long distances on hard, flat surfaces all day, I’ll usually consider adding some cork insoles for comfort. 

Better fit for Low Volume Feet

Not every foot takes up the same amount of space. If you find that your shoes fit the length of your feet, but feel loose around the ankles or instep, you make want to add insoles to take up some of that extra volume. This is especially true for me with slip-ons, where I can’t tighten down the laces to make the shoes fit securely. A thin, lightweight insole can make a big difference here.  

Warmth

Wearing barefoot shoes in cold weather is all about compromise, and you want to keep your feet warm. Most barefoot boots start with thicker soles than many of the warm weather versions, but an additional insole made from something like wool or felt can make your boots even warmer and add extra insulation from the cold ground. 

Stimulation

The thin soles in barefoot shoes do a lot to give our feet better ground feel, but we’re still missing out on the textures and sensory experiences we get from walking with bare feet. A company called Naboso makes insoles designed to stimulate and activate the thousands of nerve endings in our feet. 

A few things to keep in mind 

• A few millimeters goes a long way for adding cushion, comfort and warmth.  
• Most of these insoles included in this post are from barefoot and minimalist shoes companies. I’ve found other cork, wool and felt insoles online from a lot of different companies, but unfortunately the toe box shape is a lot narrower, so they’re not a good fit for most barefoot shoes. 

Insoles for Barefoot Shoes 

Cork Insoles 

Cork is lightweight, breathable, and provides good shock-absorption along with a little bit of cushion. I’ve found cork insoles to be a great option for an everyday insole if I want a little extra cushion for a few days, or I need to take up some extra space in a higher volume shoe. Here are a few options for cork insoles: 

Feelgrounds Cork Insoles | 3mm thick | $11.90 | Come in the same size and shape as Feelgrounds shoes. Completely flat, so may work with other brands as well. You could order a larger size and cut the insoles down if you’re trying to fit a shoe with a slightly toe box different shape. Shop Feelgrounds Cork Insoles.

Lems Cork Insoles | 3.8mm thick | $5.99 | Lems has two different cork insoles that are shaped for their different shoes – one specifically for the Drifter, and another for other casual models like the Chillum, Boulder Boots, Nine2Five, Chukkas and Primal Zen. These do have a bit more contouring around the heel, so these insoles may not work as well with other brands. 

Vivobarefoot Cork Insoles | 3mm of recycled foam with a natural cork deck | $12 | These curve up a bit around the edges to fit specifically in Vivobarefoot shoes. Use code BSG20 for 20% off on Vivobarefoot.com.

Naboso Insoles 

are pretty unique. They’re not just for extra padding or warmth. Naboso insoles were developed by podiatrist Dr. Emily Splichal to provide a richer sensory experience in our shoes by stimulating the nerves in our feet. 

The insoles are lightly textured, so it’s like stepping on something soft but bumpy. I was intrigued when I first heard about these and definitely wanted to try them out, but wasn’t sure if they’d be something I’d want to wear regularly. Well, turns out, they actually feel great and I put them in one of my most worn shoes.  

The Naboso Insoles come in sizes small through extra large, with a size range associated with each. I ordered a medium (I’m usually an EU38), and cut them down to fit in my shoes. You can easily switch them between shoes with a similar shape. 

There are four different types of Naboso insoles, each with a slightly different purpose. I use the Activation insoles that are meant for everyday wear. You can and use code KELLY10 for 10% off.

Here’s what Naboso recommends the Activiation insole for: 

• Everyday use to offset foot fatigue and strengthen feet  
• Minimizing foot fatigue and foot pain associated with plantar fasciitis or arch pain 
• Reducing foot pain in standing employees such as nurses, hair stylists, trainers 
• Those looking to improve posture and body alignment 

Foam Insoles

The company NorthSole makes foam insoles for barefoot shoes. They’re flat and flexible, and made with high quality foam that doesn’t squish down with wear. These insoles come in two different thicknesses: 3mm and 6mm. The insoles come in sizes S – XL so you can cut them down to the exact size and shape of your shoe.

Warm insoles for winter – wool, sheepskin, felt and thermal 

Next up are warm insoles to keep your feet warm in the winter! There are several different types of materials used for warm insoles. If you plan on using a thicker version, just keep in mind how much space that may be taking up in your shoe, and consider sizing up for your winter shoes.

DIY Wool Insoles | 6mm | $15 for sheet | While you can get insoles that fit specific barefoot shoe brands, you can also DIY wool insoles. Grab a sheet of 100% felt wool, trace the existing insole where you want to add a wool insole, and cut your own.

Many of the barefoot shoe brands also create their own insoles. These are a great option as they’re already cut specifically for their sole shape. If you want to mix and match between brands, you could order a few sizes up to give you some extra material to shape for a different brand.

DIY Sheepskin insole | $13 | These sheepskin insoles take up a lot of space, so they’re best for low volume feet or if you already sized up in your shoes, boots or clogs. The sheepskin will compress over time, so it may end up starting to feel a little loose after more wear. Since these don’t have a wide toe box, I ordered the biggest size and cut mine to the preferred shape.

Wildling Felty Insole | Wool felt | approximately 5-7mm thick | $9.90 | For the best fit, order the insole one size down compared to your Wildling shoe. For example, I wear a size EU38 Wildling shoe and use a size EU37 insole in them.  

Wildling Wooly Insoles | Loden wool | approximately 4mm thick | $11.90 | Same as above, the insole should be one size smaller than your Wildling shoe. 

Wildling has two wool insoles that can be used in colder weather. You can order them on Wildling’s US website, or on Wildling’s International website if you’re outside of the US.

Shapen Wool Insoles | €9 | Warm wool backed with latex foam to prevent smells.

Magical Shoes Sheepskin Insoles | $9 | This three-layered insole has fluffy sheep wool on top, a thin layer of foam, and foil on the bottom to help keep the cold out and the warm in!

Softstar Sheepskin Insoles | $35 | These come in two different shapes to fit Softstar’s different styles of shoes. These look kind of thick and fluffy at first, but the fibers lie flat under your feet so while these provide good warmth, they do not provide a significant amount of cushion. These can easily be cut to fit shoes other than SoftStar styles.

Feelgrounds Vegan Felt Insoles | 3mm | $11.90 | These provide a little extra cushion and warmth. 

Vivobarefoot Thermal Insoles | $14 | Many of Vivobarefoot’s cold weather shoes come with thermal insoles, but here you can replace ones you already have, or add them to a shoe if you want to use them during transition months. These thermal insoles use Outlast® Technology developed by NASA. You can find out more about how it works here, but the gist is that these insoles store excess body heat when you need it, and then release the stored heat when you start to cool down. They basically respond to the changing temperatures of your feet to keep them warmer or cooler.

 
While you don’t need a different insole for every pair of shoe, it’s a great idea to have a few to mix and match between your shoes. Let me know if you have any questions, or feel free to share any tips or tricks that have helped you with insoles for barefoot shoes. 

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