We’re back with the Spring/Summer 2025 edition of the Barefoot Shoe News Digest! This round-up brings you all the biggest happenings in the barefoot shoe world — from exciting new brand launches to long-awaited product updates. 

This digest is your one-stop shop for major seasonal updates in barefoot footwear. No need to scroll endlessly on social media or juggle a dozen mailing lists. That said, I’ll give a quick plug for my newsletter, Inside the Guide — it’s where we go deeper with real-time alerts for major launches and sales. But if you’re just here for the highlights, you’re in the right place. 

I’ll continue updating this post through the end of summer 2025 before kicking off a new edition of the Barefoot Shoe News Digest for fall/winter. 

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!

New Barefoot Shoe Brands 

There’s nothing more exciting than watching the barefoot shoe world continue to grow. Typically, the brands I highlight here are brand new — often launching their very first shoe with just one or two minimalist styles. 

But something a little different is happening this year. Several well-established companies are entering the barefoot space for the first time. Some have fully embraced the barefoot philosophy, replacing all their conventional models with foot-shaped designs. Others are adding barefoot options alongside their existing lineup. 

Here are the new brands worth keeping an eye on. 

Dolfie Paradise

This Spanish brand made a name for itself with fresh, fashion-forward designs in its conventional shoe collections. But they’ve spent past two years thoughtfully recreating their entire sneaker line to a barefoot shape! Their vibrant colorways and chunky silhouettes prove that barefoot shoes can be bold and expressive. The new Dolfie Paradise barefoot sneakers feature a wide toe box, zero-drop platform, flexible soles, and moderate cushioning. They have a kids’ line too. Use code KELLYDP10 for 10% off. 

Aviary

This brand launched their classic white leather sneaker at the end of last year, and it’s a sleek, minimalist option. The upper is made from LWG Gold-rated leather, and the outsole is a full rubber vulcanized sole.

The fit is most similar to Xero Shoes—best suited for narrow to medium width feet. On my medium width feet (23.3 cm long, 9 cm wide), I’d prefer a little more space around the pinky toe. They have enough volume for my higher instep, but they don’t come with an extra insole to adjust fit. I found them true to size—EU 38 fits me well.

These run on the higher end of barefoot sneakers, retailing at $199. Aviary offers free shipping and free returns. If you’re on the hunt for a clean, classic white sneaker, these are worth a look. Use code KELLY for 10% off.

Brambas

Spain seems to be the birthplace of cool, retro barefoot sneakers at the moment— and Brambas is one of the newest options. Brambas launched on Kickstarter earlier this year with their Calabria 165 sneaker, made with corn leather uppers and soft bamboo lining. I opted for my usual size, an EU38, and they feel like the perfect fit. Use code KELLY for 10% off. 

Clotsy

Clotsy is a slow fashion brand based in Spain that recently launched its first barefoot shoe collection, which features ballet flats and sandals (sneakers to be coming soon!). Check out the full review of Clotsy barefoot shoes here.

Dada Brand

Another retro sneaker brand out of Spain, Dada was launched by a well-known creator that makes content about foot health and barefoot shoes. The Shibuya sneaker is made with recycled leather and suede, and available in fun colors like mustard yellow and pistachio green. With a price tag of $124, these offer a more affordable alternative to the typically steeper prices of premium barefoot shoes.

Zara

Okay, Zara definitely isn’t new—but barefoot shoes from them are! For the first time, Zara has released barefoot-style sneakers in toddler and kid sizes. If you’re an EU39 or smaller, you could snag a surprisingly decent barefoot option for just $42.90. I tested them myself—check out the full review here. 

El Naturalista

A familiar name in the sustainable footwear world, El Naturalista has stepped into the barefoot space with a brand-new line of foot-shaped, zero-drop shoes. Their debut barefoot collection includes sneakers, clogs, and sandals—all made with their signature eco-conscious touch. 

Notable New Barefoot Shoe Releases 

Whether it’s an entirely new category or an upgrade to a fan favorite, here are the standout barefoot shoe releases for spring/summer 2025. 

Wildling Rain Boots – The Ranidae 

Wildling has finally released a full-fledged barefoot rain boot with a generous toe box and flexible sole — ideal for muddy trails, wet weather, or messy backyards. Find a full review here. Use code AWN_ BAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE for free shipping

Xero Shoes X-1 Mid Basketball Shoe 

The X-1 Mid is the first barefoot-style basketball shoe designed for high-performance play. It features a flat, flexible sole and wide toe box for natural movement and toe splay, while the mid-ankle design adds comfort and support on the court. Engineered for quick cuts and pivots, the X-1 has been tested by professional athletes in both the NBA and WNBA.

Cycling Shoes by Strong Feet Athletics 

Finally, finally! I’ve been asked this question so often, and while they’re have been some wider versions (or the option to go full custom), there wasn’t a brand making a true clip-in, foot-shaped cycle shoe, until now. I’ve tried them out, and they have plenty of room in the toe box for my medium width feet. I’d say these could fit wide, possibly extra wide feet. I opted for the EU38 since that is currently their smallest size. It’s a little bit on the roomier side for my 23.3cm feet, but everything secures down nicely. With that, I’d say they fit true to their size chart.

The Strong Feet Athletic Leviathan cycle shoes work with SPD, SPD-SL, Look-type, and Delta 3-hole style cleats and pedals. 

Gaucho Ninja Safety Shoe 

We’ve seen barefoot work boots, but this may be the first barefoot safety sneaker. Think reinforced toe protection in a flexible, low-profile shoe that meets safety standards — so it’s about as lightweight and minimal as you can get while still protecting your feet properly. The Sneaky Ninjas barefoot safety trainers run a little long—my usual EU38 fits with extra length compared to most other brands. They’re still wearable with the laces tightened, but I’d be curious to try an EU37 to see if I could size down comfortably.

These barefoot safety shoes feature a fiberglass toe cap, anti-puncture insoles, and meet the requirements for ASTM F2413-24. These vegan sneakers also feature Gaucho’s ‘Diamond Grip’ sole.

The Gaucho Ninja Safety Trainers are currently 20% off during the pre-order period.

Shapen Playa Espadrille 

The Shapen Play Espadrille is another style first for the barefoot shoe world. I’ve you’ve been wanting a barefoot version of this summer-ready slip-on, the Shapen Playa Espadrille comes in two different widths. I debated between the two and ended up ordering the EU37 wide. At this size, the regular width is 8.8 cm, while the wide is 9.3 cm. Based on the fit and material, I think these would’ve felt to tight in the toe box at the regular width for my 9cm feet. The extra room is nice on the wide, but I don’t love how noticeably squared off the shape is on the big toe. I know these are barefoot shoes and meant to be wide, but I think there’s still some room for refinement in the shaping here.  

Trending Styles Getting a Barefoot Version 

Each year we see new mainstream trends making their way into barefoot form — and 2025 is no exception. While 2024 was dominated by Samba-inspired styles, this year’s hot items are: 

Clogs 

Clogs are everywhere right now — and now they’re barefoot-friendly too. Find a full round-up of my favorite barefoot clogs, or check out these newer highlights.

• Mukishoes Soca Clogs: Known for natural materials and minimalism, they’ve released a flexible clog with a cork midsole. Use code KELLYMUKI for 10% off.

• Drifter Leather Solis Clogs: Handmade and customizable, their leather clog adds a rugged, artisan feel to the trend. I’ll be testing these soon!

Boat Shoes 

Whether you’re about to hop on a boat, or just love the coastal look, boat shoes are a timeless and comfortable summer shoe. They’re clearly on the radar for several barefoot shoe brands this season—some launching them for the first time, others bringing back updated favorites.

• Gaucho Ninja has crafted a handmade leather boat shoe with a zero-drop sole and glove-like fit. Available in navy blue (see photo on left) and brown. Code KELLY10 for 10% off.

• Lems has reintroduced the Mariner, a wide, foot-shaped take on the classic boat shoe with moderate cushioning. Available in three different brown color ways (see photo on right) and navy blue.

Memorial Day/Summer Kickoff Barefoot Shoe Sales

Xero Shoes: 25% off starting May 22

Groundies US: 20% off through Memorial Day on new Groundies US website. Lots of great sneakers and sandals under $100.

Ten Little: May 20 – 27 | 15% off and free shipping on $75+ with code MEMORIAL15. The Splash sandals are the perfect water sandals for toddlers and kids.

BeLenka: Up to 40% off during Spring sale

REI Anniversary Sale: May 16 – 26 | 25% to 30% off brands like Xero Shoes and Altras

Vivobarefoot | Up to 30% off selected styles. Use code BSG20 when boosted code expires for 20% off at Vivobarefoot.

Sierra: Currently has large selection of Vivobarefoot shoes and Xero Shoes around 50% off. This company is owned by the same company as TJMaxx, but focuses on outdoor gear. Shoes on this website are likely purchased as part of a liquidation or phasing out past season’s inventory, so once they’re gone, they’re gone. I’ve ordered Altras from here and had a good experience.

Lems Shoes: Summer kick of sale through May 12, 2025 with 20% off most styles. See full brand review here.

Softstar: Starts June 3 | Shoes are 25-45% off in their Semi-Annual Clearance. Note that all clearance purchases are final sale.

Final Thoughts

That wraps up the Spring/Summer 2025 Barefoot Shoe News Digest! I’ll be keeping an eye out for more launches, restocks, and discounts as the season unfolds and adding them to this post, so stay tuned. If there is a new barefoot brand or style that you think should be added to this list, drop a comment below!

As always, you can find full reviews, size info, and barefoot fit tips right here on the Barefoot Shoe Guide.

The post Barefoot Shoe News Digest: Spring/Summer 2025  appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.

Back in April 2025, President Donald Trump rolled out a sweeping set of import tariffs, quickly dubbed the “Liberation Day” tariffs. Starting April 5, a flat 10% duty was added to all imports, with even higher rates for certain countries. The announcement stirred up a lot of uncertainty in the months that followed, but by August a handful of trade deals had settled things down.

One of the most significant updates in August is the suspension of de minimis treatment for ALL countries starting August 29, 2025, which allowed goods valued under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free.

Because most barefoot shoes are made and shipped from outside the U.S., many barefoot shoes will be subject to import tariffs when they are imported into the United States.

August 29 update: The end of the de minimis exemption went into effect, but that evening, the U.S. appeals court ruled that most of the new tariffs are illegal. The court allowed the tariffs to remain in place through October 14 to give the Trump administration a chance to file an appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court. That means orders now through October 14 will still be subject to tariffs.

Tariff Rates as of August 2025

Here are the tariff rates as of August 2025 that are most relevant for barefoot shoe shoppers in the U.S.:

• China: 30%
• Mexico: 25%
• Vietnam: 20%
• European Union: 15% 
• UK: 10% 

These rates are still subject to change as trade negotiations continue and short-term truces expire. The EU and UK numbers appear to be more settled, but tariffs on imports from China are set to increase on November 10, 2025.

You can find full details in the official documents here: 

• White House Press Release 
• Annex I Tariff List (PDF) 
• July Executive Actions explanation from Gibson Dunn

This post isn’t about debating the pros or cons of the policy. My goal is to help you understand how these new tariffs might affect U.S.-based consumers of barefoot shoes—and what to watch for in the coming months. It can be a difficult process to order barefoot shoes online, and I want you to have a heads up on how that process or the prices could change.  

The Suspension of the De Minimis Exemption: What Changed? 

The de minimis exemption allows goods valued under $800 to enter the U.S. duty-free, which is why many U.S. customers haven’t paid import taxes on international barefoot shoe orders. 

Previously, if you ordered barefoot shoes from China, Vietnam, or the EU—so long as they cost under $800—you avoided tariffs. You may have heard Canadians or Brits post-Brexit sharing their dismay over the high import tariffs they directly have to pay–and now the US is in the same boat.

What Changed in April 2025 

The U.S. removed the de minimis exemption for goods shipped from China and Hong Kong. This went into effect on May 2, 2025. This means: 

• All goods made in China, regardless of order value, are now subject to a 30% tariff or a $25 per-item fee (increasing to $50 per item after June 1, 2025).

What Changed in August 2025

Effective August 29, 2925, the U.S. will suspend de minimis treatment for ALL countries, meaning all imports, regardless of value or origin, will be subject to standard tariffs and customs processing based on their country of origin.

Key Impact 

Because most barefoot shoes are made and shipped from outside the U.S., many barefoot shoes will be subject to import tariffs when they are imported into the United States. If you’re buying from a brand or retailer based abroad, you’ll likely be responsible for paying these fees when your order arrives.

For brands or retailers that import shoes into the U.S. first (like Vivobarefoot or Groundies), you won’t have to pay the tariff directly, but you may see prices increases as those brands adjust to higher import costs.

U.S.-Based Barefoot Shoe Brands and the Tariff Impact 

All of these brands are either U.S.-based or have a warehouse here, which means the company (not the customer) is responsible for paying the tariff when they import their shoes. So the retail price you see should already reflect that cost.

I’ve grouped the brands by location simply to give you a sense of what tariffs they may be dealing with. Some companies manufacture in more than one country, but I listed them under the place where production is most common. See the full list of barefoot shoe brands based in the USA here.

Brands Manufacturing in China

China is subject to the 30% tariff.

• Xero Shoes 
• Lems 
• Splay: KELLY10 for 10% off
• Whitin 
• Saguaro: Code KELLY15 for 15% off
• Ten Little Kids
• Reima Kids

Brands Manufacturing in Vietnam

Vietnam is an increasingly popular location to manufacture shoes. Brands manufacturing here include:

• Vivobarefoot: Code BSG20 for 20% off
• Rutsu
• Tolos
• Altra
• Flux

Brands Manufacturing in Mexico 

Mexico is now subject to a 25% tariff rate. These brands currently manufacture there: 

• Origo Shoes: Coder KELLY for 10% off
• Minnemals: Code KELLY10 for 10% off
• Carets

Brands Manufacturing in the E.U.

These are E.U.-based brands that have set up a warehouse in the United States, so your order is shipped from within the U.S. The applicable tariffs were paid when the brand first import their shoes into the country, so you should not receive a separate tariff bill.

• Groundies US
• Vivobarefoot: Code BSG20 for 20% off

Brands Manufacturing in the U.S. 

There are a handful of barefoot brands that manufacture their shoes domestically (many of them are hiking sandals). However, many U.S.-made shoes still rely on imported components. For example, Vibram soles—used by many barefoot brands—is an Italian company with products manufactured in Italy, Brazil, China, and the Czech Republic, meaning tariffs may still apply depending on sourcing. But, if you want to avoid any surprise tariff bills or support local manufacturing, check out this full list of barefoot shoes made in the USA.

E.U. Based Brands

Since so many barefoot shoe brands are based in the EU, this is where U.S. shoppers will feel the biggest impact. Without the de minimis exemption, tariffs now apply to orders placed directly with these brands.

Here’s how it might look in practice:

Not collected at checkout: The shipping carrier will bill you instead. Sometimes they’ll contact you before delivery to arrange payment; other times they’ll deliver the package first and send you an invoice afterward.

DDP (Delivered Duties Paid): The brand collects the tariff at checkout, and you’ll see it as a separate line item.

For example, Feelgrounds has chosen to ship DDP, which means at check out the duties are included (see below). While the EU is subject to a 15% tariff, the higher amount may be due to the fact that Feelgrounds’ shoes are manufactured in Vietnam, which has a higher 20% tariff rate. Tariffs are typically based on the country of origin (where the shoe is manufactured), not where the brand is headquartered or where the warehouse is located.

Here are some of the popular E.U. based barefoot shoe brands where you’re mostly to order directly and get your shoes shipped from the E.U.

• Ahinsa
• Brambas
• BeLenka
• Blusun
• Bohempia
• Dolfie Paradise
• Fleeters
• Groundies EU
• Lang.S
• Magical Shoes
• Mukishoes
• Ohne Project
• Shapen
• Skinners
• Wildling EU

U.S. Retailers That Stock EU/UK Brands 

There are currently a few online and brick-and-mortar retailers based in the US that purchase from EU and UK-based brands. For example, PedTerra is an online retailer that imports shoes in bulk from EU/UK brands such as Be Lenka, Freet, Peerko, Ahinsa, Mukishoes, and more. Since these orders are now subject to tariffs, retail prices may increase to offset those costs. Use code KELLY for 10% off at PedTerra.

Potential Impacts for U.S. Consumers 

Price Increases 

Tariffs create uncertainty. Brands may raise prices, reduce production, or delay new releases. Direct costs from tariffs are likely to be passed on to consumers in some form. 

Limited Selection or Delays 

Brands may cut back on imports from highly impacted regions (like China or Vietnam), leading to lower availability or longer wait times. 

Does that mean the shoe price will go up the same as the tariff percentage? 

Each business will react this in the way they see fit, but keep in mind that the common markup is often around three times the cost to get to the final retail price. This is because that retail price needs to cover more than just the actual materials and labor that goes into the shoe—it covers all the design, molds, development, marketing, shipping, taxes, etc.  

My guess is that some of this cost will be passed on to the consumer, but every brand will determine how to adjust for the impact of these tariffs.  

Will Brands Move Manufacturing to the U.S.? 

I’ve spent a lot of time talking to brands and am currently working on manufacturing a shoe. Based on my experience researching and going through this process, I think it’s unlikely in the short term. Setting up manufacturing in the U.S. requires: 

• Skilled labor 
• Equipment 
• Training 
• Infrastructure 
• Long-term capital 

Most barefoot shoe brands are still small operations without the resources to make that move quickly. Even for footwear giants, the ability to create and source the infrastructure, equipment and train employees necessary to move manufacturing locations could take years. Even with the final manufacturing taking place in the U.S., the raw materials will be imported and tariffed unless they can be sourced within the US (leather, cotton, synthetics, rubber, metal for buckles, etc). It may happen gradually, but don’t expect a sudden shift. 

Key Takeaways 

• Biggest Impact: Shoes made in China are now significantly more expensive due to the loss of the de minimis exemption and the new 30% tariffs
• Vietnam tariff settled down to 20% (down from the possible 46% originally proposed. This could still lead to price hikes for brands producing there. 
• Tariffs on EU and UK brands are lower, but U.S. customers feel them more since they’re paying the fee themselves on the full retail price when ordering directly.
• US-made shoes may have some impact related to tariffs on key inputs, like Vibram soling. 

Final Thoughts 

The 2025 tariffs are a major shake-up for almost every industry, and the barefoot shoe industry is no exception. Some brands may adjust manufacturing locations or change how they ship, but the reality is that these changes take time. In the meantime, if you’re a U.S. barefoot shoe consumer, it’s worth keeping an eye on where your shoes are made, how they’re shipped, and how pricing evolves in the months ahead. 

The post How the New U.S. Tariffs Affect You as a Barefoot Shoe Consumer | Updated August 2025 appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.

The Barefoot Shoe News Digest is a summary of the most important news, including new brands launching, often requested changes finally being made by a brand, or adding new sizing options.

My goal is for this to be a quick and easy place for you to check for any significant updates without trying to scroll through a social media page or sign up for a bunch of mailing lists. I’ll be periodically updating this post through the end of summer before starting a new page for fall/winter 2024.

Table of Contents

I. New Brands

II. New Versions of Popular Styles

III. New Styles

Looking for the best barefoot summer sandals? Check out our guides here!

New brands and styles are quite as big of a deal as they once were, but they’re still something to celebrate. There are constant changes happening, but this digest is a summary of the most notable.

This post will keep it all organized so with just a quick check, you can see if there’s anything new you want to check out or if there’s any progress on a change you’ve been waiting on.

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!

Have a question about anything from sizing to finding a specific style to foot health? Join the Barefoot Shoe Guide Discussion Group on Facebook.

New Brands

Maro Socks: I didn’t used to think of socks as something that was a big part of style, but at least according to TikTok right now, all the cool kids wear crew socks, and ankle socks and no-shows are so elderly Millennial. Whether you’re trying to be on trend or not, you’ll want to check out these very comfortable crew toe socks by the brand Maro. They’re 95% organic cotton. You can use code KELLY10 for 10% off.

Lang.S: This isn’t technically a whole new brand, it’s a transformation of the beloved Romanian brand Tikki Shoes. Lang.S stands for Language of the Soil. This branding change is to refocus and better reflect their company mission of sustainability, attention to people and the environment, and of course, healthy footwear. A range of new styles came along with the new Lang.S brand.

The shoes are designed in Romania, and made in Portugal. Lang.S will still continue to use high quality sustainable materials, including chrome free leather and natural rubber soles.

My favorites from the new line up are the Chelsea Boots, the Terra mesh sneakers for summer, and the bright and fun kid’s shoes. 

I found the size chart accurate, and opted for an EU37 for all of the Lang.S styles based on my 23.3 cm foot measurement. (I’m most often an EU38, so I’d say many people will need to size down one size from their regular size). The new Lang.S shoes have been a great fit for medium width, higher instep feet.

Bare Footwear:  This brand started selling its first barefoot shoes in early 2024. They currently have two styles–a more athletic looking sneaker (classic knit), a simple, casual shoe. The classic knit sneakers that I tried have great ground feel with a 6mm sole, plus a removable insole. They have a retro design with synthetic and textile uppers that are breathable. They’re best suited to narrow feet. Without the insole, they can accommodate higher volume feet. The casual suede style runs slightly wider. I’m wearing an EU38.

BLUSUN: This new brand caught my eye on Instagram with their cool sneakers that remind me a lot of the Adidas Sambas. I’m loving the green color.

Plana: This is a new sneaker brand out of Brazil. I love overall the style, but unfortunately found the toe box a bit too narrow and tapered. The sole does have good ground feel and flexibility. I’m sticking a pin in this brand and hoping that they come out with a more foot-shaped toe box in the future.

New Versions of Popular Styles

Most brands are listening to customer feedback and constantly jotting down ways to improve their shoes, but it can take years for those changes to make their way into the shoe.

When those changes do come, it’s often accompanied with mixed emotions for loyal customers. Especially when it’s a brand’s flagship shoe. Maybe you loved a feature on the older version that was changed, or perhaps you’ll find that the new ones are a better fit.

Here we’re comparing/contrasting these new versions to their popular predecessors. I’ve also included links to more detailed reviews.

Lems Primal 3: Lems made some big changes this year, starting with an update to their original barefoot shoe, the Lems Primals. Check my Lems brand review for the changes between the Lems Primal 2s and the new Primal 3s. You can also see a recap of the changes in this short YouTube video. Most of what changed here is the shape and flexibility of the sole, though the width of the toe box stayed constant. Overall, they’re thicker and stiffer. The Lems 3s come in an “Eco” version with more sustainable materials (pictured below).

Splay Freestyle 2.0: The Freestyle has been a popular replacement for a pair of Vans, and this updated version was meant to address some complaints regarding fit and quality. Splay Shoes is offering a 30-day free trial. Use code KELLY10 for 10% off at Splay.

The main changes between the new version and the old is:

• New toe box is slightly narrower and more tapered
• More volume in new, especially above the toes
• New Tongue is shorter (old one caused discomfort for some)
• New is wider around the ankles
• Manufacturing changed from Mexico to China

Based on the changes, I’d say they fit narrow to medium-ish feet, and a medium to higher volume feet. I went on a longer walk, and my pinky toe rubbed against the shoe, whereas that wasn’t an issue before.

New Styles

Many of the established brands are launching new styles all of the time, brands like BeLenka and Saguaro have a whole new range every season. Here we’ll highlight the styles that have been long-awaited or fill a gap in the current offerings.

Softstar Camino Sandals: For those die-hard Birkenstock fans that wanted a sandal just like the Milanos, but without the stiff and structured cork footbed, then I think you’ll be pretty pleased with the Softstar Camino. Check out the full review, along with other barefoot styles inspired by Birkenstocks here. You can also watch a video review of the Sofstar Camino sandals here.

Gaucho Ninja Goodyear Welted boots: Gaucho Ninja is known for their high-quality, hand-made leather boots, including barefoot work boots and safety boots. Simply put, these boots are an investment piece that beautifully designed and beautifully made.

The Goodyear-welt construction means that the boot can be resoled many times without damaging the leather uppers. Along with the premium vegetable tanned leather and expert craftsmanship, these boots are made to last.  They include all of the barefoot features I look for in a shoe: foot-shape toe box and a thin, flat and flexible sole. The Goodyear Welted line includes Chukka boost, Chelsea boot and Carpenter’s safety boots.

Jim Green Barefoot Ranger Boots: Known for their rugged and durable African Ranger boots, this South African company recently launched a barefoot version.  I’ve had several people report that they’re now their favorite barefoot work boot of choice. They’re $200, and you can order them on Amazon in the US. All Jim Green boots are double stitch down construction, which means they can be resoled. The sole is zero drop, flat, flexible, and lightweight. They have a much wider toe box compared toe the main Jim Green line, but there is still a slight taper at the toe. Depending on the width of your foot, you may or may not feel an impact on your toe splay. In a world of very heavy and very uncomfortable work boots, these still may be a much better option.

Ten Little: Looking for a more foot-friendly version of Crocs or Natives? These Ten Little Splash sandals are so lightweight and super flexible. The non-skid soles and a textured insole help minimize slips at the splash pad or the pool. The first batch sold out quickly, but restocked mid-June. You can read a full review of these new Ten Little sandals here.

Groundz Sneakers: Groundz is know for their grounding shoes, which usually feature leather soles and a copper grounding plug. Their new BIOS line uses rubber soles for their first athletic sneaker. The design reminds me of the Vivobarefoot Primus Asana. The material and build feel very high quality, which is reflected in the $200 price tag (Use code KELLY5 for 5% off). The uppers are nubuck leather with wool-blend knit for breathability. The cork insole is a nice touch to add some cushion and help with keeping the feet cool and dry.

As for sizing, the Groundz BIOS sneakers run slightly small. I’m wearing an EU39 (US8) compared to my usual EU38. The fit is also similar to my Vivobarefoot Primus Asana– they fit narrow to medium width feet, and feel better suited to lower volume feet. With my taller instep, I’m much more comfortable with the cork insole removed, though these aren’t finished to wear without the insole.

Shapen Dress Shoes and Sandals: Shapen has carried one of my favorite dressier sandals for a while (the Calla), and this spring, they expanded their line up with several new beautiful styles including the Petal, Orchid and Gaia. Shapen is an obvious place to start if you need women’s barefoot dress shoes, but the sizing can be a little tricky. Get all my tips for fit and sizing in this Shapen barefoot shoe guide.

Feelgrounds new styles: Feelgrounds has long been one of my favorite brands, and they keep hitting the mark with the release of new styles. With spring and summer 2024, Feelgrounds now has two completely new styles: the kid’s Arcade Sandals and the causal slip-on Docks. If you are a fan of HEYDUDE shoes, the Docks are a great barefoot replacement. You’ll also find the Seaside sandals in a more sustainable bamboo vegan leather and the Courtside sneakers in canvas uppers.

The post Barefoot Shoe News Digest: Spring/Summer 2024 appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.

If you have crooked, squashed toes, and you’ve been searching for anything that can help, you may have come across a few different devices in your late-night internet queries. There was a video that went viral last year on TikTok about a bunion corrector that cinched a badly angled toe back straight. It looked like voilà, the bunion was gone. 

Sure, the device might have held the toe in place while it was on, but it was plastic and bulky, and you couldn’t really move and walk in it. Once you took it off, the toe would shift right back. 

It might be easy to group toe spacers in this same bucket of gimmicky devices, but after using them myself and reading up on the research, I’ve seen how helpful they can be as part of your toolkit to restore your foot function. 

The post discusses the research surrounding toe spacers, how to use them, and reviews of the best toe spacers currently available. 

What are toe spacers? 

First, let’s define what toe spacers are so we’re all on the same page. 

Toe spacers (sometimes called toe spreaders) are little silicone or gel devices that fit in between the toes to hold them in proper alignment. They’re not the foam things you get from the nail salon during a pedicure (though those do technically space your toes). 

The toe spacers we’ll be talking about here can be worn while walking or running.  

Benefits of toe spacers

You might be wondering, who cares about how well-spaced your toes are anyway? In fact, based on the comments I’ve received on several of my videos, many people like their narrow, shoe-shaped feet as they deem a wider toe splay unattractive. Beauty is always in the eye of the beholder, but here we’re talking less about cosmetics and more about actual function. Let’s talk about the benefits of toe spacers.

Anatomical toe alignment 

The most obvious benefit of toe spacers is anatomical toe alignment. If you have bunions, hammertoes, or even overlapping toes, the toe spacers will help separate and properly align the toes while you’re wearing them. They can start to retrain the toes, so that eventually they’ll be aligned even when you’re not wearing the toe spacers. 

 Once a toe starts shifting from its natural position, it’s important to remove the force that’s causing this (usually shoes) and help keep it in its place. 

Better Circulation 

By stretching and spacing out the toes, toe separators improve blood flow. Blood flow brings oxygen and nutrients to the body, which is essential for healing. Better circulation can keep our feet healthy and heal faster when we do experience an injury. 

Improved Balance and Stability 

Our feet are the foundation of our body. The foot is meant to be a tripod, with the widest part of the triangle at the front. Wider toe splay is critical to balance and stability. 

Natural gait cycle 

Having properly aligned toes is critical to a natural, healthy gait cycle. The big toe is especially important in influencing our gait pattern as it should be responsible for most of the weight-bearing and propulsion. A misaligned big toe will often lead to compensatory movements, potentially resulting in pain in our feet or other joints. Calluses and abnormal wear in our shoes are often a sign of problems in the gait cycle. 

Do toe spacers really work? 

To go back to the title of this post, do toe spacers work, or are they just a gimmick?  I just talked about the benefits of toe spacers…but that’s assuming that they affect real change in our toe alignment.

As someone that spent the better part of 30+ years in narrow, tapered shoes, my toes needed some realignment. I’ve used them both passively (when sitting down), and when walking. They’ve especially helped my big toe stay in place as I move through the gait cycle and work on fully engaging that big toe! 

Consistency is key 

Like anything relating to health, it’s all about consistency. They’re not a “hack” that’s going to fix your feet with one wear. They are a useful tool as part of a regimen to improve foot health.  

That regimen must also include foot exercises and shoes that allow for natural alignment (aka barefoot shoes). If you spend all day squishing your toes in a tapered toe box and use the toe spacers at the end of the day, you can see some benefit as this study shows, but you’re likely going to need to make the switch to barefoot shoes to fully restore foot function.  

Start slow, and build up from there

When you start wearing toe spacers, start with about 10-30 minutes a day. I recommend giving your feet a little stretch and massage to warm them up, then put the toe spacers on. As you get more comfortable with them, you can wear them while going on a walk. The more you wear them, the more comfortable they’ll be, and the more progress you’ll see.

Research about toe spacers 

The studies that have involved toe spacers share encouraging conclusions: 

Foot Mobilization and Exercise Program Combined with Toe Separator Improves Outcomes in Women with Moderate Hallux Valgus at 1-Year Follow-up: This study found that patients that were treated with 3 months of foot mobility and exercises combined with a toe spacer experienced less pain, improved range of motion and stronger feet compared to the control group. This wasn’t all due to the toe spacers, but it’s a good sign that they can be a helpful part of treatment. Read more…

Female Athletes’ Foot Changes from Wearing a Foot Orthosis: A Study of Hallux Deviation, Strength, Foot Pressure, and Pain: In this study, 23 athletes that frequently wore restrictive footwear wore Correct Toes toe spacers every evening. The study concluded that the use of toe spacers helped with pain reduction, improvement of strength, and redistribution of foot pressure in female athletes. Read more…

Best toe spacers 

There is an ever-growing number of toe spacers out on the market. I’ve tried out most styles and most brands, so here’s a rundown of the best options. I’ve broken them out by style as there are generally two main styles of toe spacers.

I. Adjustable toe spacers aka Correct Toes Style 

The first type of toe spacers we’ll talk about are adjustable. They are soft but still a bit structured, and generally known by the brand name that originated this version – Correct Toes. 

Many of these do come in different sizes, so it’s important to get the correct size for your foot.

Correct Toes | $65 

Correct Toes were designed by sports podiatrist and distance runner Dr. Ray McClanahan. Tired of his own reoccurring foot pain and issues, he wanted to create something that would target the root cause of the pain, not just mask it.  

What I like: Correct toes are the most adjustable option, which helps get the most customizable fit and closest to your anatomical toe splay. Correct Toes come in 4 different sizes. You can adjust the space between the big toe and the little toe—I inserted some pressed foam in the spot by the big toe to increase the gap.  

What I don’t: They’re $65. That’s crazy expensive for two little pieces of silicone. They do use medical grade silicone and customer service is available to consult you on the best fit and customizations for your foot. 

Sizing: Correct Toes offer four different sizes. Sizing is recommended based on shoe size.  

My Foot Function  | $35 | KELLY10 for 10% off 

The toe spacers from My Foot Function are also made from medical-grade silicone and use a very similar (if not the exact same) design as the Correct Toes. These are $34. You can use code KELLY10 to get 10% off the toe spacers, as well as any of the foot gear and classes they offer. I’ve tried a few different foot health classes, and My Foot Function has the most comprehensive options and easy to follow videos.  

Amazon Toe Spacers | $10 

Amazon has a knock-off version of Correct Toes. I haven’t tried these ones, though the reviews are decent. The hardest thing about these knock-off versions is that there isn’t a guarantee of consistency or quality, so the ones I order could be different than the ones you order. But for $10 and free returns, it may be worth the risk. 

AliExpress Toe Spacers | $1

I’ve ordered toe spacers that looked like Correct Toes for $0.99 from AliExpress to compare them to the originals…and they felt the exact same. I’ve worn these ones pretty often, and haven’t experienced any issues with durability.  Similar to Amazon though, there is no guarantee that the ones you get will be the same as the ones I received.  

II. Squishy toe spacers 

The next set of toe spacers feel much softer and squishier compared to the more structured Correct Toes. I know it’s not a very technical term, but “squishy” is accurate, so that’s why I’m calling them. 

Many barefoot shoes companies and foot gear companies sell this type. I’ve gathered quite a few, and besides the color, there doesn’t seem to be a difference between then. You can get them in different sizes, but they aren’t adjustable as there isn’t a gap that accommodates something to widen the space. 

What I like: Very soft between the toes 

What I don’t: Not adjustable. For me personally, they put a little more space between my smaller toes than I need, but not quite enough between my big toes. Even with this, I still find them comfortable. 

Remember, its anatomically correct toe splay we’re going for here, not just getting the toes to space as wide as possible. They could be perfect for someone else though; it really just depends on your feet.  

This style does not feel as durable and long-lasting as the harder silicone used by the Correct Toes type of spacers. 

Some companies sell them in a kit with other foot health gear, and you can’t buy them individually. Adding things to your foot health routine like a mobility ball or a resistance band is a great way to make it more effective and challenging. 

Brands that sell the squishy toe spacers: 

Amazon | $10 

Magical Shoes Toe Separators | $14 | KELLY for 10% off | Magical Shoes has a “Move Magical” section of their website where they sell other foot health gear 

The Toe Spacer | $20 | KELLY388 for 10% off | The Toe Spacer offers this type in both 5-loop and 4-loop options. I like the 4-loop option as it doesn’t go around your pinky toe. This allows for more movement and splay with your pinky toe. 

The Foot Collective | $22 for Wild Toes kit that includes toe spacers and resistance band | Code KELLY10 for 10% off

III. Other styles of toe spacers 

Earth Runners Toe Spacers | $24 | KELLY10 for 10% off  

These toe spacers only include the four smaller toes as they’re meant to be worn with their sandals. These ones are adjustable between each of the slots. If you only need to focus on the spacing between your smaller toes or you do want to wear them with your Earth Runners, these are a great option.  

Other toe spacers on Amazon 

There are a lot of different styles of toe spacers on Amazon, but I’d recommend sticking with the styles listed above. The other types tend to insert too much space or be much stiffer. 

Toe Socks and Toe Sock spacers 

Toe socks can act as a gentle toe spacer, though they’re not going to correct serious alignment issues. My favorite toe socks are from Injinji. You can find a more extensive list of toe socks here. 

These toe sock separators have a little extra in between and can be a gentle way to spread your toes. 

Toe Shoes 

You can wear your toe separators or toe socks in your wide toe box barefoot shoes, but you can bring this same style to your shoes and opt for toe shoes.  

Vibram FiveFingers offers a very minimal option, almost like a second skin. Peluva offers the toe shoe experience, but with a more cushioned sole.  

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Thin soles. No arch support. No extra cushion in the heel. 

Maybe you’ve recently learned about barefoot shoes and the idea piques your interest, but you’re not sure how a shoe could be comfortable without support and cushion.  

Most of us have grown accustomed to these features from years of wearing conventional shoes, so it’s totally normal to have some reservations about giving them up.  

If you want my short answer to, “Are barefoot shoes comfortable?” it’s a resounding “yes!” But if you’re about to try them out for the first time, you’re going to want this longer answer with a full explanation.

Wearing is believing 

Before I do go into all the features and try to explain why barefoot shoes are comfortable, I will say that the best way to answer this question is obtained through firsthand experience.

Wearing is believing with barefoot shoes. 

That doesn’t mean it’s going to be love at first wear for all people though. If you’re starting off with weak feet, you may need to slowly transition. Build up your foot strength before barefoot shoes are comfortable for all-day wear for you. If your feet are accustomed to external support, barefoot shoes can be a wake-up call.

Here’s a helpful transition guide if you’re just starting out with barefoot shoes.  

Stop squishing your toes! 

The most immediate difference I noticed when taking off my conventional shoes and replacing them with barefoot shoes was that my toes were no longer squished together! A narrow, tapered toe box puts pressure on the toes and the toe nails—I always used to have throbbing pain where my shoes pressed the side of my toenail into my skin. 

The relief when I switched to barefoot shoes was immediate! A wider toe box allows your toes to stay in their proper alignment and naturally splay…you’re basically just not squishing them anymore.  

Not only is a narrow, tapered toe box uncomfortable, it’s often the main culprit in painful foot deformities like bunions and hammer toes. People also often see a decrease in toe mobility, and a change in walking gait that can have other negative impacts up the kinetic chain. This is not saying that barefoot shoes are a magical cure all, but many people who have had knee, hip or back pain noticed an improvement when switching to barefoot shoes and working to improve their foot strength and walking gait.  

If you are concerned about any of the other changes, I would try to at least get into a wide toe box as it can have a hugely positive impact on your foot health. 

Can you feel everything? 

The amount of cushion in conventional shoes has gotten out of control. Some shoes look and feel like you’re walking on squishy marshmallows. While we may think giving our feet extra cushion is treating them with TLC, it’s depriving them of sensory feedback and stimulation (your feet have over 200,000 nerve endings—they need to feel something).  

So the answer is yes, with the thin sole of barefoot shoes, you can feel a lot more. But that doesn’t mean it needs to be painful. There is a range of sole thicknesses, so you can still find something that offers the flexibility and feedback necessary for a natural walking gait, but still provides some cushion for comfort.

Start with this list of barefoot shoes for beginners for options that have moderate cushion.  

The benefit of that thinner sole is that you’re now feeling the forces actually at work, instead of unknowingly subjecting your joints to greater forces as you can’t tell how hard you’re slamming your heels into the ground like when you’re wearing a heavily cushioned shoe 

With barefoot shoes, people often tread lighter and make the changes towards a more natural walking gait, which is better for our feet and the rest of our body. 

And if you’re worried about walking on glass or sharp objects, I’ve walked through large cities and traveled extensively in barefoot shoes, and have yet to have anything pierce through the sole of my shoe.  

But what about support?

It’s preached that anyone toddler and above NEEDS arch support, NEEDS ankle support. But several studies show that unshod populations have healthier, stronger feet (1, 2) compared to habitually shod populations. The conclusion is that generally, shoes lead to weaker feet, not stronger feet.  

When a foot is supported and cushioned in a shoe, the intrinsic foot muscles don’t get used as much or in the same ways as when walking barefoot. Just like every other muscle and structure in our body, our foot muscles and structures need to be used to be strong and mobile.    

What about the achilles and a zero-drop sole?

Some people do have a shortened achilles from wearing a raised heel—even most athletic shoes have a heel-to-toe drop of around 10mm. If you have been wearing a shoes with a higher heel-to-drop (including high heels), you may need a longer time to transition to barefoot shoes. Gradually build up your time wearing barefoot shoes until you can wear them all day without and discomfort. 

Studies 

1 D’AoÛt. 2009 The effects of habitual footwear use: foot shape and function in native barefoot walkers. Footwear Science, 1(2):81–94. 

2. Hoffmann. 1905 Conclusions drawn from a comparative study of the feet of barefooted and shoe-wearing peoples. American Journal of Orthopedic Surgery. 

If you came here with the question, “Are barefoot shoes comfortable?” I hope that answered it for you! If you have any other questions, drop a comment below.

The post Are barefoot shoes comfortable? appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.

My goal of starting the Barefoot Shoe Guide was to help everyone find a pair of barefoot shoes they love. That includes hard to find shapes, sizes, or styles. If you have larger feet, you may be finding it challenging to find a pair of barefoot shoes in your size. Many brands stop at size men’s US14/EU48. In this blog post, we’ll explore the options available to those with larger feet. 

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!

FAQ: Are there barefoot shoes in larger sizes?

Despite the challenges, there are brands that recognize the demand for barefoot shoes in larger sizes and strive to be inclusive. Here are some brands that provide options for people with larger feet and go up to at least Men’s US15 or EU49.

These are listed men’s US sizes, but many of these shoes are unisex, so most work for women that need larger sizes too (though you may have to click on the men’s section to see these larger sizes).

Brands that go up to Men’s US15/EU49 

• Feelgrounds 
• Lems 
• Xero Shoes 
• Vivobarefoot  | Code BSG20 for 20% off
• Birchbury | Code KELLY10 for 10% off

Brands that go up to Men’s US16/EU50 

• Altra Running
• Bearfoot 
• Vibram 

Brands that go up to Men’s US17/EU51 

• FeelBarefoot store on Etsy  | KELLY50 for 50% off
• Deliberate Life Designs Sandals | Code KELLY10 for 10% off
• SoftStar 
• Tadeevo | In a “big sizes” section on their website

Custom Barefoot Shoes

Another route to getting barefoot shoes in larger sizes is to order from a brand that does custom barefoot shoes. Here are the brands that do custom sizes.

• Deliberate Life Designs Sandals | Code KELLY10 for 10% off | Running and hiking sandals
• The Drifter Leather | Made-to-order footwear including boots, sneakers and dress shoes
• Gea Soles | Leather boots, dress shoes and sneakers
• Gaucho Ninja | Custom books, including barefoot safety boots. Note these are very expensive, with prices starting over $1K.

Know of another brand that makes barefoot shoes in larger sizes? Let us know in the comments.

The post Finding Barefoot Shoes in Larger Sizes: Size US15/EU49 and Above  appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.

One of the biggest hang ups people have for trying barefoot shoes is the fashion element. We have it so engrained in us that fashion means narrow, pointed toe shoes, so when I spotted Taylor Swift wearing wide toe box Stella McCartney boots on a night out in New York City, I wondered if that was a sign that things were changing! I kept a look out for other celebrities sporting wide toe box shoes or any fashion brands featuring them in their designs…and I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to find more.

I know these brands are likely doing it more to be different than to be healthy, but because society seems to be so stuck in the mindset that narrow toe=fashion and wide toe=frumpy, any representation from fashion brands with a wide toe box is helpful! People shouldn’t be stuck to one shoe shape, especially if it’s wreaking havoc on feet. 

These are not “barefoot shoes” because they still have thick or heeled soles, but they do have a foot-shaped toe box which is awesome to see. And since these are from high end fashion labels, most of them are at least a thousand dollars, so they’re not really within the mainstream. But usually the high fashion styles start to trickle down at some point. And whether it’s a fashion label trying to be avant-garde or it’s because they recognize the health benefits of a wider, naturally shaped toe box, either one is a win. 

You can watch this in video form on my Instagram @thebarefootshoeguide.

Taylor Swift wearing Stella McCartney Ryder boots

Loewe Petal-shaped Toe

A lot of the shoes in the Spanish fashion label Loewe’s 2023 collection featured what they call a petal-shaped toe, which looks muck closer to a natural foot shape.

Timothee Chalamet with wide toe box Chelsea boots

The post Wide Toe Box Shoes in 2023 High Fashion appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.

Upon learning about barefoot shoes, you were probably excited to buy your first pair! But you likely quickly realized that it meant navigating how to buy barefoot shoes online. How you had the challenge of finding the perfect without trying on a single pair.  

With so many considerations – including foot length, width, volume, shape – layered with your own personal history and preferences and compounded by the size variations between brands and styles, picking a pair of barefoot shoes online can feel like a complete gamble. (But on that note, you’re going to want to get an accurate foot measurement before you start shopping.)

It can take some trial and error, which is why I try to make the reviews here on the Barefoot Shoe Guide as detailed as possible when it comes to fit and sizing. Using these guides, my hope is that it feels more like making an educated decision versus a complete shot in the dark.  

But, all the advice I can offer still can’t replace the experience of trying a pair of barefoot shoes on in person. Two people with extremely similar feet could still opt for different sizes among the same brand or go for different styles simply based on the personal preference of how they like their shoes to fit.  

Though the landscape of barefoot shoe retail remains primarily online, there are a handful of brick-and-mortar stores that sell barefoot shoes. If you’ve ever typed in “Barefoot Shoe Stores Near Me” on Google, it unfortunately didn’t drop a bunch of pins on the map for an easy day of barefoot shoe shopping.

But while there aren’t many, there are some. Here’s a comprehensive list of stores that sell barefoot shoes where you can try them on in-person. 

Brick-and-Mortar Barefoot Shoe Stores 

I’ve noted the names of the barefoot shoes stores along with links to their websites. I’ve also included whether they are a third party retailer that sells many different brands (which may include non-barefoot shoes too), or a brand store/showroom.

USA 

Ascent Outodoors | Seattle, WA | Outdoor retailer selling brands like Lems, Vivobarefoot and Xero Shoes

Foot Rx | Asheville, NC | Retailer 

Lems | Sold in a number of different retailers. Use the “Find it Locally” feature on each Lems product page to find a retailer near you 

LUNA Sandals Factory Outlet | Wenatchee, Washington | Luna Sandals also sells through a number of outdoor retailers. Us the retailer map on their website to see a list.

Pie Footwear | Portland, OR | Retailer 

REI | Outdoor retailer located throughout the US | Sells Xero Shoes, Altras and Vivobarefoot 

Shamma Sandals | Sold in a number of different retailers. Check out their store located page for an up-to-date list of places to try Shamma Sandals on in-store.

Sierra | Discount Retailer located throughout the US | Vivobarefoot and Be Lenka boots have been found both online and in-store. Sierra is owned by the same parent company as other discount retailers TJMaxx and Marshalls.

SoftStar Shoes | Philomath, OR | Brand Show Room 

Stride Lab | Boulder, CO | Retailer carrying Xero Shoes, Vivobarefoot, Luna Sandals, Skinners and more

Two River Treads | Ranson, WV | Retailer 

Tip Toe Joey | Kid’s barefoot shoe brand based in Brazil. Several children’s boutiques in the US carry this brand including Bella Boo in Lancaster, PA, and Caro Bambino in Santa Monica, CA

Tip Top Shoes | New York, NY | Carries Vibram FiveFingers and Lems along with traditional footwear

Vince’s Family Shoes | Middlesex, PA | Retailer that carries Lems, Xeros and Altras along with traditional footwear

Wildling Shoes | San Francisco, CA | Temporary Brand Pop-up

Xero Shoes | Denver, CO | Brand Show Room 

Canada 

Cool East Market | Toronto, ON | Retailer 

Distance Runwear | Vancouver, BC | Retailer

Sole Freedom (The Foot Collective) | Ottawa, ON | Retailer

Ten Toe’n | Dundas, ON | Retailer that carries Lems, Topo Athletic, and Altras along with traditional Footwear | Shipping also available

UK

Vivobarefoot Concept Store | London

Europe

Barefoot Antwerpen | Antwerp, Belgium

Barefoot Alliance | Brussels, Belgium

Ledereen Loopt, Bruges, Belgium

Barefoot Point | Hungary | Retailer

Barefoot in Berlin | Berlin, Germany |Retailer selling Vivobrefoot, Groundies, Be Lenka and Shamma Sandals

Barefoot Austria | Sankt Andrä-Wördern, Austria | Appointment only. Warehouse store where you can try on a variety of brand. Located about an hour outside of Vienna.

Barefoot You | Stories located in Barcelona and Madrid, Spain

BeLenka Barefoot Store Plan Be | Bratislava and Žilina, Slovakia | Brand Store

Bohempia | Prague, Czechia | Brand Showroom

Estilo Barefoot | Palma de Mallorca | Brands including Ohne Project, Koel, Magical Shoes, Xero, Be Lenka and more

Larouco Shoes | Portugalete, Spain | Retailer that carries brands including Vivobarefoot, Xero Sheoes, Altra, Magical Shoes, Koel and more

NaBOSo | Prague, Brno, Zlín and Beroune, Czechia

Natural Movement | Finland

Mugavik | Tallinn and Tartu, Estonia | Brands including Be Lenka, Peerko, Mukishoes, Groundies and more

VIBE Store in OC Central | Bratislava, Sovakia | Sells Shapen Shoes

Pedipower | Zurich, Switzerland

SHAPEN Store | Bratislava, Slovakia

Schuhe wie Barfuss | Vienna, Austria

Shuz | Lisbon, Portugal

Schritt-fuer-Schritt | Munich, Germany

Sole Runner | Diessen/Ammersee, Germany

Vivobarefoot Concept Stories and Retailers | There are a large number of Vivobarefoot concept stores and third party retailers located throughout Europe. For a complete list, see the Vivobarefoot website.

Wildling | Berlin, Cologne and Engelskirchen, Germany | Brand Showroom or Warehouse store

5dedos, The Minimal Factory | Jaca, Spain

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When will there be more barefoot shoe stores?

A: That’s a great question, and something I’m sure many of us would love to know. As hard as shoes are to buy and sell online, it’s still can be even more difficult to make the economics of a brick and mortar location work when most people passing by still likely haven’t heard of barefoot shoes. I do see more companies opening up showrooms, which is a good start. Since I’ve started this list, I have been adding to it more and more regularly as barefoot shoes have been growing in popularity.

Q: Is there a barefoot shoe store in New York City?

A: Unfortunately no, there is not a dedicated barefoot shoe store in NYC. Tip Top Shoes is an authorized retailer for Lems, so they may have some models in their NYC store.

Have you visited a barefoot shoe store? Tell us about your experience in the comments! And if you know of any barefoot shoe shops not included on this list, please share!

The post Barefoot Shoes Near Me: Brick-and-Mortar Stores that Sell Barefoot Shoes appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.

If I made a list of all the surfaces I walked on in a day, a typical day would probably read: carpet when I get out of bed, wood floors downstairs, concrete to and from the car, industrial flooring in the office, at the grocery store, and at the gym. What do they all have in common—they’re all flat, hard, and frankly, a bit boring for our feet.  

We live in an era where smooth surfaces and tight, constricting footwear dominate our daily lives. It’s like we’ve put our feet in solitary confinement, depriving them of the chance to flex those intrinsic muscles that are crucial for our stability and support.  

Walking over more diverse and challenging surfaces requires us to be more intentional by planning barefoot time in our backyard, at the beach, or out in nature. And when winter rolls around, it’s often unlikely that we’re going to spend enough time barefoot outdoors to give our feet what they really need to stay healthy and strong. 

So what can be done? Add more texture to your indoor spaces! Here I’ll share some of my favorite tools that can be easily added to your daily routine to give your feet a workout—and once they’re in place, you won’t even have to think about it! 

Benefits of Walking on Textured Surfaces and Uneven Terrain

Strengthens foot muscles: this is the obvious one and probably what got you thinking about the need for more texture indoors.  

During a study published in 2007 in the podiatry Journal “The Foot,” the researchers studied the feet from three different populations (Sotho, Zulu, and European) and compared them to the feet of 2,000 year old skeletons that were habitually unshod. They observed that the ancient population had the healthiest feet, followed by the modern Zulu population, which often goes barefoot. The habitually shod population, the Europeans, had the unhealthiest feet of the lot. This goes to both the fact that most modern footwear is unhealthy, and that there is a lot of benefit from walking barefoot over textured terrain. 

Improves joint mobility and strength: In a study about the biomechanics of walking on uneven terrain, researchers found that knee and hip mechanical work increased on uneven terrain. The best way to improve joint mobility is to use it! 

Stimulate your nerves: Besides working your muscles, walking over textured surfaces both indoors and out will stimulate your nerves. Your feet have over 200,000 nerve endings, and only walking on hard, flat, smooth surfaces provides very little stimulation. 

Tools to Add Floor Texture Indoors

There are a number of different tools out there to add texture to your floors. Of the ones we’ve tried, these are the ones we come back to again and again!

Muffik Floor Puzzles

We’ve had these textured floor mats for a little over a year and absolutely love them. Whenever a new friend comes over to play with my son, it’s always fun to see how much they love these mats. Our feet love texture!

These are Orthopedic puzzles designed to mimic surfaces found in nature. There is a range of options, from little logs, a bed of seashells, and tiny dots that feel like an acupressure mat.

You can get them from Barefoot Kids. Use code KELLY10 for 10% off.

Here are some other great options to add floor texture indoors:

• Pranamat Accupressure Mat | Code KELLYBSG for 10% off
• Xero Shoes Rox Mat
• Naboso Textured Insoles | Code KELLY10 for 10% off

Balance Beam

A balance beam is great for working on your balance (obviously), challenging your foot and ankle mobility, hip stability, and improving overall body awareness. Plus they’re fun! Magical Shoes has a “Move Magical” section on their website which lists several foot strengthening and mobility tools, including a balance beam. We’ve really like this one as it’s very versatile.

Use code KELLY for 10% off at Magical Shoes.

The post Barefoot Walking on Uneven Terrain Outside and Textured Mats Indoors for Stronger, Healthier Feet  appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.

The Barefoot Shoe News Digest is a summary of the most important news, including new brands launching, often requested changes finally being made by a brand, or adding new sizing options.

My goal is for this to be a quick and easy place for you to check for any significant updates without trying to scroll through a social media page or sign up for a bunch of mailing lists. I’ll be periodically updating this post through the end of winter before starting a new page for spring/summer 2024.

Looking for holiday sales? Check out the best Black Friday Barefoot Shoe Sales in 2023 here.

When I first entered this barefoot shoe space, it was a pretty big deal to see a new brand launch or a new style being added. And while it’s still really exciting to see, new additions are happening more often and big changes are coming faster than ever. Even for someone who spends a lot of time dealing with barefoot shoes, it’s getting hard to keep up. Again, this post is focused on the most notable changes, not a list of every new style. To see the best of the new barefoot boot styles this season, see this post on the best everyday barefoot winter boots.

This post will keep it all organized so with just a quick check, you can see if there’s anything new you want to check out or if there’s any progress on a change you’ve been waiting on.

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New Barefoot Shoe Brands launching

Ohne Project: This is one of the newest barefoot shoe brands that I’ve been looking forward to for a while. Yes, it’s another white sneaker, but they’re definitely not boring. Love the 80s vibe, and appreciate that they come with two insoles so you can adjust the cushion/volume. These are vegan made with corn leather uppers. Snag a pair at 10% off with code KELLY10.

For fit and sizing of Ohne Project barefoot shoes, they’re best for narrow to medium width. With the different insoles, they can accommodate low to higher volume. I have a higher instep, and I’m most comfortable without any of the insoles. I have an EU37, which feels a tiny bit short for my 23.3cm feet. If I were to order again, I’d go with an EU38 which is my usual size. I measured my insole, and it seems to run a little bit shorter than the size chart.

Minnemals: Athletic style minimalist shoe catering to beginners to the barefoot shoe space. 6mm sole with 3mm insole. Launching November 2023. Based in USA. $125 with free shipping and returns within the US. Use code KELLY10 for 10% off at Minnemals.

I found the sizing to run a little big in these. I’m wearing the women’s 7/7.5, and they’re about a half size (maybe even a full size too big for me). I typically wear an EU38 or US7.5 in most of my barefoot shoes based on a 23.3cm foot measurement.

Lex Barefoot: New barefoot kid’s shoe brand launching in Australia. Faux leather uppers with velcro to secure to make them easy to clean and easy to put on. Currently comes in sizes EU20 – 27. Sizes up to EU35 coming soon. Retail at $58. Use code KELLY for $5 off at Lex Barefoot Shoes.

Note that the initial shoes did have a small heel-to-toe drop, which they’re rectifying in their new models. Going forward, Lex shoes should be zero drop.

Brands making notable changes to existing designs

Wildling new sole: In October 2023, Wildling introduced “Resouled,” a new full coverage outsole. It was made for damp, wet and harsh weather conditions, as the gaps in the original sole aren’t ideal for these situations. These are currently available in Tann Resouled, with a vivid green canvas upper and a felted wool lining. Shop Wildling US | Shop Wildling International

Feelgrounds new sole: Feelgrounds is known for their incredible soft and flexible soles, but with that superior flexibility came at the price of shorter wear for some. They have replaced their TPE soles for rubber soles that are denser and more durable. These rubber soles were previously used for the children’s styles launching in Spring 2023. During our six month testing of the children’s soles, we experienced normal wear, but no extreme wear or cracking of the soles. Shipping on models with new rubber soles began in October 2023.

Shamma Sandals new elastic straps: Created the Numa design with elastic straps. This may not seem like a huge deal, but it means you can put on the sandals hands free. For those of you that are missing a sandal like a flip flop you can just slide into, the Numa is a great option. I took these on a trip to the beach and could easily slide them on while my hands were full of beach gear. Code BAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE for 10% off.

Highly anticipated styles

Lems has a few good ones this season:

• Lems Boulder Boot Grip: The Lems Boulder Boot has long been one of the most popular minimalist boots out there, and the new Grip sole is a long-awaited upgrade. The Grip sole is designed to better handle wet, slippery and icy surfaces.
• Lems Kourt Grip: The minimalist casual shoe the Kourt also got upgraded to a slip-resistant sole. This is in response to those needing a non-slip barefoot shoe for work. The Lems Kourt Grip is made for those that work in areas like food service as the all-leather black uppers are easy to wipe clean, and the non-slip soles will give you extra traction even when there are spills on the floor.

Ten Little: Launched a minimalist toddler Chelsea boot and snow boot. You can read a full review of these new styles here here.

Barefoot Shoe Sales

Black Friday and Cyber Monday: This time of year has some of the biggest sales for barefoot shoes. Check out a comprehensive list of the best Black Friday sales for barefoot shoes here.

Special Vivobarefoot code: Vivo doesn’t have any Black Friday sales, but they have given me a boosted code to share with my followers for the month of December. Use code BSG20 for 20% off Vivobarefoot.

The post Barefoot Shoe News Digest: Fall and Winter 2023 appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.