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

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

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

Brand Overview: Shamma Sandals

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

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

Vibram Outsoles 

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

The Leather Footbed 

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

Repairable 

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

How They Feel to Wear 

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

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

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

Coupon Code

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

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

Shamma Sandals Review

Shamma Elite Sandals: The OGs

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

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

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

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

Cruzers: Simple sandals for Adults & Kids

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

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

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

TrailStars: Toe Loop Sandals

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

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

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

Pacific Avenue: Leather Flip-flop replacement

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

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

Watch a video of the Pacific Avenue sandals review here.

Numa: Slip-on sandals

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

Watch a video review of the Numa Sandals here.

Fit & Sizing 

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

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

Shipping and Returns 

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

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

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

Custom Barefoot Sandals 

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

Final Thoughts 

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

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

Code BAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE for 10% off

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Barefoot Sandals for Men for Everyday

1 Softstar Camino Sandals

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

SHOP softstar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2 Shamma Sandals Pacific Avenue

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

What I love: 

• Versatile and comfortable leather uppers
• Built to last

What I don’t: 

• No big ones!

SHOP shamma

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

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

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

Best Barefoot Sandals for Men for Hiking

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3 Bedrock Cairn Sandals

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

SHOP on Bedrock

SHOP on REI

What I love: 

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

What I don’t: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4 Xero Shoes Z Trails

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

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

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

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

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

5 Lems Switchback Sandals

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

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

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

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

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

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

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

Code KELLY10 for 10% off

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

ZuZu Sandals Overview

Discount Code

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

Outsole 

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

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

Is it safe to use upcycled car tires in shoes?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Footbed

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

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

Laces 

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

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

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

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

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

Sizing

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

Barefoot Sandal Features 

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

ZuZu Sandal Styles 

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

The Flow 

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

Best for: most barefoot feeling, water activities 

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

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

The Flex 

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Groove 

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

Best for: everyday, versatile travel sandal  

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

The Dune

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

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

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

The Drift

9mm stack height; canvas footbed | $99

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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