Why Choose Barefoot Hiking Shoes for Kids?

Kids are natural explorers—and the right shoes should support, not hinder, their movement. Barefoot hiking shoes are designed to promote healthy foot development, with features like a wide toe box, flexible sole, and zero-drop heel. For children, this can mean better balance, stronger feet, and fewer complaints on the trail.

Whether your child is running through the woods, clambering over rocks, or just tagging along on a family hike, these barefoot hiking shoes combine trail-ready grip with foot-friendly design.

Here are the best barefoot hiking shoes for kids right now.

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Xero Shoes Prio

Start at Kids’ Size 12 | $65

The Prio Kids is a durable, lightweight sneaker-style shoe that’s great for hiking, running, and everyday play. It has a grippy, flexible sole and extra reinforcements around the toe for added protection. The tread is enough for trails, but not so aggressive that they feel out of place in an urban setting. These are a great all-purpose sneaker for hiking and everyday. The Xero Kids’ Prio is also available at REI.

Saguaro Hiking Sneakers

Start at Kids’ Size 7.5/EU24 | $60+ | Code KELLY15 for 15% off

Saguaro Shoes has several affordable barefoot hiking shoes for kids that we love. Styles are updated often, so it can be hard to keep track, but we’ve really liked styles with the sole pictured above. They have enough tread depth to give them some extra grip, and they have a great foot shape. Some have mostly knit uppers like the Agile, while styles like the Cocoa (pictured above) are reinforced with microfiber for better durability. Saguaro Shoes are already one of the most budget-friendly barefoot shoe brands, and code KELLY15 will get you an additional 15% off.

Saguaro Smart Sneakers

Start at Kids’ Size 7.5/EU24 | $44 | Code KELLY15 for 15% off

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The shoes that launched Saguaro’s barefoot brand are still a staple in our hiking shoe lineup. They tick all of the boxes of what we look for in a barefoot hiking shoe, and they have the most affordable price point. They’re ultra-light, breathable, and water-friendly—perfect for hiking in warm or humid climates. The flexible sole and easy elastic lacing system make them great for little ones who want to do it themselves. These are our go-to for summer hiking trips, splashy creek walks, and everything in between.

Vivobarefoot Primus Sport or Trail Knit

Start at EU20 to Adult | $74 – $100 | Code BSG20 for 20% off

These shoes are ultra-lightweight and breathable with a flexible, grippy sole. The Primus Sport has moderate lugs for more versatility, while the Primus Trail Knit is meant to handle some tougher terrain, with a 2.5mm tread depth.

Freet Flex

Start at EU30 | $65 | Code KELLY for 10% off

The Flex sneakers from Freet are another lightweight sneaker that has just enough tread to make these a decent option for some casual summer hiking. The uppers are made from a very breathable but durable recycled mesh that can easily be worn with or without socks, and dry faster than most sneakers if they do get wet. These currently have low stock, but Freet has a few other styles that have a similar sole and breathable uppers, including the Hoppee, Keld and Tanga.

Wildling Tanuki

Start at Kids’ Size8/EU23 through adult | $89 – $119 | Free shipping code AWN_ BAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE

SHOP Wildling Shoes US

SHOP Wildling Shoes intl

Okay, this might not be what you initially picture as a hiking shoe, but on soft trails, these impossibly lightweight shoes feel like a second skin. You could say this for most of Wildling’s barefoot shoes, but we particularly love the Tank for its uppers made of Japanese Washi paper– they’re incredibly breathable and surprisingly durable. This pair pictured above is on its second owner and still holding up!

Xero Shoes Z-Trail Sandals

Start at Kids’ Size 12 | $45

This will be my older son’s fourth summer with the Z-Trails, which tells you all you need to know. These sandals are built for adventure: they’re padded enough for long days, grippy for hikes, and easy to kick off at the beach. While I personally don’t mind strap in-between the toes, my son isn’t a fan, so glad Xero has this option!

Why We Love These for Hiking

All of these barefoot shoes are:

• Foot-friendly – footwear that supports natural movement and healthy foot development
• Lightweight – No more lugging around clunky hiking shoes
• Versatile – Great for walking, hiking, and city exploring
• Durable – Tested on real kids, in real travel situations, and still going strong.
• Kid-Friendly – Easy to get on/off, comfortable, and approved by my favorite hiking buddies

Got a favorite barefoot hiking shoe for your kids? I’d love to hear what’s worked for your family—drop a comment below!

The post Best Barefoot Hiking Shoes for Kids appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.

I started wearing Bahé shoes last year when they launched their first wide toe box and minimalist sole trail runner, the Revive. They hit that sweet spot of not to thick and not too thin, especially when it comes to shoes you’ll be using to log a lot of miles. Bahe is continuing to expand their line of barefoot shoes, now with a hiking boot and sandals. Read on for a detailed review of the Bahé barefoot shoes.

Code BAREFOOTGUIDE for 10% off

About the Brand

Bahé shoes are designed to help people reconnect with nature, both through their minimal design and their grounding technology. The brand was founded by Kishan, a passionate runner, and Alex, a footwear designer dedicated to sustainability. Combining their expertise, they aimed to create high performance running and hiking shoes that foster a connection with nature, prioritizing both eco-friendly materials and grounding technology.

The brand’s first product was a conventional running shoe, featuring ample cushioning, a heel to-toe drop and a tapered toe box. However, after delving into the benefits of barefoot footwear, they developed the Revive trail runners, a barefoot-inspired shoe characterized by its zero heel drop, minimal cushioning, and anatomically shaped toe box.

For those curious about pronunciation, it’s ba-HEY, with an emphasis on the second syllable. The name Bahé is derived from Hindi, meaning ‘flow.’

How barefoot are the Bahé minimalist shoes? 

The Bahé minimalist shoes are designed with a generously wide, foot-shaped toe box. Among the barefoot shoes I’ve tried, they offer one of the widest toe boxes, yet the design remains sleek and doesn’t look overly wide.

The shoes in the barefoot line (the Revive and the Rediscover) are both zero drop.

The sole is reasonably flexible, with a moderate amount of cushioning. The stack height varies based on the style. The Revive trail runners have a 10mm stack height and a 3mm removable insole. The Rediscover hiking boots are thicker as these are positioned as a heavy duty hiking boot. The outsole is 6.5mm (including 4.5mm lugs), the midsole is 6mm, and the removable insole adds another 3mm. This adds to15.5mm, but with a few other elements in the shoe, like the waterproof lining, they end up more around 18mm.

This positions these shoes in the middle ground of minimalist footwear as most barefoot shoes typically have around 5mm or less of cushioning. In contrast, cushioned wide toe box shoes, like Altras, often have upwards of 20mm. This moderate cushioning makes Bahé shoes an excellent choice for those transitioning to barefoot shoes, starting to run in them, or seeking extra comfort for long walks or prolonged standing.

So, how barefoot are Bahe’s shoes? They rate high on the barefoot scale when considering their wide toe box and zero drop sole. They fall more towards the minimalist end when it comes to the ground feel and flexibility as these have more cushion.

See how the Bahé minimalist running shoes stack up to other minimalist styles in this TikTok video.

Please note that Bahé also offers a traditional-style runner called the Recharge, which features a tapered toe box and a heel-to-toe drop. The Recharge shoes are not included in this review.

What is grounding?  

Bahé shoes stand out even among barefoot running shoes due to the unique incorporation of grounding technology. While the primary focus of this article is to review these shoes as barefoot footwear, here’s some additional information if you’re interested in grounding.

Grounding, or earthing, refers to the practice of connecting with the Earth’s electrical forces. The Earth carries a negative charge, and when our skin comes into direct contact with natural surfaces like grass, dirt, sand, or water, it helps balance our body’s electrical charge. Typically, wearing shoes creates a barrier between your feet and the Earth, preventing this connection.

I personally enjoy spending time barefoot outdoors to feel soft grass, smooth stones, or beneath my feet. Being barefoot allows for a more immersive experience in nature and lets my foot muscles move freely. Proponents of grounding suggest that it offers benefits beyond the immediate physical sensations, with studies indicating potential improvements in sleep and reduced inflammation.

The goal of adding grounding technology to shoes is to retain some of these benefits while wearing footwear. To achieve this, grounding shoes incorporate materials that enable the electrical connection from the Earth to pass through to the bottom of your foot. In many grounding shoes, you might find a copper plug in the sole of sandals or leather loafers. However, for the Bahé grounding shoes, Alex and Kishan developed their own ground flow system, as a copper plug isn’t suitable for the sole of tennis shoes. You can learn more about this innovative design on the Bahé website.

Although there are still relatively few studies on grounding, leading some critics to question the evidence supporting its benefits, there’s no harm in incorporating this technology into your barefoot shoes, especially if it might lead to better sleep!

Bahé Revive: Minimalist Running Shoes

Construction and Materials 

The Bahé Revive barefoot grounding shoes combine the look and feel of classic running shoes with the distinctive features of barefoot footwear. True to the company’s commitment to sustainability, eco-friendly and recycled materials are used wherever possible.

The durable rubber outsole is abrasion-resistant, ensuring long-lasting wear—an essential quality for a reliable running shoe.

The uppers are made of 30% recycled polyester mesh, offering lightweight and breathable comfort. This mesh also has some water resistance, keeping your feet dry in light rain. For added durability, the mesh is reinforced with thermoplastic (TP) at the heel and toe.

The Revive is available in four colors: white, black, green, and sandstone. I’ve been wearing the white pair, and as with any white mesh shoe, they tend to get dirty quickly when hiking or walking through dust and dirt. I’ve hand washed them a few times with a shoe cleaner and brush (I recommend this cleaning kit), and while they don’t look brand new, they still clean up quite well.

Performance and Durability   

The Bahé barefoot shoes are incredibly comfortable and versatile, making them one of the sneakers I’ve reached for most often when I’m going to be seeing time outdoors. I’ve tested them in numerous scenarios, including a hiking trip in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, long walks on my local greenway, gym sessions, and casual errands. While they were a bit slippery on the basketball court, I would recommend them for almost everything else.

As one of my most-worn shoes for outdoor adventures over the past year, I’ve included them in my roundup of the best hiking shoes and trail runners.

Fit and Sizing 

Bahé shoes are unisex and available in sizes EU36 to EU48, which corresponds to US men’s 4/women’s 5 up to men’s 13/women’s 14. The shoes are currently available in whole sizes only. I’ve been wearing a US7/EU38 comfortably. They’re a little roomier than some other EU38s I have, but I personally wouldn’t want to size down. If you like a slightly snugger fit for running shoes, then you may want to size down. I would say these fit true to size.

These shoes are best suited for medium to wide-width feet and medium to high-volume feet. The Revive model features one of the widest toe boxes in the barefoot shoe market. In a comparison with the Altra Lone Peak trail runners and the Lems Primal Zen, you can see in this video that the Bahé Revive runners have a noticeably wider toe box.

I’ve found that many other barefoot runners are too tight around the top of my foot due to my higher instep. I was happy when the Bahé Revive shoes provided ample room, even with the removable insole included. This means they can accommodate high-volume feet if you remove the insole. For those with low-volume feet, you might need to swap out for a thicker insole.

Pricing 

Bahé Rediscover: Minimalist Hiking Boots

Rediscover Boots Basics

• Hiking Boots with lug soles and waterproof uppers
• Unisex, sizes EU36 – EU47
• 15 – 18mm stack height
• $249, use code BAREFOOTGUIDE for 10% off

Construction and Materials

I’ve been wearing these on hikes during my fairly hot and humid North Carolina summer, and have appreciated that they’re made to withstand tough conditions, but still comfortable on an easy hike. My gripe against most hiking boots is that they’re just too much–too heavy, too padded, too stiff, (and too narrow of course), that even before finding barefoot shoes, I never wanted to wear them if I didn’t have to. The Bahé Rediscover are different. They’re giving me all of the features I want, like lugs for good traction, waterproof uppers, and a padded collar, without adding so much weight. Add to that that they’re still pretty breathable, and you’ve got a solid, all-year round hiking boot.

The uppers are ripstop nylon, which helps make them both lightweight and waterproof. I even stood at the edge of the river with them half submerged for a while, and no water got in.

The reinforcements on the heel and especially the toe give me confidence in the longevity of these boots, and the knowledge that my toes will be protected from all the rocks and branches, even with a few clumsy missteps.

The Rediscover is available in four colors: beige, brown, green and black.

Fit and Sizing 

Bahé Rediscover are unisex and available in sizes EU36 to EU47, which corresponds to US men’s 4/women’s 5 up to men’s 12/women’s 13. The shoes are currently available in whole sizes only. I’ve been wearing a US7/EU38 comfortably with a pair of hiking socks. Remember that feet do tend to swell when hiking after longer periods, so I tend to like my hiking boots a little bit roomier than regular sneakers.

These hiking boots are best suited for medium to wide-width feet and medium to high-volume feet. I have higher instep, and can still wear these with the removable insole.

If I’m comparing these to the Revive running shoes, their insoles seem to line up almost exactly–the Revive looks the tiniest bit wider in the toe box. The outsole on the hiking boots appears longer, but that’s likely do to the having a much more built up outsole–the inside measurements seem very similar on both.

Ordering, Shipping and Returns 

Bahé is based in the UK. Their shoes are currently only available on their website, Bahe.co. They offer international shipping. Shipping to the US and EU is £15.

Any questions about Bahé? Drop them below.

The post Bahé Barefoot Grounding Shoes for Outdoor Adventures: Trail Runners, Hiking Boots and Sandals appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.

I used to wonder if there truly was a hiking shoe that would be comfortable all day. I spent many miles trying to “break in” my hiking shoes, hoping that on the next hike, I wouldn’t end up with sore feet and blisters.

But, all of the hiking shoes, trail runners and hiking boots I’d tried thus far had massive design flaws. Hiking shoes with a narrow, tapered toe aren’t designed to fit the natural shape of the human foot. They pressure and deform the foot into becoming shoe-shaped. And the stiff, heeled soles aren’t designed for natural human movement. They alter the way our feet, ankles, knees and hips move, often resulting in pain somewhere along the kinetic chain.

When I found hiking shoes that were designed for the natural human foot and natural human movement, everything started to work. I no longer needed to break in my shoes, they just fit. If you too have been on the hunt for comfortable hiking shoes, then use this guide to barefoot hiking shoes and minimalist trail runners to find the best pair for you.

Why should you trust this hiking shoe guide? 

I love hiking! Looking for an alternative to stiff, clunky hiking boots is what got me started on my barefoot shoe journey.  

I’ve tested these barefoot hiking shoes out a lot on the trails. I’ve hiked extensively in each state that I’ve called home (California, Arizona and North Carolina). Plus, most of our travels are geared around hiking or surfing (both if possible), so I’ve put these shoes to the test in a lot of different climates and terrain as we’ve explored the trails across the US, Europe, Asia and Central America. We hike a lot with kids but squeeze some long range and more difficult hikes in too.

What to look for in the best barefoot shoes for hiking 

I first consider the fundamental characteristics of a barefoot shoe: 

When it comes to hiking shoes, there are a few more things to consider. However, since the idea is that my feet are strong and capable, I no longer look for hiking shoes that provide a lot of support or stability. My feet can do that on their own now. But it does help to consider how much grip, toe protection or cushion I may need based on the environment. 

Sizing reference

For most of these shoes, I’ll provide a sizing reference based on my experience with the fit. Read more on measuring your feet for barefoot shoes here.

I’m most often a US7.5/EU38 in my barefoot shoes, but sometimes size up in barefoot boots to accommodate for thicker socks. My feet are medium width and measure 23.3cm long. I typically look for shoes with an extra 1.2cm of space.

My husband Aaron also tested out some of these boots. His feet measure 26.8cm and he is most often a US10.5/EU43.

Looking for sturdier hiking boots? This post focuses on lightweight hiking shoes and trail runners, so check out these round-up of the best hiking boots for when you need more warmth, water-resistance, and protection. 

Best Barefoot Hiking Shoes and Trail Runners

Alright, let’s get to the list! This round-up includes a brief summary of the best options, but most have links to more detailed reviews. This first section is for the best overall barefoot hiking shoes and trail runners that land in that sweet spot of 5mm to 15mm stack height. They provide some protection, but still maintain good ground feel. The stack height often times includes a removable insole, so you can take it out for more of a barefoot experience or to adjust for volume.

1 Vivobarefoot Primus Trail FG and SG

Stack height: 5.5mm to 7.5mm sole | Price: From $180 | Code: BSG20 for 20% off

Sizes: Kid’s EU30 to Men’s US15/EU49 

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

SHOP Vivobareofoot

Discount Code: BSG20

What I love: 

• Grippy soles with options for wet or dry trails 
• Focus on sustainability and transparency
• 100 day trial period 

What I don’t: 

• More expensive 
• Too narrow for some

Uppers: Most trail runners use knit or mesh fabrics with reinforced toe and heels

Location + Shipping: UK-based, offer worldwide shipping | Manufacturing location: Most styles made in Viemtnam or Portugal

When it comes to hiking, the Primus Trail is a great all-around barefoot hiking shoe and trail runner. Vivobarefoot’s trail runners feature two different types of soles: their FG (firm ground) and SG (soft ground). The FGs are made for hard pack trails; the 2.5mm lugs are good for when I’m hiking in the desert, and even may of the trails on the east coast as long as it hasn’t been super rainy. The outsoles use Vivobarefoot’s hex flex design which has good ground feel and grip.  

The SGs have a deeper 5mm tread optimized for wet and muddy trails. Both styles also come in all-weather options with more water-resistant options.  

Vivobarefoot added to its barefoot hiking shoe line up by debuting two new hiking styles. The Hydra Esc are swim/run sneakers that feature a 4mm tread Michelin sole. The Novus sneakers are meant to transition between urban environments and tough trails with a 7mm tread and leather uppers.  

Fit and sizing: I find that most Vivobarefoot sneakers fit true to size, including the Primus Trail styles. The men’s styles are slightly wider than the women’s. For reference, I wear an EU38/USD7.5 based on my 23.3cm foot measurement, and my partner Aaron wears an EU43 based on a 26.8cm foot. Vivobarefoot has a tool on their website that will scan a photo of your foot to give you a size recommendation for a specific shoe.  

2 Lems Primal 2 or Primal Pursuit

Stack Height: 12.5mm to 18.5mm | Price: $110 – $130 

Sizes: Women’s US5 – Men’s US15

Best For: medium to wide feet, medium to high volume

SHOP Lems

What I love: 

• Primals are a great all-around beginner barefoot shoe

What I don’t: 

• Would love to see a deeper tread on shoe using their widest last
• The Pursuits are stiffer and narrow than I prefer

Uppers: Vegan materials, mesh

Location + Shipping: Based in the US, flat rate $5.95 US Shipping and free returns. See shipping info for international countries here .

Lems has a few different styles that work well as light duty hiking shoes or minimalist trail runners. My personal favorite is the Lems Primal 2s as this is their most barefoot model. It has their thinnest and most flexible sole with a 9mm stack height, plus a 3.5mm removable insole. The Primal 2s also use their widest toe box. These don’t have a rugged tread, so they’re better for easy trails where you don’t need a lot of grip. With that though, they’re very versatile, and make a solid casual, walking, and running shoe.

For an option with more tread, try the Primal Pursuit. This model has Lems “trail traction” outsole with 3.5mm lugs, so it has better grip. The trade off is a slightly narrower foot shape and a stiffer sole with some toe spring.  

Note that Lems does not offer coupon codes, but does occasionally hold sales around holidays. 

Fit & Sizing: Sizing can vary between styles with Lems, so they usually include a note if the shoe fits true to size or if most people size up. I find the Lems Primals fit true to size, which means I have a 7.5 based on my 23.3cm foot measurement. For the Primal Pursuit, I went up ½ size to an 8. These shoes are unisex. 

Read in-depth Lems brand review

3 Saguaro Shoes Trail Runners

Stack Height: 6mm | Price: From $40 | Code: KELLY15 for 15% off Saguaro website

Sizes: EU24 to EU46

Best For: medium to wide feet, medium to high volume

Discount Code: KELLY15

Uppers: Knit and mesh

Location + Shipping: Offer worldwide shipping | Manufacturing location: China

Saguaro is an affordable barefoot shoe brand that’s been exponentially growing their line of barefoot styles. They started with a barefoot water shoe that works well as a trail runner, and I still think it’s one of their best shoes. 

These styles have markings for the toes and a 6mm rubber sole with great grip. The uppers are a knit mesh that’s breathable and dries quickly. Styles that feature this sole include the SmartI, SmartII, and Vitality III. The Active II has the same sole shape, but a different design for the lugs.  My son has worn these for a few summers and they’ve lasted the season, but the insole and sole can wear down if you’re wearing them on hard surfaces.

The Forestep IV is another lightweight hiking shoe from Saguaro that uses a different sole shape. It has more of a slope in the toe box, so it’s better for those with a stronger slope to their toes.  

Fit & Sizing: These trail runner style of shoes typically fit true to size. For me that’s an EU38, for Aaron that’s an EU43. I find them pretty roomy with the insole; taking out the insole can accommodate for even higher volume feet.

4 Xero Shoes Scrambler Low 

Stack height: 10 mm | Price: $110 – $150

Sizes: Women’s US 5 – Men’s US

Best For: narrow width, low to medium volume

Uppers: Abrasion-resistant and breathable mesh upper with protective overlays

Location + Shipping: Offer worldwide shipping. The Scrambler Lows are also available at REI, which offers free shipping and free in-store returns.

Xero Shoes has a few options when it comes to barefoot hiking shoes, but my favorite so far is the Scrambler Low. The Michelin Fiberlite sole is super grippy and super light—it’s performed well on mud, rocks and slick pavement. They have a good balance of ground feel and flexibility while still providing enough protection for tougher trails and longer distances.  

My main gripe is that while they’re foot-shaped, they’re still fairly narrow through the toe box. I have medium width feet, and I can feel my pinky toe hitting the edge.  

The TerraFlex and Mesa Trail are also popular barefoot hiking shoes from Xero Shoes. The TerraFlex was their first trail shoe, made for running and hiking, while the Mesa has a few features that are made more specifically for running. 

Both have 4mm chevron lugs and a 3mm TrailFoam layer built within the outsole to provide some cushion and protection on rockier paths. 

Fit & Sizing: These run a little short, so if you’re between sizes, I’d size up. I’ve been wearing a 7.5, but would likely size up to get a little extra space and some width. These also fit low to medium volume best, so I wear them without the insole as I have a higher instep.

5 Bahe Revive Running Shoe 

Stack height: 13mm Price: $193 | Coupon Code: BAREFOOTGUIDE for 10% off

Sizes: EU36 – 47 

Best For: medium to width, medium to high volume

Discount Code: BAREFOOTGUIDE

Uppers: Mesh uppers with water-resistant coating; reinforced heel and toe 

Location + Shipping: Based in the UK with worldwide shipping.

The Bahé Revive is a minimalist trail running shoe that features a wide toe box, zero-drop sole and moderate cushion. The 2.5mm lugs provide good grip, but they’re not so luggy that you can comfortably wear them casually or to the gym. I recently did a trail that had both steep slick rock and loos rock, and these worked great. 

The Bahé shoes are that sweet spot for me when it comes to fit, flexibility and design. They have ample toe space without looking noticeable wide, plenty of volume (I can even wear these with the insole), and good movement even with a 10-13 mm stack height.  

Fit & Sizing: Bahé shoes are unisex and currently come in whole sizes. I comfortable wear a US7/EU38. EU38 is my usually size, so I’d say these fit true to size. The Revive shoes have one of the wider toe boxes currently available in the barefoot shoe market.–when I compared among the Lems Primals and Altra Lone Peaks, the Bahe shoes had the most space in the toe box.  

The Revive shoes also have enough room to accommodate my higher instep, even with the removable insole left in. This means that they can accommodated those with pretty high volume feet if you do remove the insole. And if you have low volume feet, you may have to swap out for a thicker insole.  

Read in-depth Bahé brand review

6 Freet

Stack height: around 10mm including insole | Price: Starting at $95 | Coupon Code: KELLY for 10% off 

Sizes: EU37 – 48

Best For: medium to wide width, medium to high volume 

Code: KELLY

Uppers: Most winter styles are leather or felted wool (in prior years, cork leather was also used) 

Location + Shipping: Based in UK with worldwide shipping.

Freet has been busy expanding its line of barefoot hiking shoes, so there are a few great options to choose from with more rugged soles. They use innovative materials for the uppers, like the Kidepo bootee that uses a knit fabric made from recycled coffee grounds. 

For a shoe with a sock-like fit, try the Howgill. The knit upper is super breathable, and the sole features 4mm lugs for wetter and more technical trails. The Feldom also has a grippy sole with 4mm lugs, but a more traditional athletic shoe design and some reinforcement around the toes. The Calver has an even more aggressive sole with 6mm lugs and an open weave mesh that’s made to drain water quickly. 

Fit & Sizing: Freet makes some of the best barefoot hiking shoes for wide feet as both the toe box and overall shoe accommodate wide, high-volume feet. Freet shoes are unisex.  

Sizing varies from model to model, but tend to run slightly small.  

Best Barefoot Hiking Shoes with Minimal Cushion 

These options are as close to barefoot you can get without actually ditching your shoes. These barefoot hiking shoes have soles that are 5mm or less.

7 BeLenka Trailwalkers

Stack height: 4mm | Price: Starting at $179 | Coupon code: KELLY5 for 5% off 

Sizes: EU37 – 48

Best For: medium to wide width, medium to high volume 

Code: KELLY5

Uppers: Suede

Location + Shipping: Based in Slovakia with worldwide shipping. Shoes made in Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Portugal and Italy.

For a hiking shoe that keeps you close to the ground with minimal cushion, try the BeLenka Trailwalkers. These have a thin 4mm sole with more of a textured sole vs lugs, so they’re best for paths where you don’t need a lot of cushion or protection. 

The BeLenka Trailwalkers are a bit unique in that they have a full suede upper (it’s so soft!). While many are looking for more breathable mesh, a less porous upper can be handy when you’re hiking through the desert and there is a lot of dust and sand. The Trailwalkers keep the dirt out, but are still very lightweight.  

To add protection, a rubber bumper comes up and around the toes, which also provides a lot of volume in the toe box.  

Fit & Sizing: These run a little short. I typically wear an EU38 in most BeLenka shoes, but these are a better fit in an EU39.

8 Vibram FiveFingers V Trek

Stack height: 4mm | Price: Starting at $110

Sizes: EU35 – 50

Best For: slope shape feet

Uppers: Various synthetic uppers

Vibram FiveFingers (VFF) are the OGs when it comes to barefoot trail running shoes. You’ll never have to worry about your toes getting squished together in these, because they separate toe pockets function as toe spacers too. If you eventually want to get to full barefoot hiking, these are a good final step.  

Vibram soles are used by many other hiking shoe brands because they’re durable and grippy. The different FiveFinger styles have varying design and amounts of grip. The provide some protection and traction, but not much cushion. The V-Treks pictured here with the Vibram Megagrip 4mm outsole that worked well for both wet and dry conditions. They do come up a bit high around the ankle. If you don’t want them that high, try the V-Trails. 

Fit & Sizing: If VFF fit your foot shape, they can be amazingly comfortable. All Vibrams have the same slope shape, so if they’re not a good fit for your toe shape, size or length, then they just may not be for you (and that’s okay!). Sizing does vary a bit based on style. I’m wearing an EU38 based on my 23.3cm foot length, and I have just enough room for my big toe, with a little extra space in all of the smaller toes. 

Best Wide Toe Box Hiking Shoes with Maximal Cushion 

This third section is for those that want a wide toe box, zero-drop hiking shoe, but still want the cushion. These shoes have a stack height of 25mm or higher.

9 Altra Lone Peak and Superior

Stack height: 25mm | Price: Starting at $140  

Sizes: US Women’s 5.5 to US Men’s 16

Best For: Medium to wide width, medium to high volume

Uppers: Ripstop mesh with reinforced toe area

Altra stood out in the running scene when they launched their wide toe box, zero-drop shoes. In contrast to most shoes that have these features, Altras also have quite a bit of cushion.  

The Altra Lone Peaks are a favorite amongst trail runners and through hikers as they have plenty of room for your toes, a rugged sole, and a 25mm stack height including a rock plate to help you through long days and rocky trails. They use Altra’s Original FootShape Fit, which is their widest option. 

The Lone Peak Alpine are the same shoe except with partially suede uppers. 

The Timp 5 and Superior 6 are also solid trail running options, both of which use the slightly slimmer standard FootShape from Altra. Most Altra trail running shoes are also available at REI.

Fit & Sizing: Most find that these Lone Peaks fit true toe size. I wear a women’s US8. The toe box and overall fit of the Altra Lone Peaks are spacious enough for medium width and volume feet. They do offer a wide version in both the men’s and women’s; note that the actual rubber outsole of the shoe isn’t wider in the wide version relative to the same size in regular, there is just more upper material which creates more volume and opportunity for the feet to spread out. 

10 Topo Athletic Pursuit

Stack height: 28mm | Starting at $140  

Sizes: US Women’s 6 – US Men’s 14

Best For: Medium to wide width and medium volume

Upper Materials: Mesh uppers with protective overlays 

Topo Athletic is another brand in the running shoe space that touts a roomy toe box as a signature feature of their design. They aren’t a purely minimalist shoe though. Some of zero-drop, but many have a 4-5mm drop. Also note that the insole has built-in arch support and the shoes have a noticeable toe spring.  

If you want a shoe with more cushion, it usually comes down to personal preference and fit whether people like Altras or Topo Athletic shoes more. The Topo cushion does feel more firm (vs the bounciness of the Altras), so that often plays into the preference as well.  

The Pursuit Trail Shoe is a zero-drop trail runner with a 28mm stack height. It uses the Vibram® Megagrip, which is meant for grip and traction across all trails, and spaced lugs to shed mud quickly.

Fit & Sizing: I found the size 8 to fit me best. The Topos are better for lower to medium volume feet, so I’m most comfortable without the insole.

Final Thoughts

There are a lot of barefoot trail runners and hiking shoes out there, and the best one for you depends on how much ground feel you want, how rugged the terrain is, and how much foot protection you need. But no matter which pair you choose, the goal is the same: to let your feet move naturally and comfortably, even on the trail.

All the shoes on this list are foot-shaped, zero drop, and flexible, so they’ll allow your toes to spread out and your feet to work the way they’re supposed to. Whether you’re looking for a super minimal feel or want something with a little cushion, there’s a barefoot-friendly trail shoe that fits the bill.

If you’re new to barefoot shoes, start slow—go for something with a bit of padding and work your way to thinner soles over time. And always prioritize what works for your feet. Happy hiking!

Have any questions about barefoot hiking shoes or minimalist trail runners? Drop them below!

The post 10 Best Barefoot Hiking Shoes and Trail Runners: Reviews from a Hiking Enthusiast  appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.

Lems Shoes is one of the brands I got started with on my barefoot shoe journey. Lems was founded in 2011 with the goal of making a shoe designed around the foot’s anatomy while using the bare minimum. Basically, what we all know as a barefoot shoe today, but before the concept became so popular.

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!

What makes Lems Shoes a good minimalist shoe brand?

Lems is a great option whether you’re new to barefoot shoes or just looking for a pair of comfortable shoes. Here’s why:

1 Wide, roomy toe box: most Lems have a natural foot-shaped sole, so they don’t squish your toes

2 Zero Drop: Most Lems are zero drop, which means the the soles are flat from  heel to toe. This means they so they don’t alter your natural posture. Several Lems do have a small heel drop, which they note in the description.

3 Some Cushion: Lems Shoes offer more stack height and cushion compared to most barefoot shoe brands while still being lightweight and flexible. After wearing super cushioned soles for years or even decades, it takes our feet and bodies some time to adjust to less cushion. Lems offers the healthy features listed above and gives your feet a little bit of cushion to ease you through the transition. Most of Lems’ soles are made from air-injection rubber. This means they’re lightweight even with the additional thickness. Most styles are 8mm to 10mm air-injection rubber soles. The insole is usually an additional 3-4mm. You can use these for more comfort, or remove for more of a barefoot feel.

4 They have a full range of shoes — Lems offers a full range of shoes for a variety of uses. These include shoes like the casual Chillums, a men’s minimalist business casual shoe, and all-around great minimal shoes, the Primal 2s and Primal Zen. Lems has an extensive line of hiking shoes plus two classic boot styles.

As Lems shoes offer some cushion, they are an easy choice for a barefoot shoe beginner. See a more complete list here for the best transitional barefoot shoes.

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

Lems Shoes Width

Lems Shoes uses three different lasts to make their shoes. For a more natural fit, I recommend sticking to the “Widest” and “Wide” options. In this Lems Shoes review, I noted the width for each style.

Shop the “Barefoot” Tab

For a barefoot fit with a wide toe box and a sole that is zero drop, flexible and lightweight, check out the shoes on the website’s “Barefoot” Tab. All of the shoes listed under this tab use the brand’s “Widest” or “Wide” last for a more naturally shaped toe box. The brand has created some styles in recent years that lean towards more conventional shoes; they use the brand’s “Slim” last and may have a small heel to toe drop (usually 4mm or less). These styles are not listed under the Barefoot tab.

Size Chart for Lems + Sizing Tips

One thing that drives people a little crazy is the inconsistency in sizing for Lems. Sizing is not consistent between the styles. This means if you own one pair of Lems shoes, you may not be the same size in a different style.

The Lems size chart has gone through multiple iterations, and the current version does not provide any measurements. It simply tells you whether to get your normal US size or order half a size up. In this Lems Shoes Review, I’ve noted my sizing recommendation for the styles reviewed here, and usually concur with the size chart when it says to go up half a size or full size.

Most of the sizing recommendations are made after Lems has received feedback. Sometimes the recommendation can change a few weeks after the release of a new shoe style when more people have provided their sizing comments. If it’s not a new release, read through some of the reviews on the website to see others sizing recommendations.

I’ve included the current Lems size chart at the bottom of this post, as well as an older version that provided a size recommendation based foot length. See tips on measuring your feet here.

Most of Lems’ shoes are unisex. This means there is no difference between the shoes you’ll find in the men’s section vs the women’s section, just a difference in sizing convention. There does seem to be a slight difference in width in a few of the more conventional shoes with the slim foot shape, like the Trailhead. All of the barefoot styles are the same for men and women.

Sizing Reference: The sizing recommendations are based on our measurements. For the women’s, that’s a 23.3cm foot length, medium width, and typically a size US7.5 or EU38. I typically look for an insole measurement that’s 1.2cm longer that my foot length, so around 24.5cm. For the men’s, the recommendations are based off of a 26.8cm foot measurement, and considers US10.5/EU44 as the typical size.

Lems Barefoot Shoe Reviews

First up, I’m sharing the more minimal styles on this Lems Shoes Review. These shoes can be found under the Barefoot Tab on Lems’ website. They all use Lems’ Widest or Wide foot shape last and have a zero-drop sole.

Lems Primal 3 and Primal Eco: The updated Original

Widest Lems Toe Box | 9.5mm sole + 3-4mm insole | zero-drop shoe, 1mm drop in the insole | $120

The Primals are the shoe that launched the Lems brand back in 2011. As the brand’s OG minimalist shoe, the Primals use Lems widest sole shape, which I find pretty roomy. They also have Lem’s lowest stack height and most flexibility, with a total thickness of 12.5mm. You can remove or replace the 3.5mm insole for more of a barefoot feel.

They’re an athletic shoe that I’ve used for running, gym workouts, and easy hiking trails. Since they’re so versatile, they also make a great travel shoe when you’re planning on doing a little bit of everything and want to pack light.

The uppers are mesh and microfiber with no animal products used.

The Primal 3 is Lems third iteration of its original barefoot shoe, and was released March 2024. I’ve been testing it over the last few months on long walks, hikes and at the gym. Since its predecessor the Primal 2s were so popular, I’ll contrast this newer version so you can see how they compare.

What didn’t change:

• The uppers are almost the same design and materials, made with mesh and microfiber materials.
• The Primal 3s still use Lems widest last, which fits medium to wide feet.
• With both of these staying the same, you’ll find a very similar fit and feel in the Primal 3s.
• What did change (watch the video on YouTube):

The main difference is the shape and flexibility of the sole.

The changes come in response to a lot of customer feedback, mainly that the arch area was too thin and the heel area was too rounded. The Primal 3 has a wider footprint, and doesn’t look like it’s molded to your foot as much. The goal here balanced weight distribution vs pressure points on your feet. If you have a high arch, you likely won’t notice the difference in the middle of the shoe, but those with flat feet/low arches may feel an improvement.

Sole stiffness: The outsole is stiffer due to a very slight increase in thickness and a harder compound being used. The sidewalls also go higher up the shoe. While the Primal 2s are fairly easy to ball up and bend both width and lengthwise, the Primal 3s present much more resistance. The Primal 3s soles are more similar to the Primal Zen with regard to flexibility. You can see a video of the relative flexibility of the Primal 2s vs the Primal 3s here.

Insole:  The included insole does currently have a very slight drop 1mm because the toe area was pressed down to 3mm, and the heel was pressed down to 4mm. This can even out over time as the heel gets pressed down with weight. Personally, I prefer them without the insole for more volume and a more flexibility.

Lems is considering to go back to a 3.8mm insole on the next production run, which would make them zero drop even with the insole.

Half sizes: These come in half sizes, so you can get a more accurate fit.

Lems Primal Zen

Widest Lems Toe Box | 11.0mm sole + 3mm insole | zero-drop | $120

The Primal Zen is an alternate take on the original Primal 2s, with a few design changes and a thicker sole. The difference in cushion is noticeable compared to the Primal 2s, so they could work well for someone that wanted a thicker sole.

The uppers pictured are mesh and microfiber with no animal products used. There is also a suede version of the Primal Zen that includes a lot of perforations to help it stay breathable.

Sizing:  I found the Primal Zen to to fit true to size. I’m wearing the women’s US 7.5.

Lems Minimalist Casual Shoe Reviews

This line-up of casual shoes from Lems are great examples of their middle-ground approach to barefoot shoes—wide toe box shoes with more cushion than most minimalist brands. These are an ideal option if you want a shoe that still feels natural, but with enough padding to take the edge off hard surfaces and long days on your feet.

Chillum

Wide Lems Toe Box | 10 mm sole + 3.8 mm insole | zero-drop | $115

The Chillum is a minimalist casual shoe that uses the same outsole as the popular Boulder Boot. The uppers are made of canvas with wool and suede accents. If you’re looking for a replacement for something like Vans, these are much lighter with a much wider toe box. The Chillums are available in spruce green, varsity blue, black, and white.

Sizing: Aaron has these shoes in size men’s US 11 and has a 26.8cm foot measurement. He’s most often a size 10.5, so this agrees with the size chart recommendation to go up 1/2 size. He is fine with less space in front of his toes than I am (I usually opt for about 1.2cm), so if you like more space, you may consider going up a full size.

Drifter Slip-ons

Wide Lems Toe Box | 10 mm sole + 3.8 mm insole | zero-drop | $95

For an easy, casual slip-on, check out the Lem’s Drifter. The uppers are a canvas that’s both breathable and durable. Since they’re so easy to slip on, they make a great shoe for bringing along to the lake when you want to quickly slip them off, or really and casual outing.

Sizing: These are built on the same outsole as the Chillum and Boulder Boot. The sizing note recommends to go up 1/2 size, and we agree. Aaron has these in size US11 (same as the Chillums).

Mariner Boat Shoes

Wide Lems Toe Box | 10 mm sole + 3.8 mm insole | zero-drop | $145

If you were one of the devotees of the original Lems Mariners from a few years ago, you’re in luck—they’re officially back and even better in 2025. This wide toe box boat shoe features full-grain leather uppers and Lems’ signature Injection-Blown Rubber sole, which is cushy, lightweight, and still flexible. With a zero-drop platform and a 10mm stack height (including a removable cork insole), the Mariner remains one of the more barefoot-feeling options in Lems’ casual lineup.

Stylistically, it sticks to the traditional boat shoe look with its moc stitching, and easily pairs with shorts or jeans. While it has siping on the sole for traction, it’s better suited for everyday wear than true marine use.

Sizing: Aaron has these in size US11 (same as the Chillums).

Kourt and Kourt Grip Sneakers

Wide Lems Toe Box | 10 mm sole + 3.8 mm insole | zero-drop | $135 – $145

The Lems Kourt is a clean and casual leather sneaker, while the Kourt Grip features the slip-resistant sole on the same style. The Kourt Grip is geared towards those that work in the restaurant and healthcare industries.

For a deeper dive on barefoot shoes with non-slip soles, check this out this post with the best options tested by a professional chef.

Lems Minimalist Boot Reviews

Boulder Boots

Wide Lems Toe Box | 10 mm sole + 3.5 mm insole | zero-drop | $125 – $185

The Boulder Boots are one of Lems’ most popular styles. They have a wide range of options when it comes to this boot. The of the Boulder Boot was to make it the world’s most packable boot, so it’s flexible and lightweight.

Now, you can get the Boulder Boot tall, short, vegan, waterproof, and they even made a version with a more rugged tread in 2022 that’s a better option for hiking. It can make a great minimal winter boot, work boot, or just everyday boot. The sole of the original Boulder Boot isn’t super grippy, so while it can be fine for easy hikes, it was meant as more of an everyday casual boot than one meant to tackle technical trails.

Lems puts these in their “wide” last category, but I feel like these have similar space to the shoes in the widest category. Part of this may be due to the fact that the toe box is tall, meaning there’s a good amount of volume over the toes.

Here’s a quick rundown of the options:

• Leather Boulder Boots – These full-grain leather boots are the original Boulder Boots.
• Vegan Boulder Boots – The vegan boots are made with full nylon, or nylon with vegan leather accents. The nylon boots are the most lightweight and flexible, so they’re really versatile, especially if you’re looking for a boot to carry you through most of the year.
• Waterproof Boulder Boots – These minimalist boots have water-repellant leather uppers and a gusseted tongue to keep the water out. I’ve used these in the rain and stood in puddles or rivers and my feet have consistently stayed dry. There is no extra lining for warmth, so you’ll need to pair these with some warm wool socks for the winter.
• Boulder Boot Mid – the Boulder Boot Mid comes in both leather and nylon. Neither are waterproof.

Sizing: I have the Waterproof Boulder Boots in a full size up (Women’s US 8.5) as I wanted to wear them with thicker socks. This is the recommendation noted on the size chart.

Aaron has the vegan Boulder Boot in Nylon in his typical US size 10.5, but they’re a bit small. He would recommend opting for 1/2 size up, which is what Lems now recommends on the size chart.

Boulder Boot Grip Waterproof

Wide Lems Toe Box | 13 mm sole + 3.5 mm insole | zero-drop | $180

If you could ask for one improvement on an almost perfect boot that is the Lems Boulder Boot, you’d probably be asking for a grippier sole. Well, your wish has been granted as of October 2023. The new Boulder Boot Grip Waterproof is basically the boot many of us already know and love, but with a grippier sole. I’ve been trying it out on every wet, slippery and icy surface possible, and I’ve been really impressed! If you need a boot that does it all, go with this one! See a video review here.

Sizing: Lems has continued to refine their sizing to make the shoes more true to size. With the Boulder Boot Grip Waterproof, I opted for a size US Women’s 8. This is 1/2 size up from my usual size to accommodate for thicker socks.

Boulder Boot Summit

Wide Lems Toe Box | 16 mm Stack Height | $185

This is the newer 2022 hiking version of the boot (pictured below). All of the other Boulder Boots are built using the same sole, but the Boulder Boot Summit has a few differences compared to the original. These come in oiled leather or nylon, and both versions are waterproof.

First off, it has a thicker sole (16mm), which includes a more rugged tread with 4mm lugs.

These are currently noted as zero drop on Lems website, but they were previously listed as having a small heel drop (like 2mm). I followed up with Lems to clarify, and they do have a small heel drop less than 2mm that is meant to compress with wear. The Boulder Summits have an EVA midsole will compress upon weight bearing. A boot with this design and materials that starts out as zero-drop can become a negative heel drop boot very quickly. Lems took this into consideration during the design process, and added the less than 2mm heel drop so they would be zero-drop after being worn.

Sizing: For the Boulder Boot summit, Aaron opted for a US 11, which is 1/2 size up. Lems currently recommends your typical US size, but from Aaron’s other Lems shoes, it seems like the 1/2 size up has been a better fit. Plus, that leaves some extra room for thicker hiking or winter wool socks.

Chelsea Boot

Widest Lems Toe Box | 11 mm sole + 3.5 mm insole | zero-drop | $150 – $165

The Chelsea Boot was another big release for Lems in 2022. With a wide toe box and flat, flexible sole, these are a great replacement for something like heeled and narrow Blundstones. These come in a suede version and a waterproof oiled leather version. A lot of sizes are currently sold out, but a restock is coming late April 2023.

Sizing: I would go up at least 1/2 size on the waterproof version, if not a full size if you’re going to wear thicker socks or like more room. I’m typically a 7.5/EU38 based on my 23.3cm foot measurement, and I went up 1/2 size to an 8. They’re just right with some thinner wool socks. You can also remove the insole if you want more space. 

The waterproof membrane takes up some space which accounts for some of the difference on sizing. It also makes the uppers somewhat stiffer, so if you want more flexibility and aren’t concerned about them being waterproof, opt for the regular version. 

Telluride Boot

Widest Lems Toe Box | 11 mm sole + 3.5 mm insole | zero-drop | $145

The Telluride Boot is dropped in late 2023, with soft suede uppers and faux fur lining around the collar. To prep the suede for winter weather, add a water-repellant treatment like one from Nikwax.

The Telluride Boot uses Lem’s widest fit last, so it’s really roomy in the toes. It uses the same outsole as the Primal Zen. These are also one of the cushier options when it comes to minimalist boots; they have an 11mm stack height plus a 3.5mm removable insole just like the Chelsea boots. Even with the thicker stack height, these boots are very lightweight thanks to the use or air injection rubber.

Sizing: I’m a size 7.5 in the Zen sneakers and opted for a size 8 in these boots to leave room for thicker socks. Note that the faux fur is only around the collar, so you don’t have to adjust for a thicker lining in sizing.

Lems Hiking Shoe Reviews

Lems wanted to create hiking shoes that were versatile, easily transitioning from mountain-to-town. The rubber soles are designed to handle both travel and pavement equally well. These shoes are found under the Trail Tab on Lems’ website. Some of these do lean more towards conventional shoes which I mentioned above.

Primal Pursuit

Wide Lems Toe Box | 14mm sole + 4.5mm insole | zero-drop | $130

The Primal Pursuit is the more rugged trail version of the Primal 2. It’s also slightly slimmer, using the Wide last instead of the Widest last. The difference in width, additional cushion and stiffness is noticeable compared to the Primal 2s. These are more of a transition shoe if you’re just starting on your barefoot shoe journey.

This shoe features the Trail Traction outsole with 3.5mm lugs, so they’re a good option if you need more grip hiking.

Sizing: Lems recommends different sizes depending on the color way for these shoes. For the Nocturnal Ninja and Morning Dew, they recommend ordering 1/2 size larger than your normal US size. I have this in the Morning Dew color and ordered these a 1/2 size up (a size US 8 for me), and found these to be a good fit. For the Canyon & Orion Blue colors, Lems recommends sticking with your normal US size.

Trailhead Hiking Shoes

Slim Lems Toe Box | 17/21mm stack height | 4 mm drop | $140

The Trailheads are a minimalist hiking shoe. The Trailheads are built on Lems’ Slim Toe Box last, so while they have a wider toe box than many conventional shoes, they’re not the widest out there. If you have wide feet, these are probably not a good option for you. These are a good gateway shoe if you’ve been reluctant to take the plunge to barefoot shoes due to comfort and/or styling. I’ve seen a number of people out on the hiking trails wearing this shoe, and I don’t know if most of them even know Lems is a minimalist shoe company; they may have just seen it somewhere like REI or Huckberry and liked the look and feel of the shoe.

With a 4mm heel drop, they are not completely flat. As one of their hiking shoes, they use the Mount-to-Town Outsole, engineered for both hiking trails and pavement. The Trailheads offer a decent amount of cushion with a 17/21mm stack height, including a 4.5mm removable insole for additional cushioning.

The uppers are made from microfiber and air mesh.

Sizing: Aaron has these in his typical size US men’s 10.5, but he finds them a little small. These were one of his first minimalist shoes, and he now finds them slightly short and would appreciate more volume. These are one of Lems’ more conventional options, so some of this may have to do with the fact that the shoe overall has less space. If he ordered these again, he would go up 1/2 size.

Lems Hiking Sandal Reviews

The Switchback sandal below is the first Lems’ sandal, but I definitely don’t think it’ll be their only!

Switchback Hiking Sandals

14/17mm stack height | 3 mm drop | $120

The Switchback is Lems’ first hiking sandal, and it stays true to the brand’s roots: a wide toe box and more cushion than you’ll find in most barefoot options. With a 14–17mm stack height and a 3mm heel-to-toe drop, it definitely leans toward the cushioned side of the spectrum. The lightweight EVA midsole is soft and springy, with a bounciness that feels noticeably different from the firmer rubber soles found on most minimalist sandals. It’s a clear choice for comfort over ground feel—whether that’s a pro or a con depends on what you’re looking for.

If you’ve found most barefoot sandals too minimal for your liking, you might be happy to see Lems go off-script here. Compared to my old Tevas (with their bouncy 22–35mm stack height and 13mm drop) or Chacos (basically stiff, heavy rubber bricks), the Switchbacks still land closer to the barefoot end of the spectrum with a 14/17mm stack height. For comparison, the mid-stack height for popular brands like Shammas and Earth Runners is 9mm. And after 5+ years in zero-drop shoes, I can definitely feel the slight 3mm drop—my feet don’t sit completely flat.

The footbed has some contouring. I’m fine with the textured ridges, but I do notice the raised toe bar, which sometimes hits mid-pad on me. I’d prefer it without.

The single-strap design is super easy to adjust and holds the foot securely—something some minimalist sandals struggle with. They easily loosen to pull off and tighten to get on, but I don’t find them loosening during wear. The webbing between the toes is soft and comfortable; no complaints there.

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

FAQs about Lems Shoes

Do Lems have arch support?

Lems shoes do not have arch support. The brand was founded on the belief that your feet should have the freedom to move as nature intended. This means a wide toe box, and flat, flexible soles with no arch support.

Where can I find Lems current size chart?

You can find Lems size chart on its website, or included below.

Does Lems have a size chart with insole measurements?

The size chart prior to November 2022 provided a shoe recommendation based on foot length, but did not provide insole measurements. Please see below for this previous version of the Lems size chart.

#discovermorewithless

The whole point of barefoot shoes is to live your life without the pain and problems created by conventional footwear. In light of Lems’ motto to “discover more with less,” I thought I’d share a few more places our Lems shoes have taken us. Or more accurately, where we have taken our Lems shoes.

The post Lems Shoes Brand Review: Wide Toe Box Minimalist Shoes with Cushion appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.