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

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

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

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

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

Why I wear barefoot sandals

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

Tips for buying for barefoot sandals on Etsy

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

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

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

Best Barefoot Sandals on Etsy

Nikola Sandals

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

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

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

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

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

Grecian Sandals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grecian sandals

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Laboo Leather

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

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

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

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

Laboo Leather

Bioworld Sandals

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

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

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

Ruby Barefoot Sandals

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

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

Use code KELLY35 for an extra 35% off.

More barefoot sandals on Etsy

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

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

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

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

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

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

Types of Barefoot Hiking Sandals

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

Key Characteristics of Barefoot Hiking Sandals

Tips on picking the best size and fit for barefoot sandals

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

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

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

Sizing reference

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

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

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

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

Best Barefoot and Minimalist Hiking Sandals

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

1 Earth Runners

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

SHOP earth runners

Discount Code: KELLY10

What I love: 

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

What I don’t: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

2 Shamma Sandals

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

SHOP Shamma sandals

Discount code: BAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE for 10% off

What I love: 

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

What I don’t: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3 ZuZu Sandals

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

Discount Code: KELLY10

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

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

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

4 Bedrock Sandals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5 LUNA Sandals

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

Get 15% off using this link

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

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

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

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

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

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

6 Xero Shoes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Xero Shoes sandals are also carried at REI.

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

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

7 Bahé Respire Sandals

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

BAREFOOTGUIDE for 10% off

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

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

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

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

8 Toetem Sandals

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

SHOP Toetem Sandals

KELLY5 for 5% off

What I love: 

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

What I don’t: 

• Straps are thicker and bulkier 

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

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

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

9 Lems Switchback Sandals

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

SHOP lems switchback

What I love: 

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

What I don’t: 

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

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

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

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

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

Comparison of the best hiking sandals

Barefoot hiking sandals without a toe post

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

Xero shoes Z Trail or D Trail

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

feelgrounds pathway

Code KELLY5

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

unshoes pah tempe

Code nomanbefore10 for 10% off

monk sandals

VIVobarefoot Tracker Sandals

Code BSG20 for 20% off

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

Our testing process at the Barefoot Shoe Guide

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

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

FAQs 

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

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

Are KEEN sandals barefoot shoes? 

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

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

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

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Barefoot Water Sandals

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

1 Saguaro Breeze I Shoes

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

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

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

2 Freet Zennor

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

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

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

Location + Shipping: UK, ships to most countries

3 CIOR Barefoot Water Sandals

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

Price: Under $20 on Amazon

Sizes: Starts at Toddler US9

4 Reima Valoa Barefoot Sandals

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

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

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

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

Sizes: Little Kid US11 through Big Kid US7.5

5 KOEL Madison Water Sandals

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

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

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

Location + Shipping: Available in the US on PedTerra

6 Vivobarefoot Ultra Bloom

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

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

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

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

Location + Shipping: UK with worldwide shipping

7 Merrell Bare Steps H20 Sneakers

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

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

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

Sizes: US4 Toddler – US10 Toddler

Location + Shipping: US

More options for barefoot water sandals

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

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