Summer Shoes Archives - Barefoot Shoe Guide https://barefootshoeguide.com/tag/summer-shoes/ for happy, healthy feet Wed, 01 Oct 2025 17:26:56 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://barefootshoeguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/cropped-Barefoot_Shoe_Guide_Favicon_Transparent-32x32.png Summer Shoes Archives - Barefoot Shoe Guide https://barefootshoeguide.com/tag/summer-shoes/ 32 32 10 Comfortable and Stylish Barefoot Sandals for Women  https://barefootshoeguide.com/10-stylish-barefoot-sandals-for-women/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=10-stylish-barefoot-sandals-for-women&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=10-stylish-barefoot-sandals-for-women https://barefootshoeguide.com/10-stylish-barefoot-sandals-for-women/#comments Tue, 07 May 2024 04:00:09 +0000 https://barefootshoeguide.com/?p=5344 Enjoy the warmer weather with sandals that are both cute and comfortable. Check this list for the best stylish barefoot...

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Enjoy the warmer weather with sandals that are both cute and comfortable. Check this list for the best stylish barefoot sandals for women.

When it comes to sandals, I want to wear all the cute, colorful and strappy styles, but I don’t want to compromise on the comfort. Fashion and function should not be mutually exclusive! While many conventional brands come so close to creating sandals that are good for your feet, they often including little heels or a toe box that’s just a little too narrow. Find your next perfect pair of sandals here, with my top 10 list of the best stylish barefoot sandals for women.

Criteria for barefoot sandals

First, here’s a quick list of things I’m not into when it comes to sandals: heels (even little ones), backless sandals that don’t fit securely, a “break-in” period, tons of structure or support. 

And here is what I am looking for when it comes to a healthy, comfortable barefoot sandals: 

1 Thin, Flexible Soles – Since the goal of barefoot shoes is to allow for natural movement, the soles should be thin and flexible enough to allow for it. In the case of sandals, I find that there needs to be a balance of just how flexible the soles are so that the front doesn’t catch and bend to create a tripping hazard. This is why sometimes I prefer my sandals to be slightly stiffer than what I’d opt for with barefoot sneakers.  

2 Naturally-shaped Toe Box – Sandals should have a wide toe box to allow for natural toe splay. Many barefoot sandals feature between the toe straps, so there won’t be anything that’s constricting the toes together. For sandals that do have over-the-toe straps, make sure they’re wide enough for your feet. 

3 Zero-drop Platform – Almost every conventional sandal in my closet before had at least a little heel. This may not seem like a big deal, but even a few millimeters can affect our posture and movement. Barefoot sandals are completely flat from heel-to-toe.  

Tips on picking the best fit for barefoot sandals

Fit and sizing for both barefoot shoes and sandals can be tricky when you’re ordering online, but 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. 

You’ll want to start with measuring your own feet (both length and width), Next, gain an understanding of your foot shape and volume. Sandals with adjustable straps can often accommodate a range of widths and volumes, but 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. 

Varying sole thicknesses for barefoot sandals

This post is about cute and stylish barefoot sandals for women that can be worn every day. If you want sandals with more rugged tread that will have you prepared for any adventure, check out this post for barefoot walking and hiking sandals. Or, if you want something a little more dressed up, check this list for dressy barefoot sandals. 


Best Stylish Barefoot Sandals for Women

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. These are the brands I reach for again and again.

1 BeLenka Sandals

Price: From $99 | Code: KELLY5 for 5% off  | Sizes: EU36 to EU43

Stack height: 4mm outsole | Materials: Leather

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

Discount Code: KELLY5

What I love: 

  • Large selection of sandal styles and colors   
  • High-quality materials 

What I don’t: 

  • Only one sole thickness option  
  • Over-the-toe options don’t fit extra wide feet 

BeLenka is a great place to start for a stylish barefoot sandals. They have a lot of cute designs with a thin, flexible sole and leather straps. All of the sandal straps are adjustable in some way too, either with buckles or velcro. 

My most worn BeLenka sandals are the Promenade, a thong-style sandal that can fit a lot of different shaped feet. I personally like the sand as it’s a versatile nude color that goes with everything.  

As you work your way down BeLenka’s sandal page, you’ll find the Grace and Summer, which both have velcro-adjustable over the toe straps. The grace now comes in gold and rose gold, so you can add a little shimmer to your wardrobe. 

The Claire looks to be inspired by the Birkenstock Taormina, though obviously without the overly stiff and supportive cork footbed. See the list here for more barefoot sandals inspired by Birkenstock designs. 

The soles for all of BeLenka’s barefoot sandals are 4mm. They’re thin, but firm enough that the front doesn’t catch. The footbed has a thin layer of leather. 

Fit and Sizing: BeLenka’s womens sandals fit narrow to medium width feet best. Due to the adjustable straps, they tend to fit a wide range of volume. I wear an EU37 in all of my BeLenka sandals based on my 23.3cm foot measurement. For comparison, I wear an EU38 in their sneakers and an EU39 in most of their boots. 

 I measured the soles, and they line up to the size chart with a length of 24.4cm. It’s long enough that I don’t have any overhang on the heel or toes, and not too long that I’ve had issues with the front catching.  


2 Feelgrounds Seaside Sandals

Price: From $89 | Sizes: EU36 to EU43 

Stack height: 7mm sole | Materials: All vegan options including cotton and faux leather

Best For:  Medium to extra wide, low to average volume 

What I love: 

  • Fits wide and extra wide feet 
  • Unisex, versatile design 
  • Vegan option 

What I don’t: 

  • Basic design

This unisex Feelgrounds Seaside barefoot sandal is versatile in both its style and fit. It has one of the widest toe areas, and the t-strap design means there is no chance of it squishing any toes together. They’re a little more elevated than a hiking sandal, and I’ve often packed them for trips where I’ll be walking all day. I find the cork bed really comfortable. 

All of the strap options are vegan; choose from cotton, faux PU leather or bamboo leather.  

Fit and sizing: These can fit medium to extra wide feet. They also fit low to medium volume feet best; the t-strap is not adjustable, so there isn’t as much variation in the fit for this one.

Read in-depth Feelgrounds brand review


3 Vivobarefoot Opanka Sandals

Price: From $150 | Code: BSG20 for 20% off | Sizes: EU35 to EU43 

Stack Height: 6 mm | Materials: Leather

Best For: narrow to medium feet, low to medium volume 

Stylish barefoot sandals for women by Vivobarefoot

Discount Code: BSG20

What I love: 

  • Unique design and style 
  • High quality materials 

What I don’t: 

  • No adjustability 

The Vivobarefoot Opanka sandals feature a beautiful strap design that are perfect if they fit your feet like a glove. But if they don’t, you’re a bit out of luck as they don’t have a lot of adjustability. The back strap does have built in elastic so you can easily slip them on. 

The quality is great. Even after a few years, the leather straps and footbed on my pair still look new. These sandals come in black, brown and white.

The rubber sole is 4mm, topped with a 2mm leather footbed.

Fit & Sizing: These fit medium width feet with medium to slightly higher volume best. I’m wearing them in an EU38, which is the same size that I have for my Vivobarefoot sneakers. However, I do have a little extra room at both the back and front.  I may have been able to size down to an EU37 without any issues, but am happy with this size.  


4 Groundies Sandals

Price: $90 and up | Sizes: EU36 – 43 | Code KELLY15 for 15% off (limited time)

Stack height: 8mm | Materials: Leather 

Best For: medium width, low to high volume 

KELLY15 for 15% off

What I love: 

  • Great designs, including over the toe straps
  • Light cushioning

What I don’t: 

  • Materials could be higher quality

Most barefoot sandals tend to have a toe loop or between-the-toe straps to ensure proper width and function, so I appreciate that Groundies has made the Kos sandal with an over-the-toe strap that is actually wide enough. Groundies has several other styles, but the Kos are my favorite for their simple and classic design.

They have good flexibility for a sandal, and do include a midsole with a few millimeters of cushion, so if you’ve tried other barefoot sandals that were just too thin, Groundies could be a great option.

The sandals feel well-made, but something felt a little bit cheap to me–the buckles on the Kos are plastic, and while I haven’t seen bad wear yet, the leather looks like it might crack with extended used.

I have a limited time coupon of KELLY15, so these are one of the more affordable options. Groundies has separate websites for the US and international customers—if you’re in the US, be sure to shop on the Groundies US site for lower shipping costs and faster delivery.

Fit and Sizing: womens sandals fit narrow to medium width feet best. Due to the adjustable straps, they tend to fit a wide range of volume. I wear an EU37 in these sandals. They’re a little bit longer than I need, but don’t feel too long. For comparison, I wear an EU38 in their sneakers.


5 SoftStar Camino Sandals

Price: $130 | Sizes: Women’s US 5.5 – Men’s US14 

Stack height: 11 mm | Materials: Leather 

Best For: medium width, low to high volume 

What I love: 

  • High-quality thick leather straps 
  • Cushioned but flexible option 

What I don’t: 

  • Would love more color options 

For a barefoot sandal that prioritizes cushy comfort, look to the SoftStar Camino Sandals. These are inspired by the Birkenstock Milanos, with thick, oiled leather straps.  

These have a thicker sole and more cushion than most of the other options on this list. They’re made with an 5mm Vibram outsole, a 6mm Vibram midsole, and topped with a foam and suede footbed that will mold to your foot. You’re giving up some ground feel and flexibility, but they can be a good transition option as they don’t have the stiffness and support you’d find in a Birkenstock. 

The Softstar Camino sandals come in dark brown, light brown, blue and silver.  

Fit & Sizing: SoftStar has a unique sizing chart, so it  won’t line up to other brands. I’m wearing a 6U in these Camino sandals and they’re just long enough. Because of the foam topper, the footbed isn’t totally flat, so you don’t have quite as much length as what you measure on the outsole. In SoftStar’s size guide, it recommends size 6U for feet with length 23 to 23.9. I wouldn’t recommend much longer than my foot length (of 23.3cm) as your feet will start to overhang the bump of the foam. Therefore, I’d generally say look at the lower half of the range for size recommendations; if you’re on the upper half, I’d go up to the next size.  

 All straps have buckles and are fully adjustable, so these minimalist sandals fit most foot volume. These fit medium to wide feet best.  

Check out this list for more barefoot sandals like Birkenstocks.

Softstar Camino, minimalist sandals like Birkenstocks

6 Earth Runners

Price: From $68 | Code: KELLY10 for 10% off | Sizes: US Women’s 6 – 16

Stack height: 7.5 to 10.5 mm | Materials: Textile  

Best For: medium width, low to high volume 

Earth Runners barefoot hiking sandals

Discount Code: KELLY10

What I love: 

  • Versatile sandals for both casual wear and hiking 
  • Several different sole thickness options 

What I don’t: 

  • Performance laces can be uncomfortable 

You’ll find Earth Runners at the top of my list of the best barefoot hiking sandals, but they’re cute enough that I don’t think their functionality should be held against them. If I was only going to buy one barefoot sandal, it’d be this one. I often take them traveling as they’re excellent walking and hiking sandals, but still look nice enough to be paired with a summer dress. 

Earth Runners has a few different sole thicknesses to choose from. For the most ground feel, opt for the 7.5mm Primal Sandals. I like the mid-option—the Circadian Sandals. These have a 9mm Vibram sole and a canvas footbed. If you have sensitive soles, you may not like the texture of the footbed (I personally like it).  

For laces, choose between the lifestyle laces and the performance laces. The Performance laces are thicker and wirier, and I found them too thick and uncomfortable between my toes.  I’ve used the thinner and softer Lifestyle laces for several years, and they’ve held up to a ton of use from hiking.  

Earth Runners are grounding sandals, which means they have an earthing plug on the bottom of the sandal and conductive thread throughout the textile lace.  

There are several other sandal brands that use a very similar huarache design that double well as both hiking and casual sandals. One of my favorites is ZuZu Sandals check out a full review here.

Fit & Sizing: Fit medium to wide feet. With the fully adjustable lace, these sandals fit a large range of volume. I wear a Women’s 7/EU37 with a 24.2cm sole length. 


7 Shapen Sandals

 Price: From $99 | Code: BFSHOEGUIDE5 | Sizes EU35 – 44

Stack height: 6 mm | Materials: Leather 

Best For: narrow to wide width, volume depends on style 

Barefoot Dress Sandals instead of High Heels, Shapen sandals

Code: BFSHOEGUIDE5

What I love: 

  • Dressier styles 
  • Regular and Wide width options 

What I don’t: 

  • Sizing can be confusing as it varies between styles 
  • Sole on open toe sandals can be flimsy and catch 

After talking about Earth Runners, we’re hopping to the other side of the spectrum to dressy barefoot sandals from Shapen. The Calla Sandal is my favorite stylish barefoot sandal to pair with dresses and skirt. Shapen has several similar styles, like the Daisy and Jasmine. 

While I love the flexibility of these sandals, the downside is that they front can sometimes catch on the pavement when walking. I’ve done this a few times, and it’s scraped away at the leather lining on the footbed. Therefore, I tend to wear this style when I’ll mostly be indoors. 

To add a bit more style and flair to your sandals, Shapen has a line of clip-on bows, decorations and buckles.

Shapen also has many popular closed-toe sandals, like the Poppy and the Orchid. 

Check out this post for more dressy barefoot sandals. 


8 Luna Sandals

Price: From $115 | Sizes US Women’s 6 – 12 

Stack height: 6 mm | Materials: Leather 

Best For: narrow to wide width, low to high volume 

THEBAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE for 15% off

What I love: 

  • Simple but well made 

What I don’t: 

  • Limited casual options 
  • Casual sandals do not have buckles 

Luna Sandals are most well-known for their running and hiking sandals, but their lifestyle sandals with simple leather straps are a great casual option. The Luna Earth sandals are made with a leather footbed, which is soft and flexible, but still durable. They come in a slip-on option or a multi-wrap, which wraps and ties around the ankle.  

Fit & Sizing: Luna Sandals fit up to wide feet and can adjust to a wide range of volumes. 


9 Zeazoo Sandals

Price: From $100 | Sizes: EU 35 – 42 

Stack height:  6 mm | Materials: Leather and Suede 

Best For: narrow width, low volume 

What I love: 

  • Larger Selection with trendier styles 
  • Vibram sole with good balance between cushion and flexibility 

What I don’t: 

  • Limited selection from US retailers 
  • Only suited for narrow, low volume feet

Zeazoo is a Bulgarian barefoot shoe brand with a larger selection of styles and colors. Their casual sandals for women use a 6mm Vibram Superflex sole, and are often topped with a leather footbed. Many of Zeazoo’s most popular sandal styles are sold in the US through the online barefoot shoe retailer PedTerra, which offers free shipping and free returns. Otherwise, shipping is €30 when ordering directly from Zeazoo. 

It’s a mix of sandals with adjustable top straps and ones without. They’ve added a few more fun styles this year, including more trendy fisherman style sandals (the Marlin). For a solid Teva dupe, check out the Olymp. 

While I love the styles, most have ended up being too narrow and too low volume for me, especially any of the designs that go over the toes, and the strap is not adjustable.


10 Nikola Sandals

Price: $75+ | Sizes: EU35 – EU46 

Materials: Leather 

What I love: 

  • Handmade with high quality materials 
  • Transition shoe for barefoot beginners 

What I don’t: 

  • Cushion is very soft and springy, which can feel unsettling after wearing thinner barefoot shoes 
  • Would like more shoes using the widest Original FootShape

Etsy is a great place to find handmade, high-quality barefoot sandals (find a full list of barefoot sandals on Etsy here). One of my newest favorites is Nikola Sandals, which makes both men’s and women’s casual barefoot sandals. They make conventional sandals as well, so make sure you click on the barefoot tab for the zero-drop sandals. Choose between a Vibram or EVA outsole. The Vibram sole is about $20, but from my experience it’s well worth it as they’re flexible but very durable. They also have a large selection of colors for the leather straps, including metallics like gold, silver and bronze.


11 Laboo Leather

Price: $107 | EU35 – EU46 

Stack height: 8mm | Materials: Leather 

Best For: Narrow to wide width, low to high volume

What I love: 

  • Strappy but secure
  • Completely adjustable straps 

What I don’t: 

  • No buckles, must knot the leather 
  • In-between toe strap can feel thick 

I love the look and feel of these Laboo Leather sandals available on Etsy. My main qualm is that you need to tie the straps to secure; I never feel like I can get as secure of a fit as I do with a buckle. Similar to the Luna sandals, these come in a slip-on version and one that wraps multiple times around the ankle.  

I’ve been wearing the slip-on version, but they come with enough extra lace that you can wrap it once around the ankle if you choose not to cut off the excess.  

The Vibram soles measure 6mm thick with a 2mm leather footbed. They’re soft and flexible while still providing just the right amount of protection.

Fit & Sizing: The straps are fully adjustable as they run underneath the footbed, so you can tighten or loosen each part. I opted for an EU38 which has a 24.6cm length, and feel like this is a good fit for my foot.  

Women's barefoot leather sandals on Etsy
Vibram sole of Laboo Leather sandals

Barefoot Dupes: Barefoot Sandals like your favorite conventional brand 

While there are a good number of different styles to choose from, I do find that many of the barefoot shoe brands seem to be stuck on the same wavelength, with many brands offering very similar styles. This can be good in that each brand may have a slightly different fit or features, so if you really love the style, you have several alternatives to find the best version for you. But it does also mean that we still don’t have near the breadth or depth of options that I think most of us hope for.  

Taking a very popular sandal and making a barefoot version of it is common. If you’re looking for a barefoot version of your favorite sandals, check out these lists below. If there’s any I missed, please leave a comment! 

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Barefoot Shoe Sales – End of Summer and Back-to-School 2023 https://barefootshoeguide.com/barefoot-shoe-sales-summer-2023/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=barefoot-shoe-sales-summer-2023&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=barefoot-shoe-sales-summer-2023 https://barefootshoeguide.com/barefoot-shoe-sales-summer-2023/#respond Thu, 10 Aug 2023 14:38:54 +0000 https://barefootshoeguide.com/?p=2789 The best barefoot shoe sales for the end of summer, back-to-school and Labor Day 2023. There are a few predictable...

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The best barefoot shoe sales for the end of summer, back-to-school and Labor Day 2023.

There are a few predictable times for barefoot shoe sales, and end of summer is one of them. Barefoot shoe brands are clearing out summer stock to make way for cold-weather styles, kid’s styles are going on sale for back-to-school, and to top it all off, many US-based brands have Labor Day sales in early September. It’s a great time to grab a pair of sandals or sneakers. 

Some brands even have their fall and winter styles discount to promote their initial launch.

For the best selection, shop early! For most of these sales, once they’re gone, they’re gone til next year. 


For a list of discounts available all year, check out this post with evergreen barefoot shoe coupon codes. 


Barefoot Shoe End of Summer Sales 

These are all the currently active barefoot shoes sales for the end of summer and Labor Day.

Lems Shoes

During the Lems Labor Day Sale, all in-stock styles are 20% off. This includes popular boots styles, like the newer Boulder Summit Boots and Chelsea Boots. Find a full Lems brand review with details on each style and fit and sizing tips here. Sale ends September 5.

Lems Primals, great barefoot shoes for beginners
Lems Boulder Summit as minimalist work boots

Feelgrounds 

20% off most of Feelgrounds’ most popular sneaker styles. Sale starts August 8 (or get early access on August 7 if you’re signed up for their mailing list).  Sale goes through early September.

Feelgrounds knit casual shoes

Xero Shoes

New fall releases at Xero Shoes are on sale for 20% off through September 5. This includes several new styles, like the Ridgeway hiking boots and the Nexus tennis shoes with a sock-like upper. It also includes updates on some favorites, including a waterproof version of the Mesa Trail and an upgraded Speed Force.

Xero Shoes Minimalist Ridgeway Hiking Boots

Altra Running

Labor Day sale with up to 40% off select styles. Sale through 9/4. 

Altra Lone Peaks are barefoot shoes with cushion making them one of the best barefoot shoes for beginners

Shamma Sandals

All adult sandals are 15% off in Shamma Sandal’s Labor Day Sale. Runs August 24 – September 5.

Shamma Sandals Cruzers, affordable barefoot sandals

Ten Little Shoes 

Get 15% off all items in the Labor Day Sale with up to 36% off using code “LABORDAY15” at checkout through 9/6.

Affordable Barefoot Shoes for Kids

Magical Shoes

10% off all children’s shoes as part of a back to school promotion.

Magical Shoes, the best barefoot shoes for toddlers

Barebarics

BeLenka’s sister brand Barebarics is also included in the big summer sale. These are a great option for those that prefer a little more cushion, or are going for the chunky sneaker vibe. Many of Barebarics styles are vegan, though they do have a few new all-leather options this year. Styles are up to 40% off, and you can use the code KELLY5 for an additional 5% off.

Barebarics Zoom | Beginner Minimalist Shoes

Mukishoes

20% off summer shoes. This includes some of our favorite kid’s shoes, like the Play, Shadow and Challenge. Or use Code KELLYMUKI for 10% off full price shoes. 

Mukishoes, sustainable barefoot shoes for kids and adults

Softstar  

Back to school sale with 15% off of kid’s shoes. Softstar shoes are particular good for kid’s with wide, high volume feet. 

Softstar flexible leather moccasins for toddlers

Groundies

End of Season sale with up to 50% off. Groundies sells both “regular” shoes with a tapered toe box and barefoot shoes, so make sure you’re sorting for the barefoot options. They also offer extra wide barefoot shoes as part of their Barefoot+ line

Groundies Barefoot Shoes vs Barefoot Plus shoes

Summer Sales that have ended

These sales have now ended, but it gives you a good idea of sales to watch for next year.

Splay Shoes

15% off everything with code BACKTOSCHOOL23. Splay has recently restocked, so most colors and sizes are available. They also introduced two new colors, a fun paint spatter design and a bright cherry red. Read a full review on Splay Shoes here

Splay Shoes | Affordable Barefoot Shoes
Splay Athletics barefoot kids shoes

Wildling Summer Sale

Wildling shoes are 30% off starting August 25 through Monday, August 28 at 8am CET. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a discount this big at Wildling. They’re clearing out space in their warehouse for fall and winter models, so save on summer models, their essentials line and last chance models. Some of my summer favorites for both kids and adults are the Nittugo, Tanukis and feather sandals. Sale starts August 16.

Wildling Nebula summer barefoot shoes

Freet Shoes

Get 15% off Junior models with code BTS15. Freet is also offering $15 to $20 off of adult sizes for styles like the Flex tennis shoe, the Zennor adventure sandals and the Mudee hiking boots. Use code nmb-10 for 10% regular price styles.  

Freet Zennor Barefoot Water Sandals for kids and adults

Earth Runners

If you’re in sandal season or can predict your child’s size for next summer, then snag a pair of Earth Runners at 20% off with code WILDCHILD. Sale through 8/21. Use code KELLY10 for 10% off other items. 

Earth Runners Minimalist Sandals for Kids

Shapen

Shapen has beautiful dressy sandals and flats, as well as classic sneakers. Shapen Barefoot shoes are up to 30% off during their summer sale. Ends August 31. Stack with code BFSHOEGUIDE5 for an extra 5% off. 

Shapen Poppy Women's Barefoot Dressy shoes

Ahinsa

Up to 30% off Ahinsa barefoot shoes. 

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 Reima Kid’s Barefoot Shoes Review   https://barefootshoeguide.com/reima-kids-barefoot-shoes-review/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=reima-kids-barefoot-shoes-review&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=reima-kids-barefoot-shoes-review https://barefootshoeguide.com/reima-kids-barefoot-shoes-review/#comments Thu, 11 May 2023 19:59:15 +0000 https://barefootshoeguide.com/?p=1911 The popular childrenswear brand Reima recently added several barefoot shoe styles to their line-up. Reima kid’s barefoot shoes are well-made, reasonably priced,...

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The popular childrenswear brand Reima recently added several barefoot shoe styles to their line-up. Reima kid’s barefoot shoes are well-made, reasonably priced, and have all the features I look for in a healthy shoe for kids. Check out this review for all the details including fit and sizing. 

I was first introduced to Reima a few years ago when I was looking for quality wool layers and outerwear for my kids. Reima is a Finnish brand that makes sustainably designed apparel for kids ages 0-12. Reima clothing and gear is made to help kids enjoy outdoor play in any weather. From rain paints to snowsuits to swimsuits, Reima will have your kid covered for all four seasons.  

I quickly became a fan of the brand for their high-quality materials, bright, bold colors, and how their clothes made it easier to get out and explore with my kids.  

Since one of Reima’s goals is to help kids “discover the joy of movement,” it was exciting to see them apply this principle to their shoe designs. It’s a lot easier to experience the joy of moving your feet and body with foot-shaped, barefoot shoes.  

Use code BAREFOOT 20 for 20% off Reima barefoot shoes and clothes.

Reima waterproof boots

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Reima Kids Barefoot Shoes

What are barefoot shoes? 

If you’re new here, I like to do a quick recap of what barefoot shoes are (sometimes called minimalist shoes) Here are the main qualities I’m looking for in a barefoot shoe:  

  • Wide, foot-shaped toe box — A shoe shouldn’t force a foot into an unnatural shape by squishing the toes together. The toe box should not taper! Feet are widest at the toes, and shoes should reflect that. A kid’s barefoot shoe should allow for plenty of room for those toes to wiggle.  
  • Flat aka zero-drop — There shouldn’t be any heel-to-toe drop. A flat shoe allows a child to stand in a natural, neutral position.  
  • Thin — This helps keep shoes light and flexible and allows a child to walk naturally 
  • Flexible — Again, the focus here is allowing the foot to function naturally, so a shoe should allow the foot to easily bend. 
Flexible barefoot shoes by Reima

Ankka Barefoot Rain Boots

US Sizes Toddler 6 – Kids 7.5 | EU Sizes 22 – 40 | Price: $55 | Code BAREFOOT20 for 20% off

Reima barefoot rain boots for kids

Reima has been steadily releasing new styles for their barefoot line, and the Ankka rain boots are just the newest addition. The soles are zero-drop (so many rain boots have such a chunky heel!) with enough grip for wet pavement. And of course, the toe box is widened to a natural foot shape. They’re easy to pull on and have a soft cotton lining. They pair perfectly with Reima’s rain pants and jackets, all of which is totally waterproof and PFAS-free. We love that they’re lightweight and flexible, which is ideal for all-day play.

The Ankka runs true to size with enough space for a medium-thick sock. If your child is between sizes or want extra growth room, I recommend sizing up. Like most of Reima’s shoes, there is a removable insole with their Happy Fit markings, so you can easily see if you got the right size.

Astelu Kid’s Barefoot Sneakers 

US Sizes Toddler 6 – Kids 7.5 | EU Sizes 22 – 40 | Price: $60 | Code BAREFOOT20 for 20% off

Reima Kids barefoot sneakers - Astelu

You can tell people are excited about the Reima kid’s barefoot shoes when it sells out almost immediately. By the time I was able to test the shoes (or have my kids test them) and get this review up, many of the Astelu sneaker sold out. Fortunately, they are restocking for 2024 spring and summer. Plus, they have new colors! These barefoot sneakers are available on both the US Reima website and the International Reima website. The colors and the size offerings vary between the websites. 

The Astelu kids sneakers have a knit, breathable upper, making them a great option for warmer weather. Let’s get into the review! 

 What I Loved:  

  •  Sole is thin, flexible and zero-drop 
  • They look great! Older kids can start getting pickier about how their shoes look, and these have a simple, yet on-trend design.  
  • Elastic laces— look of laces and can be somewhat adjusted based on shortening or lengthening the laces and retying the ends, but still very easy to get on and off. Plus, you don’t have to worry about untied shoes. 
  • They go up to size EU40 (about a US women’s 8/9, so these can work both for older kid’s and some adults. I’m tempted to get a pair!

 
Room For Improvement:  

  • Lower volume over the toes. Ideally, I’d love to see more space here 
  • These would best for narrow to medium width feet. I’d love to see a wider option from Reima too. 
  • The knit upper is great for breathability, but I could see them getting snagged or ripped on something like tree branches. We’ve used them mostly for school, the playground, and walking around town.  In 2024 they added a reinforcement layer over the toe area, so this really helps with durability!

 Construction and Materials  

  • Heel-to-Toe Drop: 0mm  
  • Sole Material: Rubber 
  • Removeable insole? Yes 
  • Laces or Velcro? Elastic Laces 
  • Upper material: Elastic knitted up with water repellant finish  
  • Reinforced toe cap (new for 2024)
  • Colors: Pink, Navy Blue, Greyish Green, Black, Dark Mango 
  • Made in: China 
Reima Astelu barefoot shoes for kids
Note the reinforced toe cap on this 2024 version

Fit & Sizing

Overall, these seem to be a good fit for narrow to medium width feet. They are also somewhat low volume over the toes.  

The size chart for this style provides insole length; we found it to fit the shorter end of the length range provided. For example the insole on the US13/13.5 (EU31) we tested was about 19cm. 

These are available in toddler to big kid sizes. The sizing availability differed from the US and EU website, but this is what is currently listed: 

  • US Sizes Toddler 11 – Kids 6.5 
  • EU Sizes 22 – 40 
Reima Aster Knit Barefoot Sneakers for kids

Rantaan Kid’s Barefoot Sandals  

US Sizes Toddler 11 – Kids 6.5 | EU Sizes 22 – 40 | Price: $40 | Code BAREFOOT20 for 20% off

Reima Kids Barefoot Shoes

What I Loved:  

  • Sole is thin, flexible and zero-drop 
  • Polka dot mesh is breathable and dries quickly, which is great for summer 
  • Colors are fun and bright 
  • Easy off with the Velcro—my two year old can take these off on his own 
  • More affordable option. I know affordability is all relative and very subjective, but these represent a more affordable price point compared to most other barefoot shoes.  

Room for improvement: 

  • Pretty easy to put on, except for the fact that sometimes the pinky toe gets caught in the cut out when putting them on. Not a deal breaker, I just need to be aware when putting them on 
  • Similar to the sneakers, these are lower volume over the toes. I’d love to see something a little wider and higher volume, especially in the toddler sizes as they tend to have thicker feet. 
  • The removeable insole seems thicker than necessary. I’d love to see a thinner insole on this (it’s thicker than the insole for the sneaker) 

 Construction and Materials  

  • Heel-to-Toe Drop: 0mm  
  • Sole Material: Rubber 
  • Removeable insole? Yes 
  • Laces or Velcro? Velcro 
  • Upper material: Mesh and fabric with a foam-like polka dot material sandwiched in between 
  • Colors: Navy Blue, Misty Red, Red Orange,  
  • Made in: China 
Reima's new barefoot shoes for kids

Fit & Sizing

Like I mentioned for the sneakers, these too are lower volume over the toes. I’d love to see something a little wider and higher volume, especially in the toddler sizes as they tend to have thicker feet. 

Both toddler and big kids sizing is available in Reima’a barefoot sandals. The sizing availability differed from the US and EU website, but this is what is currently listed: 

  • US Sizes Toddler 11 – Kids 6.5 
  • EU Sizes 22 – 40 

I did find these to run a few centimeters longer than what is listed on the size chart. For example, per the size chart, a US6/6.5 should have an insole length of 12.7 – 13.2cm. The actual insole of my sandal was about 13.6cm.

Valoa Barefoot Sandals  

US Sizes Toddler 11 – Kids 6.5 | EU Sizes 22 – 40 | Price: $75 | Code BAREFOOT20 for 20% off

Reima Valoa barefoot sandals for kids

The Reima Valoa sandals are a fantastic summer option for active kids. Made with a lightweight mesh upper, they’re ultra breathable—perfect for keeping feet cool on hot days. The closed-toe design provides excellent toe protection, which is a huge plus for outdoor play or even casual hikes.

These sandals also offer a secure, adjustable fit thanks to the easy-to-use toggle closure, so you don’t have to worry about them slipping off mid-adventure. Like Reima’s other barefoot shoes, the Valoa sandals have 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 know what to expect.

Tallustelu Kid’s Waterproof Barefoot Sneakers

US Sizes Toddler 6 – Kids 6.5 | EU Sizes 22 – 40 | Price: $75 – $80 | Code BAREFOOT20 for 20% off

Reima Tallustelu waterproof barefoot shoes for kids

The Tallustelu sneaker is another great addition to Reima’s barefoot shoes. These barefoot waterproof sneakers have been perfect for exploring in cold, wet weather.

These are similar in fit and sizing to the Astelu sneakers, but have more overlays to improve durability. They’re obviously not as breathable, so are better suited to cooler weather. The elastic laces are easy to tighten, so a child can get a secure fit.

These now also coming smaller toddler sizes called the Tepastelu, and feature a large velcro strap to secure.

Loikkii and Hyppii Waterproof Boots

US Sizes Toddler 6 – Kids 6.5 | EU Sizes 22 – 40 | Price: $90 – $100 | Code BAREFOOT20 for 20% off

For winter, Reima has the Hyppii waterproof boots for toddlers, and the Loikkii waterproof boots for bigger kids. They’re a similar design, but the Hyppii feature a large velcro strap that opens wide, making them very easy for my three-year-old to get on all by himself. The Loikkii for bigger kids use elastic laces, which can be easily tightened down.

 What I Loved:  

  •  Sole is thin, flexible and zero-drop 
  • Velcro and Elastic laces— so easy for kids to put on by themselves! 
  • More volume than some of the other Reima barefoot shoes, so they easily fit my toddlers chunkier feet
  • Kept my kid’s feet warm and dry in rain and light snow

 
Room For Improvement:  

  • While these did well in wet conditions, the shorter shaft means water can drop in from the top if kids like to splash, or run too deep in to the water
  • Narrower than some other barefoot shoe options–so work best for those with narrow feet

Durability

Our Reima clothes have been high quality and hard wearing, and so far, these shoes have proved to be the same. Based on the mesh and the knit, they could be more prone to holes or snagging. The sandal also has toe bumper, which should help with the durability on the mesh.  The 2024 version of the Astelu sneakers now has a reinforced toe area as well.

We’ve used them for school, around town, down by the creek, to the beach, to the lake, etc. Also, if your child tends to be pretty tough on shoes, then these may not be the best option for them. Overall, I think it’s a good balance of affordability and breathability when looking for a kid’s barefoot shoe for summer.

Reima kids summer sandals

Conclusion

Reima’s barefoot shoes for kids offer a fantastic balance between durability, flexibility, and a foot-friendly design. With their wide toe box, zero-drop sole, and lightweight construction, they support natural movement while standing up to the demands of active play. Many of the models are best suited to those with narrower or lower volume feet.

If you’re searching for kids’ barefoot shoes that can handle everything from playground adventures to outdoor excursions, Reima’s lineup is definitely worth considering!

Use code BAREFOOT20 for 20% off the Reima website.

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