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

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

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

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

Code KELLY10 for 10% off

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

ZuZu Sandals Overview

Discount Code

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

Outsole 

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

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

Is it safe to use upcycled car tires in shoes?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Footbed

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

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

Laces 

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

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

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

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

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

Sizing

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

Barefoot Sandal Features 

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

ZuZu Sandal Styles 

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

The Flow 

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

Best for: most barefoot feeling, water activities 

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

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

The Flex 

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Groove 

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

Best for: everyday, versatile travel sandal  

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

The Dune

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

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

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

The Drift

9mm stack height; canvas footbed | $99

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

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

Chelsea boots are a classic for a reason– they’re versatile to style and easy to pull on. Many conventional Chelsea boots feature thick platform soles or chunky heels. While these may be what is trending at the moment, they’re not that great for our feet or our body. For some options that are more foot-friendly, check out barefoot Chelsea boots!

2022 seemed to be the year of Chelsea Boots in the barefoot shoe world. So many barefoot brands released a Chelsea Boot for the first time, and I tested and reviewed a lot of them. They’ve clearly been popular as I’ve been adding to and updating this list with new additions in 2023 and 2024.

Many barefoot shoes are unisex, but a few of these Chelsea boots are only available in smaller sizes or listed as women’s.

Here you can see the difference between a conventional Chelsea boot and a barefoot Chelsea boot:

Here’s what to look for in Barefoot Chelsea Boots: 

Wide toe box — The toe box should be wide, allowing your toes to naturally splay. This means that your big toe can lie straight, so the toe box is either straight or splay out at the big toe. This is one of the most noticeable differences between a barefoot chelsea boot and a conventional boot, which typically has a narrower, pointed, symmetrical toe box. To see a side-by-side comparison of the width of these boots, check out the photos at the end of the post.

Flat — The sole of the shoe should zero-drop, or flat. Chelsea boots tend to have very thick soles or a chunky heel.

Thin & Flexible — The focus on barefoot shoes is allowing the foot to function naturally, which includes a thin and flexible sole so the foot can easily move and bend. A stiff sole is usually pretty standard in boots, which forces us to change our walking gait to compensate for the lack of flexibility in the sole.

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 often times I 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.

Width Comparison for Barefoot Chelsea Boots

Understanding the width of a brand and a style can be a good place to start finding the right barefoot Chelsea Boot for you. These are organized how I find them narrowest to widest–they can vary a bit with style and sole type.

Water-resistant and Waterproof options

I note on each of the boots below which ones are water-resistant or waterproof. Since most of them are leather, they are naturally water-resistant. You can improve this by regularly waxing your boots. This also conditions and improves the lifespan of the leather. The only fully waterproof barefoot Chelsea boots on this list that have a separate membrane are the Lems Chelsea boots.

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

Stylish Leather Barefoot Chelsea Boots

Vivobarefoot Gobi Chelsea Boots

Leather | EU35 – 43 | Lined and unlined versions | $190 | Code BSG20 for 20% off

Vivobarefoot has an urban take on the classic Chelsea boot. The newest version of the Gobi Chelsea Boot is coming in Fall 2024. So far, it will come in dark brown with a gum sole, with both unlined and warm lined options. These Vivobareboot boots have a 4mm sole with a 3mm cork and foam removable insole. The sole is flat, but the outer rubber comes up at the back to give it a look of a heel. The leather is naturally water repellant, but there is not a separate membrane.

Fit & Sizing: Overall, Vivobarefoot fit narrow to medium feet best and tend to have a lower volume fit. I find Vivobarefoot shoes and boots to be true to size, which is usually EU38 for me. You can measure your feet and compare to the size chart, or use the StrutFit app on Vivo’s website that scans your feet from your phone’s camera and recommends a size.

BeLenka Chelsea Boots

Leather | sizes EU36-43| Lined and unlined options |$179 | Code KELLY5 for 5% off

BeLenka has an extensive line of barefoot boots, including several styles of barefoot Chelsea boots. The Entice boot comes in leather or suede, and is lined with a fleece, including a removable fleece insole. The sole is 4mm and has the shape is the same as BeLenka’s other boots, but doesn’t have as deep of a lug pattern on the sole.

The Mojo is a new 2023 style with a knitted, stretchy fabric collar, which makes them very easy to pull on and off and very soft around the ankles. This boot also uses one of BeLenka’s newer outsoles, which it calls the Ergogrip.

The uppers don’t have any special treatment or membrane, but the leather uppers are naturally water-resistant.

Fit & Sizing: For BeLenka’s fleece-lined winter boots, I usually recommend going up a size. Based on my 23.3cm foot measurement, the size EU39 fits best for these BeLenka Chelsea Boots. The fleece lining is fairly minimal, but does still take up some length and volume, so it makes these shoes best for low to medium volume feet. For reference, I wear an EU38 in the unlined Nevada boots and EU39 in the Mojo Chelsea Boots.

Groundies Chelsea Boots

Leather, Vegan | 33-47 | $140 | Extra Wide Options | Code KELLY15 for 15% off

Groundies has a huge selection of on-trend shoes in barefoot styles for both men and women, including this several barefoot Chelsea boot styles. The style pictured above is the Sienna, which has nubuck leather uppers and a rubber edging for durability.  The soles are still thin and flexible, but have a faux side wall that makes them appear thicker like a more conventional boot.

Other great Chelsea boot option from Groundies is the Camden with a taller shaft, which comes in both their regular barefoot fit, and their extra wide Barefoot+ fit.

You can purchase Groundies directly from their website while some styles are available on Amazon in the US.

Fit & Sizing: Groundies has several different sole styles, so fit & sizing differs a bit depending on the type of sole. The Sienna boots have the GS1 sole with 3 mm base, but a faux side wall makes them appear a bit taller. The GS1 soles run a little longer compared to the other sole type (GO1 sole). The EU38 in the Sienna boot is a good fit for my 23.3cm foot measurement as I can wear a bit thicker socks, and even add a warmer insole. I’m an EU38 in the GO1 sole, which includes boots like the Camden.

Shapen Chelsea Boot

Leather | EU35 – 44 | | $149 | Code  BFSHOEGUIDE5 for 5% off

Shapen is known for making stylish barefoot dress shoes and sandals for women, so it was exciting to see them create a line of beautiful barefoot boots this season, including several pairs of Chelsea Boots. The Divine Chelsea Boot (pictured above) uses smooth leather apps and comes in brown, cream and black. They feature a buck that gives them a riding boot feel.

Another favorite of mine from their 2024 collection was the new Shapen Victory (pictured below), which features a taller shaft.

On a spectrum, SHAPEN is on the “very barefoot” end of things as the toe box is wide and naturally-shaped. It accommodates wide and even extra wide feet, depending on the style. The soles for the boots are 5.5mm thin and very flexible. They provide decent insulation while still being very flexible.

These boots do not have any additional inner lining, so they feel a little big compared to all the other styles as I still opted for an EU38. The length feels good with thicker socks, but there is a lot more volume that I needed to fill with an extra insole. This style can accommodate wide, high volume feet. If you plan on wearing these without thick socks or insoles, I recommend sizing down (for me that would’ve been the EU37). 

See a review of all Shapen barefoot boots here, including an UGG-style boot called the Fluffy.

Feelbarefoot on Etsy Chelsea Boots

Leather | US W3 – 16.5 | Customizable | $121 using code KELLY50

The FeelBarefoot Store on Etsy sells leather barefoot shoes handmade in Turkey including these dressier Chelsea boots. They offer a large range of sizes and customizations, so they’re a great brand if you’ve had a hard time finding the right fit. Use the code KELLY50 for a 50% discount.

I love the simple, classic styling of their barefoot Chelsea boots. Plus, they come in a whole rainbow of colors like pink, red and silver. Since barefoot shoes are still fairly niche, most boots are neutral colors like black and brown. Here, you can get them in almost any color.

The soles are leather with an option to add a 2cm rubber outsole. I highly recommend adding the rubber outsole as the leather sole is pretty slick to start off with. Overall, the rubber improves the grip and helps the shoes last longer. Because these have a leather sole, they are stiffer than most rubber barefoot shoe soles, but still offer reasonable movement.

The FeelBarefoot Etsy store also sells leather oxfords, lace up boots, slip ons, and offers some of the styles with a full rubber sole as well.

See my video review here.

Fit & Sizing: I found the sizing chart accurate. I opted for a size US7.5/EU38 with a 23.3cm foot length. I have medium width feet and I feel like I have enough space overall, including the toe box. The Etsy shop lists sizes US Women’s 3 to 16.5, but I’ve heard they’ll work with you on different sizing and even widths.

Wildling Chelsea Boots

Hemp and Wool Uppers | EU 36-48 | $149 | Free shipping code: AWN_ BAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE

The softest and most barefoot option on the list, the Bruklin is a brand new style from Wildling. The uppers are made from a blend of hemp and wool. These Chelsea boots feature Wildlings newer shell sole that are better for wet weather thanks to the taller sidewalls. Though these are not vegan, they do not feature any leather.  These do not come with a separate insole, but you can order a wool one from Wildling to help with warmth and adjust the volume and cushion.

Fit & Sizing: I found these to run true to size. I wear a size EU 38 for my 23.3cm foot measurement. Wildling also has a printable fit kit to help you get the right size.

Mukishoes Chelsea Boots

Leather or Vegan Cork | EU 24 – 48 | $101 – $122 | Code KELLYMUKI for 10% off

The Mukishoes Chelsea boots come in a few different uppers including smooth leather, suede, and a vegan option out of cork leather. Mukishoes places sustainability at the forefront of their product development, and in additional to using sustainable vegan products, they try to use headstock fabric for the inner lining.

These boots are super lightweight and flexible. These are available for both adults and kids, so there is a large size range. Pricing depends on the upper materials.

Fit & Sizing: I opted for the EU38 and these fit me well with thinner socks. These Mukishoes boots fit narrower and medium width feet best.

Magical Shoes Lupino Boots

Suede or faux leather | EU 35-47 | $149 | Code KELLY for 10% off

The Lupino Chelsea Boots by Magical Shoes are a very soft and flexible boot. They come in either sueded leather uppers in grey, black, green, brown and burgundy or a black vegan faux leather. The soles are 6.5mm, made with the brand’s “Magical Rubber” that is super flexible. The boots have a felt lining inside to make them soft and a little warmer.

Fit and sizing: I ended up going with a size EU 39, which is one size up from my typical size. I tried both the 38s and the 39s, so I was able to compare and see which size fit best. See a video comparison of sizing on Instagram.

Based on the length, I thought I’d be in between a size EU 38 and 39. The 38s fit my ankles and overall foot really well, but the extra space was in the heel instead of in front of the toes. These shoes curve out at the back a bit more compared to other boots I’ve worn. My foot was pushed slightly forward, and on the 38s I could feel my toe hitting the edge on my longer foot (which is about 233mm). This doesn’t seem to be a big issue, but likely part of the reason I needed to size up.

 With the 39s I have a little extra room around my ankles and instep, but also enough room for socks and the right amount of space in front of my toes.

Angles Fashion Chelsea Boots

Leather | winter wool-lined option | 33-47 | $181 – $205

Angles Fashion is a Czech barefoot shoe brand that mostly focuses on chic urban leather shoes. They have two different barefoot Chelsea Boot styles: the Nemesis and the NYX. Both are available in 3 colors: black, a darker nut brown, and a warmer cognac brown. 

Since the uppers are leather, they are naturally water-resistant, but there is no additional membrane to make them waterproof.

Sole is 3mm rubber and zero-drop. It rolls up easily into a ball, but is harder to twist or fold lengthwise. It’s feels heavier or firmer compared to some other barefoot shoes with similar some thickness, but still decently flexible. These shoes are made for an urban environment, and there is some prioritization of durability over ground feel. 

Fit & Sizing: Overall, these Angles barefoot chelsea boots fit narrow to medium width feet, and lower to medium volume feet. They’re easy to pull on thanks to the back pull tab and the elastic insert. They fit around my somewhat smaller ankles well.

I found these to run small compared to the size chart. I got a size EU38 in the lined winter version. According to the size chart, this should’ve been 1.9cm of extra space for my 23.3cm foot measurement. I usually shoot for around 1.2cm, but wanted to give myself the extra space for the lining and for thicker socks. Based on the fit, I think an additional size up would’ve been better, especially for thicker socks.

Vegan Barefoot Chelsea Boots

Many barefoot Chelsea boots are made with leather, but there are lots of fantastic vegan options too. Several of the leather options listed above also come in vegan options–including the Mukishoes Chelsea in cork, and the Magical Shoes Lupino in a faux leather. Here are boots that only come in vegan versions.

Feelgrounds Chelsea Boots

Vegan Faux Leather | water-repellant | sizes EU 34-49| $149 | Code KELLY5 for 5% off

Feelgrounds Chelsea Boots are vegan Chelsea Boots that come in black, sienna, and a trendy all-cream color. They have a wide, foot-shaped toe box, and a flat sole (no heel). They have the same sole and tread as the Patrol boots, which are thicker and stiffer than Feelgrounds’ everyday shoes. See my reel on Instagram for a quick video comparison. They have a total stack height of 13mm, so there is a trade off for cushion and protection from the ground vs flexibility and better ground feel. 

The uppers are a faux PU leather. Faux leather can sometimes look shiny and plasticky, but I feel like they did a good job making it look more realistic with a matte finish and some grain to the texture.

The inside is lined with soft microfiber. These are water-repellant thanks to the vegan leather, but not completely waterproof as there isn’t an extra membrane. For a fully waterproof vegan barefoot from Feelgrounds, check out the Patrol winter boots.

The boots are unisex and come in sizes EU34-49. Retail is $149 plus shipping which is usually about $18 to the US. Use code KELLY5 for 5% off at Feelgrounds.

Fit & Sizing: I found these to run true to size. I ordered a size 38 for my 23.3cm foot measurement, which gives them about 1.5cm of extra space. I usually aim for about 1.2cm, but find that a little extra space in boots works better as I’m typically wearing thicker socks. 

Bohempia Rola boots

Vegan ultrasuede | 36-47 | available in extra wide | 132€ | Code KELLY10 for 10% off

Bohempia makes barefoot versions of some popular sneaker and boot styles using vegan uppers. The Role boots use an innovative material made from recycled polyester collected from recycled plastic bottles. They call this durable and breathable material Ultrasuede®. It’s also water-resistant when treated.

The regular barefoot line at Bohempia is already pretty wide and high volume, but they also have a wide barefoot fit that’s even wider. The wide sizes start at a width of 10cm in EU36 and go up to 11.6cm for size EU47. These fit both wide and extra wide feet

Rugged Barefoot Chelsea Boots for Outdoor Adventures

If you’ve been looking for the perfect replacement for your heavy, toe-squishing Blundstones, these lightweight and foot-shaped Chelsea boots will be a definite upgrade.

Lems Chelsea Boots

Leather | waterproof version available | sizes M5/W6.5 – M15| $150 – $165 

These Lems Chelsea Boots feel like a do-it-all, almost indestructible version of a Chelsea boot. If you have Blundstones (or you’ve been eyeing them), but really don’t want to squish your toes or deal with the back pain a heeled boot can cause, then slide on a pair of Lems’ new Chelsea Boots. Like most Lems, these boots have a moderate sole thickness of 14.5mm which makes them great form someone new to barefoot shoes, or someone that simply wants a thicker sole for their boots without losing all the flexibility.

The original Lems Chelsea Boots doesn’t have the best traction, so if you want better grip, opt for the Chelsea Boot Tuff. You do get a bit of a trade off in flexibility though.

Lems offers several: oiled leather brown espresso uppers on the waterproof version, suede light brown uppers on the regular version, and soon coming in all black. I opted for the waterproof version, and it’s performed great, even when standing in a (shallow) river of water.

Fit & 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.

See my video review of the Lems Chelsea Boots on Instagram here.

See a full Lems brand review here.

Xero Shoes Ridgeway Chelsea Boots

Nubuck Leather | Sizes US W5 – 12 | $160

Another contender to replace your Blundstones has entered the chat with this new 2024 release from Xero Shoes. The Ridgeway Chelsea boots come in black or brown nubuck leather that feels soft but durable. I find that nubuck is typically a better option for hiking boots as the velvety matte surface naturally conceals small scratches, scuffs, and abrasions better than smooth or shiny leathers. These are naturally wanter-resistant, but do not have a separate membrane to make them fully waterproof.

The  soles feature Xero Shoes’ signature chevron lug pattern, which makes these the barefoot Chelsea boots with the best grip on this list. They have a great balance of flexibility and ruggedness; my main wish is that these were slightly wider in the toe box as I generally find Xero Shoes a bit too narrow.

These Chelsea boots are available directly from Xero Shoes and at REI in the US. If you’re located in the EU, you can shop directly on Xero Shoes EU website.

For the wettest weather, the Gracie is a short rubber pull-on rain boot. For a less rugged, more minimal option from Xero, check out the Tari boots.

Fit & Sizing: Xero Shoes tend to be best suited for those with narrow feet and toe splay. I find that I usually have to order 1/2 size up in Xero Shoes from my typical US size. I’m wearing these in a women’s US 8. Xero Shoes does offer a free exchange program in the US.

The post 11 Best Barefoot Chelsea Boots: Foot-shaped and Flat appeared first on Barefoot Shoe Guide.