These are what I call “adventure sandals.” You can wear them for your everyday life but also take them off-road, into water, for a hike or jog – all the things life throws at you. Because to me, that’s what barefoot sandals are all about. Letting your feet take you on more ADVENTURES! I’m sharing here my top recommended barefoot sandal brands that can take you anywhere, updated for 2026.
This is based off my personal experience reviewing hundreds of barefoot shoes and brands, alongside my team of testers. I hope it helps you find your perfect barefoot sandals!
Why I Wear Barefoot Sandals
I wear barefoot sandals to preserve my long term foot health and for immediate comfort. They are unique from typical sandals you find in the store because they are:
- Totally flat (zero drop)
- Flexible
- Foot shaped
- Securely attached to the foot
The adventure sandals I used to wear were often heavy with rigid arch support. But I’ve since learned that minimalist sandals promote strength and mobility more than those other sandals. And strong and mobile feet support a pain free body! Learn more about barefoot shoes and how to transition to them here.
But don’t let the word barefoot fool you – I use it loosely. This is really a roundup of functional footwear, or natural footwear if you will. Options range from ultra thin, to cushioned, to lightly supportive. But NONE restrict your toes or your feet’s natural movement.
If you are looking for other sandals, I also have recommendations for stylish women’s sandals and healthy summer sandals for kids.
The Best Barefoot Sandals
Below are my top picks for the all time best barefoot sandals you can do everything in.
1. Shamma Sandals
Vegan or Leather | Sizes US W5 – M14 | 6 – 15mm Stack Height | Cushioned Options | Made in USA
Get 10% off your purchase with code ANYASREVIEWS2023
What I Love About Them: Hands down my favorite do-it-all barefoot sandal brand is Shamma Sandals. The materials are top notch – you can tell immediately by the way they feel on your skin and how well they last after lots of wear. Shamma Sandals come in a range of sole thicknesses from extremely minimal (6mm) to fairly thick (15mm) with deep tread. And yet they are all flexible and light no matter the thickness.
I’d say my top 3 favorites are
- Pacific Avenue – easy slip-on flip flop alternative! Kind of like a Rainbow flip-flop, but secure on your feet.
- Elite Ibex (I use the power straps on these) – thicker, rugged sole for hiking or pounding the pavement. They are still uber flexible and lightweight.
- Trailstar – Good for everything! The strapping makes them extra secure, and I think they’re cute.
I usually choose the leather topped soles because they feel so good on my feet and wick sweat. You also can request customizations for two-different sized feet, extra large or small sizes, different thicknesses, low volume etc.
My only Shamma complaint is that the straps on the Elite models tend to loosen over time, so I have to retighten them periodically. As someone who likes fiddling with my shoes as little as possible, it gets a little annoying.
You can learn more about Shamma Sandals in my previous reviews.
Sizing & Fit Type:
- Mostly true to size, but on the slightly small side. Shamma uses unisex sizing. I am a Shamma 5.5, which converts to a US women’s 6.5
- Wide to extra wide fit – works for many foot shaped and widths, even extra wide feet.
- Fits all volumes, but on some models you may need to use the Power Strap for security.
There are retailers all around the world, use Shamma’s Store Locator here to find the closest to you!
Earth Runners
Vegan | Sizes US W6 – M14 | 7.5mm – 15mm Stack Height | Cushioned Options | Ships from US and retailers around the world
Get 10% off your purchase with code ANYA
What I Love About Them: Earth Runners are a no fuss sandal that looks a little cleaner/less sporty than Shamma sandals. Once you get the strap adjusted to your liking, they are really secure over the arch but completely unrestrictive on your toes. And you can slip them on and off your heel without doing the buckle each time.
I wear mine for just about everything – they’re perfect for hiking, camping, water activities, and they even look pretty cute with everyday outfits. They also come in different sole thickness options depending on how much cushion you want.
Earth Runners are well-loved among my readers, but the most common complaint I hear is that the strap can be irritating between the toes at first. If you have sensitive skin, I recommend choosing the ergonomic laces (labeled with an E on the product listing) because they are the softest.
You can also wet the strap and twist it back and forth to soften, or roll the strap into a burrito shape and stitch it (see my tutorial for this hack here). I have sensitive skin, so these tips make a big difference for me.
For more in-depth info about Earth Runners, read my review of them!
Sizing & Fit Type:
- Runs slightly small – I go up a half size for comfort between my toes, but they recommend a close fit for security.
- Moderately wide toe box shape – likely not suitable for those with extra wide feet.
- Fits all foot volumes.
Xero Shoes
Vegan | Sizes US W5 – M15 | 6 – 11mm Stack Height | Ships from US or EU
What I Love About Them: Xero Shoes makes a variety of practical barefoot sandals at decent prices in different strap styles and different cushioning levels. Also, I am really into the fun colorful options they have (don’t bright shoes make you want to go outside more?).
You can go for a very minimal sandal for maximum ground feel (Z Trek), or a more cushioned option (Z or D Trail) for tougher trails, longer milage, or comfort. The Z or D Trail feel softer and squishier than the other options here, which is nice sometimes. Xero is also one of the best places to get sandals that don’t go between the toes.
Sizing & Fit Type:
- True to size – I wear a size 6
- Average width – not recommended for extra wide feet.
The women’s are narrower than the men’s and come in different colors, otherwise they’re the same - Medium to higher volume – These tend to fit a slightly higher volume foot best. I can tighten them on my low volume feet, but I’m pulling them about as tight as they will go.
Xero sandals around the world:
If you live in Europe, you can also find Xero shoes at Mugavik Barefoot and use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off
Vivobarefoot Ora
Vegan | Sizes US W4.5 – M15 Ships US and retailers around the world.
Use code ANYASREVIEWS15 for 15% off.
What I Love About Them: Vivobarefoot has been tweaking their outdoor sandals, and the 2026 version is called the Ora. They opened up the toes, but kept the functional grippy outsole that makes these work as hiking sandals as well as everyday sandals. The Ora has neoprene & canvas velcro straps that feel nice on my feet – no rubbing or pinching.
And adjusting is a cinch. If you have really low volume feet it’ll be tough to get them tight enough, but I’m able to get a good fit on my narrow heels. The edges of the sole are lifted and cup the foot, which means a couple of things. 1. If you have wide feet you won’t be able to spill off the sides of the shoe. 2. Water and bits of dirt won’t shed as easily. But it does give you a bit more protection from the elements, which I appreciate because I have a tendency to kick rocks when I’m hiking. Overall, good sandals!
Sizing & Fit Type:
- True to size – I would choose your normal close-toed shoe size.
- Average width – these are not super wide, but feel wider than earlier sandal models from Vivo. Men’s are wider than women’s and otherwise identical, so you can order based on your foot type.
- Medium volume, but adjustable.
Luna Sandals
Vegan or Leather | Sizes US Women’s 6 – Men’s 13 | 9 – 19mm Stack Height | Cushioned Options| Ships from US and retailers around the world
You can have out-of-stock sandals made to order in their USA shop!
Use the link above for an automatic 15% off your purchase!
What I Love About Them: Luna Sandals have a classic huarache strapping and durable outsoles. If you are someone who puts a lot of mileage on your shoes, something like the Luna Mono can really take you places. They are on the thicker side, compared to some other options here, but it translates into a longer life. And the longer you wear them the more flexible and molded they become.
The straps also are very high quality and don’t fall apart. I recommend the winged versions, because they hold the strap in place better (other models tend to loosen as you wear them). I also like using the Tech Strap for a more secure fit – especially if you have low volume feet. Luna has a variety of other models in different thicknesses and materials. I also like their hemp footbeds!
Sizing & Fit Type:
- Runs a little small – You can consult their size guide for measurements and printable templates, but I sized up to a 7 in mine (I’m a true 6.5 and often go down to a 6 in sandals for security).
- Medium wide – these have a narrower toe box than Shamma and Earth Runners, and my toes just hang off the edges.
- Fits all foot volumes, if you use the tech strap.
You can also purchase these at Luna Sandals UK
Bahe Respire
Vegan | Sizes 35 – 47 | 13mm Stack Height | Cushioned Option | Ships from UK
Use code ANYA for 10% off your order.
What I Love About Them: The Bahe Respire is unique with a textured footbed that gives you some sensory stimulation. They are also really lightweight, lighter than the other options available with as thick of an outsole. They’re also really easy to adjust (velcro), don’t pinch anywhere, and are really flexible.
And I like that they have a second ring that you can loop the strap through for lower volume feet. Oh, and they have grounding technology. All around win!
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size if you follow their EU sizing. The corresponding US sizes don’t quite match up for me. I have a size EU 37, which they translate to a women’s 6. They fit like an EU 37, but are big for a women’s 6 (I consider an EU 37 to be a women’s 6.5 or 7). I could probably also wear the size 36.
- Wide to extra wide fit – not as wide as the Feelgrounds below, but should be wide enough for a variety of feet.
- Fits most foot volumes
Freet Barefoot
Vegan | Sizes US W5 – M15 | Ships from EU
Use code AnyaFreet gets you 10% off. If you live in the UK, shop Freet sandals here. If you live in the EU shop Freet sandals here.
What I love about them: Freet has two functional outdoor sandals depending on your preferences. The Zennor is a covered toe sandal, similar to a Keens water sandal. The upper is knit and has an elastic bungee that can be tightened around your foot. These have been around for a few years, but the fit was never totally right until the 2026 version. They are both spacious in the toes and secure on different foot types (even low volume). The knit is soft and breathable, and they’re easy to put on and off. Only gripe is that I wish they had an open heel – for better airflow and shedding of water/rocks/dirt.
The second outdoor sandal from Freet is the Lundy, new for 2026. This is your classic velcro sandal, and it comes in some fun colors. The footbed has some cushion, which is appreciate on long walks. The width is more medium, not extra wide like Freet’s other shoes. And I wish I had gotten a 36 instead of a 37 (I’m usually in-between for sandals).
Sizing & Fit Type:
- True to size, but if you are in-between and have low volume feet I’d choose the smaller size.
- Extra wide fit in Zennor, medium wide fit in Lundy.
- Fits most foot volumes – I am able to get a good fit on my low volume foot by tightening the straps. And high volume feet should also be comfortable with both models with strap loosened.
Bedrock Sandals – Wide But Not Barefoot Option
Vegan & Leather | Sizes US women’s 6 – men’s 14 | 8 – 20mm Stack Height | Ships from US
What I Love About Them: Bedrock is a super rugged adventure sandal brand built for extreme activity. The lacing system is robust – it does not slip or loosen at all with wear.
My favorite is the Cairn, which is a thicker model compared to others here, but lightweight and very secure on your foot. They are flexible enough to bend, but there’s not a ton of ground feel (they’re also firm and not squishy).
All Bedrock sandals are zero drop. The “3D” models have a little bit of arch support, and the rest are totally flat. These are a great option for intense hiking/rafting, or if you just want a little more shoe between you and the ground.
You can find a really useful Comparison Guide to the different Bedrock models here.
Sizing & Fit Type:
- True to size.
- Average width.
- Super adjustable lacing first low to high volume feet.
Bedrock Sandals around the world:
- Bedrock AU
- Outsiders Store – UK
- Dismount Bike Shop – Canada
These are just a few, you can find physical shops in the US that carry Bedrock, as well as more online retailers around the world using Bedrock’s Store Locator
Toetem Sandals
Leather | Sizes US women’s 6 – men’s 13 | 2 Widths | 4mm – 14mm Stack Height | Made & Shipped from US
You can use code ANYASREVIEWS for 7% off your order.
What I Love About Them: Toetem sandals have a wide forefoot – the widest if you choose EW – and the adjustments are all velcro and super easy to use. I also love that they are a small, family-run business with each pair handmade in their workshop!
I find the strapping not quite as robust as the others here – they feel more handmade and maybe not as durable for intense use. But they are loved by extra wide-footed friends and overall function well!
Sizing & Fit Type:
- True to size
- Average to extra wide width (Choose EW for Extra Wide)
- Fits low to high volume feet (thanks to the velcro straps and Metastrap option)
Lems Switchback – Wide But Not Barefoot
Leather & Nylon Option | Sizes US W6 – M15 | 17mm Stack Height | Ships from USA
What I Love About Them: The Lems Switchback sandal is a slightly different take on the barefoot sandal. They have fully free toes, no arch support, and a lightweight sole. But they are thick compared to most other models here. In fact, they are similar to Bedrock Sandals – except that the Switchback has an extra wide fit and a 3mm heel rise (is not zero drop). I would also say they are lighter and softer than Bedrock. And this year they are coming out in an even softer, and more colorful, knit version.
I am a proponent of zero drop as much as possible, but 3mm is within the range of normal heel height variation, so not going to have a huge biomechanical effect on you. And a very small heel rise might be something you’re looking for depending on your current body state, use case of the sandals (e.g. if wearing a heavy pack).
That aside – they are a rugged sandal with tons of toe room and sturdy adjustments (so the straps don’t loosen). My biggest complaint was that I found it difficult to move the strap through the side buckles. The top adjustment is easy, but on the sides it took some doing. Now that I’ve got it on the tension I want, I only adjust the top buckle to put the sandal on.
Sizing & Fit Type:
- True to size – I first got a size 7 because I’m used to sizing up in Lems, but I didn’t need to.
- Extra wide fit – I’ve got lots of space all around my foot! But because they fit securely it’s not an issue.
- Adjustable volume – single piece of webbing that is fully adjustable.
Additional barefoot sandals around the world
Here are more favorites from different regions around the world!
Peracles (AU) – Custom sizes. Super minimalist all leather sandals that I love.
Peracles closes for a couple months in the spring (or fall for Southern Hemisphere) so plan accordingly.
Wildsole Sandals (UK) – Sizes UK Kids 10 to Adult 14 or custom option. Wildsole Sandals are lightweight, flexible, and really practical adventure sandals with several outsole options available.
Wildsole now ships to the US! Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
ZuZu Sandals (Israel) – Vegan or leather, Sizes EU 34-47. The soles on ZuZu sandals are made from recycled tires, so they feel a little heavier than other brands but they are a solid option available in 2 different stack heights.
Use code ANYA10 for 10% off
Panta Sandals (EU) – Sizes EU 37-47+. These barefoot sandals are light, comfortable, and can be worn both as a lifestyle sandal or for athletic use. They also come in children’s sizes.
Nallu (EU) – Sizes EU 35-48
Laboo Leather (EU & US) – Sizes EU 35-45, but run slightly small. Fully adjustable leather sandals that are functional for just about any activity. Read more about these here.
Pyopp Fledge (Asia) – Sizes EU 36-46
La Mexa (Mexico) -Vegan, suitable for feet measuring 23-30cm.
Deliberate Life Designs (US) – Vegan, Sizes US Women’s 5 – Men’s 14. handmade to order using recycled climbing slings. They’re a great brand if you have an uncommon foot type, because they come in 5 different preset shapes and 5 different outsole options. And if none of those work, you can still choose the fully custom route. Read my in-depth review of Deliberate Life Design Sandals here.
Get 10% off your purchase with code ANYASREVIEWS
Unshoes Footwear (US) – Vegan, Sizes US Women’s 5 – Men’s 13 (some customizations available). These are really easy to take on and off because of the buckles and elastic, and they can be easily worn both for everyday and sport. The Wokova Feather shown here is my favorite model.
Get 10% off your purchase with code ANYA
Paisley Running Sandals (US) – Custom sizing with lots of different strap placement options. You can read my thoughts on these here!
The owner of this shop is a teacher and is only open in the summer months.
Covered-Toe Barefoot Sandals
Looking for a barefoot shoe/sandal hybrid? The following are similar to a Keen style sandal, but with a barefoot sole. They can be used for more protection while hiking or in water activities. *Some are more shoe than sandal, but I included them anyways because they are water friendly!!*
Freet Zennor – Great barefoot adventure sandal from Freet. These were updated for 2026 and have an improved fit. They have a wide, generous forefoot, but secure well to the foot. I only wish the back was open for easier water and dirt shedding! Code AnyaFreet gets you 10% off.
Sole Runner FX Trainer – These ship from Germany and are a high quality sandal built for outdoor adventuring.
Wildling Feder – These are extremely lightweight and don’t offer much toe protection, but they function well for walking and cover some toes (they still peek out on the sides)
If you live outside the US, shop Wildling EU here. Use code AWN_ANYA_S for a one-time free shipping offer.
Zaqq QERRY & QLEAR Sandals – These are leather and seem geared more for hiking instead of water use.
Bedrock Mountain Clogs – The mountain clogs are functional like a sandal, but with a covered front. These are built on Bedrock’s 3D outsole which is zero drop but has a small raised arch. Read the full review here for all the details.
Barefoot Sandals Without A Toe Post
Many of the barefoot running and hiking sandals have a toe post or thong strap. If you’re someone who doesn’t tolerate that, check out these options of barefoot sandals that do not go between the toes!
These are a few of our favorites, but for even more options head to the Complete Sandals List.
Freet Lundy (EU/US/UK) – Sizes EU 37-48. Use code AnyaFreet for 10% off
Feelgrounds Pathways (EU) – Sizes EU 35-49. Use code ANYA5 for 5% off your first order. These have an extra wide foot shape!
Zuzu Drift (EU) – Sizes EU 37-46. Vegan materials with a 9mm natural rubber outstole. Use code ANYA10 for 10% off
Rutsu Sandals (US) – Sizes EU 36-45. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 15% off.
Monk Sandals (EU) – Sizes EU 37-46
Xero Shoes (US) – Sizes US Women’s 5 – Men’s 15
Saltic Trek (EU only) – Sizes EU 34-47
Unshoes Pah Tempe (US) – Sizes US 5-12. The Uinta can also be worn without the toe loop – review here. Use code ANYA for 10%
Wildling Feder (EU & US) – Sizes EU 36-48 . Read my Wilding review here!
If you live outside the US, shop Wildling EU here. Use code AWN_ANYA_S for a one-time free shipping offer.
How To Pick A Size in Barefoot Sandals
Everyone has unique preferences for how they want their barefoot sandals to fit, but here are a few guidelines to make it easier.
- In general, sandals do not need as much extra length in front as close-toed shoes.
- Sandals about .5cm – 1cm longer than your foot is often a good range.
- Sandals that are too long can end up being a tripping hazard.
Learn more about how to measure your feet and use a size chart here!
116 thoughts on “The Best Barefoot Sandals for ADVENTURES in 2026.”
I’ve been looking for a good pair of barefoot sandals for my upcoming hiking trip and I’m excited to check out these recommendations! Anya, thanks for sharing your expertise and helping me make an informed decision.
Hi Anya,
I saw that you have visited Softstar, and really like the brand. They are launching the “Camino Sandal” and wonder what you can say about the design. Main focus for me is the front buckle. I have never been completely comfortable with the toe strap on Shammas and Earth Runners, and can see the advantage of a buckle. However, the buckle looks a bit high, covering some of the toes, potentially inhibiting toe spread. What is your verdict here?
Hi Ken! I just got my sample pairs of these and will be covering them in my newsletter with more details. So far the front straps don’t seem to be inhibiting my toe splay too much, but the leather is really thick and needs breaking in. I’ll be wearing them around more to see how they feel after a while.
Hello! Do you know any men sandals, which are made of leather, but all leather? Thank you very much!!
The new Softstar Camino is one!
What barefoot sandals have the widest width? I have a wide toe splay and found EarthRunners to not be wide enough. Thanks!
Hi Kat, Toetem and Shamma are both wider than Earth Runners.
It depends on the footbed. I’m a heavier guy and I’ve found that the “trail foam” breaks down rather quickly. I destroyed the Z-Trail EV and Veracruz in one season each. I threw away a pair of Aqua Clouds after just a 3-day camping trip because the foam compressed too much and the sandal would pinch my foot between the foam and rubber portions as I walked.
BUT, I absolutely love the Z-Trek and the Genesis, which just have the minimalist rubber sole and no “trail foam”; and I have one pair of Z-Treks about to go into their 4th summer – still in great shape. And aside from the sandals with Trail Foam, I’ve had very positive experiences with a range of shoes, boots, and sandals from Xero.
Hi Anya, you are doing great things for natural and barefoot shoes and boots. But .. I, like so many women, have bunions, which make strappy sandals hopeless; the bunion sticks out between the straps. Even flip flops are no good, as I prefer to hide the bunion. Could you put pressure on the shoe designers to cater for us?
What kind of sandal design are you looking for? You might find some alternative strapping styles that would work for you in this sandal article. EG the Origo Huarache sandals – they cover the bunion but don’t put pressure on it.
This is a good post with lots of links, including EU/US distinction – exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!
I want a shoe like I see in the first picture. They are black in the top row second from the right. The shoe has a toe loop and then the next band is well below the baby toe. I couldn’t find that specific pair anywhere in your list.
Hi! Those are the Shamma Trailstars.
What about Xero Genesis? Visually they look like Chala.
And do you think textile or leather footbeds (something that protect your feet from touching rubber sole) are obligatory for comfort?
I usually prefer textile or leather footbeds on my sandals because they help with sweat absorption and just feel nicer. But I also wear rubber insole sandals. Xero Genesis is fine, but they fit higher volume feet best and a lot of people with slimmer feet/thinner heels can’t get a secure fit. So depends on your foot type.
xero sandals are crap as far as quality – people need to know this. you give them a glowing review. the sandals last about two months
Any thoughts on a barefoot sandal for people with drop foot? I find barefoot shoes to be ideal for drop foot.
I don’t know much about drop foot personally. But if you like barefoot shoes in general, then I think many of these could be an option.
Could you add a comment on the softness of the sole for each of these? I see you added it for the Xeros. I have the Shamma trailstars, alpha I believe, and the sole is so hard that I really don’t wear them. It’s plenty thick, maybe too thick for my taste even, but the material is just firm.
I literally wear NorthSole insoles with all of my shoes except Lems in which I use their insoles but I can’t do that with sandals.
Xero D and Z Trail are the squishiest. And you may like the sole on the Lems sandals, which is also on the softer side. Otherwise they all have that firm feel to them. I wonder though, have you tried Shamma’s leather topped sandals? You mentioned the Trailstar – I have the Maximus Tan Sahara and that couple millimeters of soft leather makes a difference! But I’m going to guess that you’ll like the sole thickness and softness of the Xero D and Z Trail best.