If you are new to minimalist footwear, it can take some getting used to. Especially if you’ve been wearing supportive shoes your whole life, you may find that barefoot shoes are an extreme change. Who knew the ground was so hard??
In this article you will find 13 transitional barefoot shoe brands I recommend as a good starting point for beginners! These are shoes with a wide toe box and flat sole, but a little bit more cushion than you typically find in barefoot shoes. Plus my fave insoles hack that I used as a new barefoot shoe wearer myself!
Let’s dig into your options!
But before we get to shoe brands, here’s a refresher on what makes a minimalist shoe:
What Is A Barefoot or Minimalist Shoe?
To be considered a true barefoot shoe, it must have all of the following characteristics:
- Wide Toe Box – Toe freedom supports the movement of your entire body.
- Flat – No arch support or heel rise (zero drop) for stable, functional movement.
- Flexible – So your feet can bend like they would if barefoot.
*Note: Zero drop means no heel rise, i.e. the shoe is just as thick under your heel as it is under the ball of your foot.*
As you become more comfortable with barefoot shoes you might find yourself reaching for thinner soles (we are trying to mimic being barefoot after all). But a lot of people like to have more cushion when they first start out – and some people always use a little more cushion!
I myself went through a full year of foot and body strengthening before I was comfortable in barefoot shoes, and I needed extra cushion for a while after that. It’s easy to underestimate the impact shoes have on our body, but once you start seeing the benefits of barefoot, there’s no going back. Switching to minimalist shoes is a big change, but it’s 100% worth it.
Want more tips on making a safe and comfortable transition to barefoot shoes? Check out my additional resources below.
Transitional Barefoot Shoe Brands for Beginners
The following is a list of my 13 favorite brands for transitioning to barefoot shoes. They are all foot-shaped, flat, and flexible, but with some extra cushion.
And if you don’t find what you’re looking for, you can find even more options in my Barefoot Shoe Finder, where you can search by region, price range, sole thickness, and width.
Now let’s get to my favorite zero drop shoes for beginners.
Lems Shoes
You can find the Lems Primal Zen sneaker at Anya’s Shop
If you’re looking to become a barefoot enthusiast but have been dependent on cushioned shoes, Lems is a great first step into the minimalist world. You’ll get the immediate benefit of a wider toe box and zero drop heel, but you have plenty of cushion as you learn to change your foot strike pattern. You also have the ability to add an orthotic such as this one if you need some extra support.
The best part about Lems is that they carry a wide variety of unisex shoes for exercise, hiking, and work and they’re stylish too. European residents can purchase Lems at Mugavik Barefoot and use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off.
I’ve linked directly to the ones I recommend, because not all Lems Shoes are zero drop or foot shaped. The options one the Widest sole fit wide to extra wide feet. The options on their Wide sole fit average to wide feet.
Read all my Lems Reviews here!
Altra Running Shoes
Another great brand for foraying into minimalist athletic shoes is Altra. Like Lems, they have multiple widths so I recommend sticking with their wider zero drop options and their thinner soles (still much thicker than any barefoot shoe).
My favorites are the Lone Peak, Escalante, and Superior. For the widest toe box choose Lone Peak Wide (a couple colorways come in Wide).
This is the very first minimalist shoe brand I owned and I immediately noticed how much more comfortable they were on my toes than any other sneaker I had tried. The nice thing about Altra is that it is widely available. You may even be able to try them on in a local running shoe store. But please note that some of their models have extremely thick soles and a low drop (4mm heel) that I do not typically recommend.
Joe Nimble
Joe Nimble is a German functional footwear brand that has an anatomical foot shape, but a thicker sole than you find on most barefoot shoes. They are well made, stylish, and especially good at bridging the gap if you want to continue doing the activities you love but aren’t ready for ultra minimalist shoes yet.
Note that not all models are zero drop and different thickness options, so be sure to read the product descriptions.
Barebarics
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for a 5% discount at the EU shop
Barebarics is a fashion forward brand owned by Be Lenka. They are designed for urban dwellers with a highly abrasion-resistant outsole, a little more cushion than Be Lenka shoes, and a modern aesthetic. They really level up the style game AND the quality game.
Because they have a thicker/stiffer outsole and a more cushioned insole I consider these to be a good transition shoe. You could even comfortably use an orthotic inside them if you needed to. Barebarics also have a fabulous toe box shape that’ll work for wide feet and look damn cool. We carry them at Anya’s Shop in the US with free shipping/returns!
Read my full Barebarics Review here!
Oesh Shoes
Oesh is a women’s brand and is great for someone who wants to wear minimalist shoes every day but still needs a thick sole. With athletic shoes, summer sandals, and even dress shoes, they cover a lot of bases for the modern day woman. The soles are 3d printed in store and were developed to be especially shock absorbent and springy. This results in less impact on the joints, but they are completely flat with no arch support to promote better stability and foot function. Here you can read my experiences with Oesh.
Whitin Sneakers
At around $40, Whitin sneakers are one of the most affordable options out there with lots of casual options. They come with an insole that has a bit of cushion, and you can remove it when you feel like it for a true barefoot experience. They are zero drop and very flexible!
These are a favorite among people who want to try out the concept without making a big investment. And the casual sneakers are even machine washable! I recommend ordering from their “Wide Barefoot” Section for the best foot shape.
You can read my Whitin Barefoot Shoes Review here!
Saguaro Barefoot Sneakers
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 15% off!
Saguaro is an affordable barefoot sneaker brand, and this one comes in a full range of sizes starting at toddler. They come with a removable insole that adds a bit of extra cushion, but not quite as much as the first 5 brands on this list.
The adult athletic shoe models come with an insole that has a slight heel rise, but it’s very minimal and many people transitioning find them an excellent segue to zero drop. You can also remove the insole when you are ready!
At around $36 after my code, they are an easy way to get your foot in the door and see how you like it! My favorites are the knitted version you see here and the Will winter model – both come in the full range of kids and adult sizes!
Read my Saguaro Shoes Review here.
Icarus Footwear
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
Icarus was a pleasant surprise for us on the Anya’s Reviews team. They are a new brand with one model, the Ascent, that comes in men’s and women’s sizes and have been a home run both for our male testers and me.
These sneakers have a sleek design that looks durable, stylish, and still quite wide in the toe box. But possibly the best part about them is they come with 3 insoles that can take you through your transition to barefoot shoes.
The first insole is cushioned and has a 5mm heel rise (not zero drop). The second is 4mm thick, and the third is 3mm thick. You can stack them together to add 7mm of zero drop cushion, or you can remove all insoles altogether to have an ultra thin shoe. These shoes can really transition with you, and will fit most foot types even with the different insole variations.
These are fitting true to size for us.
Flux Footwear
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
Flux footwear is another stylish sneaker option that is zero drop and wider than average. They have a thicker cushioned sole, and a soft knitted upper. The Adapt Trainer (left) has more of a tapered toe box than I prefer, but they can work well if you are new to barefoot shoes or have a narrow foot.
The Adapt Runner (right) has a thicker sole – 22mm stack height – and a wider forefoot, but does have quite a lot of toe spring. This makes Flux a compromise option IMO. They might be exactly what you’re looking for, but don’t meet every one of my personal shoe criteria.
Transitional Sandals
Looking for sandals? There are TONS of minimalist sandal options, but the following are the best ones for newbies.
Bedrock Sandals
Bedrock Sandals are rugged, hard-wearing, and thick-soled. You can choose from a range of models (8-20mm thick), some with mild arch support and others completely minimal. I like Bedrocks because they are secure to your feet, but let your toes be completely free. They are great for both everyday and all kinds of adventuring thanks to the great traction on the sole. They also now have a closed to model, the Mountain Clog!
Luna Sandals
Use code ANYA for 10% off directly from Luna
Luna Sandals has an extensive lineup of running and lifestyle sandals. You can get thick or thin soles that conform to your foot over time and are very secure. One pair of running sandals from Luna should last you years, and can be worn for every day as well as exercise. My personal favorites are the Rooted line of sandals that have traditional leather laces. They are adorable and pass as fashion sandals. The Mono Winged is Justin’s go-to in the summer, and we now carry them at Anya’s Shop!
Shamma Sandals
Get 10% off with code ANYASREVIEWS2023
These high quality handmade sandals come in a variety of thicknesses and features. Shamma Sandals are similar in construction to Luna sandals but with velcro adjustments for easier on and off. They also have a leather strap sandal that is extremely comfortable. These are the most comfortable adventure sandals I’ve tried, and they also look cute as everyday shoes. You can see my full review here.
Earth Runners
Use code ANYA for 10% off
Earth Runners is another brand that is super secure, durable, and lets your toes go wild. They have different thicknesses depending on your needs, but all are completely flat and flexible. I’ve been wearing Earth Runners for a while now and love them for hiking as well as every day wear. They only have one strapping style, and I love how simple it is. I’ve worn mine with dresses, jeans, and basically everything. This is a great brand for both new and seasoned barefooters.
Using Insoles to Transition
My favorite tip for transitioning into barefoot shoes is get yourself some insoles! They add a little more cushion to your barefoot shoes for whenever you need it – they make your shoes more versatile without having to buy multiple pairs.
My two favorite insoles for barefoot shoe beginners are the following:
- NorthSole Insoles – flat, flexible, long lasting and come in two thicknesses
- Bridge Soles – mild arch support and heel lift to aid your transition to zero drop shoes
I used NorthSole insoles myself as I transitioned and they were a total lifesaver! I suddenly had a lot more options to choose from and could still make them comfortable for me. To this day I use them on long travel days and/or joint pain days (I have hypermobility so these happen occasionally for me).
Learn about more insoles to wear with barefoot shoes here!
Wide Toe Box Options Without a Barefoot Sole
If you’re just looking for toe space, but can’t or don’t want a barefoot sole – you have options! Check out the article below to see the list of our favorites.
It Doesn’t Have to be Complicated!
It might feel like there is a steep learning curve when it comes to minimalist shoes, but if you stick with it you’ll be rewarded with strength from the ground up (read my Barefoot Journey here). Maybe you won’t be able to jump in feet first, but getting to know the ins and outs of of the barefoot world will go a long way to help you on your path.
Are you new to barefoot shoes? Here are a few resources you might like:
90 thoughts on “The Best Barefoot and Minimalist Shoe Brands for Beginners”
You are truly inspiring Anya’s…Thanks to your great Blog I managed to find shoes wide enough for my extra large feet! I learned a lot too. I’m starting in this world barefoot and I hope to get through it like you!!..Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!
I’m so glad! Thanks for being here with me.
I didn’t know such a thing existed until today. But I have questions. I live on unpaved rocky ground-with the barefoot shoes will a person feel every sharp rock/rocks? Also it rains here. Will these keep the feet dry during rainy weather (from outside wetness, not referring to moisture from feet themselves)? Thank you.
Hello! Yes, depending on the type of shoe you choose, you will feel the ground a lot more than you are used to. This is a good thing! But it can seem like a lot. It’s a good idea to take a slow and transition to this type of footwear mindfully. If you still want a thicker sole for spending lots of time on rocky ground, then something from this beginner list is great because they all have some cushion. Read more transition tips here.
There are waterproof barefoot shoes for all types of weather! Check out this list of waterproof options here.
Thanks for the amazing info! Like you, I’ve been living in pain in Birkenstocks. I have a wide to super wide, high arch, high volume foot that I’m working to transition out of plantar injury to more healthy setup.
Which of the four sandal brands would you recommend, and why? the options are a bit overwhelming. I was thinking bedrock for transition, but wasn’t sure – I wish there were more options for trying on in real life before buying.
Also, now that altras seem to be trending more narrow, is there anything you’d recommend for transition? I was looking at lems, but worried they might be too thin as a next step.
Thank you so much!
Hi Sarah,
I would check out the printable sandal templates that pretty much all sandal brands offer and choose the one that best fits your foot shape! For a more in-depth look at our favorite adventure sandals, read this article.
For sneakers, I’d recommend Barebarics or the new Primal 3 from Lems.