Ohne Project sneakers have been inching up my favorite barefoot sneakers list – they are stylish and comfortable, with a really nice balance of toe space, secure fit, and just a touch of cushioning for all day wear.
Key Takeaways
- Ohne does the retro sneaker look better than almost any other barefoot shoe brand.
- They have a wider toe box than average that should accommodate most foot shapes, and a removable insole makes them more customizable (not quite extra wide/square friendly).
- Made of vegan leather that I actually like – from plant-based materials like corn waste and bamboo.
- Shipping is $34 USD, and returns outside the EU are not accepted, so ordering is tricky! Use code ANYA10 to lessen the sting.
Meet Ohne
Ohne Project was born when founders Manel and Hanna were looking for the best shoes for their newly walking toddler’s developing feet. Convinced by the benefits of barefoot footwear for toddlers and children, they wondered—why should adults settle for anything less? But the barefoot shoe market lacked the stylish sneakers they loved. When Hanna quipped, “I’ll wear barefoot shoes only if you design me some,” Manel took the challenge seriously, launching Ohne Project.
I got my first pair about a year ago, but the brand initially struggled with inventory (as new startups frequently do). That has stabilized a bit, with more available inventory than before. But sizes do tend to sell out quickly, so be sure to sign up for restock notifications if you see something you like! The green pair in this review will be restocked at the end of April.
Ohne Review
Use code ANYA10 for 10% off
All of Ohne’s shoes are entirely vegan and earth-friendly. Each barefoot sneaker is handcrafted in Spain, employing the finest 100% plant-based materials made from corn waste, bamboo and organic cotton. Normally, vegan leathers feel plasticky to me, and I steer away from them, opting for real leather, cotton, or hemp. But I have been pretty impressed by Ohne’s vegan leather, which feels way more natural to me than most.
The shoes are lined with a recycled polyester or microfiber. The microfiber-lined model I have felt a little hot for me last summer, but I adored them in the spring and fall. I wear them with these low cut toe socks.
I am enjoying their good barefoot feel and have what I would consider a medium level of cushioning – perfect for days when a little extra comfort is needed.
The shoes are on the higher end of the price range, coming in at $170 USD, but if you use our discount code it comes down to $153.
What I Love About Them
Ohne nails the retro sneaker look better than almost anyone and have a high-end, fashion-forward look and feel. With three lines inspired by the styles of the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, their designs are a good mix of nostalgia and style. Fun, bold, and effortlessly cool, these sneakers have filled a gap in my collection! And I am loving their more colorful styles too.
I feel like Ohne does a good job of delivering a lot of toe space without looking like it, and the fit is secure around the midfoot and heel so you don’t feel like you’re sliding around. For me, this is much appreciated because I feel like a lot of barefoot shoes are too roomy in the hindfoot.
They also deliver a classic sneaker look *mostly* without sacrificing a natural feel. Their custom-molded sole mimics the look of a traditional sneaker but stays quite thin at under 5 mm (without insole), however it doesn’t bend and freely as well as some other barefoot shoes. It’s still pretty flexy, and gets more so as you wear them.
Finally, a fully finished interior means you can wear them with or without the provided insoles and still enjoy a smooth, comfortable feel.
Sizing & Fit
Ohne Project shoes are:
- True to size – I have a size 37
- Generous width to the toe-box — roomier than Vivobarefoot but not extra wide — making them a good fit for most foot types.
- Comes with two insoles in different thicknesses
- Low to high volume — I have low-volume feet and find the fit ideal with the thinner insole provided, but if you have a higher volume foot you can remove it. And if you have a very low volume foot you can put in the thicker insole.
As of the time of writing this review – shipping comes in at €29 EUR or $34ish USD, and outside of the EU, returns are not accepted – so you will definitely want to order carefully. If you find the shoes don’t work for you, your best option would be to try to resell them online. Something you might want to keep in mind!
In summary, Ohne Project has nailed the balance between style and function, offering some of the best-looking barefoot sneakers on the market. They’re high-quality, comfortable, and eco-conscious, making them a great investment for those who want foot-friendly shoes without sacrificing aesthetics. Just be sure to double-check your sizing before purchasing, given the return limitations.
11 thoughts on “Ohne Project – The Coolest Retro Kicks With Toe Space”
Thanks for the review! Would you be able to share how these fit in comparison to the Barebarics Zing? Are you the same size in both? How do the widths compare?
Yes, I am the same size in both! Barebarics are a little bit wider in the toe box. Samantha fits well in Barebarics, but Ohne is a smidge too narrow in the toe box for her extra wide feet. Barebarics are just a little stiffer/heavier too.
Thank you for the review 🙂 I also love them a LOT. They are good looking and space enough for my toes and hallux valgus.
Hi! I can’t wait to purchase.
Could you let me know how they compare to a Feel Grounds outside mid high top? Splay freedom 101? Or a Birchbury Bramford? I’m a 39 in all of these, but somewhere smack in the middle of the 39/40 sizing guide for Ohne. Don’t wanna mess this one up!
I have a size 37 in Feelgrounds, Size US Womens 7 in Splay, and a 38 in Birchbury Bramford (I sized up for more toe space). Typically I’m a 37 in my barefoot sneakers, and 37 is what I have in Ohne.
Can you recommend knee socks!!! I’ve been barefoot for several years and now have a hard time finding nice knee socks that don’t squeeze my toes. Need to dress up once in awhile
Hi there! You can some ideas for tall socks here.
I’ve been eyeing these shoes ever since I read your review. 🙂 I am very new to barefoot shoes and struggling with which size to buy. I am using a thin orthotic which is around 25.1 cm.
I have purchased a pair of Wyde sneakers, where I’m a size 38. In the Wyde sneakers, I use a thin liner and an orthotic.
In the winter, I purchased a pair of Tikka Lang S combat short boots, which is size 38. The boots are too big, and I have to put in a wool liner plus the orthotic.
But in my Escalante 4’s, 38 is too small, and 38.5 seems to be the right size (with the orthotic).
So as you can see, I am very confused as if I should go for a 38 or a 39!
Sorry for the long-winded explanation. Any advice on which size is best?
I would guess a 38 in Ohne, unless you wanted more space to add an orthotic. I have Ohne project sneakers in 37, Wyde Arcus in 37 (but they run on the big side so I also need to add extra stuff to them) and I tried the Lang S Kombat boots in both a 37 and 38 and the 38s were too big for me (they run big IMO). But in Altra I size up to a 38. So your experience tracks with mine, and I think that if you went up to a 39 in Ohne they would be too big. You never know for sure, but that’s my take
In your review, you said that the Ohne came with two inserts. I still need padding in the shoe since I’m so new to barefoot. I was thinking of keeping probably the thicker (?) insert in, and then putting in my orthotic, which is flexible and also somewhat thin. I do that with the Wyde and it’s OK, but could never do that with the Altras. Do you still suggest 38? Thanks so much for your help!!
I think that would be hard to do in Ohne shoes because they are not as high volume and roomy in the heel as Wyde. You may want to size up one in order to fit the extra insole.