Loving on your feet does not have to mean being boring. If you’re into avoiding foot pain while embracing your personal style, you’re in the right place. Welcome to my Summer 2026 Style, But Make it Barefoot Shoes roundup!
In this series we focus on trending mainstream styles and how the new arrivals in the natural footwear world can replace them. See the entire But Make it Barefoot collection rounded up here.
When I was in the throes of my foot issues, I hated that I had to wear my supportive sneakers literally everywhere (even with dresses. Ugh, it was the worst). And while it certainly was a process to gain more foot freedom and not be so tied to those shoes, there are now so many anatomically shaped shoe options that make it drastically easier to take care of your feet in style. I would have been a very happy camper 10 years ago with these options! And, many can be adapted to wherever you are in your foot journey with the use of your own insoles.
Woven Flats
Paidal Barefoot
You know I’m a sucker for a good weave. Earlier this year I purchased a pair of these gorgeous woven flats from Paidal Barefoot – a newish brand out of the UK, and I was able to spend some time with the founder at the Barefoot Shoe Expo and learn more about these lovely shoes. Each pair is handmade using a sacchetto construction – the shoe is essentially a leather sock that will mold and conform to your foot. It’s a real weave on the upper with a leather lining (no edges touching your feet) and a very elegant cut. These have a slimmer fit. Word on the street is Paidal will have new models that will come in Wide shortly!
Origo Intreccio
Use code ANYA for 10% off Origo Shoes
Origo also came out this year with a mary jane made of woven leather. Their version is also a real weave, but is not leather lined. It has a wider toe box compared to Paidal, and a thicker buckle (so the overall look is not as sleek). However, for the price point, this may be a better entry point for some people.
The fit is similar to Origo’s other mary janes, which is a good medium wide fit but not extra wide.
Fisherman Sandals
Lang. S Root
Use code ANYALANG for 15% off Lang.S
Fisherman style sandals are always a win for me because they have the security of a closed toe shoe while being breathable like a sandal. They are also easy to style and look equally good with dresses and denim. Two new wide toe box Fisherman sandals came out this year.
The first is from Lang.S – as soon as I saw them online I knew I had to try them. They are so good! The leather is sturdy, they fit securely, and they are stylish. They are on the roomy side, but they fit well enough on my medium width/low volume foot. If you have feet like mine and are in-between sizes I’d err on the smaller side. If you have really wide and higher volume feet I would stick with your usual size. This designs makes it possible for extra wide feet to spill over the sides of the shoe a bit.
Marsolta Fisherman
Just this week I received a pair of these Fisherman sandals from new brand Marsolta, which was started by the influencer Kelly, the Barefoot Shoe Guide. This is her debut model, and they are very nice! They are similar to the Lang.S but with 4 straps instead of 3, a slightly softer feel, and slightly slimmer fit. They actually fit me a little better than the Lang.S sandals because I have a low volume foot. They come in black, tan, and white.
Barebound Ikaros II
Barebound Ikaros Clogs are now available in the US! If you’ve been eyeing this brand, they’re a bit hard to access from North America. But this clog is too good, so we brought it into Anya’s Shop and they are available now. Why are they better than other clogs? 1. They have a backstrap which is important for security on the foot, so your foot can relax. And 2. they are flexible so that your feet can bend and move naturally.
The Ikaros clogs have a 100% suede upper that is both soft and thick/durable. They also have a roomy, wide toe box, and are adjustable over the top of the foot and behind the foot. There is a removable insole, which is a nice touch for a clog – though the inside is unfinished without it, so might not be super comfortable barefoot. Also of note, the Ikaros has a thicker outsole while still being very flexible.
Style wide, the clog persists. I see this style of shoe everywhere, with every type of outfit. You can wear them barefoot with shorts (me today picking my kids up from soccer) or with ruffle socks and denim (how I plan to wear them this fall). I even see people wearing them with skirts! And they are unisex, and look great on men too.
Wyde Maia – Extra Wide Friendly
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 15% off
As you may know, I am a believer in the backstrap. Everyone loves a good slide, but your feet need to feel secure in their shoes to really relax. So that’s why I’ve been impatiently waiting for Wyde Shoes to make their Maia sandals with one! I got my pair this week and already love them. They are the closest to a Birkenstock sandal, but with a softer, more flexible footbed and no arch support (why no arch support? Read more here).
This bit of extra soft cushion is sometimes exactly what I need, so I am really excited about these. They are extra wide friendly and definitely bulky on my low volume feet, but I love them for comfort. I got a size 36. Compared to Birkenstock Arizona in wide, they are even wider than that.
Koel Ila Suede Pink & Green
The beloved Ila! We added a fun color variation this summer to my favorite retro sneaker. The Koel Ila has a generous toe box shape that doesn’t taper off too quickly. They are also secure through the midfoot and heel, so a great option if you’re someone who wants the toe room but hates slipping around in your shoes. They are a good balance between structure and barefoot freedom, so I find I can wear them on long travel days and lots of hard concrete.
Splay Rev SO
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off.
They finally nailed it. The Splay Rev SO is now available, and they are $71 after my discount code. They have achieved that elusive slip-on balance of being both roomy in the toes and secure enough in the hindfoot. They are the perfect Vans slip-on replacement!
The sole looks chunkier than it is, and it breaks in fast and gets even softer. They are wide in the toes with good big toe space, but not extra wide. The volume is medium with the insole and high volume without it. They gape a bit in the ankle area for me, but I have skinny ankles so I expect that they will fit most people quite well.
These are true to size for men and women. I got a women’s 6.5, which is the same size I wore in Vans slip-ons before switching to barefoot shoes. If you’re a Vans lover, I challenge you to give these a try!
High Feels new colors – Extra Wide Friendly
Use code ANYA for 5% off.
High Feels continue to be the sexiest high heel replacement in the natural footwear world! And right now they have new colors and wide on preorder! As a reminder of the fit of these beauties – the standard version has a slimmer, medium to low volume fit. So if you have a wide, higher volume foot then you will want to go for the wide.
We are getting a restock in August of black and brown in the US at Anya’s Shop (if you don’t want to deal with overseas shipping). But if you want to order one of their new colors or the wide version, you’ll need to order directly from them. We may add the wide to our store next year.
New Fleeters Models – Extra Wide Friendly
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off.
Fleeters is known for their bold color combinations and fashion forward styles. They are very soft shoes with a lightly cushioned sole, so are good for people who don’t want an ultra thin barefoot shoe or who are prone to rubbing/blisters. And they have a wide to extra wide fit, but a little sloped so still not great for squarer foot types.
Their Mango Laguna model (above right) immediately stood out to me. I love the color combo! I also have the Mango in mustard and blue and quite like those as well. And for the first time this year, Fleeters has expanded beyond sneakers. They have a chunky leather loafer that is giving major 90s vibes (above left). Again, very soft and comfortable.
And finally, sandals – which have just arrived to their US warehouse so our sample is still on the way. But we tried them at the Barefoot Shoe Expo last May and they are comfy and extra wide fitting. Samantha will be testing those out for us because my feet are too narrow in the heels for them.
Be Lenka Promenade 2.0
You can also find these directly from Be Lenka in the EU and use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off
Be Lenka relaunched their sandals this year, and I took some time to evaluate them because that is how I do. As it turns out I like the 2.o version even better than the original. They have cushion added to the sole and the material is non-slip, so I find that they fit me more securely. I set the buckle where I want it and now slip the back strap on and off.
A lot of people love the Summer sandal style, but for me the Promenade is more comfortable (the strap placement holds my feet better). However, if you have higher volume feet I’d definitely recommend the Summer.
If you’re wondering why I am suggesting they are better for your feet than Birkenstocks… the reasoning here is nuanced. Minimalist shoes have been shown to keep your feet stronger and more supple than rigid supportive shoes. However, a Birkenstock sandal can be therapeutic when your feet are healing or recovering.
Common Tread Sandals
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
Another style similar to the Birkenstock Gizeh! Common Tread is a newer brand out of South Africa, and they recently got US distribution set up as well. They sent me this new sandal of theirs, and I was pleasantly surprised! They are a slimmer fit for sure, but fully leather and only $88 after my discount code – cheaper than almost any other barefoot leather sandal. They have light padding in the insole, which is nice, and they’re very cute. But if you don’t like toe posts, I’d avoid them as it is thick and noticeable for me.
We’ve also recently tried their Kids sandals. They are made of soft buttery leather, are really flexible, and have no break-in time. Samantha’s youngest has been loving them!
Wildling Asawa
Use code ANYA for €5/$10 off
Wildling just released this new printed Tanuki, and I pretty much love them. I’ve worn the Tanuki for 5 years now, I’ve never seen anything else like it. It is the lightest shoe! They’re even more comfortable than socks. They breathe, shed water (I’ve worn them as water shoes), and generally are a delight. This abstract print turns them into wearable art, and I’ve been determined to wear them as often as possible.
Wildling shoes are very minimal, with a true barefoot feel. I have plenty of toe space in my regular size 37, but they are generally not best for extra wide feet.
