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Have you been curious about the health benefits of barefoot shoes, but scared by the hefty price tags? Many barefoot shoes are expensive, it’s true. But you don’t need money to reap the benefits of going barefoot. Below is a list of affordable minimalist shoes to get you started!
Even one pair in your closet will greatly increase the time you spend using those foot muscles, and you can work up from there. Don’t forget, it doesn’t cost a thing to be barefoot.
For a curated list of my favorites from this list, check out this roundup of the Top 10 Affordable Barefoot Shoes for Adults!
If you’re interested in minimalist footwear and not sure where to begin, be sure to check out my shoes lists and reviews to get familiarized! There also is an Affordable Barefoot Shoes for Kids post
Under $25
- Cinderollies – These are cute flats, made with stretchy faux leather. Very minimal, but won’t last forever. See my mini review here
- Fitkicks – Sock like, and do the job!
- JOOMRA Gripper socks
- TSLA Water Shoes
- Water Shoes – $10 There are several different brands on Amazon, but they all look to be about the same, and all in the same price range. Not sure how they hold up.
- Whitin – This Amazon brand has some water and Lacrosse shoes that are $20 and below. You can read my full review of two Whitin Barefoot Sneaker styles here.
- Xero Shoes DIY Kit – Make your own sandals with this kit from Xero. Read the review here
Walmart and Target are both known for having cheap sneakers that are thin and flexible. I always check under the insole in case there’s a hidden wedge to take out, and the toe boxes can be tapered. But Faded Glory, Time and Tru, and Mad Love all make minimal sneakers that are very soft, flexible and really cheap.
$50 or less
Sandals
- Monk Sandals
- Tara Sandals DIY Vegan Kit – Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
- Tarasoles DIY Kit
- Xero Shoes Sandals– The Jessie, Cloud and Genesis Sandals. Read all my Xero Shoes Reviews here. If you live within the EU, click here for Xero Shoes EU
Shoes
- Collegien – Rubber bottom sock-like footwear that looks like shoes
- Joomrah Running Shoes
- Mishansha Water Shoes – Look like tennies to me!
- Saguaro Barefoot – Popular affordable water shoe that functions like a sneaker. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 15% off! Read the full review here
- Splay Shoes – The Kids models go up to EU 39 so will fit some adults! 10% off with code ANYASREVIEWS. Read my Splay review here
- TSLA Running Shoes
- Tough Little Piggies – Handmade rubber bottom moccs made in the USA
- Velho – Simple sneakers that are lightweight and flexible, but with a more tapered toe box.
- Whitin – The running shoes from this brand were nicer than I expected! Read the review here
$75 or less
Sandals
- Chala Classic – Great super flexible sandals that can be tied many ways. Read the review here! Use code 93D5B5E9 for 5% off
- Earth Runner Sandals – Primal Lifestyle Sandals. Get 10% off with code ANYASREVIEWSER10
- Geniale Sandals – Leather and vegan options. ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off
- Grecian Sandals (Etsy, Women’s) – Request Barefoot sole. See my review here.
- Joe Nimble freeToes – International customers use code
AFFANY10for 10% off your first purchase. - Magical Shoes Caballo
- Nallu Shoes
- Savopoulos Grecian Sandals (Etsy)
- Shamma Sandals Cruzers – I love Shamma Sandals! Read my Shamma reviews here. Use code ANYASREVIEWS2023 gets you 10% off
- Tara Sandals – Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
- Tikki Sandals – Also available at Anya’s Shop
- Unshoes – Wokova and Keota sandals. Read my Unshoes Reviews here. 10% off with code ANYA
- Xero Z Trek – See all my Xero Shoes Reviews here. If you live within the EU, click here for Xero Shoes EU
- Zauri
Shoes
- Anatomic – Available for US residents at Pedterra and use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off your first order!
- Skinners
- Starry Knight Design – Sole soft leather moccasin style shoes with optional add-on rubber sole
- Xero Shoes – Read all my Xero Shoes Reviews here. If you live within the EU, click here for Xero Shoes EU
Dress shoes (women)
- The Storehouse Flats – My review here.
- Ursanina Flats – You can get these custom made to your foot shape!
- Xero Shoes Knit Phoenix – Great Rothy’s dupe! My review here. If you live within the EU, click here for Xero Shoes EU
Boots
- Minnetonka has soft soled leather boots and can also be found on Amazon. They come in men’s as well, but are a little more expensive.
$100 or less
Sandals
- Bedrock Sandals Classics
- Curious Red – Get $5 off with code ANYASREVIEWS
- Deliberate Life Designs Sandals – Custom from a tracing or choose from many standard shape options. See my review here. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
- Earth Runners – Get 10% off with code ANYASREVIEWSER10
- Everleigh Meadow Mama Sandals– Leather closed-toe sandals made in the USA!
- Feelgrounds Seaside – These are really popular! Read more about them in this Top 10 article
- GAIA Grounding Sandals
- Good Earth Sandals
- Joe Nimble humaraToes – International customers use code
AFFANY10for 10% off your first purchase. - Luna Sandals – Get 10% off your Luna Sandals order with code ANYA
- Magical Shoes Aurora – 10% off with code ANYA
- Paisley Running Sandals – Custom shape from a foot tracing with several sole options. Read my review here
- Panta Sandals (EU only)
- Savopoulos Grecian Sandals (Etsy)
- Shamma Sandals – Read my Shamma reviews here. Use code ANYASREVIEWS2023 gets you 10% off
- Source Solo Sandals
- Tara Soles – Asphalt model.
- Unshoes – Pah Tempe 2.0 and Saffron. See all my Unshoes reviews here. Get 10% off with code ANYA
- Juuri
- Wildling Feather – Read my 2022 Wildling review here
- Xero Shoes Z Trails – Read all my Xero Shoes Reviews here. If you live within the EU, click here for Xero Shoes EU
- Zeazoo – Code ANYASREVIEWS gets you 5% off
Shoes
- Astra Loyak water shoes – These are zero drop and super flexible once you remove the insole
- bLifestyle – EU only
- FeelBarefoot (Etsy) – Handmade in Turkey. Read my full Review here and use code ANYASREVIEWS35 for 35% off
- Feelgrounds – Droptop Mesh. Read all my Feelgrounds Reviews here
- Freet – Use code AR-10 for 15% off. Read my Freet Review here
- Origo Shoes – Canvas model. Use code ANYA for 10% off. Ships to US and Canada only
- PaperKrane – Up to size EU 42. Also available at Anya’s Shop
- Peerko – Textile sneakers. Use code ANYASREVIEWS10 for 10% off
- Posh Panda – Soft leather slip on moccasins made in Canada. Read my review here
- Softstar Shoes – Adult Roo Moccasin
- Sundried (UK)
- Unshoes – Terra Vida & Forager. My review here. 10% off with code ANYA
- Xero Shoes – Prio. Read all my Xero Shoes Reviews here. If you live within the EU, click here for Xero Shoes EU
Dress Shoes
Men’s
- FeelBarefoot (Etsy) – Handmade in Turkey. Read my full Review here and use code ANYASREVIEWS35 for 35% off
Women’s
- FeelBarefoot (Etsy) – Handmade in Turkey. Read my full Review here and use code ANYASREVIEWS35 for 35% off
- Groundies – Several styles of ballet flats that are very lightweight and flexible. Read all my Groundies review here. Select styles available at Anya’s Shop
- PaperKrane – A women’s Mary Jane in sizes up to EU 42. Get 10% off with code ANYASREVIEWS
- Xero Shoes Leather Phoenix – My review here. If you live within the EU, click here for Xero Shoes EU
- Yosi Samra – Samara flats
Boots
- PaperKrane has some Chelsea boots and chukkas in adult sizes up to EU 42 – ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off. Select styles available at Anya’s Shop
- Tikki Shoes – Only available up to size EU 39
- Xero – Gracie Rain Boot. Read the review here. If you live within the EU, click here for Xero Shoes EU
$150 or less
Sandals
- Ahinsa Sandals – Vegan. Use code
ANYASREVIEWSfor 10% off - AVO – EU only
- Be Lenka Women’s Sandals – Code ANYASREVIEWS gets you 5% off (returns are only accepted from within the EU and USA). You can find Be Lenka at Anya’s Shop!
- Bedrock Sandals
- Chala – Use code 93D5B5E9 for 5% off. Read the full review here
- Crupon – Gorgeous handcrafted leather sandals with charming vintage details. See my review here. Use code ANYA for 10% off
- The Drifter Leather – Custom leather sandals! See this post about ordering and my Safita review here.
- Gea Soles – See my Gea Soles Yrsa review and this Instagram post about the Tarian sandals
- Laboo Leather – Fully adjustable straps in brown or black!
- Lonnies Sandals – Only ships to the EU. Read more about them in my Top 10 article
- Luks Shoes
- Luna Sandals – Use this link for 10% off
- Running Pads – Standard fit. See my review on Instagram.
- Shamma Sandals – A favorite brand for many, including me. Read my Shamma review. Use code ANYASREVIEWS2023 for 10% off
- Shapen Barefoot – Use code
ANYA5for 5% off. Read my Shapen review here - Softstar Solstice Sandal
- Sole-Runner FX Trainer
- Sole-Runner Rhea
- Zaqq – Quite a few options
- Zeazoo – Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off. Lots of great choices, many available at Anya’s Shop (including exclusives!)
Shoes
- Ahinsa – Vegan. Use code
ANYASREVIEWSfor 10% off - Be Lenka – Select styles available at Anya’s Shop! Direct from Be Lenka, use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off (returns are only accepted from within the EU and USA). See my Be Lenka Reviews here!
- Blifestyle – EU only
- Bohempia – Cool vegan sneakers in regular and wide widths! Get 10% off with code ANYASREVIEWS. Select styles available at Anya’s Shop
- Feelgrounds – Vegan sneakers. Read all my Feelgrounds Reviews here
- Groundies – Tons of options with great style in this price range. Read my Groundies Reviews here. Select styles available at Anya’s Shop
- Icarus Footwear – Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
- KIUU – EU only
- Luks Shoes – Buttery soft leather shoes
- Magical Shoes – Really lightweight and flexible. Read all my Magical Shoes reviews here. Use code ANYA for 10% off.
- Mukishoes – See all my Mukishoes Reviews here. Use code ANYAMUKI for 10% off.
- Origo Shoes – Vegan and Leather options. Use code ANYA for 10% off. Ship to US and Canada only
- Peerko – Leather sneakers. Use code ANYASREVIEWS10 for 10% off
- Revivo – Reconditioned Vivobarefoot shoes
- Tadeevo – My review here. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off
- Tolos – Use code ANYA10 for 10% off
- Vivobarefoot – Read all my Vivobarefoot Reviews here. Use code VBANYA10 for 10% off
- Wildling – Some of the lightest and most flexible barefoot shoes! Read my 2022 Wildling review here
- Xero Shoes – Read all my Xero Shoes Reviews here. If you live within the EU, click here for Xero Shoes EU
- Zapato Feroz – This spanish brand does not ship to the US, but we carry select styles at Anya’s Shop!
- Zkama
- Zlatush
Dress Shoes
Men’s
- Ahinsa – Vegan. Use code
ANYASREVIEWSfor 10% off - Anya’s Shop Loafers – Made in Turkey, designed by me with foot health and style in mind!
- Be Lenka Icon – Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off (returns are only accepted from within the EU and USA).
- Also available at Anya’s Shop. Read all my Be Lenka Reviews here
- Birchbury Bramfords – A dressier leather sneaker that could work with some professional wear. See this Instagram post for my review.
- The Drifter Leather – Lots of great men’s styles in this price range! But ordering is difficult and there will be an extensive wait time. See my post here for more info.
- FeetSutra – Simple black and brown loafers. Read my review here. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
- Freet Citee – Use code AR-10 for 15% off. Read my Freet Review here
- Groundies – Usually several dressy styles to choose from. Read all my Groundies review here. Select styles available at Anya’s Shop
- Lems Nine2Five
- Magical Shoes – Use code ANYA for 10% off
- No(N)s – Beautifully crafted leather shoes
- Peerko Smart
- Softstar – Primal Sawyer
- Sole-Runner – Several choices in this price range
- Tadeevo – Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off
- Zeazoo – Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off.
- Zkama
Women’s
- Ahinsa – Vegan. Use code
ANYASREVIEWSfor 10% off - Angles Fashion – Read my Angles Fashion review here. Use code ANYA for 5% off directly, or find Angles Fashion at Anya’s Shop
- Be Lenka – Several women’s flats styles new in 2022. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off (returns are only accepted from within the EU and USA). Select styles also available at Anya’s Shop. Read all my Be Lenka Reviews here!
- The Drifter Leather – Lots of great women’s dress styles in this price range! But ordering is difficult and there will be an extensive wait time. See my post here for more info.
- FeetSutra – Simple black and brown loafers. Read my review here. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
- Gea Soles – Beautiful and unique leather shoes made to your measurements. See my Gea Soles Yrsa review.
- Groundies – Groundies always has many options with great style. Read all my Groundies review here. Select styles available at Anya’s shop
- Lems – Nine2Five and Chukka
- Lisbeth Joe – Read my Lisbeth Joe reviews here. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
- Magical Shoes Ballerina – See my review here. Use code ANYA for 10% off
- No(N)s – Beautifully crafted leather shoes.
- Oesh Dream flats – See my review here.
- Shapen Barefoot – Use code
ANYA5for 5% off. Read my Shapen review here. Also available at Anya’s Shop (sign up for emails to save 10% off your first purchase!) - Softstar – Mary Jane
- Sole-Runner – Several choices in this price range.
- Tadeevo Ballet Pumps – Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off. Read the review here
- Unshoes Primrose – Leather moccasin style flat. Use code ANYA for 10% off.
- Zaqq – A huge variety of styles in this price range.
- Zeazoo – Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off. You can find several Zeazoo Sandals at Anya’s Shop!
- Zkama
- Zlatush
Boots
- Bohempia – Get 10% off with code ANYASREVIEWS.
- Freet Mudee – Read my Freet Review here. Use code AR-10 for 15% off.
- Gea Soles – Unique handmade leather lace up boots
- Groundies – Always a variety of stylish options! Read all my Groundies review here
- Lems – Several variations of the Boulder Boot. See my video review of the Waterproof version here. European residents can purchase Lems at Mugavik Barefoot and use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off
- Magical Shoes – See my thoughts in this post. Use code ANYA for 10% off.
- Wildling – Lots of lace up boots available in seasonal collections. See my Wildling Reviews here.
- Xero Shoes – A few boot options, read my Xero Shoes Reviews here. If you live within the EU, click here for Xero Shoes EU
- Zeazoo Dingo – Read my review here. ANYASREVIEWS gets you 5% off from Zeazoo, but you can also order them from Anya’s Shop
More ways to save
Buying used is a great way to save money, as long as you know what to look for. I don’t recommend buying expensive used shoes in a brand you haven’t tried before, but if you’re getting a good deal and can resell/return if they don’t fit, go for it!
Great places to buy/sell used barefoot shoes:
- Minimal Shoe Buy/Sell/Trade Facebook group
- Poshmark – I’m a big fan of Poshmark! If you use my code THEJENSENS2 you get a $5 credit upon opening an account.
- Ebay
- Mercari – Not as much selection as the others, but cheaper prices and you get a $10 credit when you use this link.
- Amazon (You can find several brands of barefoot shoes here, check out my Amazon Barefoot Shoe finds for the full list.
26 thoughts on “Affordable Barefoot and Minimalist Shoes”
This is so helpful, thanks Anya. Do you think the Yemeni shoes would be barefoot friendly? There are a couple on Etsy that make them to fit your foot, they appear to be zero drop…. but I’m not sure how flexible the soles would be. I’ve asked… fingers crossed! They’d be perfect with trousers for work.
I looked into this, and they look like they have a lot of potential. I would verify with each seller that they are zero drop and that the entire shoe is leather. If that’s the case, they should stretch well to accommodate your foot, since they look narrow to begin with.
Hi! I’ve been reading so many of your articles. I have a deep love for berkenstocks. I recently bought a pair of WITHIN shoes and like those alot. I’m wondering though, if you know of any shoe brands that also have wide toe boxes that may not be barefoot shoes (other than berkenstocks). If not no worries I just thought I’d ask the guru!
Hello! Keen does a pretty good job with a wide toe box, and I’ve heard Earth Shoes are nice and wide. Otherwise, I think Birkenstock takes the cake in that area.
I’ve been dealing with very wide feet (USA women’s 6.5 EE or EEE) for years, and just found out about barefoot shoes. Here are a few brands of conventional shoes that might work.
Munro Shoes – women’s shoes, dress and casual. Most styles are in XXW, EE equivalent.
New Balance has very wide sports shoes
Merrill makes only one width, but fits very wide feet surprisingly well. My Minnesota snow boots are from Merrill, I can even wear thin wool socks in them.
I wish you had pictures associated with the bullet point😅 love following your reviews though, thank you!
Thanks for the feedback!
I tried the Velho shoes after seeing them here so I thought I’d come back and say a bit about them. The soles are thicker than I expected, so I don’t feel the ground as much as I’d like, and the toe box is not tight but it is tapered enough that you don’t have a full range of spread. However, they’re really flexible and comfortable straight out of the box and the price is definitely appealing. I wouldn’t recommend it to those who are used to being truly barefoot, but they seem like a great pick for people who are new to minimalist shoes. You get to break away from stiff shoes and try something flexible without the shock of feeling every pebble under your feet, for an approachable price. Possibly also good for people who are apprehensive about thin soles because they live in places where there are many hazards on the street. Overall I’d say they’re an excellent beginner shoe but likely an underwhelming choice for the enthusiast.
Thanks so much for this feedback! Glad to hear they are a good starter shoe.
Anya, What do you think of these? https://comfyfootgear.com/products/soft-leather-womens-flats-for-bunion
Hi! They look like they have a nice wide toe box and a thin sole, but I can see there is a slight heel rise. So I would buy according to how important that is for you.
I just wanted to comment about the $10 Amazon water shoes! I work at a hospital and am running constantly so I go through shoes like crazy and hate spending a bunch of money when they end up covered in blood and who knows what else. The cheap Amazon water shoes have been my favorite so far! They last me about 3 months before I walk through the sole of them but they are so easy to throw in the wash with my scrubs and come clean every time. The sole is pretty non-slip on wet floors too but not so good on sandy floors. Highly recommend them for a barefoot shoe you don’t mind getting trashed!
I’m glad I researched and found this whole new world of healthy shoe options to the mainstream. Phew, I was close to buying a pair of rigid, popular clogs and then saw your site. I enjoy your reviews and I am excited to go in this healthy direction. Can you tell me what brand the gray cotton sneakers are in the picture at the top of this article? They are next to the red lace ups on the right side with the little pattern inside. Thanks!
Hi Tricia! These are an old pair of Wildlings, unfortunately not available anymore. 🙁 I’m glad you found your way here!
I did not find Wildlings in your reviews. They are quite pricey and I had a heck of a time trying to do business with them. They think that a size 43 is equal to US Women’s 10, which it is not. The shoe seemed strong, but I’m not so sure they could take any wet conditions. The return of the shoes and the insoles was confused and took a lot of time.
I have quite a few Wildling reviews on my site, I love the shoes. But I agree that their size conversion to US is odd – fortunately I already knew my EU size so I went with that and not with their US size conversion.
Do you know if the belenkasale.com is a legit be lenka site or just a scam? If so, they have some pretty good sale prices on shoes going out of inventory/style maybe?
It’s a scam. Unfortunately it’s been a problem lately, there are fake Vivobarefoot, Groundies, and Xero sites as well. Be Lenka only has one website!
thank you! I came here to find out the same thing.
Hi Anya,
I want to let you know that PedTerra is not a reliable company and I would never trust them to buy shoes from ever again. I bought Lenka SnowFlakes based on your review and they were small, I have been trying to get a return label from them the past week but no response. I suggest that you do not collaborate or recommend them.
I live on a limited budget and spent a significant amount for my daughter foot health but she can’t even use it.
I’m sorry to hear about your troubles ordering from PedTerra. I have heard things happen slowly there, but I expect they will get back to you with a return label at some point (hopefully sooner rather than later). It’s still good for people to know that they might have to wait a while for responses, since that can be a deal breaker. Let us know if things works out!
What make are those leopard print ballerinas, please? And do you know whether they sell in the UK?
Those are from The Storehouse Flats. I believe they ship worldwide but I have not checked recently.
Merrell has barefoot line Glove (trailglove, moveglove, vaporglove)
They are pretty good
I would remove Kionas Sandals from the list. This brand’s sandals, which I ordered with no heel, are nice in appearance and comfort. However, I would not recommend them as barefoot shoes. The toe box is not anatomical, i.e. not wider than that of conventional shoes. More importantly, the soles under my heels have already rubbed away after about two months of use, to the point that I know I will need new sandals soon. I don’t think the sole material is made to withstand abrasion, since it would normally have a heel on it.
Thanks for letting us know more about Kionas – we’ll give them a second look!