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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.
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 – $14 These are cute flats, made with stretchy faux leather. Very minimal, but won’t last forever. See my mini review here
- Fitkicks – $20 Sock like, and do the job! Also on Amazon.
- Mishansha Water Shoes – $25 Look like tennies to me!
- TSLA Running Shoes – $25
- TSLA Water Shoes – $15
- Troadlop Hiking Shoes – $25
- 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.
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
- Grecian Sandals (Etsy, Women’s) – Leather sandals all around $45 (Must request no heel). See my review here.
- Kionas Sandals (Etsy, Women’s) – Leather sandals all around $50 (Must request no heel)
- Monk Sandals – ($50)
- Rachell – About $50
- Shamma Sandals Cruzers – ($50) I love Shamma Sandals! Read my Shamma review here
- Unshoes – Wokova and Keota sandals are $50. 10% off with code ANYA
- Xero Shoes Sandals– The Jessie, Cloud and DIY Sandals are all under $50
Shoes
- Joomrah Running Shoes – $35
- Saguaro Barefoot – ($33)
- Sockwa – Use code ANYAREWARD for 20% off
- Splay Shoes – ($44) Albeit a kid’s brand, if you wear a size EU 39 or smaller you can fit into these $44 sneakers, and get 10% off with code ANYASREVIEWS
- Velho – ($33) Simple sneakers that are lightweight and flexible, but with a slightly tapered toe box. Have not tried these myself, but look like a good affordable option.
- Whitin – The running shoes from this brand are around $35
- Xero shoes – Most of their shoes are priced above $50 normally, but frequently have big sales.
- Zeazoo Kiwi – ($48) These simple shoes can be customized and look like a loafer. Code ANYASREVIEWS gets you 5% off.
$75 or less
Sandals
- Earth Runner Sandals – Elemental Sandals $70 + 10% off with code ANYASREVIEWSER
- Geniale Sandals – $55 with leather and vegan options. ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off
- Good Earth Sandals – Birch model is $68
- Joe Nimble freeToes – $55. International customers use code
AFFANY10for 10% off your first purchase. - Magical Shoes Caballo – $55
- Nallu Shoes – ($65)
- Savopoulos Grecian Sandals (Etsy) – $72
- Shamma Sandals – The Chargers and All-Blacks are $75 and under. ANYA10% gets you 10% off
- Tikki Sandals – $67
- Unshoes – Pah Tempe are $75. 10% off with code ANYA
- Xero Z Trek and Z Trail – See my Z Trek review here
- Zauri – $70
- Zeazoo – Several different styles all around $75. Code ANYASREVIEWS gets you 5% off
Shoes
- Anatomic – $60 – Available for US residents at Pedterra and use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off your first order!
- Skinners – $60
- Sockwa Minimal Shoes – $70. Use code ANYAREWARD for 20% off
- Starry Knight Design – $62. Sole soft leather moccasin style shoes with optional add-on rubber sole
- Unshoes – Terra Vida $74 (My review here). 10% off with code ANYA
- Xero Shoes – Aptos is $60, see my review here!
Dress shoes (women)
- Dextra Perspective – ($70) Another custom flat!
- The Storehouse Flats – $60-$75. My review here.
- Ursanina Flats – ($50-$70) You can get these custom made to your foot shape!
- Xero Shoes Knit Phoenix ($75). My review here.
Boots
- Keds Scout ($70) – Some styles available in wide widths also! Check the insole for a heel lift.
- Minnetonka has soft soled leather boots at about $45 and can also be found on Amazon for the same price. They come in men’s as well, but are a little more expensive.
$100 or less
Sandals
- Bedrock Sandals Classics – $78
- Curious Red – $95 plus $5 off with code ANYASREVIEWS
- Deliberate Life Designs Sandals – $65-$90 custom from a tracing. See my review here. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
- Earth Runners – Circadian and Alpha Sandals $80 + 10% off with code ANYASREVIEWSER
- Everleigh Meadow Mama Sandals– $70. Leather closed-toe sandals made in the USA!
- GAIA Grounding Sandals – $95
- Good Earth Sandals – $78
- Groundies – Nizza and Valletta
- Luks Shoes (Women’s) – Barefoot sandals $94
- Luna Sandals – Several styles are under $100 – get 10% off your Luna Sandals order by using my link.
- Paisley Running Sandals – $90 My review here
- Panta Sandals – $90
- Savopoulos Grecian Sandals (Etsy) $80
- Sole-Runner Dione – $100
- Softstar Solstice Sandal – $95. Use code ANYA for 15% off your first shoe purchase
- Tara Soles – $80
- Unshoes – Saffron and Uinta are all less than $100. See all my Unshoes reviews here. Get 10% off with code ANYA
- Wildling Feather – $80
- Xero Shoes – The Veracruz and Z Trails
- Zeazoo – A couple options for less than $100! Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off
Shoes
- Astra Loyak water shoes – $90. These are zero drop and super flexible once you remove the insole
- FeelBarefoot – $80
- Freet Tanga ($95) and Flex ($87) – Use code ANYASREVIEWS-10 for 15% off
- Origo Shoes – $87 for the canvas model – Use code ANYA for 10% + free shipping
- PaperKrane (women’s) – Also available at Anya’s Shop to US/Canadian customers
- Posh Panda ($100 USD) – Women’s
- Tadeevo – Minimalist shoes $95 (My review here). Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off
- Unshoes Forager – $90. Use code ANYA for 10% off
- Xero Shoes – Several options under $100
Dress Shoes
Men’s
- Birchbury Bramfords – $99. A dressier leather sneaker that could work with some professional wear. See this Instagram post for my review.
- FeelBarefoot – $85. Loafers and oxfords handmade in Turkey.
Women’s
- Crupon – Flats are around $100. Use code
ANYAfor 10% off. - FeelBarefoot – $85. Loafers and oxfords handmade in Turkey.
- Oesh Dream flats – $98 See my review here.
- Paperkrane (formally just a kid’s brand) is adding more options for adults. They have a simple Mary Jane that is $89. Get 10% off with code ANYASREVIEWS
- Softstar Solstice and Merry Jane are both $105 – Code
ANYAfor 15% off first purchase - Tadeevo Ballet Pumps – $99. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off
- Xero Shoes Leather Phoenix ($100). My review here.
- Yosi Samra Samara – flats in other colors (besides black) $75-$90
Boots
- Keds Scout ($80-90) – Some styles available in wide widths also! Check the insole for a heel lift.
- Paperkrane has some Chelsea boots and chukkas in adult sizes for $89 – ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off. US/Canadian customers can get them with free shipping from Anya’s Shop
- Tikki Shoes – $90 – only available up to size EU 39
- Xero Toronto– $100 This high top sneaker boot looks pretty rad.
- Zeazoo Dingo – $90 See review here. ANYASREVIEWS gets you 5% off from Zeazoo, but US customers can order them from Anya’s Shop for cheaper than from Zeazoo (after US shipping).
$200 or less
Sandals
- AVO – $120-$140
- Be Lenka Women’s Sandals – Several beautiful styles all around $120. Code ANYASREVIEWS gets you 5% off (returns are only accepted from within the EU and USA). US/Canadians can find Be Lenka at Anya’s Shop!
- Bedrock Sandals – $130 and under
- Chala – 2 sandals options around $130. Use code 93D5B5E9 for 5% off
- Crupon – Lots of styles around $125. See my review here. Use code ANYA for 10% off
- The Drifter Leather – A couple sandal models around $150 with custom options. See this post about ordering and my Safita review here.
- Gea Soles – $110 for Tarian model. See my Gea Soles Yrsa review.
- High Feels – $145. Vegan, they do not ship to the US right now.
- Joe Nimble humaraToes – $105. International customers use code
AFFANY10for 10% off your first purchase. - Lonnie Sandals – $175
- Luna Sandals – Use this link for 10% off
- Running Pads – $120 (extra for custom). See my review on Instagram.
- Shamma Sandals – Several models $125 and under. Read my Shamma review. Use code ANYA10% for 10% off
- Sole-Runner FX Trainer – $125
- Zaqq – Quite a few options, all less than $200
Shoes
- Ahinsa – $150 Vegan. Use code
ANYASREVIEWSfor 10% off - Angles Fashion – $150. Use code ANYA for 5% off
- Be Lenka – $125-$140. Select styles available at Anya’s Shop for US/Canadian customers! Direct from Be Lenka, use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off (returns are only accepted from within the EU and USA). See my Be Lenka Prime review here!
- Blifestyle – EU only. $150
- Bohempia – A couple vegan sneaker options around $120 with extra wide widths too. Get 10% off with code ANYASREVIEWS.
- Feelgrounds – Several cool sneakers ranging from $120-$160.
- Groundies – Tons of options with great style in this price range.
- Magical Shoes – $115 sneakers. Use code ANYA for 10% off.
- Mukishoes – Sneakers around $110. See my review of the Mukishoes brand here. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off.
- Feelgrounds – $122-$159 and free worldwide shipping
- Luks Shoes – Fuego Moccasins, Corriente, and Milagro are less than $200
- Origo Shoes – $130 or less, vegan and leather options. Use code ANYA for 10% + free shipping
- Vivobarefoot – Casual and athletic shoes for $150 or less. Use code VIVOANYA for 10% off
- Zkama – $115
- Zlatush
Dress Shoes
Men’s
- Ahinsa – Vegan. Use code
ANYASREVIEWSfor 10% off - Be Lenka Icon – $131. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off (returns are only accepted from within the EU and USA).
- Groundies – Palermo and Liverno (both $170) with free worldwide shipping.
- Freet Citee – $108. Use code ANYASREVIEWS-10 for 15% off.
- 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.
- Lems Nine2Five – $135
- Sole-Runner – Several choices in this price range
- Tadeevo – Quite a few options around $150. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off
- FeetSutra – $129 for a simple black or brown leather loafer
- Vivobarefoot Ra II is $150. Use code VIVOANYA for 10% off
- Xero Alston ($130) and Melbourne ($140)
- Zkama – $150
Women’s
- Ahinsa – Vegan. Use code
ANYASREVIEWSfor 10% off - Be Lenka Icon – $131. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off (returns are only accepted from within the EU and USA)
- Botky Mechovky – $115 Custom, see my review on Instagram!
- 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 – $129 for a simple black or brown loafer
- Gea Soles – $110. See my Gea Soles Yrsa review.
- Groundies Mandalay – $115
- Joe Nimble – elegantToes ($160) and stepToes ($140). International customers use code
AFFANY10for 10% off your first purchase. - Lems – Nine2Five ($135) and Chukka ($120).
- Lisbeth Joe – Harare flat and London loafer are both $120. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
- Magical Shoes Ballerina – $110. See my review here. Use code ANYA for 10% off
- Shapen Barefoot – Really dressy women’s shoes in several styles under $200! See my Poppy and Ivy review here. US/Canadians customers can order from Anya’s Shop (sign up for emails to save 10% off your first purchase!)
- Softstar – Ballerine ($160) and Primal Merry Jane ($140. Review here). Use code ANYA for 15% off your first shoe purchase.
- Sole-Runner – Several choices in this price range.
- Unshoes Primrose – $110 for a 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. US/Canadian’s can find the Symphony at Anya’s Shop!
- Zkama – $150
- Zlatush
Boots
- Ahinsa – Vegan $175. The Bare line is barefoot – the Comfort line comes with a non-barefoot removable insole. Use code
ANYASREVIEWSfor 10% off - Angles Fashion – $195. Use code ANYA for 5% off
- Be Lenka – Winter ($179) and Nord ($199) and Polar ($189). Select styles available at Anya’s Shop for US/Canadian customers! Direct from Be Lenka, use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off (returns are only accepted from within the EU and USA).
- Blifestyle (EU only) – $190
- Bohempia – Rola and Zavid. Both Vegan for $155. Get 10% off with code ANYASREVIEWS.
- Drifter Leather – Many great boot options with the option to customize. See this post for information on ordering.
- Feelgrounds Patrol – These should be an excellent vegan hiking boot (and stylish too!) but won’t be ready to ship until early 2021. Pre-order price is $140, retail will be $195
- Filii – $150. Shipping only available to some countries.
- Freet Mudee -$150. See my thoughts in this post. Use code ANYASREVIEWS-10 for 15% off.
- Gea Soles – Unique handmade leather lace up boots for a little less than $200.
- Groundies – Many different stylish boots under $200! See the Liverpool featured in Episode 1 of Wear This, Not That!
- Joe Nimble WanderToes (US site) – $199. See my thoughts here. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for $10 off
- KIUU Oslo (EU only) – $180
- Lems – Several variations of the Boulder Boot for $120-$165. 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 Alaska – $155. See my thoughts in this post. Use code ANYA for 10% off.
- Mukishoes Chelsea boots, lined high tops, and a black leather lace ups all less than $200. See my IG review here and featured in Episode 3 of Wear This, Not That! Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
- Shapen Barefoot – The Ivy model is a really dressy women’s ankle boot in several colors for $180! See my Poppy and Ivy review here. US/Canadians customers can order from Anya’s Shop (sign up for emails to save 10% off your first purchase!)
- Softstar Chukka – $190. Use code ANYA for 15% off your first shoe purchase.
- Tadeevo – A couple boot options around $150. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off
- Xero Shoes – Melbourne $140, Alpine $150 (review here) and Mika $140
- Wildling – Lots of lace up boots for around $150 or less. See my Wildling Review here.
- Zaqq – Vegan options. This shop has A LOT of boot styles around $200. If you are a US customer read this Zaqq review for how to order.
- Zkama
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 FB 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.
16 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.