Barebarics makes foot shaped shoes with a modern chunky design and a more durable zero drop sole than we usually see in the barefoot shoe world.
They are the perfect solution for someone who wants zero drop and a wide toe box, but doesn’t want an ultra thin sole! Whether that’s for foot comfort or because you are still transitioning to barefoot shoes, Barebarics is a reliable solution.
Get To Know Barebarics
Sizes EU 36-47 | 6-10mm Stack Height | Vegan & Leather Options | Ships from EU or US
Code ANYASREVIEWS gets you 5% off full-priced Barebarics at any time.
You can also find a variety of Barebarics at Anya’s Shop in the US, including the custom Zing shown on me above!
Barebarics is a new barefoot shoe brand created by Be Lenka (a long time favorite brand of mine). Barebarics shoes are designed with an urban setting in mind – both in their distinctly urban style and extremely abrasion resistant outsole. Never before has a naturally shaped toe box and zero drop sole been combined with such durability and style, it is an exciting step forward. Concrete jungle inhabitants, this is the brand for you!
In fact, Barebarics has become a favorite for the Anya’s Shop crew. Many on our warehouse team wear their Barebarics shoes on the job, where they spend lots of time on concrete. For their line of work and their current comfort level with barefoot shoes they’re perfection. They look damn good too.
Sizing & Fit
Barebarics shoes are:
- True to size
- Low to high volume
- Extra wide in the toe box
- Good for most foot shapes, even square
- Fan shaped
For a definition of these terms, head to my Barefoot Shoes by Foot Type article.
Barebarics has a fit that should work for most foot types, thanks to its wide, square shape and close fitting (but adjustable) upper. Newer models are also getting more vertical space above the toes, for an even more versatile fit! And you can remove the insole if you need a little more space.
Are they barefoot?
You can be certain that every shoe from Barebarics is zero drop with a foot shaped sole. But while the toe box is uncompromisingly wide, I find them to feel more like a transition barefoot shoe.
If you are used to light, flexible barefoot brands like Wildling or Mukishoes you might be surprised at the heft of Barebarics. But despite the extra material on the sole and upper, when the sole breaks in you still get good flexibility.
Compared to mainstream shoes, Barebarics are still minimal with a total thickness of about 1cm including the tread and insole (6mm without insole). And for certain populations this is a great marriage of minimal features with durability. So if you’re someone who is looking for a natural fitting shoe that doesn’t squish your toes, but with a bit of extra cushion, support, and a long-lasting sole – this is the brand for you.
Ordering Barebarics
Barebarics is based in the EU and ships via DHL. To the US one pair of shoes is $15 (it goes up as the weight & dimensions of the package goes up), and arrives within about a week. Returns are accepted on EU and US purchases only on new shoes within 14 days. That means if you live anywhere else your purchase is final sale (unless you order from us at Anya’s Shop). And be sure to check the Discounted Seconds section at our shop for a deal on Barebarics!
Alright, now let’s dig into the individual Barebarics models.
Barebarics Review
All Barebarics shoes have the same sizing and outsole shape, so the differences between models really comes down to style and a few fit differences.
Here are the models we on the Anya’s Reviews team love.
Zing
The Zing is a retro sneaker vibe, and they are for sure our top pick. Classic, but just enough details to stand out. You can’t go wrong! The Zing also feels good on our feet, they are less stiff around the ankle and soften up well (this was an issue we had with some of the other models). The leather Zings especially break in and become really comfortable.
And you can now find the Zing in a high top version!
We love the Zing so much we made a custom version with burgundy accents that is only available at Anya’s Shop!
Wave
The Wave sneaker from Barebarics has a retro style with a modern chunky edge. I love the forest green, but tend to wear neutrals most often so I’ve worn my pair with black accents much more frequently. The leather breaks in really well and I just love the style.
We have this model in the US at Anya’s Shop!
Arise
The Arise has some similarities to the Wave, and also breaks in nicely. I think the colored outsole to match the trim is a fun way to make them pop while still being subtle. They’re a perfect blend of new and fun with classic sneaker.
Rebel
The Rebel model is discontinued but you can still find some colors/sizes available at Anya’s Shop
This model caught me by surprise. I did not find them attractive on the website, but seeing them in person changed my mind. The detailing makes them interesting without being loud. They also have a bootie construction and can slip on and off, which is good because the lace holders are very stiff and not at all good for threading laces through. And that soft opening makes for a really comfortable fit. Justin and Ian are really liking them as an everyday sneaker!
Axiom
The Axiom has a classic sneaker design and a leather look. My one complaint with this model is that the heel and ankle area felt extra stiff and rubbed quite a bit at first. I am used to adding moleskin or heel grips to my shoes, but feel like this could be improved. But if you are looking for vegan, these are a cool option.
Zoom
Zoom is the model for employees with a dress code. They are wipeable and come in faux leather and real leather, which makes them even better for healthcare and food service employees. They also can be worn as everyday shoes!
Hifly
The Hifly is a simple hightop with a few details to make them pop. Ian tested these out for us and he found the ankle area quite stiff at first, in contrast with all the room around your toes. Again, it would be nice for this to be softer at the beginning (even though it breaks in).
Revive
The Revive has a functioning lace plus a cosmetic one, giving it a double lace look. It comes in 3 colorways, each with bright accents and a nylon upper. It’s been really popular with both men and women as a stylish sneaker, there is nothing else like it from other barefoot shoe brands.
Complaints
The only issue that occurred for us consistently in the testing process was that the heel and ankle area rubbed. While this seems to be getting better with each of their new models, it is still something to watch out for. Besides that, there is nothing I would change about Barebarics! Except maybe more style options…
Conclusion
Barebarics are an exciting addition to the barefoot shoe world, delivering on style, quality, and barefoot features. I highly recommend them if you need just a little bit more cushion under foot for whatever reason, or simply want to participate in current sneaker trends.
45 thoughts on “Barebarics Review – The Best Foot Shaped Chunky Sneakers”
I love the style, but my pair of axioms get dirty SO easily!! Because the grey area is suede I find it’s a bit harder to clean as well. That’s my biggest complaint/disappointment.
Good to know! Do you have a shoe brush? I like to use that on vegan/fabric materials with water (and sometimes oxiclean) for getting dirt out. Annoying to have to do, but I find it works pretty well.
I don’t, but I will try that. Thanks for the recommendation!
Do Rebel and Zoom also have the heel rubbing problem? Thanks.
They did not for Justin, Ian, and Aaron (I didn’t get either of those models in my size). The Rebel has the sock like collar opening, so they are quite a bit softer around the ankle and heel.
I was excited to read about these shoes as I am still in the transition phase and need a little extra cushion. I also mainly walk on sidewalks in my neighborhood so these should be more durable. That said, for me the Pay Pal or bank transfer options are deal breakers. I had security issues several years ago involving Pay Pal and will not use them. Also not comforable with a bank transfer..especially overseas. Hoping they add a charge option in the future ! Thanks as always for your very helpful reviews.
You should reach out to them! I agree that they should change that, maybe hearing it from multiple sources would kick it into gear.
They changed it. I just bought a pair from their site using Apple Pay. They also had a credit card option. Easy peezy
Do you have any insight which ones have bigger volume? I tried Barebarics Kudos, they were so flat, I had barely could put them on! Super super low volume. Thank you!!
The Kudos is only one of two styles that we didn’t test out, but with the exception of Hifly all the rest we tried are good for at least medium volume. The Axiom opens up wide for high volume feet, as does the Pulsar.
Would love to try some. But no returns for UK buyers (stupid stupid brexit).
🙁
They have some styles on Happy Little Soles who are a UK company and accept returns! Perhaps give them a try – even if they don’t have the styles you’re interested in you could at least get a sense of the fit and feel to more confidently order directly from Barebarics / Be Lenka.
I just got my Pulsar Barebarics yesterday as this review came out. I totally agree that the heel and ankle area rubs and feels stiff! I wish I had read this review before I ordered my pair as I agree on them being transitional. This pair of shoes is super cute, the wide toe box is wonderfully comfortable for me but the thick sole feels and sounds really chunky and heavy when I walk. For references I’ve had a year of barefoot shoes (Xeros and Shamma) and am looking to broaden my ‘cute’ barefoot shoe inventory.
Yeah it can feel a bit clompy if you’re used to barefoot soles. They break in, but the construction of the sole prevents flexibility in all directions.
Will you be carrying any of the high tops Barebarics in size 46?
We probably won’t start with the high tops, but we are going to get some models of Barebarics in the shop soon. And we likely will go the full size range.
Hi all, do the Barebarics fit square shaped feet? My Bohempia’s in wide width are almost too wide (which is a first for me!). How do they compare with Bohempia?
Bohempia Wide is wider than Barebarics by a little bit, but Barebarics are still a wide to extra wide fitting brand (even on square shaped feet).
Can you give an idea of stack height for some of these models? Are they a bit more stacked than, say, a Lem’s Primal 2? Just curious…I’ve spent the past year or so in Altra and am looking for something not quite as cushioned, but am not really ready for the thinnest soles yet. These look promising for a new work shoe — I stand on thinly-carpeted concrete floors about 20 hours a week. They sure are cute!
They are roughly 10mm thick with the insole, 6mm without. Primal 2s are 12mm with insole and 9mm without. So a teensy bit thinner than the Primal 2.
Hi Anya
On the Barebarics website it says the sole is only 4mm thick, I have a pair of Groundies Milano which are only 3mm sole and looking for something thicker than this for a sneaker. Are these for sure quite a bit thicker in comparison as only 1mm difference in the sole?
Many thanks
Yes, the 4mm thickness refers to the outsole minus the tread and the insole material. I’ve confirmed the measurements with them (and also suggested they change it on the website, since it’s a bit misleading IMO to say 4mm…)
Hi! I just received my Zings and really does run my ankles… Does this get better as they’re broken in? Do you have any solutions for that?
It does improve as they break in, but it can take several wears. You might want to add some moleskin or a heel grip to make that area softer in the meantime. From the feedback I’ve gotten after this review, it does seem like a pretty common problem.