Loafers have long been one of my favorite styles of shoes. They’re fashionable, practical, dressy and casual. But most are really pinchy in the toes, so loafers and I never got along well because of my big toe issues. Until I discovered barefoot shoes that is. Now I don’t need those tapered loafers anymore! I’m in a long term relationship with NATURAL footwear, and regular shoes and I are never getting back together. 😉
Welcome to Episode 6 of Wear This, Not That!
If you’re interested in getting the loafer style without the bunions, check out this list of completely flat, foot-shaped barefoot loafers.
Why Most Loafers are Hurting Your Feet
I have some strong opinions about what makes a healthy shoe (read this post for more on that). But the two biggest beefs I have with the loafers you’re most likely to see are they have a pointy toe box and a heel.
- Pointy Toe Box: Most shoes no longer look like feet at all. The pointed tips on your shoes prevent your toes from spreading out which can lead to the formation of bunions AND prevent your body from moving well (did you know we use our big toe to balance?)
- Heel: No, they’re not stilettos, but even that small heel on traditional loafers throws your center of gravity forward and forces your body to compensate in awkward ways. When you wear heels (even small ones) the effects are cumulative: back pain, knee pain, even headaches can result. Completely flat shoes are such an easy solution to some of our most common ailments.
And the crazy thing is, you find these unhealthy features even on brands considered “comfort” brands, such as the Naturalizer flats you see in the photos above. I purchase the WIDE width of their shoe, and yet it still pinches my toes painfully.
That’s what makes barefoot shoes so amazing (and such a no brainer when you think about) – they are not only good for your feet in ways that most shoes aren’t, but also don’t look like nursing home orthopedic shoes! Ready to dig into some fashionable healthy barefoot loafers? Read on for my top picks.
My Favorite Barefoot Loafers
Anya’s Shop Yasemins & Dalia
Leather | Sizes EU 34-45 | Ships from US
I designed the Yasemin & Dalia barefoot loafers myself! I wanted a simple shoe that was sophisticated and elegant, without unnecessary doo dads and that came in a variety of neutrals. So I just developed my own 😀 They are fully leather shoes with a thin layer of rubber on the bottom, so they take a little bit of break in time to form to your foot. They are best suited for average to wide feet, not ideal for narrow or extra wide.
Vivobarefoot Opanka
Leather | Sizes US W 5.5-11.5/EU 35-43
Use code ANYA25 for 25% off
The Vivobarefoot Opanka is a barefoot loafer style that fits a low to medium volume foot! So if you think the first two options will be loose on you, this one is worth a gander. It is 3mm thick, made of a super soft leather, and has a thin flexible sole: this is the first loafer we’re looking at that has excellent ground feel. It looks like a loafer, but it feels like a slipper. I have worn these on long travel days with no regrets whatsoever.
For more, check out my full review of the Vivobarefoot Opanka. And don’t forget, the code ANYA25 for 25% off any Vivobarefoot purchase.
Zaqq
Leather | Sizes UK 4.5-12.5/EU 37-48 | Ships from Germany
Zaqq loafers come in a couple styles with either lacing details around the edges or a braided metallic band across the top like the photo above. Choose from classic black, light pink, or a striking bright blue! I got a size 37 (I often get a 36 in flats) and they are pretty roomy, so I would say they run true to size. And make sure you read my review linked below for all the info on the Zaqq barefoot shoe brand.
Zaqq also has this new gold Qosmo loafer that is quite pretty!
Zeazoo Cheetah
Leather | Sizes EU 35-42 | Ships from Europe or US
Get 10% off with code ANYASREVIEWS. You can also find the color above in the US at Anya’s Shop
The Zeazoo Cheetah loafer comes in a bunch of different colors and detail options. They can be dressed up for more formal outfits or casually with denim. They are really comfortable for being a dressy shoe!
They are medium wide, but the moccasin top stitching makes them adaptable to a lot of different foot shapes. Zeazoo also does custom sizes and color combos by request. We carry just the taupe color shown above at Anya’s Shop.
Lisbeth Joe London
Leather | Sizes US W 5-12/EU 35-44
Get 10% off with code ANYASREVIEWS
The Lisbeth Joe London loafer has a classy design that works with all my favorite outfits, but still fits my wide toes comfortably.
It does fits high volume feet best, check all that space above the toes in the photo above! They also have a straight cut for people who need width through the middle of the foot. This is the opposite of my foot type, but once I added in a tongue pad for my low arches I have had no issues. Check out my full review of the Lisbeth Joe London for all the details on fit, sizing, and styling.
Ruby Workshop
Leather | Sizes EU 36-43 | Handmade in Turkey
Ruby Workshop is a newer Etsy shop that makes loafers and flats in lots of colors. They are simple leather shoes, but feel light and soft. They are a little high volume for me (will be best for people with average or high volume feet) and fit a wide toe box.
They are more affordable than a lot of other barefoot shoes and can even be dressed up. They are a solid option to keep on your radar!
Raum Goods
Leather | Sizes US Women’s 6 – Men’s 14 | Ships from USA
Raum Goods slip ons are made of buttery soft leather and have a nice wide shape to them. They come in several lovely neutral colors year round, and can be dressed up or down. They fit high volume and loose around the heel, so be ware if you are low volume and narrow in the back.
Be aware that the soles are fully leather and feel stiff and a little slippery at first. Once they get scuffed up they no longer are slippery, and the soles break in after a few wears. They are high quality shoes and feel great on. You can also have them repaired at a local cobbler if needed. Oh, and they have a grounding copper plug in the bottom!
I have a pair of their limited edition Mudcloth loafers and I love them! They run a little bit small, I am usually a 6.5 in flats/loafers and sized up to a 7.
Magical Shoes Cameron
Leather | Sizes EU 37-47
Get 10% off with code ANYA
Magical Shoes Cameron is super lightweight and flexible, like everything from Magical Shoes! This unisex style comes in 5 shades of soft leather and can easily take you from casual to dressy.
Tadeevo Boat Shoes
Leather | Sizes EU 40-47
Get 10% off with code ANYASREVIEWS
Tadeevo boat shoes give you all the classic style of a conventional boat shoe, without the cramped toe box and stiff soles! They’re available in 5 colors so you’re sure to find something to suit your wardrobe.
Groundz Slip-Ons
Leather | Sizes EU 36-47 | Ships from US
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
Groundz slip-ons are similar to Raum Goods with a full leather sole and grounding plug, but Groundz have an extra wide forefoot shape to them and the leather is bit thicker. They fit high volume, so I went with the style shown above that fits more securely than the ones with cut outs on the sides.
In this brand I sized down to a 6 – they were a bit short but break in!
Drifter Leather Slip On
Leather | Sizes EU 34-49 | Custom Options | Handmade in Greece
The Drifter Leather slip on sneakers are simple, but able to be made according to your foot tracing and measurements! You can also customize your leather choice for a shoe that’s truly made for you. It’s a process, but I love all my Drifter Leather shoes.
Posh Panda
Leather | Sizes infant to US W 11 | Handmade in Canada
Posh Panda moccasins are all handmade in Canada and come in leopard, metallic, and a whole lot of other color options! Of course leopard is what I have (obviously) and I love these shoes! Choose from rubber or suede soles for these funky flexible moccasins.
Unshoes Footwear
Leather | Handmade in USA
Use code ANYA for 10% off
Unshoes Forager is available in black, gray, navy, and brown and features moccasin style stitching around the toe box. The Primrose is a moccasin/ballet flat hybrid and comes in brown, black, gunmetal, and rose gold. Another model great for extra wide feet! But they can be loose around the ankles.
Gaucho Ninja
Leather | Sizes EU 36-45 | Handmade in the UK
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off your Gaucho Ninja purchase.
Gaucho Ninja shoes are exquisitely handcrafted in the UK by a small team of dedicated shoemakers using the finest materials. I don’t have these particular models, but love my Gaucho Ninja boots! The price is a bit ouchy, but Lisandro is a wonderful shoemaker dedicated to not leaving a harmful footprint on the earth.
If you want to try your hand at shoe making, check out the DIY Moccasin kit.
Manitobah
Leather | Sizes US W 5 – M 13 | Ships from Canada
Manitobah makes traditional moccasins in a variety of leather colors and finishes. Available lined or unlined, these moccasins should stretch and form to your foot shape for a glove-like fit. Be aware, they can actually stretch quite a lot! And in general fit a higher volume foot best.
Conclusion
And there you have it! 16 barefoot loafer alternatives to the cute, trendy shoes that smash your toes. I’d still like to see a few more options in this vein, maybe some metal buckles and definitely more smooth leather options. But boy am I glad we have so many stylish barefoot loafers that still let our feet be feet!
For lots more barefoot style, check out below my other “Wear This, Not That” posts and the popular “Fashion, But Make it Barefoot” series!
52 thoughts on “15 Stylish Barefoot Loafers That Don’t Pinch Your Toes”
Are there an vegan loafers? I would love a pair for work.
Hello, I would check Bioworld on Etsy.
Wilding shoes have some very beautiful and comfortable, natural materials
Tadeevo makes a vegan line
Looks like most are good for average to high volume. Are there are loafers that work for people with narrow heels and prone to heel slippage and/or lower volume? I didn’t see that mentioned for any of these. Thanks.
It’s true that most are not best suited for low volume. But the ones that have worked best for my low volume, narrow heeled feet are the Dalia (these are actually the only ones in this article that I don’t use a tongue pad or heel grip with). Also new on the market is the Be Lenka Viva. They have an even slimmer heel and work well enough on my low volume feet with just a little bit of space above the feet. The only thing is that the opening cut my heels really bad and I highly recommend wearing them with a heel grip.