The Best Men’s Barefoot Dress Shoes that Won’t Squish Your Toes

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A collage of four different brands of men's barefoot dress shoes with a wide toe box and nice leather upper.
Men’s Dress Shoes That Won’t Give you Bunions.

Your feet are tired of being squished. Tired of dress shoes shaped like triangles when feet are shaped like feet, and tired of pretending that pain is normal. It doesn’t have to be this way!

Once you discover the freedom of wide toe box shoes, you won’t want to go back to your regular pinchy dress shoes. Here is our roundup of the best men’s stylish and foot-shaped barefoot dress shoes – along with the discount codes and fit/sizing advice you need to get going.

Why Barefoot Dress Shoes?

A side by side collage of a man's foot wearing a wide toe box men's barefoot dress shoe from Be Lenka next to a traditional black dress shoe with a pointy narrow toe box, with the text "wear this, not that" above it
Men’s barefoot dress shoes are a more comfortable alternative to your typical dress shoes.

Dress shoes are notorious for being uncomfortable. I was constantly kicking off my tight, pinchy shoes before I found an alternative. And if you need to wear dress shoes often, it’s more than just comfort at stake – your standard heeled pointy dress shoes can actually lead to foot issues over time. It doesn’t need to be so!

Thanks to barefoot dress shoes, you don’t have to suffer anymore. The wide toe box, heel-less sole, and soft flexible fit make for a much more comfortable day. But they still have a dressy look that is appropriate for professional and fancy environments.

The Best Men’s Barefoot Dress Shoes

A man sitting on a curb wearing dress slacks, bending down to tug at him pant hem. He is wearing brown leather Groundies barefoot dress shoes for men.

These barefoot dress shoes for men include a range of options from business casual to upscale professional and black tie appropriate. We’ve been wearing barefoot dress shoes to all our fancy events for years now – people hardly ever notice that our shoes are “different” because they look so similar to regular dress shoes!

Fit Hack: Using Insoles in Barefoot Shoes

Before we get into it, one of my favorite shoe fit tricks is insoles. You can add, replace, or remove insoles in your shoes to get a customized fit. Find here my guide to using insoles with barefoot shoes.

Ok, here are our favorites.

Zaqq Peaq

Leather | EU Sizes EU 38-48 |Ships from US or EU

Zaqq dress shoes are buttery soft and have a wonderfully thin, flexible outsole. They’re simple, they’re classy, and they tick all the barefoot shoe boxes. Zaqq is best for average-wide feet and medium volume. Some of their dress shoes are more tapered, but the Peaq has a good shape.

You can also find these directly from Zaqq in the EU

Sizing & Fit Type:

  • True to size
  • Medium wide
  • Medium volume

Origo Derby – Extra Wide Friendly

Leather | Sizes US Men’s 8-13 | Ships from US

Use code ANYA for 10% off.

I love the aesthetic of these. Most of the men’s barefoot dress shoes have kind of a sneaker-y outsole, but these look like traditional dress shoes with a welt and top stitch (though I believe it’s just for looks and these shoes are cemented). They are also very light and flexible. Great for those with beefy feet!

Sizing & Fit Type:

  • Runs slightly roomy.
  • Extra wide fit
  • Medium to high volume

If you have low volume feet you might need to add an extra insole.


Groundies – Extra Wide Friendly

Leather | Sizes EU 40-48 | Ships from EU or US

Groundies men’s dress shoes are very nice looking, and some come in two widths (Barefoot and Barefoot+) for even extra wide feet. They are very light and flexible, with a real barefoot feel too. Justin wore his Groundies Palermos when he was a groomsman in his best friend’s wedding and the others in the wedding party were jealous of how comfortable he was!

You can find the Groundies Palermo at Anya’s Shop, and the Milano and Trento at the main Groundies stores linked above. The only thing is that the US store tends to sell out, so if you are looking for Barefoot+ width it might not always be available.

Sizing & Fit Type:

  • True to size
  • Barefoot is medium width, Barefoot+ is extra wide
  • Medium volume

Carets – Extra Wide Friendly

Leather | Sizes US 7-14 | Ships from US

Carets makes beautiful shoes that are very dressy looking. Don’t be fooled by the faux heel and what looks like a pointy toe, these are artfully designed to look like a classic dress shoe while still being barefoot approved. So if you are someone who really needs that mainstream look, Carets is for you.

They definitely run big and high volume, so we recommend ordering a size down from your usual. They also are rather long in the front because of the elongated toe, and sometimes that can get in the way (like when you’re walking up short stairs). But overall we’ve had really good luck with these. They look fancy enough to pass in the nicest of occasions.

Sizing & Fit Type:

  • Runs big – Justin needed a full size down
  • Wide to extra wide fit
  • High volume

Check out my Carets review here for all the details.


Lems – Extra Wide Friendly & Cushioned

Leather & Canvas Options | Sizes US 3.5-15 | Ships from US

If you’re outside the US, shop Lems EU here.

Lems has several models that can pass as dress shoes! While not the most elegant of all the options here, they work well with slacks for work or church and they are dang comfy. Some models come on their Widest shape, which is very generous and comfy. We also like their Wide shape, but it’s not as good for really wide feet.

Something that people really love about Lems is they have a bit more cushioning than many other barefoot shoe brands, while still having a natural fit and feel. So they can be more comfortable for people who spend long hours on their feet or who aren’t able to wear barefoot shoes.

Sizing & Fit Type:

  • Runs slightly small. We usually get a half size up.
  • Wide to extra wide fit – check the sole type for each model!
  • Medium volume in the lace ups and high volume in the Chelsea

Birchbury – Wide But Not Barefoot

Leather | Sizes EU 39-49 | Ships from US

These are an in-between barefoot shoe option – they have a much wider toe box than is typical in men’s dress shoes, but they still retain a mainstream aesthetic and they come with a lightly supportive and cushioned insole.

Justin really likes the Brenston (above left) because it has a really dressy look with the toe cap and is deceptively wide. He also loves the elastic lace option – each pair comes with elastic and regular laces. The Carnforth (above right) is a really nice suede Chukka boot with a great anatomical toe box shape. They’re classy and comfortable!

The leather uppers are really soft, and they’ve been popular with our readers who want more toe space without going full barefoot shoe, or who need a bit more cushion for whatever reason.

Sizing & Fit Type:

  • True to size
  • Medium wide
  • Medium volume

Tomás Sullivent – Extra Wide Friendly

Leather | Sizes EU 39-48 | Handmade in Spain | Ships from US

Sullivent crafts beautiful dress shoes with all the details you’d expect from a luxury item, but with a truly wide toe box. They offer many classic dress shoe styles that you can’t get from other brands like patent leather and monk strap models. These are the only option in this list that is a true heritage product. They are made in the traditional way, and can be resoled and repaired to last forever. $$$ but excellent shoes.

Sizing & Fit Type:

  • True to size
  • Extra Wide fit – should be suitable for those with extra wide feet or who want a lot of toe space
  • Medium/high volume over the arches

Read our full review here for all the details!


Vivobarefoot Ra

Side close up view of a man in khaki chino jogger pants with Vivobarefoot Ra men's barefoot dress shoes in black high quality leather on a zero drop outsole

Leather | Sizes US 7-15 | Ships from EU/UK

Use code ANYASREVIEWS15 for 15% off

Currently out of stock but expected back this spring! The Vivobarefoot Ra was Justin’s first pair of men’s barefoot dress shoes, and definitely one of the nicer options out there. They look very mainstream and yet have a wider toe box, and thin flexible sole. We’ve had really good luck with our Vivobarefoot shoes being high quality and long lasting.

They are quite thin though, so if you are wanting something with a bit of cushion this isn’t the brand for you.

Sizing & Fit Type:

  • True to size
  • Medium Wide – good width, but not extra wide
  • Sloped shape, so some people with long outer toes won’t fit well

Xero

Leather | Sizes US 6.5-15 | Ships from US or EU

Xero’s dressy barefoot shoes are kind of medium dressy, but pull their weight with the fit and feel. And even though they’re not super refined, they work well in a lot of dressy and semi-dressy situations.

The Glenn and the Denver (seasonally restocked for fall/winter) are two of Justin’s favorites because they are so dang comfortable, and they are a good match for his particular foot shape. Definitely one of the more comfortable options in this list!

You can shop Xero Shoes EU here.

Sizing & Fit Type:

  • True to size
  • Wide fit throughout the shoe
  • Medium to high volume

Oaka Studio

Knit or Leather | US Men’s Sizes 8-13 | Ships from US

Use code OAKAANYA for 15% off.

Oaka Studio has an anatomically shaped dress shoe with a faux heel, and slip-on design. They’re knit shoes that look like dress shoes! So if you want to feel like you’re wearing your comfiest sneakers, this is the brand for you. They also have a new leather version available.

Sizing & Fit Type:

  • Runs 1/2 size large. Justin had to exchange for a size down
  • Wide to extra wide fitting – these are generous!
  • Higher volume – they were loose on Justin, but you can tighten the elastic laces by putting knots in them.

Baer Shoes – Wide But Not Barefoot

Leather | EU 40.5-48.5 | Ships from EU

Baer is a high quality brand with several very nice men’s wide toe box options. They don’t have a barefoot sole, but if you’re looking for a cushioned option with a low heel – these are it.


More Shoe Options!

Depending on where you live or your foot type, you might prefer something from this list! Here are even more stylish and dressy men’s barefoot shoes.

Top down view of FeelBarefoot Brogue leather hand crafted unisex dress shoes with foot shaped toe box and zero drop leather outsole

FeelBarefoot (EU) – Sizes EU 36-50. Read the full review here!

Use code ANYA50 for a discount


Ahinsa mens barefoot dress shoe

Ahinsa (EU) – Sizes EU 36-48. Vegan! Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off. Ahinsa shoes have a nice wide toe box, but run slightly short so I recommend sizing up. They also have an extra wide option and a Comfort option (wide toe box, but not barefoot).


Angles Fashion mens barefoot dress shoe

Angles Fashion (EU only) – Sizes 37-46. Great quality, classy design, and very comfortable. They look stylish, but still meet barefoot dress shoe requirements. These are a favorite in our household, but unfortunately do not ship to the US/Canada. You can use code ANYA for 5% off.


A close up side view of a man's feet standing on concrete wearing grey pants and Be Lenka synergy cognac barefoot dress shoes for men

Be Lenka (US & EU) – Sizes EU 36-47. These are Justin’s and Robby’s, but definitely more on the casual side! The Synergy is an excellent all purpose shoe, and it has ample toe space for wide feet. In the winter months, the Be Lenka Winter also can pass as a men’s dress shoe.

Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off your order. If you are outside the US, you can shop with Be Lenka EU.


Conker Shoes zero drop dress shoes made in the UK

Conker Shoes (UK) – Sizes UK 1-13. Available in narrow, regular, and wide widths. Have not tried them yet myself, but have heard good things about the quality and durability.


Two people in Feelgrounds Barefoot Loafers in vegan material standing toe to toe. The woman on the left is wearing them in black, and the man on the right is wearing brown.

Feelgrounds (EU) – Sizes EU 35-49. A vegan option with a nice wide toe box and flexible outsole.


Stock side profile photo of Free Form Shoes zero drop wingtip mens dress shoes inspired by  barefoot design

Free Form Shoes (US) – Sizes US 8.5-13. High quality leather shoes available in a zero drop option (or 4mm or 15mm) with an elongated toe box designed to taper after the toes. Best for narrower feet.


The Drifter Leather custom barefoot dress shoes

The Drifter Leather (EU) – Custom and standard sizes up to EU 49. Lots of great men’s styles!

Read my ordering guide for more info.


Freet Citee barefoot dress shoes for kids in black

Freet Citee (UK) – Sizes EU 37-49. Vegan. Get 15% off with my code AnyaFreet. These run a little small, Justin needed to size up one for a good fit. But they have a wide toe box, and are one of the only vegan barefoot dress shoe options.


Gaucho Ninja barefoot lace up dress shoes

Gaucho Ninja Leather (UK) – Sizes 36-45. This small business custom makes men’s barefoot boots, and some of the styles are very classy and dressy (and quite expensive). You can see my review of Gaucho Ninja’s standard and bespoke options here. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off!


Green Shoes handmade dress shoes

Green Shoes (UK) – Sizes UK 5-12 in four widths. These are handmade and super high quality barefoot dress shoes!


Jenon Leather barefoot dress shoes

Jenon Leather (EU & USA only) – Sizes 36-48 and custom sizes available. This brand has a very generous toe box width. Use code JENON11 for 10% off

Read my Jenon Leather Review here


Close up angled view of the soft gray leather on Magical Shoes Cameron loafer oxford barefoot dress shoes for men and women

Magical Shoes (EU) – Sizes EU 37-47. I have several pairs of Magical Shoes and they are extremely flexible and comfortable. I do size up one in them, because they run a little short. Use code ANYA for 10% off. Read all our Magical Shoes reviews here.


Front top down view of Nons Oxfords in black with tan laces being worn by a person with wide feet.

No(N)s (EU) – Sizes EU 37-44. These are all handmade to order, read our NoNs review for more info!


A close up side view of a man's feet wearing Peerko Smart men's barefoot dress shoes oxfords in brown

Peerko Smart (EU) – Sizes EU 37-43. Very well made and classy! They are one of my favorites for barefoot shoes that look mainstream. Too bad they only go up to a size 43!

You can use code ANYASREVIEWS10 for 10% off, but they do not accept returns outside the EU. That’s why we carry these at Anya’s Shop (restocking Spring 2026).


Ruth Emily davey handmade dress shoes

Ruth Emily Davey (UK) – Custom and standard sizes UK 2-12. Beautifully made, but $$$.


Saguaro affordable barefoot dress shoes in black

Saguaro – Sizes EU 36-46. Affordable non-leather option. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 15% off


Senmotic business dress shoes

Senmotic (EU) – Sizes EU 36-4. Their business line looks very professional and classy. Some customization options are available, i.e. different sizes and widths for L/R.


Sole Runner barefoot dress shoes

Sole Runner (EU) – Sizes EU 36-49. Quite a few nice looking men’s dress shoes! They are good quality as well.


Tadeevo mens barefoot dress shoes

Tadeevo (EU) – Sizes EU 35-47. Leather or Vegan. This brand has several dressy barefoot shoe options, and they are very flexible and wide. This brand is a good one for really high volume feet. You can use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off. We recommend this brand for EU only.


And there you have it! Enough barefoot dress shoe options to keep anyone occupied for quite some time. 😀 If you can wear wide toe box, zero drop shoes 100% of the time, your back, hips, knees, and feet will thank you. What are your favorite barefoot dress shoes?


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Comments

67 thoughts on “The Best Men’s Barefoot Dress Shoes that Won’t Squish Your Toes”

        1. A very simple solution—Reviewers suggest removing the insert that comes w the shoes and purchasing thinner/barefoot shoe inserts. Your local shoe repair shop can order for you if, for some reason, you’re having difficulty ordering online. I found many offerings on Amazon.

    1. Because sadly it is considered a niche, like they’re doing us a favor designing more anatomic shoes. Might as well as why gluten free stuff is dramatically more expensive.

      1. Welcome to capitalism baby. It is a favor if someone is designing something most people aren’t buying. The economy of scale is literally what capitalism is based off of.

    2. A Young Trick Named Jim

      $100 is very little to pay for healthy feet and proper proproception. Most of my barefoot shoes are $180 to $240 per pair.

  1. Don’t wear any of these to a formal wedding or serious business meeting. I promise you – you will not be taken seriously.

    1. I have the Birchbury Brenston’s and nobody knows they’re (almost) barefoot. There is a faux heel. The outsole is still flat and ahead of the heel area, there’s a notch-out on the sides of the sole that creates the illusion of the heel being a separate piece when it really isn’t.
      The way the leather is panelled on the forefoot, it helps to hide the toebox shape a little.

      I’ve had these for probably 3½-4 years now. They really hold up well and still look great. I bought them before there were more true barefoot options. If I was making my first purchase today, I might consider Peerko leather or Tadeevo first to be actually barefoot….but I definitely don’t regret the purchase. If I was richer, I’d grab a pair of Tomás Sullivent’s right now. Those shoes have style.

  2. They’re pricey, but very beautiful. I’m thinking the health benefit from wearing them is likely worth it. With two little knuckleheads raging around the house I would have to save for them, but I’m determined to get a pair though. This was a wonderful write-up. Thank you for sharing.

  3. Which of these shoes have the most slide-able soles for dancing and spinning? Often leather soles or felt-type soles with no tread are my favorite dancing shoes. I’m also interested in women’s dress shoes and boots to dance in!

  4. I use Senmotic Black shoes (Leipzig) for my office. I have very, very broad feet. With Senmotic I feel very comfortabel, and painless at the end of the day. I am yet to get any negative renarks on my shoes. I paid 120 € back in 2019, and still using it. Worth every cent!

  5. How well does the Birchbury Bramford stand up to weather? The brand’s website says to avoid wearing in wet conditions, but are these shoes fine for being out and about in New England if you spray them?

    1. Justin hasn’t worn his out in rain, but I feel like they would fare well with either a waterproofing spray or a wax/balm. Because they are smooth leather, they won’t take damage as easily as suede or nubuck.

  6. Hi! The discount code for Freet isn’t working. Do you have a different one? Wondering if this one is out of date. Thanks so much for your reviews! Your input has helped us a ton!

  7. Nice list! I have been wearing vivobarefoot gobi iii for years, just recently been wearing groundies milano in barefoot + and it’s just as nice. Aintap (etsy) makes some nice shoes too!

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Picture of Hi. I'm Anya.

Hi. I'm Anya.

I first discovered barefoot shoes after a long history of foot issues. By changing my footwear and strengthening my body I was able to completely transform my life. Anya’s Reviews is my way of sharing with the world that healthy feet are happy feet!

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