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?
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
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
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.
FeelBarefoot (EU) – Sizes EU 36-50. Read the full review here!
Use code ANYA50 for a discount
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 (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.
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 (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.
Feelgrounds (EU) – Sizes EU 35-49. A vegan option with a nice wide toe box and flexible outsole.
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 (EU) – Custom and standard sizes up to EU 49. Lots of great men’s styles!
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 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 (UK) – Sizes UK 5-12 in four widths. These are handmade and super high quality 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
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.
No(N)s (EU) – Sizes EU 37-44. These are all handmade to order, read our NoNs review for more info!
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 (UK) – Custom and standard sizes UK 2-12. Beautifully made, but $$$.
Saguaro – Sizes EU 36-46. Affordable non-leather option. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 15% off
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 (EU) – Sizes EU 36-49. Quite a few nice looking men’s dress shoes! They are good quality as well.
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?
67 thoughts on “The Best Men’s Barefoot Dress Shoes that Won’t Squish Your Toes”
Hi, love your site. In the header picture at the top of this page, can you list the makers of those shoes? I see two that I would love to get more information on. Thank you!
Hey! In order, left to right, top to bottom: Vivobarefoot Addis, Feelgrounds Lux, Barefoot Pals (color not available anymore) Carets, Freet Citee, Birchbury Bramford, Groundies Palermo (coming back next spring), Vivobarefoot Scott. 🙂
Thank you!
Thank you so much for the article! I am in search of a dress shoe and the Carets come *so* close to what I’m after, except for the sole. IMHO having a black rubber sole isn’t a dress shoe. Do you know of any that look like the Carets but which have leather soles, or at least half leather?
I would check out FeelBarefoot on Etsy!
Thank you! Unfortunately I need Carets and FeelBarefoot to have a child. Carets for the design and look, and FeelBarefoot for the leather sole. Maybe I need to get the Carets and see about having them resoled, but that seems a bit excessive. I will continue to search.
What about The Last Shoemaker? Any chance you’ll be reviewing their minimal dress shoes in the future to see if they meet your criteria for being added to the list? They’re definitely more expensive, but to me they look the best aesthetically and offer a mirror shine finish for shoes needed for more formal occasions.
I’ve talked with them about their shoes, I’m still not 100% sure how they fit into the minimalist world. I may try them at some point so I can share accurate info about, but not sure when.
Help. My feet are very wide at the top half, no arch, and I log a lot of miles walking at work. I need the light bulb shape flared toe box but I am not concerned about zero drop or flexible sole design. Google these 3 styles: Keen PTC, Born Nigel and NAOT Eiger for examples. Is anyone aware of this shape with any other brands of mens shoes available in size 14? Casual, dress, walking or hiking styles. Thanks
Hey Anya,
This guide is really helpful, thanks! One issue I am finding is that I live in New Zealand and most of the shops don’t ship to my little country. Any ideas? The birchbury look beautiful and I would love a pair, but no luck getting them to NZ!
Logan
Hi Logan, you’ll want to check out the Brands by Region resource here to find brands and retailers in your area. You can also use the Barefoot Shoe Finder and use the filters to only include brands that ship to your location.
Hi Anya! This article is exactly what I was hoping to find. I’m currently on the hunt for some dress shoes and just tried the Groundies Palermo in the new barefoot+ fit. Width wise they are fine but my feet are really flat so I have to tie them up very tight which in turn causes the material to crease quite a bit. Then I read your review of the Palermo and saw how Justin’s pair looked after some time. That’s really not how I want my dress shoes to look like 🙂 Can you recommend a certain brand for flat, wide and fan shaped feet with narrow heels. I was thinking about ahinsa and maybe be lenka.
Keep up the great work, your blog really is a blessing 🙂
Cheers
Jan
Hi Jan! Actually that review of the Palermo is of an older version (it was written 2 1/2 years ago). The newest ones are not wrinkling like that, thankfully. Justin wore them to a wedding last week and they still look totally smooth! It sounds like you have low volume feet, so one option is to add an insole to fill up some of the space. I also like to use tongue pads in the upper. But to answer the question you actually asked 😀 Yes Ahinsa sounds like it would be a good fit. Be Lenka dress shoes are wide, but they are high volume so you might have the same issue with the creasing (unless you add an insole). Ahinsa seems like the best option for out of the box fit based on your description – most other men’s options that are extra wide are also high volume and roomy through the heel.
I found your list while searching for a new pair of dress shoes for work, and this doesn’t seem to be much of a “best of” but rather “here’s a list of minimalist shoes, some of which I have an affiliate code for”. If it’s a “best of”, where’s the ranking? What are the relative merits of one over another?
I’ve worn Lems and Vivos and both are “fine” but neither held up terribly well. The weak link for most men’s dress shoes seems to be where the upper meets the sole. Some guidance among the choices would really enhance this guide- and possibly drive a visitor towards a worth affiliate!
Hi Anya, I was wondering if you had seen the Free Form brand: https://freeformshoes.com/
They seem to make the perfect barefoot dress shoe for men, what do you think?
Thanks for sharing, this is a new brand for me! They look intriguing, I’ll see about trying a pair 🙂
Did you end up being able to try a pair? I want to know if they’re any good haha
Sorry, not yet!
Hi Anya. I think you should include The Last Shoemaker dress shoes in this list. Completely resoleable handmade shoes with zero drop. As far as I can tell the heel drop illusion is done by make the material in the forefoot thicker which reduces ground feel but it is all leather and still flexible. Maybe a less barefoot shoe but they look incredible and can be fixed by a regular cobbler!
Thank you for the recommendation!
Which one of these shoes would you recommend for someone who works as a server in a high volume restaurant working 8-12 hours a day? Has to be all black and non-slip if possible. Great article and info! Thank you
Birchbury Bramford in all black is non-slip and would be my top recommendation for you.