Serious hiking calls for serious shoes. But standard hiking shoes are stiff and narrow and I just can’t tolerate that! Instead I wear foot-shaped hiking boots that don’t compromise on function but have an anatomical fit to keep my toes and ankles free. And no blisters too!
Here are my top recommended barefoot and wide toe box hiking boots & shoes that perform both in comfort and functionality on the trails.
The Best Barefoot Hiking Shoes
This isn’t just a collection of links – I own and hike in *almost* all of the barefoot hiking boots and shoes I’ve listed here (I note if I’m recommending something I haven’t tried). After years of testing and hundreds of barefoot shoes in my closet, I am confident these are the absolute best wide toe box hiking boots on the market, no matter where you are in the world. Hiking just feels so much better when I’m in naturally fitting boots!
Here is what I look for in my barefoot hiking shoes:
- Totally flat zero drop sole.
- An anatomical wide toe box shape.
- A flexible sole (sometimes I go for a thick sole for weather protection/durability, other times I like a lot of ground feel)
- Durable materials
- Good tread with grip
- Breathability and/or water resistance (depending on the weather)
Let blisters be a thing of the past! Barefoot hiking boots let your feet move naturally while still protecting you from the elements.
Psst, if you’re looking for wide toe box boots for every day, check this roundup out!
There are options here in a variety of thicknesses, widths, and specs so you can find something that matches your preferences and your activity level – whether that’s something to wear on a serious backpacking trek or for casual weekend strolls on your favorite trail. These are the best wide toe box & barefoot hiking shoes on the market!
Vivobarefoot Hiking Shoes
Waterproof Option | Leather & Vegan Options | Sizes US W5.5 – M15
Use code ANYASREVIEWS15 for 15% off (excludes Tracker Leather & Primus Lite IV)
If you are in the UK, shop this link. If you are in the EU or the rest of the world, shop Vivobarefoot here.
No one does outdoor shoes like Vivobarefoot. They walk a delicate balance between durable, practical and yet still flexible and thin enough to let you feel the earth. You can find boots and shoes for different terrains, climates, and seasons and all function excellently. Between all the members of my family, we’ve tried just about all of them.
My favorite is the Vivobarefoot Tracker Leather – they’re an excellent durable barefoot hiking boot with natural water resistance, lugs for traction, and a removable thermal insole. They’re IMO the best combination of barefoot feel with function. And for warm weather, the Primus Trail is the favorite in our house. They all shed mud well and are up to the task.
While the Vibarefoot hiking boots are extremely functional and durable, they feel a little stiff at first for a barefoot hiking shoe and take breaking in. We have multiple pairs in our house that are several years old and I can confidently attest to them becoming soft and flexible over time.
Vivobarefoot’s hiking shoes come on 4 different outsole types:
Here you can see the different outdoor soles in order of their tread depth. I find the FG and SG work well on all terrains and I can wear them all day easily, while the Esc sole is extra rugged and durable (a little beefier than I need most of the time). Escape is a great choice if you do high mileage and/or extreme terrain.
Sizing & Fit
Read this post to learn all about foot type and how to measure your feet!
- Runs true to size
- Fits average width feet best (men’s models are wider than women’s)
- Sloped shape – not great for people with long outer toes
- Medium volume over the arch (try the Tracker Forest Esc if you have high volume feet)
My husband, son, and I all have our normal size in all our Vivobarefoot hiking shoes & boots.
Freet Barefoot – Extra Wide Friendly
Waterproof Option | Vegan & Leather Options | Sizes EU 37-48
Use code ANYA10 for 10% off
If you like the idea of Vivobarefoot’s hikers but want more toe room, Freet Barefoot is the place to look. They have a similarly extensive lineup of options ranging from waterproof, insulated trekking boots, to light and airy trail shoes. They are also quite light across the board and have a touch more cushion in them compared to Vivobarefoot. While they are not quite as technical in specs, they are very practical for outdoor use and I have had great luck with them.
If I could only wear two Freet barefoot hikers, I would choose the Chamois for cold weather and the Keld for warm weather. A notable new release for 2026 is the Mist – which is a lighter, more breathable hiker that is still waterproof. It is coming in handy during this El Nino year – we have had tons of warm rain.
Sizing & Fit
- The boots run a bit small, but can vary between models so consult the sizing & fit description for each model before ordering. The knit hikers and low cut shoes are more true to size.
- Fits wide and extra wide feet.
- High volume – you can add extra insoles in different thicknesses to your order, and they all have laces that can be cinched over lower volume feet.
Baer Mountain 2.0
Leather | Sizes EU 37-48.5
Back in the day I was obsessed with a slightly different version of these boots under the Joe Nimble label, and I was so sad when they got discontinued. So I jumped on it as soon as I saw that Baer (the parent company of Joe Nimble) had brought the design back under their brand. These Mountain Hiking boots are everything I want in a trail shoe. Ful leather upper that is naturally water resistant, reinforcement at the toe, fluid lacing system, and the perfect balance between flexibility, barefoot feel, and cushion. The quality, fit, and feel is wonderful.
Sizing & Fit
- True to size
- Wide to slightly wide fit
- Adjustable volume, but better suited for medium to low.
Lono Wild
Microfiber | Sizes EU 36-46
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off Flow & Wild models
The Lono Wild is a lightweight, soft hiking shoe that required no breaking in and was immediately soft on my feet – a rarity among hiking shoes that are not mesh. They have just a bit of cushion under foot, but there is still a lot of ground feel. Overall, I find them delightful to wear!
My one gripe is that the laces don’t tighten super easily over my low volume feet. It’s one of those oft overlooked but still important features – I want to pull on the laces and have them all cinch up. However wearing them with a pair of wool socks helped fill in any extra volume when they were new and as they broke in the material became easier to work with and molded to my foot. Worth it to not have any pinch points but still get good traction and stability.
Sizing & Fit
- True to size
- Wide fit, but not extra wide
- Medium volume
Groundies Portland
Waterproof | Leather | Sizes EU 36-48
The Groundies Portland is a surprisingly good hiker from a company that specializes in lifestyle shoes. They have a quite roomy toe box, but are still fitted through the midfoot and heel. They are structured but soft, and the outsole has decent grip. The tread is not quite as deep on the Portland as the other options reviewed so far, but they are a good balance between barefoot feel and function. Oh, and they are waterproof and quite warm for cold weather hiking.
They are similar to the Freet Chamois, but not quite as wide in the toe box and the outsole is a little more flexible, and grippy (the Freet Chamois has a deeper tread).
Sizing & Fit
- Runs slightly small because of the insulation and waterproofing. I have a size 38.
- Wide to slightly extra wide
- Medium volume
Be Lenka Barefoot – Extra Wide Friendly
Leather & Mesh | Sizes EU 36-47
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off your Be Lenka purchase. They only accept returns from the EU, and USA.
Be Lenka barefoot has a few good hiking shoes. Trailtech and Trailwalker are more technical for outdoor terrain, while the Trailair is designed to be a hybrid outdoor/everyday shoe. They all have a toe guard to protect against scuffs, heel protector, and pull on loop. The Trailwalker has the thickest material, and the other two are very light and breathable. They all look good and function well too.
Sizing & Fit
- Trailwalker is true to size.
- Fits medium wide to slightly wide feet.
- Medium volume, easily adjusted to higher or lower.
Xero Hiking Shoes
Waterproof Options | Vegan | Sizes US W5-M15
Xero has a few barefoot hiking boot and shoe options, but my favorite is the Scrambler line. They have a softer fit and feel than the Ridgeway line and are easy to wear. Especially the Scrambler Low EV, which is the most flexible option with a forgiving mesh upper. The waterproof options fit a little snugger (because of the membrane), so I tend to prefer the others.
Xero’s barefoot hikers are a little more cushioned than Vivobarefoot and need less breaking in, but aren’t quite as technical. However, they’ve been long lasting for me, are at a lower price point, and I appreciate the medium thick sole for just a bit more between me and the ground.
Sizing & Fit
- Runs true to size
- Fits medium width (men’s models are wider than women’s).
- Works for most foot volumes from low to high. I was able to cinch them well on my low volume feet, but they are better on higher volume.
Compared to Vivobarefoot, Xero has a straighter cut with more width and volume in the midfoot and heel area.
Best Wide Toe Box Cushioned Hiking Boots
Here are some excellent wide toe box hiking shoes that have more cushion and a little more stability than in your typical barefoot shoe. I make regular use of this type of shoe for long hikes or difficult terrain. They are also favorites for people doing ultra hikes or multi-day backpacking treks. And they can be great for people who want a wide toe box but are not comfortable in the other features of barefoot shoes.
Altra Lone Peak – Extra Wide Friendly
Waterproof Options | Vegan | Sizes US Women’s 5.5 – US Men’s 16
The Lone Peak from Altra is a well loved zero drop trail and hiking shoe line that features a generously wide toe box and flat but cushioned outsole. They are one of, if not, the best in terms of technical specs and have been used by many on major thru hikes and ultra trail running distances. A friend of mine borrowed my All Weather Mid (shown above right) to hike Kilimanjaro last year, and Justin wore the waterproof Lone Peak to backpack Yosemite!
I find the shape and width of them to be an almost universally good fit and the thick sole can be a life saver for long distances or if you just need more sole underfoot. They are secure through the midfoot and heel, but leave plenty of room in the toe box – just the way I like it! And the standard Lone Peak even has an extra wide option that has more upper material, to allow for a thicker foot.
Sizing & Fit
- Runs true to size, but if in between go up.
- Fits wide, and also comes in an extra wide width.
- Fits all foot volumes.
Lems Trail Shoes
Waterproof Options | Leather & Vegan Options | Sizes US W6-M15
If you’re outside the US, shop Lems EU here.
Lems carries a variety of trail shoes with a wide to aaaalmost extra wide toe box and thick, durable outsoles. My personal favorite is the waterproof Lems Boulder Boot Grip. They have a generous fit and strike a good balance between structured traction and flexibility. I wear mine all the time when it’s cold, wet, and muddy. Justin also is a huge fan of Lems hikers both on and off the trails.
If you want something even more rugged, there is the Outlander boot, and coming soon – the Trail Thrasher (low top). There is a removable insole if you need more space, and you can swap it out for a sheepskin one to stay extra cozy. Please note that the insoles that come with these boots has a 3mm compressible heel rise.
Sizing & Fit
- Runs small – They have a reliable sizing guide, so follow that. I usually size up a whole size in Lems boots.
- Fits wide feet – I recommend choose the Widest Natural Shape models, unless you have slim feet.
- High volume – I wear leg warmers with mine usually to fill in the extra space.
One thing I love about Lems shoes is that they have a lot of space above the toes, which makes them feel very roomy without being too big on the rest of the foot.
Notace
15mm Stack Height | Sizes EU 35-49
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
These have a thicker stack height, but are super lightweight! Perfect for trail runners and warm weather hikers, because the upper is thin and breathable. I also appreciate that the toe box is generous and more plateau shaped for those who have longer outer toes.
Sizing & Fit
- True to size
- Fits medium to wide feet
- Medium volume but easily adjustable to high volume. Works on my low volume feet, but bunches up a bit when tight enough
Bahe Hiking Shoes
Waterproof | Grounding | Vegan | Sizes EU 36-47
Use code ANYA for 10% off
Bahe does something unique with their foot-shaped hiking line. Besides being grounding shoes, they also have a range of thicknesses offered so you can choose the amount of cushion you desire. On the thicker end they have 18mm options that are moderately cushioned with a more traditional-feeling wide toe box hiker. And from there you can go to a mid-thickness and a thinner option. All have a robust outsole that takes a bit of breaking in to reach maximum softness – none are as soft and flexible as others presented here. But they function well and are waterproof.
Sizing & Fit
- True to size
- Fits medium wide feet
- Medium volume
Baer Cushioned Hikers
Though we are familiar with the brand, this is a collection we haven’t personally tried (the only one here). But we know there are many of you who would want to know about them because they fill a unique category. They are truly anatomically shaped, but have the most traditional non-barefoot hiker outsole of any on this list. I am confident in the quality of the Baer brand overall, so expect that they will be a good option for those who want the wide but not barefoot option.
Best Budget Barefoot Hikers
Saguaro Shoes
Water Resistant | Vegan (faux leather) | Sizes EU 36-46
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 15% off
Saguaro has a waterproof barefoot hiking boot and some low cut hiking shoes that are more breathable. All are pretty soft and flexible, with decent traction. You can see the difference in quality and materials compared to more upscale hikers, but these do the job!
Saguaro does change and update their models frequently – the Brave boot shown above is already on version 5!! But they always have something available for hiking that is budget friendly after my 15% off discount code. You can also find some options from Saguaro on Amazon.
Sizing & Fit
- Runs small – we size up consistently.
- Fit medium wide feet – other Saguaro shoes on different outsoles fit wider.
- Works for all foot volumes (removable insole).
Hobibear
Non-Leather | Sizes EU 37-47
Hobibear is a brand available on Amazon that has very cheap options for wide toe box trail shoes. They are not zero drop and have a more cushioned outsole, but they have a natural foot shape and a treaded outsole. If you’re on a tight budget, it’s hard to beat the $40 price point.
Which Barefoot Hiking Boots Fit Extra Wide Feet?
Curious which options here are the widest? The following barefoot and wide toe box hiking shoe brands are extra wide friendly. Find my reviews of them in the main article above!
- Softstar Switchback II (choose Wide width)
- Be Lenka Nevada (EU only)
- Altra Lone Peak (choose Wide width)
- Freet Barefoot – all are extra wide friendly. Use code ANYA10 for 10% off
See below all the barefoot hiking shoes reviewed here in order from narrowest to widest, starting with the Merrell Trail Glove and ending with Softstar.
Everyone will experience width differently, but I did my best to generalize it here. Keep in mind that this is organized by width in the toe box, and not width in other parts of the shoe (like midfoot and heel).
Fit & Waterproofing Hacks
When it comes to barefoot hiking boots I have a few tricks up my sleeve. Here are a few of my best pointers that will improve the fit and longevity of your shoes.
- Err on the larger size – feet swell when you hike so it’s a good idea to buy a half or whole size bigger than you typically wear. This also allows for socks and insoles.
- Grab an extra pair of insoles – with thin barefoot shoes these can really come in handy if you’re on extra hard terrain or your feet just need a break.
- Learn how to waterproof your shoes – waterproof shoes all have an expiration date and will start leaking eventually. If you get yourself some waterproofing products you can really increase the usefulness of your boots.
For more tips on fitting hiking boots, here is a guide from Terradrift.
Honorable Mentions
While the above are my personal top recommendations, you might want to check out the other barefoot hiking shoe options that are available. Here are all the others that meet our happy feet criteria.
Softstar Switchback II (US) – These have a soft, supple leather upper and thin wool lining for a comfortable fit with no break in time. Available in 2 widths
Magical Shoes Tundra (US/EU) – Use code ANYA for 10% off
Bashers Hiker (South Africa) – These leather boots are resolable and have a classic leather construction, making them great for those who want to wear the same pair forever. They fit my foot type well – fairly wide in the toes, but slim through the heel – however I wouldn’t recommend them to extra wide folks. These are not in the main list because they are a bit hard to order if you’re not in South Africa and the sizing take a bit to wrap your head around (UK sizes are displayed!).
Feelgrounds Patrol (EU) – These work well as a hiking boot (and stylish too!) but are a little stiff in the heel and ankle for me. Read my review of them in this post! Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off
Saltic Fura (EU) – Really thin outsole, with a great toe box shape!
Shapen Stormis (EU) – Use code ANYAS10 for 10% off full-priced items, or code ANYA5 for an extra 5% off sale items. These are very nice boots with an extra wide toe box, new for 2025. I like almost everything about them, but they are very shallow over my toes and press down on my big toe. Shapen does not accept returns outside the EU.
Vaistoa (EU only)
Vibram Fivefingers (US) – They make several trail shoes. Sometimes I’ve found that the more durable outsole on five finger shoes is hard on my toes, so for that reason I left them off the main list.
283 thoughts on “The Best Barefoot Hiking Boots & Shoes for Outdoorsy Folks”
I love the Vivo ones. Have had them for maybe 3 years and worn them absolutely miles and miles. I wear them at least once a week. BUT. They say they are waterproof and they are absolutely definitely not, which is such a shame. It is the tongue that is the problem. Try walking through wet grass in these and your socks will be wet in minutes. Heavy rain? Same issue. The ingress comes in on the top of your foot and quickly fills your boot. I wish they could sort this, then they would be perfect.
Thanks for your research! My 5yro will be hiking daily, through woods with a creek, during school and i was looking for something a bit higher up to keep the ankle protected from the water. I don’t think i want to revert to a rain boot because of the “hiking” but i may not have many options as far as waterproofing… I see a lot of sneaker type hikers for your kid recs and if it wasn’t for the creek i’d swipe a couple of those listed!
My first thought was the Vivo Fulham! They have the grippy trail outsole and are taller than shoes. You could also use a gaiter for even higher protection.
Any recommendations for boots for hot, tropical climate?
Thank you for this in-depth review.💛
Do you need water resistance? Freet Howgill is light and breathable with some water resistance and a higher cut. The Vivo Magna would be another lighter boot option that doesn’t run hot. Those would probably be my top recs for a warm climate that are not low cut shoes.
Hi! I could swear that I have seen Joe nimble wandertoes 2.0 on this list😅 or some other review on your page.
Did you remove it? I was looking to read your review because I’m thinking about getting a pair. I tried them on once but it felt like I didn’t have very good heel grip and it also felt a little bit like it had minor arch support. Should I avoid them perhaps? I think they look great and seem to have good waterproofing as well and good materials. I don’t really mind a more sturdy sole for winter and hiking but perhaps it’s a bad shoe if you removed it from your page 😄
Hi there, Joe Nimble discontinued it so we took it off for that reason. They are what we would consider wide toe box, but not barefoot. A good hiking shoe, but with a bit of support and not very flexible. So it’s more what you want to use it for and what your foot needs are.
I love my Altra Lone Peak All Weather for dryer summer hiking. They are a few years old but have never come close to being waterproof. Even a heavy dew on a 40 degree morning soaks them quickly. Can you recommend any boots that will be good for hiking in wet snow? I have a high instep and wide forefoot.
Second note with more details – I hope that isn’t an issue.
I have always wanted a wide toe box and love my Luna Sandals for warmer weather. I have a high instep which limits some shoes.
I like my Altra Lone Peak hikers for dry hikes. I would like something more water resistant for hiking in wet snow. My Lone Peak’s get wet through in grass with heavy dew so I haven’t even tried them in wet snow conditions. Do you have an opinion on these or any others?
Altra Timp Hiker GTX
– They look pretty good, but quite beefy. I’m okay with a little more under my feet than my Lone Peaks if they fit otherwise – especially in the colder temps of mid-winter.
Vivo Tracker
– You mentioned that the FG are waterproof. It appears now that they just carry Forest ESC. You also mentioned that FGs are for average to narrow feet and are medium over the arch. I measure medium to narrow with a high instep but have always disliked wearing narrow shoes. Any thoughts on the fit of the Forest ESC?
Xero Scrambler Mid II WP
– Looks tempting. My only concern is their statement that it looks like a thick sole but isn’t – “the thick sole is an illusion created by our design team”. Do you know if that means there is a stiff section up the side of the boot a bit, like in some running sneakers? I don’t like when the sides of my feet roll into those.
I hope this isn’t too long to answer. I really appreciate your help as I don’t want to buy five different ones and send four back.
Peg
I hike 2 to 3 times a week in the Pacific Northwest, read lots of rain. On one backpacking trip we all had quality leather boots and we all literally poured the water out of them at the end of the day. After that I switched to Altra Lone Peak specifically because they had exit holes to allow the water to drain out. I combined these with neoprene socks and had happy warm feet. Altra has since stopped with the drain holes. Know any barefoot hiking shoe like the old Altras?
Sorry Barb, I can’t think of any barefoot hiking shoes with drainage. Would you consider wearing hiking sandals?
Unfortunately, Altra has released v2 of their Lone Peak…and it’s not fit for a wide toebox anymore! Maybe they’ll send you a new one to review…
I have their most recent Lone Peak and didn’t find them to be narrower!
Hi Anya! Firstly, thank you so much for your blog! I reference it constantly when agonizing over shoe purchases!
I have been wanting a new hiking boot as my vivo hikers were bought at the beginning of my barefoot journey (on Sierra Trading! They have great deals on Vivo!) and are just too narrow now. I have relatively short feet (24.5 cm) compared to their width (10 cm at the metatarsal). I have the soft star primal Sawyers and LOVE them, but have seen some less than ideal reviews on the durability of their hiker. This leaves me debating between the Lems Boulder Summit or the Realfoot hiker. If I’m being honest, I like the look of the Lems better, and the tread seems more up to the challenge of some serious hiking. I’m just not entirely sure they will be wide enough. Thoughts?
Hi Hayley, I would vote for Lems over Realfoot in terms of grip/lugs. They will be wider than Vivo, but not as wide as Realfoot (which you might not need that wide anyway!)
I’m looking for a waterproof (or highly water resistant) fall/winter boot and have been having quite a time of it. Apparently I have quite wide feet, and high volume enough to get in the way sometimes. I tried the Be Lenka Winter 3.0, which I found through your winter reviews, but the volume was too low for me even a size up from what the size chart said (you had identified them as low volume). I’m a 40 according to size charts, and at a 42 there was just enough room above the instep, where the laces begin, but I was swimming in length and still didn’t have enough volume for thick socks and wool insoles. Otherwise they were fantastic, and cute! The Ranger has been suggested as a good alternative but I’ve heard that compared to the original Ranger, the Ranger 2.0 is lower volume, narrower in the ankle, and slightly narrower. Which version of the Ranger are you reviewing above? Do you think the Ranger 2.0 would have a bit more volume than the Winter 3.0 but otherwise fit the same? Thanks so much for all of your reviews and fantastic info!
The Ranger 2.0 is what I reviewed here. They are the same overall shape and width as the Winter 3.0, but with more volume. The lining is not as thick, and the tongue is gusseted and expandable. Not as warm, but I think they would fit your feet better.
Hello Anya,
I am loving your reviews. I am slowly transitioning my shoes to barefoot/minimalist/wide toe box options. My first were a pair of Shapen Poppy flats. I was the envy of every woman at a recent wedding! I recently purchased Lems Chelsea Barefoot Boot Waterproof after reading your review of their Chelsea boot. I am in love! They are so comfortable that I forgot I was wearing them.
So, now I am considering one of Lems’ hiking boots. I am torn between the Boulder Summit and the Outlander. I like that both styles have the 4mm deep lugs for added traction. Have you worn either of those boots? What did you think?
Thank you in advance for your advice!