Serious hiking calls for serious shoes. But standard hiking shoes are stiff and narrow! For happy feet I wear barefoot hiking boots that don’t compromise on function but keep my toes and ankles free. And no blisters too!
In this article I review my top recommended barefoot hiking boot & shoe brands for both comfort and functionality. I’ve also included my favorite cushioned wide toe box options and a budget brand, so there is something for everyone.
Read on for the top barefoot hiking shoes that are comfy for feet AND give protection on the trails.
The Best Barefoot Hiking Shoes
This isn’t just a collection of links – I own and hike in all of the barefoot hiking boots and shoes here. 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!
Whether you’re looking for something to wear on a serious backpacking trek or for casual weekend strolls on your favorite trail, here are the best wide toe box & barefoot hiking shoes on the market! 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.
Vivobarefoot Hiking Shoes
Waterproof Option | Leather & Vegan Options | Sizes US W5.5 – M15
Use code ARVIVO20 for 20% off
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).
- 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.
Xero Hiking Shoes
Lugs | Water Resistant | Speed Hooks | 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.
Compared to Vivobarefoot, Xero has a straighter cut with more width and volume in the midfoot and heel area.
Freet Barefoot – Extra Wide Friendly
Water Resistant | Speed Hooks | Vegan & Leather Options | Sizes EU 37-48
Get 10% off any Freet Barefoot shoes with code AnyaFreet.
Freet Barefoot has several barefoot hiking boots and shoes that function excellently, including waterproof and knit options. The hallmark feature of Freet hikers is that they have a wide foot shape with plenty of space for all toes, while still being practical for outdoor use. The Chamois (above right) is new for 2025 and I am really enjoying them! The hardwearing leather upper is a little bit stiff (every waterproof boot I test is), but the fit is good and they feel quality.
Our lightweight favorites are the Howgill and Keld 2 (above left) -they are so soft and comfy with zero break in time and all the toe space. The Keld 2 is the most breathable, airy trail shoe in this list!
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 are true to size.
- Fits wide and extra wide feet.
- High volume – you can add extra insoles in different thicknesses to your order.
For more details on Freet’s sizing & fit, read my in-depth Freet Review.
Groundies Portland
Leather | Waterproof | Sizes EU 36-48
The Groundies Portland surprised me this spring. They have a roomy toe box, but are still fitted through the midfoot and heel. They are structured but soft, and the outsole has decent grip. There is not as much tread on the Portland as the above options I’ve reviewed, but they are a good balance between barefoot feel and function.
They are similar to the Freet Chamois, but not quite as wide in the toe box and the outsole is a little more flexible, thin and grippy (the Freet Chamois has a deeper tread).
Sizing & Fit
- True to size
- Wide to slightly extra wide
- Medium volume
Lono Wild
Suede | Vegan Option | Sizes EU 36-46
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
The Lono Wild is a lightweight, soft suede hiking shoe that required no breaking in and was immediately soft on my feet – a rarity among leather hiking shoes. 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. However wearing them with a pair of wool socks helped fill in any extra volume and I expect that the suede will mold to my foot making the shoe easier to work with. Worth it to not have any pinch points but still have good traction and stability.
Sizing & Fit
- True to size
- Wide fit, but not extra wide
- Medium volume
Be Lenka Barefoot – Extra Wide Friendly
Leather | Waterproof Option | 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 two excellent hiking shoes. The first is the Be Lenka Ranger. This is a fleece lined, waterproof boot with a durable upper and rugged non-slip sole. They are great for people who want an extra wide fit, but I do find the sole a little bit heavier than I prefer. The Ranger can double as a snow boot too!
If you need a barefoot trail shoe for warmer weather, the Be Lenka Trailwalkers is a lowcut option with a thinner, lighter outsole. These were recently updated to a 3.0 version, but my tester pair got delayed in transit so I have not yet tried them. I’ve loved my previous versions of the Trailwalker! But will update this when I can share specifics.
Sizing & Fit
- The Ranger runs slightly small.
- Fits wide to extra wide feet.
- Medium Volume, easily adjusted.
Merrell Vapor Trail Glove
Lugs | Waterproof Options | Recycled Mesh | Sizes US Women’s 5-11 & Men’s 7-15
If you live outside the US click the flag at the top right corner for different regions!
Merrell is a US brand that primarily sells non-barefoot shoes, but also has a few good wide toe box barefoot models. The best known, and the one that my son backpacked Yosemite in, is the Trail Glove. It has a quality outsole with toe protection, a bit of water resistance for shallow puddles, and a breathable mesh upper.
The outsole is a little bit thicker and stiffer than many of the other barefoot hiking shoes reviewed here, but that can be useful if you want a bit more protection. They also have an even heavier duty model called the Wrapt for extreme terrains. Merrell has been a solid high quality brand for me for many years, even before I started wearing barefoot shoes.
Sizing & Fit
- True to size, but I sized up for more toe room
- Slim to Medium wide – not suited for extra wide feet
- Medium volume with removable insole
I sized up for a little extra width because I have wider than average feet. They are comfy for me, but I do feel my toes on the sides of the shoe.
Softstar Switchback II – Extra Wide Friendly
Leather & Wool Lining | Sizes US 5U-13U
The Softstar Switchback II has a soft, supple leather upper and thin wool lining for a comfortable fit with no break in time. It comes in two widths to fit average to extra wide feet. The outsole is thick but flexible Vibram Megagrip – it has serious traction and durability that should last for many, many miles. And if it does wear out, you can have it resoled by a professional cobbler (this is the only barefoot hiker listed here that can be repaired easily)!
I love that they conformed to my arches and ankles easily with no rubbing, and leave space above my toes (no more pressure from above like in the previous version). My only complaint is that they come in whole sizes only, and I would fit best in a half size. Mine are a 7U or Women’s 8 and they are a little too big and long, which makes the sole feel a little heavier and clunkier. I am thinking about going to the size below, because the leather should mold to my feet even if they are a little bit short!
Sizing & Fit
- Runs true to size, but only comes in half sizes
- Fits wide to extra wide feet – comes in two widths.
- Adjustable foot volume.
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.
Bahe Rediscover
Waterproof | Grounding | Vegan | Sizes EU 36-47
Use code ANYA for 10% off
The Rediscover from Bahe is a moderately cushioned, more traditional-feeling wide toe box hiker. It has an 18mm total stack height and is fully waterproof, but it is fairly stiff and takes some time to break in. Particularly around the ankle is not as soft as I would prefer, but if you are someone who wants that structure and stability the Bahe Revive is a good wide toe box alternative. Oh, and they have grounding capabilities!
Sizing & Fit
- True to size
- Fits wide feet
- Medium volume
Best Budget Barefoot Hikers
Saguaro Shoes
Water Resistant | Speed Hooks | Synthetic | 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.
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).
Hiking Shoe 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.
Which Barefoot Hiking Boots Are The Widest?
Curious which barefoot hiking shoes are the most wide? See below the reviewed barefoot hiking shoes in order from narrowest to widest, starting with the Merrell Trail Glove and ending with Realfoot.
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).
More Barefoot Hiking Options
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.
Ahinsa Chitra (EU) – Vegan, and available in regular and extra wide! Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
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 ANYA5 for 5% off your first order
Saltic Fura (EU) – Really thin outsole, with a great toe box shape!
Shapen Stormis (EU) – Use code ANYA5 for 5% off. 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.
Sole Runner Transition (EU) – Good shoes! Easier to order from for EU residents.
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. Use my link for 15% off!
Kids Barefoot Hiking Shoes & Boots
In my experience, barefoot hiking boots for kids is often not necessary unless they are serious little mountain goats. With their center of gravity so close to the ground, additional tread often doesn’t add more stability. So we focus more on durability and water resistance when choosing practical hiking shoes for my kids. You can find our top recommended Barefoot Shoes for Kids here, which we use both for hiking and play.
But if your kids do more serious hiking, here are a few barefoot hiking shoe options for kids.
- Vivobarefoot – Several practical options from Vivo! Use code ARVIVO20 for 20% off
- Merrell Trail Glove
- Freet Tufee – 10% off with code AnyaFreet. This one comes in and out of stock. If you live outside the US, shop the Freet Tufee here.
Whether you’re a casual weekend hiker or are doing serious ultras distances, there are barefoot friendly hiking boots that still getting the job done. Because even the most durable options in this list still have a zero drop sole and wide toe box.
235 thoughts on “The Best Barefoot Hiking Boots & Shoes for Outdoorsy Folks”
The vivo barefoot trackers are NOT good! These are LETHALLY SLIPPERY! ZERO GRIP!
Hi! I’m so glad to see you listed Merrell on here! I too had good luck with that brand before wearing barefoot shoes, and I didn’t know they had a barefoot line. Just ordered the Trail Glove 7’s and the Wrapt Mid waterproof to try out. They’re in my price range, plus the company is doing a semi-annual sale right now so I took advantage of that. I’d like to move up to some Vivo’s or one of the higher end brands later, but right now I need something that I’m 99% sure will work based on past experience with the brand, and more budget-friendly. So excited to try these, thanks again for the recommendations!
Hi Anya. I’m looking for a boot that can handle a (very) high volume foot without removing the insole, has a narrow heel, and is available in a size 36 (5.5). I can’t remove the insole because I do some quite technical hikes and need the protection. I’m getting pretty desperate. I tried Lems and Altras, but they were way too wide; my feet sloshed around in them. Do you have any ideas at all? At this point, even quasi-barefoot would help, as long as it was high enough in the instep.
Freet might be a good one for you to check out – they are high volume but not quite as roomy as Lems and Altra’s widest options.
Hi Anya,
I wonder how much you have used your Freet leather boots? I have had nothing but trouble with mine, two pairs now. They have not even lasted a year without splitting.
Freet are reluctant to talk about the quality of the leather they use, or the welfare of the animals.
I am wondering if you or your family have tried the Topo trail shoe?
I haven’t yet! Do you recommend trying it?
Hey Anya,
I’m considering the Freet Impala boots. I read a review on Freet’s website saying the lugs on the bottom are hollow. So rather than wear down they kind of just turn into holes. Do you know if this is true or maybe this person just got a bad pair. She shows photos and it looks bad. Thanks!
I do not know myself if the lugs are hollow, I’ve not had mine wear down. I’m sure their customer service team could tell you more details about the construction. But we’ve not seen that ourselves. Justin has been wearing his Freet Howgill all the time for over a year and the lugs are barely worn, and definitely not turning into holes. Lugs can definitely get prematurely worn down if they’re worn on concrete or asphalt, so maybe that was part of the issue for the other person.
I was wondering the same thing and emailed Freet about it. According to them, “Impala [has] our Mountain Grip 6mm outsole whose lugs are not hollow… There is a small space at the top of the lug as with most lugs to allow flexibility and improved comfort.” I asked them about the pics in that review and they said “When you make a deep 6mm lug to get the right balance of comfort and low weight you leave a small space at the head (maybe 1-1.5mm)”. Hope that helps!
Bought Lems Boulder Summit in Sep 2023. Loved everything about it until now (Oct 2025), my R boot is leaking so badly that my F foot is soaked after an hour walking in the rain. My boots were not used heavily as I’m more a walking in the nearby trails than a true hiker. And I have also taken pains to clean and waterproof my boots as recommended by Anyasreviews.
It’s hugely disappointing as these Lems boots weren’t inexpensive! Am putting in this feedback so that other potential buyers can take this info into consideration.
I’m gonna try Freet!