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”
The vivo barefoot trackers are NOT good! These are LETHALLY SLIPPERY! ZERO GRIP!
I love mine and don’t find them slippery at all- but perhaps the terrain you hike on would be better suited for one of their deeper lug options 🙂
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!
Hi Anya,
thanks for all the information!
I’m hesitating between Be Lenka Ranger and Freet Mudee 2…
Which one has a more flexible outsole?
Which one is lighter? (I usually wear Wildling or Ahinsa, so I have pretty high standards in these two aspects 😀 )
Does the Freet toebox have a width similar to the Ahinsa toebox? (I could probably fit into narrower shoes but I love being able to splay 🙂 )
I wear size 40 in both brands (perfect for the length and width, for volume and heel/ankle width 39 would be more than enough). Would you recommend sizing up in Be Lenka or Freet?
Thank you so much in advance for your advice!
I would say Freet is both lighter and more flexible than Be Lenka. If you’re already used to sizing up for width then you may not need to in Freet. But I typically go up a half size in my Freet boots compared to other brands.
Thanks!
I noticed they don’t sell thermo/wool/etc. insoles. Do you know any winter insoles from another brand that fit the shoes right away? Or sizing up and cutting out the Freet shape is the only option? 😀
I often swap around my wool insoles between boots of different brands, so I think it can definitely work. My Wildling wool insoles do a lot of heavy lifting for me and tend to fit in most other brands.
What about the BeLenka Nevada Neo for hiking? I thought you had recommended these in the past?
Yes, actually I should add in a mention of them. They have the same outsole as the Ranger, but aren’t waterproof or fleece-lined. However some people may prefer that.
Hey! Love the updated guide! Previously you said the Softstar Switchback was not good for high volume feet. Is the Switchback II better?? I also read a reviewers take on the ground feel and they said that it’s got a pretty thick sole with all the different layers. I really want a hiking boot with good ground feel, so would this not fit the bill? I feel like I’m looking for a unicorn. High volume, wide, waterproof, good ground feel and good grip!
The Switchback II is much better for higher volume feet now. It has more volume and space above the toes, and the lacing is really adjustable. The outsole is pretty flexible, but no there is not much ground feel with that thick of an outsole. Waterproof and good ground feel might indeed be a unicorn… but if you’re ok with an overall less rugged/durable shoe the Wildling Tejo might be worth looking at. Or, if you don’t need full waterproof the Freet Howgill is a very light, flexible, and wide fitting option!