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 10 of the best 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 barefoot hiking boots on the market, no matter where you are in the world. Hiking just feels so much better when I’m in barefoot hiking boots!
Here is what I look for in my barefoot hiking shoes:
- Totally flat zero drop sole.
- An anatomical wide toe box shape.
- A thin flexible sole (though sometimes I go for a thick sole for weather protection/durability)
- Durable materials
- Good tread with grip
- Breathability and/or water resistance (depending on the weather)
The first 3 features here are inherently different from your typical hiking shoe that weighs a ton and barely bends. 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 barefoot boots for every day, check this review out!
Ok, on to the best barefoot hiking shoes on the market!
Vivobarefoot Hiking Shoes
Lugs | Waterproof | Speed Hooks | Leather | Sizes US W5.5 – M15
Use code ANYA25VB for 25% off everything but Sensus sandals, and Gobi sneakers. You can use code ARVIVO20 20% off those.
No one does outdoor shoes like Vivobarefoot. You can find boots and shoes for different terrains, climates, and seasons and all function excellently. The Vivobarefoot Tracker is an excellent durable barefoot hiking boot with a waterproofed exterior (in the FG model), lugs for traction, and a removable thermal insole. They’re IMO the best combination of barefoot feel with function, but if you don’t need water protection the Magna Lite is a really comfy hiking boot with a soft knit collar. And if you want a low cut shoe – the Primus Trail is top notch in our house.
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.
Vivobarefoot’s hiking shoes come on three 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.
My husband wears his Tracker FG hiking boots for snow (swap out the insole for a sheepskin one if you plan to do this) and even to work with business casual pants. I wear my FG’s for hiking whenever it’s cold and wet and my Magna Lites with the SG sole the rest of the time. They have held up very well and are extremely functional! You can read my full Vivobarefoot Tracker FG review here.
Sizing & Fit
Read this post to learn all about foot type and how to measure your feet!
- Runs true to size
- Fits average to narrow width feet best (men’s models are wider than women’s).
- Medium volume over the arch (try the Tracker Esc if you have high volume feet)
My husband and I have our normal size in all our Vivobarefoot hiking shoes & boots except for the Tracker FG, that one we both sized up in.
Be Lenka Barefoot Ranger & Trailwalker
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.
Also available at Anya’s Shop for easier access in the US!
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. I am loving everything about these, from their high quality materials, to the extra spacious toe box, to the warm fleece lining (I do a lot of cold weather hiking). These are one of my most worn cold weather hiking boots, but aren’t as practical year round – which is where the Vivobarefoot Tracker takes the cake. The Ranger can double as a snow boot too!
If you need a barefoot trail shoe for warmer weather, the Be Lenka Trailwalkers are wonderful. These barefoot hikers are extremely comfortable and have great grip. Not to mention the incredible amount of toe space and excellent quality. I’ve banged up my ankle bones a few times in them on rocky hikes (the perils of not covering your ankles!), but I still prefer them when the weather is warm because of how light and and comfortable they are.
The tread is not deep, which actually helps keep mud from collecting in the grooves, and they’ve kept me steady even on loose rock and gravel. They come with an optional insole for some cushion or a better fit if you have low volume feet. Without the insole they are only 4mm thick! Overall, these are exactly what I’m looking for in a barefoot hiking shoe: practical, but my feet still feel free.
Sizing & Fit
- Runs slightly small.
- Fits wide to extra wide feet.
- The Trailwalkers are high volume.
- The Rangers are medium volume
Xero Hiking Shoes
Lugs | Water Resistant | Speed Hooks | Vegan | Sizes US W5-M15
Xero has a lot of barefoot hiking boot and shoe options. My favorite is the Scrambler Mid for a high top and the Ridgeway Mesh as a low top. Both have a medium thick sole for some extra durability, a comfy soft upper, and good traction on the trails.
Xero’s hiking boots can be on the stiffer side and take a little bit to break in. I personally avoid the Xcursion Fusion and Daylite Hiker because they irritate my heels, but the rest have worked well for me!
And you can opt for the barefoot hiking shoes for a softer fit. I love both the Scrambler Low and the Mesa Trail. They are similarly soft and breathable.
Sizing & Fit
- Runs true to size
- Runs medium to wide width (men’s models are wider than women’s).
- Works for most foot volumes from low to high, but might be roomy on low volume feet.
Compared to Vivobarefoot, Xero has a straighter cut with more width and volume in the midfoot and heel area.
Freet Barefoot Hiking Shoes
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 an an excellent foot shape with plenty of space for all toes. And the soles can be as thin as 4mm without the insole if you want a genuine barefoot feel. They do run on the smaller side, so I size up to get the fit I want.
Our lightweight favorites are the Howgill and Feldom -they are so soft and comfy with zero break in time. And for wet and cold weather the Tundra, Impala, and Mudee are waterproof and higher cut.
One complaint I have about Freet shoes is that the interior on the waterproof boots is padded and it can be kind of bulky around the ankle. And I prefer the leather waterproof options instead of the vegan because they breath better.
Sizing & Fit
- The boots run a bit small, but can vary between models so consult the sizing & fit description for each model before ordering.
- Fits wide feet.
- Square shaped toe box.
- Works for all foot volumes – you can add on insoles in different thicknesses too.
For more details on Freet’s sizing & fit, read my in-depth Freet Review.
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 have a few really good wide toe box barefoot models. The best known, and the one I use, 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 tongue is also gussetted to keep out debris (something you typically only find on taller boots).
More recently Merrell has come out with a waterproof version of the Trail Glove and an even heavier duty model called the Wrapt for extreme terrains. Merrell has been a solid brand for me for many years, even before I started wearing barefoot shoes. And for the quality the price is cheaper than many other barefoot options.
Sizing & Fit
- True to size
- Medium wide – not suited for extra wide feet
- Medium volume with removable insole
- Mountain shaped
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.
Realfoot Trekker
Waterproof | Speed Hooks | Leather or Vegan | Sizes EU 36-47
Use code ANYASREVIEWS10 for 10% off.
If you want a hiker with an extremely wide toe box, Realfoot is for you. The Trekker line is waterproof and comes in multiple heights and materials. The waterproof membrane makes the Trekkers slightly less flexible in the uppers than other Realfoot shoes, but they’re still one of the most minimal barefoot hiking options on this list.
Our only criticism is the outsole lacks lugs, which won’t make these an ideal choice for more challenging hikes. However you get all the toe space, a waterproof upper with a gusseted tongue, and a real barefoot feel.
The alternative would be the Softstar Primal hiking shoes mentioned below – similarly wide toe box but on a rugged outsole with deep tread.
Sizing & Fit
- Extra wide fan shape, narrower through the midfoot and heel
- Square shaped toe box (lots of space for your pinky toes)
- Ample vertical height in the toe box
- High volume, except the waterproof options feel lower due to the membrane
- True to size with a very detailed size chart
Read our full Realfoot review here
Groundies Ontario
Waterproof | Speed Hooks | Leather | Sizes EU 36-48
Groundies has a few outdoor barefoot hiking shoes but my favorite is the Ontario. The outsole is grippy but still flexible, the uppers are waterproof without being too hot, and they provide just enough protection from rocks while still feeling like a barefoot shoe.
I do find the laces annoying – they are hard to adjust below the speed hooks and I can’t get them quite tight enough when I wear thin socks. I am looking forward to the update they are doing on them this fall and hope they’ll address that issue!
Sizing & Fit
- True to size.
- Medium to wide fit.
- Mountain shaped.
- Medium to high volume, but work for my low volume feet with socks.
Softstar Switchback
Lugs| Waterproof | Speed Hooks | Fabric, Leather & Wool | Sizes US 5U-13U
The Softstar Switchback is a barefoot hiking boot with some great specs. It comes in two widths for both average width and extra wide feet. And you can choose from a leather upper or Super Fabric which is extremely durable, waterproof, and yet breathable.
These boots are made with Vibram’s Megagrip sole and have serious traction and durability – it 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). The interior is lined with a thin wool, so I prefer these for slightly cooler weather.
I am finding them comfortable and practical, and I hiked miles in them the first wear without any discomfort! But be advised, these boots fit low to medium volume over the arch. That means if you need a lot of vertical space above your foot/have high arches you might feel cramped! The all-leather version will mold more to your foot than Super Fabric, so there is the potential for stretching.
The sole is thick, so you don’t really feel the ground in them, but they are flexible and I still feel connected to the earth. And for a low cut option I recommend the Megagrip RunAmoc – these are ultra wide toe box hiking shoes with a rugged outsole.
Sizing & Fit
- Runs true to size.
- Fits extra wide.
- Square shaped toe box.
- Low volume fit.
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. And they can be great for people who want a wide toe box but are not comfortable in the other features of barefoot shoes.
Lems Boulder Boot Grip
Waterproof | Leather | Sizes US W6-M15
European readers can purchase some Lems models at Mugavik Barefoot and use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off
The waterproof Lems Boulder Boot Grip is a new variation on their original Boulder, and they are everything I wished for! Classic styling, a soft leather upper, and a grippy outsole that has better traction on and off the trails.
The tongue is gusseted to keep water and debris out, and the sole is thicker than a lot of other barefoot hiking boots (13 mm without insole) so you have some protection from the ground. This also makes the Boulder Boot Grip functional as a light work boot! There is a removable insole if you need more space, and you can swap it out for a sheepskin one to stay extra cozy.
Sizing & Fit
- Runs small – They have a reliable sizing guide, so follow that.
- Fits wide feet.
- Square shaped toe box.
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.
Altra Lone Peak
Water Resistant 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. In fact my old physical therapist is wearing the All Weather Mid (shown above) to hike Kilimanjaro right now!
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. I wear the plain old Lone Peak most often, but they come in different heights and water resistances.
Sizing & Fit
- Runs true to size, but if in between go up.
- Fits wide toes, and even comes in a wider width.
- Square shaped toe box.
- Fan-shaped (they narrow at the arch and heel).
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.
- Works for all foot volumes (removable insole)
- Mountain shaped
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 10 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 – Vegan, and available in regular and extra wide! Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
- Bahe Rediscover – The only hiking option with grounding technology! These are also a thicker, less flexible option for people who want more cushion. Code ANYA gives you 10% off
- Feelgrounds Patrol – 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
- Sole Runner Transition – Good shoes! Easier to order from for EU residents.
- Saltic Fura – Use Google Chrome to translate to English!
- Vibram Fivefingers – They make several good trail shoes. Use my link for 15% off!
- Zaqq – Several hiking options including the Expeq which is waterproof and comes in leather or a vegan option.
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 Primus Trail – 10% off with code ANYA25VB for 25% off everything but Sensus sandals, and Gobi sneakers. You can use code ARVIVO20 20% off those.
- 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.
- Be Lenka Xplorer – Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off. These run BIG.
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.
I hike weekly in barefoot shoes, so you can expect this review of the 10 best barefoot hiking boots to continue to be updated with any new options that come to the market (or if over time my thoughts change). I am always testing and reviewing barefoot shoes to help you find what best option for your feet and your lifestyle!
228 thoughts on “The 10 Best Barefoot Hiking Boots & Shoes for Outdoorsy Folks”
Have you ever considered the ZAQQ HIQE boots? I have the mid version and they’ve held up well.
Hi! I looked into them this past fall/winter after writing this post and got my husband a pair of the Expeq hiking boots. I got a different shoe (the Quintic, reviewed in my Vegan Barefoot Winter Boots post) that uses the same sole. Essentially, I think it’s probably a great shoe!
hey. thank you so much for your reviews. super helpful. i was excited to try the joe nimble wandertoes as you featured here, and discovered that they’ve changed the design.. the sole looks huge now, and definitely less attractrive to me all together… i’m curious how yours have held up and if you have any tips or resources on finding the older model? 🙂
Unfortunately I’ve looked high and low and can’t find them anywhere anymore. They’ve completely switched over. I just ordered the new version to compare it to the old one. Hoping it’s still good, despite the chunky looking sole!
Cool, I am looking forward to your review on the Wandertoes 2.0 and the comparison to the old version. 🙂
Hi, there! I have the new model of Wander Toes, which are much less flexible than the original look here, unfortunately. I still decided to go with it because of your review of the original, and because it will fill multiple needs for my lifestyle and the Oklahoma weather. I’m wondering if you treat the leather? Thanks, Anya. You rock!
Hey Tricia! I never treated the leather on my Original WanderToes, and the new WanderToes is the same upper material (I now have both, but still have not updated this review). So it would probably help extend the life of the leather, but it is already treated to be water resistant and doesn’t necessarily need it.
Hello Anya,
Any news for the new Joe Nimble WanderToes 2.0?
Have a good day.
Hey there! I have worn them a few times, but haven’t had a chance to fully update the post yet. They’re pretty stiff! They will definitely no longer be my top pick for hiking boots, but are still a good shoe. Just much thicker and stiffer than I like. Would be good as a transition shoe for someone who isn’t ready for the thin flexible soles but wants space for their toes.
Anya,
They are still in zero drop too?
thank you.
The Vivobarefoot Tracker? Yes, they are still zero drop. The two pairs we have in our house are from 2 and 3 years ago, so we don’t have the most current version. But there haven’t been many updates, it’s essentially the same boot. I am eyeing the Tracker Escape though!
Hi Anya, I’m new to barefoot shoes and have just started with two shoes: Altra Paradigm and Feelgrounds, and barefoot at home. I desperately need a pair of hiking boots as I do alot of hiking in the alps (I live in Switzerland). I have numerous foot issues: morton’s neuroma, hallux valgus and hammertoes (which I am slowly working on), so I need the width in the toebox. I am looking at Bär Shoes and particularly the Innsbruck model. Do you know anything about them? Thank You.
Hi there! Those certainly look like they have a good width to them, but they are not a barefoot shoe in other respects. Baer shoes sells Joe Nimble, which makes minimalist footwear (it’s a brand of Baer Shoes), but the other models on Baer are not barefoot approved. If you don’t mind the thicker sole of the WanderToes, that one will also have a wide toe box and very good quality make.
Hi 👋
I recently got my first pair of walking boots (normal ones) and I hate them. They’re so stiff everywhere! I have hypermobility so I am used to moving my feet and ankles a lot, and these feel like casts on my feet and ankles.
How flexible do you find any of these boots around the ankle? I haven’t tried barefoot shoes before but I go around in socks all the time at home and tend to step on the front of my feet.
Thanks 😊
All of these are going to be stiffer than traditional hiking boots (yay!) but the Trackers and Boulders are kind of stiff around the ankle compared to the others. I actually think the Zaqq boots that I list at the end of the post are the softest around the ankle. But again, compared to almost any other hikers, these will all feel pretty awesome.
Hi Anya,
I’m new to barefoot shoes and really need a hiking boot. I see that most do not have a gripping sole – which is probably the whole idea behind barefoot shoes (I get it). As I am transitioning to barefoot shoes, I feel I need more cushion and grip under my feet while hiking. I do my hiking in the Alps – living in Switzerland. Have you ever heard of the brand Bär? I’ve come across the model “Innsbruck” that looks interesting. Would you have any feedback or other recommendations? Thank You.
Hi! I’m sorry, I thought I had replied to your comment already but it seems I hadn’t! I took a look at that model and it is not a barefoot model. It does look like it has a wide toe box, but not barefoot in other respects. However, if you need a compromise boot it might be a good option. The new Vivobarefoot Tracker Escape that just came out is supposed to be the most rugged sole they have ever released. They look very promising for serious hiking. Find that link here: https://tidd.ly/3v9V6ny
Otherwise, the Joe Nimble WanderToes 2.0 would be a good option. It has a thicker sole, but still a nice wide toe box.
Hi Anya,
I plan to walk part of the Camino in Spain next year (during spring) so need a shoe/boot that can do 15-25 kms per day for 8-10 day stretch. Would your preferences still be the same at these distances?
For me, yes. You might want to opt for the slightly thicker options if you are not comfortable in thin soles at that mileage, or you can add a North Sole Insole for a bit of cushion. But that distance doesn’t change my recommendations, they’re up to the task.
Hello Anya,
Did you test the Tracker II version 2 ?
Thank you.
Hi Anya! I did buy the Trackers and I absolutely adore them. But I think they are to small. Bare with me, sounds weird and feels even more weird, let me explain: they are my first pair of barefoots, and are longer and wider than any of the shoes I’ve owned before (they are size 39, foot length 24.6cm, low/medium volume) but with these (the Trackers) I feel like I dont want to ever feel the front of the boots with my toes and I want to be able to wriggle them as well, as much as possible. But if I wear thicker socks and the insole they are snug, probably to snug? I don’t know. It’s warm here in Italy so I have been wearing them without the insole and with very thin socks. Can you help me please to decide if I should undergo all the trouble of sending them back and reordering, please?
Thank you for listening. And THANK YOU for the code! I used it to buy them, very very very appreciated!
Hey! If you have to wear them without the insole and only thin socks in order to fit well, I think one size up will be better. You are right, you want them to be roomy enough for you to feel like you have enough space. Especially if you want to be able to wear thick socks.
Is the Joe Nimble WanderToes 2.o still considered a minimal shoes? That new sole confuses me on if it is still a zero drop and no arch support? It’s looks so much like a many of the major exercise shoe brands. It’s such a visual change from the previous version.
It is zero drop only with the insole removed. The insole that comes with it adds 3mm height to the heel. Otherwise, they are wide, flat, and no arch support. The sole is pretty thick and stiff for a barefoot shoe, and overall I vastly preferred the original, but if you need something super durable they are a good option.