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”
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.