Serious hiking calls for serious shoes. But standard hiking shoes are stiff and narrow and I just can’t tolerate that! Instead I wear barefoot 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 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!
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 ANYASREVIEWS25 for 25% 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
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.
Compared to Vivobarefoot, Xero has a straighter cut with more width and volume in the midfoot and heel area.
Freet Barefoot – Extra Wide Friendly
Waterproof Option | 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
Waterproof | Leather | 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
- Runs slightly small because of the insulation and waterproofing. I have a size 38.
- 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
Waterproof Option | Leather | 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 Trailwalker – a lowcut option with a thin, light 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. However I’ve loved my previous versions of the Trailwalker! The suede upper is durable, but soft and the toe guard protects against inevitable scuffs. But will update this review with specifics on the 3.0 version shortly!
The second is the Nevada – they have an extra wide toe box, one of the widest available, and are made of a soft but sturdy leather. They are great for people who want the width, but I do find the sole a little bit heavier than I prefer.
Sizing & Fit
- The Nevada runs slightly small. I can wear my usual size and one size up.
- Fits wide to extra wide feet.
- Medium Volume, easily adjusted.
Merrell Vapor Trail Glove
Waterproof Option | Recycled Mesh & Leather Options | 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 | 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.
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).
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 Ranger
- Altra Lone Peak (choose Wide width)
- Freet Barefoot – all are extra wide friendly
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.
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
Feelmax (EU)
Notace (US)
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.
Vaistoa (EU)
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.
The Best Kids Barefoot Hiking Shoes
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 ANYASREVIEWS25 for 25% 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.
243 thoughts on “The Best Barefoot Hiking Boots & Shoes for Outdoorsy Folks”
Thanks for all your work and the reviews! I had the Feelmax Kuuva 5 for a while but got rid of them because the ridge of that very high shaft that gave me irritating wounds on my shins and calves; and also they have hardly any sole profile. I kept slipping in snow, while other people with better profile soles just walked without problems. The waterproofness was fantastic though. But I was glad I could sell them for a good price.
I now have Xero Alpine and like them a lot better. Less stiff, very good profile but also enough ground feeling.
Any experience with Hike Footwear?
I have not tried that specific brand, but they look very much like the soles used on Saguaro, Whitin, Hobibear, Joomra and the smattering of affordable brands coming out of Asia right now. So based on my experiences with those similar outsoles, I am betting that they are comfy and have decent traction but don’t hold up super well for intense use. I do like how flexible the soles are though.
Hey Anya, thanks a million for this post and this blog.
Do you know if the Tracker ESC is wider compared to other Tracker models, like the Tracker II FG?
It’s not technically wider (the same molds are used for each), but I find that they feel wider and overall a little bigger than my Tracker FG in the same size. This is partly because the ESC leather is very soft and pliable and partly because it doesn’t have a waterproof membrane.
Hello Anya.
What Lems boulder grip size are you using and how long are your feet? It would help me out a lot. I’m a 42 in Be Lenka ranger 2.0. With 1,5 cm in front.
Thank you!
I wear my Boulder Boot Grips in a size women’s 8. My feet are 23.3cm long. I go for the bigger size so I can wear socks and because it gives me some extra toe space (but they still cinch securely around my ankle and arch).
Gosh, I just received some Boulder Grips and find them incredibly stiff, and also hard to cinch sufficiently around my low volume foot/ankle because of the gusseted tongue. Did you experience either of those things initially and find success through any hacks or just breaking in?
Gotta decide whether to keep the Grips or original leather Boulders — original feel wider and less stiff but I’ve heard such iffy things about the tread…. Tbd!
The Original leather boulders you got are the non-waterproof version? That feature makes them a lot stiffer when brand new. They definitely break in and get softer and easier to tie up and all that, but the non-waterproof Boulders will probably always be a little bit softer and roomier (because the leather can stretch more).
Hi Anya! Would you say that the Lems boulder boot grip has toe spring? It kinda looks like it but I think that some bf shoes also can have a natural curve upwards that looks like toe spring?
You reply would help me out. I want to avoid toe spring and lems support could not answer the question.
Thanks!:)
It does have a little, but it is flatter inside than it looks because of the upward curve of the sole like you point out. I wear mine on the larger side because I like the space and room for socks, so that upturn falls after my toes and doesn’t bother me. But if you are very sensitive to that you might notice it.
Comparison with the , Sofstar switchbacks primal, friendly-Wide, and the
Realfoot trackker low, will you or can you do a Birdseye view or a overhead view. I would like to purchase some Realfoot trackkers, and I’m hoping they’re actually wider and have a more ergonomic oblique design . in other words, can you do a review of the extra widest toebox shoes by themselves? (in the hiking or sports category:) thanks in advance🕊️🩵 Your information about footwear is most analytical and very detail. This is how someone can make the best decision and choice without actually being in the store of those products.
My experience wearing both is that Realfoot is wider in the toe box than Softstar Switchbacks
Ahh I’m torn! I have crazy bunions but in desperate need of a new hiking boot. Looking at Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest or Scrambler Mid. I feel like my feet are too wide for everything!
I feel like I’m on an eternal quest for a decent zero drop hiking boot and it’s driving me crazy. I don’t feel like my feet are that weird but I’m having the worst time. 🙁 I used to just do everything in my fivefingers but then moved to areas where trails are very rocky; I need more of a stiff sole to deal with all the small loose stone, and I also need grip. I tried the Xero Denver and found it horribly uncomfortable around the ankle so had to return it, then I tried the Lem’s Boulder (original) which is an extremely well made leather boot… but there’s no grip to the tread, at ALL. I was hiking in Zion on a trail over a steep ravine, where the trail was basically stone with a fine sheen of sand over it, and tourists in sandals were doing fine while I felt like I was going to slide straight off into the ravine. I felt like I was ice skating. If you’re any sort of vaguely mucky conditions the very little bit of groove in the tread also fills instantly with material so you’re basically wearing a completely flat and slippery sole. They’re at least waterproof, so I just wear them around the city in the spring and fall, but they’re never seeing a mountain again, that’s for sure. I’m so mad I spent so much money on them, but I wore them too much before I discovered how bad the problem was so I couldn’t send them back. And my Altra trail runners I can’t even wear walking because there’s not enough vertical space in the toe box, my toenails start hurting like they’re being pried up. And when I’ve tried more standard hiking boots they’re just so HEAVY and stiff.
I’m hoping to try the Tracker Escape sometime but I’m too broke to buy any more, I’ve been bankrupted by my shoe purchases. 😀
Any chance you know of a rugged boot which has no metal on it? -For metal detecting, for men (although if there’s a women’s option too that would also be great). Not fleece lined so it can be used year round. I have come up short so far, most have metal eyelets. Thanks so much! Ps your huaraches are fabulous.
I’m sorry, I really have no idea! That’s a new request for me. I looked at a few and found the same thing – they had metal eyelets or speed hooks.
Xero Ridgeway are absolutely not waterproof, I went thru two pairs and both had the same issues, water comes in the shoe where the sole connects to the fabric. The end result was that even walking on the hiking path after rain, my feet will be soaked, including the inserts. I tried numerous waterproofing sprays to no avail.
I’m still on the search for a waterproof zero drop boot that will work in our rugged Alaska terrain AND these days the issue seems to be toe volume on the wide toe boots. My Lems boulder boots are not wide enough unless I go up in size and that makes them too lose in the heel and a bit too long. My old Vivobarefoot trackers don’t have enough toe volume and when I remove the insole there’s too much ground feel on rocks. Some of the newer models and the Softstar Switchbacks seem to also have a low profile thru toe toes. Can you recommend a waterproof boot with super wide toe boxes (wide like Vivobarefoot trackers) that also have good toe volume ?
Hi Nancy, you may want to look into the models from Freet or Joe Nimble.