Barefoot sneakers are a great way to bring the benefits of barefoot shoes into your daily life, without sacrificing on style. In this list you’ll find my favorite 15 barefoot sneakers that look cool, but feel even better!
Why Barefoot Sneakers Are Better Than Vans
Why do I care whether or not you wear Vans? When it comes to footwear, you could do worse (ahem, stilettos). But there are still some valid reasons to consider swapping your Vans for a barefoot sneaker alternative. Barefoot sneakers have the following:
- Foot Shape: Vans more closely resemble a shank than a human foot, and evidence increasingly shows that footwear can cause bunions and many other foot deformities.
- Flexibility: Barefoot sneakers are significantly more flexible than Vans, making them movement and balance friendly.
- Zero Drop: Vans seem flat, but they actually have a tiny heel lift which can affect your alignment and posture. Over time, that small heel can contribute to foot, ankle, knee, back, even neck pain.
You can read more on the features of barefoot shoes and why they matter in the articles below!
Now that you know why I like barefoot sneakers so much more, let’s dig into the coolest options that match your killer sense of style!
The Best Barefoot Sneakers
Koel
Leather | Sizes EU 36-48 | Available At:
Different color options available directly from Koel in the EU!
The Koel Ila and Ilo (men’s version) is my current all time favorite sneaker. They have an excellent fit that leaves room for your toes without being floppy or slidey through the heel and midfoot.
They also have just a touch more cushion and thickness than most barefoot sneakers, which I really enjoy – IMO it makes for a more versatile shoe. I can wear them for miles of walking on concrete, but still enjoy the flexibility and movement they offer.
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size
- Wide to extra wide fit – these are wide, but not extra extra wide.
- Medium volume – Might feel snug on high volume feet, but laces can be opened up for more space.
These have a really universal fit that should work for most foot shapes and volumes. But if you are really wide or high volume, they may not fit.
Shapen
Vegan & Leather Options | Sizes EU 35-47 | Available At:
Use code ANYA5 for 5% off (but returns are not accepted outside the EU). You can also find Shapen sneakers at Anya’s Shop in the US! Our big restock is coming around the beginning of April 2025.
What I Love About Them: I am totally smitten with the Shapen Re:Wind sneaker – it is so soft and very spacious for the toes, but still has great style. They’ve been super popular at Anya’s Shop, because no break-in time is needed! And they fit Samantha’s extra wide feet too.
Shapen has a number of other sneaker styles, but I’ve found them to be stiffer and less comfortable. Especially on my lower volume feet, the stiffer material on creases and I didn’t like the way it felt. So I stick with Re:Wind!
All Shapen sneakers are extra-wide friendly and have space above the toes, so good for people who have trouble with their toenails rubbing the tops of shoes.
Sizing & Fit Type:
- Runs slightly big, but I don’t size down.
- Extra wide – but they work well on regular width feet too.
- High volume & roomy – I am able to cinch them over my low volume feet, but they fit me best with an insole (sold separately).
I wear my usual size 37, but have more space in them than I do in many other sneaker brands.
Bohempia
Vegan | Sizes EU 36-46 | Available At:
You can shop more colors and models at the Bohempia EU store, where you can use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10%.
What I Love About Them: Bohempia barefoot sneakers fulfill that classic look so well. They’re all sustainably made with hemp, and they’re one of the only brands to offer a regular and wide width. The sole looks thick, but the rubber wall comes up much higher than the sole so you still are close to the ground.
Sizing & Fit Type:
- True to size
- Comes in two widths: Regular is average to slightly wide fit, Wide is extra wide fitting.
- High volume – I need to add an extra insole or tongue pads in mine, because they have more volume than I need.
- Removable insole
I wear a size 37 regular width in mine.
You can read my in-depth Bohempia review here.
Splay
Canvas & Leather | Sizes EU 24-47/US kids 8 – M13 | Available At:
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
What I Love About Them: Splay shoes are a great entry point for those new to barefoot shoes because they have a classic American look and a wide toe box, but aren’t super thin (though the sole is much thinner than it appears to be).
They also offer several more affordable options, which is greatly appreciated. In my experience they don’t wear as well as the more expensive brands listed here – they start to look worn more quickly. But for the price they offer good value.
Sizing & Fit Type:
- Runs slightly small and they don’t have half sizes so I size up to a 7.
- Average wide width
- Medium to high volume (can vary a lot by model though)
- Removable insole
For more in-depth info on Splay’s models, including details sizing and fit info, read my full Splay review!
Be Lenka
Leather & Vegan Options | Sizes EU 36-47 | Available At:
You can use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off the EU store. And if you’d like to shop in the US, we carry Be Lenka at Anya’s Shop.
What I Love About Them: Be Lenka is another brand that makes very high quality barefoot sneakers – they combine the best shoe making techniques, great style, AND the features of barefoot shoes all in one. They are more classic in style, and not quite as immediately soft as Koel Ila or Shapen Re:Wind. But I love them, and so do our Anya’s Shop customers.
Sizing & Fit Type:
- True to size
- Wide to slightly extra wide fit – Be Lenka’s sneakers are borderline extra wide. Should fit most foot types, except for very square.
- Medium volume – there is some variation between models, but for the most part they are right in the middle.
- Removable insole
Barebarics
Leather & Vegan Options | Sizes EU 36-47 | Available At:
You can use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off the EU store. Also available at Anya’s Shop in the US.
Be Lenka also has an urban brand called Barebarics with its own line of sneakers. They are super trendy, with a wider toe box and thicker more durable outsole. They are what I consider to be wide, but not fully barefoot. Great for people who don’t want the barefoot experience! Or if you just like the style and want a bit more sole.
My two favorite Barebarics models are the Wave and Zing. They style well with everything and are really good quality.
Sizing & Fit Type:
- True to size
- Extra wide fit – Fit extra wide feet, but also fits average and slightly wide feet well too (like mine!)
- Medium volume – These are pretty adjustable and work well on my low volume feet with the laces cinched. And insole can be taken out for high volume feet.
- Removable Insole
Peerko
Leather & Canvas Option | Sizes EU 37-45 | Available At:
Use code ANYASREVIEWS10 for 10% off directly from Peerko EU (they don’t accept returns outside the EU!). Or you can shop in the US at Anya’s Shop. Our restock is coming April 2025.
What I Love About Them: Peerko sneakers have a really nice fit with a mainstream look, but they are still very flexible. They have more of a barefoot feel than Barebarics, for example, so are great for someone who want that flexibility in a classic looking sneaker.
I also have found that they hold up well to wear, and still look sleek even after being broken in.
Sizing & Fit Type:
- True to size
- Wide fit – these are similarly shaped to Koel, and fit wide but still not extra wide.
- Medium to volume, but should also fit high and low volume because of the laces. I wear mine as is without any modifications.
- Removable insole
Mukishoes
Vegan, Leather & Wool Options | Sizes EU 36-48 | Available At:
Use code ANYAMUKI for 10% off their EU store. We also carry select Mukishoes sneakers in the US at Anya’s Shop during the spring/summer season (restock coming March 2025!).
What I Love About Them: Mukishoes barefoot sneakers are next level light and flexible. They are very minimal, with thin and soft soles that bend in all directions, so you get a real barefoot experience in them. But they still look stylish, and they always have unique colors and prints each season.
Another thing I love about Mukishoes is that they care deeply about choosing sustainable materials and manufacturing processes. As I’ve gotten to know the founders over the years, I’ve been so impressed with how they stayed true to those original ideals even when it is more difficult.
Sizing & Fit Type:
- Runs slightly small – I often wear a size 38 in Mukishoes sneakers, because they fit a little snugger than other brands.
- Average width – but the natural materials stretch well so can accommodate wider feet too. The outsole is so flexible it spreads out underfoot.
- High volume, so I almost always use an extra insole with them (sold separately).
Read my Mukishoes reviews here!
Whitin
Textile | Sizes US 5.5W -13.5M | Available At:
What I Love About Them: Whitin casual sneakers have a classic mainstream look but are significantly cheaper than most other stylish barefoot sneakers. They are definitely more cheaply made, which can sometimes be bothersome (they have some seams that rub if I wear them without socks) but overall they are a solid shoe option.
In fact, I often recommend these to people who want to try out the concept of a wide toe box shoe but really don’t know where to start. Whitin sneakers are good for figuring out what you like and whether you want to try out higher quality brands.
A couple notes re: barefoot features – Whitin sneakers have a little bit of toe spring on them that feels a little bothersome to me if I wear them a long time. It’s not a huge concern for me, but if you have a history of plantar fasciitis I personally would avoid this.
Sizing & Fit Type:
- Runs on the small side – I size up to a 38 consistently
- Wide to extra wide fit – If you shop in the “Wide Barefoot” section.
- High volume
- Removable insole
Groundies
Vegan & Leather Options | Sizes EU 36-48 | Available At:
What I Love About Them: Groundies Barefoot sneakers are some of the most stylish around, and there are a dizzying amount of options and styles! The quality is excellent, and if you go with the original rubber GO1outsoles they are very flexible and comfortable.
Also, this is a brand that offers two widths. Just be aware that Groundies sells a line they call “Regular” which is not foot-shaped. I only recommend Barefoot and Barefoot+ sneakers from Groundies.
Sizing & Fit Type:
Groundies Barefoot is:
- True to size
- Medium width – these are on the slimmer side for barefoot shoes, and really only just wide enough for me. I prefer the fit of the GO1 sole, as it feels roomier.
- Medium to high volume – GO1 sneakers fit more medium to low volume, GS1 sneakers are high volume.
And Groundies Barefoot+ sizing:
- Runs slightly big
- Extra wide fit
- Medium to high volume.
Barefoot+ is overall bigger and roomier, but still can cinch down to fit lower volume feet.
Read my Groundies Barefootwear reviews here!
Ohne Project
Vegan | Sizes EU 36-47 | Available At:
Use code ANYA10 for 10% off
What I Love About Them: Ohne Project sneakers have a high-end, fashion-forward look and feel. They offer some really fun, bright colors and accents, so if you’ve been searching tirelessly for the right sneaker to perfectly pair with that hard-to-match outfit, you might find what you’ve been looking for at Ohne. All their products are vegan and earth friendly, using plant based material for their vegan leather.
Ohne sneakers also have a bit of extra cushioning and slightly less flexible sole. Still has a good natural feel, but not on the level of Mukishoes or Feelgrounds.
Sizing & Fit Type:
- True to size fit
- Generous width to the toe-box — wider than average but not quite extra wide — making them a great fit for most foot types.
- Low to medium volume — I have low-volume feet and love the fit, but if you have a medium volume foot you might need to take out the insole, and a high volume foot may not fit comfortably at all.
Lems Shoes
Vegan & Leather Options | Sizes US W5-M15 | Available At:
If you’re outside the US, shop Lems at Lems EU.
What I Love About Them: Justin and I love our Lems sneakers. I wear the Laguna slip-ons (above right) several times a week. The heel is collapsible, so I keep them by the back door and am always slipping them on for a quick errand or to take the kids to school. Justin loves the Chillum, and we have introduced many of our friends to barefoot shoes through the unparalleled comfort of the Primal Zen Suede sneakers (above left).
Lems sneakers are unique because they have a thicker sole than most barefoot shoes, but are still very lightweight and flexible. This makes them an excellent choice for people who are not comfortable in thin soles but want all the other benefits of barefoot shoes. I love to rotate in the extra cushion for long walks on the pavement.
Sizing & Fit Type:
- Runs small – I typically order a half size up from my usual.
- Wide to extra wide – Lems Shoes come in multiple fits. Wide is wide (ha) and Widest is extra wide approved. I wear both, but hands down the Widest models are the comfiest.
- Medium volume – Lems sneakers are a little closer fitting than their boots, and keep my heel and ankle secure. But they are still quite roomy if you need vertical toe space or have high arches!
- Removable insoles
Xero Shoes
Vegan | Sizes US W5-M15 | Available At:
What I Love About Them: The Xero makes a few casual sneakers that I dig, such as the Dillon (slip-on and lace up) and the Wynn. They are flexible, low profile, and easy to wear. Solid kicks IMO!
Sizing & Fit Type:
- True to size
- Medium width – good for average feet, but not an extra wide toe box
- Medium volume – historically Xero has been very high volume, but their recent casual sneaker line has a closer fit that I think is much better.
- Removable insoles
Note that the men’s and women’s shoes from Xero are different widths. So if you fit into a men’s size and need a wider shoe, that’s the way to go. You can read my Xero Shoes Reviews here!
Feelgrounds
Vegan | Sizes EU 35-49/US W5-M15 | Available At:
Use code ANYA5 for 5% off your first order
What I Love About Them: Feelgrounds barefoot sneakers are legitimately cool, comfortable, and lightweight. I reach for them often because they feel great and are easy to style. I prefer their mesh & knit models, but they also have some in a vegan leather (it just doesn’t breathe as well).
They are flexible and thin, so good if you are looking for that true barefoot experience.
Sizing & Fit Type:
- True to size
- Wide to Extra wide fit – not quite as wide as Shapen Re:Wind, but wider than most other brands listed here.
- Medium to high volume – I prefer to wear an insole with mine for a better fit (sold separately).
You can read more in-depth sizing & ordering info in my Feelgrounds Review.
Vivobarefoot
Vegan & Leather Options | Sizes EU 33-49 | Available At:
Use code ARVIVO20 for 20% off
What I Love About Them: Vivobarefoot sneakers are consistently well made and durable. My personal favorite is the Geo Court, because it’s sleek and classic. One con to Vivo sneakers is that they tend to make my feet sweat. I keep wearing them without socks anyways, but you could wear hidden toe socks to prevent it. The upside is that they last a long time despite being thin and flexible.
Sizing & Fit Type:
- Runs long, but I don’t size down.
- Average to slim width – Vivo sneakers have a narrower fit than most other barefoot brands. They are also sloped shape, so even though they are slim they provide a lot of big toe space (just not a ton of outer toe space, for people with squarer feet).
- Medium to lower volume – these tend to have a shallower fit, but it can depend on the model.
- Removable insoles
Men’s and Women’s models are different widths, so if you fit into men’s sizes and have a wider foot that is a great way to go.
Barefoot Sneaker Runner Ups
Here are several more good barefoot sneakers you might want to consider! Some of them are a little harder to get in the US, but depending on your location might be perfect!
Origo Shoes | USA | Vegan or Leather | Sizes US Kids 8-Mens 13: Origo sneakers are really stylish, come in affordable options, and are sustainably made. They’re a great brand for someone who wants to break into natural footwear but keep the mainstream look.
Use code ANYA for 10% off
Wyde | EU | Leather or Canvas | Sizes EU 36-47: True to their name, these are extra WIDE sneakers! Despite the chunky looking outsole, it’s actually only 10mm thick and decently flexible for that stack height. These are great if you have really wide feet and also need a little cushion.
Code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
PaperKrane | Australia | Vegan & Leather Options | Sizes EU 19-42: PaperKrane is known for their funky prints! They have rainbows, bananas, leopard print, and brights! They also are more affordable than many barefoot shoe brands and fit an average width best.
Code ANYASREVIEWS gets you 10% off.
Zaqq Barefoot | EU | Vegan & Leather Options | Sizes EU 36-50: Zaqq has so many different sneaker options that are well made and a good balance between wide fitting and still sleek. They can be a bit tricky to order from (US customers must request an invoice by e-mail), so make sure you read my Zaqq review for the details.
Icarus Footwear | USA | Leather | Sizes EU 36-47: Icarus is a sleek leather sneaker designed for in and out of the gym. They come with several insoles including one with heel cushion for help transitioning to barefoot shoes. Read our full review here.
Code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
Anatomic | EU | Vegan | Sizes EU 35-45: Anatomic barefoot sneakers look veeery much like a classic Vans, but they don’t squish my toes. These run small, size up.
*Anatomic doesn’t ship outside Europe. For worldwide shipping, you can order from Tupsunupsu.
For US/Canadian shipping, PedTerra has some models and (ANYASREVIEWS gets you 10% off your first purchase)*
Blusun | EU | Leather | Sizes EU 37-46: These leather sneakers are soft, flexible, and come in some trendy colors and styles. They’re good quality too!
Use code AR10 for 10% off
Fleeters | EU | Vegan| Sizes EU 36-47: Fleeters are fun, colorful, vegan sneakers.
Realfoot | EU | Leather | Sizes EU 33-47: Realfoot makes shoes with an extra wide for those with the most exaggerated toe splay. Read our review here for more details.
Use code ANYASREVIEWS10 for 10% off
Ahinsa Bindu | EU | Vegan | Sizes EU 36-48: Ahinsa shoes are all 100% vegan, very soft, and good for a wide forefoot. The Comfort line comes with a non-barefoot removable insole.
Code ANYASREVIEWS gets you 10% off
Wildling Shoes | EU | Textile/Vegan | Sizes EU 36-48/ US W5-M13: Wildling is one of those brands that once you discover it’s hard to wear anything else. Their sneaker styles are light as air, breathable, wide – as close to being barefoot as it gets. Read all my Wildling Shoes reviews here!
Use code AWN_ANYA_S for a one-time free shipping offer. If you live outside the US/Canada, use this Wildling Shoes link.
Barefoot Sneaker Width Comparison
I organized 27 different barefoot sneaker brands in order from the narrowest toe box to the widest. Check them out below! Keep in mind that I was looking specifically at toe box width – you can see there are many variations in shape and width in other parts of the shoes (like the instep and the heel).
59 thoughts on “15 Barefoot Sneakers That Are Better Than Vans”
Really great selection. Prepare to receive an order! Question: I’ve been doing the barefoot shoe thing for about five years, and am currently favoriting a pair of Lems ( Primal 2) and a couple of models of Alta Escalantes. The Lems are proving a bit to thin-soled, and I wonder if you could recommend a bran style with a bit more rubber between me and the road.
Thanks!
The Lems Primal 2 is actually retired and it was their thinnest model. So if you tried their Primal 3 it would be thicker! I also like their Primal Zen model.
Kedves Anya!
Nagyon örülök Neked! Végre olyan cipők, melyben a lábamnak való és jól érzi magát majd benne. Én Magyarországon élek és szeretnék rendelni Tőled cipőket! A rendelés és szállítás részleteiről kérlek tájékoztassál, mert nem teljesen értem. Mennyi idő alatt ér ide a cipő hozzám? Mennyi idő telik el a megrendeléstől és addig amikor a kezemben lesz?
Kérlek válaszoljál, mert szükségem van a cipőkre a beteg lábam miatt.
Köszönettel:
Cseh ilona +36 70 312 2898
Hello, you can order directly from our online shop, http://www.anyas-shop.com, or you can find brands and retailers near you here.
Have you tried Mustang Free? It’s the only brand I’ve come across in an actual shop so far and I was keen to try on for size rather than guess online. I’m loving wearing them so far. Thank you so much for your site; I have got so much helpful info, especially discovering low volume feet, from you.
We haven’t heard of that brand!
Thanks for this! In the process of looking and this has been a really helpful resource. Question for you….the pic where the grey barefoot shoe is alongside the grey vans – which shoe is that?
Hi! That’s an older model from Splay Shoes.
Do you have a canvas sneaker line up? I’m looking for a wide toe box Ked. Super lightweight, slim feminine design, white/ pink/chambray/black. I tried whitins canvas sneaker and agree the upturned toe or toe spring is uncomfortable and seems to work against me driving my toes downward. I really loved my Keds but the toebox is just too narrow. Any recommendations would be much appreciated!
Hi Mia, we don’t have a specific list of canvas options – but definitely check out these brands:
Shapen
Wildling Shoes
Mukishoes
Be Lenka
Bohempia
Splay Shoes
Keds now has a gender neutral variation of their classic shoe. It offers a wider toe box.
There are over 300 known forms of dwarfism. I have RSS (but I don’t look like it, and I’m 5’2 but I have a gene duplication on one of my chromosomes) and wear a size 2 US Little Kid shoe. I have to specially order most adult heels and tennis shoes. Shoe shopping as a teenager when all the other girls can walk into a shoe store and try on adult heels, was a huge waste of time and a lot of crying for me. The older I get, the more I care about cruelty free everything, and as low tox as possible. So I just wanted to thank you, for adding cruelty free options and that one brand has children’s sizes for us women with extra small feet. My sister in laws and mother in law all have very wide very square feet. I don’t know how they wear shoes at all, same as me. So these grounding shoes, aside from being close to the earth and thin, I’ve read they are supposed to contain some form of metal. What type of metal?? Hopefully not heavy and the article doesn’t mention anything about this??
Hi there! Grounding or Earthing shoes are not the same thing as Barefoot shoes. When we say Barefoot (or minimalist, etc.) we are referring to these qualities.
There are some barefoot shoes that are also grounding – you can find those here.
To find more barefoot options available in smaller sizes, check out this list (specifically Wildling Shoes and Mukishoes!).
Thank you!
These are great. I have moved to zero drop given my bad (bad bad!) plantar fasciitis, finding a good shoe with Altras. I’m looking for other zero drop but still cushioned model until I’m totally pain free. What would be your top choice?
Hi Sophie! We love to recommend Lems Shoes for this purpose. You can read more about those and our other recommendations here.