When you switch to healthy footwear, you’re deciding your feet are important. And that means no longer wearing shoes that don’t fit. But with so many variations in foot shape and size, it can be really hard to find a shoe that actually fits YOUR foot. In this post we’re discussing how to measure your feet, the basic foot types, and the barefoot shoes and brands that work well for your foot type.
Keep in mind that this is a general guide. There are tons of other barefoot shoe brands that fall somewhere in the middle and aren’t listed out here. To find barefoot shoes by category and lots more brands make sure you check out my other shoe lists, and the Barefoot Shoe Finder. But no matter what type of shoe you are looking for, getting to know your feet first will make shopping that much easier!
I have first hand experience with nearly every single brand on this list. Be sure to check out the barefoot shoe reviews section and make use of the search bar if you have any questions about a particular brand!
*If you have more specialized questions about whether barefoot shoes are right for you, please check out the Barefoot Shoes FAQ!*
Measuring Your Feet
First things first. Having a handle on your foot measurements is pretty important, BUT it is not foolproof. After helping many customers measure and use a size chart via Anya’s Shop we’ve learned that fit is highly personal and this advice should be taken with a grain of salt. You will need to get to know how YOU want your shoes to fit first and foremost. So take this measuring and size chart advice with a grain of salt. With that in mind, here are some measuring best practices.
Foot Measuring Best Practices
- I always measure my feet in centimeters to ensure an accurate number, and I measure before each purchase (in case my feet have changed).
- If you plan to wear socks you should have them on.
- Measure at the end of the day when your feet are biggest.
- If you are new to barefoot shoes, keep in mind that they may feel too big the first time you put them on. If they stay securely on your foot when you walk and don’t slosh around, that space around your toes is good and you probably picked the correct size!
- The general recommendation is to wear shoes that are 1 – 1.2cm longer than your foot, but it can vary significantly depending on your preference and the style of shoe. In slip on shoes I sometimes have only .5cm extra length so that they fit close and securely on my foot. In lace up boots that are highly adjustable, I am comfortable with as much as 2cm extra length. If the shoe matches your foot shape perfectly, less extra length is required (they’re foot gloves!). And all of this can be impacted by the design of the upper, the materials used, and your particular foot type and preferences.
Despite the inevitable variations, getting an accurate measurement and understanding a size chart can reduce the chance of sizing mistakes. There are two main ways to measure: A foot tracing and the wall method. For expensive/risky shoe purchases I always measure both ways TWICE in the evening. It’s ok if your measurements are slightly different every time, just use the average.
Foot Tracing
A foot tracing is the most common way to measure. You simply trace an outline of your foot and measure. But it’s important to know that it adds about .5 cm to your actual foot size.
So if you use a foot tracing to figure out what size shoe you need, take your measurement and add only .5 – 1cm (so the total shoe length you are looking for would then be 1 – 1.2cm longer than your actual foot size), and find the nearest corresponding size on the size chart. My feet measure 23.2 from a foot tracing, so I look for shoes with an internal length of 23.7-24.2.
Some people get confused about their foot width when they use a tracing, because they aren’t taking into account the extra mm the tracing added. My foot measures 9.2cm wide from a tracing but I can comfortably wear shoes that have an internal measurement of 8.8cm (without socks). This is because my actual foot width is .5cm less than the 9.2 I get from a tracing.
Watch the vid below for how to do a foot tracing. Make sure you keep your pencil straight up and down!
Wall Method
The wall method yields the most accurate length and width of your foot. You measure foot length by placing your heel lightly against the wall (don’t push it in) and putting a heavy book where your longest toe ends. Then mark where the book is and measure that distance. You get your foot width by lining up the outside edge of your foot against the wall and placing the book on the other side. Then mark with a pencil and measure.
If you are ordering custom barefoot shoes, you might have additional measurements to take! Follow each brand’s instructions carefully and don’t be afraid to measure multiple times!
Understanding A Size Chart
To understand a size chart you need to read the instructions listed on the brands’ web page, because different brands create their size charts differently. It might show the length/width of the insole, the dimensions of the “last” used to mold the shoe, or the length of the foot that fits in each size.
If there are no instructions for how to use the size chart, contact the brand for clarification. But in my experience, when it’s not stated, the size chart shows the internal dimensions of the shoe and not the foot that fits inside. In that case, you would use the above instructions to find your foot length and add 1cm to find your size.
Understanding Foot Type
There are a dizzying amount of foot types and most people fall somewhere on a spectrum (metaphor for life). So let’s illustrate the main ones.
- Slope feet have a prominent big toe and all toes are shorter than the previous one.
- Mountain feet have their 2nd toe longest.
- Plateau feet have the first 3 toes all the same length and then it tapers (or for some it might be 2 or 4 that are the same length).
- Square feet are straight across.
Identifying the shape of your foot can make it a lot easier to select a shoe!
You can see above that barefoot shoe brands all have a different shape to them, while having in common that they are wide at the toe box where we need to the most space. So let’s discuss brands that work well for each foot type.
Barefoot Shoe Brands for Slope Feet
Not many brands cater to Slope only feet, but the good news is they don’t need to. When all your toes are shorter than your big toe you’re not likely to have issues with them running into the front of the shoe. So people with Slope feet can often fit into every shoe shape (provided they work for your width and volume – keep reading for more info). Here are a few barefoot shoe brands that follow an Slope foot shape.
- Be Lenka – Be Lenka is also a very wide brand, so they will fit a wider range of people than narrower Slope shaped shoes. Use code ANYASREVIEWS 5% off directly from Be Lenka (returns are only accepted from within the EU and USA). They are also available at Anya’s Shop in the USA with worldwide shipping available.
- Vivobarefoot – ANYA25VB for 25% off everything but Sensus sandals, and Gobi sneakers. You can use code ARVIVO20 20% off those.
- Groundz – Code ANYASREVIEWS gets you 10% off
- Aylla
Barefoot Shoe Brands for Mountain Feet
People with Mountain feet have to be careful about shoes that slope after the big toe. The following brands have a more rounded toe box shape, but also check out the brands for Plateau & Square feet, as many of them will work too.
- Crupon Barefoot Sandals – Code
ANYAfor 10% off. Read my Crupon Review here - Feelgrounds – Use code ANYA5 for 5% off. Read all my Feelgrounds Reviews here
- Groundies – Read all my Groundies Reviews here. Select styles available at Anya’s Shop
- Lisbeth Joe – Use ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off. Read my Lisbeth Joe reviews here
- Mukishoes – Use
ANYAMUKIfor 10% off. Read all my Mukishoes reviews here - PaperKrane – Also available at Anya’s Shop!
- Posh Panda – Read my Posh Panda reviews here
- Splay Shoes – Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off. Read my Splay reviews here
- Unshoes – ANYA for 10% off. Read my Unshoes reviews here
- Xero Shoes – Read all my Xero Shoes reviews here
- Xero Shoes EU
Barefoot Shoe Brands for Plateau & Square Feet
Plateau and Square feet also need to watch for sloping toe boxes. That doesn’t mean you can never try other options, but you might need to size up for enough space for your outside toes. People with this foot type may want to focus on brands that also have an extra wide fit.
Below are some of the brands that cater to feet that are more square.
- Ahinsa – Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off. You can now order the black Ahinsa Jaya through Anya’s Shop! Orders placed through our shop will be eligible for US returns.
- Bohempia – ANYASREVIEWS gets you 10% off. Select styles available at Anya’s Shop. Read my Bohempia review here
- Freet – AnyaFreet gets you 10% off. Read my Freet review here
- Lems – These are a thicker than most barefoot brands, and not all models are zero drop and foot shaped – but they’re clearly labeled in the product descriptions. European residents can find Lems at Mugavik Barefoot and use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off
- Origo Shoes – Code ANYA for 10% off. Ships to the USA & Canada only
- Softstar Shoes Primal Line – Read my Softstar reviews here
- Tadeevo – ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off. Read my Tadeevo reviews here
- Unshoes – ANYA for 10% off. Read my Unshoes reviews here
- Wildling – Read all my Wildling reviews here. Use code AWN_ANYA_S for a one-time free shipping offer. If you are outside the US/Canada, use this Wildling Shoes link.
- Vivobarefoot Made in Ethiopia – This line is shaped differently than other Vivo shoes. Read my Addis review here. And ANYA25VB for 25% off everything but Sensus sandals, and Gobi sneakers. You can use code ARVIVO20 20% off those.
- Zeazoo Dingo – get 5% off Zeazoo direct with code ANYASREVIEWS, or get them from Anya’s Shop if you’re in the US (Save on shipping)
What is Foot Volume?
On to the next foot feature! Foot volume describes how much vertical space your foot takes up. This can be at any point along the foot, including at the arch or instep, the ball of the foot, or the toes. And it is independent of your length, width, and foot type.
- High volume feet are “tall” or “deep” and take up space in the top of the shoe. If you have this type of foot you may find that shoes feel extra snug over the arch of your foot and you have to keep your laces loose.
- Low volume feet are shallow, or in other words they don’t come very high up from the ground and don’t take up much vertical space. People with this type of foot may find that there is extra space in the top of their shoes. This can result in a lot of sloshing around and toe gripping, but don’t worry it’s an easy fix.
In my experience, foot volume has a very high impact on whether your shoes will fit. Recognizing what kind of foot volume you have can really help you make better shoe purchases.
Barefoot Shoes Brands for Low Volume Feet
There aren’t many barefoot shoe brands that cater specifically to low volume feet, BUT that shouldn’t prevent you from trying them all. It is very easy to fix a low volume problem either with barefoot insoles or my favorite felt inserts.
You can learn more ways to make shoes fit your feet better in this Fit Hacks for Low Volume Feet FAQ. But if you don’t want to have to make adjustments, these are brands that work best for lower volume feet.
- Vivobarefoot –ANYA25VB for 25% off everything but Sensus sandals, and Gobi sneakers. You can use code ARVIVO20 20% off those.
- Splay Shoes – Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off. Read my Splay reviews here!
- Be Lenka Wool Lined Boots, Champ & Eazy Sneakers – All available at Anya’s Shop!
- Groundies Sneakers on the GO1 sole (the GS1 sole models fit high volume by contrast) Select styles available at Anya’s Shop
- Bedrock Sandals
- Earth Runners – ANYA for 10% off
- Shamma Sandals
Barefoot Shoe Brands for High Volume Feet
If you have high volume feet it’s unlikely you’ll be able to make a low volume shoe fit. Your best bet is to choose a high volume shoe to begin with and get good at stretching techniques (Here you can see some more High Volume Fit Hacks). Below are a few high volume barefoot brands and shoes.
- Altra Running – Read my Altra review here
- Be Lenka Prime & Icon – The Prime can also be found at Anya’s Shop
- Bohempia – Get 10% off with code ANYASREVIEWS. Select styles available at Anya’s Shop
- FeelBarefoot – Code ANYA50 for a discount. Read my FeelBarefoot review here
- Feelgrounds Droptops (Especially in knit) – Use code ANYA5 for 5% off
- Lems – These are a thicker than most barefoot brands, and not all models are zero drop and foot shaped – but they’re clearly labeled in the product descriptions. European residents can find Lems at Mugavik Barefoot and use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off
- Groundies Universe – Select Groundies styles available at Anya’s Shop
- Groundz – ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
- Lisbeth Joe – ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off
- PaperKrane – Also available at Anya’s Shop
- Raum Goods
- Shapen – Wide width model. Use codeANYA5 for 5% off. You can also find Shapen Barefoot at Anya’s Shop!
- Tadeevo – ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off
- Unshoes – ANYA for 10% off
- Vivobarefoot Made in Ethiopia – ANYA25VB for 25% off everything but Sensus sandals, and Gobi sneakers. You can use code ARVIVO20 20% off those.
- Xero Shoes
- Xero Shoes EU
- Zeazoo Dingo – get 5% off Zeazoo direct with code ANYASREVIEWS, or get them from Anya’s Shop if you’re in the US (Save on shipping)
- Bedrock Sandals
- Earth Runners – ANYA for 10% off
- Shamma Sandals
And if you are someone with a Medium Volume Foot, you are in luck. Because nearly everything else should work for your volume. And you can also make many high volume shoes work with the laces cinched a bit, and low volume shoes with the insoles removed.
Narrow Vs Wide
In the barefoot shoe world width usually refers to toebox width, not width the entire length of the shoe. Some people might have narrow heels but wide toes, while others are wide the entire length of the foot.
You can see that some of the above brands have narrow heels, and others tend to be wider through the shoe. For the purposes of this post, we will keep it focused on toe box width, but the better you know your feet the easier it will be to find the right shoe.
If you want to dig deeper into this, check out my post on the shoes best for extra wide feet!!
How Do I Know My Foot Width?
Narrow and wide are subjective terms, but most barefoot shoe brands fall into what we’ll call “average” width. Of course they are not average compared to conventional shoes, but conventional shoes are often too narrow for standard feet, so for our purposes “average” is appropriate.
So if you find that your feet are sloshing around in all your shoes (including barefoot shoes) then you may have narrow feet. If your foot is always rolling off the edges of the soles of your barefoot shoes, then you might have wide feet. If you have no idea, I recommend trying one of the average width brands listed below (maybe one with free shipping/returns to be safe!) and going from there – because if you’ve only worn conventional shoes thus far you likely have a distorted view of your foot width.
Now let’s list the best options in different toe box widths.
Barefoot Shoe Brands for Narrow Feet
- Vivobarefoot – While they fit most medium width people, Vivobarefoot also works for narrow feet because they have a close fit.
- PaperKrane – Also available at Anya’s Shop
- Crupon Sandals – Use code ANYA for 10% off
- The Storehouse Flats – ANYA for $5 off
- Xero Shoes
- Xero Shoes EU
- Shapen Ballet Flats – Use codeANYA5 for 5% off
- Bedrock Sandals
- Ahinsa – Select ballet flats for narrow feet. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
- Zapato Feroz – select styles available at Anya’s Shop
- Zeazoo Sandals – Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off. Select styles available at Anya’s Shop
- Free Form Shoes – Men’s dress shoes
Barefoot Shoe Brands for Extra Wide Feet
All barefoot shoe brands should be wide compared to conventional shoes. But this is a list of extra wide options, for people who don’t fit into other barefoot shoe brands, starting with the widest. Keep in mind that custom may be a good option if you have trouble finding shoes that fit (see the next section).
And here is an article that goes into more detail on these shoes and separates them out into Fan Shaped and Straight – Where Do You Need Your Width?
- Softstar Shoes Primal Line – The absolute widest there is! I have written two Primal Softstar reviews.
- Bohempia Wide Width – Get 10% off with code ANYASREVIEWS.Select styles available at Anya’s Shop
- Be Lenka – International customers can get 5% off with code ANYASREVIEWS. You can order Be Lenka shoes from Anya’s Shop!
- Groundies – Models labeled Barefoot+ are extra wide!
- Groundz – ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
- Ahinsa – Everything here is vegan! Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off. You can now order the black Ahinsa Jaya through Anya’s Shop! Orders placed through our shop will be eligible for US returns.
- Vivobarefoot Made in Ethiopia – ANYA25VB for 25% off everything but Sensus sandals, and Gobi sneakers. You can use code ARVIVO20 20% off those.
- FeelBarefoot – Code ANYA50 for a discount. Read my FeelBarefoot review here
- Feelgrounds – Code ANYA5 for 5% off
- Freet – AnyaFreet gets you 10% off
- Lems – Choose the Primal 2 for the widest toe box and thinnest sole! Lems Shoes are thicker than most barefoot brands, and not all models are zero drop and foot shaped – read the product descriptions. European residents can find Lems at Mugavik Barefoot and use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off
- Magical Shoes – ANYA 10% off
- Realfoot – Super wide toe box, read this review for more information. Code ANYASREVIEWS10 gets you 10% off
- Tadeevo – Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off
- Zlatush
- Joe Nimble (International)
- Unshoes – ANYA gets you 10% off
- Tikki Sandals – Available for US/Canadians at Anya’s Shop
- Shapen Barefoot – Ivy, Fleur, and other models in Wide width are extra wide. Use codeANYA5 for 5% off. US/Canadian customers can find the Ivy and Poppy at Anya’s Shop!
Major Barefoot Shoe Brands for Average Width Feet
If you don’t even know where to begin, the brands listed here are a good place to start. They have an anatomical shape and tend to fit an average width foot well. If you find they are too wide or narrow, that can help you determine where to go next.
- Groundies
- Mukishoes – ANYAMUKI gets you 10% off
- Softstar Shoes – Non Primal models.
- Shapen Barefoot – Poppy model. Use codeANYA5 for 5% off. You can also shop Shapen Barefoot at Anya’s Shop!
- Vivobarefoot – ANYA25VB for 25% off everything but Sensus sandals, and Gobi sneakers. You can use code ARVIVO20 20% off those. gets you 10% off
- Wildling – Use code AWN_ANYA_S for a one-time free shipping offer. If you are outside the US/Canada, use this Wildling Shoes link.
- Zaqq Barefoot – Some models are tapered. You can find select Zaqq boots at Anya’s Shop!
38 Barefoot Shoe Brands from Narrow To Wide
In the photo below I ordered 38 different barefoot shoe brands that carry everyday barefoot sneakers and lifestyle shoes from narrowest to widest. This is looking specifically at width across the ball of the foot – you can see that there are variations in overall shape between them which may make some shoes feel narrow on your foot, even if they measure wide at the ball of the foot (that’s why the above information on foot shape is useful!). Also, keep in mind that some brands have different width options available, and variations between models. This is my best attempt at generalizing the information to help orient you!
A couple notes: Some of these brands that show up as a narrower option sometimes work for even extra wide feet. Most notably, Wildling Shoes and Mukishoes. Both of these barefoot shoe brands have extra flexible soles that flatten out and tend to accommodate a variety of shapes. Wildling also often has wide-fitting options even with the same sole shape (more material up top). While it’s true that the actual sole width on those two brands are in the correct order in this photo, you may find that they still fit wide. Ultimately we’ll all experience shoes differently, so take everything here with a grain of salt.
Custom Barefoot Shoe Brands
While custom shoes can be a scary investment, if you have tricky feet it can make all the difference. My custom shoes are some of my all time favorites because they fit like a glove. Check out this list of shoemakers that will customize your purchase to your personal foot measurements. For more info on the ones that I have worked with, read this article on Custom Barefoot Shoe Brands.
- Gaucho Ninja Leather – My review of two Gaucho Ninja boots here. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
- The Drifter Leather – My ordering guide here
- Zlatush
- Zkama shoes
- Conker Shoes
- Jenon Leather – Shipping to EU & USA only. Use code JENON10 for 10% off. Read my Jenon Leather Review here
- Green Shoes
Sandals
- Chala – Use code 93D5B5E9 for 5% off, and read my Chala Sandals review here
- Conker Shoes
- Deliberate Life Designs – ANYASREVIEWS
- The Drifter Leather
- Jenon Leather – Shipping to EU & USA only. Use code JENON10 for 10% off . Read my Jenon Leather Review here
- Laboo Leather – LOVE these. Also available at Anya’s Shop!
- Nallu
- Paisley Running Sandals
- Running Pads
- Tarasoles
- Zlatush
- Zkama
Looking for more categories of shoes? Here are a few more lists
Still have barefoot shoe questions? Check out the Ultimate Barefoot Shoes FAQ
211 thoughts on “The Best Barefoot Shoes & Brands for Your Foot Type”
Dear Anya,
thanks for your thorough review, I think It’ll help others besides myself.
What do you think? TaleEVO shoes is what feet type?
According to the pictures I have greek feet.
Cheers
Dani from Hungary
Hey there! Tadeevo should be good for most foot shapes since it has a fairly square shape to it. They are wide to extra wide and fit a high volume foot.
I got a question. Do you know if there are barefoot brands where the sole is from leather?
Or maybe you know if there is a barefoot shoe that is good for grounding/earthing?
Hi Roy! Yes, I actually have a resource for you on that: https://anyasreviews.com/ufaq/are-there-barefoot-shoes-that-can-be-used-for-grounding-earthing/
There you can find all the ones I know of with an all-leather sole or a conductive sole.
Thank you so much for the guide…..so much useful information here, i have low volume feet
Thank you very much for this article! If I have extra wide feet, would it be safer to order from brands that specify their shoe is made for wide feet? I prefer to try on shoes before buying them, so I am worried if I buy a regular one size larger there will be too much room in the front or sides of the shoes. Or should I use the measurement charts given by each company to determine whether my foot will fit? Thanks.
Hi! In general it is smarter to use size charts and order from brands that are most likely to fit without any accommodations first. Once you get familiar with more barefoot shoe brands then sizing up for width is easier.
Anya, You are my HERO for doing all this research. I’ve been reading everything on your website since I found it. I have never had a pair of shoes that truly fit me. But thanks to all your work, I think I see two brands that may be wide enough to actually fit my ridiculously wide feet in the correct length (or really close) without smushing my mountain toes. Thank you!
Well thank YOU for saying so!
Sorry. And i want to say what a good article. Alot of good information.
Thanks
Cheers from the netherlands 🙂
Thank you!
Hi. All your hard work posting this info is much appreciated!
I’m having a difficult time finding shoes for my husband. I used this page for reference, as well as your fabulous shoe finder (which I used for me). The references don’t line up. Ex: Xero was a result, but this article says it is for high volume and narrow feet. He has a wide foot like the Altra photo above, a mountain foot shape, size 10. ‘Looking for an everyday durable shoe, so any of these would be okay: casual, sport, hiking. Shipping from USA, affordable. He tried Softstar Hawthorne Chukkas in wide, but his instep was too high to get in the shoe, so maybe a low cut shoe is required. Can you please help? I’d be most grateful! ❤
Hey there! I think Xero Shoes could work in a model like the Prio. Have you looked at Freet? They would likely be a better match. Just make sure you follow their sizing recommendation for the model you’re looking at – they either run true to size or small, so sizing up is sometimes needed.
Do you have any recommendations for barefoot shoes for nurses who work long hours on concrete floors? Feet are wide and mountain/ plateau shaped. Currently wear under armor combat boots and New Balance work sneakers to work- barefoot and flip flops at home.
Hi Lisa! If you need a little bit of cushioning you can add an insole like from NorthSole insoles, or you could choose something from this list:
https://anyasreviews.com/best-barefoot-minimalist-shoe-brands-beginners/
The Lems Primal 2 is a popular nursing shoe. It has a nice wide toe box and a more cushioned sole.
I am at my wit’s end with footwear and am considering giving-up completely on having natural, healthy feet. I’ve been struggling so much to find shoes that fit properly since trying to reshape my feet. Sadly, I have not found any that work well for me yet. This article was helpful, but I still haven’t found a solution. I have relatively square feet that are a bit wide, so I constantly run into a problem of my 4th and 5th toes ramming into the end of the shoe while still having plenty empty space in front of my big toe. Sizing up doesn’t seem to help as once I get to a size where my small toes aren’t crushed, I’m tripping over clown shoes and/or the ball of my foot is no longer aligned properly with the shoe. My other complicating factor is that I need shoes that are durable as I do a lot of hard work in my shoes and, most importantly, need footwear that can handle and maintain traction on wilderness trails as I do a lot of backcountry camping. I’ve just about given-up finding shoes that can handle that AND dry quickly (I primarily trip via canoe and have to step out into a lot of water).
So far, Lems have come the closest for me, but they’re utterly terrible off pavement with their hard, slippery outsoles, and they still don’t fit properly anyway; I just received some of their Chillums only to find my 4th and 5th toes crushed with a thumb’s width worth of space in front of my other toes. I could maybe get away with them if I dumped my CorrectToes and wore thin/no socks, but I really want to continue correcting my toes (my big toe has about a 15-16 degree angle). I haven’t decided if I want to waste my time trying to size-up only to find myself tripping over ill-fitting shoes again.
Astral’s Loyaks have performed *exactly* how I want for me with great basic looks, excellent traction, and quick drying, but they are far too narrow and really squeeze my toes unless I wear thin or no socks and completely abandon my CorrectToes.
This sucks. I’m trying to minimize discomfort from the deformations modern footwear has imposed on me, but the lack of any properly-fitted footwear is actually making healthy feet even MORE uncomfortable.
You’ve been on quite the ride! I’m sorry you’ve had so much trouble. It sounds like you have square shaped feet, which is the hardest to fit. One recommendation I have based on all of this is the Freet Tanga or maybe some of their other styles. They have a more square shape that is similar to Lems and works well for people whose outside toes are always squished. Freet shoes tend to run a little short too, so sizing up for width hopefully won’t make them so long you’re tripping. The Tanga functions like a water shoe, and I believe they have some other quick drying options as well. And finally, Sole Runner is an extra wide brand with a square shape that has quite a few technical shoe options. They have one that is similar to a Keen water shoe. If you live in the US you can try it here from PedTerra and they have free shipping/returns. Otherwise, custom will be your friend. You can find a bunch of custom shoe makers here:
https://anyasreviews.com/custom-barefoot-shoe-brands-for-hard-to-fit-feet/
Thanks for the suggestions. I’m skeptical that the Tanga’s knit material would hold-up well out in the field, and that outsole doesn’t look cut-out for anything more rugged than a walking path. The Freet Feldom looks somewhat promising, but I don’t like the complete lack of any color choice and being forced I to an ugly black+orange shoe. I’m also unsure of the Feldom’s durability and ability to withstand frequent saturation with water. Freet’s sizing also worries me as their dimensions for sizes in mm and in don’t actually match up with each other. In mm, a 44 is described as 107 mm wide and might be alright, but the 44 is described as 4 in wide which is 101.5 mm. Which width am I to trust? Can I trust any of them when their measurements are so sloppy?
A Keen water shoe type of shoe is not what I am looking for. Even though they have a closed toe, there is still far too much potential for injury with such large openings in the sides of them, and I have personally witnessed people in Keens suffer injury because of those holes. Astral TR1 Mesh or Astral Loyak are nearly perfect representations of what I am looking for.
I’ve looked over the custom options you shared, but none seem to be appropriate. Any of them that seem like they might make something a little rugged rely on leather. Leather is not fun when dealing with frequent submersion in water, and only the absolute highest quality leathers can survive that without drying up and breaking apart and still need meticulous care just to manage to survive. I think I’m just going to have to give up and settle for Astral TR1 Mesh for my backcountry canoe trips, sadly. I already have to compromise in colder seasons anyway in order to stay warm and dry by wearing DryShod boots. I am considering mukluks for winter, but with how wet our winters can be here in WI, I’m doubting relying on mukluks and think I may have to deal with restrictive boots ~November-March in order to stay warm and dry.
Thank you so much for this article and all the work on this website. I have found it all so helpful. I have wide feet, and a high instep and have had luck with Tadeevo as well as shoes from The Drifter Leather. I live in snowy New England and I’m looking for two pairs of winter shoes/boots for, at a minimum, walking from the car to the office through slush & snow and one for being outdoors.
However, due to a broken ankle this summer, I am dealing with residual swelling directly over the ankle and my Drifter Leather boots don’t fit. I’ve waited too long waiting for the swelling to subside and now I need to purchase something as the weather has turned cold and I’m wearing Birkenstock sandals all the time. I just ordered a pair of Xero Alpine and even though I added 1 cm to my measurements and tried them on completely barefoot, they were too tight around my toes and too “low” over my toes. I saw the Zeazoo boots and I’d love a pair of those but my ankle is currently unable to do the point and push required to get them on. So I really need something that either laces or zips. Do you have any suggestions? Tracing my foot, I measure 25.5 cm and 10 cm wide. Thank you so much for any suggestions!
Hi Michelle! Hmm, a couple warm boots that zip are the Be Lenka Polar and the Softstar Phoenix, but both are shallower over the instep. If you do lace up shoes, than Angles Fashion, Feelgrounds Patrol, and Ahinsa Winter all would be good and can give you more space by the ankle. With the exception of the Softstar Phoenix, all of these options should be considerably wider than the Xero Alpine. This article might also be helpful for you:
https://anyasreviews.com/warmest-barefoot-winter-boots-zero-drop/
Hi Anya,
I am really grateful for all the work you have done here. When I was living in the country, in California, I transitioned to minimalist shoes easily, mostly because I’m a (very) old hippie, who spent much of my life—at least the indoors part—barefoot or in socks. But, when I went to Europe 2 years ago, I was in misery most of the time and the only shoes I ended up wearing were Arcopedico boots that snap around my ankles. Everything else hurt too much.
My physical therapist says that the fat pads in my feet have thinned (I’m 73) and that walking in cities—whether on cobblestone or cement—without a considerable amount of protection will just cause me pain. So, mostly, I wear Arcopedicos and pseudo Uggs, which aren’t even minimalist, but are comfortable.
Recently, however, my PT recommended that I try trekking poles and they have changed my life. I am able to walk in the road, in my old Merrill Trail Gloves, for twice as long, and I can tell I’m getting stronger. (I got those Merrills to fit by buying them too long and keeping the laces tight).
But now the weather is changing. My first thought was to wear some kind of overshoe over my Trail Gloves and just keep going. Do you recommend this?
I tried my old hiking boots today and I felt exhausted, so that option isn’t so good. But I can’t imagine going to a truly minimalist boot, and Uggs that fit my toes are so loose that I shuffle.
I would really appreciate any advice. Especially since, having moved to Albuquerque, I have a strong desire to learn snowshoeing!
Gratefully,
Lisa
Hi Lisa! Yes an overshoe can work great, especially if you’ve found a shoe you love. You also might be able to wear a truly minimalist boot with an insole for cushion (like from NorthSole). That way you get the lightness, and the wide toe box but don’t have to worry about being uncomfortable on hard ground.
Hi Anya,
What gift you are! I have worn barefoot shoes for years. But have a real problem with fit. Now at least I know I am a narrow, high volume, mountain shaped foot. In addition I am a true 9.5 Vivo’s always seem like a food fit but the 9’s are too short and the 10’s too wide. In summer Bedrocks and Earth Sandals are great but I really need closed toe options as well. Any ideas? I have purchased and returned so many shoes.
Mukishoes and Xero shoes are a great match for that foot description! Have you tried either of them yet?