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”
Thank you for this very thorough guide and comparison, as well as all your detailed reviews. They helped me find a great shoe (Bohempia Orik) that fits better than any I’ve worn before.
I’ve been looking to replace them and though I wouldn’t hesitate to get them again I want to try something different. I’ve been interested in Wildlings for a while (since reading your first review) and recently found Mukishoes makes several designs that might work well for me (cork boots and cotton/hemp sneakers).
I was a bit worried they might be too narrow for me, as the Bohempia wide are pretty much the perfect width in every area of my foot. After looking at your width comparison chart and being more discouraged (the Vivos next to them worked, but weren’t great), I saw your note about exactly those two brands and am going to give them a try (Mukishoes now and Wildlings when their spring/summer unlined offerings are back).
Do you have any insight on the Mukishoes cork boot (lace up) vs the Chelsea? It looks like the former is padded for extra warmth and I’d gather it would be better for higher activity (working on your feet/hiking) with laces – I’ve never worn boots without.
Thanks again for all the great reviews and guides and keeping it so well organized and up to date. This website is the best resource I’ve found for information on natural footwear.
The Mukishoes lace ups do have a thicker lining and a more secure fit, but I the chelsea also has a really great fit and I love them for walking. However if you intend to use them for working on your feet/hiking the lace up is still probably the best option. Just keep in mind that with your width you might want a size bigger than you’re wearing in Bohempia. Samantha, my extra wide footed assistant, wears Wildling and Mukishoes boots but she does take one size bigger in the Mukishoes.
Your website is easily the best resource for barefoot shoes. Thank you for your in-depth content
Thank you!
High volume, narrow(er) and sloped. Not too hard, but also smoll (22,6). Do you have recommendations for that specific combination? I am already looking at xero and zeazoo, but maybe there are specific models to watch out for!
Hi there, Xero is definitely a good brand to check out, as is Zeazoo. PaperKrane is also a good option. I would say most models from those brands would be ok to try with that foot type, I can’t think of any specific ones to avoid.
Hi Anya,
First, thank you for all of this. You have such a wealth of knowledge. I’m just getting started on this journey. I live in NYC so I’m hitting the hard pavement a lot. I walk 2-6 miles a day depending on school drop off and WFH or being in the office. Mountain, high volume, wide. I really like the look of some of the Vivo boots. Is that going to be terrible?
Hi there! I would plan on not wearing them everyday at the beginning if Vivobarefoot is your first barefoot shoe. I don’t think they’re the wrong choice, but they are quite thin so expect an adjustment. You could swap back and forth between them and your usual shoes. Or if you find you want a little more cushion after trying them you can look at NorthSole insoles.
Hello,
Thanks for an excellent online resource. I wonder if you could make a recommendation. The heel cups of both the Altra Escalante and Xero Prio rubbed my Achilles tendons, causing much pain and inflammation.
The Prio’s were so bad I was virtually crippled on a trip to Turkey. Had to discard them and buy local sandals to be able to walk at all. Took weeks of physical therapy to heal.
I’ve worn Feuyue’s for years with no problem. But now, due to the trademark problem I cannot get them in the US, where I now am, and mine are worn out. Vivos also fit well, but getting them from UK takes weeks. I order a pair, wrong size had to return. I have no shoes to wear except an old pair of moccasins.
Can you suggest a zero drop shoe available in the US that does NOT have a built up heel cup?
Thanks in advance.
Be well,
Jim
Ugh, I’m sorry to hear about your heel pain. I also have sensitive heels so I understand the issue well. Xero is coming out with a couple new styles on Wednesday that don’t have a built in heel cup and are much softer – the Forza. The other sneaker styles I would recommend (like the Tadeevo Bliss) is in Europe. But if you’re ok with a non-sneaker style you would probably like Unshoes. Much more minimal, but no rigid materials anywhere. The Terra Vida is my favorite from them.
Hi! Is the ranking of shoes from narrow to wide still accurate? It has Be Lenka as wider than the Bohempia Wide, but based on the sizing charts from each brand Be Lenka is actually quite a bit more narrow. Are the actual shoes wider than the sizing chart? I love the Be Lenka styles but it really seems like they would be too narrow even though my Bohempia Wides fit great.
Thanks!
Be Lenka takes their width measurements from the mold used to form the shoes – it always appears narrower than they actually are. The updated version is only slightly narrower around the outside toes but the width across the ball of the foot is the same. So yes, I would say the size chart is still accurate. But I would keep in mind that the Be Lenka boot models, especially the wool lined ones, tend to fit a little short so I usually recommend to size up.
New to the barefoot world. Bought Origo’s in the summer and love them. They are my only pair of Barefoot shoes thus far. So now, I’m looking for winter boots. I’m in the central Canadian prairies, where winter days are often -30. I used the wall method to measure my feet with my normal pair of socks. 23.5 cm. Add the 1.2 for the fluff and I believe that would put me into a 39 (I’m usually a size 8/38) I’m hoping this is correct. Did I read correctly that I cannot return these as I live in Canada?
Bonnie,
That seems like a good size for you in a boot with fluff, but I don’t know exactly which product/shop you are considering buying from so I don’t know what the return policy is. Most do have returns possible though!
Hi Anya,
thanks for sharing all your research with us! It has helped me a lot (navigating the barefoot shoe jungle is exhausting!).
I have very wide feet (10.1cm wide at a length of 24.2cm), and I struggle very much with finding suitable winter boots. I wear the Feelgrounds Patrol right now, but the inner width is way narrower than their measurements on the website say (10cm vs. 9.6 in reality), and I’m not happy with them.
I tried the Zeazoo Dingo today, which is way too narrow, too.
I’ve been thinking about trying the wide Bohempias now (but their winter shoes are not that pretty). And Be Lenka has such lovely winter boots, but they seem to be far too narrow (even if I look up width measurements taken from the finished shoe, they seem rather narrow, so I’m surprised you listed them as wider than the Bohempia ones). Do you have the ultimate recommendation for really really wide feet concerning winter boots?
Be Lenka’s width measurements really throw people off, but they are comparable to Bohempia Wide. The thing about Be Lenka’s boots though is that they run slightly short and the wool lined ones fit low volume, so people usually need to size up in them. If you size up, then they really are quite wide! Another option to check out for wide feet is Jenon Leather Snowflake. You might like the Softstar Switchback boot – it is made of waterproof materials and has a fleece lining.
Thank you so much!
I tried the Be Lenka Winter 2.0 today (EU 40 instead of my usual 39, the insole is 9.8cm wide, my foot measures 10.0cm in a tracing and 9.8cm with the wall method), and while they are snug, they are comfy! (I have wide, but low volume feet). I guess I’ll gain a bit of width with use (the lining is very plush and thick right now), but they are quite nice as they are and I think I can make them work. Maybe I’ll change the insole though, it has a weird little fold on one side that bothers me a bit.
I’d never have given Be Lenka a try if not for your recommendation, so thank you!
Thank you for creating such a comprehensive resource! I am having trouble finding a brand that fits my unusual foot shape. I have square toes, but a fairly straight foot, and most of the brands on your list for square feet seem to have a curved overall shape (though it can be hard to tell from pictures, and many don’t have printable templates).
So far, I have only tried Ahinsa, but they put the same amount of pressure on my fourth and fifth toes as my Groundies do (but with lots of extra space next to my big toe where I don’t need it). I’m not sure which brand to try next, as each attempt is quite pricey. Do you have any recommendations for square, straight, average width, average volume feet?
Hm, the Be Lenka Flair and Brooklyn both are straight with a square shaped toe box. We have some in our Discounted Seconds area in the US, they are on sale and if you’re also here shipping is much cheaper than ordering overseas. I’d also recommend checking out Softstar Shoes Primal Merry Jane, they have free shipping and $9 returns. Lastly, Groundies is releasing a wide version of their shoes that we will be carrying at Anya’s Shop this spring that I think would work well.
Thanks so much for the suggestions. It can be so tough to tell from pictures. They all look so angled but wide at the toe, whereas my feet basically look like long rectangles, lol! I’m in Canada, and unfortunately ordering from the US generally ends up costing more than from overseas, but I will take a good look at your suggestions. Thanks again!
Hi, your blog is amazing! I come from Greece and adore Vivo barefoot however I would like to try another company since there are so many options. Can you please advise on which ones are in Europe?
Hi! Yes, here is a list of brands in Europe: https://anyasreviews.com/barefoot-shoe-brands-by-region/#europe
Most of the brands I review are either from Europe or the US, so you’ll find many options in my reviews and shoe lists.