Barefoot Combat Boots – The 10 Best Wide Lace-Up Boots

Do you want that classic lace-up boot look, but without sacrificing your natural alignment or toe space? Doc Martens have a quintessential style, but they’re not great if you want strong functional feet the rest of your life.

Instead I wear barefoot combat boots that have all the grungy style and none of the foot deforming features. Check out my top 10 recommended options here.

Welcome to Episode 5 of Wear This, Not That!

Why Doc Martens Aren’t Good For Your Feet

Doc Martens have two things going for them: a classic look, and a super durable outsole. But everything else about them can wreak havoc on your body over time. A chunky heel, tapered toe, and rigid sole make these more of a straight jacket for your feet than a shoe.

By contrast, barefoot shoes are completely flat (the way feet are supposed to be on the ground!), have an anatomically shaped toe box, and a flexible sole that moves with your foot. Wherever possible, I recommend getting your feet in shoes that fit this criteria. Tending to the health of your feet today can keep you mobile and strong for decades to come.

Learn how barefoot shoes might help you in this post!

But here at Anya’s Reviews we know that caring about your foot health doesn’t mean losing your sense of style. It may not be what you see when you go shoe shopping, but there is an entire market of natural footwear that can keep your feet happy without making you stick out like a sore thumb (and no, they aren’t all barefoot shoes if you want the toe space but not the whole minimalist package).

Now let’s check out some barefoot combat boot alternatives that meet all the criteria of healthy footwear, but don’t compromise on style.

My Favorite Barefoot Combat Boots

I love a combat boot look! Every option on this list makes my little fashionista heart go pitter patter, but is still zero drop and wide in the toe box. In no particular order, check out this list of barefoot combat boots in a range of prices, fit types, and even vegan options! Most brands offer multiple options, so click through each boot to see more!

We talk about foot type here to help you find the shoes that will fit the best. Read this post for help determining your foot type.

Now it’s on to the best barefoot lace-up boots!

Peerko Barefoot

Leather & Vegan Options | Fleece Option | Sizes EU 37 – 45

You can also order these boots directly from Peerko in the EU and use code ANYASREVIEWS10 for 10% off (but note that they do not accept returns outside the EU)!

For me the Peerko Barefoot boots are hands down the best looking barefoot combat boot style! Both the Go (short cut) and Empire (long cut) have a side zip for easy on and off and every detail is just spot on. They’ve been a bestseller at Anya’s Shop the last few years and it’s not hard to see why. They’re absolutely beautiful and yet still have a wide foot-friendly shape.

Sizing

The Peerko and Go have a light fleece lining and fit true to size with a generous width.They are good for all foot shapes except Square, and fit low to high volume thanks to fully adjustable laces.

If you like the tall Empire and have wide calves, you might need something like a Boot Band. Peerko also makes the Frost, which is a warmer wool lined version of the Go.

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Vivobarefoot Gobi Boot

Leather | Sizes US 5W – 15M

Use code ANYA25 for 25% off for 10% off.

The Vivobarefoot Gobi boot is a seasonal model that comes back every fall and winter. It has a leather lined and a fleece lined option depending on your warmth needs.

Even though they style like a lifestyle boot they have a grippy outsole for some decent traction for outdoor use. The leather is so soft and supple, and they have held up like a dream. They have a modern urban aesthetic to them that feels fresh after so many lace-up boots that look the same.

If you’re wearing them in the cold, be warned that the insole that comes with it is not warm in my opinion. Check out this post for warm insoles options you can use instead.

Sizing

For women, the Gobi Boot runs narrow for a barefoot shoe and low to medium volume. If you have wide feet I recommend sizing up or choosing the men’s version (same shoe just wider).

I have a pair a size 38 and they are a little long, but because I have wide feet I need the extra room. Both cater to a sloped foot, with the big toe longest.

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Be Lenka Atlas

Leather | Fleece Lining | Sizes EU 35-47

Use code ANYASREVIEWS to get 5% off Be Lenka directly, or shop these boots in the US at Anya’s Shop

Be Lenka Barefoot makes several stylish lace-up boots in a range of colors, all of which are ultra comfortable and high quality. If you like the combat boot style but have extra wide feet, this brand is going to be a better option for you than most.

My favorite as a combat boot replacement is the Atlas. They have a side zip for easy on and off and are lined with a thin fleece. But Be Lenka has several lace-up boot options depending on your needs!

Sizing

Be Lenka boots generally run on the small side and I size up. The classic lace-up boot styles – Atlas, Winter 3.0, and Nevada – all are made on their widest shape and fit most foot volumes (praise laces!).

But note that their models on the ErgoGrip sole are not as extra wide, so it’s a good idea to check the product listing and size charts to understand what you’re ordering.

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Ahinsa Jaya

Vegan | Waterproof | Fleece Lining | Sizes EU 37-46

You can use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off. You can also find the Jaya in the US at Anya’s Shop.

The Ahinsa Jaya is a vegan barefoot combat boot with an ultra wide toe box. This option is super flexible, fits fits people who need a lot of toe space (check that non-sloping toe box), and can accommodate high volume feet. It is the lightest and softest of the bunch as well, and boasts water resistance. I also love the side zipper for easy use!

Sizing

In my experience Ahinsa shoes also run on the small side and I consistently wear one size bigger than usual. In the Jaya I choose a size 38 and wear them with medium weight socks.

I have low volume feet so I prefer to wear them with an extra insole (medium or high volume feet won’t need to tighten the laces as much as I do, but should still fit). They have a Plateau shaped toe box (great for those with long 2nd and 3rd toes).

Same shoe, different foot!

Check out the Ahinsa Jaya on two different foot types. On the left (below) is my low volume foot with a wide toe spread. On the right, is Samantha (our researcher here at Anya’s Reviews) with an EXTRA wide and high volume foot. Notice that the laces are cinched much tighter over my low volume foot, but Ahinsa fits both our foot types well. But Samantha would fit better in one size bigger for length.

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Mukishoes Igneous

Leather | Wool Lined | Sizes EU 36-44

Use code ANYAMUKI for 10% off any Mukishoes purchase (except sale items).

Mukishoes is one of my all time favorite brands because their shoes are soooo flexible, gorgeous, AND they have extremely high ethical standards. The Igneous is a sleek leather boot lined with a felted wool lining. The zipper on the side makes these easy on and off, and they are superbly flexible.

Sizing

Mukishoes is an average width brand that fits true to size for length. I sized up to a 38 so I could fit a wool insole and warm socks (cuz it’s winter yo). I wear a 37 in their sneakers, but wear them barefoot or with thin socks. They fit high volume (I always use an insole in my Mukis), and have a Mountain shape to them.

You can read my full review of the Mukishoes brand here.

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Shapen Barefoot

Leather | Wool Lined | Sizes EU 36-47

Use code ANYA5 for 5% off directly from Shapen (returns are not accepted outside the EU) or shop Shapen at Anya’s Shop in the US.

The Shapen Urbaneer is a classic silhouette with an extra wide fit and a cozy wool lining. They’re the perfect blend of comfort with quality and style, so if you have extra wide feet and/or want all the toe space this is one of the best options.

Sizing

Shapen boots fit on the larger side. The Urbaneer does have a thick lining, so I still don’t size down but I have more space than I typically do. They are phenomenally comfortable! The toe box is also wide and squarer than more so you get no toe squish.

I go in greater detail on the fit & sizing of Shapen barefoot boots in this review.

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Groundies

Leather | Sizes EU 36-47

You can also find select Groundies models in the US at Anya’s Shop

Groundies is always keeping it fresh with trendy styles made barefoot. The Williamsburg is my favorite classic barefoot lace-up boot from them. The quality is also consistently good, so these are a solid barefoot combat boot option.

Sizing

I wear my usual size 37 in most Groundies shoes, but sometimes size up to a 38 for sock room. They have a Mountain shape to them and are medium width; a little bit wider than Vivobarefoot.

Some Groundies models come in an extra wide width, but currently none of their lace-up boots do. You can learn more about their Barefoot+ fit here.

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Feelgrounds Patrol

Vegan | Waterproof | Fleece Lined Option | Sizes EU 35-49

Feelgrounds Patrol boots are vegan, waterproof, fleece lined (in their Winter version), and slip resistant. They look super stylish with a chunky appearance while being practical. Many people even use these as a hiking boot!

I personally found the material stiff for my liking, but for people who want a more traditional feel that’s not as thin and flexible as other barefoot shoes this is a good option.

Sizing

Feelgrounds Patrol boots run true to size, but the ankle is on the stiff side and pushes my foot forward. So I prefer to size up in them. They fit nice and wide in one size up.

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Lems Boulder Boot

Leather & Vegan Options | Waterproof Option | Sizes US 5W – 15M

The Lems Boulder Boot is super popular in natural footwear circles because it has a timeless look to it, and a wide toe box. They have a thicker sole than any other shoe I review here, but it’s still zero drop and flexible (not as flexible as the others). Lems shoes do have a slight toe spring that I wish they would ditch, but otherwise I like wearing my Lems boots when it’s cold or rainy and I want a little more distance between me and the ground.

Sizing

All of Lems shoes size a little bit differently, so it’s best to refer to their Size Guide for each model. In my waterproof Boulder Boots I sized up to a 7.5 from my usual size 7 and they fit well with plenty of space. In my vegan Boulders I am wearing my usual size 7, and still have plenty of space. They are great for Plateau shapes and high volume feet.

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Realfoot Farmer

Leather | Fleece Lined | Water resistant | Sizes EU 36-47

Use code ANYASREVIEWS10 for 10% off

Realfoot Farmer boots boast an extra wide toe box for full splay space! They’re fleece lined, very lightweight, and super flexible in all directions. The insole is removable so you can customize your stack height, and the integrated membrane helps keep your feet dry. We love these for fall and spring!

Sizing

Realfoot has a very detailed size chart with not only length, but two width measurements to help you choose your best size. They have an extra wide fan-shaped fit that narrows through the midfoot and heel.

Real our full Realfoot review here

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A Few More Barefoot Combat Boots

Want to see even more options? I’ve compiled a full list of barefoot boot options organized by style! Click on the link below and head to the Lace-Up Boots Section.

In the meantime, here are a few other stylish options I like.

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And that’s it peeps! Plenty of grungy barefoot lace-up combat boots for you with none of the foot deforming features of Doc Martens. If you’re interested in seeing more healthy footwear options that don’t make your eyes hurt, make sure you check out my Fashion, But Make it Barefoot series!

And ff you’re looking for true combat boots for the military, check out the Belleville Mini Mil