Are your lace-up combat boots hurting your feet? Doc Martens look great, but if it’s all-day comfort you’re after you probably want a wide toe box alternative.
Here are the best wide toe box and barefoot combat boots that have all the grungy style and none of the foot deforming features.
Why I Don’t Wear Doc Martens Anymore
Doc Martens look cool but they are heavy, clunky, and have a narrow tapered toe box. I much prefer a shoe that looks great, but has a natural fit and feel with plenty of space for your toes. That’s where barefoot combat boots come in. They’re a perfect marriage of fashion and function!
Feeling comfortable all the time while not looking schleppy is a kind of secret superpower. That’s why I have such a deep love of wide toe box barefoot boots! I can live life more fully when I feel good and can actually move freely. But it’s not just for today – tending to the health of your feet now can keep you mobile and strong for decades to come.
And if you want the toe space but not the thin sole, I’ve included cushioned options here. You can also use insoles in the others!
Now let’s check out some barefoot combat boot alternatives that meet all the comfort criteria, but don’t compromise on style.
If you are looking for true combat boots for the military, head here instead.
My Favorite Barefoot Combat Boots
Peerko Barefoot
Leather & Vegan Options | Lined or Unlined | Sizes EU 37 – 45
No Removable Insole | Side Zip (depending on model)
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! My personal favorites are the Go (short cut) and Empire (long cut) and both have a side zip for easy on and off. Every detail is just spot on – it’s not hard to see why they’ve been bestsellers at Anya’s Shop the last few years.
They’re also look great even after breaking in and don’t scuff easily. All while having a wide foot-friendly shape that fits a broad range of foot types!
Sizing & Fit
- True to size (but wool-lined Frost fits snugger)
- Wide toe box, suitable for most foot types
- Medium volume fit
These do not come with an insole but you can add an extra wool insole to your order. It’s great for some extra warmth and comfort, or to fill in extra space.
If you like the tall Empire and have wide calves, you might need something like a Boot Band.
Vivobarefoot Gobi Boot
Leather | Sizes US 5W – 15M
Removable Insole | No Side Zip
Use code ANYA20VB for 20% off
The Vivobarefoot Gobi boot is a seasonal model that comes back every fall and winter. It comes in a leather lined and a fleece lined option depending on your warmth needs. Two things I like about Vivobarefoot boots – the have an oblique shape so you get lots of big toe room and they are very durable/high quality.
Even though the Gobi styles 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 & Fit
- Runs slightly long, but I don’t size down
- Average width (Men’s are wider than Women’s)
- Medium to low volume
If you have wide feet I recommend sizing up or choosing the men’s version (same shoe just wider).
Mukishoes Igneous
Leather | Wool Lined | Sizes EU 36-44
No Removable Insole | Side Zip
Also available directly from Mukishoes in the EU where you can 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 & Fit
- Mostly true to size but slightly small
- Average to wide width
- Medium to high volume
Mukishoes Igneous boots are very soft and forgiving, but I sized up to a 38 for a bit of extra toe room and so I could fit a wool insole (cuz it’s winter yo). A 37 would have been just a bit squishy.
You can read my full review of the Mukishoes brand here.
Xero Breckenridge
Leather | Leather Lining | Sizes US Women’s 5-12
Removable Insole | No Side Zip
The Xero Breckenridge is new this fall and has a very streamlined look that can be styled any which way – whether you want to dress them up, down, or with an edgy grungy look. They can even be worn functionally as outdoor/light hiking shoes. No side zip.
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size
- Medium to wide fit
- Medium volume
Zaqq Quintic
Leather | Leather Lining | Sizes EU 35-47
No Removable Insole | Side Zip
The Zaqq Quintic Brogue is a fun variation on the classic lace up boot style. The beautiful brogue detailing gives them a little something extra, and they have a side zip.
The leather upper is really nice quality, but the leather lining does get a little sweaty for me if it’s warm. They also are pretty high volume and the laces don’t cinch down very much, so if you are low volume like me you should plan on using an insole and/or socks.
Sizing & Fit
- True to size
- Medium to wide fitting
- High volume
Groundies
Leather | Sizes EU 36-47
No Removable Insole | Side Zip (depending on model)
You can also find select 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, like the Salzburg model here. You can learn more about their Barefoot+ fit here.
Best for Extra Wide Feet
These are the barefoot combat boots that have the widest toe box, suitable for even extra wide feet.
Shapen Barefoot
Leather | Leather & Wool Lined | Sizes EU 36-47
No Removable Insole | Side Zip (depending on model)
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 Maverick is spot on for the Doc Martens look! They have a side zip, roomy toe box, and sleek fit. They are very light and flexible – in fact I prefer them with an extra insole – but overall the styling is on point.
Urbaneer is a classic (less edgy) silhouette with a wool lining, no side zip, and a more rugged outsole for a wintry climate.
I love both of them – they’re the perfect blend of comfort with quality and style. If you have extra wide feet and/or want all the toe space this is one of the best options.
Sizing
- Maverick runs slightly large – I do not size down but I have room for thick socks and insoles. Urbaneer is more true to size because of the wool lining.
- Wide to extra wide toe box
- Medium to high volume
Shapen boots fit on the larger roomier side in general. The Urbaneer does have a thick lining, so it does not run as big as Maverick.
I go in greater detail on the fit & sizing of Shapen barefoot boots in this review.
Origo Adventurer
Leather | Unlined | Sizes US Women’s 6 – Men’s 13
Removable Insole | No Side Zip
The Origo Adventurer is an ultra light and comfy boot with ample toe space and a heritage feel. They are super comfortable, I am a big fan! The leather has a really nice natural quality to it that will get better with him. And of the options here, they are one of the lightest and most flexible.
Sizing & Fit
- True to size
- Extra wide toe box, but fitted through the midfoot and heel
- Medium volume – easily cinches over my low volume feet
I think the fit on the Origo Adventurer is really great. You get plenty of toe space, but the shoe is not floppy or slippy. It’s a good balance of roomy and fitted!
Be Lenka Atlas
Leather | Fleece Lining | Sizes EU 35-47
Removable Insole | Side Zip
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. Be Lenka also has the Winter 3.o lace up boot (no side zip), which is taller cut and has a thick wool lining.
Sizing & Fit
- Runs small – I size up one in both Atlas and Winter.
- Wide to extra wide fit
- Medium volume
Be Lenka boots generally run on the small side and I size up pretty consistently.
But note that Be Lenka models on the ErgoGrip sole (Mojo & Diva) are not as wide as the Atlas, so it’s a good idea to check the product listing and size charts to understand what you’re ordering.
Realfoot Farmer
Leather | Fleece Lined | Water resistant | Sizes EU 36-47
No Removable Insole | No Side Zip
Use code ANYASREVIEWS10 for 10% off. You can also find Realfoot at Anya’s Shop in the US.
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
Ahinsa Jaya
Vegan | Waterproof | Fleece Lining | Sizes EU 37-46
Removable Insole | Side Zip
You can use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off.
The Ahinsa Jaya is a vegan barefoot combat boot with an extra 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 also super light, soft, and has a water resistant finish. I also love the side zipper for easy use!
Sizing & Fit
- Runs a little small – I size up to a 38
- Extra wide toe box, but slim through the midfoot.
- Medium volume, but can easily cinch or loosen to most foot types
See below the 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.
Best Cushioned Options
Here are some combat boots that have the wide toe box and lightweight natural feel but a thicker sole for a bit more cushion.
Lang S Kombat
Leather | Leather Lining | Sizes EU 36-45
No Removable Insole | Side Zip
Use code ANYALANG to get 10% off.
Lang S (formerly Tikki Shoes) has released this new lace up boot and it’s the only wide toe box option with a classic chunky profile. They have a thicker stack height than the others listed here, but are still flexible! So if you’re looking for an in-between not super thin option, this is it.
And the toe box is really roomy, including above the toes. Overall, I’m really impressed with these! The leather upper and lining is soft and good quality and there is a side zip for easy on and off.
Sizing & Fit
- Runs slightly large
- Wide to extra wide toe box
- Medium to high volume fit
These boots are generally roomy. I tried a 37 and 38 and the 38 is rather large for me, though I could make them work with thick socks.
Lems Boulder Boot
Leather & Vegan Options | Waterproof Option | Sizes US 5W – 15M
Removable Insole | No Side Zip
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 a little bit flexible (not as flexible as the others). They are definitely more structured than most of the options here and take a bit of breaking in, but are pretty dang comfy once softened up.
One thing I love about Lems is that they have a lot of vertical toe space, so you really get toe freedom. I particularly like my Boulder Boot Grips and wear them a lot for cold weather hiking or walking in the rain.
Sizing & Fit
- Runs small – I usually size up to an 8 in Lems.
- Wide to extra wide fit
- High volume
Feelgrounds Patrol
Vegan | Waterproof | Fleece Lined Option | Sizes EU 35-49
Removable Insole | No Side Zip
Use code ANYA5 for 5% off
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 a bit 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 & Fit
- Runs slightly small
- Wide to extra wide fit (will work for many foot types, but you may need to size up to get enough width).
- High volume
Best Budget Options
Saguaro Ambition
Microfiber | Faux Fur Lining | Sizes EU 36-48
Removable Insole | Side Zip
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 15% off
The Ambition II from Saguaro is a great affordable option that still retains all the barefoot qualities we want in a boot. It has a nice wide toe box, and a flexible 4mm zero drop outsole. The laces are low quality and a little difficult to adjust, but once you have them set there’s a handy side zipper for easy on/off.
The lining is medium thick faux fur that’s soft but will make your feet sweaty, so I would plan on sizing up to wear socks.
Sizing & Fit
- Runs a little small – we usually size up
- Wide fit – will work for some extra wide feet.
- Medium volume
A Few More
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.
Wildling Shoes (US & Europe) – Another personal favorite brand of mine. Their options change seasonally, but the North Wolf shown here and the Atmo Black are part of the essentials collection. Use code AWN_ANYA for a one-time free shipping offer. If you live outside the US/Canada, shop Wildling Shoes here.
Magical Shoes Alaskan (Europe) – Use code ANYA for 10% off your Magical Shoes purchase!
You can also find select colors at PedTerra, where code ANYASREVIEWS gets you 10% off your first purchase.
Koel (Europe) – Koel has a couple black lace-up models that also come in many colors.
You can also find Koel at Mugavik Barefoot and use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off
Sole Runner Hati (Europe) – This boot has an extra wide fit!
No(N)s (Europe) – Read my No(N)s Review here
Gaucho Ninja (UK) – Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
66 thoughts on “Barefoot Combat Boots – The All Time Best Wide Lace-Up Boots”
Hi Anya, I am buying my first pair of winter barefoot boots, and I am looking at vivo scott, perko go/frost, muki igneous or belenka winter. I have a 27.9 cm long foot, 10.8cm wide with medium instep and sloped toes (more round at first two fingers then going more sloped to pinky) can you tell me which would suit my feet best? I am really in dillema because I don’t want to spend a fortune on postage sending the shoes back, and waiting for refund to buy another shoe. I am really hoping they will become more available in shops some day. Thanks
I think Peerko Go or Frost and Be Lenka Winter are most likely to fit your width. Just keep in mind that the lining of the Winter and Frost will take up a little more space than the Go (which only has a thin lining).
Hi, which size of Peerko Go do you suggest?
I use Be Lenka Belissima 41 (27cm) and Vivobarefoot Opanka laces 40.
Thank you!
I personally have a 37 in Belissima, Opanka, and Peerko Go. If you are like the Belissima in a 41 my guess is that a 41 in Go would also be good.
Thank you! To be honest, the Belissima 41 are quite big for me, but the Belissima 40 are too small, so I use the 41 ones. I will try Go 41 when they will be available, but I am not sure that this is the best option.
Another possibility would be to try Vivobarefoot Gobi Hi 41?
Sounds like you’re in between sizes. The 41 is still the safer bet in the Go, you can wear socks with them to fill in the space. Vivobarefoot Gobi Hi does fit smaller than the Go, so if you have a narrower foot than the Gobi Hi might be a better option in 41.
Military folks: For anyone looking for a mil-spec compliant boot, the only barefoot one available that I know of is the Belleville Tactical Research Mini-Mil boot. Comes in Coyotoe Brown or black. Never worn, myself, but have read it can cause some heel hotspots, so be sure to test them thoroughly and retain packaging for returns. Aside from those, Danner boots are pretty good for a conventional shoe shape. Little more roomy than normal in toes. Had a pair of the Danner Tachyon when I was in. Rocky boots are also better than the worst (but still too narrow in the toes). Hopefully the military gets with it and starts demanding a foot-shaped boot for personnel in future.
Hi Anya!
Thank you for the “combat boot” review. As someone who grew up wearing them but is trying to be better to their feet and ankles now but still loves boots this article was very helpful!
Two questions: would it be possible to add sole thickness info to the article? And boot height?
Is your shop going to restock any of these items or is it more of seasonal only? I’m hoping to maybe grab a pair on sale to help with the currency conversion.
Please don’t stop your awesome work!
Thanks for the feedback, I’ll make a note to add sole thickness when we update this article next. As far as restocks, it depends on the brand. However being the end of December, most of our boots won’t be restocked until next fall
Do you know of a lace up barefoot boot that has more of a mid-calf height? A height of 9.25 in / 23.5 cm? I’m looking to replace a favorite pair of boots with a barefoot version. I’ve looked at so many brands but it seems that they’re all shorter than that, or really tall. The Drifter leather Deco is the right height, but Drifter.. can’t just order quickly. Also the Xero Mika boots seems about the right height, but I’m looking for more of a simple leather boot. The Ahinsa Jaya seems close, although I’m looking for leather. It doesn’t seem to exist in the barefoot world. The Wildling Inkcap is close too, but a tad short, and not leather. Any ideas? Thank you!
Samantha helped me think of a couple other options. Non(n)s has one made of leather, but they don’t seem to have many sizes in stock (maybe email and ask? They do made to order shoes). Also Koel Faro is a taller cut and lined with wool.
Do you like the Ahinsa Jaya or Peerko Go better for low volume but wide feet? Is the Peerko shorter than the Ahinsa? The Peerko looks more attractive, but it‘s nice that the Ahinsa one is waterproof.
How well does the Peerko hold up in rain if you treat them before wearing?
For me the Peerko Go is the clear winner. I haven’t worn them in a lot of rain, but they are easily waterproofed. They look amazing and fit wide feet well. But the Ahinsa Jaya does have a little wider toe box. Both work about the same for low volume, but the Peerko boots might be a little better.
Thank you! That’s really good to know. It also looks like Ahinsa increased the price of the Jaya, it’s now $202 !! Which seems like a lot compared to Peerko.
Indeed it is! We have the Jaya on sale for $149 right now at Anya’s Shop if that’s enough of a drop for you. But my honest opinion is the Go is the best between the two 🙂
https://anyas-shop.com/products/ahinsa-jaya-combat-boot
Thank you so much for your reviews of all these shoes, it’s really helpful! One thing that is missing that I always look for though, is whether the shoe is resoleable, which many of these don’t appear to be. I burn through shoe soles, so paying what many of these companies are asking, only to have to throw the shoes away when they wear out, is not an option. Plus, I feel like they really get broken in well around the time I need to resole, so it’s a double-sad to have to get rid of an otherwise functional shoe over what should be an easy fix.
Hi Jason! Thanks for the feedback. I usually only mention it if the shoe is resolable – if it isn’t I don’t often point that out. It is a wonderful feature for sustainability and getting more use out of your shoes. You might want to check out the Aintap FeelBarefoot combat boot style, they have the look and are resolable! I will try to make it more easily searchable on the website too – we can add a “resolable” tag to articles.
Anya,
I love your blog you are so thorough.
I’m looking for a men’s black combat style boot with zero drop and a truly thin sole like a Vivobarefoot Gobi desert boot. Preferably taller than the Gobi. I like the look of the Patrol lite Feelgrounds but the sole is too thick. What would you suggest ?
Keep up the great work,
Douglas
Hi Douglas! Mukishoes is unisex and taller than the Gobi. Really thin sole with excellent ground feel. NoNs also has combat style boots, and offer some customizations (they have different sole options). Groundies would be another option with a thin flexible sole, and Peerko also would be an excellent choice.
Thank you so much for these suggestions! After years of pain in my feet, I was just officially diagnosed with a wonderful trifecta; plantar fasciitis, morton’s neuroma and bunions. My PT strongly suggested barefoot shoes with a wide toe box as something to strongly consider. I had only seen trainer style options, and this morning as I cleaned up all my Dr. Martens to donate, was feeling quite despondent. Docs combat boots have been my vibe since the 90’s! I’m so glad I did a search for “barefoot combat boots” and found you! I’m feeling much more hopeful. Many thanks!
What barefoot alternatives would you recommend for replacing doc martens regular Oxford shoes?
You might not be able to find a truly chunky barefoot oxford since most have thin soles, but the absolute closest would be this option from Conker Shoes (they have a zero drop sole option, but it’s still pretty thick). Otherwise, Shapen Barefoot and Origo Shoes both have oxfords, plus FeelBarefoot on Etsy. Check out this article if you haven’t!