Etsy is my FAVORITE place to buy gifts for myself and others. So many fabulous handmade items and talented creators. A lot of minimalist shoe makers started out on Etsy (Unshoes, Softstar, The Drifter Leather, Gea Soles), and I anticipate some on the following list will become big names in the Barefoot Shoe world.
I try to #StandWithSmall businesses all the time (I am a small business owner myself!), but it’s been especially on my mind during these times of financial distress.
The list below is a compilation of Etsy shops that make minimalist friendly shoes. Most of the sandals on this list are normally made with a small heel and you must request them made completely flat, so reaching out to shop owners before purchasing is always a good idea. I personally have only tried a handful of these, so just be sure to do your research and ask any questions you have before purchasing.
As always, these lists are a joint effort. Let me know of other Etsy shops you’ve found and loved!
Adult Sandals
- Laboo Leather – Botond the owner is very responsive and can make any of his sandals with a barefoot sole. They are a good price for such a high quality barefoot sandal. I love them so much that we now carry them at Anya’s Shop!
- Afoot – Beautiful handmade leather sandals
- Tread Light Gear – This shop has some really great barefoot sandals with a wide toe box. They also have some really fancy handmade moccasins that are beautiful.
- Astir Sandals – Traditional handmade barefoot sandals
- Sparta Sandals – More traditional leather sandals.
- Crupon – Women’s shoes only, closed toe flats and sandals that are absolutely stunning and some of my very favorites. They have a barefoot line now as well as a standard line – both can be made zero drop but the barefoot sandals have a more anatomical foot shape to them. You can read my Crupon reviews here. Crupon also has their own website where you can use code ANYA for 10% off
- Grecian Sandals – Love what you get for the price, but the sole is a little stiff if you don’t choose the Vibram outsole (not all sandal models can be made with Vibram). See my review here.
- Cinderollies – These are flats, not sandals. I did a short review of them here
- Holy Ground – Really flexible and lightweight. Great option!
Compromise Sandals
These Etsy options might not check all the boxes, but might be just what you’re looking for!
- Holy Cow Chic – Some options are already flat, and the ones that aren’t can’t be modified. You’ll have to look closely at the listings and ask the shop owner about specific shoes.
- Nikos Shoes Sandals – Shop owner replied that some styles could be made without a heel, but not all, so you’d need to message before purchasing.
- Savopoulos greek sandals – The owner of this shop is willing to make these heel-less and widen the straps for you. The soles are made of Vibram and you can request no heel in the notes section at checkout. They are thicker and stiffer than I’m accustomed to, but they have some really unique styles. Best for slim feet. I have some pics and info here, here, and here.
Adult Shoes
- Gaucho Ninja Leather UK – These are handmade barefoot leather shoes for men and women and are really high quality! They are in a category of their own, a true work of art! Read my review here. Gaucho Ninja also has his own website and you can use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
- YoungsMoccs -Simple leather moccasions, but they look oh so comfy and high quality.
Yemeni Shoes
Yemeni shoes are traditional Turkish shoes, made entirely of leather, hand stitched, and zero drop. There are many Yemeni shoe sellers on Etsy, but most of the designs are fairly tapered. Some of the shops make the shoes based off your measurements, but unless you specify, they will only use the width and length of your feet. My favorite barefoot Yemeni shoe maker on etsy that I’ve found is FeelBarefoot.
- FeelBarefoot – Use code ANYA50 for a discount. This shop also makes custom loafers and boots for Anya’s Shop – Read my FeelBarefoot Review here
Kids
- Muk Shoes by Bula Jeans Boutique – $30 These look like great shoes for kids. They come in baby to big kid sizes and are easy on and off.
- Moccasins by Desi – Adorable handmade moccasins!
- YoungsMoccs -Simple moccs for kids
16 thoughts on “The Best Etsy Barefoot Shoe Finds”
Hi Anya! What are your fave leather sandals– except for drifter, I know you love them, but I need sandals now. I am looking at Crupon, they are so pretty. I have watched your IG story which was helpful.
Crupon and Luna Brujitas!
I’d be interested to know how flexible the sandles above are……
I’ve reviewed most of them and link to those reviews underneath the photo. You can see how flexible they are in those posts.
I just posted a video to my Instagram showing how flexible the ones I have are. 🙂
Hi Anya, which are the sandals which are pictured on your feet in the top photo, the green/blue ones? Thanks
They are from Crupon! https://anyasreviews.com/crupon-sandals-review/
Hi Anya, which sandals are in the main photo, the very left one with buckles with the buckles? I’m just getting started in my barefoot journey. Thank you for your website. It’s a wonderful resource!
Hi! Thank you! Those sandals are from Crupon. I reviewed a different style from them here, but the buckle ones are nice to get some more width.
https://anyasreviews.com/crupon-sandals-review/
Hello! I would like to add Afoot to this list! Barefoot friendly from the start so no need to ask for a sandal without heel etc. https://baresteps.co.uk/2018/05/11/afoot-sandals-review/?fbclid=IwAR1yqosAqPriTh2hPSPwpXOoktUNQ5Rno1_rRB0DIUhhsQppKuVkiCP9dNE
Thank you!! They look lovely.
Hey Anya, thanks for your reviews! I just ordered from Kionas on Etsy and I’m super disappointed – I would not recommend these at all. The footbed (with no heel) is thick and entirely inflexible. I ordered my normal size 41 and the footbed length is accurate, but all the straps are very loose – I can’t even imagine what kind of foot these sandals could fit because my feet are average density and width, and I’m swimming in these! They are literally unwearable. Also, the buckle is very cheap, does not close fully or lay flat. 🙁
I’m happy to share photos if you’d like to see what I’m talking about. Just wanted to let you know because I ordered from them based on your list here. <3
On another note, I love my Laboo’s! They are amazing!!!
Hi Anya,
I started to wear barefoot shoes just a few months ago and your reviews have been super helpful.
I would like to add GreekChicHandmades to the list. You have to specify that you want them without the heel. As it’s currently a customized feature, there’s no option for returns. The craftswoman, Eleftheria, was super kind and replied to all my queries very quickly. Also, the sandals are gorgeous, beautifully made with good quality leather.
How do the Yemeni shoe brands compare in terms of foot volume? I know FeelBarefoot/Aintap is medium-high volume and with my low-medium feet I’m wondering which of these brands is my best bet.
So far all the Yemeni shoe brands I’ve tried are about the same volume – on the higher side.