When you want people asking where your shoes are from but you DON’T WANT to sacrifice any of your toe freedom….you come here! The comfort of wide toe box barefoot shoes is unparalleled, but it doesn’t mean you have to look frumpy.
Here are a few of this season’s hottest shoe styles, made comfier and healthier. It’s your fall & winter fashion 2024 edit for hot people who don’t mess around with foot pain!
See all my Stylish Shoes But Make it Barefoot guides here! Now let’s get to today’s drip.
Cowboy Boots
Western boots are here in a big way. But most of us aren’t wearing them in stirrups, so there is no need for the heel!
Koel Fiona
Leather | Leather lined | Sizes EU 36-43
First up is the two toned Koel Fiona – classic western styling, barefoot comfort. They have a side zip for easy on and off, and a pretty secure fit around the heel so you aren’t sliding out (woot!). Koel quality is great, but hasn’t been easy to get here in the US until now.
They are best suited for medium volume feet, but also work pretty well on my low volume feet (I just need a sock on). So I am really happy about that! They are leather lined and medium width in the toe box – so good for average and wide-ish feet, but not extra wide.
I personally can’t figure out how to style them with jeans, but a flowy dress or mini skirt is an excellent pairing. In the winter I’ll pair them with these fleece tights and toe socks, which is my favorite way to stay warm in dresses all year.
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size
- Medium width – will work for many wide feet, but not extra wide
- Medium volume
Groundies Denver
Suede | Textile lining | Sizes EU 36-43
Another cowboy style boot is the Groundies Denver. These are black suede and have a felt lining for cooler days and side zip. They are a western take on the riding boot, and I love it. The material is really soft and comfortable, and the sole is still grippy and functional.
They also aren’t super gapey and floppy, which sometimes happens with cowboy boots. However, they are not well-suited for extra wide and high volume feet because of the closer fit around the foot and heel.
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size, but I can size up for some extra space and wear thicker socks with them.
- Medium width – the upper does stretch wider, but they are not super wide shoes.
- Medium volume – the volume will also stretch some, but they may be tight on people with high arches.
Retro Sneakers
The low profile retro sneaker is here. When I was in Portugal this summer I saw Adidas Sambas eeeevveeeerywhere. The options here have a similar vibe, but are wider toe box for more comfort.
Koel Ila
Leather | Sizes EU 36-43 (Ila), 40-48 (Ilo)
If you’ve been wanting that Sambas look but without the squished toes, the Koel Ila is the shoe you need. They have a flush fit, a quality leather upper, and are soft and comfortable. In fact, these are one of the best fitting sneakers I’ve tried in a while!
The toe box is wide, but the shoe is still fitted and secure. I swim in a lot of barefoot shoes because I have a low instep, but these are like a glove on my feet.
The men’s size range is called the Ilo. Besides bigger sizes and just a bit more volume, they are identical in shape and style.
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size – I am wearing 37
- Wide fit – will work for some extra wide feet. Comparable to Peerko sneakers.
- Medium volume – removable insole makes for more versatility. Fit my low volume feet perfectly with insole.
Bohempia Felix dark gum
Hemp Canvas | 2 Widths | Sizes EU 36-47
I love that the Bohempia Felix has all the retro vibes, including a thicker gum sole, but still has a flexible minimalist feel (the sole is thinner than it looks). They also come in two widths, for both average and extra wide feet.
They have all the right details to be interesting, but still style as a neutral.
If you’re in the EU, you can shop these directly with Bohempia and use code ANYASREVIEWS to get 10% off!
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size
- Average to extra wide width (two width options)
- Medium to high volume with removable insole. They are a little loose on me even with the insole, but ok if I tighten the laces.
Loafers
I don’t think loafers will ever go out of style, but particularly lately they are very on point. I’ve even been seeing square toed loafers in mainstream fashion. We are ahead of the curve here. Here are a couple great ones for this fall.
Dalia Taupe
Nubuck | Sizes EU 35-45
J’adore taupe. In fact, it’s been on my mind for a while to introduce a taupe colorway of these fan-favorite Dalia loafers that I designed for Anya’s Shop. They are an elevated neutral that works for virtually any cut of pants as well as skirts and dresses. Whenever I can’t figure out what shoes to wear with an outfit, I reach for loafers!
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size
- Medium to wide width
- Medium to high volume
Shapen loafers
Leather | Select models in 2 widths | Sizes EU 35-44
You can use code ANYA5 to get 5% off, but note that they don’t accept returns outside the EU.
Shapen dropped some new loafers and the style is a breath of fresh air. The Versa comes in two widths, like their flats – wide is extra wide friendly and regular is good for average to slightly wide. If you loved the Be Lenka Viva but wanted more room, this is for you!
The Sheen loafer only comes in an extra wide fit, and remind me of Doc Marten loafers! I sized down in both, like I typically do with Shapen flats. They’re a little high volume for me, but overall I like!
Sizing & Fit:
- Runs on the large side – I am wearing a 36.
- Average or extra wide fit (depending on model and width)
- Medium to high volume – I am wearing both with an extra insole, and may add a tongue pad later too.
Leopard Print
Leopard print is making a comeback, and I especially love leopard print shoes – it’s just the right amount of print without being overwhelming. One of my favorite leopard print shoes is the Groundies Sienna
Groundies Sienna
The Sienna is a chelsea with modern vibes and cool details. Not as dressy as some chelsea boots, but they are cool and sophisticated. I like that the leopard print is softened a bit with the black edging. The edging around the toe box also serves to disguise the width.
The downside is that they are only medium width, and won’t stretch a lot if at all in the toe box. So I wouldn’t recommend for extra wide feet.
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size
- Medium width – they are best for average feet.
- Medium volume – may work for some high volume feet. A little loose on my low volume feet, but good with socks on.
27 thoughts on “Fall Fashion Edit – Barefoot Shoes You’ll Get Compliments On”
I subscribed and I found out that it’s only for wonen,and I’m disappointed because I’m already ware barefoot for the last 6 months
This article is geared toward women, but if you look through you’ll find lots of men’s content and reviews.
The Koel cowboy boots are EXACTLY what I was looking for! For my boys too! Cowboy boots are their favorite thing to wear and I’ve been trying so hard to find a decent replacement for them. I wish you carried the kids sizes. I always measure, measure, measure to avoid returns, but I find it easier to get it right for adults than kids. I’d order the kids from Koel directly, but the expensive shipping plus a possible return ship isn’t worth it.
We will keep that in mind for the future! Kids in cowboy boots is too cute.
Hi Anya, how do you find the comfort of wearing the new Shapen loafers? While I love the style, for me the leather in them is SO stiff (both Versa and Sheen). I couldn’t even put my foot inside the Sheen loafer at all, the entry is too stiff and narrow… And Versa were just uncomfortable around the foot, not really flexible. Does the leather soften over time? Really bummed about this since these are some gorgeous shoes. Just for reference I have medium volume feet, length 22.7cm, width 8.6cm and I went with size 35 wide – it felt like the right size apart from putting the shoe on. Regards, J
I haven’t had an issue with it personally, but I understand what you are saying. The patent leather is definitely a little stiffer, even though it’s thin and bends. From my experience over the years with the Poppy (which is the same leather as Versa), it does soften and break in but generally is tougher so that it holds its shape well. I wouldn’t expect the Sheen to soften very much, given the type of leather it is.
Oi actually just have a couple of questions. I wear a 38 for length, but my feet are 4 inches wide. Can you recommend any of these shoes for me? Thanks very much. Kathy
The Shapen Versa in wide and Sheen loafers would likely be the best bet for you.
Do you wear the Versa in regular or wide? Any plans to carry them in the shop?
I can wear both, similar to how I can fit into both widths of Poppy and Orchid. The wide is a little bit too wide and floppy, but if I size down to a 35 (!) they are pretty ok. I prefer the fit of 36 regular – it’s a bit long on me and a bit tighter but once they soften and break in fit well.
I’ve been a subscriber of your amazing content for a long time and wanted to say thank you for the great work you put in to your research and emails. One question, can you do a post about large women’s sizes (EU44)? I mostly have to buy men’s shoes and it’s so disappointing to have such limitations. Thank you for considering it!
Good suggestion! We always make sure to order a few of my designs (Dalia loafers, Lila boots) up to a 45 but it’s true that many of the nice options stop at a 43. I will keep this in mind.
I love these shoes, especially the samba look alines and loafers but being vegan limits my options and its such a struggle 😫 thank you for making it a bit easier though! I appreciate your filters and notes ❤️
I love the look of your Dalia and Yasemin loafers, especially the taupe ones. Have you ever considered offering them with extra width? That would be so great! Looking at the size chart, they normal sizes seem to be a bit narrow for my feet (length: 22, width: 9,1 cm) unfortuntely…
I have thought about it! Currently we’re not quite ready for two width options, but thank you for voicing your interest. I’d love to be able to make them available for all foot types.
Would love to know how the Koel sneakers work for Samantha’s foot?!
They are close, but a little tight for her. She could wear them for short periods of time, like she can wear Peerko. So they are wider than a lot of barefoot shoes, but not quite EXTRA wide.
In your photoshoot of the Koel cowboy boots, they don’t seem to have the darker brown wear marks on the sides. In the product photo, they are very prominent. Is there a model without those added marks?
Hi Sacha! The model available from Anya’s Shop looks like the photos of her wearing them. They don’t have the distressing on the shaft like the stock photos. We are working on getting those fixed on the listing since they don’t accurately represent the model available.
Between the Koel Ina and the Groundies Nova, which would be a better fit for medium high volume feet? Looking for cute Sambas-style sneakers but my main concern is that I’m not ready for full on barefoot soles (I’m currently comfortable in my Lems & Icarus with the thickest insole). Thanks!!!
The Ila has a bit more cushion to it than the Groundies Nova, but the Nova has a little more volume in it than the Ila. I still think the Ila is probably the better bet because of the cushion, or you could plan to add your own insole to the Nova.
Hi, do you plan to carry the Sheen shoes in your store? I’m over the moon that the style options are expanding so much!
Yes! But not until next spring.
It seems like you only leave 3mm room for Shapen Sheen according to the measurement. Is that enough? Thank you.
Because they are quite wide, it is enough extra room for me. I think I have more than 3mm extra space in there, but I do like to keep my wide Shapen dress shoes on the shorter side so they don’t flop around.
Hello Anya, thank you for your blog!
I just got Versa Shapen in size 38 wide and they are flop around heels (not much – my foot still stays in a shoe but I am afraid it can cause blisters or can worsen after break-in) but in general the size feels to be correct and comfortable. I am wondering which size I could try to compare- 38 regular or 37 wide?
I am wearing poppy shapen 37 wide, they fit perfectly and I am wearing fleurs shapen 38, they fit in general very good but a little bit too much volume.
My foot is 244-245 mm and 9.5 from foot tracing and 240-242mm from wall method.
I will appreciate your help!
Have you ever tried a tongue pad? If the rest of the shoes seems right, then that is a good way to get a good fit. You may also want to try a heel grip.