Check out my video review above of the Freet barefoot shoe brand! I have 8 different pairs of Freet shoes in my house, and hundreds of other barefoot shoes that I’ve tested and reviewed. So you are getting the real real in this Freet review!
For the written version of the review, read on. And don’t forget that you can use code AnyaFreet10 for 10% off any Freet purchase.
Freet Barefoot Shoes Review
Freet is a UK based barefoot shoe brand that specializes in functional footwear for outdoor activities. All their models are unisex in sizes EU 30-48, they carry a wide range of vegan options, AND they tend to be lower priced than other barefoot shoe brands.
You will also find at Freet a consistently wide forefoot to allow for natural foot splay. I recommend Freet barefoot shoes to people with an extra wide and/or more square shaped foot. If you’ve tried barefoot shoes in the past and found them too narrow or squishy on your outer toes, Freet might be the brand for you!
Check out this article for more on foot type + finding the right shoe for you.
A couple more features of Freet barefoot shoes are that they are very lightweight, even the boots are lighter than most other barefoot options. And they are all built on a 4mm base sole and come with an extra insole you can use if you want a little more cushion. Most Freet shoes come with an insole that is 2.5mm thick, but the Freet Pace comes with a 6mm Ortholite insole (making the shoe a total of 10mm thick with insole).
You can buy both types of insoles separately depending on your needs, which makes Freet a good brand both for people who want a real barefoot feel and those who want a little more cushion. Justin prefers a little more cushion and has been wearing his Freet Pace constantly for the past year and a half – they were the perfect beginner barefoot shoe for him.
Freet Barefoot Outsole Type
You can find 3 different outsole types on Freet shoes:
- MultiGrip – minimal tread, can be used for everyday wear, pavement running & walking, and light hiking
- GripPlus – Designed to be grippier than the MultiGrip, but still comfortable on pavement.
- HillGrip – Deeper tread for muddy and rocky trails.
I don’t experience a huge difference between the GripPlus outsole and the MultiGrip, but the HillGrip is definitely a more rugged sole for deep mud or slippery rocks.
Freet Barefoot Sizing
While the shoe shape is consistent with Freet, the sizing is not. So make sure you always read their “Sizing & Fitting” guide on each product listing before ordering. You can see below 3 different models all in a size 37 – each is a different length!
*Freet has notified me that the Tanga sizing has been fixed*
I have learned over the years that sizing is tricky to make consistent, because the way the upper is attached and the lining can make shoes fit differently. Hopefully my experiences here can help you pick the correct size with Freet.
Now let’s review each of the 8 models I have! Below you’ll find a snippet on my top barefoot shoe picks from Freet.
Freet Everyday Walking & Running Shoes
Freet Pace (vegan) – These sneakers come with the 6mm Ortholite insole, making them either 4 or 10mm thick (depending on if you use the insole or not). This makes them a great transitional shoe, or if you just need a little cushion. Justin has been wearing his almost daily for a year and a half – they’re like slippers! Made with the MultiGrip Outsole.
The Pace is also available at Anya’s Shop
Freet Tanga (vegan) – This shoe has elastic laces and a sock-like upper. They can function as an athletic, water, or everyday shoe. I like how easy they are to put on, but be ware that they run small. I wish I had sized up one. Made with the MultiGrip Outsole.
*Freet has notified me that the Tanga sizing has been fixed*
Freet Trail & Hiking Shoes
Freet Feldom (vegan) – These shoes are freaking comfortable. They run a little big, but that’s ok because I can wear warm socks in them in my normal size. They’re so lightweight, breathable, and flexible. They really function as both trail and pavement shoes, I’ve used them both ways. Made with the HillGrip outsole for extra traction.
Freet Tundra & Ibex (waterproof) – The Tundra is vegan, and the Ibex is leather. Justin and I sized up in these based on Freet’s advice which was a good idea because there is internal padding. They are really light for a waterproof hiking boot (the Tundra is the lighter of the two). The upper is a little stiff around the ankle at first, but breaks in over time. Made with the HillGrip outsole for extra traction.
Freet Mudee – (Vegan & Waterproof) This lower cut hiking boot is light and flexible but not very breathable in warm weather. They fit close around the ankle for a secure fit, and are a favorite because they have a low price point. Made on the GripPlus outsole.
Freet Dressy Shoes
While these shoes can pass as a traditional dress shoe, they are also practical for everyday wear.
Freet Richmond (leather) – This is a classic desert boot style with an attached tongue. They fit true to size and work well for high volume feet (though I fit in them fine if I cinch the laces tight). The leather took a little breaking in, but they’re really comfortable now.
Freet Citee (vegan) – This is one of only a few vegan barefoot dress shoes. Beware that they run small, and I suggest sizing up one in them.
How Freet Compares to other Barefoot Shoe Brands
Freet is one of the widest barefoot shoe brands out there. Check out where they fall compared to other shoes in this comparison of 38 barefoot shoe brands.
Freet Barefoot Shoes Review Conclusion
Freet is a barefoot shoe brand that stays true to its ideals – sustainable manufacturing, quality shoes, and barefoot features for healthy and comfortable feet. If you are looking for practical shoes for outdoor activities, or you have an extra wide foot, Freet Barefoot is a great place to look.
And don’t forget, code AnyaFreet10 gets you 10% off your purchase!
39 thoughts on “Freet Barefoot Shoes Review – Everything You Need To Know”
Hi Anya, thanks for your amazing site! I bought Freet Mudee and they fit great in terms of length and width and look great – but I have a slightly upward-tilting big toe and find the toebox not deep enough. I found the same with Vivobarefoot Gobi III but Ahinsa Jaya fit well. Can you recommend a hiking boot that might have a deeper toebox but is still pretty wide? Thanks!
Hi Dee! I would suggest looking at Lems, their toe boxes are tall. Additionally, the Softstar Switchback was recently adjusted to have a higher volume toe box (and if you choose the leather option they would be more prone to stretch if needed).
Anya you need to try the new Freet Howgill and Swale, like socks with serious tread. Most comfortable shoe I’ve ever put on my feet
Thank you for the heads up!
Hi Anya and team, I really appreciate the wealth of information provided in the blog which I’ve been following for some years now.
I’ve just received a pair of Tundra boots which I was waiting for excitedly however I’m a little disappointed that they don’t feel comfortable right away. Perhaps my expectations were unrealistic as I haven’t worn leather hiking boots for a few years although I do have a comfy pair of Altras which unfortunately aren’t rainproof.
I’m finding the ankles uncomfortable and clunky. I’m going to wait a few days before wearing them outdoors, wear them inside and massage the leather to see if I can make them feel more comfortable.
My daily shoes are BeLenka trail walkers and I really love them but wanted a hill walking (hiking) boot as I live in rainy, hilly rural Ireland. I’ve also been wearing Altra runners and Vivobarefoot Chelsea boots in the past 5 years so I am not a newbie to minimalist shoes. Fingers crossed, I want to like these new boots .
Can you please creat shoes that can also do grounding at the same time. Shoes with grounding . Please tank you.
I’m interested in waterproof barefoot hiking boots. Which ones do you recommend?
Hi there! The Vivobarefoot Tracker FG is a great waterproof hiker. I have several more waterproof options reviewed here: https://anyasreviews.com/best-barefoot-hiking-boots-zero-drop-flexible/
I can second this but for the FG forest tracker.
They have become my go to winter boot for waterproof beds and can be made a little warmer using a thermal insole.
A little long and shallow for my paddle feet to start with but they seem to have stretched a bit.
The leather is very soft and nicks easily if you’re not careful sharp stones but this makes them very supple for a boot.
They can be kept waterproof with a good quality wax.
Also the soles which are really grippy and seem pretty hard wearing are sewn on so unlike a lot of barefoot shoes haven’t just separated from the uppers.
I love Freet, I have four pairs. They’re lighter than others but very solid, great for my wide feet, and good value.
Thank you. do they last long? i am seeing the hillgrip does not last long as the multigrip. what are your thoughts? i need it to last for 4-5 years for regular hike use probably 4-5 months a year
I brought a pair of ibex boots a few months ago, very comfortable but they have started to fail after only a couple of months of use. Customer service is great an I’ve had a part refund. I tried this brand because I read online reviews an some of them state….. made in the uk, this is not the case. Freet are made in china. Why buy expensive shoes made in china when there are plenty of much cheaper options at a fraction of the cost.
Hi Anya
Love your reviews on lots of the barefoot shoes.
I have a pair of freet Mudee and the rubber tear and came off within 6 months. Not sure if it’s because the material but it’s surprisingly not durable. I wore them for walking and a little bit hiking.
Hi Anya,
Thank you for posting this, it is a good review of the brand. Would you be able to gauge if the life of the shoes are very good, good, average rating and how does it compare to the other brands?
I am looking for shoes that will last for few years (4-5 maybe), and I understand a lot will say it depends on the use, weight etc., but wanted to see how you see the built quality and materials to be of freet?
Thanks,
Ganesh.
Good question. My husband has been wearing the Freet Pace consistently for 4 years and they are starting to look worse for the wear but still going. We are noticing that with lots and lots of use the tread wears down and the sole separates a little from the upper (not fully coming apart though). IMO this is a good lifespan, especially for the price. Usually shoes that can last 10 years or more with a resoling option are $250+.
I just received the pace from your store and I’m wondering if you have any suggestions about what to do when the back of a shoe is rubbing against the Achilles’ tendon. I love the roomy toe box and the insole feels like it will be fantastic for me as I’m just starting to run (never been a runner, but have felt inspired to try since switching to barefoot shoes). The back upper part of the shoe is so stiff and hurts my Achilles
I’m sorry to hear they are bothering your achilles! You can try working the material there to loosen and soften it like in this video. Or another thing I do when the heel cup is bothering me is place some kind of cushion there (I’ve used these or a cut up soft insole. I hope that helps.