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 AR-10 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.
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 AR-10 gets you 10% off your purchase!
25 thoughts on “Freet Barefoot Shoes Review – Everything You Need To Know”
Hi Anya, could you please add the size you used? We have similar foot sizes so it’s easy for me to order the same size 🙂
Hey there! I wear a 37 in most of my Freet shoes. I wished I had sized up to a 38 in the Tanga because they are short, and I did get a size 38 in the Tundra boot and am glad I did. The rest are 37 and fit me well.
Hello First of all, thank you for such complete information. I am between two models, the Xero cursion fusion and the Tundra. I need them to be waterproof. Mountain trekking and trails. Which one would you choose? (*no matter the aesthetics) Thank you very much.
Personally I would choose the Tundra! While the Xero Xcursion has a good durable outsole, I find them stiffer and narrower than I like. Tundra has the functionality but is more flexible and wide.
I tried the Freet Tundra but found the padding around the ankle very irksome…enough to return. Based on your experience, do you think the Freet bootee would give me a similar experience ?
It does look like a similar amount of padding in the Bootee, but it’s a lower cut boot so maybe wouldn’t feel as restrictive.
A follow-up: I ended up ordering both the Bootee and Mudee. And I love them both. Thank you for your help.
The Freet Pace was my first barefoot shoe. I have since added the Mudee and I love both. Oth are lightweight and very comfortable. I have painful bunions and these shoes have been perfect for me. I hope to try the Mudee snowshoeing if we ever get any snow.
Anya, if I run through (morning dew) wet grass in Freet Feldom, will my (unsocked) feet get wet?
(debating between Flex and Feldom for morning jogging)
Probably yes. They don’t really keep water out.
Hello. Thank you very much for all the content. I moved them, your sole for muddy terrain, gravel, is it bad? Not ice, snow. Thank you very much.
I think the width is dependant on specific model for each brand.
i recently were looking for hiking shoes, and ended up with vivobarefoot primus II fg, while freet feldom felt a bit narrow, even without the insole.
and i hope they were not, because they felt super light and flexible
Hello Anya. First of all, congratulations for your blog. I hesitate between two models: Tundra by Freet and Nevada by Belenka. I need it to be wide, but also more waterproof and warm. Which do you advise?
Thank you!
Hm, between those two the Tundra is more water resistant and warmer. Also the Tundra is lighter. Despite all that I think I personally prefer the Nevada because the leather upper and lining is really nice and I love the way it has broken in. Also the laces are really easy to handle so they go off and on easier. You could add a warm insole and waterproof the upper to make the Nevada more functional. But really, both are good boots. Oh, and the Nevada is a bit wider in the toe box but both are wide.
Hi,
Does Freet have toe spring?
It’s really hard finding wider barefoot shoes without a toe spring (Altras and Vivobarefoot have noticeable toe spring)
Would really appreciate an article on it too!!
Thanks 🙂
I have noticed a tiny bit of toe spring in Freet… You might like Be Lenka. They have a wider toe box and the soles are totally flat on the ground when new. Particularly the models on the leaf sole (you can see it in the product photos, there is a leaf design on the bottom of the shoe).
Anya, haven’t you had any problems with your achilles tendon hurting while wearing Tundra or any other boots? Are there any particular reasons why this might be?
I have only worn my Freet Tundra in the house and already struggling with the achilles pain and also too much room in the heel area, causing them to move inside.
I am fairly new to barefoot shoes and so far I’ve only worn Belenka Entice boots, Panta sandals and Sambasthebambas.
Considering my foot shape (Big and 2nd toe almost of the same length and the following three gradually going smaller) I thought that Freet Tundra would really suit me well. I was recommended ordering size 40 based on my measurements 24,6cm and having worn Belenka in 39 (although these could be a tad bigger to be fair). The foot is 10cm wide.
The Freet Tundra are supposedly 25,2cm but they feel much larger lengthwise, I can stick my thumb in with normal socks on. Do you think that the heel moving too much could be due to the shoes being a little too large? It honestly doesn’t seem like they are massively too big, but I am definitely forced to tie them tighter around the instep and ankle area. Or maybe it’s just not the right model, even though their shoes do resemble the shape of my feet. I would really appreciate any help, any thoughts on that. Best wishes
It sounds like you have narrow heels, and maybe also low volume feet. That can make a big difference in the fit and cause your heel to slide around even if they fit you length and width wise in the toe box. I have had a lot of good success fixing this by wearing leg warmer or stirrup socks and putting moleskin or a heel pad in the back of the shoe. I also have good luck massaging the entire shoe in my hands to soften up the materials. Maybe the Tundra is too big for you, or maybe you just need to modify them a bit.
Thank you 🙏 I really appreciate all your research and dedication. I am in the UK, I started wearing Whitin in 2018 but am no longer able to find them on amazon, I have found Saguaro thanks to you – phew! – and I’ve just ordered my second pair of Freet Mudee thanks to your blog. I tried Tundra but found them uncomfortable, Mudee didn’t need wearing in and I now have dry feet thanks to your help. Thank you so much 🥰
Hi Anya! Are any of the Freet “everyday” shoes slightly waterproof, such that if I get caught in a drizzle my feet might stay dry? I am considering the Tundra or Mudee, as I am moving to a rainy city soon, but this is my first barefoot purchase and I don’t want to invest too much! My priorities are: flexibility for ankles, slightly waterproof, durability, and toe space (and affordability!). I am planning on getting a pair of barefoot rain boots for true downpours, but also want a shoe for light (probably muddy) trail walking.
Another question: Does sole thickness interfere with ground connectivity? I really want the soles to be thin enough that I can feel the ground underneath my feet, so I wonder if thicker soles (like the “Hill Grip”) reduce ground connectivity?
Thanks so much for your thorough reviews, much appreciated!!
Hey Nisha, any of the models made of leather or vegan leather will naturally be slightly waterproof. For example the new Nimbus, a white sneaker, would keep you dry in a drizzle. And even though it’s white it’s wipeable and pretty easy to keep clean and nice.
Sole thickness does reduce ground feel, but as long as the shoe is still flexible (which Freet shoes are) then you still get a stabilizing effect and can feel a lot beneath you. If this is a first barefoot shoe it makes sense to me to consider a thicker insole from Freet – you can get the 6mm Ortholite insole from them separately if the model you like doesn’t come with it.
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).
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.