
So you hate squished toes and being uncomfortable. But you’re not boring and don’t want to dress like it!! I got you friend. Wide toe box shoes can be as full of personality as you are.
Here are some new barefoot shoes with pizazz that I am particularly excited about for 2025. Because being comfortable and taking care of your body doesn’t need to be a drag.
Check out my entire Fashion, But Make it Barefoot Shoes series here, for more style inspiration.
PaperKrane Neon Low
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
Ok how fun are these. PaperKrane is an Australian brand that specializes in the wild and wacky. Their rainbow soles have been around for a while now, but previously were too narrow for me. Recently PaperKrane moved to a wider toe box shape, and they now are an excellent fit for me! Woot! This pop of color is just what I need after a long dreary winter.
I love that the rainbow is both unexpected and subtle along the bottom of the shoe. Just enough for a bright splash of fun, without being over the top. The shoe is also really soft and comfy.
My only complaint is that I found the laces difficult to tighten, and the shoe kind of pooched unevenly on my low volume feet when I did. So I tightened just the top portion. They come with a removable insole, and I am wearing mine with the insole.
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size – Mine are a size 37 and they fit as expected, with enough room all around.
- Wide toe box – suitable for average and wide feet, but probably not extra wide.
- Medium to high volume – they come with a removable insole and can be tightened over low volume feet, but I found the laces were kind of hard to pull tighter. Instead I added an additional insole.
PaperKrane offers exchanges or store credit only if your shoes don’t fit or you change your mind. If ordering internationally please keep this in mind. You can sell shoes that don’t fit online.
Lisbeth Joe Paris
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off
You’re going to be seeing a lot more silver this year, and I am loving it! Lisbeth Joe recently updated their Paris mary janes, and I think they are so cute.
They have a touch more cushion than you typically find on barefoot dress shoes, making them a good option for teachers or those who are on their feet a lot. And the scallop detail on the opening is a nice touch – they look more elevated than a typical mary jane flat.
My main issue with the Paris is they are quite high volume, so they gape on the sides and above my foot. I have a pretty skinny foot, so it wouldn’t be so obvious on a fuller foot. They also make my feet sweat, but that doesn’t bother me personally.
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size – I have a size 6.5 in my Paris, which is typical for me in flats. I sometimes size down to a 6 in dress shoes, but when there is a strap I like 6.5.
- Medium width – they are definitely wider than most shoes, but the toe box is rounded and may not be suitable for those with a wide toe splay. I can feel my toes on the sides slightly.
- High volume – there is some gapping above my low volume foot.
Ohne Project
Use code ANYA10 for 10% off
Ohne project has been around a few years, but I haven’t yet written about them because for a long time they had very low inventory. They are now picking up speed with new models and have lots more to choose from! These sneakers are super cool looking, with fun pops of color. At the time of this writing, many are also on sale (and my code above gets you an extra discount).
Just note that while the sole is flat it is not super flexible, so they have a bit more of a traditional sneaker feel.
Ohne shoes are entirely vegan, with the “leather” upper made of recycled corn waste (not sure what that is…) and organic cotton. Typically I don’t love faux leather, but this material is pleasant and doesn’t look cheap or plasticky.
They have a terry cloth lining, which makes them feel warmer than usual, so they felt too hot for me in summer. I got good use out of them in the fall though and expect to wear them through the spring.
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size – Mine are a size 37, my typical sneaker size. I have just enough room all around my foot.
- Wide fit – These are generous in the toe box, but not quite wide enough for Samantha.
- Medium to low volume – they come with a removable insole and fit on the lower volume side even without the insole. With the insole in they are quite fitted on my shallow feet. So I don’t think these would work well for a high volume foot.
Ohne Project doesn’t accept returns outside the EU – so if ordering internationally please be aware. You can sell shoes that don’t fit online.
Jenon Leather Flats
Use code JENON10 for 10% off
Jenon leather is a great brand for the adventurous barefoot-shoe-wearer, because you can have your shoes custom made in tons of different color options. Our favorites are the Joplin flat and Villet Mary Jane. The Joplin isn’t exactly new (we reviewed them back in 2022), but the Joplin Rock and Villet are recent additions and they have new custom color options.
Above is the regular Joplin, a personal favorite of Samantha’s, who is always on the hunt for beautiful shoes that fit an extra wide foot.
My pair of Villet are in a very neutral tan, but they could be made in whatever color you want for a pop of fun. The Villet is more my style compared to the Joplin. And mary jane flats are very trendy right now!
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size – Mine are size 37, Samantha wears a 38
- Extra wide toe box – I have extra room in mine, and they are wide enough for Samantha
- Medium to high volume – They work on my low volume feet with the insole, but it can be removed if you need more space. Samantha removes her insoles.
Coming Soon – Be Lenka Rebound
These are currently available for preorder direct from Be Lenka in the EU (use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off), and you can sign up for restock notifications for when they arrive in the US at Anya’s Shop.
I am really excited about these printed Rebound sneakers coming from Be Lenka soon. The Rebound sneaker was around last year too, but the prints are brand spankin’ new! They are canvas, so priced a little cheaper than other barefoot sneakers and have a really comfy universal fit.
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size – mine are size 37
- Wide fit – These have a lot of toe room without looking crazy wide. They fit me well and are nearly perfect for Samantha but she wishes for just a bit more big toe room.
- Medium volume, but highly adjustable – They fit me well with laces tightened, and the insole can be removed if you need more space
8 thoughts on “Fun & Funky, But Make it Barefoot Shoes”
Can Samantha do a review of the Paris flats?
The Paris flats are not wide enough in the toe box for her, unfortunately.
I feel for Samantha! I’d add Arwen by Saltic, they fit my wide feet and have fun patterns as well.
That is one I’ve always wanted to try – I just wish they didn’t have that little rubber toe cap!
What is the pattern name of the floral Joplin shoes? I don’t see them pictured on the website. Thanks!
It is a leather from their custom color options – it’s called SP23 goat leather with flowers.
I really like the Joplin shoe. Can you wear an orthotic in this shoe?
The insoles are removable, so you could replace it with your own orthotic. If it’s very thick it might not fit, but a medium to low profile one should work!