December marks the 7th anniversary of Anya’s Reviews, so let’s take a little walk down memory lane! It’s been a joyous 7 years of challenging the status quo of shoes and encouraging everyday people to embrace foot health – because so many people are quietly suffering with pain (just like I was) and in many cases it can be easily avoided by wearing different shoes.
But it’s so much easier to do when it’s fun and enjoyable, right?! I began my “Wear This, Not That” and “Fashion, But Make it Barefoot Shoes” series back when there were not many options in the lifestyle category, but it has always been my favorite thing to do. I hope you can feel my joy as you read! So in celebration of this journey, I am recreating one of my first style guides. Once a diva, always a diva.
With holiday season upon us, here are outfits I would actually wear during the holiday season in 2025. The barefoot shoes that I have on look just as good as trending styles, but are infinitely kinder to my body.
And these days, you get to hear from more than me. Samantha is also sharing her top picks!
Tall Boots
My favorite outfit combo for dressing up in the cold months is a tall boot with a skirt or dress. If you add in warm tights, it’s surprisingly warm and cozy, while still looking classy.
Peerko Regina – I’m obsessed with these. They come in a Regular and Narrow calf option. I love that, because I have slim calved and often struggle with tall boots being too gapey.
You can also find the Regina directly from Peerko in the EU here, where they recently restocked.
Peerko Empire – THE BEST. Like the Regina, they have a really good fit and elegant look. They last well and feel great.
You can find the Empire directly from Peerko in the EU here.
A slim calf option is the Koel Hydra! They aren’t quite as wide in the toe box, but really nice if you want a slim fit.
Shapen Glam – Samantha’s extra wide friendly pick! These are very roomy and great for the widest of feet, while still being chic. The buckles add just enough pizazz. Another tall boot favorite of Samantha’s is the Shapen Abby (use code ANYA5 for 5% off).
Flats & Loafers
Visible socks are trendy, and it makes it so easy to wear flats and loafers through the cold months. My favorite is with full length pants, but you really can wear them with anything.
Be Lenka Rosaluna – A great choice for an office party. These are a cross between a flat and a loafer, and have that chic black toe cap.
Origo Mary Janes – You can never go wrong with a mary jane! I love the simplicity of these, and the two straps gives them a little extra something. I reach for mine often because they are cute and secure on my feet. Use code ANYA for 10% off.
Looking for an extra wide fit? The Jenon Two Strap Villet is your friend.
Shapen Orchid – Samantha’s extra wide friendly pick! This shoe comes in two widths, so works for my more average width feet too. They’re a long time favorite of both of ours because they’re just so dang pretty. And the suede feels perfect for the holiday season. Runs long! We recommend ordering one size down.
You can also find the Orchid directly from Shapen in the EU here and use code ANYA5 for 5% off.
Ankle Boots
These ankle boots are my answer to not knowing what to wear in the winter.
Zaqq Riquet – Long time favorite of mine! They are sleek like a Chelsea, but more elegant with the little buckle. Soft and wearable, and easy to dress up.
You can find the Riquet directly from Zaqq in the EU here.
Mukishoes Alentejo – These are one of my favorite lace up boots because they have such a classic look that I find so easy to style. They are also very light and soft and just so dang comfy. The lining is a soft cotton, so they can work for warmer climates too.
Another favorite of mine this year is the Mukishoes Lapedo, which are available in the US at PedTerra. They are similarly crazy soft and comfy, but warmer with a fluffy lining.
Groundies Camden Barefoot+ – Samantha’s extra wide friendly pick! These also come in regular Barefoot width if you don’t need extra wide. They have a nice close fitting heel for a sleek fit while being so easy to pull and run out the door in.
Casual Shoes
Let’s be honest, a lot of time I don’t dress up for holiday gatherings. Here are a couple go to shoes I reach for when I’m feeling casual.
Raum Goods Mecca – In all honesty I didn’t like these at first. But I had them by the door and ended up wearing them out, and now I can’t stop. I used to wear tan suede moccasins with everything, because they’re as comfy as a sneaker but don’t have an athleisure vibe. These are just like that, and it turns out they go with most of my wardrobe!
This style seems to be trending, you can find a similar look from Groundies.
Shapen Rewind – Samantha’s extra wide friendly pick! Oh the perennial favorite. Samantha and I both love these. They are SO soft and also super cute. Got lots of toe space, but fit securely so they work for a lot of different foot types.
Shop the Rewind directly from Shapen in the EU here where you can use code ANYA5 for 5% off).
Best Pants for Barefoot Shoes
I get asked all the time about where I get my pants from, and I get it! It’s hard to find jeans that work well with barefoot shoes because they have a lower profile than more other shoes.
In this world of fast fashion, some of my favorites are no longer available. But fortunately a few of them are still around and I’ve linked them below.
Madewell Wide Leg Jeans – These come in Petite, Plus, and Tall. Hit at just the right place to not swallow your barefoot shoes, but highlight them. Great classic fit in a quality denim.
Quince Bella Stretch – These wide leg pants are only $50 and are so soft and comfortable. They are one of the only pairs of pants I don’t rip off as soon as I get home. They come in several lengths too. The shortest length is good for my 5’3″ frame.
Anthropologie Colette – These stretchy pants come in so many different options and they have inclusive sizing and lengths. They even have an adaptive version for people with limited mobility. The crop is perfect with barefoot boots. I also have them in corduroy!
Banana Republic Factory Straight Leg – I got a killer deal on these and they’ve been perfect this fall with all my boots. Looks like they’re selling out right now, but wanted to share another cropped pant I’m loving. I got them in a dark and a light wash and love both.
Aritzia Remy Jeans – I wear these ones a ton. They have a really nice cut to them that is lengthening and the waist IS NOT TOO TIGHT! They also have some weight to them and low stretch (99% cotton, 1% elastane), which I love in the colder months, and they last longer than stretchy jeans. The Remy come in two lengths, but not petite so I had to get mine hemmed so that they skimmed my shoes just right. Worth it.
4 thoughts on “Holiday Party Looks, But Make it Barefoot Shoes”
Hi Anya, can I know what brand and model is the pair of brown flats you wore in the picture showing the Quince Bella Stretch? Thank you.
Yes those are the Softstar Ankle Strap Ballerines!
How tall is Samantha? Shapen glam does not have a shaft height listed, and one reviewer on Shapen’s site who is 5′-3″ said it was past her knee. Asking for petites.
Samantha is 5′ so is definitely petite. They go to her knee, but not above it. I am 5’3″ and they don’t go past my knee either.