Spring 2026 Favorites, But Make it Barefoot Shoes.

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A collage of 5 different barefoot shoes that are new for spring 2026, including Shapen Festa Espadrille, Xero Genesis J Crew, Origo t bar mary jane, Baer boat shoes, and Mukishoes Lyra Eos

There have been so many pretty new wide toe box shoes this spring, it’s like everyone got the memo that we wanted to have more fun with our wardrobe! I’ve been sharing all the updates each week in the Barefoot Shoe Digest, but if you’d like to have it all in one place – here ya go!

And you know what’s super fun – most of these brands will be in attendance at the Barefoot Shoe Expo THIS MONTH, where you can try them on in-person!!

Annotated photo of a Shapen Twiggy pump in black and white with a wide toe box next to a pointy toe shoe in the same style. The arrow pointing to Shapen Reads Wear This, and the arrow pointing to the pointy heel reads Not That. The heading says For Happy Feet.

Spring 2026 But Make it Barefoot pt. 1 can be found here. Read on for part 2. This is nearly everything I’ve been testing out this season.

Xero Shoes Spring Collection

Overseas? Shop Xero EU here.

Xero is bringing a lot of color, print, and style for a brand that formerly only did athletic shoes! Style-wise, my most favorite new model is the Cassie Knit – they are adorable for how easy to wear they are. Velcro strap means no fiddling with buckles, and the knit is lightweight and breathable (shown on me above right).

I am also a big fan of the just released Genesis sandals. They have a gold leather version ($70) and an adorable collection of prints as part of a J Crew collab ($60). Besides being an on-point style, they are also pretty affordable for a cute barefoot sandal.

Side by side annotated image of a Xero Cassie Knit flat in beige, next to a conventional pointed toe flat.

I’ve written up a more detailed review with product specific advice in my Xero Shoes Spring 2026 article. It includes a LOT more fun and colorful options, including a bunch of bright, colorful, and functional sneakers.

Shapen Collection

Use code ANYAS10 for 10% off until May 31

Shapen’s spring collection is, as usual, lovely. But sizing on the new models is a bit finnicky, so I’ll give you the run down here. Especially because we opted to not carry any of these in Anya’s Shop this spring, so they’re only available from Shapen Direct (where you can’t return if outside the EU).

Typically in Shapen flats and sandals I wear a size 36 regular width, but in this spring’s models I am switching to a WIDE in all of them because the regular width was too narrow in the toes. This is a bit of a departure from the norm, because usually Shapen Wide width is sufficient space for my extra wide friends. However these models I don’t find extra roomy even in Wide. *This comes down to construction/design, and not a change in their shoe last.

Side view of a person wearing Shapen Festa barefoot espadrille with ankle ties on grassy ground

Festa – I love an espadrille flat. The Festa is feminine and playful with an optional ankle wrap or velcro strap. I do have a bit of a gripe with the toe box though – the front is shallow and presses down a bit on my big toes. Size 36 leaves me with enough extra length, so I’m hoping that by switching to Wide that will give me enough extra space that it doesn’t bother me.

Also, the edging of the sole comes up around the sides. So if you have a wide midfoot and spill over the sole the edge might be uncomfortable.

Side close up of a pair of black leather strappy closed toe Neeja sandals from Shapen Barefoot with a flexible outsole and side toe box. The person is standing with one foot flat against the wall to show the buckles.

Neeja – This model reads Parisian to me. The buckle and sole construction make for a sophisticated look that is both interesting and neutral. The two straps also make for a secure fit, which I always appreciate. The leather is thicker and rubbed the sides of my toes in regular width, which is why I exchanged for Wide.

Close up side view of a person in Shapen Twiggy, an elegant wide toe sling back style in beige with brown edging.

Twiggy – Another very chic, elevated look that reminds me of block toe kitten heels. Something you might see in Devil Wears Prada! The slingback style does pose some fit complications, because it doesn’t hold your heel in place as well as other styles. I am very narrow through the heels, so this is a an issue for me and in general I recommend this model to people who aren’t very slim in the hindfoot.

In my regular width I didn’t have enough toe space either, so I’m hoping that by going up in width they are more comfortable (albeit almost certainly a bit loose in the heel on me).

My Wide versions of all these are incoming very shortly, I’ll update this with any new insights I have after trying them on!

Mukishoes

Four photo collage featuring new models from Mukishoes for Spring 2026 including t-bar flats, a floral printed sneaker, yellow sneaker, and chunky black leather sandals.

Use code ANYAMUKI for 10% off in the EU. You can shop select Mukishoes products in the US at Anya’s Shop.

Mukishoes has lots to love this year! My favorites are the Ibiza, Nazare black, Una Bloom, Lyra Suede (all colors), and Maria Joana. And of course there are some beloved favorites that have returned from last year, but let’s focus on what’s new. Per the usual, Mukishoes has a number of fun, colorful sneakers. I am particularly smitten with the Lyra sneakers – they are incredibly soft and cute. The Una Bloom is another really fun one, with a floral print. The Una sneaker has a higher walled outsole, so if you have wide feet you do feel the edges more. But for the most part sizing is pretty consistent for their sneakers.

A side by side annotated photo of a pair of Mukishoes yellow sneakers with a wide toe box next to a pair of narrow toed Puma sneakers in the same color. An Arrow with Wear This is pointing at the Mukishoes, and an arrow with Not That is pointing at the Puma

A flats collection is new for Mukishoes, and they are very cute. Sizing is consistent for all but the Maria Joana. That one I find runs big and I needed to size down to a 36 in it. But the good news is that it was a very roomy toe box, roomier than their other flats and sneakers. Mukishoes sandals also have a pretty wide and generous toe box.

Vivobarefoot

Use code ANYASREVIEWS25OFF for 25% off until May 31

This month Vivobarefoot has increased my discount code to 25% for you, so if you’ve had your eye on something it’s a good time to buy. The Motus Studio Ballet is the new release that most caught my eye. I love an easy pull-on shoe, especially when it’s cute and feminine. They’re like a sporty ballerina, made to last with a soft leather upper and abrasion resistant outsole. I got my usual size 37 and they fit as expected for Vivobarefoot, which is to say they have a slightly slimmer fit with a medium width toe box (lots of big toe space though!) and sloped shape to them.

Also new this year if the Ora sandal. It gives chunky dad vibes, but they’re really light and flexible. The outsole has an all-terrain tread pattern on it that works for everyday use as well as on the trails. The straps are soft and don’t pinch anywhere, but I do have to tighten them a lot on my low volume feet. It’s a good sport sandal. Vivobarefoot nails that sporty athleisure look really well, and of course they’re designed to be super functional.

Dolfie Paradise

Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off

This new floral lace up shoe is bright and funky, and they have a bit of extra cushion compared to other barefoot brands. I have been impatiently waiting for them to get their restocks in (mostly everything has been out of stock for a while), and this is the first one of the bunch to arrive!

Dolfie sizing has been true for me so far, and I’ve had a good experience with their quality and feel. The toe box is pretty wide, but not quite extra wide. They come with two insole options, one with a good amount of cushion and the other thinner. This also makes them adjustable for high and low volume feet. They are a bit blocky/wide through the heel (unisex sizing), but the laces help keep the shoe secure.

Baer Shoes

Baer Shoes (Germany) is a unique brand in this list because they offer both barefoot and non-barefoot wide toe box shoes. And they focus on lifestyle shoes, making them one of the only options where you can find truly anatomically shaped but not barefoot dress shoes.

The t-bar Mary Jane above left is a “not barefoot” shoe with a cushioned insole that has light molding and extra heel padding, while still being flexible enough that you can move in them. The boat shoes on the right are from their true barefoot line and are totally flat, thin, and flexible. And it nails the boat shoe style perfectly.

A side by side annotated photo of a pair of Baer shoes barefoot boat shoes with a wide toe box next to a pair of narrow toed Sperry boat shoes in the same color. An Arrow with Wear This is pointing at the Baer Shoes, and an arrow with Not That is pointing at the Sperry boat shoe

I have found the sizing to be consistently slightly big. I typically wear a 37 in close toed shoes, which is what I got in all my pair, and most of them are just a bit loose on my low volume feet. I don’t think I would size down though (except in the sandals). Fit wise, they are medium wide and suitable for an average foot type. I don’t recommend them for extra wide feet. But quality and feel is great!

Ohne Project Spring

Use code ANYAOP10 for 10% off

So many adorable colors! I featured the Project 080 Wide last month (which is an excellent extra wide sneaker), but I couldn’t resist highlighting Ohne again this month because they keep releasing pretty things. I love the Flamingo Project 070 color.

I’m also a huge fan of the new Kima sneakerina colorways. This model has an extra wide fit, but runs a bit short. So in my usual size 37 my toes go to the front, and they are also loose. I recommend them for wider, higher volume feet in one size up. I wish they fit me better, because I love them.

Read my Ohne Project review for more in-depth brand info.

Origo T-Strap

Annotated image of a pair of t-strap red patent pumps next to a pair of Origo T-bar flats with a wide toe box. An arrow with the words Wear This is pointing at the Origo flat, and an arrow with Not That is pointing at the conventional almond shaped toe box.

Use code ANYA for 10% off

Adorable, and fresh in the barefoot shoe world. As soon as I saw these launch I had to try them! They are adorable! I got them in my usual Origo flat size (women’s 6.5). They do fit slightly snugger in the toe box compared to their other models, but still the correct size for me. And the leather is relaxing already to give me a little bit more. However, I would still recommend these for medium-width feet, in your usual size.

Origo also have a new powder blue Mary Jane out. Read my Origo Mary Jane review for more details!

Splay Shoes

Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off

Splay has relaunched some of their core collection models with a better fit and feel. The Runner V1 (pink shoe above) now has a more flexible and soft feel, which makes them a lot more comfortable. And they provide a decent amount of cushion for people who don’t want a thin sole. The other updated models are softer around the collar and lace up better on medium and lower volume feet. Most models are best suited for a medium to slightly wide foot, but the Rev Series has a wider fit.

Note on Rev Series – these are designed to be extra robust and durable, but be advised that they run about a half size big.

Zara

As soon as these launched I started getting questions about them! So I ordered two pairs to try out. They are a much better deal for Europeans, but still not too bad in the US.

Firstly, they are very cute. The quality seems pretty good. And they have a medium amount of cushioning. Sizing, they are on the long side in my size 37, but a pretty solid width. Not extra wide friendly, but not slim either. However I kind of need to slide my heel forward so that my foot falls in the correct spot in the toe box. A centimeter could be cut off the heel and then they’d be perfect. That being said, they are still comfortable and I am enjoying them.

Fleeters

Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off

Fleeters (an EU brand) now has US distribution, and they are going to be at the Barefoot Shoe Expo for the first time this year! This is also my first time trying Fleeters on my own feet. I am pretty excited about this color combo.

Width wise, they fit my toes well and are secure. They’re padded on top which makes cinching them down a little difficult, and I feel some downward pressure on my toes. But overall, my usual size is a good fit and I have been enjoying them. They definitely make me look like the cool mom at soccer games!

Rutsu

Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 15% off.

Rutsu is a newish brand in the US that focuses on affordable options. I tried out their sandals and am pretty pleased with them for the price. They are very light, soft, and soooo flexible. I love a cork insole, and this one has a bit of squish to it. The sole really moves with you. I got a Women’s 6, which Rutsu translates to an EU 37, and they ended up being kinda big for me. The toe loop has extra space and one is bigger than the other, which seems to be a minor production defect. The sole is also a little long for me. Side bar – I always check to see how the brands convert their sizes into EU, because typically my EU size is the most consistent. I should have chosen an EU 36, since that is the size I most often wear in sandals.

I am actually still debating about sizing down, because the 37 mostly works and they’re pretty comfy. For the price (especially after my discount code) they are a nice sandal, and cute too. Rutsu also recently released a non-slip work shoe that I have not yet tried.

Libertas Barellinas – Extra Wide Friendly

Use code ANYA15 for 15% off

Libertas (in Spain) came out with a new sneaker recently that is extremely soft, flexible, and also wide in the forefoot! They have a nice secure fit, so your toes get to enjoy the width while your heel is snug as a bug. The upper is cushy and somewhat padded, which makes for a fit on the lower volume side. Overall I really like them! I got my usual size 37.

I do have one minor gripe (don’t I always?). The inside is somewhat slippery and when worn with my favorite Creepers socks my foot slides to the front of the shoe. It’s much better when worn with a cotton sock, but still slightly slippery.

Lems Spring Collection

In the EU? Shop the Lems EU Spring Collection here.

This spring Lems is mostly adding new colorways and variations of existing models. Lems is a great brand for people who want the wide toe box but aren’t fully into barefoot shoes, or who just want some extra cushion now and again. I personally love the Primal Zen sneaker – they fit almost everyone and are ridiculously comfortable. And the new mint (shown on me above left) is a nice neutral but interesting color.

Also, the Switchback sandal was released in a knit version and in some really fun and funky colorways. Prism comes with both a pink and a purple strap you can swap out on your sandals! Aesthetically, I am in love! The Switchback is not a barefoot sandal since it has a few millimeter heel lift and a bit stiffer sole than the Zen sneakers, but it has all the toe space. So these are good for someone who wants a lighter, more natural hiking sandal experience without being full-on barefoot shoe.

Another note about the Switchback – they only come in full sizes, and I am smack in between a 6 and a 7. I ended up going with the larger size 7, because the 6 just felt too small. But the large is a little big for me. My other complaint is that the metal buckle on the inside presses on my foot more than the original Switchback does.

In addition to these, they’ve also added some new trail shoes in their Wide shape (which fits medium wide and not extra wide). These are more in the wide, but not barefoot category because they are also not fully zero drop and a bit stiff. But far more naturally fitting than most trail shoes! I am finding the Mesh to be very comfortable. I will be testing these more thoroughly before updating my Best Barefoot & Foot-Shaped Hiking Shoes article. And they semi-recently brought back the Mariner boat shoe! A bit masculine for my taste, but Justin loves them.

With the exception of the sandals, I size up to a women’s 7.5 in everything Lems because I find they run a bit on the small side.

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A collage of different Xero Shoes from their spring 2026 collection, including barefoot sandals, colorful athletic sneakers, knit mary janes, and hands free step-in shoes.

Xero Shoes Spring 2026 Review

Xero Shoes has been upping the ante when it comes to barefoot shoe style, and their spring 2026 lineup is so fresh and at the same time functional.

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Picture of Hi. I'm Anya.

Hi. I'm Anya.

I first discovered barefoot shoes after a long history of foot issues. By changing my footwear and strengthening my body I was able to completely transform my life. Anya’s Reviews is my way of sharing with the world that healthy feet are happy feet!

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