For me, being comfortable and mobile in my shoes is a non-negotiable. Sure, you might want to wear heeled, pointy shoes occasionally. But if you’re like me and don’t tolerate pinchy shoes, here are some swaps you can make that will have you dancing the night away with comfy feet! It’s Fashion, But Make it Barefoot Shoes.
Crave Glasgow
Leather | Sizes EU 37-42
The Crave Glasgow is very wide in the toe box and so soft and comfortable from the first wear. I’m really enjoying these boots. They have a fabric lining that is good for temperamental spring weather, but I can also wear warm socks in the winter.
They are unisex and true to size. I am wearing size 38, typical for me in boots. The lacing makes them adjustable for all foot volumes.
Unfortunately Barefoot Naboso (Crave retailer) no longer ships to the USA.
Grecian Sandals
Leather | Sizes US Womens 4-12
I love these for formal wear! I wore a silver pair last year for a wedding, they are beautiful. This strapping style let’s the toes be totally free, so they are both dressy and comfortable.
I recommend sticking with the Vibram sole options from this shop, as they are much more flexible than their standard soles. Read my Grecian Sandals review for more details.
Xero Glenn
Leather | US Mens 6.5-15
These are Justin’s current favorite shoe, they are stylish enough for business casual but are so much more comfortable than his old work shoes. Read my recent Xero Spring ’23 review for more deets on fit and sizing.
Shapen Poppy
Leather | Sizes EU 36-43 Regular & Wide Width
These are one of the most loved shoes we sell at Anya’s Shop! They are perfect for people who want to dress up but don’t want to wear heels. I wear mine every time I need formal, close toed shoes.
Shapen Barefoot is in the EU, you can use code ANYA5 for a 5% discount if you shop there (but they don’t accept returns outside the EU). We also have them at Anya’s Shop in the US.
Read more about these shoes in my Shapen Poppy review.
Origo Derby
Leather | Sizes US Womens 6-11
Again, a nice wide toe box that fits my Correct Toes & a thin, flexible sole. I love the simplicity of this shoe! The leather does take a little breaking in, I felt it rubbing a little bit on my bare feet the first time I wore them
Origo Derby is true to size, but if between sizes I recommend going up. Code ANYA for 10% off!
Like fashion, but won’t compromise on your foot health? You’re in the right place! Check out all my previous Fashion, But Make it Barefoot shoe swaps here. What other shoes do you want to see barefoot alternatives for?
23 thoughts on “Spring Fashion But Make it Barefoot Shoes – Easy Shoe Swaps for Happier Feet”
Aren’t there any British shops to try before I buy please?
Yes! You can find a list of UK shops and retailers here: https://anyasreviews.com/barefoot-shoe-brands-by-region/#uk
Dang it! 🤣 Every time I think I’m done buying shoes for awhile I see another pair I have to have on your site or Instagram. Now I need a pair of those Grecian leaf sandals
Any similar options to the crave boot? Looking for something without the winter liner that has that sneaker / boot feel.
Something similar but unlined would be the Nevada boot from Be Lenka. We still have a handful left at Anya’s Shop if you want to shop in the US. Besides that, there is the Groundies Williamsburg, but not the same color…
My greetings, Anya. I am thinking about buying Bohempia Orik 2.0. But I am not sure about their comfort. Can I ask you a few questions? In what weather can you wear them, are they waterproof?. Do their feet sweat (there is a perforated upper). How are they barefoot, if you walk with, for example, xero vivo barefoot shoes and mukishoes. By softness, are they more slippery on socks or on xero?
They are not waterproof, but the material is a thick-ish canvas and the sole comes up off the ground, so water won’t rush in immediately if you’re in a little rain. I have never noticed any sweating with mine, the hemp material seems to help with moisture wicking. The sole is grippy, and it is thinner and more flexible than it appears. However, compared to Vivobarefoot and Mukishoes you can tell that Bohempia has a slightly heftier sole. They are very comfortable for me, I wear them without socks, but they are not as soft and flexible as Mukishoes, Wildling, or other similar brands.
Love the look of the Crave Glasgow, the Shapen Poppy and the Origo Derby – but sadly they don’t come in large enough size for me (EU 44). I wish all companies just made unisex sizes like Feelgrounds or Wildling!
Ugh, I’m sorry! I’m actually rather surprised the Crave Glasgow doesn’t go past a 44. They are a unisex shoe. It does seem like many brands are starting to add 43, let’s hope 44 comes soon after.
Me too! I wear size 12 womens shoes and have higher volume feet. I’m on the hunt for a slip-on sneaker or loafer but it’s hard to find what I’m looking for in my size. I used to live in Clark’s Ashland loafers but now I need something with a wider toe box.
Just wanted to say thank you for this entire site. I’ve basically been wearing skate shoes exclusively for years because everything else is painful after several hours. Seeing that there are barefoot options available in so many of the styles I’ve been avoiding because of squished toes is really exciting!
Hi! I recently started playing ultimate frisbee and now I’m looking for cleats with a wide toe box. Do you happen to have recommendations for that, too?
Unfortunately wide toe box cleats are an almost impossible find right now. You can check out Code Footwear, but their custom sport shoes are very expensive for most people. NaturAthletics has some adult cleats with a wide toe box in the works but they are not yet available to be purchased.
Hi Anya,
How did the sandals hold up at the wedding for dancing? Are they sturdy enough to dance all genres, all night?
I can’t say I have experience with all genres of dancing, but they were for sure sturdy enough for the wedding I was in last year. All day wear, including a reception with dancing. And even since the wedding last year, I’ve worn them several times and they are holing up well. So, I’d say they are pretty sturdy.
Hi! I love your site- thanks for all you share, I’ve learned so much about barefoot living and functional foot health!
I’ve been eyeing High Feels sandals for about 5 months now, and it looks like they are going out of business. I have multiple weddings coming up and I was really hoping to order a pair of their sandals. Do you know of any brands with that barefoot-but-elegant-classy look like High Feels does for super formal occasions? Or do you know of any custom leather shoe makers that might work with me to make a mock version? Thank you!
Hi Juliana, the Zaqq Miniq Sandal is the closest to High Feels, and they have other pretty options. If you wanted to work with a shoemaker on a custom shoe, Grecian Sandals (the shop that makes the gold leaf sandals in this article) would be a good one to check with.
Hi, I noticed all the shoes you reviewed here are made of leather. Any vegan/cruelty-free options?
I actually review lots of vegan barefoot shoes! You can find resources here: https://anyasreviews.com/ufaq/are-there-vegan-barefoot-shoe-options/