I have been searching for women’s barefoot dress shoes that are actually fashionable ever since a chronic foot injury derailed my cute shoe dreams. Sneakers and sandals are great, but I really wanted something stylish and fancy that didn’t hurt my feet. After years of curating, here are my ten best women’s barefoot dress shoe picks!
Why Women’s Barefoot Dress Shoes Matter
Considering the high rate of bunions among females, cute women’s barefoot dress shoes are a must-have for the foot conscious gal. They don’t press your toes painfully together and they have no alignment-wrecking heel whatsoever – unlike most stylish women’s shoes which are more like mini torture devices than foot holders. To keep those feet happy, women’s barefoot dress shoes should be:
- Flat
- Flexible
- Foot Shaped
Click here to learn more about the benefits of barefoot shoes!
But that doesn’t mean you have to wear frumpy shoes! This list of barefoot dress shoes for women meets my healthy shoe standards but are also stylish and can be worn with trendy outfits. These are the barefoot dress shoes I wear when I want to look and feel fabulous! Let’s dig in.
If you’re looking for men’s styles, check out this list of the Best Men’s Barefoot Dress Shoes.
The Best Women’s Barefoot Dress Shoes
Before we get going, you might find some terms you’re not used to here – because we do things differently here. Check out this article to learn more about how to measure your feet, pick a size, and understand what type of foot you have!
Shapen Poppy
Leather & Vegan Option | Sizes 36-43 | Available At:
Use code ANYA5 for 5% off any Shapen purchase! These are also available at Anya’s Shop.
What I Love About Them: Obviously, I love that they’re adorable! They are IMO the best-looking barefoot dress shoe in existence. Whenever I want to really dress up these are the shoes I reach for. The open space lengthens the legs and the detailing on the vamp keeps the wide toe box from looking like a blob. It’s hard to find a classy shoe that doesn’t squish your toes, but the Shapen Poppy is exactly that! The soles are also very thin and flexible.
Sizing & Fit Type: A shoe with this much open space is a bit fussy to get right. They run long and you don’t want much extra space or they flop, so most people size down one. They come in two widths, Regular & Wide. Regular is still wider than most dress shoes you find and fits my wide feet. I would only choose wide if you have extra wide feet.
Shapen Barefoot has quite a few other pretty barefoot dress shoes, my second favorite is the Calla sandal. These are one of the prettiest women’s barefoot sandals for an extra wide foot! The Tulip ballet flat is another great option from Shapen that comes in 2 widths and many colors.
Read my full Shapen Barefoot review for more info on this brand.
Designed by Anya Boots & Loafers
Leather | Sizes EU 34-45 | Available At:
What I Love About Them: After years of hunting for the perfect ankle boot & loafer, I did a thing. In October of 2021 I launched a line of women’s barefoot dress shoes that perfectly captured the chic look I was craving in my shoes. It includes the Dalia & Yasemin loafers and the Rosa & Lila ankle boots. They are the perfect end caps to all my outfits and make me feel like I’m not missing out on any style fun.
These shoes are made of a high quality leather upper and a durable buffalo hide sole. This type of sole feels stiff when brand new but warms up and softens and molds to your foot as you wear them. The thin rubber outsole provides some traction and protection from water/mud, and because they are hand stitched they can be repaired and resoled repeatedly at a cobbler!
Sizing & Fit Type: These barefoot dress shoes have an average to wide toe box shape, and are high volume through the midfoot. Some people have wondered why I didn’t make lower volume shoes because I have low volume feet, but these designs don’t lend themselves well for a low volume fit (if they did you wouldn’t be able to get your foot inside). I wear mine with a tongue pad in the upper to get a good fit!
Groundies Ballet Flats
Leather | Sizes EU 36-43 | Available At:
Use code ANYA15 for 15% off until May 2nd, 2024. Select Groundies styles available in the US at Anya’s Shop
What I Love About Them: Groundies makes beautiful barefoot ballet flats in different colors – it’s a great place to get closet staples as well as more exciting colors and styles. The quality is consistently top notch and they go with my professional outfits seamlessly. They even have an extra wide width called Barefoot+ in some styles!
The soles are very soft and flexible, making Groundies ballet flats some of my most comfortable barefoot dress shoes. And they really look just like your typical ballet flat minus the pinchy toe box. I replaced some old flats I had hung on to for too long with my Groundies and my toes are so much happier.
Sizing & Fit Type: Groundies ballet flats are true to size in Barefoot fit, but run slightly big in Barefoot+. I suggest choosing Barefoot width is you have average or moderately wide feet, and Barefoot+ for extra wide feet.
Because ballet flats have no straps or adjustments they can be a little trickier to fit, so I keep moleskin on hand for any heel slipping! But in general Groundies flats stay on my slim heels quite well.
Read my most recent Groundies review for more in-depth info on fit and picking a size
Softstar Ballerine
Leather | Grounding Option | Sizes 5U-12U | Available At:
What I Love About Them: For a little while I had a long-distance obsession with Tieks. I adored the bright colors and many options, but never kept any because they hurt my toes so badly! So when I saw that you can customize Softstar flats in 30+ different colors I did a happy dance – the look and quality of Tieks but no pinched toes!
They are all handmade with durable leather, and you can feel that they are sturdy. The sole is slightly cushioned, so if you are new to barefoot shoes or don’t want a thin sole these are a good option. You can also find a grounding option with a leather sole.
Sizing & Fit Type: Softstar Ballerines come in Regular and Wide. I wear a Regular size 6U (equivalent to a US women’s 7 or EU 37), and Samantha wears the Wide option. You can see in the photo below that the Wide is wider throughout the shoe, so can be tricky if you have narrow heels.
Be Lenka Ballet Flats
Leather & Vegan option | Sizes EU 36-43 | Available at:
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off from Be Lenka, or you can find several styles at Anya’s Shop
What I Love About Them: Be Lenka ballet flats have a little bit more sole to them than other barefoot flats, so can be a good option for people on their feet all day. They are simple, but streamlined and classy and they work well just about any dressy or stylish outfit. You can also find classic oxford style shoes, loafers, a mesh vegan flat, and some dressy boots that work for both men’s and women’s fancier outfits!
Sizing & Fit Type: Because these flats have a little more structure to them I found them to be slightly stiff at the beginning and then they break in. The sizing is true, and the ballet flats are best for medium width feet. Their dressy boots and oxfords fit wider than their flats.
Crupon Sandals
Leather | Sizes EU 35-41 | Available At:
Use code ANYA for 10% off your purchase
What I Love About Them: Crupon Sandals didn’t use to make barefoot shoes, but I was so in love with their rustic handmade shoes I managed to convince them to try their hand at a wider, thinner version. It turned out to be such a hit among their customers that they now make barefoot versions of many of their beautiful flats and sandals.
I wouldn’t wear them to a professional workplace, but I find that they pair beautifully with dresses and skirts for church, weddings, brunch, etc.
Sizing & Fit Type: Crupon’s barefoot line fits wide feet well, but is probably not best for extra wide feet. They have a mountain shape to them and fit closely around the heel and ankle so they don’t flop around. The Febo & Febo Cross fit high volume over the ball of the foot, and the others fit medium volume.
Read my full Crupon Sandals review for all the sizing/ordering details.
The Huarache by Anya
Leather | Sizes US Women’s 6-11.5 | Available At:
Use code ANYA for 10% off your purchase
What I Love About Them: These woven sandals are a new addition to the world of foot-shaped shoes! After I had been pining for for this classic style in a non-pinchy design I collaborated with Origo Shoes to develop one. The Huarache by Anya is made the traditional way in Mexico and is the perfect elevated fashion statement.
They pair well with a variety of dressy outfits and add a bit of interest to boring outfits!
Sizing & Fit Type: These shoes should fit snug when new, because the leather straps stretch and mold to your foot. Sometimes people feel that they are too low volume, but I can assure you that the stretch a lot! They are still best suited for average to wide feet, and likely won’t fit extra wide feet well (at least until we get our wide version developed for spring 2024!).
Read my full Huaraches review for all the sizing/ordering details.
Lisbeth Joe
Leather | Sizes US Womens 5-12 | Available At:
Get 5% off with code ANYASREVIEWS
What I Love About Them: Lisbeth Joe is a US brand that focuses entirely on women’s stylish and dressy barefoot shoe options.
The Harare is another dressy women’s barefoot shoe that just can’t be beat. The scallop detail is perfect, and the color options are exactly what I want in a stylish shoe. I love it when a dressy barefoot ballet flat has an ankle strap, because they fit more securely while still looking classy. The taupe color is like nude for me, and they work for every day, date night, and even extra dressy occasions. They also offer a fashionable loafer and dress sandal option!
Sizing & Fit Type: Sizing depends on the model and it’s a good idea to consult the size chart before ordering. The close toes shoes fit a little narrow on my toes but I’ve had good success stretching them out by stuffing the toe box with socks or tissue overnight.
Lisbeth Joe shoes tend to work best for a thick high volume foot, so aren’t really optimal for my low volume feet (the Paris being an exception). But I love them and make them work. Some people with extra wide high volume feet are able to size up for even more toe space.
Read this review for more info on the Lisbeth Joe brand.
Grecian Sandals
Leather | Sizes US Womens 4-12 | Available At:
What I Love About Them: Grecian Sandals are the perfect replacement for strappy heels. They are the dressiest barefoot sandals at the cheapest price! You can choose from a few different styles made with a flexible Vibram outsole and lots of color options. They were perfect for my sister’s wedding last year and I just really enjoy wearing them. The metallic leather has help up well without scuffing and they continue to feel great and look beautiful.
If you go to the main Grecian Sandals Etsy page you’ll see many more styles that you can request to be made zero drop, but the soles on those are stiffer than the Vibram sandals linked above. I have both, and I really prefer the flexibility of the Vibram sole. If you see a style you really love you can always ask Natasa if she can special make it for you on a Vibram sole.
Sizing & Fit Type: Grecian sandals fit average to wide feet. I am wearing mine in a women’s 6 and I consider them to be true to size. The ankle portion tends to fit higher volume feet best, but Natasa can add more buckle holes and adjust the strap length according to your foot type (leave a note for her at checkout with your request). Because I have a wide forefoot I asked for a wider strap on this sandal model and it worked out perfectly for me.
Vivobarefoot
Leather | Sizes EU 35-43 | Available At:
Use code ANYA25 for 25% off
What I Love About Them: In the past Vivobarefoot was hit or miss with women’s dress shoes, but lately they’ve been really hitting the mark. You can now find several classic staples that don’t detract from your killer outfit, regardless of what your style preference is.
My personal favorite is the Chelsea boot – It has a sleek, close fit that makes them one of the best dressy barefoot boots. I find they look great with most of my outfits and they’re really comfortable too! I also love the Opanka loafer, the Ryder boot, and the Gobi Hi lace up. You can find a range of sleek dress shoe options that work with dresses, slacks, skinny jeans, leggings, you name it.
The biggest downside to the Vivobarefoot boot line is that they aren’t available year round. So if you’re reading this in the spring or summer, be sure to check out my full list of barefoot chelsea boots for more options.
Sizing & Fit Type: Vivobarefoot generally fits true to size and medium width, but you can size up if you want a little more width. The Geo Chelsea, Ryder, and Opanka slip-on have a low volume fit, so aren’t ideal for high volume feet. The Gobi and Ra work much better for high volume feet because of the laces.
If you have extra wide, thick feet this might not be the best brand for you.
Runner Ups
Here are a few more lovely barefoot dress shoes that might be exactly what you are looking for!
Xero Shoes Phoenix
Knit Textile | Sizes US 5-11 | Available At:
What I Love About Them: These Little Black Flats look chic and go with everything. In fact, the only reason they are in the runner up is because they are out of stock most of the year.
I love a little toe box detail and the Phoenix has just the right amount of it to look classy while still allowing for a natural toe splay. The knit version is soft and stretchy, and the best part is they come in a bunch of different colors! Xero also has a leather version but I don’t love it. It feels too narrow on my toes and too wide on my heel, and not nearly soft enough. If you have straight feet that are on the narrower side it could work. Otherwise, I recommend the knit. The sole is a medium thickness, so work well for people who want a bit of cushion.
Sizing & Fit Type: These flats run true to size, and they come with a removable insole if you have high volume feet. I first tried a Women’s 6.5, but they weren’t staying on my foot well so I sized down to a 6 (EU 36) and they fit better. But like most flats on my narrow heels, if I really get moving they want to flop off. The material does stretch a little over time, so if they feel a bit snug at first you should be good.
Read my in-depth Xero Phoenix review for all the details!
Zaqq Barefoot
Leather | Sizes EU 37-48 | Available At:
We also carry the Riquet at Anya’s Shop whenever we can, but they don’t stay in stock for long.
What I Love About Them: Zaqq carries a dizzying amount of beautiful women’s dress shoes, but my two favorites are the Qerp Loafer and the Riquet boot. The fit and comfort on both is just perfection, and I find they are so versatile to wear. Plus they are styles you don’t find anywhere else.
But Zaqq can be a little harder to order from because the website is geared toward German customers and their customer service is slow to respond. But these two shoes have worked out so well for me I had to include them. And many others are loving their other beautiful styles as well.
The Qerp is the perfect classic loafer with a velvety suede and metallic braided strap. The Riquet is simple, but sleek and the buckle gives them a sexy edge. Both have lasted for years and still look beautiful.
Sizing & Fit Type: Zaqq Barefoot shoes are medium width – a little wider than brands like Vivobarefoot and Xero. They fit true to size and medium volume. That means I can fit an insole inside both shoes to get a more secure fit.
Zaqq sandals tend to fit rather high volume, so be aware of that if you have shallow feet.
Read this full Zaqq Barefoot brand review for more details.
FeelBarefoot Oxfords & Brogues
Leather | Sizes EU 34-50 | Available at:
Use code ANYA50 for a discount
What I Love About Them: These are one of the cheapest places you can find dressy barefoot oxfords and brogues, and you can order them in tons of different colors. They are beautiful and they wear well, and are repairable as needed. In particular the brogue style is beautifully done.
Sizing & Fit Type: These oxfords fit a little bit small in my opinion, and are high volume. They gape around my thin ankles and they fit me best with a tongue pad.
Read my FeelBarefoot review for the full details!
Gea Soles
Gea Soles Flats | Leather | Grounding Option | Custom Made | Available At:
Gea Soles no longer ships outside the EU.
What I Love About Them: Gea Soles Yrsa and Tarian flats have a rustic old world feel to them. The detailing on them disguises the width, and you can choose from a variety of rich naturally dyed leathers. I am always so comfortable in my Gea Soles flats, and they give my outfit that unique touch. They are not as fancy as other options, but I love pairing them with flowy dresses and wide leg pants. I have one pair with a rubber sole and one with a super minimal leather outsole. I love both!
Sizing & Fit Type: Each pair is custom made, so you don’t need to pick a size. But you should familiarize yourself with how to measure your feet. It can feel intimidating to order custom shoes, but if you take your time and communicate clearly you should have success. Esther tends to make her shoes roomy, so expect lots of toe space.
Read my full Gea Soles review for more info on ordering!
Zlatush T-Strap Flat
Leather | Grounding & Custom Option | Sizes EU 36-45 | Available At:
What I Love About Them: This vintage style of flat cannot be found anywhere else in a natural shape. They are buttery soft and very wide in the toe box. Plus, you can choose from a bajillion different color options! I have bought two pairs of shoes from Zlatica and can vouch for her as a shoemaker, but the process of ordering can feel intimidating. You communicate with her by e-mail and your order is placed in a queue. Once she gets to yours, you pay for it, she makes it, and then sends them on to you! I chose a ready made style, but you can also do a custom order.
Sizing & Fit Type: Zlatica is accustomed to adding plenty of space in her shoes and I find they run on the big side. I have one pair in a size 36 that is roomy, and another in a 35 that is glove-like. For this style of shoe I prefer the smaller size. I also gave her my instep measurement to make sure that she made the ankle strap small enough since I have shallow feet. The toe box has a lot of height as well.
The Best Barefoot Dress Shoes For Narrow Feet
Here are a few adorable barefoot dress shoe options I’ve found for narrow feet! If you have trouble with barefoot dress shoes being too wide for you, this is the list for you.
Ahinsa – You can find narrow and extra narrow widths from this vegan brand. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
Angles Fashion (EU only) – Ballet flats marked as “slim” are suitable for narrow feet, but still have a foot shaped toe box. Use code ANYA for 5% off. Select styles available at Anya’s Shop in the USA
Crupon Sandals – Use code ANYA for 10% off! The Barefoot line has a wide toe box, but the rest fit a narrower foot. Make sure you select the no heel option.
Storehouse Flats – Simple leather flats in a ton of colors and patterns
Ursanina – You can have these custom made to your measurements, but the seller tends to make them on the narrow side regardless.
The Best Barefoot Dress Shoes for Wide Feet
Got primal toes? Here you can find the widest women’s barefoot dress shoes that I’ve encountered.
Shapen Barefoot – Use code ANYA5 for 5% off directly from Shapen (returns are not accepted outside the EU), or find select styles at Anya’s Shop.
Softstar Primal Merry Jane – Read my full Primal Merry Jane review for all the details.
Softstar Ballerine – Check out the full review for tips on sizing and fit!
Everleigh Meadow – These handmade leather shoes come in 3 different widths with a very detailed size chart to help you choose the best fit for you. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off. Read the review here.
Gea Soles – Each pair is custom made, and the seller leaves plenty of toe space.
Tadeevo Ballet Pumps – Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off
Magical Shoes Ballerina – Use code ANYA for 10% off
Vegan Barefoot Dress Shoes
Ahinsa Ballerinas – Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
Be Lenka Delight – Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off
Shapen Poppy – The popular Poppy model from Shapen is available in a black vegan option. Use code ANYA5 for 5% off directly from Shapen (returns are not accepted outside the EU)
Tadeevo Ballet Pumps – Velvet & Mesh are vegan. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off
More Options
In addition to the ones above, here are a few more resources you can use to find you perfect barefoot dress shoes in whatever style you are looking for.
Affordable Barefoot Dress Shoes
Here are the barefoot dress shoes for women I’ve tried that cost $100 or less
- The Storehouse Flats – My review here.
- Ursanina Flats – You can get these custom made to your foot shape!
- Xero Shoes Phoenix – Knit and Leather options. My review here.
- Oesh Dream flats – See my review here.
- PaperKrane (formally just a kid’s brand) is adding more options for adults up to size EU 42. They have a simple Mary Jane that is $89. Get 10% off with code ANYASREVIEWS
- Tadeevo Ballet Pumps – Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off
The Complete Dress Shoes List
Sandals
My top 10 picks for stylish barefoot sandals for women.
Loafers
Here you can find 16 Stylish Barefoot Loafers That Don’t Pinch Your Toes
Wedding Shoes
And here is my guide to wearing Barefoot Shoes To A Wedding (Bride, Wedding Party, or Guest!)
Ballet Flats
Click here for A Guide To Barefoot Ballet Flats + a full list of options
And don’t forget that you can find a list of over 30 professional men’s style barefoot dress shoes here!
Conclusion
The beauty of barefoot dress shoes is that they look great, but they’re also practical for lots of walking and being on your feet. I am done torturing myself to look nice! If you are also tired of foot pain and/or want to prevent future bunions or foot deformities, barefoot dress shoes for women are the answer.
52 thoughts on “The 10 Best Stylish Barefoot Dress Shoes for Women”
I am looking for a leather sole and heel soft pump for dancing which I will only use on a dancefloor – any recommendations, please? PS im in the UK
Hello, check out this FAQ for a list of smooth-soled shoes for dancing.
Hi Anya,
I am in the UK so I have to try to find these suppliers nearer home. My problem is that I have a couple of pairs of barefoot/zero drop shoes, but my feet themselves are not wide, so depending on what activity I’m doing the front of my feet slide to the outside of my wide toe box shoes. Then my toes rub against the side of the shoe and end up hurting. Any thoughts?
Another issue is that I have very long toes, with my 2nd and 3rd toes both longer than my 1st toe. Mary Janes are my best bet for dress shoes, but with the barefoot shoes my toes slide to the outside of the shoe, thereby rubbing against the edge.
I have always worn UK size 5 shoes, European 38, US 7, but the measurement for barefoot shoes is UK 7, EU 40, US 9. The shoes are like huge boats on my feet so my feet just push forward in the shoes.
I need help! Or a shoemaker!
It sounds to me like you have low volume feet in addition to not being wide. I have shared some of my fit hacks for that here. A tongue pad and/or an insole could fill in that extra space so that your foot stays secure inside the shoe and doesn’t hit the sides. It helps to order shoes based on your foot type, but a fit hack or two can make a huge difference in improving the fit of the shoes you have.
To Whom it may Concern,
Where can I buy barefoot shoes? I have been searching since last year 2022 and found your website that have the shape of my feet shoes. I had 3D Laplastity bunion surgery last year 2022 and cannot find shoes to fit my feet. I need to wear straight last with arch support shoes. I need dress (low wedge) and casual shoes. Please help me. Thank you.
You might like Oesh Shoes – they have some ballet flats with a removable insole that you can replace with your own arch support.
Hi Anya –
I love your page and your lists, and have found several pairs of shoes that I love for my extra wide, high volume feet. I never knew that shoes could be this comfortable! Thank you for all of your work!
I was wondering if you had any recommendations for dressier shoes with a bit of cushioning. I have arthritis in my knees and hips, and find that a bit of cushioning/support can make a big difference in how I feel at the end of the day.
Oesh has cushioned flats, otherwise Softstar Ballerine’s have the most cushion for a barefoot dress shoe. You might be able to make other thinner options work by adding an insole! I have some recommendations here: https://anyasreviews.com/barefoot-insoles-review/
It’s great that shoes are finally being made to prevent bunions but not all bunions are caused by shoes and many of these styles cannot be worn by someone like myself who has bunions and is awaiting surgery which may or may not happen. As an avowed shoe freak and former shoe model I am unable to wear most of my shoes at present.
Buongiorno carissima Anya ho visto tutti i modelli delle tue scarpe, io ho la necessità di avere una comoda scarpa invernale che non batti sull’alluce valgo del piede sx perchè mi fa male. il mio piede non è largo e porto il n. 38 di scarpe.
Grazie se mi risponderai con qualche consiglio.
Did you see this section on extra wide dress shoes? These are the ones I would recommend for maximum big toe space. I also suggest looking for options with soft uppers so that it doesn’t press on the big toe joint. I hope that helps!
Greeting Anya,
I am so happy to find bare foot type shoes. My feet were squeezed into pointed toed shoes when I was a child and my complaints that they hurt were dismissed with the saying “new shoes always hurt”. Now I have binions, crossed over toes and hammer toes. I want to spread the warning; Todays shoes are modern foot binding.
Looking forward to my first pair of shoes that resemble a foot.
Thank you, Debbie