I love the Chelsea boot look, but I’m tired of cute shoes that are uncomfortable. That’s why I wear barefoot Chelsea boots instead! They don’t squish my toes or aggravate my back, like most stylish shoes do. Want to wear Chelsea boots without hurting your feet? You’re in the right place.
Find here my all-time favorite wide toe box Chelsea boots, including barefoot, cushioned, extra wide, and budget options.
Why I Wear Barefoot Chelsea Boots
My feet are important to me, and I am done stuffing them into shoes that don’t respect their natural shape. I wear barefoot Chelsea boots because:
- They have a wide anatomical toe box that doesn’t squish my toes
- They are flat (zero drop) and don’t push my weight forward
- They style the same as regular Chelsea boots!
- And you can choose more cushioned options or add insoles if you don’t want a thin sole!
Most fashion footwear, like the Chelsea boots on me above right and below right, have a pointy narrow shape and heel that can really hurt! Unlike shoes that claim to be good for wide feet but still come to a point at the end, barefoot boots actually give you the space and the flexibility where you need it.
The Best Barefoot Chelsea Boots
These are my all time top picks for the best barefoot Chelsea boots!
But first – Pro tip: Chelsea boots don’t have laces, which means they can be more slide-y and floppy than other shoes. I frequently make use of a few easy fit hacks to ensure I get a perfect fit. Ok NOW let’s talk about my personal favorite barefoot Chelsea boots that have space for your toes to wiggle AND are stylish and trendy.
Xero Shoes
Leather | Microfiber Lining | Sizes US W5 – M15
Xero has two barefoot Chelsea boots – the rugged Ridgeway, which comes in men’s and women’s sizing and the Tari II. The Ridgeway has been very popular as an all-purpose functional Chelsea, that also looks trendy. I personally found them too stiff in the back heel area for my liking, but I am quite sensitive there – a lot of people in my community are loving them.
The other Xero Chelsea boot is the women’s Tari II – which I co-designed with them! I wanted to see a Chelsea with a touch more sophistication, and that something extra that makes you excited to put them. While not as rugged as the Ridgeway, the outsole is still meant to be functional throughout the season with some grip. And they have a wider toe box and more feminine fit than the original Tari Chelsea. Read more about them here!
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size for most people, but the Ridgeway ran small for Justin (he wears a 13 but needed 14 in Ridgeway Chelsea). I have a size 6.5 in the Tari II.
- Medium to wide width – Men’s models are wider than women’s
- Medium to high volume with removable insole
Lila by Anya
Leather Upper | Leather Lining | Sizes EU 34-45
When it comes to Chelsea boot styling, the Lila has been a go-to for years. I wanted something that looked more like a classic Chelsea boot than other barefoot options, so I went out and designed one! The leather paneling over the elastic makes for a more sophisticated look, so these dress up really well too. I reach for them and the Rosa boot (similar but with side zipper) all fall and winter when I really want to look good!
Lila Chelsea boots have a quality leather upper, leather lining, and leather insole – all chrome free and vegetable tanned without the use of harsh chemicals. It takes significantly longer and is more expensive to tan leather in this way, but it’s safer for skin and is softer/more breathable than chrome tanned leather.
The outsole has a rubber bottom for a bit of grip, but they are not intended for rugged use. And it is a bit thicker and stiffer sole (because it’s entirely leather) than some barefoot Chelsea boots, so if you want a real flexible feel you’ll probably like the others here better!
Me at the leather production facility in Gaziantep, Turkey during the tanning process!
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size, but slightly short for some. I wear my usual size still.
- Medium wide – suitable for average and wide feet, but not best for extra wide feet.
- High volume above the arch, so I added tongue pads to mine to get a secure fit (just be aware that tongue pads are semi permanent and don’t come off easily).
Lang.S Luna
Leather | Leather Lining | Sizes EU 36-42*
*Sizes up to EU 44 are available directly from Lang S in the EU
Use code ANYALANG for 10% off directly from Lang S
These were an unexpected favorite from Lang.S (formerly Tikki), which has recently started making adult shoes. They have that ample toe box room both in width and in height – that means no toe pinching from any direction. They are lined with a soft chrome-free natural leather, and are so soft and lightweight. I also like the sole, which has a traditional welt and feels more classic.
Sizing & Fit:
- All around roomy, but I still wear my normal size
- Wide to extra wide fit
- High volume – I need an extra insole and thick socks
Mukishoes Chelsea
Leather | Wool Lining | Sizes EU 36-45
Use code ANYAMUKI for 10% off directly from Mukishoes in the EU
I love that the Mukishoes Chelsea is a lower cut than most other wide toe box options, which gives you different styling options – easier to wear with jeans than taller Chelsea boots! They are also very light, flexible, and come with a real wool lining – not too thick, but nice for cold days.
They can get a little wrinkly/frumpy because they are so soft and unstructured, but it doesn’t stop me from styling them with lots of outfits. I reach for them often when I want a quick and easy look that’s still stylish. Mukishoes Chelsea is unisex.
Sizing & Fit:
- Slightly small – I have a pair both in my regular size and a size up – both fit but the smaller size is a bit short.
- Medium wide – best for average and some wide feet. The outsole is very soft and can flatten out a bit under wider feet as they break in, but don’t feel super wide when brand new.
- Medium volume – the ankle opening is slim and lower cut, so some people say the front edge cuts into their ankle a bit. But it helps keep the shoe from being floppy even on different instep heights.
Lems Chelsea
Leather | Waterproof Options | Sizes US W6 – M15
If you’re outside the US, shop Lems EU here.
Hands down my favorite wide toe box Chelsea boot with cushion is the Lems Chelsea. They are really lightweight, have a very spacious toe box shape that can fit most foot shapes and widths, and they are soft and cushioned. Justin and I both have had great luck with ours – the quality, fit, and feel are all on point.
Also from Lems is the Chelsea Tuff. The brown color has a fluffy collar and lining that is surprisingly warm. The sole is quite thick (makes me feel so tall!) but flexes at the toe. Really well-made waterproof shoes with a grippy practical outsole. The black color has no fluff, but is still insulated.
Groundies
Leather | Velvet or no lining | Two Width Options | Sizes EU 36-43
Groundies has a few different Chelsea models, and all are well made and stylish. My favorite is the Camden, above left, which comes in Barefoot and Barefoot+ (extra wide). They are light, so flexible, and have a taller shaft for an edgier, slim-fit look. The Sienna, above right, has a trendy chunky look, and I like them but they’re not quite as flexible or as forgiving in the toe box.
The Camden has a slip-resistant outsole, which is handy in the fall and winter, and a thin velvety lining for a little bit of extra warmth. They feel great on foot! I love them in both widths myself since I don’t have an extra wide foot.
The Barefoot+ width is extra wide friendly and high volume – they’re one of the best wide options if you have trouble fitting into most barefoot shoes.
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size
- Medium width in Barefoot) and extra wide in Barefoot+
- Medium volume in Barefoot, medium-high volume in Barefoot +
Zaqq Equity
Leather | Leather lining | Sizes EU 36-46*
*Sizes up to EU 50 are available directly from Zaqq in the EU.
For me a sleek, glossy all-black Chelsea boot is a fall/winter wardrobe essential. They do double as an everyday shoe and a dress shoe, because they’re understated and match every outfit – the cold weather version of the Little Black Flat. The Zaqq Equity is my top pick in this category.
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size
- Medium width – fit my slightly wider feet, but wouldn’t work for extra wide feet.
- Higher volume – I add an extra insole and a tongue pad for an optimal fit
Be Lenka Entice
Leather | Fleece lined | Sizes EU 36-43
The Be Lenka Entice is a little more rugged of a Chelsea boot style with a durable outsole. They have an extra wide, fan-shaped fit for those of you who really need all the toe space while still styling like other Chelsea boots.
They are heavier than the Groundies Camden and other barefoot Chelsea boots – some people love that extra durability and traction though. They certainly are good quality!
Be Lenka also has the Mojo chelsea boot that we really like. It’s not quite as wide as as Entice, but is still plenty wide for me and features a comfortable knit ankle opening.
Sizing & Fit:
- Runs small – I size up one
- Extra wide
- Medium volume – they do not have a removable insole, and people with high volume feet often find them tight over the top of the foot. They can loosen with wear though!
Freet Durham
Leather | Textile lining | Sizes EU 37-48
Use code AnyaFreet for 10% off
Another rugged Chelsea boot option that fits extra wide feet – the Durham is new for 2025. It is a solid boot, with a little thinner sole than the Lems and Xero boots featured here. They can function for everyday wear, light hiking, and a light work boot because the leather is thick and the outsole has some tread.
Sizing & Fit:
- Mostly true to size, but if you have extra wide feet I’d suggest going up one size
- Wide to extra wide fit
- High volume – they come with a removable insole, and even with it in they are quite spacious on me.
Feelgrounds Chelsea
Vegan Leather | Velvety Lining | Sizes EU 35-49
Use code ANYA5 for 5% off your first order.
Feelgrounds Chelsea boots have that chunky style that is a bit more urban but still sleek. The functional outsole is nice for winter weather, and they have an all around good fit. Truthfully, I don’t often like to wear faux leather, but I still reach for these when I want a sleek look but a bit more outsole.
Sizing & Fit:
- Runs small for me – I sized up one
- Wide fit – not quite extra wide, but wider than your standard barefoot shoe
- Medium volume – I am able to wear mine comfortable with a pair of socks and don’t need to add an extra insole.
Best Budget Chelsea Boot
For when you want the comfort of a wide toe box barefoot Chelsea boot, but can’t swing the price.
Saguaro Urban
Faux Leather | 4mm Outsole | Sizes EU 36-42
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 15% off.
These faux leather Chelsea boots from Saguaro have a classy look and a nice little perforation detail around the edge. They’re really comfortable straight away, without any hard edges or rough bits. I don’t expect the faux leather to be as durable as real leather, but it does make the price more affordable.
Sizing & Fit:
- True to size
- Wide to extra wide toe box
- Medium volume, but can work for high volume feet with the insole removed.
More Barefoot Chelsea Boots
If you’re looking for even more barefoot Chelsea boots options, you can find a complete list below with brands from all around the world.
Softstar Primal Chelsea (US) – Unisex sizes 5U – 14U in regular or wide. These have the widest, most square foot shape of all the barefoot boots! They are low volume over the toes, which can be uncomfortable during the break-in time. Once you know you want to keep them, I suggest stuffing the toe box with socks or paper towels and letting that area stretch out.
Magical Shoes Lupino (EU) – Sizes EU 36-47. Get 10% off with code ANYA. These run small, I recommend sizing up one. Love how soft and flexible they are! You can find them in the US at Pedterra and use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off your first order. The Lupino also comes in a vegan option!
Wildling Bruklin – These have a wool lining and a wool/hemp upper paired with a water resistant membrane. The higher cup sole is also more weather friendly and they are just dang comfy!
Use code AWN_ANYA_S for a one-time free shipping offer. If you live outside the US/Canada, shop Wildling Shoes via this link.
Peerko Chelsea (EU) – Sizes EU 37-43. Use code ANYASREVIEWS10 for 10% off. Returns are not accepted outside the EU. I love Peerko’s fit and quality!
Annika Barefoot (EU) – Sizes EU 37-42. These have an extra wide toe box, and a nice fitted heel. Perfect for fan-shaped feet! They’re also available in all black and come with two insoles options of 5mm or 7mm.
Aintap FeelBarefoot (EU) – Sizes US Women’s 3.5 – Men’s 15. Read my Review here. You can use code ANYA50 for a discount! They come in all kinds of colors, which is fun.
Ahinsa (EU) – Sizes EU 37-46. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
Bohempia Rola (EU) – Sizes EU 36-43. Regular and Wide width available. Use ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off. This is an excellent extra wide vegan barefoot Chelsea boot.
Angles Nyx (EU only) – Sizes EU 37-45. You can find a limited selection at Anya’s Shop
Conker Shoes (UK) – Sizes UK 1-13 with 3 different width options and different sole options.
Drifter Leather (EU) – Sizes EU 34-49 with custom fit available. See my reviews of the Drifter Leather here.
Gaucho Ninja Chelsea (UK) – Sizes EU 36-45. Read my Gaucho Ninja Review here. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off! Pricey, but beautifully made.
Koel Fila (EU) – Sizes 36-45. These come in a few colors you don’t often see in Chelsea boots. I like them for average width, average volume feet.
Also available at retailer Mugavik Barefoot with worldwide shipping. Code ANYASREVIEWS gets you 5% off from Mugavik.
PaperKrane Chelsea boot (AU) – Sizes EU 19-42. PK is a great brand for a pop of color! Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off. Pedterra in the US also often has PaperKrane models and you can use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
Shapen Barefoot (EU) – Sizes EU 36-43. Several See my Shapen review for more details about this brand. I found Shapen Chelsea boots to be difficult to get on and off, even though they have a generous toe box. You can use code ANYA5 for 5% off, but they do not accept returns outside the EU.
Blusun (EU) – Sizes EU 37-43. These are best for average width. Use code AR10 for 10% off
108 thoughts on “The Best Barefoot Chelsea Boots That Won’t Squish Your Toes!”
Hi Anya. Great review, as always. I have a question about the Mukishoe Chelsea boots. I really want a simple pull on boot like this chelsea. I’m a consistent 38 in Vivobarefoot and can wear most of their styles, even the Ryder, comfortably. However, I found their Fulham boot too snug across the top of my foot. Do the Mukishoes have more volume than the Fulham? In your picture above it looks like the Mukishoes might have more top to bottom space in the forefoot, even though it’s a little shorter (for the equivalent size). I’m wondering if I could wear a 39 in their chelsea boot. I have a slightly high instep, but not a particularly high volume foot, if that makes sense. What do you think?
Thanks again for all your great reviews! You are sooooo helpful on this minimalist shoe journey.
Yes, there is more space over the tops of the toes and instep in the Chelsea than in the Fulham (with the insole). But if you take the insole out of the Fulham it is about the same. So if the Fulhams were still a little shallow over the toes in the Fulham even without the insole you might want to size up in the Mukishoes. So glad the info is helpful!!
Thanks, Anya. I think one size up for the Mukishoe Chelsea will work for me, especially since it’s a little shorter than the same size Fulham.
One more question. How high up the ankle (the shank?) is the Mukishoe Chelsea? I thought I saw somewhere you said it is a little shorter than the Fulham, but I wasn’t sure.
Yes, it is shorter by about an inch. I will upload some more photos to the review to show that difference.
Hey Anya! I wanted to ask you if you tried Vibae chelsea boot or know anything about it? I like their design but I couldn’t f8nd it in your lists
Thank you for all these reviews and info, they are so helpful!
Hi! I have not yet tried them but I’ve spoken with the company and they come with a non-barefoot friendly insole that would need to be replaced if you wanted a zero drop shoe. Apparently without the insole there is just a thin layer of rubber that isn’t so comfortable and would make the shoe fit huge so replacing it would be the best thing to do. But from what I gather if you are able to do that the shoes are nice.
Thank you so much for your response !!
These are so lovely! The cork is such a neat texture. All sold out in my size though. Hopefully they’ll get more in stock soon!
They are getting a big restock at the beginning of the new year! It’s a bummer to have to wait that long, but they are making the Chelsea a part of their permanent line up so they’ll be getting plenty in.
Hello , I have been following your site since i have recently been hooked on barefoot shoes . Can you tell me how do i buy angles fashion dafne ev black boot in the U.S .?
thank you
regards
Jane kaufman
Hi Jane! If you open up their website on Google Chrome you can use the Goggle translate feature to get it all in English. Then you should be able to check out like normal, and enter your shipping destination. I have a couple pairs of Angles shoes on their way to me, I’m excited to get to know the brand better!
Wore my new Muki cork Chelseas yesterday, would an insole help with keeping my foot from sliding forward? Thanks.
Hi Vicki! Yes, it would. Also a felt shoe tongue in the top would help with that. And so would yoga stirrup socks to fill in the ankle space.
Hi Anya, thanks for this review! I am trying to decide between the 2. You commented on traction and durability in your Fulham review. How is the traction and durability in the muki Chelsea boot? I’m in the US so I believe we don’t have access to their resoling program. Thanks!
The Mukishoes soles are super grippy, and they’ve held up really well for me so far. But if compared to the Fulhams, they don’t seem to be as sturdy or durable. My feeling is that the Mukishoes would wear out first if both were worn the exact same way. But again, my Mukishoes Chelseas are probably my most worn of all my chelsea boots and I haven’t seen any wear on the sole yet.
I am a farmer who has farmed in Blundstones for years and spent alot of time searching for an adequate zero-drop replacement. I decided to invest in the Conker chelsea boots with a lugged sole after seeing them on this list. I can vouch that although they are a significant investment, they are every bit as sturdy as my Blundstones were, and they are amazingly comfortable. I waterproofed them and condition the leather regularly, and they’ve held up beautifully. They’re not as flexible as some shoes, but as a work boot that will be kicking a lot of shovels, I wasn’t looking for them to be too thin or flexible. Thanks for putting them on this list! They are exactly what I needed and I’d recommend them for anyone who wants a shoe that will hold up to hard work, mud, and everyday wear.
Thanks for this feedback, so glad you found something that worked!
Hi Josie – I second the Conkers vote of confidence! They craft some seriously beautiful boots. And their staff is incredible – they confirmed with me all of my measurements and helped me decide between standard and wide based on my region and boot usage. I had a pair of DaVinci’s, but Conkers (in my opinion) are far superior and more attractive.
Hi Anya,
Thanks for your great reviews!
I bought the Chelsea Mukishoes online according to your sizing recommendations and my feet slide forward and bump the front :/
If I move my foot to the back end, the size is perfect. Also, I compared them to my Vivo Primus Lite and they are exactly the same length (the Vivos fit perfectly).
So I’m wondering if I should size up or use an insole.
What do you suggest?
Hey there! It sounds like you might need to make use of some of the low volume fit hacks to keep your foot from sliding around. Leg warmers and tongue pads should do the trick if they fit you in the length and width. An insole also can help, but since it pushes your whole foot up I find it doesn’t work in all my shoes. You can read more about these tricks here: https://anyasreviews.com/ufaq/fit-hacks-for-low-volume-feet/
Hi Anya! I am adding to the above question. I’d love to try Chelsea style as I am lacking stylish barefoot shoes, but I am afraid with my low volume feet and skinny ankles and heels this style will not work for me, unless I wrap my feet in bubble wrap which is not something I am excited about. Is there by any chance a brand that makes Chelsea style boots for my kind of feet? That would not make my feet swimming all directions inside the shoe? Your input appreciated as always!
Chelsea boots will always be a challenge for low volume feet and narrow heels. I have yet to find one for me that is a perfect fit out of the box. I think maybe if it was I wouldn’t be able to get my foot inside… I basically always need to use a tongue pad in the upper and often in the heel cup too. Mukishoes Chelsea, Groundies Camden, and Magical Shoes Lupino are the best fitting for me and I can almost get away with no accommodations.
Thanks a lot!
Hi Anya, Im a guy looking for Chelsea boots and I noticed a few of the brands here specified that the shoes were women’s. But am I correct in guessing that as long as the sizes fit me, that they can all be unisex? Or are there some other nuances that Im missing?
You’re right, as long as the sizes fit you should be good. Some of these brands have a different shape in men’s vs women’s (like Vivobarefoot and Xero) but most of them are exactly the same, it’s really just needless gendering. Just make sure that if you’re looking at something marketed as a women’s shoe in US sizes you check the conversion, since your comparable men’s size would be different.
Thanks Anya!
Hi – been pouring over this article! I love wide toe box (I wear correctoes all the time) but have still not graduated to super thin sole. I’ve been trying to compare but many sites just say ‘really flexible’! 😉 which pairs (other than Lems – not wide enough for me) have the ‘thickest’ sole? thanks!
Conker would have the next thickest sole, but another trick you can do is add an insole. NorthSole makes barefoot insoles that adds some cushion and stack height, and they work really well!
Thanks for this blog. I’ve found some great new barefoot brands from reading your posts. I switched to barefoot shoes about 5 years ago and I’m noticing that some of my favorite boots’ (like the Drifter Leather Chelsea boots) soles are wearing down to the point where I either have to have them resoled or throw out the shoes even though the upper part is in great condition. My DL boots are in a shoe repair shop that specializes in vibram soles right now, but they told me that they can’t replace the entire sole but will try to patch and rebuild the worn heel area. I’m wondering whether you are seeing this issue. It seems this is an unspoken downside of minimalist/barefoot shoes—that the soles will wear out much sooner than those of conventional shoes and given how much these shoes typically cost and the dearth of good shoe repair shops that can resole them (not to mention some of these shoes simply *cannot* be resoled)—you will have to replace barefoot shoes often. It seems so wasteful.
I’d love to hear your thoughts about this issue. Thank you for reading my message.
Hi Lara, you bring up some good points. In this world of fast fashion I don’t believe it’s just barefoot shoes that have this problem – most of the shoes you see at the store and online are cheaply made, wear out quickly, and get thrown in the landfill within a couple years. In fact, I would say that barefoot shoe brands are generally more conscientious about having reparable shoes or offering repair services. But there are many that can’t be repaired if the sole wears out and it’s something that I would like to see changed as we apply pressure. There are cobblers in the states that will completely resole barefoot shoes or any shoes, one is The Barefoot Cobbler and another is Matt from Paisley Running Sandals.
Really glad to find this blog! Thanks for your work. I’m wondering if there are any manufacturers who make custom shoes for atypical foot shapes. My 2nd, 3rd and 4th toes are longer than my big toe, and 43 years of cramming into shoes that assume big-toe primacy are taking a real toll. Even barefoot brands taper from the big toe, and either I’m buying shoes that are way too big for the rest of my foot (which is low volume and narrow) or my toes are crunched.
I’m also wary of going all-in on zero drop and no cushioning – just got Topos with a 3mm drop and even that is a strain on the system.
Any ideas?? Thanks so much!
Hi Shonie! There are in fact quite a few custom barefoot shoe makers, and while it can be expensive there are options in a more affordable range. You can explore custom brands here: https://anyasreviews.com/custom-barefoot-shoe-brands-for-hard-to-fit-feet/
As far as the concerns with transitioning, you can find heel lifts to put under the insole in your shoe if you need a higher drop. The nice thing about that is you can take it out later without needing to buy a new pair of shoes. In this article here I list out brands with thicker soles, but they still have an anatomical foot shape. Some have a small heel rise as well. One custom brand you might be interested in is Fyous, you get a custom shoe to your foot shape and you can choose the heel drop and sole thickness.