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
106 thoughts on “The Best Barefoot Chelsea Boots That Won’t Squish Your Toes!”
Hi Anya, Thank you for all the information on Muki Chelseas. I normally wear a size 39 (25cm/10cm) but sized up to 41 on the Mukis so I can wear them with insoles and thick socks. They are so comfortable, like slippers! They look good with all my outfits. I am 75 years old and these are my first pair of barefoot shoes! Never too late to wise up ! Thank you again for all that you do.
Yay! So glad they were a home run for you. Thanks for the sizing info.
Hi! I live in the U.S- New York. Are any of these shoes sold in U.S.? If not, do any of these shoes ship to U.S.? What happens if they don’t fit?
They look so comfortable!
There are many available in the US! My shop Anya’s Shop carries several of these European brands and we are located in the US. And the ones that aren’t physically located here almost always ship to the US. If they don’t I mention it, because most of my readership is stateside.
Read through each shop’s return policy to see what to do if they don’t fit, it varies. But most accept returns on new shoes within 30 days.
Hi Anya! Great list of boots! I was wondering if any of these are waterproof? I’ve had the xero tari boots for about a month and they already look terrible from all the rain we get. Any slip-on Chelsea boots that are waterproof? Thank you!
Yes! The Lems Chelsea comes in a waterproof option. Also the Feelgrounds Chelsea is another water resistant boot.
Hi Anya, thank you for all your great reviews! I am considering the Mukishoes cork or leather Chelsea boot in black, have you tried both and if so would you say they are very similar in size and fit? I am typically 38 in most shoes (24cm longest foot). Also is the leather version really warm or could they be ok also for spring and autumn? Just trying to work out which option to go for :).
Thank you!
Hi Frida, I do have both and I find the leather model fits a little bit smaller. I have a 37 in the Cork and a 38 in black leather and my feet are 23 (sometimes 23.3) cm long. Both are a little smaller than chelsea boots from Vivobarefoot in the same size. The lining isn’t so thick in either and I think they can definitely work for spring and autumn.
Hi Anya, would you recommend to size up from Vivo Fulham or just the same size? A little hard to judge from the photo for me 😀 Although I must say that 39 in Vivo Fulham sometimes feel lose for me with insole. I won’t be getting the insole right off the bat with Muki as they are out of stock though. Thanks so much in advance for your reply 🙂
The Vivo Fulhams from year’s past ran bigger than usual for Vivo, but this year the Geo Chelsea is more true to size. If you have a wide and/or high volume foot you might want to size up for a little more space, or if you plan to wear warm socks. Otherwise I think you can order based off their size chart.
Hi Anya thank you for all of your reviews and amazing info. I don’t know if you have much experience with duckfeet shoes there roskilde inparticular. I have wide-extra wide mountain shape feet, my question is would these be a good durable fit for my particular foot? If not any recommendations I am hard on shoes and looking for a good rugged chealsea.
Thank you
Hi! I don’t own any Duckfeet shoes, but I have looked at them. I love everything about them except that they have a small heel. An alternative that looks very similar and is also durable is Conker shoes or Green shoes in the UK. They can be made with a totally flat rubber sole, and repaired as often as needed. You might also be intrigued by the Lems Chelsea, but Conker shoes are more durable.
Hi! These are great reviews. Couldn’t be happier to see shoes made for our feet. There’s always one more thing, right? I’m looking for a wide toe box but with a platform sole. I need more cushion but without pitch. Have you come across a good platform boot? Preferably with a removable insole. That’s all.
Unfortunately I don’t know of any such boot myself. Duckfeet is probably the closest but they have a small heel. You might like Oesh Shoes for their thicker sole, but they don’t have any boot styles.
Have you tried the Chelsea boots from Etsy sellers like feelbarefoot and bespokycraft? Curious how those compare.
I had never heard of or tried Bespokycraft, but it looks like they are heavily inspired by FeelBarefoot. I do have a pair of Chelsea boots from FeelBarefoot and they are good. They have more of a high volume fit over the arch than is ideal for me, but look sleek (and I use a tongue pad in them). I like that you can get them in virtually any color too. All around good choice – but shoes made with those thick buffalo hide outsole start out feeling stiff and then break in significantly as you wear them. Just a heads up, since some barefoot shoe wearers are surprised by that. This is my FeelBarefoot Review, which doesn’t include info on the chelsea yet because I got them later, but does share more info about the brand and materials used.
Thank you so much for this wonderful in-depth reviews! Of these Chelsea boot options, which hold up best outdoors? We live in a rural area and are often on more natural elements, not on sidewalks and pavement. I’d appreciate any insight into which of these are more for urban areas or dress shoes, vs. outdoor and in the elements. I already see the suggestions of waterproof- thanks!
I would suggest the new Vivobarefoot Chelsea (which haven’t been released yet but should be soon), or the Lems chelsea. The Be Lenka Entice also should function well for outdoors.
Hi Anya!
I just got inspired to order a pair of Mukishoes Chelsea reading your article and also seeing them being relaunched now on their website. Maybe I gotta be quick to order them before they run out. Just got a small question about the fit. I have low volume feet. Do you think these boots will suit me? I think I read on your site that Mukishoes in general cater to high volume feet or am I wrong?
Best regards
Mikael
Hi Mikael, I might have replied too late but it’s true that Mukishoes generally fit high volume and the Chelsea do fit high volume over the arch. But the ankle area is slim and can wear them well with an extra insole. They fit a little loose on me, but because they’re so light and flexible I don’t have an issue with it.
Hi Anya,
How wide are the Groundies Camdens compared to the Vivo Geo Chelseas?
Style is a huge factor for me and I’m looking for Chelsea boots that fit slim at the ankles with a medium to taller shaft.
Wondering which of the 2 you would recommend, or if you have other suggestions.
For reference, I’m a 38EU/7.5US with plateau feet.
– Vivo Magna Trails hiking boots are a bit too narrow for me (chafe pinky) out of the box at the right length
– Vivo Addis have a lot of splay room, very comfortable, although I could definitely go narrower
– Xero Prio Neos fit well, potentially because of the mesh top (more stretchy)
Hi KC, the Camdens are similar in width to the Vivo Geo Chelsea’s but to me they feel softer and wider because the sole is more flexible and forgiving. I have both in the same size and find that the Geo Chelsea’s feel stiffer out of the box and take more breaking in. But I will say that the Vivo’s look nicer after having been worn a while. The Camden’s are super soft and comfortable but crease more. I really like both for style, but personally I find the taller shaft on the Camden a little harder to wear because I am short. Basically, I love both! but hopefully those minor differences will be enough to help you decide. Oh, and the Vivo’s are leather lined whereas the Camden has a velvet lining that is warmer.
Hi Anya,
I have extra extra wide toes, and narrow heels/ankles. Could you tell me which has a wider toe box, the be Lenka entice or the Groundies Camden mid barefoot+?
(I have other be lenka boots and they could be wider, but I struggle to find brands wide enough and I’m in UK, so not being able to return is an issue for me). Thanks so much
I don’t have the Camden Mid, but I have the regular Camden in Barefoot+ (size 37) from Groundies and I Just put them on side by side with the Be Lenka Entice (size 38). The length is the about the same and visually they look to be the same width but the Entice feel snugger on me and my outer toes brush the sides. The walled outsole on the Entice comes up higher and isn’t super flexible so it encroaches on the widths a bit. The Camden Barefoot+ feels soft and roomy, but they are a little wider in the heel area than I need. I have been wearing them with socks and an insole and they stay nice and secure. As a side note, Happy Little Soles in the UK carries a lot of Be Lenka. But I don’t know any UK retailers that sell Groundies right now.