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
Vivobarefoot Sensus Chelsea
Leather Upper | Leather Lining | Sizes EU 35-49
Use code ARVIVO20 for 20% off
If you have low volume feet and narrow heels, this is the best barefoot Chelsea boot for you. I am almost always swimming in pull-on barefoot shoes, but the Vivobarefoot Sensus Chelsea I can wear with no modifications. They come with a removable thermal insole that some people will want to take out (if you’re not quite as low volume as I), and the toe box width is solid! They are not extra wide, but wider fitting than other Vivobarefoot shoes I’ve tried.
They have a really sleek, outfit-completing silhouette that I love. Stylish, and still practical with an outsole that has some grip to it.
Sizing & Fit:
- I find them true to size, but they do run shorter than other Vivo shoes. So some people will want to size up or plan to remove the insole.
- Medium wide in the toe box
- Low volume fit with insole, medium low volume without 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!
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 higher 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 Lumi (EU) – Sizes EU 36-47. Use ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off. This is an excellent 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
116 thoughts on “The Best Barefoot Chelsea Boots That Won’t Squish Your Toes!”
Hi Anya how did you measure the feet for such in depth info.
I measure my feet two different ways. You can find detailed instructions in this guide to measuring your feet.
Hi, thank you for such an in-depth blog, it’s really useful. Have you come across/can you recommend brands that offer stylish options with a wide toe box that aren’t so narrow depth wise or that offer some arch support (UK based ideally)? I understand arch support goes against bare foot principles but I have a tendon injury so need to have this or have room to insert insoles. I believe my foot issues stem from feet imbalance from squished toes though, so I am trying to transition part way!
Hi there! Have you checked out this list of cushioned/thicker barefoot shoe options? A couple of them have mild support, but you may want to use your own orthotic in them (for the most part they all have removable insoles you can swap out). I personally used SuperFeet arch support when I was dealing with a foot injury. I since transitioned out of it, but at the time it was helpful to be able to use it inside a wide toe box shoe.
Check out hobibear on Amazon. I have extra wide and deep feet and have invested significant money in brand but these beauties are by far the most comfortable and only 30% of the cost! I’m very happy!
Hi Anya,
Which of these are good for big ankles? It’ll be nice to wear shoes without squishy ankles.
Thanks.
Hi Amna, I’d suggest the magical Shoes Lupino, Xero Shoes, or the Lems Chelsea.
Hi Anya,
What might be some situations in which one might want to wear a more cushioned boot rather than a more barefoot boot?
It might be for more warmth (being farther from the cold ground), if you’re doing long mileage on hard smooth ground, or if you have some foot pain or discomfort with thin soles. I switch it up regularly because I don’t have much fat on my feet anymore and I get heel pain sometimes. So I feel best rotating between a bit more cushion and really thin barefoot soles.
What would you say are the most cushioned pair (i.e. thickest sole?) I am recovering from a foot injury and though I think barefoot shoes are the way to go, I need a bit of protection for city walking.
The Lems Chelsea has the thickest sole. You can read our review here!
Hi Anya
Are the Belenka Entice Neo soles different to the ones in your picture? The one in your picture seems to be the deep grip, but on the website they have a unigrip. Do you know then if the traction might be different in the newer version of the entice? Thanks in advance!
The current Entice models are made on the Unigrip, which has slightly less prominent lugs than the DeepGrip, making them best for urban winter environments.
Hi Anya,
I am looking for Chelsea boots that accommodate wide ankles ( I have small feet size 35/36 and every pair I’ve tried is too tight around my ankle) which would you recommend ? Thanks
Hmm, most chelsea boots cater to an average width, so one idea is to choose one with a side zip. The Koel and Magical Shoes chelsea boots both have the elastic panel on the outside but a zip on the inside. You could keep them partially unzipped and they would still look just like a chelsea.
Hi Anya! I’ve been trying to find more detailed size charts for the Conkers Chelsea boots (and maybe their Derby boots too), but it seems like no one has published them anywhere. Do you happen to know how wide their F width size typically is? I’ve tried reaching out to them for more clarity too, but they must be swamped being close to the holidays. I’m afraid I’ll make that investment for it to not fit…
Hi! We haven’t seen any detailed size charts. They are a very small business, so contacting them directly will be your best route to finding that information.
Any idea which ones would be best for super high volume feet and ankles, but average width feet? Thank you!! 😊
Hi Jess – Aintap, Magical Shoes, or Lems might work for you!
Hi – I tried the Magical Lupino after reading your reviews, and love everything about them except that they don’t fit my feet. I tried one size and found the length good, but my heel slipping all over and just generally a feel of way too much space around my foot. I tried a size down and my toes were hitting the front of the shoe. I am also now facing high costs to return. Do you have a recommendation of an alternative that is similarly light and flexible but a little less wide? Also, do you have anything that works for you to snug up a shoe that your foot is swimming in, even if the right length? Thanks so much.
Hi Loren! There are some fit hacks you can use if a shoe is too loose in your heel or has too much volume above your foot.
Some brands that I think would fit you better than Magical Shoes would be: Vivobarefoot, Mukishoes, Groundies, or PaperKrane.
Great post!
Which ones are best for guys with thinner ankles yet wide forefoot? I tried Lems Chelsea Waterproof Men’s 9.5 but there’s too much room in front of or behind my ankles. Thank you!
I would suggest the Angles Nyx, if you are able to get it (they don’t ship outside the EU). After that the Magical Shoes Lupino, which is not as high volume or wide in the ankle. Not as many men’s options for chelsea boots unfortunately!
Hi,
Thanks for your reviews. Im looking for some Chelsea boots, my feet are 25/10.5 and really high. Which of the boots you’ve tried you think might be a good fit for me? I’ve tried Be Lenka Mojo, or would have tried but couldnt even put them on; I’ve tried the Xero Tari, they’re a tad narrow but at least I could put them on. So height is a bigger issue for me than width but my feet are also wide and this combo makes finding thr perfect boots for me quite difficult. Thanks a lot!!!
Hello Reka, I would look at the following chelsea boot options – Lems, Shapen, and Mukishoes. Lems will likely be your best bet for wide and high volume.
Thanks for this list! I’m looking for a Chelsea boot that has the most ground feel, like a super thin sole. I love my Earth runners (primal and circadian) and wear them until it’s too cold but I want a Chelsea boot that feels equally thin and flexible! And ideally pretty to go with dresses and skirts! I LOVE the leather ones you make but it looks like the soles are firmer… but the look is perfection! Which one/s would you recommend?
The Mukishoes Chelsea has that really great barefoot feel with the super flexible thin sole. And I think they still well with dresses!
how does the feelground chelsea compare to the other brands?
It runs a little small. If you get the right size the toe box is a good width, but not extra wide. I find the faux leather kind of hard and it doesn’t mold and conform to your foot as well as I like. The furry lining is soft, and they are good for cooler temps (not breathable for temperate/warm temps though). I do like the look and feel, just not as much as the others I’ve featured.
I am looking to buy a vegan chelsea boot (or any everyday boot) so I looking at both the Magical Shoes Lupin and Feelground Chelsea. I have small but extra wide feet (size 36, but 4 in wide). I was thinking both might be too narrow. What are your thoughts?
Hm, yes both may be too narrow. The Magical Shoes is more likely because they have less structure so can mold a bit more to your feet.
I bought the mukishoes black loafers in a 41 because my feet are really wide, and with thick socks on, they fit me better than most shoes. They are still too narrow for my feet and only have a small amount of wiggle room elsewhere.
What I really want is this exact style of shoe (repairable, lace and zip up, lined. Taller would also be ok!) https://anyas-shop.com/collections/new/products/mukishoes-igneous-wool-lined-zip-up-boot but that would fit me better. I’ve been through the shoe finder and I feel like I found something else once but I can’t find it again. Are there any other shoes you would recommend?
Thanks for doing this, your websites have been very helpful, and your discount code was, too!
Hm, one brand that comes to mind is Nons. They have a much wider toe box, they are really comfy and good-fitting boots. And reparable! Their boot inventory is low, but if you reach out to them she can do some customizations and let you know what the ETA is for them. There is also these lace up boots from FeelBarefoot on Etsy. They are not wool-lined and I recommend ordering one size up from your usual. But they have a roomier toe box, taller cut, and zip side. And code ANYA50 will give you an extra discount on them. The other options that I can think of are either not wider, or are not easily reparable. Hope that helps!
Thank you Anya!