When it comes to shoes the dialogue can feel a bit extreme. It’s either a total barefoot shoe or a full blown marshmallow strapped to your foot. But what if you’re someone who wants to wear a combination of those two – a wide toe box shoe that doesn’t squish your toes, but that also doesn’t have an ultra thin, flat sole?
I’m here to solve your shoe woes, so here is your guide to shoes that have a natural foot shape but are not barefoot shoes.
The Natural Footwear Spectrum
When it comes to shoes there are two extremes: Maximalist and Minimalist. Maximalist shoes have thickly cushioned soles, arch support, pronation control, and all the doodads possible. And unfortunately, often a pointy narrow toe box as well.
Minimalist shoes are the polar opposite with no cushion or support of any kind, as little shoe as possible so that nothing interferes with the functioning of the foot. And also there’s the foot shaped toe box we love so much.
This is why minimalist shoes are considered to be the most natural – they are simply there for protection and don’t interfere with the natural functions of the foot!
But these are just the two extremes. There is an entire spectrum of shoes that fall in between and still have a comfortable wide toe box. That means you have the option of picking the shoe features that align with your goals, and leaving behind what doesn’t align – without compromising your toe space.
Because depending on your current life situation, your feet might not be able to do all that’s required of them without a bit of help. Here are a few reasons why a person might not want to be in full barefoot shoes all of the time:
- Short term injury – e.g. achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, morton’s neuroma, stress fracture.
- Long term condition – e.g. hallux rigidus, loss of fat pad under foot, severe joint instability, diabetes.
- Working/Living environment – e.g. standing on concrete all day.
And then there’s simple preference. I’m not here to tell you what to wear.
The path to happier, healthier feet is WIDE and there is space for you! If barefoot shoes don’t work for you for whatever reason, I want you to know what your best options are.
And don’t forget that you can make many barefoot shoes less “barefoot” with the use of insoles (either from this list of insoles or your own)
My guiding principle is to wear the shoes that support the life I want to lead, both in the short term and the long term.
Are These Shoes Still Good For Me?
An anatomically shaped shoe that allows your toes to spread out is ground zero for foot health. So even though there are good reasons to consider true minimalist shoes, you should give yourself credit for taking what I would consider to be the most important shoe feature seriously!
What If I Am New To Barefoot Shoes?
Trying shoes from this list will allow you to experience more toe freedom and can be a good way to get started. However, true barefoot shoes have a totally different feel and if that’s your goal I would recommend starting with my other barefoot shoe resources instead.
If you’re ready to transition and need some guidance, check out my Find Your Footing Workshop to get started!
The Best Wide Toe Box Shoes
Now let’s dig into your options for shoes with a natural wide toe box that are not barefoot shoes.
These are listed alphabetically.
Altra Running
Ships from USA & other locations worldwide
Altra Running makes zero and low drop shoes with a much wider toe box than is typically found on athletic shoes, but the cushioning level is high and they offer lateral stability. This is a good brand for ultra runners who log ridiculous miles on concrete and for people who need a more rigid sole – whether that is because of joint arthritis or to hold a supportive orthotic.
I personally recommend their mid to lower cushion options (the high cushion is just excessive for nearly everyone!) and their wide or extra wide fit – the Lone Peak is my favorite. Each model comes with detailed specs so you know exactly what you’re getting.
Baer Shoes
Ships from Germany
Baer Shoes is a German brand with many beautiful anatomically shaped shoes. The nice thing about Baer is that you can find options for just about every type of shoe you are looking for, including dress shoes. This is the only brand I’ve found that offers so many attractive lifestyle in the wide, but not barefoot category. And the quality is consistently high. These are beautiful shoes!
This brand also has details product descriptions and filtering options, so that you can hone in on the width, heel drop, type of support, and more.
Bahe
Ships from UK or EU
Use code ANYA for 10% off
Bahe carries a spectrum of shoes that range from thick to thin, so you can get wide toe box shoes with a cushioned sole, or something more in-between a standard and barefoot thickness. They specialize in outdoor shoes, and come with grounding technology.
The sizing is true and the toe box is an all around good width and shape.
Read my full Bahe Revive review here!
Barebarics
Ships from US or EU
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off from Barebarics, or find select styles at Anya’s Shop.
Barebarics are more of a barefoot shoe brand than others listed here, but I couldn’t leave them off because they work very well for people who want to add their own orthotic. The sole is wide, durable, and structured so they are quite stabilizing. If you need a supportive shoe and want toe space for days, this is one of the best options (with your own arch support added, because they come with a totally flat insole).
Read an in-depth review of Barebarics shoes here.
Be Lenka Recovery
Ships from US or EU
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off.
These shoes have some heel rise and a solid, sturdy base. They are not as wide in the toe box as Barebarics, and I found that they run on the small side. These are a good choice for someone who wants a lightweight, wider shoe that otherwise feels like a more typical orthopedic shoe.
Currently they are mostly available in the EU with very limited options in the US store.
Bedrock Sandals
Ships from US
Bedrock sells a variety of models and most have a thick, protective outsole. And if support is what you’re after, the Mountain Clogs and 3d models are lightly molded. You can read our review of the Mountain Clogs here.
Birchbury
Ships from US
Birchbury shoes are medium thick and come with a padded insole and a bit of arch support. Birchbury are still pretty flexible and light, so make for a good bridge between traditional shoes and barefoot shoes. My dad loves them as his church shoes, because they are so much more comfortable than most dress shoes.
The Breston model has a non-slip outsole option, which is great for people in the service industry.
Birkenstock
Ships from US & many locations worldwide
Birkenstocks are high quality shoes with rigid support for the entire foot. If you want/need a lot of foot support this is a good brand to consider, especially if rigidity is necessary for you due to structural limitations (e.g. big toe arthritis). Birkenstocks last a really long time too! Some closed toes models have removable insoles, so you can experiment with a more barefoot feel if you want to.
I have a long, somewhat tortured relationship with Birkenstocks. But I can’t deny that they saved my toosh when I couldn’t walk due to foot pain!
Chacos
Ships from US
Chacos have a really durable sole with quite a lot of arch support. The sole is mainly rigid, especially in the heel area, but you do get some flex right at the ball of the foot. Some of their sandals come in a wide width, and they have a clog line that is pretty foot-shaped.
They also carry models with a conventional tapered toe box and tall heel, so make sure to look at the top down view of each shoe.
Conker Shoes (UK)
Ships from UK
Conker Shoes is a small UK-based sustainable brand making high quality leather footwear that can be resoled for a lifetime. Their made-to-order shoes can be customized a variety of ways and built on many different soles (including zero drop options). You can even be fitted in person at their workshop in Devon! While they don’t offer supportive insoles, they do have a more traditional structure and thickness to them – and you can always add your own insoles if you want to.
Crocs
Ships from US & other locations worldwide
Oh Crocs! These lightweight foam clogs have become a comfort staple in America because they slide on easily and have ample toe space. While I am not a fan of slide on shoes for long term foot health, I can’t deny that the toe box on Crocs is solid. And if cushion is what you’re after, they are soft and thick under foot. I just recommend putting your Crocs in sport mode, with the back strap on your heel.
Dolfie Paradise
Ships from EU
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
Dolfie is one of my favorite new brands (well, new to anatomically-shaped shoes). They come with two insole options, so you can get more cushion if you want it, and they are just really well made. They are fairly flexible despite the cushioning, so they appeal to barefoot and non-barefoot shoe wearers.
Duckfeet
Ships from EU
Duckfeet shoes has been making naturally shaped footwear since 1975! They all have a wide toe box and a moderate heel. There is no internal arch support, but the veg tanned leather midsole will form to your foot with wear. They’re based in Denmark, and all materials are European-sourced, including terracare® leather, making Duckfeet a sustainable and environmentally-friendly option. Oh, and they can be resoled too!
El Naturalista
Ships from EU
We are carrying two transition models (the two you see here) at Anya’s Shop for the first time this year, if you want to shop from the US. It’s scheduled to arrive the first half of May.
El Naturalista has a range of wide toe box shoes that include barefoot, transition or in-between, and traditional thickness. They are all handmade in Spain and really nice quality. I find the shape and fit of them to be really good for most people too. The standard models are thickest and have a bit of extra cushion in the heel. The transition models are zero drop, but still fairly cushioned. They are quite comfortable for both barefoot and non-barefoot shoe wearer.
Flux Footwear
Ships from US
Flux footwear’s Adapt Runner has ample toe space and a mostly flat sole, but they are cushioned and fairly stiff with a rocker effect. This can be useful for people who have trouble bending the big toe – but I wish there wasn’t so much toe spring! This is a good model for people with extra wide feet, because they have so much toe space.
They also have an Adapt Trainer that looks to have a wide toe box, but I have not yet tried this updated version.
Dartmoor Shoemakers (UK)
Ships from UK
Dartmoor Shoemakers handcraft all their footwear in the UK with a variety of custom options – you can even have them fully bespoke to your foot shape! And because you can resole them they can last forever. You can choose from different sole thicknesses and heel heights depending on your preferences.
HEYDUDE
Ships from US
HEYDUDE shoes have many foot-friendly qualities. They’re super lightweight, flexible, with a toe box that is a lot roomier than most conventional shoes. The outsole is also moderately cushioned with a small heel lift. The best options from HEYDUDE are the Wally and Wendy styles, and some models also come in wide width and a non-slip option for service workers. These are a good first step into more natural footwear.
There are also many HEYDUDE dupes out there from big box stores like Walmart, and they all tend to have a pretty square and wide toe box.
Icarus
Ships from US
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
Icarus is a fun one because they come with 3 different insole options depending on your needs. I wear mine with a thin, flat insole but you can choose the cushioned option with extra padding under the heel and a bit of support. They’re really comfy and I love the simple styling!
Read my in-depth Icarus review here.
Joe Nimble
Ships from EU
Joe Nimble is a spin off brand from Baer shoes that focuses on athletic/outdoor models. These shoes are good quality and function well, with a lovely anatomical shape to them. I like them for people who need a more rigid sole but have wide feet. The support is minimal (light molding around the heel and flared base for lateral stability), but the soles are quite thick. You can always replace the sock liner with your own insole if you feel you need it.
Keen
Ships from US & other locations worldwide
Keen footwear was a staple in my life before I found barefoot shoes – they are really durable and long-lasting with a much wider than average shape. We like the water sandals, and also found that their work boots have good toe space (great option if you need a heel for ladder climbing). The KNX sneaker is a newer model inspired by the barefoot concept with just a 4mm drop, wide toe box, and flexible outsole. The product descriptions clearly show each model’s sole thickness and heel-to-toe drop so you can find a model that works for you!
Lems Shoes
Ships from US or EU
Lems are another brand that is well loved in the barefoot shoe community, but really can go either way. Their shoes are fairly thick and cushioned and they can easily hold your own arch support if you want to add it in. If you want a thicker, more supportive feel, I would choose Pursuit, Summit, & Outlander models, but all Lems are cushioned.
The Mesa & Trailhead are the only Lems models that do not have a wide fit and that I would stay away from. Each product listing includes width information.
Read all my in-depth Lems Reviews here
Notace
Ships from US
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
Notace is a newer brand that is making sport shoes that are foot-friendly, with toe space, and a thicker stack height. They are really lightweight, like Lems, but have a more substantial sole than barefoot shoes. Currently they sell shoes for the court, road running, and trail running.
This is a good brand for you if you like a natural fit and feel but with more cushion.
Oesh Shoes
Ships from US
Oesh Shoes are made with a natural shape, zero drop outsole, and no internal support. They have a more cushioned sole than most barefoot shoe brands and a plant-based recycled knit upper that’s soft and stretchy to fit a wide variety of foot shapes.
Ohne Retro Run
Ships from EU
Use code ANYAOP10 for 10% off.
This brand is one of my favorites for stylish wide toe box shoes. They are always on point! Most of their shoes have a bit of extra cushioning (and they come with two insole options in different thicknesses). But the most like a traditional shoe is the Retro Run. They are thick, with a flared heel for stability, but do not skimp on the toe space.
Peluva
Ships from US
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
Peluva doesn’t just have a wide toe box, they have individual toe pockets! You can find trainers, casual shoes, and even a golf model for adults with a stack height of 9mm or 12mm.
Saltwater Sandals
Ships from US & other locations worldwide
One reason these perennial sandals are so adored is because they are quite wide in the toe box and therefore more comfortable than most cute sandals! As a former Saltwater sandal wearer (who has always hated uncomfortable shoes) I can personally vouch for this. While not supportive, they are stiffer and thicker than most barefoot shoes and have a very low heel rise.
Taos
Ships from US
Taos wool clogs can be used as house slippers or as outdoor shoes. They have a good anatomical shape to them and a molded supportive insole that is removeable.
Teva Sandals
Ships from US & other locations worldwide
Teva Original sandals are generously shaped as far as most adventure sandals go, and the adjustable straps make them comfy even for my wide feet! I also like that Tevas are lightweight and still flexible, despite being cushioned.
Tolos Transition
Ships from US
Use code ANYA10 for 10% off
Tolos has barefoot models and also a transition option in every style except the Archetype. The transition midsole is firm rather than squishy, which some people prefer for long-term use because it holds up better over time. Even though it’s called a “transition” shoe, I find it really practical as an option for barefoot enthusiasts who just want a little extra underfoot protection for those longer days walking on concrete.
You can read the full review here!
Topo Athletic
Ships from US & other retailers worldwide
Topo Athletic has a wide toe box and a low or zero drop sole, but options with more cushioning and rigidity than barefoot shoes. This brand is another one that clearly spells out the specs for each shoe, so you can search for the width, heel drop, and thickness you need. I find this brand really comfortable myself!
The Phantom model is a good one for people with hallux rigidus (limited to no range of motion in the big toe), because the sole is stiff enough to prevent bending.
Veloci Running
Ships from US
Veloci Running shoes are highly cushioned (39mm heel height) with a wide toe box and 10mm heel drop. They have a rocker effect too.
Vibae
Ships from EU
Vibae shoes have a classic vibe and come with a molded supportive insole. The outsole is flat, and the shape is generously wide so they make for a mostly natural fitting shoe but with some support.
Whitin
Ships from many Amazon locations worldwide
Whitin is a popular affordable pick for people who want toe space. They carry both barefoot models and cushioned model. This particular model features a wide anatomical toe box on a cushioned zero drop outsole. The mesh is also airy and comfortable, and easy to wash up if needed! This is a good place to start if you want to try out the foot-shaped shoe concept without the risk.
Wyde Footwear
Ships from EU & US
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 15% off
Wyde Footwear carries a few sneaker and sandal styles that are extra wide in the toe box, but cushioned underneath. In particular, their new Soma sneaker (above right) is quite thick and has lateral stability. These feel a lot like wearing conventional shoes, but without the pinchy tapered toe box! There is no internal support, but the insole is removable insole so if you wanted to add your own supportive insole there should be space for it.
The size chart is accurate and I would stick with your normal size. The Nova model is pretty high volume, but the Soma is more medium volume.
410 thoughts on “The Best Wide Toe Box Shoes That Aren’t Barefoot”
Thank you so much for making this post. My main concern right now is finding shoes that are wide enough and more anatomically shaped than standard shoes. This has been a major source of struggle and stress for the past 20 years, which I hope is now coming to an end since discovering barefoot shoes and this site! My Barebasics are the first pair of shoes I’ve ever bought that have been genuinely wide enough for my feet. Just ordered some Birkenstock boots and so hoping they’ll fit as I don’t currently have any winter shoes! My feet are mountain-shaped with a high instep and are 9.8cm wide, which their average-width shoes appear to accommodate, according to their size chart. These suggestions of not-perfect-but-good-enough barefoot alternatives are much appreciated.
After wearing barefoot shoes for many years I developed plantar fasciitis after having my baby. Having some cushion was necessary so Lems and Altras saved my feet!
Oh dear, so that means barefoot shoes are not the solution for preventing (or resolving) plantar fasciitis? What do you think caused your PF?
For me it was the postpartum hormones ( relaxin) plus hours standing, swaying, and walking barefoot that did it!
I have bought Keens and they were the most comfortable boot I ever had. I have recently tried to buy replacement pairs, and two different varieties were 5 millimeters more narrow that the older pairs. One pair was old, and when I contacted Keen they denied changing them, so I thought maybe somehow the soles stretched, but I just bought another pair to replace a fairly new pair and they are also 5 millimeters narrower. Also the new pairs were too tight, were as the original ones fit perfect right out of the box. I’m just a single consumer so they probably don’t care if they lose my business, but maybe if you look into it and publish your findings they may realize they are going to lose more of the customers that went to them for the wide toebox in the first place.
I love my lems and was looking for more stylish. So hard to find until now ! This article is gold thank you for making this !
What are your recommendations for under and overpronation, and flat feet/fallen arches? I have worn barefoot shoes for almost a year and have not seen improvement. It’s contributing to knee pain and not helping my cuboid syndrome. I’m just not going to do foot exercises every day of my life, though I’ll do them occasionally or for a stretch when something is bothering me. I have started putting in super feet insoles into my barefoot shoes to recover from my latest cuboid injury and am thinking that I might just leave them in. What do you think?
The arches of the foot are created in the pelvis! Exercise modalities that strengthen your core, pelvis, glutes, and hips can have a surprisingly positive effect on flat feet. As can overall leg strength. Personally I love Pilates for stubborn flat feet and whole body foot health. So if foot exercises and barefoot shoes don’t seem to be doing much that is where I would focus. In the short term, if your Super Feet insoles help alleviate pain then I would stick with it until things calm down significantly.
Thanks so much for your response! This is reassuring.
Thank you for this article! I wear barefoot shoes sometimes (several pairs of Xero) but I’m old and I just have to have some cushioning. I am at the point where I will never go back to a shoe that is not zero or almost zero drop, but I can’t spend a day on my feet or do a lot of city walking in a shoe with no cushioning. Altra and Birkenstocks are my go-tos (though I have not had a lot of luck with Birkenstock *shoes* – I have found them stiff and heavy). Another shoe I have had some luck with is Allbirds – they have a high top sneaker that is zero drop, and they’re made of wool so they stretch enough to accommodate my wide forefeet. They’re cushioned enough for lots of walking, and have molded to my feet enough that they feel like slippers! However, I also tried their waterproof sneaker version and that is not zero drop, so my back and knees complain every time I wear them.
Great article! From the last above, I wear Altra and Birchbury shoes. They are both fantastic! Do you have a recommendation for a wide toe box shoe that can provide more lateral support for someone who plays pickleball or tennis. The shoe will also need to have a durable sole for playing on a hard surface.
Hi Mack, you can find some ideas for pickleball/tennis in this list here.
Thank you! I just sent this article to my daughter. She just had bunioneictomies at 18 with arthritis in the big toe. This was unfortunately hereditary and a necessary due to the grade. With that said we have been searching for wide toe boxes a rarity as you well know. This article is perfect and gives us a lot more options for when barefoot isn’t possible.
Thanks a bunch!
Love my Duckfeet fisherman sandals. I had my cobbler remove the heel!
Hi Anya,
Would you happen to know the name of the Crocs you have pictured without the holes and the strap? I can’t find it in my searches. Thank you!
Sheila
Hi Sheila, that model is called the “on the clock work slip-on”.