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”
Hi Anya,
What brands of wide toe shoes are good for women’s casual office wear? I am looking for those that are comfortable for a short distance walk, i.e. 5 min to train station.
Thanks.
Hi Vicki, you can find our favorite barefoot dress shoes for women here.
Hi! My dilemma is two-fold. First that my toes don’t taper much at all. My fourth toe is almost as long as my second toe, and they are all only a smidge shorter than my big toe! Most “barefoot” and “natural” footshaped soles still seem to assume that your toes will taper significantly more than mine do, meaning that I don’t benefit from the extra width. More poor toes are still squished!
Which brings me to my second problem. My pinkie toes are a little shorter than the rest of my toes, but when I stand, they like to turn out significantly AND I have small tailors bunions on the outside of my pinkie toes, making it extra vital that my toes not get squished or the bunions get inflamed! During the summer I generally settle for sandals that have a flat enough edge that my little toe can comfortably hang off a little bit if it needs to. But I haven’t truly found a good solution for winter or running. I put on gel toe sleeves and wear special socks and those help some, but its such a faf! Would love to be able to have a pair of shoes that just fit my feet!
At this point I am about to start trying to make my own shoes!
(For a reference point, even crocks don’t have enough room for my pinkie toes!)
Thanks in advance for any advice you may have!!!
Hi Chelsea, I would check out the following brands:
Softstar Shoes – their Primal shape sounds like it would suite you!
Realfoot
Wyde Footwear
This post and your articles in general have been very helpful! I went barefoot all summer, then my shoes started hurting and realized I needed new footwear. Gradually found you! Wide + Flexible soles + insert is getting me transitioned while I work on exercises. Thanks for all your information.
Hi Anya, thankyou for your site, I am starting out with this type of footwear due to recently developing a bunion, and for better muscle strength and alignment , looking for walking/ hiking shoes that would be best
thankyou very much, I live in Australia
Hi Sue, Lems is a really popular first shoe choice.
Since you live in Australia, be sure to check out our Brands by Region directory here.
I have narrow feet and am transitioning to shoes with a wider toe box. So far I have a pair of topo athletic phantoms that fit really well and feel great. I would like some everyday shoes that I can wear to work with slacks but need a really narrow heel and I don’t want zero drop. What are your best recommendations?
Hi Heather, our website focuses primarily on barefoot shoes. I would look over this list of women’s barefoot dress shoes . Since barefoot shoes are flat with no built in support, it’s easy to add your level of heel rise with an insole.
Hello, I’m looking for a trainer that has a toe ridge
I’ve recently had a Morton’s Neuroma removed and still have some tenderness at the base of my toes – I get some comfort from wearing a Birkenstock sandal and a FitFlop sandal as they both have a toe ridge. Any advice etc most appeciated 🙂
Cheers
Fiona
Hello Fiona, I would suggest adding a metatarsal pad to an existing shoe.
I have sciatica and am struggling to find a shoe that works. My totally flat mocasins don’t trigger me but they are much too thin to walk on and that’s been true of Lems and Xeros that both sellers recommended as the most cushioning for those brands. I have an Altra with a very big toe box and lots of cushioning, which is the best I’ve found, but because not flat still triggers pain in my foot. What would you suggest for a very wide toe box, more cushioning and flat? Does that even exist? Thanks!
Hi Richard, take a look at Wyde Footwear – they sound like just what you’re looking for!
Hi Richard, did you try the Wyde footwear recommendation? I have a similar problem love my Zero for everyday use, but for walking and standing all day ( day trip to london) I need a lot of cushioning nd room for my arch support otherwise I get lot of pain. I had been looking at Wyde, but wasn’t sure if they were cushioned enough. Thanks,
I’m a longtime fan of Topo Athletics and Altras, but I’ve been struggling with an Achilles injury and need something with a higher heel to toe drop to off load the tendon. Is there anything that has the wide toe box, hiking type tread/lugs bit isn’t minimal or zero drop?
Obviously, I can add heel lift but those sometimes don’t fit great either.
We did come across this option from Veloci Running that might work for your current needs.
I looked in depth at all the shoes you profiled.
I am looking for a wide toe box, wide shoe due to bunion on my R foot due to a 1/2 leg length difference.
I am getting desperate enough I have seriously been thinking of bespoke shoes with a last made exactly for my foot.
Do you know if Greens can make a custom last, and roughly what it costs?
Thanks!!!
Hi! I don’t believe they do. I think Gaucho Ninja is the only maker we know of that will custom made a last.
I have bunions and am used to wearing a vans slip on style shoe, which I will concede does not have enough room for my toes. I’m going to physio to treat pain in the base joint of my second toe and they are recommending different shoes. I want something low profile, black and white, but I walk all day at work and keep getting recommended hokas and new balance with huge cushioned soles. I don’t want these. Any recommendations? The physio wants mesh top and wide toe box.
Hi Melanie, you can find our top picks for beginner barefoot shoes here. The closest style to your previous vans slip-ons would be these from Splay Shoes.
I’ve been looking for shoes without much success. I’m in my late thirtys and all of a sudden I have a Tailor’s Bunion, fat pad atrophy on the ball of the foot near the bunionette, and now for some reason pain on my high arch in the same foot after using some insoles given by podiatrist that we’re supposed to help with the fat pad atrophy. I can’t seem to find shoes that help or look nice. What brands or styles you suggest for me to look into?
The option on this list are a great place to start, as well as our top picks for beginners.
Hi Anya,
I have a neuromuscular disease which means I tend to roll outwards slightly and so do have some insoles which I occasionally use, I usually wear just regular laced Skechers and find these fine but I’m looking to branch out. I’m not a big fan of things with a totally flat sole because lifting my foot to heel strike properly is challenging sometimes and totally flat soles tend to make me slap my feet down. Anything with a wide toe box but perhaps a bit more on the base?
Hi Sheila, this is just the right blog post for you. The options in the above article have a wide toe box, but not a barefoot sole. You can also add your own level of support to any barefoot shoe if no support isn’t right for you.