Barefoot Shoe Basics
What are barefoot shoes, and how are they different from regular shoes?
Barefoot shoes are designed to mimic natural, barefoot movement. They have a wide “foot-shaped” toe box, zero drop (this means flat – i.e. no raised heel), and a flexible sole to encourage foot strength and natural movement.
What are the 5 main features of barefoot shoes?
The 5 key attributes of barefoot shoes are:
- Foot Shaped
- Flat
- Thin (for ground feel)
- Flexible
- Securely Attached
To be considered barefoot, a shoe must meet all of these criteria. If a shoe ticks some of these boxes, it might be considered barefoot friendly – but this is a very arbitrary term.
Want to assess whether your shoes are barefoot? Use the post below to help.
Are minimalist shoes the same as barefoot shoes?
Not always. Minimalist shoes may have some barefoot features but often include a slight heel drop or more cushioning. True barefoot shoes prioritise natural foot function.
Do barefoot shoes have arch support?
No, barefoot shoes encourage your foot’s natural arch support by strengthening the muscles rather than relying on built-in support.
Are water shoes barefoot shoes?
Some water shoes share barefoot features like flexibility and a thin sole, but they may lack durability for everyday wear.
I have saved many water shoes in my Amazon Storefront that totally work as an inexpensive barefoot shoe.
Starting Out: Health & Transition
I’m new to barefoot shoes, where should I start?
I recommend starting with an affordable barefoot-style sneaker to try the feel without a big investment. You can find my top budget-friendly picks on Amazon here.
Will barefoot shoes fix my foot pain?
They may help by allowing natural movement and strengthening foot muscles, but results vary. Transitioning gradually is key.
Can barefoot shoes help with flat feet?
Yes, they can strengthen the arches over time, but a slow transition is important to avoid discomfort.
Are barefoot shoes good for people with plantar fasciitis?
Some people find relief with barefoot shoes, as they allow natural foot function, but transitioning gradually is crucial.
How long does it take to transition to barefoot shoes?
It depends on your foot strength and habits. Some adapt quickly, while others take months. Start slow and listen to your body.
Can kids wear barefoot shoes straight away?
Yes! Kids’ feet are still developing, and barefoot shoes allow for natural movement and growth without restriction. Even if your child has been wearing regular shoes for years, their feet are still adaptable. Switching to barefoot shoes can help strengthen their muscles, improve balance, and support natural foot function. A gradual transition—starting with more barefoot time at home and shorter wear periods—can help them adjust comfortably.
Do I need to transition into barefoot shoes?
It depends on your starting point. Some people, especially those who already spend a lot of time barefoot or in flexible shoes, can switch easily with no issues. Others, particularly those used to structured or cushioned footwear, may need a slower transition to avoid soreness or discomfort. Factors like how often you wore shoes, the type of shoes, your job, and lifestyle all play a role. It’s generally best to start slow and listen to your body, but not everyone will need an extended transition period.
I have hypermobility, can I wear barefoot shoes?
Yes, but with caution. Barefoot shoes can help strengthen foot muscles and improve stability, which may benefit some people with hypermobility. However, if your joints are particularly unstable or prone to pain, you may need to transition more slowly and focus on foot-strengthening exercises first. Some people with hypermobility find they need a little more support, while others thrive in barefoot shoes. Listening to your body and adapting as needed is key.
Buying & Recommendations
Recommendations for babies' first shoes?
Yes, loads! Check out my top picks here.
Where should I take my child to get their feet measured?
Where can I get barefoot shoes on a budget?
Nowadays there are many budget options. You can check out my Amazon Barefoot Shoes list, but I also highly recommend Saguaro shoes for all the family.
Where can I get barefoot school shoes?
Several brands make school-appropriate barefoot shoes that meet uniform requirements while allowing healthy foot movement.
Read some of my reviews and round-ups here. I include options for boys, girls, younger and older.
Happy Little Soles sell a range of school shoes – you can use BAREFOOTBRIT for a discount.
Do barefoot sandals exist?
Yes, many brands offer barefoot-friendly sandals with flexible soles and foot-shaped designs. You can see all my recommendations here.
Where can I find barefoot shoes for wide feet?
I have really wide feet, but not all barefoot shoes are equal, so I struggle to fit inside many brands. However, for my wide, square feet, some of the brands I favour are: Tikki, Shapen, Be Lenka, Saguaro, Wild Sole Sandals, PaperKrane, Freet, Splay and Barebarics.
Where can I get barefoot shoes in the UK?
There are only a few places where you can find barefoot shoes in-store. To make it easier, I’ve created a dedicated page on my website listing UK-based brands and retailers that I personally use or have a strong relationship with. You can shop online with confidence, knowing that these companies come with my recommendation.
If you’re a retailer and would like to be listed, feel free to get in touch!
Are there barefoot shoes for hiking?
My favourite barefoot hiking shoes are from Freet Barefoot. You can check my reviews of the models I have here. My husband, on the other hand, walks in his Vivobarefoot trackers.
Can I wear barefoot shoes in winter?
TBA
What about steel toe cap safety barefoot shoes?
I will be updating this answer in April 2025.
Where can I get barefoot shoes on the High Street?
Does Clarks sell barefoot shoes?
Clarks pre-walker models generally have the 5 necessary attributes in order to be considered barefoot or barefoot friendly at the very least. Unfortunately, beyond this range, I do not recommend Clarks shoes. This is because, like most brands, in sizes bigger than infant 7UK EU24, the models become narrower, tapered and rigid.
Unfortunately I also find Clarks to be inconsistent with their training, advice, customer service and information. I believe they abuse their position as the perceived authority on children’s shoes.
Practical & Lifestyle Questions
Can I wear barefoot shoes to work?
It depends on your workplace. Many brands offer smart barefoot shoes that look formal but still provide barefoot benefits. My top 3 choices for smart office wear for ladies would be: Be Lenka, Shapen and Ahinsa. For men, Freet, Xero Shoes and Vivobarefoot have some good options. For budget options, consider checking Saguaro, too!
Don’t forget you can use my codes for a discount: BAREFOOTBRIT, BAREFOOTBRIT5, BAREFOOTBRIT10, BAREFOOTBRIT20
Are barefoot shoes allowed in schools?
Most definitely! Some schools may have strict footwear policies, but generally they stipulate “black, smart and polishable” school shoes. There are plenty of barefoot shoe options that fit these criteria. It is extremely rare for schools to decline the use of barefoot shoes, and in my experience this is only fuelled by a lack of knowledge. If you need help communicating with a school in regards to your child’s barefoot footwear, please reach out to me for assistance.
Do barefoot shoes wear faster than regular shoes?
No, barefoot shoes don’t wear down any faster. Traditional shoes often have more material that wears unevenly, altering gait and encouraging replacement. Barefoot shoes wear down naturally and evenly without negatively impacting movement.
Do barefoot shoes work for people with bunions?
Yes, their wide toe box allows more room for natural toe alignment, which can be helpful for bunions. Barefoot shoes can help the worsening of bunions, they can help you manage pain, and they can even help you towards reforming your foot health. For more help with foot restoration and ongoing care, I would encourage you to check out the resources at The Foot Collective. You can get 15% off their courses and foot health products with BAREFOOTBRIT.
How do I clean barefoot shoes?
Just like any other shoe! Like many items of apparel, some materials may need special care. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines to keep your shoes in their best condition.
For leather and wool shoes, I have written how I clean mine in this article.
Budget & Availability
Are barefoot shoes expensive?
They can be, but there are affordable brands and budget-friendly options available. Investing in quality can save money long-term.
Where can I find second-hand barefoot shoes?
My Facebook group (and others), eBay, Facebook Marketplace and more recently, Vinted has definitely become a really great place to snag a bargain. If you’re looking for new budget friendly options, my Amazon barefoot shoe list is always work a look.
Is it ok to buy second hand barefoot shoes?
Yes! Unlike traditional shoes, barefoot shoes don’t mould to the previous wearer’s foot in the same way, making them a great sustainable and affordable option. Just ensure they’re in good condition and properly cleaned.
For a more detailed look at this topic, read the full answer here.
Are there any brands that do sales or discounts on barefoot shoes?
Sure! Almost all barefoot shoe brands have at least one annual sale, and often you can get 5-20% off with one of my affiliate discount codes. If in doubt, try BAREFOOTBRIT in the coupon box at the checkout. Add a 5, 10 or 20 for some sites.
Still have questions?
I hope this FAQ has helped answer your barefoot shoe questions! If you’re looking for more guidance, check out my blog for in-depth articles, reviews, and recommendations.
You can also join my Facebook community to ask questions, share experiences, and get advice from others on the same journey.
Happy barefooting!
Brit 👣