If you have been around here for a while, you will know that I do not hand out 5 star love lightly. But Oak & Hyde are a relatively new-to-me brand I have quickly come to genuinely admire, wear, recommend, and cheer on from the sidelines. I am SO happy to have discovered them and I am very much looking forward to their future.
Oak & Hyde have managed something that is surprisingly rare in the barefoot space. They create timeless, classic British designs while staying faithful to the fundamentals of barefoot shoes. Wide toe box, zero drop, flexible sole, quality materials, and footwear that actually works in real life.
This is not fashion pretending to be barefoot. This is barefoot footwear done properly, wrapped in heritage styling.
British design, handcrafted in Portugal, using premium leathers from Leather Working Group rated tanneries. Thoughtful, considered, and refreshingly grown up.
Why Oak & Hyde work so well as barefoot shoes
Before I get into specific models, it is worth setting the scene.
Oak & Hyde barefoot shoes tick all the boxes I look for as a long term barefoot wearer. They do have a legacy range of other regular shoe models, but this article focusses on their barefoot range, which has:
- Anatomical toe box that respects foot shape
- Zero drop sole for natural alignment
- Thin, flexible outsole at variable at 3.5mm (men’s) and 4.6mm (most women’s models) for ground feel
- Soft, supple leather that moves with the foot
- Styles that do not scream “barefoot shoe”
Fit wise, I would place Oak & Hyde at average volume. Somewhere between the lower volume feel of Vivobarefoot and the higher volume fit of brands like Freet. That sweet spot makes them a fantastic transition brand, especially for people moving into barefoot shoes from conventional footwear.
The women’s range. Timeless, powerful, and genuinely beautiful
Oak & Hyde’s women’s range is, quite simply, gorgeous.
I am going to say something I do not say lightly.
The Beech 18 tall black lace up boots are pretty sexy as far as barefoot shoes go! They’re confident, powerful, timeless boots that make you stand a little taller, but without the need of a heel!
They work because they honour foot shape without compromising silhouette. The toe box is anatomical but elegant. The leather is soft but structured. The boot holds its own whether you are in jeans, dresses, or layered winter outfits.
Wide calf brilliance with the Cedar boot
For women with wider calves, Oak & Hyde deserves real praise for the Cedar tan option. This is a genuinely adaptable wide calf boot that does not look like a compromise. It is practical, comfortable, and still beautifully styled.
Wide calf barefoot boots are not easy to get right. Oak & Hyde absolutely have.
The Willow boot: a winter staple
The Willow boot is an excellent autumn and winter all rounder. Practical, comfortable, smart enough for daily life, and easy to dress up or down.
Out of the box, Oak & Hyde boots come with a standard thin leather insole. Perfect for many. But I highly recommend upgrading to their sheepskin insoles if you want to elevate warmth and versatility.
That is exactly what Barefoot Curlylow did. She got her Willows in December and genuinely has not taken them off since. Really.
A little excitement for spring
I have been told to expect new colour options for both the Beech 18 and Cedar boots from spring. I am very ready for that!
BUT… Oak & Hyde are not just about women! Enter: the gorgeous men’s range!
One of the most common questions I am asked is:
Are there any smart barefoot shoes for men?
The answer is yes! And Oak & Hyde are right at the top of that list.
This winter, the important men in my life have been living in Oak & Hyde boots. And enjoying every minute of it.
Men’s Spruce barefoot chukka boot: Damian’s everyday favourite
My husband Damian has been wearing the Men’s Spruce barefoot boots in Cognac in a UK12.
Damian has low volume feet, measuring around 30cm, and he was lucky to just fit into this model length wise. That is worth noting for men with longer feet.
Damian’s everyday style is not particularly smart. Jeans, jumpers, practical layers. The Spruce boots have been brilliant for him because they feel like a smart shoe, but they work just as well casually. They bridge that awkward gap between “too formal” and “too scruffy” effortlessly.
The waxy laces make them easy to get on and off, which he really appreciates, and the leather has been a standout.
Despite being a leather boot, Damian experienced no break in period at all. The leather is breathable, supple, and immediately comfortable. Something we have noticed across every Oak & Hyde model we have tried.
Key highlights from the Spruce:
- Zero drop barefoot sole
- 3.5mm flexible outsole
- Wide toe box for natural toe splay
- Premium waxed leather from Silver rated LWG tannery
- Handcrafted in Portugal
- Soft leather lining
- Removable insole
- Lightweight and genuinely comfortable all day
If you are trying to transition your man into barefoot shoes, the Spruce is an excellent starting point. Familiar shape, smart styling, barefoot benefits.
Men’s Redwood moc toe: A brilliant option for classic taste
My dad is 75 and transitioned to barefoot shoes almost two years ago. He was once a big Rockport fan, so when he saw the Redwood Moc-toe, he immediately recognised a style he had lived in for years.
The classic upper stitching and moc toe design feels familiar, but the foot shape underneath is worlds apart from conventional shoes.
Ease of putting on footwear is crucial for my dad as he suffers with vertigo and struggles to bend down for long. Despite appearances, he found the Redwood surprisingly easy to get on and off.
Fit wise, Oak & Hyde have been a hit for him. He has a higher instep but is used to snug footwear after decades in conventional shoes. The average volume works beautifully, while the anatomical shape makes them far superior for comfort and foot health.
Why the Redwood works so well:
- Classic moc toe styling
- Wide toe box without looking bulky
- Zero drop sole for posture and balance
- Soft suede collar for comfort
- Handcrafted Portuguese build
- Practical, everyday wearability
For men who want barefoot shoes that still feel familiar, Redwood is a fantastic choice.
Men’s Hawthorn: Smart casual with a refined feel
B2Barefoot Dan, my brother in law, has been wearing the Hawthorn.
Dan highlights the leather quality immediately. Thin, supple, and beautifully finished. The colour is lovely and the overall feel is smart casual rather than rugged.
The fit is low volume, making them a great option for narrower foot shapes. For those who prefer extra room for maximal toe splay, a wider brand may feel more comfortable. That said, for men who value a closer, neater fit, Hawthorn absolutely delivers.
Dan would not choose them for heavy work use due to the refined leather, but for everyday wear, casual work environments, and social outings, they are spot on.
His top tip is to treat the leather straight out of the box with a good leather balm to prolong the life of the leather. A simple step that makes a big difference. Above is a photo of Dan’s Hawthorne straight after treatment, and below is a photo when that had dried, the following day.
Aspen sneaker: Casual, practical, and versatile
Oak & Hyde also offer the Aspen barefoot sneaker, available in white, brown, blue, and all black.
While we have not tested this model personally, I wanted it included for reference. The all black option is a particularly strong choice for older boys’ school shoes or anyone needing all black footwear for work.
Important to note that all four men’s styles use the same sole, so fit and ground feel remain consistent across the range.
Common questions answered:
- Are there any smart barefoot shoes for men?
Yes. Oak & Hyde are one of the best answers to this question. Their boots look smart without sacrificing barefoot principles.
- I want to transition my husband into barefoot shoes. Where should I start?
Oak & Hyde are an excellent transition brand. Familiar silhouettes, average volume, high quality materials, and immediate comfort.
- Are Oak & Hyde good for beginners?
Absolutely. Especially for men who are sceptical or style conscious.
Sizing, shipping, and practical details
Oak & Hyde are UK based, which means:
- Fast UK delivery
- Simple returns
- No overseas taxes or import charges for UK customers
They currently do not ship to the EU or rest of the world, but hopefully that will come in time.
Sizing runs true to size overall, with average volume and anatomical toe shape. Men with very long feet should double check measurements, especially in larger sizes.
Final thoughts
Oak & Hyde are doing something really special in the barefoot space.
They respect foot health, craftsmanship, and style in equal measure. They make barefoot shoes that people actually want to wear, without shouting about it.
We love Oak & Hyde, wear them daily, and genuinely wish them long success in the barefoot industry.
Enjoy 5 percent off the Oak & Hyde range with my code:
BAREFOOTBRIT5
Find the full men’s barefoot collection here:
https://www.oakandhyde.co.uk/collections/mens-barefoot-collection
If you are looking for barefoot shoes that feel grown up, confident, and beautifully made, Oak & Hyde deserve your attention.
Brit 👣