If you are searching for the best barefoot sandals, you are not alone. As more people learn about foot health, natural movement, and the benefits of minimalist footwear, barefoot sandals are becoming one of the most popular summer shoe choices.
But not all sandals allow your feet to function naturally.
Many high street sandals still squeeze the toes, elevate the heel, and force the foot into unnatural shapes. Even worse, traditional flip flops without a back strap often force your toes to grip constantly just to keep the shoe on.
Barefoot sandals are different.
They are designed to work with your foot instead of against it.
In this guide I am listing some of the best barefoot sandals currently available, including several that I have tested personally or that my audience regularly recommends.
This article focuses specifically on toe post barefoot sandals, which remain one of the most secure and minimal ways to wear sandals.
If toe posts are not your thing, don’t worry. I am also preparing guides for:
- Barefoot sandals without a toe post
- Closed-toe barefoot sandals suitable for work or more formal settings
You can also see many of these sandals in action in my TikTok video discussing barefoot sandals and why they work so well.
I recently published this video on TikTok (or Instagram) with a walk through of my 15 favourite toe-post sandals.
What Are Barefoot Sandals?
Barefoot sandals are a type of minimalist footwear designed to allow the foot to move as naturally as possible.
Good barefoot sandals typically have five key characteristics:
Wide, Foot-Shaped Toe Box
Your toes should be able to spread naturally instead of being squeezed together.
Zero Drop Sole
The heel and forefoot sit at the same height, supporting natural posture and alignment.
Thin Flexible Sole
The sole allows your foot to bend, flex and respond to the ground beneath you.
Secure Fit
Unlike flip flops, barefoot sandals are usually secured around the foot so the toes do not have to grip constantly.
Lightweight Construction
Barefoot footwear aims to remove unnecessary bulk and let your feet do the work they were designed to do.
These features help maintain foot strength, natural gait and better balance, which is why many people transition from traditional shoes to barefoot footwear.
Why Barefoot Sandals Are Better Than Flip Flops
Many people assume flip flops are the most minimal footwear option. Unfortunately they often create new problems.
Traditional flip flops without a back strap force the toes to clench constantly to keep the shoe on the foot. This can affect walking mechanics and encourage tension in the foot and lower leg.
Barefoot sandals solve this by securing the sandal properly to the foot, often using straps around the heel or midfoot.
This means:
• your toes can relax
• your stride stays natural
• the sandal moves with your foot rather than sliding off
For people interested in natural movement or barefoot walking, this makes a huge difference. For more information on why flip flops are not the same as barefoot shoes, read this.
Best Barefoot Sandals with a Toe Post
Toe post sandals are one of the most secure and minimal sandal designs available. The strap sits between the first and second toe and anchors the sandal in place without needing heavy straps or bulky structure.
Below are some of the best toe post barefoot sandals currently available. Would you prefer no toe post? Check that list out here.
Vibram FiveFingers V Soul
The Vibram FiveFingers V Soul is one of the most distinctive barefoot sandal designs available.
Instead of a traditional sandal structure, it separates each toe individually. This allows extremely natural foot movement and excellent ground feedback.
This style is especially popular with people who want the closest possible experience to being barefoot while still protecting the sole of the foot.
Buy from: Barefoot Junkie
Discount code: BAREFOOTBRIT
OK Bare Sandals (Bubbly Toes Barefoot)
OK Bare sandals combine a minimal sole with soft leather construction, making them a comfortable everyday barefoot sandal.
They are available through Bubbly Toes Barefoot in the UK and are a great option for people who want something simple, flexible and foot-shaped.
Buy from: Bubbly Toes Barefoot
Discount code: BAREFOOTBRIT
Tikki Soul Sandals
Tikki are known for producing very flexible barefoot footwear, and the Soul sandals follow the same philosophy.
They are lightweight, soft and designed to move naturally with the foot, making them a comfortable choice for warm weather.
Buy from: Tikki LangS
Discount code: BAREFOOTBRIT10
Bahe Grounding Sandals
Bahe sandals are designed with grounding in mind, meaning the sole allows electrical connection with the ground while walking.
For those interested in grounding or earthing practices, these sandals offer a minimalist design. I find Bahe not too minimal.
Buy from: Bahe Movement
Discount code: BAREFOOTBRIT
Saguaro Glow II
Saguaro have become a popular entry point for people exploring barefoot footwear because they often offer very affordable minimalist designs.
The Glow II sandals provide flexibility, a wide shape and lightweight construction suitable for everyday summer wear.
Buy from Saguaro Shoes
Discount Code: BAREFOOTBRIT
Wildsole Sandals
Wildsole produce simple minimalist adventure sandals inspired by traditional minimal designs for trail running.
Their HERON model is being relaunched soon and has been popular among people who want an all-rounder adventure sandal with an elevated look.
Buy from: Wildsole Sandals
Discount code: BAREFOOTBRIT (only valid on some models)
Luna Sandals
Luna Sandals are one of the most well-known minimalist sandal brands from the USA, especially among runners and hikers.
Their designs are inspired by traditional running sandals and are built to handle both everyday walking and more adventurous terrain.
Buy from: Luna sandals
Discount code: BAREFOOTBRIT
Feelgrounds Seaside
Feelgrounds are known for combining modern style with barefoot function and vegan materials, and the bamboo oat sandal reflects this approach.
They offer a slightly more styled appearance while still maintaining the core barefoot principles of flexibility and a foot-shaped design.
Buy from: Feelgrounds
Discount code: BAREFOOTBRIT5
Be Lenka Sandals (Claire and Promenade)
Be Lenka are widely known in the barefoot footwear world for their elegant style and premium materials.
Their Claire and Promenade sandals offer a more refined look while still maintaining barefoot functionality.
Buy from: Be Lenka
Discount code: BAREFOOTBRIT15
MA Sandals (Custom Minimal Sandals)
MA Sandals are handmade minimalist sandals from the UK.
Because they are custom made, they can be a great option for people who want a more personalised fit or a specific minimalist design.
Buy from: Ma Sandals
Shapen Sandals (Caliope, Nomad, Mai)
Shapen Barefoot produce stylish barefoot footwear designed to combine aesthetic appeal with natural foot function.
Their sandal range includes several elegant designs that still maintain barefoot features such as flexibility and a wide shape.
Buy from: Shapen Direct or Happy Little Soles
Discount codes: BAREFOOTBRIT5 or BAREFOOTBRIT respectively
High Feels Sandals
High Feels sandals focus on extremely thin minimalist soles, offering a close-to-barefoot walking experience.
For people who want maximum ground feedback while still wearing sandals, these are worth exploring.
Buy from: High Feels
Discount Code: BAREFOOTBRIT
Want a Discount on Barefoot Sandals?
Many barefoot shoe brands offer discount codes for my audience, and I keep an updated list of them on my affiliate partners page.
This page contains affiliate links which help support my work reviewing and testing barefoot shoes.
Barefoot Sandals Without a Toe Post
Some people simply do not like the feel of a toe post.
If that sounds like you, do not worry. There are many excellent barefoot sandals that avoid the toe post entirely while still securing the foot properly.
I am preparing a full guide covering the best options.
No toe post: Best barefoot sandals without a toe post
Closed-Toe Barefoot Sandals for Work
Some workplaces require closed-toe footwear, even during summer.
Fortunately there are now several closed-toe barefoot sandals that maintain natural foot shape and flexibility while still meeting workplace requirements.
Coming SOON: Best closed-toe barefoot sandals
Final Thoughts
Barefoot sandals offer a fantastic balance between foot freedom and protection.
Unlike traditional sandals or flip flops, they allow the foot to move naturally while still staying securely attached to the foot.
Whether you prefer toe post sandals, strap sandals or closed-toe designs, there are now more barefoot sandal options available than ever before.
If you are exploring barefoot footwear for the first time, sandals are often one of the easiest and most comfortable ways to begin.
Brit 👣