HERON Barefoot Sandals: The Barefoot Brit x wildsole Collaboration
Updated March 2026: I’m relaunching the HERON sandal with wildsole after last year’s limited run sold out during the launch week!
Barefoot sandals are one of the best ways to experience natural foot movement during the warmer months. Designed to allow your toes to spread, your feet to flex, and your posture to remain aligned, minimalist sandals are becoming increasingly popular for walking, travel, and everyday summer wear. In this article I am introducing the HERON sandal, a barefoot sandal collaboration between Barefoot Brit and the Yorkshire-based brand wildsole.
If you have followed me for a while, you will know that my family and I have loved the wildsole range of adventure sandals for several years. Even my children, as young as five, have happily worn them throughout the summer season.
wildsole sandals are designed around the principles that define good barefoot footwear. They are simple, minimal, and incredibly practical. They allow your feet to move naturally while still providing just enough protection underfoot for everyday adventures.
wildsole offer sizes from UK kids 10 (EU 27) all the way up to adult UK 14, which means they truly cater for the whole family. The range also includes different sole options depending on how minimal you want to go. Whether you prefer extra cushioning or you are a purist barefooter who enjoys maximum ground feel, there is an option that meets you where you are in your barefoot journey.
For those moments when you want complete barefoot freedom but still need protection from rough terrain, wildsole sandals are an incredibly practical solution.
A Handmade Barefoot Sandal From Yorkshire
One of the things that makes wildsole special is that the sandals are handmade in Yorkshire by Tom and Faye in their own workshop.
When I visited their workspace and saw the process in person, it reinforced everything I already respected about the brand. These sandals are not mass produced. They are carefully assembled by people who genuinely care about barefoot movement and foot health.
Supporting wildsole means supporting a passionate family business that is contributing something meaningful to the barefoot community.
How the HERON Sandal Was Born
The idea for the HERON sandal came to me while I was travelling in Poland in July 2024 wearing my original HARE wildsole sandals.
I realised that wildsole had already solved the practical side of barefoot sandals beautifully. Their designs are secure, comfortable, and incredibly functional for everyday use.
But there was one small detail I thought could elevate them even further.
wildsole sandals have always had a relaxed, practical aesthetic. I wondered what would happen if we introduced a slightly more elegant look while keeping everything that makes the sandals so functional.
That thought became the starting point for the HERON.
Introducing the HERON Sandal
Introducing the HERON. A special edition collaboration between Barefoot Brit and wildsole.
The HERON sandal blends barefoot functionality with a more refined design. It keeps the minimal structure that allows your feet to move naturally, while introducing subtle aesthetic touches that make the sandal feel a little more distinctive.
Each pair is handmade in Yorkshire and designed to mould to your feet over time for a truly personalised fit.
The design features:
• A distinctive white Vibram Morflex sole
• A sustainable cork footbed with silver flecks
• A sleek silver toe post
• Soft tubular webbing straps available in pink or olive
These details allow the sandal to feel both practical and elegant while remaining completely barefoot friendly.
HERON Sandal Specifications
• Sole: 8mm Vibram Morflex
• Stack height: 8mm total
• Drop: Zero drop
• Footbed options: Silver fleck cork or black WildGrip
• Straps: UK made twin stitched tubular webbing
• Adjustability: Fully adjustable strap system
• Sizing: Adult sizes with custom options available
• Vegan friendly: Yes
• Handmade: Yorkshire, UK
Why I Designed the HERON Sandal
For years I have reviewed barefoot shoes and sandals, and one of the things I often hear from people is that while they love the comfort and function of barefoot footwear, they sometimes struggle to find options that feel visually appealing enough for everyday wear.
The goal with HERON was not to change the function of the sandal at all.
It was to keep everything that makes wildsole sandals brilliant while adding a design that feels a little brighter and more distinctive.
The white sole creates a clean look that stands out from most barefoot sandals, while the cork footbed with silver flecks adds a subtle shimmer that catches the light.
It is still a practical adventure sandal, but one that feels slightly more elevated.
Barefoot Features of the HERON Sandal
As with all wildsole sandals, the HERON is built around the principles that define good barefoot footwear.
Thin Flexible Sole
The HERON uses an 8mm Vibram Morflex sole, which provides protection underfoot while still allowing excellent ground feel.
Morflex is known for being lightweight, comfortable, and flexible, making it ideal for everyday barefoot movement.
The total stack height is 8mm, and the sandal remains completely zero drop, which supports natural posture and movement.
Foot Shaped Freedom
The open sandal design allows your toes to spread naturally rather than being restricted by narrow footwear. This supports balance, stability, and proper foot function.
Lightweight and Flexible
Like all good barefoot footwear, the HERON sandals are extremely flexible and lightweight. They move with your feet rather than forcing your feet to adapt to a rigid structure.
Footbed Options for the 2026 Relaunch
For the 2026 release, two footbed options are available.
The original design features the silver fleck cork footbed, which gives the sandal its distinctive aesthetic.
However, because the silver flecks are decorative, they will gradually wear down with regular use.
To ensure buyers have a durability option, wildsole also offer a black WildGrip footbed, which prioritises long term durability.
You can choose between:
• Silver fleck cork for aesthetic appeal
• Black WildGrip footbed for guaranteed durability
[IMAGE: comparison of silver fleck cork footbed and black WildGrip footbed]
Adjustable Vegan Friendly Straps
The HERON sandals use UK made twin stitched tubular webbing straps designed to be supple, comfortable, and durable.
The strap system uses minimal materials while still providing excellent security and stability.
The sandals are easily adjustable so you can fine tune the fit for your foot shape.
They are also vegan friendly, making them suitable for people who prefer non animal materials.
Sizing and Fit
HERON sandals are available in adult sizes, although smaller sizes can be requested directly from wildsole if needed.
They are true to size.
For reference, I wear EU 39 / UK6 and my feet measure 24cm long and 10cm wide. This size fits me perfectly.
Because the sandals are handmade, wildsole can also accommodate custom sizing requests where possible.
A Limited Small Batch Release
Because these sandals are handmade in a small Yorkshire workshop, production is naturally limited.
This release is a small batch run, and availability depends entirely on workshop capacity.
Once the current batch sells out there is no guarantee the HERON will return.
Where to Buy the HERON Sandals
You can view the HERON sandals here.
If you are curious about barefoot sandals or want to experience natural movement while supporting a small UK brand, the HERON collaboration is a beautiful place to start.
Frequently Asked Questions About HERON Barefoot Sandals
Are HERON sandals truly barefoot sandals?
Yes. HERON sandals follow the core principles of barefoot footwear including a thin flexible sole, zero drop design, and an open structure that allows the toes to move naturally.
How thick is the sole?
The HERON sandal uses an 8mm Vibram Morflex sole, providing protection underfoot while still allowing good ground feel.
Are HERON sandals good for walking?
Yes. The flexible sole and secure strap system make them suitable for everyday walking, travel, and light outdoor adventures.
Are the straps adjustable?
Yes. The tubular webbing straps are easily adjustable and designed to provide a secure and comfortable fit.
Are HERON sandals vegan?
Yes. The materials used in the straps and construction are vegan friendly.
Final Thoughts
Working with Tom and Faye on the HERON sandal has been a genuinely special experience.
It brings together everything I value about barefoot footwear. Natural movement, thoughtful design, and small scale craftsmanship from people who truly care about what they create.
If you are new to barefoot footwear, you may also enjoy my guide explaining how to test whether your shoes are truly barefoot:
I hope you love the HERON sandals as much as I do!
Brit 👣