Finding a barefoot sandal that combines a genuinely foot-shaped design with a secure fit isn’t always easy. I’ve been testing ZuZu Barefoot Sandals this August to see how they compare, and there are a few things that I really want to share with you.
I have had the pleasure of testing 3 different models from Zuzu: the ZuZu Drift and the ZuZu Groove, and the ZuZu Flow. They all offer something a little different from some of the other barefoot sandals I’ve tried.
What’s to Like About ZuZu Sandals?
Materials
One of the things I like best about the ZuZu range is their choice of materials. Zuzu is a vegan brand*. By featuring a smooth vegan leather footbed in the Groove, ZuZu manages to capture the comfortable, high-end feel of a traditional leather surface while remaining 100% synthetic and cruelty-free. It is a brilliant choice for anyone who wants a refined texture underfoot without compromising on vegan values.
While the Drift model features a soft canvas footbed, optioning for the Groove gives you that smooth, leather-like texture underfoot if you prefer a sleeker feel.
*You are able to buy natural leather straps from their web-shop, but all their models are vegan unless you choose those specific additional straps.
Over-the-toe strap options
The second huge plus about ZuZu barefoot sandals is their over-the-toe option. In the past, when reviewing other barefoot sandals, I have received a lot of comments from folk that just can’t get on with a toe post – that’s the strap that typically is situated between your big toe and second toe. Often sandals are made in this way because it traditionally offers the most secure fit. However, if you’re not a fan of a traditional toe post, ZuZu has you covered.
The Drift uses an over-the-toe strap, rather than sitting between your toes. I know this is a big consideration for many people when choosing sandals, so it’s great to have the choice. If you’ve followed me on social media for any length of time, you may have come to learn that I personally prefer the secure fit that a toe-post offers. On the other hand, my 9 year old son, with whom I share a shoe-size was absolutely game for trying out the Drift for you, as he was quite attracted by the over-toe strap formation.
Benedykt found the Drift very comfortable and suited to his personal style preferences. He liked the fact that, despite the lack of strap between the toes, they still offered a very secure, adjustable fit that stayed in place after setting it only once. In addition, they did not cause him to trip up, which is often the main concern with over-toe strap sandals. Do you know what the best thing is? He’s been asking to wear them over and over again over the last few weeks. If you follow me and my family on social media, you’ll know about our recent relocation to the north of Poland. We have, as a result, been spending much more time outdoors which is absolutely super for our overall health and well-being. Since it’s the height of the summer, too, those warm days have been the perfect opportunity to don our new ZuZu’s, and I think Benedykt’s fallen upon a new favourite purely because of the ease of getting these on, and the comfort of the strap formation.
If you’re specifically looking for a sandal without a toe post, ZuZu is definitely a brand worth checking out. If you would like to consider some other options of sandals without a toe post, see this article here.
A really secure fit
The strap system is one of the things I particularly like about ZuZu. (For more detailed info on fitting, keep reading).
There are multiple adjustment points, allowing you to fine-tune the fit rather than simply relying on a fixed strap. Once adjusted, the sandals feel very secure on the foot.
The buckle is also reassuringly sturdy, which is important if you’re planning on wearing your sandals for lots of walking rather than simply around town. Zuzu sandals are clearly designed to handle more off-road trail hiking than urban terrain, but they absolutely don’t feel out of place in either. Furthermore, you can purchase new buckles should yours ever break.
Different straps and colours
Another nice feature is the ability to customise your sandals with different straps.
You can choose from different colours and materials, giving you the option to change the look of your sandals rather than being stuck with one colour.
This is particularly useful if you like your footwear to work with different outfits – or simply fancy a change! The straps are available in brown leather and vegan leather, and they also offer straps made from recycled plastic, designed these straps with the outdoors in mind: they’re water-friendly, quick drying, flexible and durable.
The Minimal Feeling
The ZuZu Flow is one of the most minimal sandals I’ve ever worn. Weighing just 140g and resting on a wafer-thin 6mm sole, it gives you that genuinely raw, unrestricted barefoot feeling where every step feels natural and connected to the ground – it gives some of the most ground feel of any sandal I’ve worn before.
The footbed is anti-slip canvas, which holds your foot securely in place without any annoying sliding around. The sole itself uses a blend of natural rubber and rice husk that feels surprisingly durable despite how remarkably light and flexible it is. It is a wonderfully simple, 100% vegan sandal that just gets out of the way and lets your feet do their thing. You don’t just have to have black – you can choose additional straps in a range of different colours from their online shop.
How Do They Compare to Other Brands?
One thing I noticed when comparing ZuZu with other barefoot sandal brands is that they offer a slightly narrower option than the similarly designed available options on the market, which is of course a plus if you have a narrower foot shape and would feel more comfortable with something closer in line with your silhouette. That doesn’t necessarily make one better than the other – it simply means they may suit different feet.
If you have a particularly wide foot, it’s worth checking the measurements carefully before ordering. If you find some of the widest barefoot sandals too roomy, ZuZu could be a really interesting alternative for you. That said, I have very wide feet and as you can see from the images, they accommodate my foot shape fairly well (you can see the slight overhang mainly on my right foot on some images (but this doesn’t bother me while wearing them). For reference, my feet are a very square 24x10cm.
Which ZuZu Sandal Should You Choose?
One of the things I like about ZuZu is the variety of sandal styles.
You can choose between:
Over-the-toe styles – ideal if you don’t like a toe post.
Toe-post styles – for those who prefer the traditional barefoot sandal design.
Natural or synthetic straps to suit your preferences.
This makes ZuZu a brand worth exploring if you’re not sure which type of barefoot sandal will work best for you.
How to Fit & Adjust Your ZuZu Sandals
Getting the fit right is essential with any barefoot sandal, but it is especially crucial with the Groove and Flow models. You need to dial in three distinct points: the long diagonal strap over the top of the foot, the ankle strap, and the heel strap.
While full adjustability might feel a bit daunting at first, fine-tuning these three areas caters to almost any foot shape. Out of the box, both models felt quite loose on me, so spending the first ten minutes adjusting the webbing is key. Thanks to the buckle design, once you set your fit, it stays locked in. After that initial setup, putting them on is quick and straightforward. If you end up with excess webbing after adjusting, simply trim off the extra couple of inches and heat-seal the freshly cut end over a flame to prevent fraying.
Rather than simply tightening everything as much as possible, take a little time to adjust each strap individually. You want the sandal to feel secure without restricting your foot or squeezing your toes.
Once you’ve found the right settings, you shouldn’t need to make major adjustments every time you put them on.
Tip: If you’re new to adjustable sandals, take a photo of the strap setup once you’ve got the perfect fit. That way, you’ll always know where everything should sit!
Looking After Your ZuZu Sandals
As with any footwear, a little care will help your sandals last longer.
ZuZu recommends avoiding prolonged exposure to high heat and allowing the sandals to dry properly after getting wet. For cleaning, gently wash them with lukewarm water and soap, using a soft brush if necessary.
Always allow them to dry thoroughly before storing them away.
My Verdict
Overall, I’m really impressed with what ZuZu offers in their range of barefoot sandals.
I particularly like the secure fit, adjustable straps, choice of styles and materials, and the option of an over-the-toe design rather than a toe post.
If you’ve found other barefoot sandals too wide, ZuZu is also worth considering as they offer a slightly narrower option.
And if you’re someone who prefers natural materials, look out for their leather options with leather footbeds.
There isn’t one barefoot sandal that will suit every foot, so as always, make sure you check the measurements and choose a style that works with your individual foot shape.
If you’re looking for a secure, adjustable barefoot sandal with plenty of choice, ZuZu is definitely one to add to your list. Use my code BAREFOOTBRIT for a 5% discount.👣
Shop ZuZu Barefoot Sandals*
*Please take note of your regional import laws and check local import taxes before ordering – buyers are responsible for these taxes. I took delivery in Poland and there was a small fee to pay.
Disclosure: This review is based on my personal experience testing ZuZu sandals. Barefoot Brit may earn a commission if you purchase through our affiliate link.