A List of Affordable and Stylish Barefoot Shoes
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Are you interested in barefoot wear but worried about finding options that are stylish and nice to your wallet? If so, I’m glad you found this post because I spent hours exploring the options for you and compiling my top picks so you don’t have to. Here’s the run-down of what I’ll be showing you today:
Barefoot sneakers/ joggers/ tennis shoes
Splay Freestyle in Azaelea
Where does footwear fall into this? Simply put, conventional shoes do not allow for your foot to work as they were naturally designed to, creating problems such as deformity and pain. Barefoot shoes work to reverse these impacts and strengthen your feet to function as they were meant to.
The basics of barefoot shoes are that they are designed to be as minimal as possible to allow the foot to feel basically barefoot (go figure) and to move through as much of its natural movement as possible.
The four main points of a barefoot shoe are that it should have a wide toe box to allow the toes to fully splay out, thin soles for better ground feedback, flat soles (no raised heel or toe kick) to allow for natural positioning of the spine and foot bones, and be flexible all around to allow for full range of motion no matter the activity.
If you’ve ever worn shoes… this sounds like a bit of a tall order. But if you’ve read our previous explanation of the benefits of barefoot shoes and are interested in dipping your toes into the barefoot world, you’re probably looking into the options. There used to be few options and they were kind of weird (looking at you toe shoes), but that has changed a ton as support for barefoot shoes has grown.
While there are still some funky options out there and everybody’s personal style is so different, I tried to round up a good list of affordable and stylish shoes for varying price points for you. This is NOT an extensive list. I was actually so surprised as I researched for this post to find just how many brands there are these days compared to the ones I knew about. Keep in mind, some brands are purists, with very short stack height (the total height of the inner and outer sole), zero-drop, no toe-kick, etc. Others meet most of the criteria but are somewhat thicker or have a slight toe kick or slight heel rise. I’ve explained that for each shoe in this review as much as possible, but always be sure you’re checking out the specs provided on supplier websites to ensure you’re going to love your pick.
Tips before you purchase your first barefoot shoe: First, measure your foot. Knowing the actual measurement of the length of your foot and the width at the toe/ball area are very important. You do not want to just go off your typical size. Also understand the shape of your feet, namely are they wide or narrow. This will impact your shoe choice as some shoes are built wider than others.
I won’t be making recommendations like “best for x activity.” Rather I will group shoes into types and make notes there about what they may be especially good for. Keep in mind I AM NOT a barefoot purist. If you’re looking for a review with that in mind, this probably isn’t the one for you. This review will include starter barefoot shoes as well as the thinnest of shoes out there.
(I am working on getting permission from individual companies to use photos of their shoes here, but please bear with me in the meantime. Click the buttons to easily see any shoe for which a photo is not provided.)
Barefoot Sneakers/Joggers/Tennis Shoes
Over $150
Vivo Barefoot Primus Lite Knit
Though not cheap, this is supposed to be like cream of the crop in the barefoot athletics world. They’re designed specifically with everyday and athletic movement in mind and have a 4mm sole. This is truly a barefoot shoe, probably not best for the beginner. This is a lot of money for a tennis shoe, but if you have the money for it, it does seem like a great investment. I generally find Vivo shoes to be great quality.
$100-$150
Xero Prio Neo Shoes
These are a stylish and solid choice for those that want an everyday sneaker, something to run in (if you don’t already run barefoot, see our previous post about some notes on easing into barefoot running), or a good walking shoe. A very similar shoe but with a slightly more stylish/streetwear spin would be the Prio Suede, which comes in both mens and womens.
Xero Shoes HFS II
These are similar to the Neo but designed to be somewhat lighter and I personally find the design (mostly the colorways) more attractive. These are another decent starter barefoot option at 7mm of cushion. I like these because, honestly, they’re just sleek. I would feel put together wearing these.
Merrell Vapor Glove 6
This a great outdoor option, whether that be running, hiking, or walking, as they’re super breathable (not that the others on this list aren’t). They’re grippy enough for trails but still with that classic barefoot design and only 6mm thick on the sole. They’ve also got some great color options.
Under $100
WHITIN Men’s Trail Running Shoe
This is not a strict barefoot shoe as they do have a toe spring, but they have the wide toe box and flexible sole, so I wanted to include this as a more affordable option that would be especially good for those transitioning to barefoot wear or not worried about conforming to the requirements completely.
Everyday Shoes
Over $100
Freet Tanga Slip-Ons
These shoes have 6.5 mm sole (the insole can also be pulled out to make it thinner) so they are more cushiony than some barefoot shoes but still allow for good ground feel. They’re a slip-on style, which I always appreciate, and honestly they look sleek! I feel like I could pop these on with some athleisure wear and run to the grocery store feeling good about my appearance in these. These could have gone in the sneakers section too, but like I said, I’d wear these to run errands.
Origo Everyday Sneaker (Leather)
These shoes are so nice. They’re cute, like, they rival any other cute little sneaker you can find out there. BUT they fit the barefoot criteria. If I had to pick one go-to everyday shoe, it would probably be this one. They’re slightly more expensive because they’re leather.
Splay 101
At $101, these shoes barely make this category. These are so cool. These are the street-style white sneakers that people love, but friendly for your feet. I may have to save up for a pair of these… As with all Splay shoes, these are unisex and I genuinely think they would work for anyone.
Under $100
Origo Everyday Sneaker (Canvas)
These are basically the same as the Origo leather option above and just as cute but made of canvas and therefore quite a bit cheaper. I especially love the color options for men. My husband would wear these shoes.
Splay Freestyle
These may be one of my favorite casual, everyday shoes I’ve found and at a decent price. They’re canvas shoes that are so simple and the perfect go-to for a normal day. They have a ton of color options too, which is great. All splay shoes are made to be unisex, which is reflected in their sizing.
Unshoes Terra Vida Natural
For a solid Tom’s-style shoe, this is a great option. This is just one colorway, you can find the others on their site. They have a 6mm sole and are designed to be used in a variety of situations from lounging around the house to even some outdoor activities.
WHITIN Minimalist Barefoot Shoes
These are not as strictly barefoot as I would like to see but they are extremely affordable so I wanted to include them in the list. These shoes are cute and comfortable, but the toe box is not quite as wide as it should be to accommodate full toe splaying and it’s not fully flat unless you take out the insole. However, it allows for far better movement than conventional shoes and is a great option for those on a budget or transitioning to barefoot shoes.
WHITIN Minimalist Barefoot Shoes, Wide Width
These are very similar to the ones above but with a wider overall fit, including a wider toe box. I find this width to be more in line with the barefoot philosophy, though it may not be a good fit for someone with a truly narrow foot. (I also really like this Keds style canvas shoe they have.)
Barefoot Outdoor Style Sandals
Over $100
Luna Sandals Winged Edition
These are so expensive to me for a sandal but they are a beloved barefoot shoe in the barefoot community so I had to include them. I can’t personally do shoes with a strap between the toes, but if that doesn’t bother you, this may be a good option for you.
$50-$100
Xero Shoes Z-Trail
These are my favorite option for most hiking activities or an everyday sandal. These are an especially good option for those that are new to barefoot walking because they are on the higher cushioning side at 10mm. They’re similar in style to Chacos but way thinner and more flexible. If you’ve worn Chacos, you know they are THICK. These shoes, while thinner than Chacos, still provide plenty of protection from environmental hazards. (If you’ve been into barefoot walking for a while, a very similar shoe but with even less cushion is the Z-Trek.)
Under $50
WHITIN Men’s Barefoot Sandal
This is an excellent and super affordable option. The price varies on Amazon but it is always under $40. It’s personally not my favorite design, style wise, but it’s definitely not ugly. They don’t seem to have a “women’s” option but this style of shoe tends to be unisex anyway. Just keep that in mind when picking a size. As always, it’s best to measure. One complaint I’ve seen is that people with wide feet have to loosen the toe velcro and then the leather doesn’t fully cover the velcro.
Cute Options for Women
Over $100
Vivo Barefoot Opanka Sandal Women’s
I’m going to be honest, these mostly made the list because they’re so pretty! They are expensive, but Vivo tends to be worth the price. Keep in mind that you would typically pay at least $100 for a pair of Birkenstocks. I can’t guarantee these will last 4+ years like my old Birks, but they are well made and should last for a long time.
Origo Huarache
These shoes are so stinkin’ cute! I have always loved this style shoe and the fact that I can still wear it in a barefoot style is amazing. These shoes are great because they can be worn casually or can be dressed up so easily.
Be Lenka Barefoot Shoes
I am including a link to all of the Be Lenka barefoot shoes for women because they have a ton of amazing options that are so beautiful. From sneaker, to sandals, to flats, and even more streetwear style shoes, they have so many beautiful options to keep you feeling like your best self but with more sensible footwear.
Under $100
WHITIN Leather Two Straps Casual Flat Sandals
Another affordable WHITIN option. This is technically a men’s shoe but it seems more feminine to me so I don’t know. At the price point, I’d consider these as a solid everyday sandal. Again, keep in mind the sizing is in men’s sizes.
Everleigh Meadows Shoes
This is not a specific shoe but a company because honestly all of their options are so stinking cute. They look great and are a great option for pretty much any occasion, dressy or not. They’re also under $100, which is great. They are hand made so they don’t always have everything in stock, but check out what they have right now.
Xero Shoes Phoenix Knit Casual Flat
This is kind of like a Rothy but barefoot. This would be a great option for a slightly dressier occasion or for work. They’re also super breathable, which makes it a great option for those who prefer not to wear socks. Unfortunately, they only have two colors for now, hopefully that will change. However, they do have a GORGEOUS leather option for this.
Boots
Over $100
Be Lenka Entice Neo Boots
These are your classic Chelsea boots in barefoot form. I’ve seen some other styles out there that are great but these are the most attractive in my opinion. They have a couple colorways that are so nice. They are somewhat pricey, but that’s to be expected with boots anyway. They have a couple other short boot styles that are very nice as well.
Be Lenka Charlotte Winter Long Boots
These are a cute option for those that like tall boots and they have several great styles and colorways. They are EXPENSIVE, so brace yourself, but I find good boots to be expensive anyway. (Be Lenka also has some amazing men’s options, but again $$$)
Lems Shoes Boulder Boot Grip Waterproof
These boots remind me of my favorite pair of conventional hiking boots and might also make a good option for people who need/prefer boots for work. These specific boots are on the thick side with a stack height of 13 mm, but they would be a good option for someone who wants something more barefoot style but still more like the conventional boots you’re used to. They have other boot options that are less thick as well if more ground feel is important to you.
Vivo Barefoot Tracker II FG
These are so expensive (like $$$$$$$$$) but are supposed to be a great hiking shoe. Quality matters when you’re putting on the miles in a hike so if you can afford it, I would definitely recommend these.
Under $100
WHITIN Chelsea Boot
These are admittedly not my favorite, personally… but someone else may love the style! (I’m so picky y’all, it’s hard out here.) I included WHITIN because boots are so expensive and I wanted to include at least one option on the more affordable end.
Saguaro Rain Boot
This is a good, more affordable option for a tall, traditional style rain boot. They cinch at the top, which I find a nice feature for when it’s raining heavy. They also have a plush lined option, which would be great for colder climates.
Xero Shoes Gracie Rain Boot
Another good rain boot option for those that prefer a shorter style. They’re like Chelsea boots so they’re really pretty cute.
Barefoot Kids Shoes
All options listed are under $100
Xero Dillon Slip-On Youth
A fantastic, slip-on option for your young kids. These have that adorable Vans style with all the flexibility and stability you need. I’m sure my husband will demand these for our son once he’s old enough to get on a skateboard.
WHITIN Toddler and Kids Shoe
These are an awesome sneaker-type option at a low price point. I love these a lot and they look nice too, they’re a go-to for me because of the affordability. These shoes could definitely be dressed up some if you wanted. They are somewhat less breathable than other options, so keep that in mind if your kiddos prefer to go barefoot in their barefoot shoes.
These are the shoes I’ve used for my son as he walks better and needs more protection from stuff he’s walking on and because they’re super affordable. He’s obsessed with them.
Splay Explorer
This is another incredible sneaker type option for kids that comes in some really great colors. At under $50, this shoe from a great barefoot brand is a no-brainer. They’re breathable and perfect for things like walks or the playground.
Starry Knight Leather Loafers
This is the perfect option for the newest walkers. They are super flexible and soft, allowing little baby feet to move comfortably. They also look so nice and could be used for nicer occasions. They come without a rubber sole on the outside, but it can be added to your order. Even with the addition of rubber sole, it still comes in at less than $50. They have a couple other styles, including an adorable Mary Jane style for a cute, girly look.
Clamfeet Baby and Toddler Loafers
These are the shoes I personally have used for son when he was first starting to walk because they are super affordable, they have everything you need, and there are a lot of fun designs (I stick with plain colors because I’m lame but they have flowers and legos and other fun stuff). These shoes move in all the ways your baby needs and also have a super light rubber, grippy sole. These shoes come in baby as well as toddler/kids sizes.
Vivo Barefoot
I just included the whole list of kids’ shoes because this brand has a decent selection of closed toed shoes for kids in a variety of styles. All of their kids' shoes come in both toddler and big kid sizes.
Vivo Barefoot Pluma Knit Toddlers
Somewhat pricey for feet that grow so fast, but these little sock shoes are amazing. They’re so easy to put on, they’re cute, and they are very well designed for the way toddlers play. There are other sock shoes out there, but these are by far the best barefoot option.
Oaki Kids Rain Boots
There were a few kids rain boot options, but I picked these because they’re super affordable (under $30) and they have a ton of ADORABLE patterns. Kids go through shoes too fast for me to spend almost $100 on a very condition specific shoe.
Everleigh Meadows
Adorable options for more dressy outfits. Mostly girl styles but some could work for boys too.
Honorable Mentions
Peerko
This company runs over $100 for most of their shoes (they’re also a Czech company so the prices are not in USD, which won’t impact your ability to buy the products). I wanted to mention them because they have some really great options for shoes that look like your favorite brands. From Doc Martins to Converse to dress shoes for men. These are some of the more attractive barefoot shoe options I’ve seen for some of these specific styles of shoe.
Paper Krane
This company has some high quality shoes and a variety of styles. They’re somewhat expensive but worth the money if you can afford it. They also have matching adult and kids styles, which is always cute. I included this brand because they have some of the best funky shoes I’ve seen. I am plain jane, boring when it comes to shoe preference, but if you like street style, fun colors, and patterns, this may be a great brand for you to check out.
I hope you found this list of barefoot shoes helpful and were able to find an option that works for you. If you haven’t already and want to dive more into the benefits of barefoot shoes, read all about it here. If you’re more interested in the evidence for barefoot shoes for kids, read here.
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