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Read our latest reviews, opinions and interviews.


Barefoot Socks: Socks that are good for your feet.
Toe socks have gone hand in hand with barefoot shoes since the barefoot gods existed. In this article, we will dive into all the options and wide toe box socks that are good for your feet if you're not so into separated toes. Why do socks even matter? Aren’t barefoot shoes enough? Many mainstream socks do something similar to what non-barefoot shoes do by pushing the toes together. Which can encourage movement dysfunction and poor big toe alignment. Toe socks can many times a
barefootshoereview
22 hours ago3 min read


The Ultimate Barefoot Shoe Sales Guide (Black Friday 2025)
Black Friday is here, and we want to share some of the best deals that your favorite barefoot brands are offering. With winter coming and more and more options released in the market, there is no better way than to get your barefoot necessities for the year ahead, whilst saving your money for other important things. We've also included some tips for your shopping: Decide in advance what you are looking for, i.e. 'I need one winter boot and one hiking sandal,' otherwise you ma
barefootshoereview
Nov 10, 20253 min read


Coziest Barefoot House Slippers
Every winter the time comes again when gone are my gallivanting around the globe barefoot, and even in the comfort of my own home I have to start wearing something warm on my feet. My toes start demanding warmth, softness, and something that still feels like me connected to the ground and free. So, without further ado, here’s this year’s coziest slipper and house shoe round up from pure sheep fluff to handcrafted felt and even minimalist leather soles. Softstar Fireside and
barefootshoereview
Oct 29, 20256 min read


Peluva Shoes Review: Strand Sport Mesh
If you’ve been following the barefoot shoe world, you’ve probably noticed Peluva starting to make waves. They’re doing something different — taking the five-toed shoe concept and dialing it up with modern design, performance-ready traction, and just enough cushion to make them approachable for beginners. In this deep dive, I’ll cover what makes Peluva unique as a brand, break down the Men’s Strand Sport Mesh (their flagship all-rounder), and spotlight the brand-new Peluva
barefootshoereview
Sep 30, 20254 min read


The Best Credit Cards To Unlock LUXURY Travel
Want to know how we afford to fly business and first class on all our trips for work and leisure? The answer lies in credit cards. I used to hate flying cramped like a sardine for hours on end, never able to fall asleep even if I hadn’t slept in 2 days. I would always feel a bit sick after, and don’t even get me started on the jet lag. Then I discovered the wonderful world of credit card points and airline miles. It's like a video game and if you master it, you can hit the en
barefootshoereview
Aug 20, 20257 min read


Best Barefoot Travel Shoes
As a dedicated enthusiast of barefoot shoes, the anticipation of embarking on a journey often brings forth the perennial debate: how many pairs of barefoot shoes to pack and which ones to choose. With a history of traversing the globe, whether coaching our various sports teams in international tournaments or exploring the behind the scenes of the barefoot brands, we have amassed a wealth of experience in selecting the ideal footwear for travel. In this comprehensive guide, we
barefootshoereview
Jul 23, 20254 min read


Barefoot Basketball & Court Shoes
As barefoot brands evolve, they’re starting to understand the need for what we call sports-specific footwear think climbing shoes, cleats, steel toe boots, and now court-specific shoes . Thes shoes mentioned in this article especially the Xero shoes X1 can be great for basketball and tennis alike and are best suited for the rigors of change-of-direction sports played on tarmac or indoor courts, due to the unique biomechanical demands of those environments. If you’re an ath
barefootshoereview
Jul 14, 202510 min read


Best Barefoot Sandals 2025
With the sun finally upon us again and after years of testing, trail-walking, city-strolling, running & sports, this is our best barefoot sandal guide to date. Whether you're looking for the most minimal sandal on the planet, a more foot-shaped alternative to your Birks, or a rugged pair that can handle long days on rocky trails, this list has something for everyone. We've tested each pair extensively and categorized them to help you find exactly what fits your foot type, mov
barefootshoereview
Apr 30, 20255 min read


Best Tactical & Rugged Barefoot Boots
Many years ago, we wrote an extensive guide to barefoot or minimalist style combat boots for those in active military, firefighter, police, or other rugged combat or tactical activities. While many veterans reached out and were grateful to have such a guide, the one thing we wish we had more of was testing. Being that we wrote the original guide a few years after finishing our military service, we were only really able to go off assumption and testing ruggedness, not actuall
barefootshoereview
Jun 14, 20245 min read


JOA BAREFOOT: PHALANX
Meet Phalanx: The Barefoot Sneaker That Does It All When it comes to barefoot shoes, there’s usually a trade-off—you get the comfort and benefits of natural movement, but sometimes you sacrifice style. That’s where Phalanx , the debut sneaker from JOA Barefoot, changes the game. This is a shoe that doesn’t just feel good; it looks good too. Designed to combine the principles of barefoot living with timeless, minimalist design, Phalanx proves that you really can have it all. W
barefootshoereview
May 15, 20244 min read


Best Barefoot Travel Shoes
As a dedicated enthusiast of barefoot shoes, the anticipation of embarking on a journey often brings forth the perennial debate: how many...
barefootshoereview
May 14, 20244 min read


Unveiling the Spring Xero 2024 Barefoot Shoe Line: Embrace the Ground Beneath You
Introduction Welcome to the cutting edge of barefoot shoe innovation with the Spring Xero 2024 collection. In this comprehensive review, we delve into the details of three remarkable models: the Ridgeway Low Top, Scrambler Mid 2, and the Scrambler Mid 2 Waterproof. With a commitment to comfort, performance, and style, Xero Shoes continues to redefine the barefoot footwear experience. This year shines as the year of upgrades as Xero Improves and redefines last year's models ba
barefootshoereview
Feb 22, 20242 min read


The Ultimate Minimalist Dress Shoe Guide for Men 2024
Our 2024 guide to the ultimate minimalist dress shoes for men
Alex
Jan 6, 202412 min read


The Icarus Ascent Sneaker - The perfect shoe for everyone.
Hey there, fellow footwear fanatics! Today, we're taking a journey into the realm of minimalist kicks, and I've got a pair that's bound to elevate your barefoot experience. Say hello to the Icarus Ascent – a shoe that doesn't just fly under the radar; it soars above the competition. Join me as we dive headfirst into this review, exploring its unique features, comfort, and why it deserves the number one spot in your shoe collection. You can find the Ascent Gen 2s here. Discou
barefootshoereview
Sep 29, 20235 min read


Xero Fall 2023 Releases
Xero's much-anticipated Fall 2023 collection has arrived, and once again, it has left us utterly amazed. It's astonishing how they manage to surprise us each year with their innovative designs. Every year as we rock their new releases we get the "Sean (or Sara) Why are you not wearing barefoot shoes"? From cozy slippers to retro hiking boots, this year's releases span a wide range, and we couldn't wait to put them to the test. You can find the sale of up to 25% off the new m
barefootshoereview
Aug 24, 20232 min read


Best Barefoot Shoe Sale on Amazon Prime Day!
With summer sales around the corner, Amazon prime has decided to release another exciting opportunity to get your favorite barefoot shoes and barefoot products for much cheaper. it's important to highlight the upcoming participation of several barefoot shoe brands in the upcoming sales events. Barefoot shoe enthusiasts can look forward to another exciting shopping event - Amazon Prime Day! This July 16th-17th exclusive 48-hour extravaganza offers incredible discounts on a wid
barefootshoereview
Jun 29, 20236 min read


Memorial Day Sales
Title: Score Big Savings on Memorial Day with These Barefoot Shoe Brands! Introduction: Memorial Day is just around the corner, and that means it's time to kick off the summer season with some amazing deals! If you're a fan of barefoot shoes and looking to upgrade your footwear collection, you're in luck. Several popular barefoot shoe brands are offering fantastic discounts and coupon codes during this Memorial Day. Let's take a closer look at the sales and promotions from Sh
barefootshoereview
May 28, 20234 min read


10 Best Barefoot Dress Shoes for Men
Looking for the perfect pair of men's barefoot dress shoes that combine style, comfort, and natural foot movement can be quite a challenge. But fear not! In this review, we'll dive deep into what different brands have to offer, helping you discover the ideal dress shoe that suits your unique needs. From traditional-looking Oxfords that secretly incorporate barefoot features to ultra-flexible and cozy sock-like designs, there's a shoe out there for every man and every occasion
barefootshoereview
May 23, 20238 min read


Softstar Brand Round Up
Softstar is one of the coziest and OG brands that make minimalist and natural footwear. They were founded way before the minimalist movement became popular and they also ship to all corners of the world. Located in Oregon, Softstar has some of the most unique barefoot shoes and styles all while promoting sustainable living, products, and using natural materials whenever possible. They also have a very wide collection of kids models and everything is hand made. Their staff a
barefootshoereview
Apr 4, 20238 min read


Xero 2023 Spring Collection
Xero strikes again and continues to provide new and stylish shoes every year, and this spring collection is no different. This year we have a true hiking boot and for the first time with a grippy Michelin sole; a men's dressy shoe; a casual white sneaker; a lightweight slip on; and a neo version of the ever popular Prio . What is also unique is the false outsole edge sitting higher on the shoe giving the appearance of a thicker sole while actually still maintaining a thinner
barefootshoereview
Mar 1, 20232 min read


Episode 78: Bearfoot Bruins
Before I transitioned to barefoot, my go to boot was always a rugged work style boot like Timberlands and Caterpillar. I enjoyed their functionality and especially style. When I heard Bearfoot was going to make a super rugged boot suitable for adventure and everyday wear, I was really looking forward to trying it. I had yet to find a barefoot boot that checked those boxes. Visually, Bruins is everything that I thought it would be. It's incredible top grain leather upper and
barefootshoereview
Feb 14, 20236 min read


Best Barefoot Winter Boots (2023)
This article has been a long time coming. Our last winter boot round up was in 2021! Since then, numerous more models, barefoot shoe companies, and of course more exploration in many climates have happened, leading us all to this new best per category moment. Our winters in Israel are not as cold or as snowy as some. but there are still moments that have us cuddled under our blankets drinking hot cocoa and wearing our warmest barefoot slippers. We have also been the first to
barefootshoereview
Feb 1, 202310 min read


Best Minimalist Weight Lifting Shoe Alternatives
The elusive minimalist weightlifting shoe, does it exist? As well as some friendly barefoot gym shoe alternatives.
barefootshoereview
Jan 23, 20239 min read


Episode 77: Groundies Alaska GX1 Women
Groundies is one of the few barefoot shoes companies that have managed to create a wide toe box that looks so much like a 'regular' shoes. I absolutely love the variety that Groundies offers, from sneakers to shoes to boots to sandals, they have a wonderful selection of really unique styles. You can see that each model is thoughtfully and artistically designed. I have regular volume and width feet and the width and toe box of Groundies shoes fit me perfectly. If you have ver
barefootshoereview
Dec 13, 20226 min read


Episode 76: Groundies All Terrain High
Groundies has such a wide variety of shoes to choose from it can get overwhelming. Luckily, they have many in store locations located around Europe and we were able to try them on in their Vienna location in Austria. Right away we were impressed by how lightweight these boots were and how tastefully designed with quality workmanship. We actually got the last green and black model in stock, so we were really lucky and grateful that we came just in time. Without the insole they
barefootshoereview
Dec 13, 20225 min read


Episode 75: Tolos
Tolos is different! Evan Ritt, a former hockey player wanted a shoe that looks good and performs good all while being minimalist and allowing optimal foot function. Besides him being a super nice dude we were impressed by his shoe’s pleasing aesthetic and how normal looking it is. The shoe comes in white and black options and is known as Archetype 1.0 leaving plenty of room for customer feedback and future improvements. You can find Tolos here and you can use code TBSR to sa
barefootshoereview
Dec 6, 20224 min read


Lems 2022 Winter Collection
Lems shoes is a great blend of aesthetically pleasing wide shoes along with a thicker sole, making it perfect for those people transitioning to the barefoot world or even people who just want a shoe or boot that is zero drop and wide toe box. While the Boulder boot is Lems signature boot, they constantly surprise their customers with wonderful new models. The Primal Zen is a personal favorite of mine ( review here ) and Sara has been rocking the Outlander ( review here ). Th
barefootshoereview
Dec 2, 20226 min read


Episode 74: Vivobarefoot Tracker Decon Low Top
Vivobarefoot is continuedly releasing new models of various designs and styles to satisfy and match even the pickiest barefooter. But what if they released a shoe that can just do it all? They did! The Vivobarefoot Decon is the Swiss army knife of barefoot shoes, it's aesthetically pleasing, slips on well, has laces, has rugged enough lugs for trail running and even ball sports but not to rugged, so you can still use it day to day out and around town. It has a sleek sexy oute
barefootshoereview
Nov 20, 20225 min read


Xero 2022 Fall/Winter Collection
Xero is one of the leading brands in creating what the barefoot community is actually looking for. Just earlier this year they created a much needed rain boot along with upgraded models of a lot of their shoes and this fall they once again delivered. What we have been also really enjoying is just how normal looking their models have been. I'm not sure how they do it, but besides the Xero branding it's hard to tell the difference between some of their newer models and non-bare
barefootshoereview
Nov 14, 20223 min read


Episode 73: Feelgrounds Chelsea - Cream (Sara) & Sienna (Sean)
We live in a country (Israel) where at least 8 months out of the year I’m wearing sandals or light airy shoes. Winter suddenly crept up on us (we don’t really have an autumn season, it sort of goes from summer to winter overnight) and I couldn’t get away with wearing open toe shoes anymore. Plus I was traveling to NY in November which is already quite cold. It was time to figure out which boots I was going to wear this winter. When I saw that Feelgrounds came out with a Vegan
barefootshoereview
Nov 11, 20227 min read


Episode 72: Jean Clay Grounded Sneakers
After previously reviewing the Pewter clay slip-ons I was excited to try the Groundz new release. When I had the owner on my podcast I got to try the prototype and I right away was impressed how despite being a slip on, the triple elastic straps in between, kept it more snug on the foot, which is a common flaw with a lot of slip-ons. The beautiful nubuck aesthetic and the super wide foot shaped fit had me intrigued, A grounded sneaker that I can do pretty much anything i
barefootshoereview
Oct 26, 20228 min read


Episode 71: Wildling Yew & Robinia
Introduction: Sara : I always look forward to trying Wildlings newest shoe models. They seem to nail it perfectly every time and yet somehow each new style is even better than the previous one. My favorite part about them is their natural organic feel and their genius Tabi sole. I generally try to wear all natural clothing like cottons, linen, and wool and really love how Wildlings embrace natural fabrics and truly live by their message of Re:generation and sustainability. Th
barefootshoereview
Oct 16, 20228 min read


Episode 70: Barefoot Pals
This is easily the softest most flexible shoe I have ever worn. Despite arriving completely flat in an envelope and concerns about it having that clown look, it actually looks so fabulous on the foot, has a normal foot shape and because it is so flexible it does not restrict movement in any way. I spent the past few days wearing this shoe for the holiday season and I was so so impressed it felt like I wasn't wearing shoes at all! Click here to access the Barefoot Pals websit
barefootshoereview
Oct 7, 20224 min read


Episode 69: Zuzu Sandals
Zuzu did something that no other sandal company has successfully done. They perfected a Sandal from an actual recycled tire that is both comfortable and functional for every day use. Zuzu sandals are sustainably made in Israel and feature some of the thinnest and softest sandal straps that exist on the market. Suitable for anything from hanging with your pup, chilling on the hammock or hitting the trails, they have a great ground feel and are virtually indestructible (think
barefootshoereview
Sep 21, 20227 min read


Episode 68: Origo Shoes The Everyday Sneaker Gen 2 in Natural Leather and Cactus Leather
Origo shoes is a really unique company that has both men's, women's and kids models with a focus on sustainability and natural movement. My only other pair of a barefoot casual white sneakers are the Feel Grounds Original Mesh which I absolutely enjoy wearing, and so I was very excited to try something similar in a leather and vegan leather version. Needless to say I was impressed straight out of the box. The smiley face on the back made me light up as well ;) There is also
barefootshoereview
Sep 13, 20228 min read


Minimalist Tactical Boot Guide
When we say the word tactical we tend to think military, but it actually also refers to police, riot control, firefighters, coast guard, security forces and people who are required to wear some form of tactical gear for their job. This article is really unique because tactical gear and in particular tactical footwear are regulated by the military, law enforcement, or other government branches you may be part of. This can make it very difficult for tactical individuals who are
barefootshoereview
Sep 3, 202212 min read


Episode 67: Feelgrounds "Patrol Winter" & "Patrol Lite"
Introduction: After making a huge splash in the barefoot community in 2019 -- Feelgrounds continues to make noticeable strides, by providing their customers with a range of ever-evolving and stylish barefoot shoes at a competitive price. Owning much of their success due to their cutting-edge online marketing approach - they've successfully crowdfunded $250,000 to assist with production, released their much loved "Original" model, followed by the "Highrise", the Droptop (Slip-
barefootshoereview
Aug 10, 20227 min read


The Ultimate Guide to Hiking in Minimalist Footwear
Congratulations on taking the first step in unlocking your superhuman power, allowing your feet to strengthen themselves and function most optimally. Say goodbye to sprained ankles and say hello to strong resilient feet. While spending time moving in minimalist footwear is a huge step towards unlocking your foot function, a wide variety of strength and mobility exercises can obviously help as well. You can see our Strength training for runners and hikers program here & our
barefootshoereview
Aug 8, 20228 min read


A Beginner's Guide to Barefoot
Congratulations on taking the first step and thinking of switching to minimalist footwear. It can be overwhelming with all the information out there so lets help you understand the terminology, choose the right footwear, and strengthen your feet. Barefoot transitioning can be a long and lengthy yet very rewarding process as you bulletproof your feet and ankles and say good bye to ankle sprains and pain. Details on our 6 week Barefoot Transition course can be found here . The
barefootshoereview
Jul 25, 20226 min read


Episode 66: Ultra III Bloom
Vivobarefoot's popular Ultra Bloom III are back in their third design update. This 'barefoot' shoe brand creates footwear designed to feel as though you're walking with no shoes on at all, and the Ultra Bloom is accordingly lightweight, freeing and with a flexible sole designed to help you explore in the water without extra drag but still let you romp around the city in them. We think they're the best water shoe for water based activities on the market right now. I was ini
barefootshoereview
Jul 15, 20224 min read


Episode 65: Bedrock's Cairn 3D Pro II Adventure Sandal
I had gotten so used to wearing super thin soled sandals that have excellent ground feel that it was interesting trying the Cairn 3D...
barefootshoereview
Jul 13, 20228 min read


Episode 64: Freet Ibex
As an avid hiker and outdoorsy person, I'm always on the search for the perfect hiking boot. With its nice aesthetic, water resistance, and amazing grip, the Freet Ibex checks off all the right boxes for a serious hiker. We actually got it after realizing that their Mudee, which we also love, did not provide enough traction for very muddy and slippery terrain. The Ibex sits a bit higher on the ankle like a true hiking boot yet is still way more flexible than a conventional on
barefootshoereview
Jul 5, 20225 min read


Episode 63: Bearfoot Osos
Introduction: These are a beloved addition to the slip on family. Their beautiful suede aesthetic and grippy sole really appealed to me. The ability to slip them on and off at ease as well as fit very comfortably on my muscular feet makes them a true delight to wear. If you are feeling lazy and just want to take out the trash in them they even feature a collapsible heel to make them a slip on. With enough comfort for beginners but enough ground feel for more advanced people t
barefootshoereview
Jun 23, 20227 min read


Episode 62: Feelgrounds Seaside Twill
Introduction: I was looking forward to trying the Seaside Twill since it had a simple one heel strap Velcro system and I was curious how it would compare to other barefoot sandals I have tried that have more complex strap systems. Additionally, the thong part of the sandal is positioned perfectly vertical to the foot and I wanted to see how it felt in comparison to thong sandals that are positioned diagonally. The rubber sole is super minimalist and without lugs and was keen
barefootshoereview
Jun 17, 20228 min read


Guide to Buying Minimalist Footwear in Israel & Brand Round Up.
Barefoot shoes are gaining popularity all around the country and more and more are jumping on the bandwagon. But the reality it can be difficult to get many brands in Israel. So behold, a full list of brands that ship to Israel, as well as places you can get them in Israel including some juicy discounts that we set up. For your convenience, we listed all shipping costs for each brand in the article, but note that customs fees may vary depending on amount ordered and can be so
barefootshoereview
Jun 7, 20229 min read


Episode 61: Xero Gracie
I have been volunteering on horse ranches for over 10 years and have been struggling to find a rubber boot that I can rinse off easily that isn't heavy, bulky or just plain uncomfortable. I would always come to the ranch and reluctantly switch out of whatever barefoot shoe I was wearing and put on heavy galoshes. The Xero Gracie waterproof rain boot has just changed my ranch and rainy weather adventures completely! What a wonderful experience it is to slip your foot into the
barefootshoereview
Jun 6, 20225 min read


Episode 60: Lems - Primal Zen
The Primal Zen feels like a direct upgrade from their previous primal version, the Primal 2, with a bit more cushion, a slightly more rugged sole, and even feels a bit roomier. Right off the bat, the suede aesthetic of the primal Zen lured me in, I knew I found that perfect shoe for when I’m craving a bit more sole thickness. The primal Zen comes in 3 colors and was released along with the Lems Outlander. They look like a normal sneaker, are very roomy in the toe box, and a
barefootshoereview
May 14, 20226 min read


Episode 59: Lems - The Outlander
The Outlander waterproof hiking boot just looks so damn good. As soon as I saw the color options I knew I would love the Evergreen model. It's the perfect blend of autumn, outdoorsy, nature vibes. The boot itself is a wonderful shape, with plenty toe box room and excellent tread. It definitely does not have a minimalist sole (16mm plus 4.5mm insole) but for a boot that looks quite hefty, it's surprisingly flexible, light, and doesn't restrict the natural movement of your feet
barefootshoereview
May 11, 20226 min read


Episode 58: Magical Shoes - Lupino
I've seen many chelsea type boots in barefoot models and was yet to find one that was truly aesthetically pleasing. Many of the models I've seen were less flattering shapes or just didn't look like good quality. The handmade Lupino boot both feels like quality and looks like quality and is so aesthetically pleasing. I was looking forward to trying the spring model since it's a more breathable option of a chelsea type boot for spring or fall. The boot is super lightweight and
barefootshoereview
Apr 26, 20226 min read


Episode 57: Shamma Trailstars Alpha and Alpha Le
We were so excited to receive the Shamma Trailstars Alpha and Alpha Le Models. I was looking for a dressier/classier sandal that I can dress up if I want to without compromising on function and Sean was always looking for a z strap hiking sandal. I think most people like Shamma footwear because of their function as well as being very aesthetically pleasing. Their sandals are just so rich and clean looking, very quality, and almost exquisite in design and make. I must say that
barefootshoereview
Apr 20, 20229 min read
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