Huarache sandals have become incredibly popular in the barefoot world, but before we get into the best ones, it is worth clarifying what a huarache actually is.

Huarache is a broad term for a traditional Mexican sandal and historically often refers to woven leather sandals. But when people in the barefoot and running world talk about huaraches, they are usually referring to the much simpler running sandals associated with the Rarámuri, also known as the Tarahumara, of northern Mexico.

Those running sandals traditionally consisted of little more than a thin sole, historically leather and, more recently, often tire rubber, secured to the foot and ankle with a simple thong style leather lacing system.

And that is the design that inspired much of the modern barefoot sandal movement.

A modern huarache style sandal typically has a thin, flexible sole, a strap or post passing between the big toe and second toe, and a lacing system that secures the sandal around the foot and heel.

But not every sandal in this roundup is technically a huarache.

Some, like the Earth Runners, Xero Genesis, and traditional lacing configurations from brands like Zuzu and Shamma, follow that basic huarache formula pretty closely. Others take the same minimalist philosophy, thin flexible soles, unrestricted toes, zero drop, and secure attachment to the foot, but use more modern strapping systems.

So while you will see the word huarache throughout this article, what we are really comparing is the broader category of minimalist barefoot sandals, many of which evolved directly from that incredibly simple traditional design.

And that is really the beauty of them.

There is not much between you and the ground.

What Makes a Barefoot Sandal Great?

True minimalist wearers do not just want a barefoot shoe. They want something truly minimalist.

That means minimal material, simplicity, and, of course, free them toes!

There is no worrying about your toes being trapped because your feet are basically outside.

At the same time, a good barefoot sandal needs to actually stay attached to your foot. There should be a secure heel and ankle attachment as well as another point of attachment toward the front of the foot.

The sole should offer a good combination of flexibility without being so flexible that the sandal becomes annoyingly floppy underneath you.

Thickness is going to vary depending on personal preference, terrain, and performance demands.

Someone looking for maximum ground feel may want a sandal around 5 to 6 mm thick, while someone trail running or hiking through rough terrain may willingly sacrifice some ground feel for considerably more protection underneath the foot.

When comparing barefoot sandals, I look at:

• Sole thickness

• Flexibility

• Ground feel

• Overall comfort

• Foot security

• Lace comfort

• Ease of adjustment

• Traction

• Wet traction

• Durability

• Weight

• Running performance

• Trail performance

• Water performance

• Versatility

• Value

• And, obviously, aesthetics

There is not necessarily one perfect thickness or one perfect design for everyone.

You Can Even Make Huaraches Yourself

Huarache style sandals can even be made yourself with a piece of rubber and some paracord.

That simplicity was a major part of Xero Shoes' original identity and even its early Shark Tank pitch. Minimalist footwear does not necessarily need to be complicated.

But if you want something premade, properly designed, adjustable, and built to last, there are now some incredible companies doing it.

After years of wearing, testing, hiking, traveling, training, trail running, and basically living in minimalist sandals, these are my favorites.

Prices listed below are in USD and were current at the time of publication. Prices and sales can obviously change.

Best Barefoot Sandals 2026

Best Overall: Zuzu Sandals

Best for Dressier Occasions: Zuzu Sandals

Best Grounding Sandal: Earth Runners

Best for Rugged Trails and Hiking: Luna Sandals

Best Convertible and Buckle Free Design: Toetem Sandals

Best Affordable and Mainstream Option: Xero Shoes

Best for Versatility: Shamma Sandals

1. Zuzu Sandals

Best Overall Barefoot Sandal

Best for All Around Use and Dressier Occasions

Zuzu takes my number one spot because of its combination of minimalism, comfort, durability, price, and just how versatile the lineup is.

I have worn Zuzus for everything from normal day to day life and travel to trails and dressier occasions like weddings.

One of the things that makes Zuzu unique is just how many different personalities you can get out of what is ultimately a very simple sandal.

The Flow is the model for pure minimalism. At just 6 mm, it is incredibly flexible and gives you an enormous amount of ground feel. You can practically roll the entire sandal into a ball.

Then you can move up through thicker models depending on how much protection and cushioning you want underneath your foot.

Zuzu's current lineup consists of four main sandals: the Flow, Drift, Groove, Flex and soon availible the Origin ranging from 6 mm to 10.5 mm and currently priced from $79 to $99.

The straps are interchangeable as well, which is one of my favorite features.

You do not necessarily have to replace the entire sandal when you want a different look or eventually wear out a strap. You can change strap colors and materials and completely change the appearance and feel of the same sandal.

And their leather laces are probably my favorite.

For casual use, they are some of the most supple, softest, lowest chafing huarache laces I have tried.

I would not necessarily choose the leather straps for serious running because leather can stretch, but for casual use and dressier occasions they are hands down some of the nicest and most comfortable I have worn.

That ability to go from an extremely minimal sandal to something that actually looks appropriate at a wedding is a big reason Zuzu gets the number one spot.

Another major improvement is accessibility. Zuzu now fulfills orders from the United States and offers international shipping, making the brand significantly easier to purchase outside its original market.

Current Zuzu Lineup

Flow, 6 mm, $79

The thinnest and most minimalist current Zuzu. It uses a natural rubber and rice husk sole with a canvas footbed and is designed around maximum ground feel.

Drift, 9 mm, $99

The Drift is a little different from the other Zuzus. It uses a three point adjustable strap system rather than the more traditional huarache style setup, making it a good example of a minimalist sandal that shares the same philosophy without technically being a traditional huarache.

Groove, 10 mm, $99

More cushioning with a smooth vegan leather footbed. It is designed as more of an all day, travel, everyday, running, and hiking option.

Flex, 10.5 mm, $89

The thickest current Zuzu, with a canvas footbed, EVA midsole, and grippy natural rubber and rice husk outsole. It is geared more toward running, water, trails, and people who want a little more protection underneath the foot.

What I Like

The versatility is probably the biggest selling point.

You can have an extremely thin sandal with excellent ground feel, switch the straps depending on what you are doing, and have a sandal that works for day to day use, travel, trails, and even dressier occasions.

The leather straps are some of the softest I have used and are my favorite for casual wear.

I have also taken Zuzus on multi day adventures, absolutely covered them in dirt, mud, and gook, washed them off afterward, and had them come out looking basically brand new.

The replaceable straps also mean you can keep the same sandal going instead of replacing everything when one component eventually wears.

What I Don't Like

If they are not secured firmly enough, the thinner models can get a little floppy.

Luckily, that is usually solved by simply dialing in the straps and securing the sandal properly to your foot.

Best For

All around use, maximum minimalism, travel, casual wear, dressier occasions, and people who want a lot of versatility from a very simple sandal.

Price: $79 to $99

Sole Thickness: 6 to 10.5 mm

Favorite for Maximum Minimalism: Flow

Coupon Code: TBSR

Full Zuzu Review: Full Zuzu Review

2. Earth Runners

Best Grounding Sandal

Earth Runners gets the second spot because of its simplicity, versatility, and just how much I have personally used them over the years.

At one point, Earth Runners were probably on my feet around 90% of the time.

I have used them for normal walking, rain, wet conditions, long hikes, running, lifting, swimming, slacklining, and even football practice.

That is one of the biggest compliments I can give a sandal.

The concept is incredibly simple:

Pick your footbed. Pick your lace. Done.

Earth Runners is also probably one of the closest brands in this roundup to the modern interpretation of the traditional Rarámuri huarache.

One thing I really like about Earth Runners is how easily I can adjust the laces depending on what I am doing.

If I am running, I can tighten everything down and make the sandal significantly more secure.

If I am walking or hiking casually, I can loosen everything up and let my feet relax.

The laces are replaceable as well, so again, you do not have to throw away the entire sandal when one component wears out.

Then, of course, there is the feature Earth Runners is best known for: grounding.

Their sandals use conductive lacing together with a copper plug underneath the sandal, which the company designed to create a conductive connection between the foot and the ground.

Whether or not the grounding aspect matters to you, I think Earth Runners makes an excellent minimalist sandal purely based on the sandal itself.

Current Earth Runners Lineup

Primal, 7.5 mm, $77 regular price

The thinnest Earth Runners sole and the one designed for maximum ground feel.

Chronos, 9 mm, $88

A newer middle ground option using a 7.5 mm Walkbase outsole with a 1.5 mm Earth Grip footbed.

Circadian, 9 mm, $98 regular price

A 1.5 mm Earth Grip footbed over a 7.5 mm Vibram outsole. Earth Runners particularly emphasizes its wet traction.

Alpha, 10.5 mm, $98 regular price

A 1.5 mm Earth Grip footbed over a 9 mm Vibram outsole, giving you more cushioning and protection.

Atlas, 15 mm, $120 regular price

The thickest option, with a 1.5 mm Earth Grip footbed over a 13.5 mm Vibram outsole, designed more specifically for technical trails.

What I Like

The simplicity.

Pick your footbed. Pick your lace. Done.

I also love how adjustable they are depending on the activity.

I have worn them for almost everything, which is probably the best evidence I can give for how versatile they are.

And our old Primal pair has been going for more than six years.

That is serious durability for such a minimal sandal.

What I Don't Like

The Performance laces can get really chafey for me and have cut up my feet during longer periods of use.

One way I have gotten around this is wearing toe socks or tabi socks, which Earth Runners also sells.

Best For

Grounding, everyday wear, hiking, minimalist walking, travel, and people who want a very simple traditional huarache style system.

Favorite Model: Alpha

Price: Primal $77, Chronos $88, Circadian $98, Alpha $98, Atlas $120 regular price

Sole Thickness: Primal 7.5 mm, Chronos 9 mm, Circadian 9 mm, Alpha 10.5 mm, Atlas 15 mm

Coupon Code: TBSR10

Full Earth Runners Review: 

3. Luna Sandals

Best for Rugged Trails and Hiking

Luna was popularized by Barefoot Ted McDonald and has developed one of the larger dedicated minimalist sandal lineups.

Luna's sandals remain closely connected to the huarache concept but have evolved it into something considerably more substantial and trail capable.

Their 2026 performance lineup ranges from the lighter Venado 2.0 all the way through models like the Leadville Trail, Mono Winged, Mono Gordo Winged, Oso Flaco Winged, Middle Bear Winged, Oso Winged, and various Origen models.

I am not going to review every Luna here because the model I have the strongest personal experience with is the Mono Winged Edition.

And I really tested it.

I still remember taking my beloved Mono Winged sandals on a four day hike through the wilderness in Egypt.

They were literally the only pair of shoes I had with me, and I took them across some very difficult terrain.

They were amazing.

That is the kind of experience that gives me confidence recommending Luna for people who want a minimalist sandal but still plan on doing serious hiking, trail running, and outdoor adventures.

The current Mono Winged starts at $115 and uses an 11 mm base with 4 mm tread height.

What I Like

These are some of the sturdier sandals on this list.

They are excellent for trail running and rugged hiking, and I have found them extremely reliable.

When the trail gets considerably more technical, Luna also offers models like the Oso Flaco and Middle Bear for more aggressive trail use.

What I Don't Like

The side posts and lacing area can get extremely irritating for me.

On one of my longer desert hikes, they cut up my feet pretty badly.

Again, I got around this by wearing tabi socks, but it is something to keep in mind if you are planning on spending multiple days in them.

Best For

Rugged trails, hiking, trail running, travel, and outdoor adventures.

Favorite Model: Mono Winged Edition

Price: From $115 for the Mono Winged

Sole: 11 mm base plus 4 mm tread height

Coupon Code: TBSR

4. Toetem

Best Convertible and Buckle Free Design

Toetem takes a very different approach.

They are a small company, and I have gotten to know the founder, who is a climber and a cool guy.

One of the things I like about Toetem is just how customizable everything is.

You can play around with the toe box shape, different footbeds, different outsoles, and different materials. He even made USA themed sandals for us, which were really cool.

But the standout feature for me is the strapping system.

There are zero buckles.

You can also move the rear strap out of the way and essentially convert the sandal into what I call flip flop mode.

When you want more security, put the heel strap back into place.

That gives you the convenience of a flip flop combined with the ability to properly secure the sandal when you are actually hiking or moving quickly.

My favorite is the BlackBear.

This is not necessarily a traditional huarache in the strictest sense, but it takes the same minimalist idea and uses Toetem's own buckle free strapping system.

BlackBear 3.0 Options

Hemp BlackBear Barefoot, 5 mm, from $124.99

ALPHA Leather BlackBear Barefoot, 5 mm, from $149.99

Hemp BlackBear All Terrain, 12 mm, from $139.99

ALPHA Leather BlackBear All Terrain, 14 mm, from $159.99

What I Like

The strapping system is absolutely unique.

There are no buckles, you have a ton of adjustability, and I really like being able to change how I am wearing the sandal.

They are also handmade, highly customizable, and have a very different feel from the larger sandal companies.

What I Don't Like

The downside of all that customization is that figuring out how to properly lace and dial everything in can be tricky initially.

Once you understand the system, that is also part of what makes Toetem so unique.

Best For

Customization, people who hate buckles, hiking, outdoor use, and anyone who likes switching between a secured sandal and a more relaxed flip flop style setup.

Favorite Model: BlackBear

Price: From $124.99 for the Hemp Barefoot BlackBear

Sole Thickness: 5 to 14 mm within the BlackBear configurations discussed here

Coupon Code: TBSR

5. Xero Shoes

Best Affordable and Mainstream Option

Xero Shoes was one of the companies that really helped bring modern huarache style sandals into the mainstream barefoot world.

The company's roots go back to extremely simple DIY sandals directly inspired by the Tarahumara running sandal concept.

The Genesis is probably the purest example.

It is a very simple, lightweight huarache style sandal with a 5 mm FeelTrue rubber sole and currently sells for $49.99.

Then there is the Aqua Cloud, also currently $49.99.

The Aqua Cloud takes the same basic concept and adapts it more specifically for wet and dry use, with a textured 3 mm BareFoam layer spanning the footbed.

Xero also has modern sport sandals like the Z Trek and Z Trail.

My personal favorite is actually the Z Trail EV.

It is not technically a huarache, but I really like it as a minimalist sandal. It uses an 11 mm FeelLite sole and currently sells for $79.99.

Current Prices for the Models Discussed Here

Genesis, $49.99

Aqua Cloud, $49.99

Z Trail EV, $79.99

One of Xero's biggest advantages is accessibility.

They are a much larger company than most of the others on this list, they run some great sales throughout the year, and they are generally easier for people to find and purchase.

What I Like

They are cheaper than most of the sandals on this list.

In fact, at $49.99, the Genesis is the least expensive regular price sandal we are comparing here.

There is also a huge variety.

You can get something incredibly simple like the Genesis, something designed around water use like the Aqua Cloud, or move into something more substantial like the Z Trail.

What I Don't Like

Some of Xero's older sandal models developed a bad reputation in parts of the barefoot community for durability.

I do think the newer models have improved considerably.

Best For

Affordability, beginners, travel, casual use, water activities, and anyone who wants to buy from a large, widely available barefoot company.

Favorite Model: Z Trail EV

Price: Genesis $49.99, Aqua Cloud $49.99, Z Trail EV $79.99

Sole Thickness: Genesis 5 mm, Aqua Cloud includes a 3 mm BareFoam footbed layer, Z Trail EV 11 mm

Xero Sandal Review

6. Shamma Sandals

Best for Versatility

Shamma sandals are incredible, high quality sandals made in the USA.

There were so many different footbeds and so many different lacing systems that it was not immediately obvious what I was supposed to choose.

But after a quick and fun visit to their workshop in California, we got it all sorted.

And that huge selection is actually one of Shamma's biggest strengths.

Shamma currently offers five main lacing families: Elite, TrailStar, Pacific Avenue, Super, and Numa, along with sole options ranging from the ultra minimal 6 mm Warrior and Legend through the 13 mm Ibex.

Some of those systems are much closer to the traditional huarache concept than others.

The Elite is the one I would describe as the more traditional performance huarache style option. Systems like TrailStar and Numa are modern minimalist sandal designs that move farther away from the traditional toe post and lacing arrangement.

I have used Shamma for both day to day wear and trail running, and depending on how you configure them, they can feel like completely different sandals.

My old favorite was the TrailStar because of how nicely it sits on the foot.

The over the foot lacing system feels really secure and works especially well when you are moving quickly over trails.

But my new favorite is the Pacific Ave

The Pacific Ave has a much classier, almost flip flop looking design, but unlike a normal flip flop, the elastic system actually secures it to your foot.

The forefoot strap stretches as your foot moves, and you can basically just slip the sandal on and go.

That is a really cool combination.

The convenience and appearance of a flip flop without having an unsecured flip flop hanging off your foot.

Current Shamma Sole Options

Warrior, 6 mm

Legend, 6 mm

Charger, 7 mm

Maximus, 9 mm

Sport, 10 mm

Alpha, 12 mm

Ibex, 13 mm

Not every lacing system is offered with every sole, which is why Shamma can initially look a little confusing.

For Numa specifically, the main current options include configurations such as:

Numa Warrior, 6 mm, from $94 regular price

Numa Legend, 6 mm, from $114 regular price

Numa Maximus, 9 mm, from $99 regular price

Numa Alpha, 12 mm, from $109 regular price

What I Like

The versatility.

There are so many combinations of lacing systems, footbeds, and sole thicknesses that you can really dial in the sandal for what you are trying to do.

I loved TrailStar for how securely and naturally it sits on the foot, especially for trail use.

But Pacific Ave has become my favorite because it is just so easy.

It looks classy, has that flip flop style simplicity, and the elastic system means I can just slip it on.

What I Don't Like

The downside of having so many options is that Shamma can initially be confusing.

The Elite lacing system, which is the more traditional performance huarache style setup, can take some figuring out.

Once you have it dialed in, it is probably the most secure lacing system in this roundup, but figuring out exactly how you want everything adjusted is not necessarily intuitive the first time.

Best For

Versatility, day to day wear, trail running, people who like experimenting with different lacing systems, and anyone who wants to choose exactly how minimal or protective their sandal is.

Favorite Lacing System: Numa

Previous Favorite: TrailStar

Price: Numa starts around $94 regular price. Pricing varies by sole, footbed, configuration, and sales.

Sole Thickness: 6 to 13 mm across Shamma's current overall sole lineup

Coupon Code: TBSR

Full Shamma Review: Read it here

How Do These Barefoot Sandals Compare Head to Head?

Comparing barefoot sandals is not quite as simple as comparing one shoe against another because most of these brands offer different sole thicknesses, footbeds, and lacing systems.

So for categories like flexibility and ground feel, we specifically tested the thinnest comparable models we had available.

For durability, comfort, security, traction, versatility, and value, these rankings are based on my broader experience actually wearing the brands over the years.

Quick Comparison

Flexibility: Zuzu Flow

For pure flexibility, the Zuzu Flow takes first place.

At only 6 mm thick, this thing is ridiculously flexible.

You can practically roll the entire sandal into a ball.

The Shamma Warrior 6 mm sole comes in a very close second. It is also incredibly flexible and minimal.

The Earth Runners Primal, at 7.5 mm, remains a thin and flexible sandal but does not quite roll and conform like the Flow or Warrior.

Winner: Zuzu Flow

Runner Up: Shamma Warrior

Ground Feel: Shamma Warrior

Interestingly, the most flexible sandal was not necessarily the one with the absolute best ground feel.

For me, the Shamma Warrior takes the throne here.

At 6 mm, you feel an incredible amount of information underneath your feet.

Rocks, changes in terrain, little variations in the ground. You know what is happening underneath you.

The Zuzu Flow comes extremely close, and I could easily see someone preferring one over the other.

Both are about as close as you are going to get to actually being barefoot while still having something protecting the bottom of your foot.

Winner: Shamma Warrior

Runner Up: Zuzu Flow

Overall Comfort: Zuzu

This one is obviously subjective, but Zuzu takes overall comfort for me.

A huge reason is the lacing.

Their leather straps are some of the softest I have worn on a huarache sandal, and for casual and everyday use they are incredibly comfortable.

The leather is not my choice for serious running because it can stretch, but for day to day comfort it is hard to beat.

Shamma Numa deserves a very close second because its elastic slip on system makes it ridiculously easy to wear throughout the day.

Winner: Zuzu

Runner Up: Shamma Numa

Foot Security

This category needs two winners because there is a difference between absolute security and security without a learning curve.

For absolute security, Shamma Elite wins.

Once you get the Elite perfectly dialed in, that thing holds onto your foot incredibly well.

The downside is getting there.

When I combine security with ease of adjustment, Zuzu and Earth Runners tie for the win.

Both allow me to secure the sandal quickly without turning putting my sandals on into a project.

Maximum Security: Shamma Elite

Best Security plus Simplicity: Zuzu and Earth Runners

Traction: Luna

When the terrain gets nasty, Luna takes the traction crown.

This is also where you see one of the inevitable tradeoffs in barefoot sandals.

More aggressive outsole usually means less ground feel.

Luna's trail focused models give you more rubber and more traction underneath your foot than something like the Zuzu Flow or Shamma Warrior.

That is not necessarily what I would choose for walking around town if maximum ground feel is my goal.

But when I am moving through mud, loose terrain, rocks, steep trails, and difficult terrain, that additional protection and grip suddenly becomes exactly what I want.

Winner: Luna

Ease of Adjustment: Zuzu and Earth Runners

Zuzu and Earth Runners tie here.

Both use relatively simple adjustment systems that let you dial the sandal in without constantly messing around with it.

This becomes especially noticeable when compared with something like the Shamma Elite, where there is definitely more of a learning curve.

Winner: Zuzu and Earth Runners

Durability: Zuzu and Earth Runners

I cannot comfortably give this category to only one brand.

I have absolutely abused Zuzus, including taking them on multi day adventures, covering them in mud and gook, washing them off, and having them come out looking almost new.

Then there is Earth Runners.

Our Earth Runners Primal has been going for more than six years.

Six years.

That is an incredible real world durability test for such a minimalist sandal.

Winner: Zuzu and Earth Runners

Versatility: Zuzu

Zuzu takes versatility, with Shamma coming in a very close second.

The big advantage with Zuzu is how dramatically you can change what the sandal is for.

You can go extremely minimal with the Flow, move into something more substantial like the Flex or Groove, use performance straps for trails and outdoor use, or put on soft leather straps and actually wear the sandal somewhere dressier.

Most barefoot sandals still look like barefoot sandals.

Zuzu can move surprisingly well between trail, travel, day to day life, and a nicer occasion.

Shamma comes in a very close second because of the sheer number of sole and lacing combinations available.

Winner: Zuzu

Runner Up: Shamma

Value: Zuzu

Value is not simply about which sandal has the lowest sticker price.

If that is the question, Xero Genesis wins at $49.99.

But value is about what you are getting for your money, and that is where I think Zuzu comes out on top.

The current Zuzu lineup costs $79 to $99, putting even its most expensive current sandals below many of the premium trail and adventure sandals in this roundup.

You are getting replaceable straps, excellent flexibility, multiple footbed options, strong durability, legitimate barefoot performance, and a sandal that can cross from outdoor use into casual and even dressier wear.

Earth Runners Primal deserves a huge mention here as well.

At a regular price of $77, it is not dramatically more expensive than entry level minimalist sandals, and considering that our pair has survived more than six years, it is hard to argue with the value we have gotten out of it.

Then there is Shamma's discounted inventory.

Shamma regularly has particular colors and configurations marked down, and it is worth checking its discounted and archive inventory if you are flexible about exactly what you want.

And, of course, do not forget our discount codes where available.

Overall Value Winner: Zuzu

Lowest Regular Price: Xero Genesis

Proven Long Term Value: Earth Runners Primal

Best Deal Hunting: Shamma

Weight: Shamma Warrior

Shamma Sandals (specifically the Elite Warriors) is the absolute lightest option at just under 3.5 oz per sandal.The Alternatives: Luna Venado 2.0 is a close second using lightweight blown rubber. Toetem Vapor has the thinnest 4mm sole but slightly heavier organic straps. Zuzu uses a denser, heavier natural rubber, while Earth Runners is the heaviest due to its built-in metal grounding hardware.

Winner: Shamma

Runner Up: Luna, Toetem

Which Barefoot Sandal Should You Buy?

Overall Best Sandal: Zuzu

Zuzu takes the crown for best overall barefoot sandal in 2026.

I took one of their sandals on a multi day adventure where it got absolutely covered in dirt, mud, and gook, and after washing it off, it basically looked brand new.

They are not technically the cheapest sandals in this roundup. The Xero Genesis wins on pure sticker price. But Zuzu's current $79 to $99 lineup is still very affordable relative to most of the dedicated premium barefoot sandals here.

They are also now significantly easier to buy internationally, with orders shipping from the United States and international shipping available.

More importantly, they are incredibly comfortable.

The 6 mm Flow is remarkably well made for such a thin sandal and gives you an incredible combination of flexibility and ground feel.

Shamma Warrior beats it slightly for pure ground feel.

Shamma Elite takes the crown for absolute foot security.

Luna wins when I need serious traction and rugged trail performance.

Earth Runners remains my favorite grounding option and has proven itself over more than six years of use.

Xero gets you into a genuine minimalist huarache style sandal for the lowest price.

Toetem offers a completely different buckle free, highly customizable experience.

But when I look at the whole package, comfort, flexibility, ground feel, durability, versatility, appearance, replaceable straps, accessibility, and price, Zuzu takes the overall crown for me.

That is ultimately what this roundup is about.

There is not one sandal that is objectively the best at every single thing.

The best barefoot sandal is the one that gives you the right combination of ground feel, security, comfort, traction, durability, and versatility for what you are actually going to do in it.

And whether you are wearing something that closely follows the original Rarámuri huarache design or a modern minimalist sandal that has evolved far beyond it, the basic philosophy remains beautifully simple:

Protect the bottom of the foot, secure that protection to the foot, and otherwise get out of the foot's way.

And say hi to our newest reviewer ;)