Best Barefoot Sandals 2025
- barefootshoereview
- Apr 30
- 5 min read
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, movement needs, and lifestyle best.
🔝 Best in Category (Quick Picks)
Category | Winner |
Best Grounding Sandal | |
Best All-Around Sandal | |
Best for Running | |
Best Vegan Option | |
Best Birkenstock Alternative | |
Best Custom-Fit Sandal | |
Best Keen Alternative | |
Best Dressy Option | |
Most Eco-Friendly | |
Best for Beginners | |
Best Budget Option |
Specs: 8–12mm Vibram® sole (Primal, Circadian, Alpha models) Price: $89–$109 Sizing: EU 36–48 (also kids' sizing) Vegan: Yes (with synthetic laces)
Built to reconnect you with the ground beneath, Earth Runners combine a copper grounding plug with conductive laces to deliver that barefoot-on-earth feel. Their thong-style design might take a minute to get used to, but the fit and feel only improve with time. Choose between their Lifestyle or Performance laces depending on your needs. This was our first ever barefoot sandal, and our original pair is still going strong although we did change the laces a couple of times. You can hike, run, walk and even go to a wedding with their wide variety of colored laces
Full Review here: Earth Runners Review
Discount Code: TBSR10
Specs: Varies; 6mm–12mm Vibram® outsole depending on model Price: $89–$139 Sizing: US Men's 5–13 / Women's 6–14 Vegan: Yes (except their leather footbed and lacing systems)
From trail running to coffee runs, Shamma does it all. Between the TrailStars, Cruzers, and Alphas, you can find exactly the combo of weight, traction, and comfort you're looking for. Their modular strap and footbed options make it one of the most customizable barefoot sandals around. Shamma with its multiple models and multiple lacing systems is just all around versatile, the first model we tried was the trail star reviewed below but we quickly transitioned to the more minimal warrior with more of a huarache like lacing system and now we readily wear the Numa, their elastic slip-on sandal.
Full Review Here: Shamma Sandals Trailstars
Discount Code: TBSR
Specs: 9mm–13mm Vibram® sole depending on model Price: $95–$120 Sizing: EU 36–48 Vegan: Most models yes (check per model)
Trail-ready and built to move, Luna's lineup includes everything from ultralight options to more cushioned trail crushers. Secure strap systems and sticky Vibram® soles make them one of the most reliable barefoot sandals for athletic movement. Made by barefoot Ted famous from born to run, we took the model pictured below as our sandal for an epic weeklong hike in the Sinai desert and they withstood everything!
Specs: Approx. 3.5mm outsole; textile upper Price: €79–€95 Sizing: EU 23–47 Vegan: Yes
The most minimal-feeling option on this list, the Feder blends Wildling's signature barefoot philosophy with a super thin, zero-drop outsole and breathable build. They’re flexible, light as air, and completely vegan—perfect for those wanting the closest thing to barefoot without going barefoot. According to Ran one of the founders of wildlings these are the greatest model ever made.
Discount Code: AWN_TBSR
Specs: Cork footbed, 9mm stack height (Camino Lite: thinner) Price: $140–$160 Sizing: US Women's 5–11 / Men's 6–14 Vegan: No (leather upper)
Softstar's handmade Camino takes everything people love about Birks and replaces the clunky arch support with a truly barefoot-friendly design. All-day comfort, adjustable straps, and breathable materials make this a cozy everyday slip-on for the foot-conscious minimalist.
They recently also released the light version of them with a thinner insole for those who want even less cushion. These are sara's personal favorite.
Full Review Here: Softstar Brand Review
Discount Code: TBSR5
Specs: Minimalist outsole; single strap design Price: ~$115 Sizing: Custom / foot-specific Vegan: Available
No buckles, no chafing, no nonsense. Toetem Sandals are built to mold around your foot using a sleek single-strap system that adjusts to your individual shape. This is the ultimate "just-right" sandal for folks who can never quite get a perfect fit from stock models. Built by an athlete and with no buckles these sandals tend to fit my foot shape best!
Discount Code: TBSR
Specs: 9mm stack height (6mm without insole), 2.5mm tread Price: £78 ($90 USD) Sizing: EU 36–47 Vegan: Yes
Think of Zennor as the barefoot cousin of your old hiking sandals. Fully breathable, adjustable at the heel and forefoot, and designed for trail use, it gives you structure without sacrificing flexibility. Use a waterproof sock for wet conditions and you’re set. This is one of the few completely closed toe sandals on this list for those who prefer that!
Discount Code: TBSR_10
Specs: Cork + rubber sole, cotton/faux leather upper Price: $89 Sizing: EU 35–47 Vegan: Yes
Simple. Sleek. Surprisingly polished. The Seaside Twill is a solid choice when you want to dress up but still feel like you're barefoot. The vertical toe post is soft and unobtrusive, and the footbed molds well with wear. A low-key favorite for travel and city walking. There is also a lux version for those who want something that looks a tad dressier and goes better for those occasions, Sara wears these at weddings.
Full Review Here: Feelgrounds Seaside Review
Discount Code TBSR5
Specs: Upcycled tire outsole, leather or nylon strap Price: ~$79 Sizing: EU 36–47 Vegan: Leather models no, nylon models yes
Handcrafted using upcycled car tires, Zuzu Sandals are what happens when sustainability meets minimalist performance. The straps are soft and durable, and there’s almost no break-in time. They’re as rugged as they are good-looking. They have released several models since with different footbeds and different thicknesses
Full Review Here: Zuzu Sandals Review
Discount code: TBSR5
Specs: 14mm Vibram® sole, 3-point strap system Price: $130 Sizing: US Men's 6–15 / Women's 5–14 Vegan: Yes
New to barefoot sandals? Bedrocks got you. With a slightly thicker sole and easy-to-adjust strap system, these are ideal for transitioning from traditional footwear. Grippy, comfortable, and beginner-friendly without feeling overbuilt. They also released a more traditional huarache model which is a lot more minimal for those who prefer it.
Full Review Here: Bedrock Sandals Review
💸 Xero Aqua Cloud — Best Budget Option
Specs: 6mm total thickness (with 3mm BareFoam™ layer) Price: $49.99 Sizing: US Women's 5–11 / Men's 6.5–14 Vegan: Yes
Lightweight, packable, and great for water or casual use, the Aqua Cloud is one of the best bang-for-your-buck sandals out there. Not ideal for intense trails, but perfect for travel, errands, and beach days. Xero also has a wide variety of models including the Z trail and the Z trek.
Final Thoughts
Barefoot sandals are about more than warm weather convenience—they're about reconnecting with the way we were meant to move. Each model on this list offers something unique, but all promote natural toe splay, zero-drop stability, and better foot health. Whether you’re just starting your barefoot journey or are years deep, there’s something here for you. Let your feet breathe, flex, and feel—you'll never want to go back.
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