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 hike to one of the peaks in Borovets, Bulgaria in barefoot boots, are seasonal snowboarders, and love a good wintry rainy-day adventure!
The following list will summarize our top 10 Best Barefoot Shoes for Winter (through the eyes of Sean & Sara) ... We've also summarized our results according to the criteria below.
Our Overall Picks
Top Overall for Hiking: Freet Ibex
Top Overall for Vegan boots: Wildlings Robinia
Top Overall for Wide Feet: Softstar Switchback
Top Overall for Harsh Conditions: Xero alpine
Top Overall for Being the Most Minimalist Barefoot: Wildlings Yew
Top Overall for Fashion: Belenka Polaris & Entice
Top Overall for Barefoot Transitioning: Lems Chelsea, Bolder, Outlander
Top Overall for Highest Quality: Bearfoot Bruins
Top Overall for Daily Year-round Wear or Dressier Occasions: Feelgrounds Chelsea
Top Overall for Warmth: Softstar Phoenix
Disclaimer: This page uses affiliate links and codes. We will earn a small commission if a purchase is made, however this will not cost the customer anything.
1. Lems Boulder Summit
With the Boulder Boot being a fan favorite, Lems took the beloved boulder and added rugged, grippy 4mm lugs to make it the ultimate durable boot for every terrain and all-around winter wear. It does have a whopping 16 mm stack height and is not quite as flexible as other boots, but has a really nice aesthetic, gorgeous full-grain oiled leather upper with gusseted tongue and is completely waterproof.
This is best for people who are transitioning to barefoot and are die-hard fans of the Boulder boot.
We have the full review here along with the other new Lem's releases.
Some other notable Lems mentions here are the new Lems Chelseas as well.
Price: $185
Size Range: 5 - 15 US with some half sizes.
Stack Height: 16mm
Pros:
Generous width throughout and volume
Available in a large range of sizes
Is waterproo.
Rugged/Solid
Stylish aesthetic
Very grippy
Gusseted tongue
Cons:
Not super minimal or flexible
Stiff - can take time some time to break in
2mm drop
Can slightly restrict ankle mobility
The Lems website is accessible here.
European readers can purchase here.
Australian readers can purchase here.
Israeli readers can purchase here.
2. Xero Alpine
Despite being an older model, the alpine has withstood the test of time as a boot of extremely capable and rugged conditions. I consider the Xero Alpine to be the most capable boots I've tested, which would be better suited for harsher conditions. Click here to see the test. Packed with a 200g insulation, the fleece lined Alpine is capable of withstanding temperatures up to -32 degrees Celsius, is completely waterproof, yet with only a 8-9 mm (approx.) stack height and weighing only 14.9 oz for a men's size 9 - it retains all the qualities you'd expect from a barefoot boot and is completely vegan!.
The Alpine is available in both Men's and Women's sizes and is our go-to for snowboarding trips and snow adventures.
Price: $159.99
Size Range: US 5-11 (Women's) US 6.5-15 (Men's).
Stack Height: Approx. 8-9 mm.
Pros:
Exceptional waterproof and heat insulation capabilities
Large range of sizes available
Vegan materials
Durable, yet retains minimalist properties.
Sole has good amount of grip.
Looks identical to other Alpine boots on the market.
Cons:
Average width through the toe-box
A bit stiff - takes a little time to break in
Customers may prefer leather boots.
Sara has found them a bit slippery on wet stone surfaces, however I (Sean) has not had that experience
Click here to access the Xero website.
European readers can find them here
Australian readers can find them here
Israeli readers can find them here.
3. Freet Ibex
The Ibex is a true hiking boot, sits higher up on the ankle, has deep lugs with Freet's hill grip outsole and is completely waterproof.
We've hiked 100s of kilometers with these beautiful boots and they have withstood everything we threw at them. Being that they are leather, we do recommend treating them, as well as cleaning them after each adventure.
You can also read our full review here.
Price: $180
Size Range: EU 37-48
Stack Height: 6.5/7 (4mm without insole)
Pros:
Exceptional waterproof capabilities
Stylish aesthetic
Super comfortable
Generous width and volume
Natural foot shape
Light and flexible
All year-round hiking boot
Sole is very grippy
Gusseted tongue
Doesn't restrict ankle mobility
Cons:
On the pricier end of boots.
A teeny bit stiff until broken in.
Customers may prefer Vegan boots.
Use the code TBSR10 for 10% off Freet products on the Freet website. Click here.
Australian readers can purchase from the Bprimal website. Click here.
Israeli readers can purchase them here.
4. Feelgrounds Chelsea
The Chelsea is the third boot released by the Feelgrounds crew. It is one of the better Chelsea choices for those who prefer Vegan boots. They have the same outsole as the Feelgrounds Patrol and they come in 3 different colors.
This Chelsea boot can be added to your dressier wardrobe as well. Its sleek faux leather upper and very normal looking toe-box makes it a great dressy shoe which will complement your outfit and not stand out awkwardly. We love this shoe as a transition from summer to winter. I was spending so much time in sandals I was nervous to put on a boot, however being so light weight and flexible, it did not restrict my ankle or foot mobility at all.
You can also read our full review here.
Price: $169
Size Range: US 5-15.
Stack Height: 10mm.
Pros:
Water repellent
Stylish aesthetic
Vegan materials
Generous width and volume.
Very flexible, does not restrict ankle mobility
Very lightweight
Daily all year-round boot
Good traction
Available in 3 colors
Cons:
Customers may prefer leather boots.
Foot can slide in shoe a bit and cause toe to hit end. I found my normal size felt better when I removed the insole.
Click here to access the Feelgrounds website.
5. Wildling Yew
The Widlings Yew is an impressive innovative shoe. It is super lightweight, practically feels like a slipper, yet still manages to keep the wet and most of the cold out. While I do not think I would hike in Himalayas with it, it is built well enough for a rainy night out in town and warm enough to take you through the winter. It is so thin and so flexible, features a waterproof membrane, and extra secure ring eyelets to really secure the laces to your foot.
You can find our whole review here.
Price: 139 Euro
Size Range: EU 36-48. (Available for kids as well)
Stack Height: 4 mm
Pros:
Water resistant
Warm wool lining
Generous width and volume
Super light and flexible/Zero foot or ankle mobility restricitons
Most minimal barefoot shoe in this list
Tabi sole
Unique and stylish aesthetic
Sustainable manufacturing and materials
Capable of being a daily all around boot
Cons:
Only comes in one color
Very thin sole, can be hard for beginners
Click here to access the Wildling international website.
Click here to access the Wildling USA website.
6. Wildling Robinia
Wildlings strike again with this perfect shoe creation. With its sock like feel and extremely minimal outsole, you definitely don't feel like you're wearing a boot. The whole boot just feels like a cozy hug especially with the gorgeous ribbed knit cuff.
It is super breathable due to its organic cotton upper, hemp-flax fleece soft lining: featuring all natural materials. It is easily the most minimalist of my barefoot winter collection. The unique tabi sole only adds to an already perfect shoe.
Price: 139 Euro
Size Range: EU 36-48 (Available for kids as well)
Stack Height: 4 mm
You can find our whole review here
Pros:
Unique aesthetic
Sustainable manufacturing and materials
Organic breathable cotton upper and hemp-flax fleece lining
Waterproof treated
Generous width and volume
Vegan
Super light and flexible, zero mobility restriction in foot and ankle (In addition to the Yew, the most minimalist in the list)
Cons:
Not warm enough for very cold days
Only comes in one color
Click here to access the Wildling international website.
Click here to access the Wildling USA website.
7. Bearfoot Bruins
These are one of the more rugged and durable boots on the list. The leather material in the toe box area of the boot is quite stiff, making it a fantastic work boot or great for a long hunting, outdoor trip. They are clearly built to last. The first time trying them will feel a bit stiff, but after just one wear they soften significantly.
Until a true steel toe box barefoot shoe exists, this can definitely fill in that gap.
This is the dream workstyle barefoot boot I always wanted since it's most similar to the Timberland style boots I used to wear before transitioning to barefoot and even exceeded my expectations in both style and durability.
Price: $239
Size Range: US 5-16 (Men's) 6.5-12(Women's)
Stack Height: 15mm
Pros:
Very high quality materials and manufacturing
Rugged boot & very grippy outsole
Beautiful top grain leather upper
Waterproof
Partly gusseted tongue
Stylish aesthetic
Durable
Great for wide/high volume feet
Minimally restricts ankle mobility, but as the leather softens with wear even less so.
Cons:
Can be expensive (but worth the investment)
On the heavier side
Stiff at first, needs some break in time
Click here to access the Bearfoot Website - discount code is TBSR10
8. Softstar Phoenix
This is the warmest on the list and is probably the closest to an Ugg boot you will find. Its sheep skin interior can tolerate extremely low temperatures. It can also be worn without socks.
These run really small so you should size up at least 1 if not 2 from your regular size.
The Phoenix boot's uppers are made of the softest leather. These winter boots for adults are fully-lined with sheepskin to naturally wick away moisture for warm, dry feet. These also feature replaceable 3mm sheepskin insoles for long-term comfort.
A zipper on the outside makes it easy to put on and off and prevents the shaft from stretching. The 4mmVibram sole provides excellent traction in mild to moderate winter conditions.
Price: $265
Size Range: US 5-13 (kid options as well)
Stack Height: 10mm total. 6mm sole, 4mm insole?
Pros:
All Leather and Sheepskin
Water repellent
Stylish aesthetic
Lightweight and flexible
Thin rubber outsole
Replaceable insole
Handcrafted in the USA from premium, responsibly sourced leathers.
Perfect Ugg Replacement
Can be worn without socks
Cons:
Can be pricey for some
Not completely waterproof, water can seep into the boot shaft
Not available in one solid color
Click here to access the Softstar Website
9. Softstar Switchback
The Softstar Switchback looks and has the ruggedness of a combat boot. Featuring a Vibram Megagrip outsole, slash resistant SuperFabric Shell upper, and a leather bottom trim, it is quite minimal and super rugged at the same time. If you have a wide foot this is the one for you. After testing it, it is not exactly waterproof due to its non-gusseted tongue, but it is extremely water resistant, stain resistant and easy to clean.
Price: $240
Size Range: US 5-13
Stack Height: Approx. 4-6mm
Pros:
Stylish in a combat boot sort of way
Comes in super wide option
Nonslip (very grippy)
Slash, stain and water resistant
Breathable
Generous width and volume - One of the widest brands on the market
Flexible and light
Marino wool lining
Ethically sourced and eco friendly
Replaceable Marino Wool insoles
100% handmade in the US
Cons:
Not fully waterproof
Customers might prefer full leather.
Click here to access the Softstar Website
10. Belenka Polaris
While they are marketed towards women, Sean loves them so much that he is constantly stealing them to keep his little piggies warm ;) They are the perfect go to slip on and especially around the house, and because of the grippy sole you can even take it around town.
They are my go-to when I wake up in the winter and take our doggie for his morning walk and they are my go-to when I get back from work. I usually switch out of whatever barefoot shoe I'm wearing that day and slip these on when I get home. I love that I can fold down the cuff for another cute look. Would recommend to size up.
Price: 169, On sale for 135.20 Euro
Size Range: EU 36-43.
Stack Height: 4mm + Lugs
Pros:
Rugged sole which is nice for an UGG like boot.
Warm sheepskin lining and Nubuck leather upper
Cuff can be rolled down
Generous width
Stylish aesthetic
Super warm
Can remove insole (wool and recycled PU) for more ground feel and less warmth.
Cons:
Sole feels a bit heavy. The upper feels really light and all the weight feels like it sits in the sole making it feel bottom heavy.
Click here to access the Belenka website and use the affiliate code 'thebarefootshoereview' for 5% off.
Bonus: Our 3 Favorite Winter House Slippers
1. Wildlings Lotus (top left)
Named after the Lotus flower, the lotus slipper has a sock like feel with is 100% wool felt upper and is part of wildlings goal of making their shoes completely recyclable. They can stretch so we recommend sizing down. They have a beautiful classy look and can be worn for light outside wear as well. They are warm, breathable and first to feature Wildling's brand new sole.
Price: 89 Euro or $99
Size Range: EU 36-48.
Stack Height: 2 mm
2. Softstar Zen moccasin (bottom center)
Lined with sheepskin and with a neat ankle elastic, the moccasins are the perfect minimal slipper, breathable in the summer and warm enough for the winter. They come in 2 varieties, one is smooth leather and the other is nubuck. It's suitable for indoor and dry outdoor wear due to its leather outsole. Best of all you can custom choose which color you'd like your slipper to be!
Price: $110
Size Range: US 5-16
Stack Height: 2 mm
3. Softstar Fireside Sheepskin Slipper (top right)
The fireside slipper is the best companion for those who want the classic warm slipper but completely minimal, flexible, and literally feather light. It's fully lined with genuine sheep skin making it warm and comfy especially without socks. You can also replace the insole when they wear down. The suede leather sole makes it perfect for indoor wear and the cuff can be rolled down for even more slipper like feel. Recommended to size down since they will stretch with wear.
Price: $140
Size Range: US 5-15
Stack Height: 2 mm + sheep fluff.
Stay warm this winter with any of the boots listed above and as usual always feel free to contact us with questions and tag us with your find @thebarefootshoereview
Sean & Sara ( & Charlie )