It's a well known fact that Australian Winter's aren't quite as harsh as other places around the world. We receive a decent amount of rain, and can face single digit temperatures, however we rarely need shoes or boots with substantial cold weather properties unless visiting or living in alpine areas, and could easily go through Winter in regular sneakers. For myself at least, I've never owned a pair of alpine or weatherproof boots until reviewing barefoot shoes, and haven't had the opportunity to test any of them in the snow.
The following list will summarise our top 10 Best Barefoot Shoes for Winter (through the eyes of Australians)... Shoes 1-6 have been worn and tested by us, with the remaining selections being based on our experiences with other models, features and aesthetic. We've also summarised our results according to the criteria below.
Our Overall Picks
Top Overall for Hiking: Vivo Tracker II FG
Top Overall for Vegan boots: Freet Mudee and Feelgrounds Patrol
Top Overall for wide feet: Ahinsa Winter Ankle Bare
Top Overall for harsh conditions: Xero Alpine
Top Overall for being the most barefoot: Wildling Sabio and Winter Heath
Top Overall for fashion: Belenka Winter and Joe Nimble AdventureToes
Top Overall for barefoot transitioning: Lems Boulder
Top Overall for best quality: Joe Nimble AdventureToes
Top Overall for daily year-round wear: Freet Mudee and Joe Nimble AdventureToes
Disclaimer: This page uses affiliate links and codes. I will earn a small commission if a purchase is made, however this will not cost the customer anything. This helps with website expenses. Thank you!
1. Lems Boulder
Being one of the most renown boots throughout the barefoot shoe community, it's of no surprise that the Lems Boulder boot makes the list. Although the sole with its 10mm stack height, is better suited to being labelled as a minimalist boot, this shouldn't be seen as a deterrent for everyone. The additional stack height decreases colder temperature absorption, and allows you to tackle rougher terrains - whether it be hiking, or long days on the concrete.
One of my favourites for camping and colder weather, and they look quite nice too. This was the first minimalist boot I bought, and a definite game changer. We have an older review available to read here (Please dont mind the old format!).
Price: $125-165 USD.
Size Range: 5.5 Kids - 15 US.
Stack Height: 10mm.
Pros:
Generous width throughout and volume
Available in a large range of sizes, styles, materials and colours (as seen below)
A waterproof option is available
Vegan options available
Flat and stable
Stylish aesthetic
Cons:
Might not be minimal enough for avid barefoot enthusiasts
Slightly stiff and heavy - can take time some time to break in
Sole doesn't offer too much grip
The Lems website is accessible here.
European readers can purchase here.
Australian readers can purchase here.
2. Xero Alpine
Since we're on the topic of extremely capable and rugged barefoot boots, 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 fully 200g insulation rating, the fleece lined Alpine is capable of withstanding temperatures up to -32 degrees Celsius, is completely waterproof, and yet with an 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.
The Alpine is available in both Men's and Women's, and will be my go-to for my next trip to the snow. Stay tuned for a review in the future!
Price: $149.99 USD.
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
Stiff and slightly heavy - takes a little time to break in
Might not be minimal enough for avid barefoot enthusiasts
Customers may prefer leather boots
Click here to access the Xero website.
3. Freet Mudee
Becoming a cult-classic amongst the barefoot community, the Freet Mudee not only excels as a daily barefoot boot complete with generous ground feel, width and volume; they also double up as a capable and well-rounded hiking boot with exceptional waterproof properties - tested here.
I've been wearing my Mudee's quite extensively this Winter.... They have a decent amount of insulation, which is suited for a mild Australian Winter, however they might not fare too well in the harsher extremes. However, they're lightweight, flexible, and feel like a sneaker, and perfect for mild climates.
Price: 110 GBP.
Size Range: EU 37-48.
Stack Height: 7 mm (4mm without insole).
Pros:
Exceptional waterproof capabilities
Stylish aesthetic
Super comfortable with a sock-like feel
Generous width and volume
Natural foot shape
Light and flexible
Vegan materials
Daily all year-round boot
Sole has a decent amount of grip
Cons:
Slightly chunky around the ankle
Might not be suitable in colder climates
Customers may prefer leather boots
Use the code 'tbsrten' for 10% off Freet products on the Freet website. Click here.
Use the code 'TBSR' for 10% off Freet products on the PedTerra (US Stockist). Click here.
Australian readers can purchase from the Bprimal website. Click here.
4. Feelgrounds Patrol
The first boot released by the Feelgrounds crew; the Patrol is one of the best choices for those who prefer Vegan boots with all the extras. They are completely waterproof with their gusseted tongue, have a Vegan fleece lining, and come with 2 different insoles, available in a variety of sizes and colours.
Another boot we've been wearing this Autumn and Winter - the Patrol doesn't take too long to break in, is flexible and wide throughout, and fits a bit higher on the ankle. Stay tuned for a review of this Timberland lookalike in the near future, in the meantime... I tested them here.
Price: $169 USD (Currently $135.20 USD - as of 03 July 21).
Size Range: US 5-15.
Stack Height: 10mm.
Pros:
Exceptional waterproof capabilities
Stylish aesthetic
Sustainable production
Vegan materials - including the fleece lining
Generous width and volume
Flexible after breaking in
Flat and stable
Daily all year-round boot
Sole has a decent amount of grip
Available in a range of colours
Cons:
Might not be minimal enough for avid barefoot enthusiasts
Customers may prefer leather boots
Click here to access the Feelgrounds website.
5. Wildling Sabio
The Wildling Sabio also made it on my best barefoot shoes list for 2020, as I was super impressed with their overall performance and feel - Wildling once again spin their magic, to deliver an amazing boot. They're the lightest and most flexible boot in this list, and hold up fairly well in the Australian climate this Winter thus far; However, although they have a flannel lining, and come complete with a gusseted tongue - they are only water resistant, and might not be suitable for harsher climates.
Price: Currently sold out.
Size Range: EU 36-48.
Stack Height: 2.5mm + 2.5mm insole (EU 36-41) 3.5mm + 2.5mm insole (EU (42-48)
Pros:
Water resistant
Warm flannel lining
Generous width and volume
Super light and flexible (Most barefoot shoe in this list)
Unique and stylish aesthetic
Sustainable manufacturing and materials
Capable of being a daily all year-round boot
Cons:
Not entirely waterproof
Might not be suitable for colder/wetter climates
Click here to access the Wildling international website.
Click here to access the new Wildling USA website.
Click here to view our Wildling Sabio unboxing video.
6. Wildling Winter Heath
With the virgin wool lining, the Winter Heath is the warmer Wildling option to the Sabio; however, the Winter Heath also has less water resistance, as it does not have a gusseted tongue - which could be problematic if this is your main priority. Like the Sabio, they are super light and flexible, and feel quite sock like.
Price: 83,20 Euro.
Size Range: EU 23-48.
Stack Height: 2.5mm (EU 36-41) 3.5mm (EU (42-48).
Pros:
Unique aesthetic
Sustainable manufacturing and materials
Warm virgin wool lining
Slight water resistance
Generous width and volume
Super light and flexible (In addition to the Sabio, the most barefoot in the list)
Cons:
Not entirely waterproof
Hard to match with some wardrobe items
Might not be a preferred choice for fussier customers - due to colour
Click here to access the Wildling international website.
Click here to access the new Wildling USA website.
Click here to read Jades recent review.
Click here to view our Winter Heath unboxing video.
7. Vivobarefoot Tracker II FG
Vivobarefoot footwear sets the standard for quality barefoot shoes, and the Tracker sets itself apart as a boot, by using incredibly high-tech futuristic materials and styling. We haven't tested these yet, however our experience with Vivobarefoot has been positive thus far, and we have no doubts that this should also be the case with the Tracker boot.
They are however of average width and volume, and are somewhat expensive compared to the previous boots mentioned.
Price: $399.95 AUD or Approx. $300 USD.
Size Range: EU 41-48 (Men's) EU 35-42 (Women's).
Stack Height: Approx. 9mm with insole, otherwise 6mm.
Pros:
High quality materials and manufacturing
Waterproof
Stylish aesthetic
Flexible, light and durable
Sole has great amount of grip
Conscious manufacturing and manufacturing incentives
Available in a range of colours
Cons:
Average width through the toe-box
Expensive
Click here to access the Vivobarefoot website.
8. Joe Nimble AdventureToes
We've only tested the Joe Nimble NimbleToes sneakers, and haven't had the chance to test the AdventureToes. The NimbleToes made our list for the top 10 shoes of 2020, predominately due to their unrivalled quality. In short, I don't believe I have come across another shoe, which matches the quality Joe Nimble provides. Therefore, I suspect that this quality would also be present in the AdventureToes... On top of this, they look amazing! My NimbleToes are of average width and volume, and I believe this could also be the case with the AdventureToes. They are also on the pricey side.
Price: 235 Euro.
Size Range: EU 36.5-47.
Stack Height: 10mm total. 6mm sole, 4mm insole.
Pros:
High quality materials and manufacturing
Water repellent
Stylish aesthetic
Antibacterial footbed
Flexible, lightweight and durable - with a 36 month warranty
Cons:
Possible average width and volume, if they can be compared to NimbleToes
On the pricey side
Not completely waterproof
Click here to access the Joe Nimble website.
9. Ahinsa Winter Ankle Bare
We've tested a number of Ahinsa shoes, however we haven't had the chance to test the Winter Ankle Bare. Another brand that made our top 10 shoes of 2020, which has made its presence known for their exceptional width, volume and their use of Vegan materials. Therefore, the Winter Ankle Bare is our best choice for those with wider feet, however the downside is that they might not be suited for wetter conditions.
Price: $156 USD.
Size Range: EU 37-46.
Stack Height: Approx. 4-6mm.
Pros:
Conscious handmade manufacturing
Stylish aesthetic
Vegan materials - including a warm fleece lining
Generous width and volume - One of the widest brands on the market
Flexible and light
Cons:
Not waterproof
Customers might prefer leather
Use the code 'A10_TBSR10' for 10% off Ahinsa products on their website. Click here.
10. Belenka Winter
Another trialled and tested brand, which we are completely confident with. The models we've tested have a generous and natural foot shaped toe-box, and are made using quality materials and workmanship. The Belenka Winter are sleek and modern, and are available in a range of colours (as seen below). Unfortunately, they do not have larger sizes available.
Price: 159 Euro.
Size Range: EU 36-46.
Stack Height: 4mm.
Pros:
Water resistant with a membrane
Warm wool lining
Flexible and light
Generous width and volume
Stylish aesthetic
Durable and high quality make
Available in a range of colours
Cons:
Not completely waterproof
Click here to access the Belenka website, and use the affiliate code 'thebarefootshoereview' for 5% off.