SKL is reader supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn affiliate commission. Learn more here.
Looking for the best barefoot sandals for hiking, running, or simply walking around the busy city streets in comfort? Good call!
You’re out for a run, feeling the earth beneath your feet, connecting with every step without worrying about rough terrain or debris. Honestly, can you think of a better sensation?
Unlike traditional footwear, minimalist sandals offer the freedom and sensation of being barefoot, while still providing a layer of protection.
Plus, instead of using synthetic materials that can take centuries to break down in landfills, the companies below use eco-friendly materials like hemp, cork, or recycled rubber.
Read on to find our roundup of the best-rated and top-reviewed barefoot sandals for men and women in 2024!
P.S. We also have a full guide to barefoot shoes if you are looking for some help there as well.
The Best Minimalist Sandals For Barefoot Lovers.
I’m a dedicated advocate for barefoot sandals and why I’ve been wearing them for years.
Minimalist sandals allow my feet to move freely and naturally, just like they would if I were barefoot. It’s a feeling of freedom and connection to the earth that traditional shoes simply can’t replicate.
Numerous practical benefits keep me coming back to zero-drop footwear time and time again.
For one, they’ve helped me improve my running form and prevent injuries.
Because they encourage a midfoot or forefoot strike, rather than a heavy heel strike, barefoot sandals promote a more efficient and biomechanically sound running style.
Additionally, wearing barefoot minimalist sandals has strengthened the muscles in my feet and lower legs. Traditional shoes often provide too much cushioning and support, which can lead to weakened muscles over time.
But with this type of shoes, my feet have become stronger and more resilient, helping me to tackle longer distances and more challenging terrain with ease.
I also adore the feeling of wearing wide-toe-box shoes. My toes are splayed out comfortably, each one able to move and flex independently.
Plus, as someone who strives to live a low-impact lifestyle, I appreciate that barefoot sandals are crafted from (mostly) sustainable materials.
Their minimalist design means they have a smaller carbon footprint compared to traditional running shoes, which are often packed with synthetic materials and shipped halfway around the world.
To put it simply, wearing barefoot sandals just feels right for me. They keep my feet happy, healthy, and connected to the world around me.
Trust me, once you go barefoot, you’ll never want to go back!
Read on to find 2024’s top-rated barefoot sandals for walking, hiking, and running according to hundreds of reviews.
The Best Barefoot Sandals In 2024:
1. Feelgrounds
Blame it on the anatomical fit or flexible zero-drop sole, one thing is certain – Feelgrounds is one of the most coveted barefoot minimalist sandals brands in 2024.
To those who say that type of footwear is not exactly fashionable, I always urge them to check out the Seaside Twill and Pathway styles.
With a weight of only 153 g and a sole thickness of 7 mm, these zero-drop sandals are equal parts stylish and functional. Most folks won’t even notice you’re wearing barefoot shoes!
Also, the USA-based company uses all-natural materials to ethically create their classic, sleek vegan, eco-friendly sandals in Vietnam in ILO-compliant factories!
Plus, all Feelgrounds shoes are true to size. Breathable, wide-toe sandals for walking all summer long – what more do we really need?
Price: From $89+
Size Range: US Women’s 5-11.5 | US Men’s 7-15
Thickness: 6.5 mm | 7 mm
Materials: Cork, cotton & recycled materials
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
Our Top Picks from Feelgrounds:
2. Earth Runners
Just as the name suggests, the sustainable brand Earth Runners offers an array of barefoot sandals for men and women – all designed specifically for outdoor activities like running, hiking, and walking.
These sandals are a bit thicker than most options, rocking a 7.5mm Vibram® Gumlite outsole and 1.5mm footbed.
As for the materials, all pairs are made from moisture-wicking canvas and GOTS-certified small-batch dye.
What I love most about Earth Runners is their conductive lacing system, which allows wearers to maintain electrical contact with the Earth.
Currently, there are 3 different lifestyle lace constructions available: The ergonomic, the classic, and the performance lacing system.
For challenging activities like hiking or running, I’d recommend choosing the most secure lace construction – a.k.a “performance.”
Keep in mind that these minimalist sandals are EXTREMELY hard to get used to, but once you do, you won’t want to take them off!
Price: From $68+
Discount Code: SKL10 for 10% off
Size Range: US Women’s 6-16 | US Men’s 4-14
Thickness: 8 mm | 9 mm | 12 mm
Materials: Vibram, cotton canvas, nylon webbing, GOTS Certified small batch dye
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
Our Top Picks from Earth Runners:
3. Wildling Shoes
While there are many barefoot sandals for hiking available online, Wildling Shoes are at the top of my list for a pretty good reason.
The minimalist sandals feature a protective big toe cover that protects our feet from getting hurt while navigating challenging terrains.
Our family of four has worn these sandals (kids and adults) for several years now and adores them.
But, fair warning: This is not the shoe for everyone who isn’t 100% comfortable with feeling the fabric against their toes.
Their vegan barefoot sandals have a close-fitting, refined fit and feature a windlass mechanism for the most secure grip.
The materials list includes rubber, 100% certified organically grown cotton, recycled cork, and hemp-flax fleece.
To top it all off, there is also a wide strap over the big toe for extra stability.
Plus, all styles are handmade in Europe! To find the perfect fit, check out the Fitkit measurements – all sandals are true to size.
Price: $89
Size Range: US Women’s 5-14 | US Men’s 4-13.5 + Kids Sizes!
Thickness: 2.5 mm
Materials: Synthetic rubber, recycled materials like silica & cork
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
Our Top Picks from Wildling Shoes:
4. Luna Sandals
For the best barefoot running sandals, look no further than Luna Sandals.
The award-winning company offers a slew of super lightweight, unisex designs adorned with performance laces for an effortless fit.
The base is 11mm and the tread height is just 4mm to keep your fit secure during your outdoor activities.
I personally love the waterproof non-marking Vibram® morflex sole as much as the zero drop, zero toe-box design.
Plus, the minimalist sandals feature a unique and infinite adjustable lacing system that follows the webbing it goes from your toes all the way around to the top of your foot.
All collections are made in the US with flexible and otherworldly durable materials.
Also, they are inspired by age-old designs with modern upgrades for optimal, sustainable foot health and performance.
Just keep in mind that Luna sandals tend to run a little small.
Our Top Picks from Luna Sandals:
Price: From $90+
Size Range: US Women’s 6-12 | US Men’s 4-13
Thickness: 6 mm | 12 mm
Materials: Vibram, leather, nylon
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
5. Be Lenka
Looking for minimalist sandals to wear with your dresses, breezy shorts, and playsuits?
Be Lenka’s stylish barefoot sandals feature adjustable straps at the instep and ankle, allowing for easy customization, and ensuring a secure and comfortable fit.
The high-resistant rubber (caoutchouc) sole provides durability and stability for all your adventures.
What sets them apart? Their anatomically engineered design is specifically tailored for the female foot.
Plus, the wide foot-shaped toe box offers ample space for the toes to wiggle.
Handmade, chic, and oh-so-comfy – the ultimate combo!
Our Top Picks from Be Lenka:
Price: From $99+
Size Range: EU Women’s 36-43
Thickness: 4 mm
Materials: Leather, rubber
Location/Shipping: Europe, ships worldwide
6. Ahinsa Shoes
Ahinsa’s vegan barefoot sandals are lightweight, vegan, zero-drop, and expertly designed to support your foot’s natural strength.
Whether you’re strolling through the city or exploring the great outdoors, these shoes are perfect for a wide range of settings.
Plus, they are super flexible and packable. You can effortlessly fold and pack these shoes, making them ideal for travel and on-the-go lifestyles.
Lastly, these customizable pairs are handmade in the Czech Republic and Croatia using durable vegan leather.
And the best part? They’ll last you millions of steps.
Our Top Picks from Ahinsa Shoes:
Price: From $128.93+
Size Range: EU Women’s 36-44 | EU Men’s 40-42
Thickness: 1.8 mm
Materials: 100% vegan materials
Location/Shipping: Czech Republic/Croatia, ships worldwide
7. Softstar Shoes
Softstar Shoes have a cult following thanks to their minimal designs.
What makes me opt for those sandals time and time again is the sole!
It’s flexible but thick enough that the feet are protected from uneven surfaces.
In addition to being soft, water-resistant, breezy, and lightweight, these warm-weather styles are made from natural leather uppers and feature a closed back with an adjustable strap to secure the sandal to your foot.
Also, the flexible, minimal 6mm Vibram rubber sole molds to the shape of your foot effortlessly which is amazing.
On top of that, the B-certified corporation uses non-toxic food-grade dyes to give the sandals that extra oomph.
Of course, all pairs are handcrafted in the USA from premium, responsibly sourced leather.
Our Top Picks from Softstar:
Price: $130
Size Range: Women’s US 5.5-13 | Men’s 4.5-15 + Kids Sizes!
Thickness: 6 mm | 8 mm
Materials: Premium responsibly sourced leather
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
8. Xero Shoes
Whether you are running, walking, or hiking, Xero Shoe’s patented FeelTrue sole protects your foot while allowing you to “Feel The World.”
The brand is so certain about the quality of its zero-drop running shoes that it offers a 5,000-mile sole warranty.
If you have an affinity for flexible soles that let your foot bend and flex naturally like me, you’ll love your Xero!
I particularly love how lightweight these shoes are! The women’s 7, for example, is only 4 ounces each.
And thanks to the patent-pending tension adjustment system, you’ll be able to find the perfect fit in seconds. All shoes are also true to size, so no guessing here!
As for the materials, they use soft, tubular quick-dry webbing, and nylon made from recycled water bottles.
Price: From $44.99+
Size Range: US Women’s 5-12 | US Men’s 6-14 + Kids Sizes!
Thickness: 4 mm
Materials: FeelTrue® rubber, nylon straps made from rPET recycled materials
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
9. Shamma Sandals
Shamma Sanda’s handcrafted footwear comes straight from their own workshop.
The brand is proud to produce the best barefoot sandals that are equally flexible and ultra-light while also having tons of traction.
This means that your new pair is destined to stay with you during all your future high-intensity activities.
Shamma Sandals are also zero-drop with a 5mm Vibram Newflex sole coupled with your choice of their UltraGrip or Tobacco Brown Goatskin Leather footbed for a 6mm total stack height. This makes them one of the thinnest styles on this list.
Some of their designs have a brand-new lacing system, which connects the forefoot and big toe to the shoe for extra comfort.
If you are looking for leather barefoot sandals made and sourced in the US, they have you covered too.
Price: From $63.55+
Size Range: US Women’s 5-12 | US Men’s 6-14 + Kids Sizing!
Thickness: 5 mm
Materials: Cowhide leather + vegan options available
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
10. Bedrock Sandals
If you are looking for the best barefoot sandals for hiking, Bedrock Sandals’ industry-leading designs are definitely for you.
They are not only re-soleable and repairable but also made with Bluesign Certified and sustainable materials.
Their sandals are designed with patented premium webbing, three adjustment zones, and sole-hugger wings for locked-in stability to perform in wet and slippery conditions.
The toe triangle makes all the difference because it’s specifically built for those seeking extra support or looking to log big miles.
Another fantastic feature is the Vibram® XS Trek EVO non-marking outsole that’s added to improve traction across varied terrains.
And weather conditions, if I may add. Because they are heavy-duty minimalist sandals, the stack height is 16mm.
Keep in mind that the footbed is firm, durable, and may require some break-in time.
Additionally, the brand is 1% for the Planet.
Price: From $70+
Size Range: US Women’s 6-15 | US Men’s 5-14
Thickness: 8 mm | 14 mm | 16 mm
Materials: Sustainable materials, premium polyester & nylon webbing, nubuck leather, Vibram® rubber compound
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
11. Deliberate Life Designs
Deliberate Life Adventure offers custom minimalist sandals for hiking, running, and living.
These premium-quality barefoot sandals are ideal for hardcore runners on trail ultras, ultralight backpackers looking for the lightest weight trail, or even double as amazing camp shoes.
After selecting your size and foot shape, you’ll build your sandals, choosing your outsole, footbed, and strap colors for a custom design!
The best part? Currently, there are 5-foot shape options! How cool is that?
Price: From $89+
Size Range: US Women’s 5-12 | US Men’s 7-18 + Kids Sizes & Custom Sizing!
Thickness: 9 mm
Materials: Vibram rubber, straps are repurposed climbing slings
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
12. Toetem Sandals
Toetem Sandals offers 3 amazing types of zero-drop sandals and flip-flops for women and men with a fit that’s as comfortable as it is customizable.
The company solely creates buckle-free footwear that can easily maintain foot security and performance mile after mile – sprint through the gnarliest trails out.
To keep you comfy, Totem chose to incorporate Vibram outsoles and two fantastic natural footbed materials: no-slip hemp or premium leathers.
To minimize footwear waste even more, the brand made all models modular.
This way, you can repair or replace the straps and side posts at home.
To top it all off, all components are made in-house at Toetem Sandals’ sandal shop.
Price: From $70+
Size Range: US Women’s 6-11 | US Men’s 8-13
Thickness: 8-14 mm
Materials: Organic leather & hemp, strap made with plant-based raw materials
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
13. Zuzu Sandals
Next up is Zuzu Sandals and their amazing collection of barefoot sandals for men and women.
Flexible, light, and wild, this zero-from minimalist footwear has a 6.8mm thickness which includes the ultra-comfy, integrated textile footbed.
The shoes are made ethically from a 100% upcycled car tire.
For extra durability, the brand has added stainless steel ZuZuSnap buckles to keep the replaceable performance nylon straps in place.
The best part? Water won’t harm your ZuZu flow shoes.
Whether you’re walking on a water trail, cliff jumping, or kayaking, they can take on every task.
Price: From $89+
Size Range: Women’s & Men’s EU 36-47
Thickness: 6.8 mm | 11 mm
Materials: 100% upcycled car tire
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
14. Groundies
Groundie’s women´s zero-drop sandals come in 12 different styles to meet all your quality and sartorial demands.
Granted, they are not made for outdoor activities like running and hiking, but these minimalist sandals will keep you comfy during your future city strolls.
Crafted from high-quality leather, these barefoot leather sandals are designed to offer flexibility and anti-slip properties, ensuring your feet remain secure even during those long summer nights.
Plus, thanks to the adjustable ankle straps and a sole made of 100% natural latex, you can customize the fit to your preference.
Seriously, whether you need sneakers, barefoot ballerinas, outdoor shoes, boots, and more, they have you covered.
Price: From €94,90+
Size Range: Women’s US 5.5-13 | Men’s 4.5-15 + Kids Sizes!
Thickness: 3 mm
Materials: Leather, 100% natural latex
Location/Shipping: Germany, ships worldwide
15. Zeazoo
Zeazoo’s wide range of barefoot minimalist sandals features a 6 mm light flat Vibram® Superflex sole, which provides excellent grip and durability.
Sure, they won’t replace your heavy-duty Earth Runners or FeelGrounds, but these sandals are still the perfect accessory for your city life.
The outer material is made of natural Nappa leather, giving them a stylish touch that can take you from brunch to the office and everywhere in between.
Plus, these comfy barefoot sandals have a chrome-free leather lining and a metal buckle that is nickel-free, making them perfect for your everyday activities in urban life.
Price: From €56.70+
Size Range: EU Women’s 35-42 + Kids Sizes!
Thickness: 6 mm
Materials: Nappa Leather, Superflex Vibram® rubber sole
Location/Shipping: Bulgaria, ships worldwide
16. Mukishoes
Sustainable barefoot shoes made in Portugal? Yes, please!
Touted as some of the best barefoot sandals for hiking, Mukishoes come in 3 neutral colorways to match all your outfits with ease.
The straps of the Solstice sandals are made from organic cotton in a lovely khaki color, offering both comfort and a touch of style. The triangles on the sandals are made of polyurethane material.
What we love most about this pair is the use of cork for both the upper sole and midsole.
Also, to ensure a secure and adjustable fit, these sandals feature a convenient velcro closure.
Price: €79,00
Discount Code: SKL10MUKI for 10% off
Size Range: Women’s & Men’s EU 36-48
Thickness: 3-5 mm
Materials: Organic cotton, natural rubber, polyurethane, Velcro, cork
Location/Shipping: Portugal, ships worldwide
17. Crupon
If you are a Bohemian soul, Crupon’s leather barefoot sandals were designed for you.
The brand offers various handmade options in many colors, from black and beige to turquoise.
Also, you can opt for unique and one-of-a-kind sandals designed with old-world shoe-making techniques, especially for you!
The natural foot shape gives more space for the toes to breathe and sit comfortably which I absolutely love.
Sure, they are not running sandals, but you can freely explore the city in these minimalist shoes.
Price: From $99+
Size Range: Women’s US 5.5-11
Thickness: 2 mm | 0.08-inch
Materials: Italian leather colored with natural extracts from plants
Location/Shipping: Bulgaria, ships worldwide
18. The Drifter Leather
The Drifter Leather is one of the most eco-friendly zero-drop sandal brands on the eco market.
What we love most is their made-to-order “VEGAN DL“ collection which is made from Piñatex by Ananas Anam – a natural, non-woven material made from pineapple leaf fibre.
You can also find fully adjustable sandals (the AVENTURAS) crafted from vachetta leather which is a vegetable-tanned specialty leather used in traditional sandal-making.
Looking for something more chic? Check out the “GRACE” lineup.
These vintage-inspired, two-piece flats are a design based on classic 40’s shoe style using Piñatex.
Personally, I’d wear them everywhere – from the office to summer events and weddings.
Price: From €125+
Size Range: Women’s EU 36-46 + Custom Sizing Available
Thickness: 4 mm | 6 mm
Materials: Leather
Location/Shipping: Greece, ships worldwide
19. Magical Shoes
The Magical Shoes’ lineup boasts handmade minimalist sandals for every day, work, and walks.
All models are made from full-grain leather and incorporate durable, vegetable-tanned leather soles.
The MOANA style comes with ornamented straps leather that look like your foot’s jewelry. With just 5,5 mm thickness.
On the other hand, the AURORA sandals are equipped with delicate, velcro adjustment straps over the ankle and instep.
No worries, the toes are not pinched anywhere – Magical Shoes made sure of that.
Price: $99
Size Range: Women’s EU 36-43 + Kids Sizes!
Thickness: 5.5 mm
Materials: Leather
Location/Shipping: Poland, ships worldwide
20. Tikki
Tikki is a beloved barefoot sandals brand ideal for walking.
Their zero-drop sandals are ultra-lightweight, tipping the scales at a mere 235g.
Plus, they solely use vegetable-tanned leather with a chrome-free lining, as well as undyed vegetable-tanned leather insoles, and 6mm Vibram Supernewflex soles.
As for the Velcro straps, they are strategically added to help you adjust the sandals perfectly so don’t worry they might feel loose on your ankles.
Currently, you can find 3 different styles: The Vibe V1 and V2, plus the Soul V2.
Price: From €68.81+
Size Range: Women’s EU 36-43 + Kids Sizes!
Thickness: 6 mm
Materials: Natural leather, chrome-free
Location/Shipping: Romania, ships worldwide
21. Geniale Sandale
Geniale Sandale’ barefoot minimalist sandals come in two options: IVN, Biokreis, and ECARF-certified organic leather and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 – Class 1 vegan leather.
No matter your preferences, rest assured that the outsoles boast durable, thermoelastic, recycled rubber.
Also, the finely profiled, non-slip design will grant you stability wherever your adventures take you.
Now, on to the laces– aka Paracord. This is a slim and lightweight nylon kernmantle rope with a staggering minimum breaking load of 249 kg.
And in case you’re seeking an all-natural touch, the hemp cord made from 100% natural hemp is an excellent alternative.
With just under 3mm thickness, these barefoot sandals for walking will keep you comfortable and secure.
Price: From €55+
Size Range: Women’s & Men’s EU 36-46
Thickness: 3 mm
Materials: Recycled rubber, certified organic leather, vegan leather
Location/Shipping: Austria, ships worldwide
What should I look for in a barefoot sandal?
Minimalist Design: When it comes to choosing the perfect barefoot sandal for your adventures, it’s important to look for sandals with a minimalist design that allows for natural foot movement. This means thin, flexible soles that provide ample ground feel and freedom of movement.
Wide Toe Box: To get the most out of your barefoot sandals, opt for options with a wide toe box that lets your toes splay out naturally to promote better foot alignment, balance, and overall foot health.
Lightweight: This is extremely important! Zero-drop sandals should be very lightweight and agile to help you move freely and comfortably without feeling weighed down.
Durable Materials: If you’re planning on wearing your sandals daily, make sure to seek out styles made from durable materials that can withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures.
Adjustable Straps: If the straps aren’t adjustable, you might end up with blisters – trust me! Look for footwear with adjustable straps that allow for a customizable fit. You need to make sure that they stay securely in place, even during dynamic movements like running or hiking.
Sustainability: If sustainability is important to you, look for minimalist sandals made from eco-friendly materials and produced by companies with a commitment to environmental responsibility. Our list above is chock full of amazing options!
How should minimalist sandals fit?
The sandals should fit securely around your foot without feeling overly tight or constricting. My best tip is to avoid any pressure points or areas of discomfort, especially around the toes, heel, and arch.
Another important thing is to ensure that your toes are not hanging off the front of the sandals or cramped against the end.
There should be a small amount of space between your longest toe and the front edge of the sandal to allow for natural toe movement.
Your toes should have ample room to spread out naturally within the sandals. So, always opt for sandals with a wide toe box that allows for unrestricted movement of your toes. While the sandals should fit snugly, they should not slide around or slip off your feet during activity.
Adjustable straps can help customize the fit and prevent slippage. Before you go hiking, running, or walking, check for any areas of potential irritation, such as seams or rough edges, that could cause rubbing or blisters. The sandals should feel smooth and comfortable against your skin.
Take your new barefoot sandals for a test run (literally!) to assess the fit and comfort. Pay attention to how they feel during different activities and terrain types to ensure they meet your needs.
Why are barefoot sandals important?
Apart from the obvious benefit of enjoying the amazing sensation of being connected to the earth as if you were barefoot, minimalist sandals are good for your health as well.
The best barefoot sandals allow you to try different gait patterns without putting stress on your knee joints, Achilles tendon, and forefoot.
On top of that, thin soles improve your ability to balance since you are connected to the ground above you. Last but not least, barefoot sandals are secured in place with various different straps to ensure stability.
Can I wear barefoot sandals daily?
Barefoot sandals help strengthen the foot, improve ankle stability, and also, therefore, prevent injuries. However, barefoot sandals are not recommended for daily use during the first years.
If you’ve already spent most of your life walking in cushioned shoes with elevated heels, your muscles and tendons are used to this type of support.
So make sure to take it slowly and let your feet adjust. I was personally able to transition right into barefoot sandals because of my love of completely barefoot walking.
This was your full guide to barefoot sandals!
While everything depends on your personal preferences, the best barefoot sandals for hiking, running, and walking above will definitely be a comfy, stylish addition to your footwear arsenal.
This health-conscious footwear works wonders by engaging the muscles in your feet, leading to increased strength and stability.
In addition to encouraging better proprioception, balance, and a more natural gait and posture, minimalist sandals also enable your feet to connect directly with the ground, providing a heightened sensory experience.
To add to their benefits, these lightweight and versatile zero-drop sandals can take you anywhere – from casual strolls to more challenging hikes.
Luckily for us, there are so many minimalist sandals and leather barefoot sandals to choose from.
If you enjoyed this article, check out these other community favorites below!
- My 7-Year Wildling Barefoot Shoes Review | Are They Worth It?
- The 15 Best Kids Barefoot Shoes For Every Season | School Friendly!
- The 13 Best Barefoot Running Shoes and Running Sandals
+ show Comments
- Hide Comments
add a comment