- 12/25/2022
Looking for the best barefoot sandals for hiking, running or simply walking around the busy city streets in style? We rounded up the best rated barefoot sandals for men and women in 2023!
p.s. we also have a full guide to barefoot shoes if you are looking for some help there as well.
This is your ultimate guide to barefoot sandals in 2023.
For avid hikers, wanderlusters, and comfy-shoe enthusiasts, barefoot sandals have always been a key part of their footwear. Barefoot sandals are worn by every member of the SKL team for good reason: barefoot sandals keep our feet healthy, closer to nature, and ready for any adventure that awaits us.
No matter if you are looking for a brand new pair of barefoot running sandals for the next marathon or simply want to explore nature with the best barefoot sandals for hiking, we’ve got all your needs covered.
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
What Are Barefoot Sandals Made Of?
Barefoot sandals are typically made of various lacing systems that hold the sole onto your foot. You might have heard of the term “zero-drop.” This phrase describes the completely flat sole which makes you feel like you are indeed walking barefoot.
Some sandals feature leather, which is extremely durable, soft, and water-resistant. Other styles are made from canvas, which is quick-drying, lightweight, moisture-wicking. When it comes to the best barefoot sandals for hiking, vibram outsoles are the most common.
Can I Wear Barefoot Shoes 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 post is about Barefoot Sandals for Healthy Feet in 2023.
The best barefoot sandals for earth-loving minimalists.
Earth Runner’s barefoot sandals come in an array of styles and colors – and all of them are Handcrafted in the USA.
The performance laces are here to provide ultimate security and stability. Their best barefoot running sandals are made from moisture-wicking Canvas and GOTS Certified Small Batch Dye. Plus, they donate 1% of all sales to True Messages.
Price: $125
Materials: Moisture-Wicking Canvas, Gots Certified Small Batch Dye, 100% Natural Rubber
Thickness: 9mm
Sizes: 6-15
Location/Shipping: Sold from the US
Best barefoot sandals from Earth Runners:
For the best barefoot running sandals, look no further than Luna Sandals. The award-winning company offers a slew of unisex designs adorned with Performance Laces for an effortless fit.
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.
Price: $125
Materials: Waterproof Non-Marking Vibram® Megagrip Outsole, Vegan Materials
Thickness: 7mm
Sizes: 6-13
Location/Shipping: Sold from the US
A few favorites from Luna Sandals:
Wildling Shoes’ barefoot sandals for hiking are the ideal option for men and women. The award-winning brand focuses on downscaling its main emission sources while creating an e-space for inclusion.
Their vegan barefoot sandals have a close-fitting, refined fit and feature a windlass mechanism for the most secure grip.
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.
Price: 79€
Materials: Synthetic Rubber, Silica, Recycled Cork
Thickness: 2.5mm
Size: 36-38
Location/Shipping: Sold from Germany and USA, ships worldwide
Best barefoot sandals from Wildling Shoes:
Blame it on the anatomical fit or flexible zero-drop sole, one thing is certain. Feelgrounds makes some of the most stylish barefoot sandals for men and women!
The brand uses all-natural materials to create their classic, sleek vegan, eco-friendly sandals ethically in Vietnam in ILO compliant factories. Every workers receive a salary above the regional average.
Price: $89
Materials: Cork & Cotton Recycled Materials.
Thickness: 7 mm
Sizes: W5-11 / M11-15
Location/Shipping: Sold from Germany, worldwide shipping available
A few favorites from Feelgrounds:
If you are looking for the best barefoot sandals for hiking, Bedrock sandal’s 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 a patented premium webbing, 3 adjustment zones, and sole-hugger wings for locked-in stability to perform in wet and slippery conditions. Additionally, the brand 1% For the Planet.
Price: $105+
Materials: 100% Vegan, Bluesign Certified Sustainable Materials & Plastic Free Packaging
Thickness: 14mm
Sizes: W6-15 / M5-14
Location/Shipping: Sold from the US
Shop Bedrock Sandals Here
Whether you are running, walking, or hiking, Xero Shoe’s patented FeelTrue sole protects your foot while allowing you to “Feel The World.”
The 5,000-mile sole warranty is certainly a bonus. The “Zero-drop” non-elevated heel is here to ensure proper posture. As for the materials, they use soft, tubular quick-dry webbing, and nylon made from recycled water bottles.
Price: $79 – $109
Materials: Recycled Nylon
Thickness: 8mm
Sizes: 5-12
Location/Shipping: Sold from the US
Shop Xero Shoes Here
Minimalist sandals for water hikes and rough terrain that are also stylish enough for our city strolls? Yes, please!
Unshoes’ barefoot sandals women and men are packed with ergonomic adjustable, continuous straps to keep the sandals snug without being overly tight.
They are the perfect balance between sporty and casual while also being made locally in the US.
Price: $64
Materials: cork foam
Thickness: 8mm
Sizes: W5-12 / M7-13
Location/Shipping: Sold from the US
Shop Unshoes Here
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.
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: $119
Materials: Cowhide Leather & Vegan Options
Thickness: 12mm
Sizes: 4-14
Location/Shipping: Sold from the US
Paisley Running Sandals are hailed as the best barefoot sandals for adventurers and urban lovers. Every pair is handmade with love by a former high school teacher using quality material. You can even choose to sew a non-slip base onto the rubber or add a Memory foam for just $5. Apart from the dozens of customization possibilities, these barefoot running sandals can also be resoled and reconditioned to expand their lives.
Price: $100
Materials: Lisk Or Moreflex Rubber, Nylon
Thickness: 6mm
Sizes: Custom
Location/Shipping: Sold from the US
Etsy is a haven for all-things-custom and leather barefoot sandals are definitely on the list. Laboo Leather offers handmade lifestyle sandals with two different sole shapes in a slew of neutral colors. If you are looking for lace-up sandals or snug and breezy low-rise strap options with orthopedic insert foam, this shop is for you.
Price: €95
Materials: Vegetable-Tanned Leather, Vegetable-Tanned Cowhide, Rubber Sole
Thickness: 6mm
Sizes: 35-43
Location/Shipping: Sold from Hungary, worldwide shipping available
Chala’s collection of the best barefoot sandals features clever side straps and is crafted from ethically-sourced leather from small farms in Freiburg. The brand puts out limited collections of handmade footwear each year that can meet your leisure or athletic demands. The best part? You can customize your own pair of barefoot running sandals or classic, lifestyle sandals through their “product configurator.”
Price: €119
Materials: Hof Leather, Vibram® Natural Rubber, Econyl® Yarn
Thickness: 9.3mm
Sizes: 36-49
Location/Shipping: Sold from Denmark, worldwide shipping available
If you are a bohemian soul, Crupon’s Leather barefoot sandals were designed for you. The brand offers an array of handmade options in many different 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!
Price: $118
Materials: Natural Materials, Italian Leather, And Natural Plant-Extract Dyes
Thickness: 2mm
Sizes: 35-41
Location/Shipping: Sold from Bulgaria, worldwide shipping available
With such a great collection of minimalist sandals, Deliberate Life Designs is definitely a favorite amongst sports enthusiasts. The brad offers custom handcrafted, made-to-order footwear for trail-lovers to enjoy. You can choose from their 5 foot shape options, or fully customize it to match your unique foot shape. Furthermore, each pair comes packed with a 2mm anti-slip footbed for extra durability.
Price: $114
Materials: Vibram Rubber And Re-Purposed Rock Climbing Slings
Thickness: 10mm
Sizes:W 5,5-12 / M 7-18
Location/Shipping: Sold from the US
This post was all about the best barefoot sandals women and men love.
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. Luckily for us, there are so many minimalist sandals and leather barefoot sandals to choose from.
A few related articles you may enjoy:
1. Best Barefoot Shoes on the Eco Market
2. 19 Sustainable Shoe Brands Women Love
3. Non-Toxic and Sustainable Sunscreens for All Those Adventures
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