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Do you hate thick padded footwear that takes away the feeling of grounded connection with your surroundings? Do you want to switch to barefoot but don't know where to start?
Barefoot shoes offer a host of health and well-being benefits, and they look incredible!
However, some brands can cause discomfort or allergic reactions. Others don't offer a secure fit and can slide, making them impractical for everyday wear.
I've used my love of slow fashion and years of sustainable product testing experience to uncover the best barefoot sandals for women in 2025.
Today I'll be sharing my firsthand experience to help you find a comfortable, stylish, and eco-friendly pair of barefoot shoes for any occasion.
Why They're Most Comfortable: Be Lenka Promenade sandals feature a soft, flexible sole and are so lightweight that they're comfortable enough to wear all day without tiring your feet.
Personal Experience: Before I tested the Be Lenka Promenade I didn't really believe my choice of barefoot shoe could make that much of a difference. But I was wrong. These sandals have dramatically improved the comfort of my daily walks and working days.
I find I get the connection to the ground, without any of the discomfort.
The adjustable straps ensure a perfect fit, with no slipping and sliding. Their light but high-quality leather upper feels durable, so I can confidently use these barefoot shoes daily and still know they'll last the course.
This isn't just an everyday shoe though. The stylish but practical design is versatile enough for any occasion, and the five color options mean you can choose a pair to match just about any smart or casual outfit.
About the Brand: Since its creation in 2017, Be Lenka has consistently demonstrated a commitment to ethical practices, slow fashion, and the crafting of products that eco-conscious consumers love.
The foundation and charitable contributions further underline its dedication to social responsibility.
Why They're My Favorite Beach Sandals: The cork footbed of these sandals keeps my feet feeling fresh all day, even in hot conditions (some others I tested were very sweaty!)
They're easy to clean if they get sandy. I also love the look of the cork used by Feelgrounds. It gives me lovely holiday vibes...even on the dullest of days.
Personal Experience: My Seaside Twills are now one of the first things I pack on vacation, or for a day at the beach. They're soft and comfortable, but breathable so your feet stay cool all day.
The cork sole is thin enough so you feel the ground connection, but is soft enough to support your feet. The result is there's no danger of foot allergies, blisters, or bunyons even if you're enjoying an active summer day.
About the Brand: Feelgrounds stands out for its commitment to sustainable, vegan materials and ethical manufacturing practices. It's a brand that's pioneered minimalist footwear and eco-conscious fashion since 2019.
Why They're Good for Hiking and Trail Running: These sandals' aggressive tread pattern and flexible barefoot sole offer the perfect balance between ground feel and protection.
Personal Experience: The immediate standout feature here was the exceptional grip. Whether navigating rocky paths or sprinting on forest trails, the Monkey Grip Technology provides the grip and freedom my feet need.
I also love that the sandals' lightweight nature means they're barely noticeable. They provide a great sensory feeling of ground connection, which is one of the main reasons most people enjoy natural barefoot friendly running.
I needed to make a few adjustments to the strap before I found the perfect fit. However, once I did, there was no looking back with my new favorite barefoot running sandals.
About the Brand: LUNA Sandals is the brainchild of Barefoot Ted (a legend in the barefoot running world). After a meeting with Manuel Luna in 2006 down in the Copper Canyons, Ted created a brand to match the sandals used by the Tarahumara Native Mexican tribe.
Why They're Best for Wide Feet: These sandals come in a choice of regular or wide width. They have a strap over the top of your toes rather than between your toes.
Both these design features will suit you if you have wider than average feet, or find having material between your toes irritating.
Personal Experience: When I first started wearing barefoot sandals, I struggled to get used to the ones with material between my big toe. I also noticed that people with wider feet will often find that material is in the wrong place.
The Solstice from Softstar Shoes was the perfect solution while I got used to different sandal types.
These sandals give me the toe freedom of slides but with the extra security of the heel support and adjustable strap.
I also love the look and feel of the sustainably sourced leather. It gives off a stylish vibe that pairs well with various outfits. The leather is also durable and gets softer and more luxurious over time.
About the Brand: The origins of the brand trace back to Tim Oliver, a carpenter, and his wife Jeanie's quest for minimalistic, healthy footwear for their daughter Corina. Learning to craft shoes themselves led to the creation of Softstar Shoes.
Today, the company is a respected Certified B Corporation, committed to quality and sustainability. It sells a wide selection of barefoot footwear options for adults and children.
✔ Quick-Drying
✔ Open-Honeycomb Structure for Superior Ventilation
✔ 100-day Trial
Why They're My Favorite Water Sandals: These excellent water shoes are quick draining, quick drying, and offer incredible grip in the wet. The Bloom foam composition also helps clean waterways by repurposing harmful algae blooms.
Personal Experience: While I appreciate that these aren't technically sandals, there is a good reason they make the list of recommendations.
I'm a keen paddleboarder, and these water shoes offer me a level of grip and protection from stones unmatched by any water sandals I tested.
However, if you'd prefer a more sandal-based water-specific option, the budget option below also performed well for walking in water. They're just not as good as these Vivos for paddleboarding.
About the Brand: Vivobarefoot, founded by two seventh-generation cobblers, embodies the principle that barefoot footwear is regenerative for human health.
As a B Corporation, it meets (and often exceeds) rigorous social and environmental performance standards. For example, its Revivo service (where you can return old Vivobarefoot shoes and sandals to be repaired and resold) is a neat solution to end-of-life disposal.
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✔ 5,000 Mile Sole Warranty
✔ Vegan and Recycled Materials
✔ Exceptionally Priced without Compromising Quality
Why They're My Favorite Budget Sandals: The Aqua Cloud's combination of performance features and eco-conscious design at a competitive price point sets it apart as the best value option of all the sandals I tested.
Personal Experience: My Aqua Clouds are fast becoming one of my favorite casual summer sandals thanks to their lightweight feel and how quickly they dry.
I don't just wear them in Summer. I quite often wear them around the house in Winter, too. In fact, these vegan barefoot sandals are so comfortable to wear that on more than one occasion, I've forgotten I was wearing them and climbed into bed with them still on my feet (don't try this at home - it makes a mess of your bedding!)
About the Brand: Steven Sashen and Lena Phoenix started Xero Shoes in 2009.
In 2013, they appeared on Shark Tank and turned down a $400k offer! ????
That appears to have been the right call, though, as the brand has gone from strength to strength and now has over 61,000 5-star reviews. That's an impressive haul of satisfied customers!
✔ Versatile Design Suitable for Multiple Occasions
✔ Durable Construction
✔ Unique Style
Why They're My Most Stylish Sandals: The Onda leather barefoot sandals boast an innovative Wrap/Gladiator design, which combines traditional craftsmanship with an ultra-sophisticated look.
The leg wrap straps of similar sandals often came loose after a few hours. But the wrap straps of these sandals stay in place all day long.
Personal Experience: While getting used to sandals with material between my toes, I looked for different ways to stop my feet from sliding.
The extra-long straps of these sandals allow me to tie them as tight or as loose to my leg as required (depending on why I'm wearing them and how secure they need to be on my feet).
I was initially concerned that the enclosed toe design of these sandals might be restrictive. However, the wide toe box is roomy and allows my toes to spread naturally.
About the Brand: Rejecting mass production and synthetic materials for genuine, first-class Italian leather treated with natural extracts, Crupon honors centuries-old European craftsmanship.
Crupon's mission is to preserve ancient crafts, ensuring each product supports local traditions and impacts lives positively while maintaining transparent pricing and environmental consciousness.
Having tested a range of barefoot sandals, I was amazed at the difference in quality, fit, and design across all the different brands.
This isn't always obvious when you view them online or even in-store, but soon becomes apparent when you handle and wear them.
To come up with my list of personal recommendations, I considered the following criteria:
The design of barefoot sandals improves stability and encourages a natural alignment of your feet, promoting a healthier posture.
By allowing your foot to move and spread naturally, without the constraints of traditional footwear, you can experience a reduction in musculoskeletal pain and improvements in balance and walking patterns.
The increased natural movement helps strengthen the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of your feet and lower legs. This enhances overall mobility and reduces the risk of injury.
The increased workload on your foot muscles can also improve agility and athletic performance.
Wearing barefoot sandals strips away the barrier between your feet and the ground. This is my favorite benefit of all!
This connection is physical (allowing for a better sense of terrain and temperature) and psychological (offering a sense of freedom and grounding that enriches the outdoor experience).
The different types of sandals can be broken down by their usage and design.
Choosing the best barefoot sandals for your needs involves considering various factors to ensure you make an informed and eco-friendly choice.
Here's a step-by-step approach that will help:
Here are a few tips to help you extend the life of your barefoot sandals and shoes:
These tips apply to barefoot sandals for men and women alike.
My absolute favorite product for protecting leather is Renapur Leather Balsam.
Barefoot sandals are designed with a thin sole, wide toe box, and zero drop (same height front to back) to help promote better posture and foot strength.
Yes, I find barefoot sandals very comfortable and can easily wear them all day.
Transition gradually to allow your feet time to adjust. Begin with short durations and increase as your comfort and confidence grows.
While individual experiences vary, the natural foot alignment promoted by minimalist sandals can help relieve foot pain (including things like plantar fasciitis).
Podiatrists' recommendations on barefoot shoes can vary. Some support the use of barefoot footwear, noting their potential benefits. Some may have reservations, particularly if you have a specific foot condition that requires more support or cushioning.
It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant lifestyle changes.
Barefoot sandals are great for a wide range of occasions and activities, from the beach or pool to weddings, parties, and other formal events.
People love them because they look great, keep you physically and spiritually connected to the ground, and also boost your foot health.
The Be Lenka Promenade is my #1 pick. I love how cute they look while being comfortable enough to wear all day.
If my top pick is not quite right for you (don't worry, I won't take it personally ????), then I've also recommended alternative options for just about any occasion you can think of.
From incredibly durable trail running sandals to super soft Italian leather dressy sandals for special occasions, there are some amazing new barefoot options to help make 2025 the year you embrace a more barefoot lifestyle.
Do you like outsole ankle straps and toe loops on your sandals? Or do you find having something between your toes irritating? Drop me a line and let me know.
Our core values mean we always prioritize sustainability over profit. We carefully evaluate and personally test every product to ensure they meet our high standards. All products recommended in this article were tested in accordance with our Review Methodology.
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