Walking – baredsoles

Barefoot shoes for kids – a quick overview

Finding good barefoot shoes for kids can be even harder than for the grown ups! I have ideas for a whole lot of detailed articles with ideas and reviews for different types of shoe for different age groups. But that takes time – and more of it than my busy toddler is leaving me right now! So in the meantime, here’s an overview of some of the most popular options I’ve heard about which I hope gives a bit of a feel for what’s out there.

As time permits, I’ll try and add more information so if you have any comments or corrections, tips or suggestions, please comment below. The more insight and input the better!

Leather soled shoes

Soft, leather-soled shoes are a good bet for the first pair (or few pairs) of shoes.

Robeez Soft Soles are the ones most people will recognize – even those who’re not into barefoot shoes at all. But they aren’t cheap, and while they do go up to age 4 they have few options in the larger sizes. Fortunately, there are some other companies making similar shoes in cute designs – and larger sizes – for a lower price. Shoeszoo is one with a lot of fans (sizes up to 7-8 years) as is Dotty Fish in the UK (sizes up to 3-4 years). Ministar is another option, available from some big retailers such as Target and Amazon.com.

Plenty of Etsy retailers also make this style of shoe. Ebooba is one big Etsy store (sizes up to age 7-8), but a search for ‘leather baby shoes’ turns up literally thousands more. Not all those hits meet our barefoot requirements, of course, but plenty of others do, and in every style and color imaginable.

Moccasins are another option. Again, Etsy throws up plenty of options if you search for ‘leather baby moccasins’. Other brands that have been suggested are Itasca Leather Goods and Footskins (ask for no insole and put a thin one in yourself). For a mainstream option, Minnetonka make infant booties, and one style for older kids (up to a US size 3), with a suede sole.

Soft Star make excellent quality leather-soled shoes for ages 0-12, though their style is not to every child’s (or parent’s) taste.

And last but not least, there are various niche makers producing cute and unusual leather-soled baby shoes. Sole Hope is one example. Another is Minnes, who make very cute, handmade, leather and fur moccasins for babies 0-18 months.

‘Outdoor’ shoes

When you need something sturdier than a leather sole, there are some great options for toddlers up to 24 months. Robeez Mini Shoez have a non-slip rubber sole, and the Shoeszoo carazoo is a very similar design. See Kai Run’s Smaller style is another take on the same leather-sole-with-rubber-pads design. Pediped Originals use a super-flexible, leather sole that’s rubberized all over and apparently stands up very well in wet, muddy conditions.

Heading into larger sizes, there seem to be few brands or lines that are unequivocally barefoot. Most companies – even the more barefoot ones – produce a range of styles with some more barefoot than others, though typically most would be better than mainstream children’s shoes. A degree of trial and error seems to be par for the course.

The most reliable brands for ‘barefootness’ are Soft Star, Vivobarefoot and KidOFit (There’s a great review of KidOFit here). Other options are:

Pediped (the Grip ‘n’ Go range is apparently nice and flexible, the Flex range – ironically – not so much)
See Kai Run – at least some of their styles. Sounds like they’re a mixed bag.
Stride Rite (apparently the SRT – sensory response technology – styles are the ones to look for)
Skidders
Bobux
GoPlae – another brand that gets mixed reviews. The consensus seems to be that their shoes aren’t bad, but aren’t great either. Not as flexible as some, they also have some toe spring, but it’s by no means a bad option. If this is the only brand that ticks some key box for you (like, your kid will actually wear them without a fight) then they could be a good choice.
Clarks – many are very stiff but some (doodles?) are apparently worth a look
Chooze Shoes

For bigger kids, the discontinued Merrell Gloves were the go-to shoe for many. If you can find a pair, snap them up (their new designs are not so minimal)! If you can’t, other options include:

Zemgear
Altra Juniors
New Balance Minimus

Smart/ school shoes

What works as a school shoe obviously depends a lot on the particular dress codes for your institution. For those who can’t just wear the same sneakers or whatever they’d normally wear, or who need smart shoes for some other reason, I started a separate post with smart/school shoe ideas, but there are definitely more options to add. I think Happy Little Soles has a pretty good selection of school shoe ideas.

Boots

Two of the top options for boots are MyMayu and Stonz. Both are flexible and waterproof and can be converted to winter boots in properly cold temperatures (right down until you’d all want to stay indoors anyway) with either of the companies’ fleece liners or a pair or two of warm wool socks. For toddlers (<3), it seems to be a pretty even match between the two brands. Stonz booties are cheaper but some people find they wear through quickly (especially for kids who are hard on shoes, or if you walk a lot on pavement). My Mayu are pricier and hard to put on but more durable. On balance, MyMayu probably just takes it for allowing a more natural gait. For slightly bigger kids (3+) MyMayu are a clearer winner. Stonz have a different style – rain boots – in these sizes that isn’t as barefoot as the toddler booties, but they could still be the better choice if price and/or ability for kids to put them on themselves is critical. A lot of people have found that even older children (age 8, say) who are pretty self-sufficient in general really struggle to get MyMayu boots on unassisted due to the ‘grippy’ coating on the inside of the leg material.

Bogs and Kamik kids’ boots aren’t properly barefoot but are apparently quite flexible – a pretty good option for winter boots. Watch out for the different types of Bogs, though. While Baby Bogs get a thumbs up, Kids Bogs are apparently clunky, heavy and super stiff. The Bogs Summit series is a better bet.

If wet rather than warmth is your chief concern, Vivobarefoot’s Waterloo is another rain boot option. Recently re-released, the previous version poor durability so hopefully the new version stands up better. Alternatively, Aigle kids rain boots are apparently flat and quite nice and flexible, if not totally barefoot.

If you need boots for cold (-20F/ -30C) and snow rather than wet conditions, the Soft Star Phoenix and the Manitobah Mukluks Snowy Owlet are boots to look out for. Both are fur-lined with flexible Vibram soles and come in toddler, kids and youth sizes. Neither are cheap, though.

Sandals

Check out:

Unshoes
Xero Shoes
Gladsoles
Soft Star
ZEAZOO Kids
Pediped adventure sandals.

More ideas coming soon…

Mainstream options

Specialist retailers don’t have the lock on zero-drop, flexible shoes for kids any more than they do for adults, of course. It’s always possible to stumble on a great find from regular stores and brands.

Cheap water shoes are a barefoot staple. Stores like Walmart and Payless can turn up a winner for any type of footwear. Cheaper athletic shoe brands like Fila can sometimes throw out a gem. And this summer I found some very cute and super flexible little canvas shoes for girls in H&M for just a few dollars.

TOMS work for some, as do Converse (especially in the smaller sizes) and Vans. Land’s End and Palladium also seem to have some decent options, though they may require the supplied insole to be replaced with something thin and flat.

Other possibilities.

For bigger kids, small women’s shoes could be an option since women’s and big kids’ shoes have overlapping sizes. According to Zappo’s size conversion chart, US kids sizes 3.5 – 7 are equivalent to US women’s sizes 4 – 8.5 or 9, and the smallest women’s sizes are often available on clearance. This isn’t just an option for girls: for sneakers and athletic shoes in particular, some of the more gender neutral styles could also work for a 7 or 8 year old boy.

Lastly, I’ve seen various other brands get the odd mention. I haven’t researched them yet but you may want to check them out – and if you know more about them please share your insights!

Tsukihoshi
Cientas
Naturinos
ZEAZOO Kids
Pedoodles

Shamma Classic barefoot sandal review

This summer, I’ve been on a quest to find my perfect barefoot sandals and Shamma was one of the first brands I discounted. I read a review that raved about what a great fit they were for wide feet (among other things) and I figured they’d never work with my extra-narrow ones. But when I actually stood on a bunch of different sole templates while making a comparison of seven different brands of huarache-style barefoot sandals, Shamma’s defied my expectations and turned out to be the best fit of them all. Weird! And clearly time to give them a second look…

Shamma Sandals’ founder Josh Stiles kindly offered me a free pair of the Classic Black & Tans to review, and after a quick email exchange suggested a custom toe plug location to improve the fit of the sandals for me. Shamma don’t offer a custom service per se, but they can sometimes accommodate this kind of special request so it’s always worth asking. This small tweak made the sandals non-returnable, but it was free and took the fit on the paper template from just OK to great.

And a week later I got to try the real thing – pretty quick for handmade, customized shoes to get from Santa Cruz, California to Calgary, Alberta. I was impatient to try them, but not as impatient as Little One. He couldn’t even wait for me to take a couple of pictures to show how the sandals look when they arrive before starting his own investigations!

Shamma Classic Black & Tan sandals brand new out of the packaging

While Little One tested the aerodynamic properties of the right sandal, I started lacing up the left based on the enclosed instruction sheet. It was actually pretty easy, and I didn’t need pliers or any special tools. True, it’s slightly fiddly to get the leather straps through the slots in the sole with just your fingers, which I guess is why Josh suggests using needle nose pliers. But it wasn’t fiddly enough that I could be bothered to go down to the basement to find my toolbox. The enclosed instructions were clear and easy to follow, but I would recommend watching the video demonstration on Shamma’s website as well as it included a few extra tips that I found helpful. The whole process of lacing, indoor walking about and adjustment took maybe half an hour and I was ready to try them in the outside world.

It was love at first sight! Of all the barefoot sandals I’ve tried, these were the most immediately enjoyable. With the tactile leather footbed beneath and the suede side of the super-flexible leather straps over the top, it’s like having your foot cradled in a buttery soft leather cocoon. I don’t know by what magic Josh has designed a sole template that fits both wide and narrow feet but there it is. These sandals work perfectly for my feet.

Good traction on gravel paths

The Morflex sole is grippy enough to walk along tree trunks with no fear of slipping

Shamma Classic sandals – comfy even on big old river rocks

The fit of these sandals is very forgiving. So long as you’re in the ball-park of the right strap tension they will work great, making them ideal for beginners and experienced barefooters alike. This is partly due to the sole material, and partly to the leather strapping system.

The sole is made from 6mm of Vibram Morflex, a material like a very dense neoprene. It molds to fit your foot in just a week or two, and even when brand new the slight ‘give’ in the material makes these sandals super comfortable on all the surfaces I’ve tried, including pavement, light gravel and large river stones. They offer a great combination of ground feel with just enough protection from sharp stones to concrete. Despite having no tread at all the Black & Tans somehow still offer excellent grip even on wet rocks, tree trunks and loose gravel. In fact, in my wet-rock tests I felt more secure underfoot in the Shammas than in my Merrell Bare Access Trail shoes – pretty impressive! Morflex is a relatively structured sole material so there is absolutely no slapping, flapping or tripping. Bliss! The leather footbed also helps them mold to your feet over time. As you can see from the pictures below, you can hold the sandals straight out and they barely flop at all but they are still flexible enough to roll right up.

Shamma Classic Black & Tan sandals – flop test

Shamma Classic Black & Tan sandals – roll-up test

The leather laces have a piece of webbing sewn on at one end so you don’t have a thick strap between your toes. It’s so soft and comfortable you’re almost unaware there’s anything there – a completely different sensation to the toe post of a pair of flip flops. There’s a single adjustment buckle that’s fairly intuitive and it took me maybe 30 or 40 minutes of walking, and a couple of small tweaks, to get the fit pretty much perfect. This is pretty quick relative to the time it’s taken me to get a good fit with other barefoot sandals.

I experimented with looser and tighter and both can work. If you’re planning to run in them I would say tighter is definitely the way to go. But since I run only in the case of a dire emergencies I’ve left mine with a slightly looser fit. It’s perfectly fine for general walking about, even on slightly rough ground, and it makes the sandals super easy to slip on and off with a wriggly 16 month old in your arms. It also allows the odd breath of air to sneak in under your foot – an added bonus this summer, as it’s been a scorcher. The sandals never feel like they’re in any danger of falling off even with the straps slightly looser and I really like the versatility of being able to use different fits. The fact that they don’t have to be done up super tight is a particular plus if you don’t like the feeling of having your shoes welded to your feet.

Shamma Classic Black & Tan sandals

Shamma Classics webbing between the toes

The leather laces are simple and very effective – and these side ‘knots’ soften up with wear

Looks wise they aren’t the most girly sandal option out there but I don’t find them unfeminine. They remind me a bit of my old Birkenstocks, my summer shoe of choice before I realized how bad they were for my feet. They are definitely at the sporty/casual end of the spectrum but within that context they can totally work with skirts and dresses.

So, was there anything I didn’t like about these sandals? Well, the ‘knot’ formed where the strap twists round either side of the ankle does stick out a little bit and when they were new they dug in slightly, especially on the inside of my foot. I was initially a bit concerned that would get irritating but in fact 5 minutes later I’d forgotten all about it. Similarly, in the car, the ‘knot’ on outside of my right foot sometimes rubs slightly on the carpet up the side of the gas pedal. But these are minor issues that have pretty much gone away as the laces softened with wear. Which just leaves me with a lasting reluctance to wear the sandals on wet and muddy walks. They’re so nice I don’t want to spoil them! Josh is not so precious about his product: Shamma’s website shows the Black & Tans perfectly at home fording a stream. But I like them too much to risk it! Fortunately, Calgary is generally quite dry so I my hang-up is not too restrictive. Lucky I don’t live in England any more…

You might think that handcrafted leather sandals this good would come with a hefty price tag, but at just USD $65 (or $50 if you forgo the leather footbed, and Vibram soles are very comfortable even without it). Shamma Classics are excellent value for money. They’re substantially cheaper than some of the alternatives but still very high quality.

Molded to my feet after just a couple of weeks’ wear

Another view of the Morflex sole molded to my feet

If the leather Black & Tans aren’t quite what you’re looking for, Shamma has other styles that might hit the spot, including:

Jerusalem Cruisers, which have the same Vibram Morflex sole as the Black & Tans but with a webbing and Velcro-like strap system;
Warriors, which have the same webbing straps as the JCs but with a slightly thinner, even more flexible Vibram Newflex sole and a more agressive tread; and
Mountain Goats, which again have the same webbing laces but this time paired with a special composite sole. Blending the benefits of Morflex and Newflex, the Mountain Goats have a slightly thicker sole (that I think is unique to Shamma) that’s lightweight, durable and offers a bit more protection for longer hikes and rough terrain.

I’m so impressed with the Classics, I may just have to try one of these others next summer…

9 barefoot transition walking shoe ideas for women

A thoughtful transition is key to avoiding problems when switching to barefoot shoes. If you’re still working out what your transition will look like, you may find these resources useful. If you have a history of foot pain or any other concerns, you may want to get some professional input too.

Although I’ve labelled these suggestions ‘transition shoes’ some could also be options for the medium or long term. The demands of your life – or your body – may mean that these kinds of shoes are as close to barefoot as you want (or are able) to get. Many long-term barefoot enthusiasts still prefer some cushioning for long hours on hard, man-made surfaces. Or if you have a long-standing illness or injury a zero drop, zero cushion shoe may not be the right choice for you.

Whether you’re looking for the long or the short term, here are some ideas to get you started if you’ve decided that a transition shoe – one that’s more minimal than a regular shoe, but not fully barefoot – is what you need.

Since the characteristics of a barefoot shoe most likely to cause problems in transition are heel height and sole thickness/support, that’s what I’ve focused on here. To give you a frame of reference, a traditional athletic shoe typically has a heel to toe drop (or offset) of 9-13mm, so this post looks at shoes with a drop of 8mm or less. Truly barefoot shoes are, of course, zero drop (meaning the heel and the ball of the foot are the same height off the ground). If you’re a runner, even a small change in heel height can have a profound impact on your form, so you will need to take extra care when transitioning. If you haven’ already looked into it, I think this is a useful summary of the impact of heel height on running form (at least, once you get past the reference to the ‘minimalist craze’ in the first sentence). A good running shop will be able to give you tailored advice about both form and footwear to help make your transition to barefoot running trouble-free.

Heel drop is easy to measure but cushioning is less clear cut. As a rough guide, a regular training shoe has a stack height (the height of the sole under your heel) of around 30mm, with the well-padded models offering 35mm+ and low-profile shoes coming in around 25mm. Below about 25mm you’re into minimal shoe territory. Hardcore barefoot shoes like Vibram FiveFingers and Vivobarefoot have soles around 3 or 4 mm thick. Stack height is important in it’s own right as the higher you are off the ground the more the shoe will impact your gait and balance, and a thicker sole typically means less flexibility. As a general rule, then, you don’t want to have more sole than you need. But more important than stack height in how the shoe feels are the materials the sole is made of. Standing on 10mm of carpet clearly feels different to standing on 10mm of hardwood, and so it is with shoes too. Some have a very soft, bouncy sole while others are made of much firmer materials. In the end, while internet research can suggest some likely contenders, the best way to find the right feel for you is the old fashioned method of trying them on.

So, starting with the cushiest options and working our way back down towards barefoot, what are some of the brands you might want to consider?

Some of the most cushioned shoes on the market (so much so that they sparked their own ‘maximalist’ trend) are made by Hoka One One. Originally designed for ultramarathon trail runners, they have particularly soft cushioning that is uniquely shaped so your foot sinks right down inside it. All this means that first, Hoka One Ones have a very distinctive feel and second, the outside appearance of the shoe is a bit misleading. Your foot doesn’t actually sit quite so high off the ground as it looks like it might at first glance. Their current range has road and trail options, with stack heights ranging from 27-35mm and drops of 2-6mm in US sizes 5-11. Hoka One One’s website has a useful comparison chart for all their styles, which would be even more helpful if it had the same specs as the individual shoe pages. I suspect (but I’m too lazy to check) it’s because the chart is based on the men’s, not the women’s, specs. Still, it’s a place to start. With a 6mm drop and a stack height of 32mm, the Stinson 3 road shoe is one of their most highly cushioned options. The Mafate Speed combines maximum cushioning with some arch support and a 4mm drop, while the Huaka has just a 2mm drop and a slimmer 27mm stack height, making it an ounce or two lighter as a result. Hoka One Ones are mainstream shoes and therefore have just a regular size toe box, but if their super-soft cushioning is a must-have for you that might be a compromise worth making – at least for a while.

Altra shoes are all zero drop and span the whole cushioning range of traditional running shoes. The 36mm stack height in the Olympus 1.5 tops even that of the Hoka One Ones while the Superior 2.0, at just 21mm, is closer to minimal. They have extra-wide, anatomical toe boxes, adding another attribute of true barefoot shoes, but Altra’s toe box is exceptionally wide even by barefoot standards. If you have narrow feet (like me), they will probably feel like clown shoes! They come with a 5mm “support” footbed, which Altra say gives the feel of a traditional insole, including arch support. The footbed is removable, though, if you want to dial down the support (and the cushioning), or if you prefer to use your own orthotic. On the other hand, if you’re looking for even more support, Altra also make a stability wedge to correct over pronation. This comes as part of the package in the Provision 2.0 but is also available to buy separately so could be used in any of their shoes. Again, it’s removable so offers some flexibility to adjust the support your shoes offer as your muscles strengthen. Available in US sizes 5.5 to 12.

Skechers GO series is designed to give a more barefoot experience without being completely minimalist. As such, they are all lightweight with a wider toe box and a lower drop than Skechers’ standard shoes, but all are still quite generously cushioned. They also have a built-in insole which offers some arch support. The GOrun Strada combines and 8mm drop with a 25mm stack height. The GOrun 4 and Ride 4 styles have a 4mm drop and 18mm stack height, but if you choose to use the included insole you’ll add an extra 4mm of height plus good arch support (or, of course, you could use your own orthotic). For a different fit and aesthetic, the GOwalk 3 FitKnit offers the most support of any model of the GOwalk shoes. The contoured insole is not designed to be removed but according to the Q&A on Skechers’ website it can be pulled out if you use some force. It has a 19mm stack height, a 4mm drop, relatively little toe-spring – another plus – and comes in regular and wide widths up to a US size 11.

Merrell offers one of the widest ranges, from hefty traditional hikers all the way down to the properly barefoot Vapor Glove. They come in sizes 5 to 11 and generally work best for people with average to narrow feet. For a well-padded transition option check out the All Out Peak, which has a 6mm drop and a 32mm stack height. The Move Master Mix Glide takes you one step further along the transition path with a 4mm drop and an 18mm stack height. Their cushioned, zero-drop styles range from the 17.2mm stacked Bare Access Ultra and the 15mm high Bare Access Trail to the minimal Pace Glove with just 10.5mm underfoot.

Another brand with a wide range of options is Inov-8. They offer 0-9mm drop options suitable for fitness, roads and trails, and all their shoes have removable insoles. To allow room for your toes to spread, you’ll probably want to go for the standard fit unless you have a very narrow foot. This graphic shows the difference between Inov-8’s standard and precision fits. Examples include the 8mm drop Race Ultra 290 trail shoe, the 6mm drop F-LITE 240 fitness shoe and the zero drop Bare-XF 210. Available up to a US size 11, they also tend to run slightly too narrow for those with wide feet.

Specialist minimal brand Topo Athletic makes zero to very low drop (max 3mm) shoes for road, trail and gym. Lightweight with extra space in the toe-box, they make good transition options. They even have a split-toe model, the W-RT, for extra toe mobility. It’s zero drop but has a stack height of 16mm so still provides some cushioning. The W-Runventure trail shoe combines a 19mm stack height with a 2mm drop, while the W-Fli-Lyte offers the thickest sole of any Topo shoe with a 22mm stack height and a 3mm drop. Available in US sizes 6 to 11.

Lighter weight than their mainstream shoes with wider toe boxes and more flexible soles, Nike’s Free series are another great transition option. The 5.0s have the most cushioning and the biggest drop (8mm) of the range, the 4.0s have an intermediate 6mm drop and a slightly thinner sole while the 3.0s have less cushion again and a drop of just 4mm. The Cross Bionic 2.0 offers a zero-drop option with a pretty thin sole, though it looks like they may also have a slightly narrower toe-box. The 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0 shoes are also available with Nike’s sock-like FlyKnit upper. The Flyknit styles generally get very good reviews and their adaptable fit works with a wide range of foot shapes. Some of the 4.0 and 5.0 shoes also come in the customizable iD version, which will give you the option of a regular or a wide fit (as well as a phenomenal array of color and design choices). Some styles are available up to a US women’s size 13. But while the Nike Frees are a good choice, I wouldn’t personally consider the Flex line which (ironically) are not very flexible at all. Or at least, the example I saw in my local sport shop wasn’t.

The New Balance Minimus range includes several zero and 4mm drop shoes suitable for fitness, golfing, roads and trails. Very lightweight with Vibram soles, these are another style with a roomy toe box but a slimmer mid-foot so they may feel constricting if you have a wide foot. Available in US sizes 5 to 12, their most popular styles include the 4mm drop Minimus 10v3 Trail and the Minimus Zero v2 road shoe.

Last but not least, all Skora shoes are all zero drop and all have some cushioning. Their Tempo style has a 22mm stack height, the Fit has 13mm and the Phase 11mm. The Fit and the Phase come in leather-upper versions (called the Form and the Core respectively). None has true arch support, although the different styles have different mid-foot designs which may feel more or less comfortable around your arch. They come in US sizes 5 to 11.

Nike Free 5.0

Nike Free Flyknit 3.0

Nike Free Cross Bionic 2

New Balance Minimus 10v3 Trail

New Balance Minimus Zero v2

Skora Temp

Skora Form

Skora Phase

These options are by no means the only ones out there. Adidas, Asics, Brooks, Karhu, Mizuno, Newton, Pearl Izumi, Puma, Saucony, and Under Armour all make low drop athletic shoes. They may not all offer other barefoot features, such as a flexible sole and roomy toe-box, however, so shop carefully.

There are more ideas for shoes with a removable insole if that’s a feature you’re looking for (for example, if you want to make use of orthotics as you transition), and it covers all kinds of shoes, not just sneakers. Or, if you’re ready to move on to a more barefoot walking shoe, you can read my comparison of Merrell, Vivobarefoot and Lems here.

Happy shoe shopping!

Gladsoles barefoot sandals review

This summer I’ve been on a quest to find the perfect minimal sandals, and Gladsoles are minimal in the truest sense of the word. A sliver of Vibram, a length of cord and a plastic lock. That’s it. At first glance, then, they sound (and look) pretty similar to the Xero Shoes Amuri Venture, but those costs $40 USD while Gladsoles are $50-70. Are Gladsoles worth the extra money? Rich Gladstone, Gladsoles’ founder and owner, kindly gave me a discount on a pair of Hybrids so that I could find out.

The first difference is that all Gladsoles sandals are custom-made. Xero’s custom options, which cost $50-55, are therefore a better comparison than the Amuri Venture. A custom pair of Unshoes Wokova Feather’s will set you back $63. For a custom sandal, then, Gladsoles are actually one of the cheapest options.

I made tracings of my feet (Gladsoles have you do both left and right) and emailed them off. My sandals turned up here in Canada about a week later, tucked into a cute little burlap bag together with the extra laces and lock I’d ordered.

Gladsoles Hybrids arrive packaged in a burlap bag

Little One is always eager to test things for himself and he was especially impressed with the Gladsoles. A pleasing sole texture for teething: check. Long, colorful laces to wave and throw: check. Brightly colored toggles to chew and…….OK, mommy’s going to put those choking hazards away until nap time.

Little One loves these sandals — Little One absolutely loves these sandals!

And you will definitely want to wait for a leisured moment before you sit down to work out how tie these sandals. I was initially entertained that there were instruction videos for both the left and right feet. “Who are these people who can’t just translate from one foot to the other?” I thought. Well it turns out that would be me. It’s not the fault of the videos; the are very clear and informative. But I totally needed a demo for each foot, and several gos at watching them.

And I still couldn’t get the lacing right.

Now, I’ve seen other reviewers comment on how much fun they had experimenting with different ways to tie their Gladsoles. This was not my experience Perhaps these other people are more crafty than me, or more patient (which isn’t hard!). My primary emotion was frustration. All I wanted to do was put on my new sandals and go for a walk, and instead I was stuck indoors watching videos and trying to work out what went round what and under where. My meager reserves of patience ran out after about 45 minutes and I went walking anyway, but I still hadn’t got it right. The soles felt floppy, the knot on the top slipped up my foot and overall they felt very insecure. I couldn’t see how anyone could run in these things. I could barely walk round the block!

But after a day or two of fighting with them I finally got my left foot comfortable, and by the end of a week I’d got the lacing down. Possibly other people are not such slow learners, but in case anyone else shares my struggles my top tips are:

When they say in the videos to “pull the laces nice and tight”, they’re not kidding. I found that if the laces aren’t tight to your foot – and I mean really tight – the sandals just don’t work. Although they felt uncomfortably tight when freshly tied they always loosened off after a few minutes walking. Any looser to start with and they quickly get too loose.
It’s a fine line between having the laces tight enough to be secure and so tight as to dig in painfully at my Achilles’ tendon or between my toes. I eventually discovered that the ‘sweet spot’ is much easier to find with small adjustments rather than by undoing all the lacing and starting again. Just pop off the locking toggle, loosen the knot and pull through about a quarter of an inch of lace before tightening it up again. This small amount of extra looseness or tightness will distribute itself around the whole lacing system after 5-10 minutes of walking, and makes a surprisingly noticeable difference. A couple of adjustments like this and I found the perfect fit.
The exception to that rule is the first span from the toe plug to the outside of your ankle, and the first loop round the back of your foot. Small adjustments at the knot don’t get passed along to these sections because the lace is gripped at either end of them where it passes through the sole. It’s worth taking the extra time to make sure that these are right (i.e. nice and tight!) before you lace up the rest of the sandal.

But every cloud has a silver lining. After all that practice, I’m pretty nifty at tying these things up now. And it’s actually not much harder than lacing up a pair of sneakers. I dimly remember was a knack that took a little bit to master too. The free lacing system is also more versatile than sandals that use webbing straps. Between the custom-made sole and the flexibility inherent in the lacing system, even oddly-shaped feet like mine can get a good fit. And if the basic tie doesn’t work for you there are other ideas out there – or you can make up your own.

Even better, once you have them laced to your satisfaction you can slip the sandals on and off pretty easily. In fact, I was surprised how easy it is. I’d thought the laces would be soft and floppy but in fact, while they feel soft against the skin, they stand up even when your foot isn’t inside them. This makes it relatively easy to slide your foot in and pull the heel straps up, even one-handed while carrying a wriggly baby. With two hands it’s a breeze!

Gladsoles Hybrids

The Gladsoles Hybrid lets you feel all the rocky contours of the path

The Vibram Newflex sole easily flexes with your foot

The laces are thoughtfully designed with a flattened end under the toe hole held in place by a slim plastic washer recessed into the sole. No uncomfortable knots under the toes here. How long the laces will last depends on how you use them. Although they do touch the ground either side of the ankle, they can also wear out under the toes. Using the sandals only for walking/hiking the laces can apparently last a year or more but running will wear them out faster. If you’re a runner you’d probably be looking to replace your laces every 2-6 months, depending on mileage.

But enough about laces. Let’s talk about the sole.

Well, again my first impression wasn’t that positive. The sole felt floppy and I hate floppy soles. My issue is ‘toe-flap’, when the sole flips back underneath your toes if you catch it wrong. But I think part of this was my poor early lacing efforts. Once I had that right the sole was held to my foot much better. So far, the sole has only flipped back under my toes a few times, and even when I did it didn’t cause me to stumble or scuff my toes. I can still feel the sole flap a tiny bit as I walk but now I’m used to it – and confident I’m not going to get hurt – it doesn’t really bother me.

And it may not just be the lacing, or the getting used to it, or even that the soles molding to my feet that made the difference. It seems that the soles have actually firmed up a bit after just a week of wearing them (averaging 2.5 miles of walking per day). Check out the before and after pictures below of the sandals in front of my home-made “Droop-o-meter”. The lines are marked at inch increments. You can see that the Gladsoles Hybrids had a 7″ droop when new, but after a week of wear it was down to 3.5″ and I don’t think the process is complete yet. Weird!

Flop when new

Flop after 1 week of wear

The soft soles are super easy to roll

The flattened toe-plug ends of the laces

I have no idea what strange Vibram alchemy causes this effect. Perhaps the soles just get a bit denser under the compression of walking on them? Whatever the reason I’m happy with the result! The reducing floppyness was another reason why the more I wore these sandals, the more I liked them.

And I got to really like them.

Airy and weightless (at just 96g/3.4oz per shoe according to my kitchen scales) these are the lightest shoes I own. They fit so snugly it actually feels more like having a Vibram coating on your feet than wearing shoes. Normally I’m the the kind of gal who minces round the edge when I find a big puddle, but in these I started leaping over. They are fun shoes to wear! And it helped to know that if I fell in I could just swish them in the river or toss them in the washing machine and they’d be good as new.

Looks wise, I think they’re one of the more delicate barefoot huarache-style sandals available, and there are lots of different color options for locks and laces. They’ll always be a casual shoe but I think they absolutely work with skirts and dresses. I felt like they blended in quite well with other summer footwear. No-one gave me strange looks in the grocery store.

Gladsoles Hybrids - on — Gladsoles Hybrids – on

All the Gladsoles sandals use the same tying system but there are different options for the sole. The Hybrids I tried ($60), with their 8mm Vibram Newflex sole, are the floppiest sandal that Gladsoles make but also the most flexible. Of the different types of sandal I own, these are the easiest to roll up. They are very flexible in their uses too. Newflex combines a slight yield as you walk on them – perfect to take the edge off hard city streets – with an aggressive tread to grip the trails. Their relative ‘softness’ also makes for excellent ground feel. In fact, I found it’s almost too good. I find them great for mixed terrain but I couldn’t walk in them for more than about 15 or 20 minutes on rougher ground, like the river stones path pictured above.

If the Hybrids don’t sound like quite what you’re after, one of Gladsoles other models might be the one for you.

The Street ($50) is made from Vibram Morflex, which has very little flop. Like the Hybrids sole, this sandal has that slight give as you walk on it and will mold to your feet with wear. Although they have next to no tread they still offer excellent traction on pavement, even in slippery, wet conditions, and can handle light trails too. For a good, general, first barefoot sandal, this is probably the one I’d pick.
For more rugged terrain, the Trails ($70) are made with an even denser Vibram Gumlite sole. It has next to no flop but also next to no yield underfoot so it’s not as forgiving on hard man-made surfaces. But it offers good grip on the trails and reduces the sensation of sharp rocks and stones. This is the sole for longer stints on rougher trails.
Last but not least, the Ecos ($60) are made from upcycled tires and also have very little to no flop. They won’t mold to your feet like the Vibram soles, and they don’t have much give in them, but they’re environmentally friendly and incredibly durable.

So, are Gladsoles worth the money- and the effort of learning to tie them?

For myself, I’d say unequivocally yes. I have odd-shaped feet that don’t fit most sandal’s templates so I’d probably be looking at a custom sole anyway. The only custom options at a similar price to the Gladsoles Street are Xero and Unshoes, both of which use proprietary soles that are unyielding and prone to floppiness. For me, then, the Gladsoles Vibram sole clinches it, and while the tying put me off at first I now think the pros of a free lacing system at least balance the cons.

If the regular templates do work with your foot it’s obviously a slightly different equation, but even then I think Gladsoles are great value. Given my sole preferences I would definitely pay an extra $10 vs the Xero Amuri Venture or $2 more than the Unshoes Wokova Feather to get the Vibram sole on the Gladsoles Street. I’m still making my mind up about whether the floppier Hybrids are worth an extra $10 again. Lucky we have plenty of summer left for me to keep wearing them while I work it out…

Barefoot shoes with removable footbeds

A removable insole adds some flexibility to your barefoot shoes. The same pair of shoes can be configured for more or less cushioning depending on the surfaces you’ll be traveling on, or the length of time you’ll be on them. They’ll enable you to use an orthotic if your journey to barefoot requires that. Or maybe you just like to wash or replace your insoles from time to time. Whatever your reason, if this is a feature you’re looking for what are some of the choices?

First, the zero-drop options.

The most barefoot shoe I know of with a removable footbed is the Zemgear TerraTECH. With a 3.5-4mm rubber outsole, these shoes are up there with Vibram FiveFingers (VFF) or Vivobarefoot in their barefootedness if you take the insole out. With it in, you’ll add 2.5mm of cushioning and some additional puncture resistance. Or, of course, you can use your own. With unisex sizing, they run up to a US men’s 13.

Next up the cushioning ladder, Lems Primal 2 combine an 8mm rubber outsole with a 3mm removable insole. Their other styles use different outsoles but the footbed (and your ability to remove it) remains the same, as does their super-wide toe-box. The Primal 2 is available for US women’s sizes 5-13.

ZemGear TerraTECH

Lems Primal 2

Skora Tempo

Newton Tri Racer side view

Altra Superior 2.0

Altra Olympus 1.5

Inov-8 Bare-XF 210

Inov-8 F-LITE 235

For a little more cushion again (and more vibrant colors!), Skora sneakers could be the ones for you. Their Phase style has an 11mm stack height followed by the Fit with 13mm and finally the Tempo with a 22mm sole. The Fit and the Phase come in leather-upper versions (called the Form and the Core respectively). All zero-drop, they have a fairly wide toe box, and come in US sizes 5-11.

Newton running has one zero-drop style in their line up: the Tri Racer (available in US sizes 5-12). Or, if zero-drop isn’t critical for you, their other styles (which include road and trail runners) range from a 2 to a 6mm heel to toe drop. All are apparently wide-fitting and well-padded.

Altra’s shoes top the cushioning tree. All zero drop,and also available from a US 5 to a 12, they come with a 5mm removable “support” footbed that Altra say gives the feel of a traditional insole – including arch support. They make road and trail options, with stack heights ranging from 21mm in the Superior 2.0 to 36mm in the Olympus 1.5 trail shoes. Like Lems, Altras have very wide toe boxes. If you have narrow feet (like me) they will probably feel like clown shoes…

…in which case, you might want to check out Inov-8’s shoes. They make two zero-drop fitness shoes, the F-LITE 235 and the Bare XF 210, which ship with a 3mm insole. They have a wide range of other fitness, road and trail running shoes with drops up to 9mm. The trail shoes ship with a 6mm insole but replacements in both thicknesses are available to purchase. As well as being narrow my feet are very shallow so this flexibility to adjust the shoe volume makes Inov-8 an attractive option. To be clear, though, these are still shoes with a wider-than-a-regular-sneaker toe box: they just aren’t as wide as Lems or Altra. Or at least, they are wider than average if you buy the ‘standard’ fit. Unless you have VERY narrow feet the ‘precision’ fit is unlike to allow your toes to spread. Inov-8 explain their different lasts (with handy diagrams) here. Inov-8 don’t have details of their stack height on their website but I’ve emailed to ask them. If that’s the clincher for you, watch this space…

If you would prefer something other than a sneaker, Lems’ Mariner boat shoe or Boulder boot add some variety to the line-up. Or check out Otz shoes. They come with a rather stiff, very contoured footbed but without it they are a pretty minimal shoe with roomy toe-boxes and thin rubber soles. They do a range of shoes and boots with the choice of a leather or vegan upper, and even a ballet flat. The ladies’ styles go up to an EU 42, which Otz says is equivalent to a US 12. I take a US 12, however, and normally need a 43 – or even a 44 – in Euro-sized shoes, so I am skeptical, but you never know. If all else fails, they do a number of unisex styles that will definitely accommodate a larger foot.

Otz Espadrille Linen

Olukai Nohea Nubuck side view

Olukai Nohea Nubuck top view

Lems Mariner

Otz Pilgrim Suede

Olukai Heleuma Canvas

Olukai Pueo Perf ballet flat top view

Olukai Pueo Perf ballet flat side view

Otz Semis

Lems Boulder Boot

Otz Troop Shearling boot

Otz Paso Leather boot

Heading into the mainstream, there are a few low-drop options worth a look. Olukai has some similar styles to Otz shoes but with thicker soles, narrower toe-boxes and slight heels. Still, I think they are credible transition shoes – especially if you have a narrower foot (and don’t need a size larger than 11). They have some slip-ons, lace-ups, ballet flats and a Mary Jane.

Rockport also have a few styles that could work. I was in their store a couple of weeks ago and liked the truWALKzero shoes and the Cambridge Blvd mocs. Without their insoles, these shoes have thin, flexible and pretty flat soles. There are compromises to be made with any high street option, particularly in the width of the toe-box, but depending on the shape of your foot they could work for you.

Rockport Cambridge Blvd Comfort Driving Moc

Rockport truWALKzero III black

Skechers GOrun Ride 4

Propet Travel Walker LoPro

Propet Travel Walker II

Propet Travel Walker Mary Jane

Last but not least, I’ve found two mainstream brands offering cushioned, low drop walking shoes with removable footbeds. Skechers has the GOrun 4 and GOrun Ride 4 (US sizes 5-11), while Propet offers the Travel Walker series in sizes up to a 12 and in both wide (D) and extra wide (EE) fittings. They may not quite rival Lems, but unless your feet are very wide the Propets should give your toes room to wiggle.

So, that’s all the barefoot and nearly-barefoot options with removable footbeds that I’ve come across so far, but there are sure to be more out there. What have I missed?

Transitioning to barefoot: sandals with some arch support

The transition to barefoot shoes will be a different journey for everyone. (Check out the resources page if you’re interested in more information on that.) If you’re still at a place where you need some arch support, here are some ideas for sandals that will still provide it while still conforming to some of the other barefoot criteria such as no (or almost no) heel, little or no toe-spring and a firm attachment to the foot.

Probably the biggest trade off to be made is between the barefoot ideal of a flexible sole and the firmness of the support on offer. All these shoes will balance those factors slightly differently.

The most barefoot options look to me to be the Piper Original sandal and the Roxy Xalapa, two sandals with very different price points. The leather Piper is handmade in the USA and consequently come in at $139. They have unisex sizing so a mere women’s size 12 is no problem, and for an extra $20 you can even get a pair custom made based on tracings of your own feet. This sandal comes in a range of jaunty colors including purple and green, and its 1/2″ Vibram sole and leather footbed are reminiscent of the Luna Mono, though in addition to an arch support the Pipers add an extra foam inner layer that will apparently conform to your foot within a week of wear. Like the Lunas, you could hike for miles in this sandal. At the other end of the spectrum, the dainty, metallic, mass-produced Roxy Xalapa retails for $30 regular. Also zero drop, it’s described as having moderate arch support and a spongy sole. It looks like it would be great for dressier occasions.

A small step down the barefoot scale are the Sanuk Yoga Slingshot and Yoga Sling Fling. With a fabric upper and cushy, flexible sole sole, they generally get pretty good reviews as a comfortable choice with enough cushioning to walk all day on pavement. From the pictures they look to have just the tiniest amount of heel, but it’s not bad by any means and the advantages might outweigh that slight con for you. Another relatively economical option, they cost $36-40 at full price and big discounts from large retailers like Amazon and 6pm are common.

Olukai sandals take us back to the premium sphere at $150 a pair. Their leather soles are reasonably thin, completely flat and, while stiff at first, apparently become more flexible with wear. The more enclosed toe box may allow enough room for your toes to spread if you have wide feet, however.

A tight space for the toes could also be an issue with the Vionic and Earth brand sandals, and they have around a 1/2″ heel. But they are slightly cheaper at $90-110 and if you need a sturdier, more contoured footbed they could be a good option. In addition, if you have large feet, you’ll be pleased to know that the all three of these Earth brand sandals are available up to a US 12.

There are some new, lighter weight options from some of the traditional sport sandal makers that may be worth a look. Chacos’ NearGround collection includes two styles with ankle straps. They have a little heel and some toe spring but while it’s not barefoot-thin, the sole is thinner and looks more flexible than their regular line. Similarly the Keen Alman Gladiator sandal is not as chunky and rigid looking as some of their other models. These options will set you back $130-140 and could make a good first step towards barefoot footwear.

Last but not least, Birkenstock sandals have a flat sole with a very supportive foot bed and they do now make some styles, like the Bali, that attach securely to the foot. Their sole remains extremely rigid, though. Still, if they are the only sandal you can walk in without pain then they are the right sandal for this stage of your barefoot journey.

So, that’s the ideas I’ve found do far for barefoot-ish sandals that still provide some arch support. Have you tried any of these styles? How did they work out? Or do you know of any better options?

Best women’s barefoot walking shoes

There are so many options for barefoot shoes suitable for general walking (as opposed to full on barefoot hiking shoes and boots). Which is best?

Well, just like regular shoes, it’ll be different from person to person and a key factor is just whether or not they fit. But to help you decide which shoes to try (especially if you have to mail order them), let’s look at some of the shoes that are most often recommended, the key features that might make you choose one over another, and then some other brands and styles you might want to consider once you’ve identified the kind of shoe you’d like.

If you’re new to barefoot shoes you might like to to check out some of the links in the resources section first to get a bit of background. I particularly like this article which describes the five key features to look for in barefoot shoes, and this one which has some more information about how to transition safely into barefoot shoes.

Ready to shop? Let’s go!

By far the most frequently recommended brands for general walking shoes are Vivobarefoot, Merrell and Lems. All offer some great styles which tick three of the barefoot boxes: zero drop, a flexible sole and a firm attachment to the foot. So what are some of the differences that would make you opt for one rather than another?

The sole: cushioning and grip

Just like regular shoes, the surfaces you walk on will determine the kind of sole you need. Purist barefoot shoes with their super-thin soles are great for natural surfaces like woodland paths. But if you do a significant amount of your walking on hard man-made surfaces, indoors or out, then you will probably want some cushioning – especially when you’re just starting out. And if you venture onto rougher, rockier terrain then you may be looking for a shoe that gives you both good traction and protection from sharp rocks and other underfoot hazards.

The Vivobarefoot Evo Pure has the thinnest sole of this bunch. Designed for on-road use, it has a light tread that can also handle a gentle trail. With no cushioning or insole, the 3mm sole is all that stands between you and the ground, and the closer to the ground you are the more ‘barefoot’ your walk will be. The Vivobarefoot Stealth, which uses the same sole but adds an insole, will be more comfortable over long distances. At the other end of the spectrum, Vivobarefoot’s Trail Freak has a 7mm sole, including 4.5mm lugs, for good traction on rugged trails.

Generally speaking, Merrell’s soles are thicker and more cushioned than Vivobarefoot’s, which makes sense when you consider the companies’ histories. Vivobarefoot started out making full-on barefoot shoes; Merrell have come from (and still focus on) traditional hiking and trail shoes, sandals and boots. Given Merrell’s focus on all things outdoor, the bulk of their shoes are designed for trails rather than roads. Their thinnest sole is on the Vapor Glove, which has a total stack height (the distance you’ll be off the ground at the heel, which is the same all the way along in a zero drop shoe) of 5.5mm with no cushioning. Next in line is the Pace Glove with a slightly grippier sole, 4mm of cushioning and Merrell’s TrailProtect™ rock protection pad for a total 10.5mm stack height. Rock pads or plates are great if you’re going to be walking on more rugged surfaces as they diffuse pressure over a wider area of your foot, basically making a sharp pointy rock feel like a smoother, rounder one. Full on barefoot shoes like the Vibram FiveFingers use this same technology to make shoes that are comfy on rough terrain without a lot of padding.

Moving on from Merrell’s barefoot shoes to their minimal range, there are two zero drop options: the Bare Access Ultra and the Bare Access Trail. The Bare Access Ultra is the cushiest of the lot with a 17.2mm stack height (including 12mm cushion) to give a comfortable run on roads and light trails. The Bare Access Trail, which has a 15.5mm stack height (with an 8mm cushion) and 4mm lugs is designed to handle rough ground. Compared to the Vivobarefoot shoes, with a max sole height of 7mm, you might be thinking these Merrells don’t sound all that barefoot anymore – and you’d be right. Merrells may not be the top picks for a seasoned barefoot purist. But they could still be a good choice for you, and just a quick glance at the Bare Access Trail (which weights 8.5oz) compared to one of Merrell’s traditional-style hikers (which are a hefty 1lb 6oz) will show you it’s still a big step in the barefoot direction.

Merrell Bare Access Trail shoes were my first pair of barefoot shoes. I love to hike and wanted something that would work on road and off so I didn’t have to buy two pairs of barefoot shoes, and they were great for both uses. Less cushioned than a regular shoe but padded enough that I could walk as far as I liked on pavement or rough trails from the get go I loved that I didn’t need to slowly rebuild my mileage. When they wear out I’ll probably look for something with a thinner sole but they are a great introduction to barefoot shoes.

Last but not least, Lems Primal 2 are another great choice for a barefoot walking shoe. They have an 8mm sole and a removable 3mm insole, and make for a pleasantly cushioned feel. They don’t have the traction of the Vivobarefoot Trail Freaks or the Merrell Pace Glove or Bare Access Trail but they certainly look grippy enough for light trails.

In summary, then, there are good options for road shoes, trail shoes, and hybrids. And there’s a spectrum of cushioning in these example barefoot shoes, from Vivobarefoot’s Evo Pure at one end through to the Merrell Bare Access Ultra at the other, and every level in between.

The size and shape of the toe box

Moving on from the sole to the upper, the different brands use a different basic pattern (or last) for their shoes and this produces a slightly different fit. Width is a key factor: Merrells have the narrowest fit, Vivobarefoots are wider and Lems the widest of the three. But the shape of the toe box is also crucial. Lems have the roundest toe, while Vivobarefoots slope off more sharply around the little toe and Merrells slope even more again. This pic from a fellow mama with a pair of both Lems and Vivobarefoot shows the difference:

Which shape shoe is best depends on how it matches up to the shape of your feet.

To show you what I mean, take a look at my foot on the right:
You can see I have a really sharp slope down to my little toe and a super narrow mid foot. Merrells work great for me – in fact, they’re one of the few shoes where my whole foot doesn’t slide around because I can’t get the laces tight enough. By contrast, my other half’s foot on the left has a totally different shape. With his extra wide mid-foot and squared off toes I’d guess he’d find the Lems a much better fit. If you have this shape foot, you may find you need to go up a half (or even a whole) size in a Vivobarefoot shoe to have enough space for you toes to move freely.

Toe spring

Toe spring is the technical term for the upward curve at the front of the toe box. This article explains why it’s not too good for your toes, but if you scroll back up to the side-on shots you’ll see the Merrell example, and to a lesser extent the Lems Primal 2, still have a little curve to them.

How big of an issue is that? It partly depends on where you’re at with your barefoot journey. If you’ve been in totally flat shoes for years it might bother you. If you’re transitioning out of traditional sneakers with a much greater uptick at the front than any of these shoes then it may not be a deal-breaker. Either way, the thinner and more flexible the sole of your shoe the less any toe spring will hold up when you walk on it, to the point where some authors say that a little toe spring in a very flexible shoe actually won’t affect your gait for all practical purposes.

Color and style

Nothing to do with your health at all, this is a purely aesthetic consideration – but no less important for that! Clearly, this one is 100% about personal preference and hopefully the pictures so far have helped you form a view. In addition, I can tell you the Vivobarefoot Evo Pure and Trail Freaks come only in bright colors (though the Stealths are not so eye-catching), the Merrells come in a mix of bright and more plain shades and the Lems Primal 2s have the most conservative color palette and look the most like street shoes.

Other features that might swing it for you

If you’re looking for a waterproof shoe then the Vivobarefoot Trail Freak Winterproof is one to look at.

One other thing to note is that most (maybe all?) of the Merrells have a slight arch support. I barely notice it in my Bare Access Trails but it may be important for you – or important to avoid.

So what other brands and styles are there?

That wraps up what I’ve learned about these popular shoes and what differentiates them. But these are by no means the only options out there.

If you’re looking for true barefoot shoes like the Evo Pure you could also check out some of the Vibram FiveFingers, or the Sockwa X8.

For something in the middle, Zemgear offer several different styles with a range of sole sole thicknesses.

Or if you’re looking to ease more gently into barefoot footwear, here are some ideas for transition shoes.

In the meantime, I’ve made a gallery of some other popular walking shoes for easy browsing.

If there’s other information you’d like to see to help you decide, or if you own any of these shoes and have some hints and tips to share, leave a comment below!

A selection of women’s barefoot and minimal walking shoes: in pictures

Looking for ideas? Check out these styles for general walking and casual wear to inspire your search. The selection below includes some great transition options popular with women just starting out with barefoot shoes (and some more seasoned wearers too) as well as more purist styles.

I’m working on some more detailed information on the different choices, but in the meantime have a browse and see what catches your eye. And please leave a comment below if you have any other recommendations to share!