Free your Feet – 7 Barefoot Shoes Reviewed

Barefoot shoes promise a new way of walking: closer to the ground, closer to nature, closer to ourselves. For some, they’re the epitome of healthy movement. For others? Simply a gimmick to sell you less shoe for more money. So what’s the real story?

With seven different barefoot shoes to try, we set off to find out, covering countless kilometres on everything from city asphalt to muddy forest trails. We caught the last snowfall of the season and a hint of summer in spring. On our feet, a mix of high-end and entry-level options, all facing the ultimate reality check.

Which shoes actually deliver that barefoot feeling? Which ones blend into everyday life without raising eyebrows? Our comparison test has the answers.

What did we test?

• City & everyday wearability
• Sole protection
• Comfort & adaptability
• Grip & slip resistance
• Flexibility
• Build quality

Table of Contents

1. Barefoot Shoes at a Glance
2. So, What Is a Barefoot Shoe Anyway?
3. Barefoot Shoes for Beginners – Revelation or Torture Device?
4. 4 Common Misconceptions About Barefoot Shoes
5. Barefoot Shoe Review: What We Learned
6. Barefoot Shoe Review: Tops and Flops

Conclusion

• Meindl Pure Comfort – The Lightweight
• Leguano Dean – The Stylish One
• Merrell Vapor Glove 6 – The Athletic One
• Freiluftkind Everest – The Rugged One
• Freiluftkind Overland – The Comfortable One
• Saguaro Luck 1 – The Budget Hero
• Wildling Tanuki Umi – The Minimalist

Barefoot Shoes at a Glance

From flip-flops to hiking boots, the barefoot shoe world is huge. Whether you’re a hardcore minimalist who only wears toe shoes, or you prefer a pair of sleek sneakers for the office, there’s a barefoot style for everyone. For this test, we picked 7 models that work both at the desk and out in nature. What were we looking for? A true all-rounder that even barefoot beginners will love.

Manufacturer	Product	Price (€)	Size 45(46)	Upper Material	Sole Material	Sole Thickness	Insole Thickness	Fastening
Wildling	Tanuki Umi	€ 119.99	404 g (Size 45)	Washi (ITOITEX – 75 % Paper, 25 % Polyester)	Synthetic rubber (partially recycled), silica and natural rubber	1.5 mm – 3.5 mm	2.5 mm	Shoelace
Saguaro	Luck 1	€ 49.99	627 g (Size 45)	Knit	100% natural rubber	4 mm	4 mm	Shoelace
Meindl	Pure Comfort	€ 139.90	355 g (Size 45)	Synthetic mesh fabric	Vibram Litebase low-profile rubber tread	n/a	n/a	Drawstring
Leguano	Dean black	€ 249.00	507 g (Size 45)	Nubuck leather upper, leather insole and lining	LIFOLIT®-lg	n/a	n/a	Shoelace
Merrell	Vapor Glove 6 (BOA)	€ 130.00	442 g (Size 46)	Breathable mesh and synthetic material	30% recycled rubber (Vibram Ecostep)	n/a	n/a	BOA
Freiluftkind	Everest	€ 159.99 (On offer € 79.99)	653 g (Size 45)	92% Polyester / 8% Spandex	Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU)	7.0 mm with tread	n/a	Shoelace
Freiluftkind	Overland	€ 199.99 (€ 99.99 on offer)	637 g (Size 45)	92% Polyester / 8% Spandex	Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)	n/a	n/a	Elastic

So, What Is a Barefoot Shoe Anyway?

Let’s be honest: the name is a bit misleading. No, you don’t actually have to go barefoot in barefoot shoes (yes, socks are totally fine). But the idea is clear: as little shoe as possible, so that your feet can do their own thing again.

Barefoot shoes are designed to bring back the natural way of walking, just minus the burning soles you’d get from hot asphalt, sharp gravel, or the occasional piece of broken glass. They protect your feet, but without limiting your freedom of movement. How? With three key features:

Thin, flexible sole
Barefoot soles bend easily, and they’re often just a few millimetres thick. That wakes up your foot muscles and sharpens your ground feel; you’ll notice what’s underfoot, without it hurting.

Wide toe box
Your toes can spread, grip, and roll naturally. No more squeezing into tight sneakers – just room to move the way nature intended.

Zero drop
The sole is flat from heel to toe – no hidden cushioning, no raised heels. This can help with posture and balance, while encouraging you to walk smoothly.

Barefoot Shoes for Beginners – Revelation or Torture Device?

Warning: Before you excitedly grab your first pair of barefoot shoes thinking you’re doing something great for your body: stop right there. Hands (and feet) off for now. First, you need to understand what barefoot walking really means and what it does to your body.

If you’ve spent your life in thick, cushioned sneakers, get ready – you’ll have to find your feet again. In regular shoes, we usually strike with the heel, take long strides, and roll off to the toes. Why? Because the shoe’s design encourages that. Heel padding softens the blow, and thick soles absorb the impact. Especially on hard, urban ground, this cushioning is necessary – without it, every step would send a mini-shockwave straight up your spine.

Want to know what that feels like? Try walking barefoot like you would in sneakers: heel first, big strides – and cover your ears while you do it. You’ll feel your whole body shake with every step. Ouch! That’s exactly the kind of impact you want to avoid. We’re not doctors, but it makes sense that constantly jolting nearly every bone in your body probably isn’t a great idea.

Proper barefoot walking means shorter steps and softer landings, ideally with your midfoot or forefoot – kind of like how sprinters run. And that’s exactly what barefoot shoes are made for: supporting this more natural, joint-friendly way of moving, without throwing you off balance. But even if it’s healthier in the long run, beginners beware: if you overdo it, your body will feel wrecked the next day. You’ll ache in places you didn’t even know existed, and you can cause damage if you do too much too soon with the wrong technique. So take it slow – start with 30 minute walks and give your muscles time to adapt.

4 Common Misconceptions About Barefoot Shoes

Yes, there’s criticism – but most of it comes from decades of wearing the wrong kind of shoes. Our bodies weren’t designed for thick soles, narrow toe boxes, or raised heels. Many of the issues people experience with barefoot walking aren’t arguments against it – they’re signs of how far we’ve drifted from natural movement.

1. “Humans weren’t made for hard surfaces.”

True, concrete and asphalt are modern inventions – but our bodies have been shock-absorbing for millions of years. A natural midfoot or forefoot stride softens the impact, and strong feet act as built-in suspension. The problem isn’t the hard ground – it’s our weak feet, numbed and babied by shoes for too long.

2. “The transition takes forever and hurts.”

Flat feet, bunions, collapsed arches – these don’t come from barefoot walking. They often come from shoes. Switching to barefoot shoes is like post-workout soreness: annoying, but totally worth it. With time, you build muscle, activate your arches, improve your posture and build your stability and balance. Of course your body complains – remember how long it took you to learn to walk the first time?

3. “But you need protection for your feet!”

Absolutely – nobody’s saying you should run barefoot through downtown traffic. That’s why barefoot shoes exist. They protect you from glass shards and bad weather, but still let your feet move naturally.

4. “But it’s not scientifically proven!”

Long-term studies may be rare, but here’s what we do know: people in barefoot cultures rarely have foot deformities. Many orthopaedic issues improve when people slowly switch to minimalist shoes. Our anatomy was built for barefoot movement – not for padded heels and orthopaedic inserts.

Barefoot Shoe Review: What We Learned

1. Not all barefoot shoes are created equal.
   Our test range was huge: from ultra-thin models where you feel every pebble, to sneaker-like shoes with soft uppers and soles that almost feel cushioned. The “barefoot factor” varies a lot, depending on the model, intended purpose, and the brand’s philosophy.
2. Start slow – your body needs time.
   Jumping straight from cushioned sneakers to thin, minimal soles? That can backfire: sore foot muscles, tight calves, or strained Achilles tendons. Our advice: Don’t go all in. Start with short walks, take breaks, and build up gradually – just like any good workout.
3. A medical check can be a good idea.
   Barefoot shoes have tons of potential, but they’re not a miracle cure. If you’ve got foot issues or trouble walking, check in with a doctor or orthopaedic specialist before making the switch. Think of barefoot walking as a training program; good training needs guidance.
4. Waterproof + barefoot-friendly? Tricky combo.
   Here’s a common pain point: It’s rare to find a truly waterproof shoe that still feels barefoot. Waterproof materials tend to be stiffer and thicker, which dulls the ground feel. If you’re often out on wet trails, you might need to compromise, or consider alternatives such as waterproof socks. The water-repellent Everest and Overland models by Freiluftkind offer a solid middle ground between protection and barefoot comfort.
5. Good barefoot shoes don’t have to be pricey.
   You don’t have to spend a fortune to get started. Brands like Saguaro show that it’s possible to get solid beginner models for under €100 – perfect for dipping a toe in the water without breaking the bank.
6. Half sizes? Rarely available.
   Only one shoe in our test – the Merrell Vapor Glove 6 – came in half sizes. This is a real drawback if your feet don’t quite fit the standard size grid. If you’re in between, compare carefully, try different brands, and pay close attention to heel fit.
7. Socks are totally allowed – and sometimes a smart choice.
   Barefoot shoe doesn’t mean barefoot in the shoe. Especially at the beginning, in cooler temps, or with sensitive skin, socks or ultra-thin barefoot socks can seriously boost comfort, without killing the barefoot vibe. After all, minimalist doesn’t mean naked.
8. Insoles – keep them in or take them out?
   Many of the shoes we tested come with removable insoles. You can leave them in, or take them out for a more direct ground feel – totally up to you. The good news: all of the shoes worked just fine either way.

Barefoot Shoe Review: Top and Flops

Every barefoot shoe has its pros and cons. A light, breathable summer shoe won’t keep your feet warm in stormy weather, while winter-proof models can feel too bulky and lead to sweaty feet indoors. The perfect barefoot shoe for everything doesn’t exist. First, you need to figure out what you actually need. That said, some features definitely stood out, for better or worse.

Tops

Flops

Conclusion

Shoes made walking easy – but they also stole our natural stride. If the DOWNTOWN Barefoot Shoe Test proves anything, it’s that barefoot walking isn’t just a trend. It’s a return to a forgotten way of moving. If you take it slow and give your body time to adjust, you’ll be rewarded with stronger muscles, better posture, and a more mindful, healthier way of walking through life. Yes, it takes effort, but trust us: it’s worth it.

7 Barefoot Shoes – Reviewed One by One

Meindl Pure Comfort – The Lightweight

Barefoot meets outdoor know-how: the Pure Comfort was developed as an ultra-light travel shoe that fits into any luggage. But can this all-rounder compete with established barefoot brands? Where does it really shine?

The Bavarian family business Meindl designed the Pure series as a truly versatile second shoe with minimal weight and pack size – ideal for backpacking. With its sock-like construction and Vibram sole, the result is a minimalist barefoot shoe.

Barefoot Shoe Review: The Meindl Pure Comfort

The Pure Comfort feels light and snug – the elastic knit mesh upper adapts to the foot like a sock. The wide toe box gives plenty of room even for broad feet, and ventilation is excellent. The drawstring closure makes the shoe quick and easy to slip on and off. Despite being so lightweight, the Meindl Pure Comfort offers a stable feel thanks to the materials used and the sturdy yet flexible sole.

The sole is slightly thicker than in models from Leguano or Wildling. There’s significantly less sensory feedback compared to the Wildling Tanuki, but that makes it more suitable for everyday use, and less tiring on long walks. A bonus: the Meindl can be completely rolled up, taking up barely any space in your luggage. One downside: the rubberized toe cap deforms when rolled, but it doesn’t spring back quickly, leading to uncomfortable pressure on your toes. Also good to know: it’s machine-washable at 30°C.

The Meindl Pure Comfort is the lightest shoe in the test and scores points with comfort, everyday suitability, and great breathability. While it delivers some ground feedback, it’s on the muted side. Its only real drawback: the easily squished toe cap. All in all, the Meindl Pure Comfort is a light, functional shoe that’s great for everyday life and travel.

Leguano Dean – The Stylish One

Leather and barefoot shoes – an unexpected combo! Instead of going for a sporty look, the Leguano Dean opts for nubuck leather and a clean, minimalist design. But how does it perform in everyday life, and how truly barefoot does it feel?

Leguano have been developing barefoot shoes since 2009, and now offer a wide range. What they all have in common is the flexible Lifolit sole, which can be rolled up for easy packing, making it very travel-friendly. However, the Dean isn’t aimed at outdoor enthusiasts, but rather at those who want that barefoot feeling at the office or in everyday city life, wrapped in a sleek, well-crafted leather shoe.

Barefoot Shoe Review: The Leguano Dean

The Leguano Dean shares little with James Dean – maybe just that quiet sense of rebellion. Instead of blue jeans, it’s all about black nubuck leather and a clean, formal look. The leather upper feels soft on the foot, though it does leech a little dye at first, so maybe best to avoid white socks for the first few weeks. The 4-eyelet lacing ensures a secure fit. When it comes to craftsmanship, the Dean is top-tier – as you would expect for € 250.

The flexible sole gives a direct, slightly springy barefoot feel. On gravel paths, you’ll feel every stone – and that’s the point. The sole’s small nubs or half-spheres provide solid grip, adapt well to uneven terrain, and gently massage pressure points along the way – nice touch! Compared to the test-winning Wildling Tanuki, the Dean feels more cushioned and polished, but less raw-minimalist.

The leather retains warmth and is water-repellent to a degree – but only up to a point: in rain, moisture can seep in through the seams. They’re fine for short walks in damp conditions, but not suited for downpours. Care is simple: wipe it clean with a damp cloth – machine washing is a no-go for leather.

In our barefoot shoe test, the Leguano Dean impressed with a comfortable fit, premium leather, and a subtle, refined look. A stylish leather shoe, though not a rugged outdoor all-rounder. For beginners, the direct and flexible sole might be a bit too intense – but that’s exactly what seasoned barefoot fans love about it.

Merrell Vapor Glove 6 – The Athletic One

Fits as snug as a cycling shoe, but with a barefoot feel? The Merrell Vapor Glove 6 pairs sporty design with a BOA closure system. But does it actually deliver a true barefoot experience, or is it all high-tech show? We put it to the test.

Merrell are best known for their rugged outdoor shoes, but the brand now also offer minimalist options. With the Vapor Glove 6, Merrell introduce a barefoot shoe with a sporty edge. BOA closure meets Vibram sole, performance look meets minimalist ambition. The design is reminiscent of a trail running shoe, especially in the camouflage version. Too bold for your taste? No worries: there’s also an all-black version. 🙂

Barefoot Shoe Review: The Merrell Vapor Glove 6

Thanks to the BOA closure system, slipping the shoe on and off is a breeze – just one twist and the shoe is held firmly in place. The Vapor Glove fits snugly but remains comfortable, with or without socks. Its shape is sporty, making it a great choice for narrow feet, though less ideal for wider ones. Smart design detail: the sole extends slightly over the toes to protect against bumps – whether on the trail, or when you meet the edge of a coffee table at home. The interior lining feels nice, but the shoe heats up quickly, even in moderate temperatures.

In terms of barefoot feel, the Merrell Vapor Glove 6 lands in the upper mid-range: more direct than thicker-soled models like the Freiluftkind Everest, but not quite as sensory as the Wildling Tanuki or Leguano Dean. Beginners should still take it slowly. The Vibram sole features a pronounced tread that grips well across a variety of surfaces – making the shoe a solid option not just for everyday wear, but also for hiking or dynamic outdoor activities.

The Vapor Glove is easy to clean in the washing machine: 30°C in a laundry bag, gentle cycle – very practical.

The Vapor Glove 6 delivers that quick “hop in, hop out” feel and hugs your foot like a glove. Just be aware – it does get warm inside. The camouflage version we tested is clearly made for extroverts who like to stand out, but visual options range from bold to low-key, so you’ve got choices.

Freiluftkind Everest – The Rugged One

Of all the models in our barefoot shoe review, the Everest looks the most like a classic sneaker. What makes it special? Aside from its barefoot credentials, it also promises water-repellent performance. But how much can the Everest really handle? Can it really live up to its name and take you to the top?

Barefoot Shoe Review: The Freiluftkind Everest

With its generously wide toe box, the Everest feels roomy, and looks a bit chunky. Its boxy shape gives the impression of sturdiness, and the lacing system holds well. However, the mesh upper, which isn’t very breathable, heating up quickly and causing a slippery feel without socks. Whether summer or winter, in the office, sweaty feet were a regular issue. The Everest is solidly built, which is what you’d expect at a retail price of nearly € 200.

In our test, the Everest delivered a comfortable but noticeably cushioned walking experience. The thicker sole filters a lot of ground feedback – you still feel a bit of the surface on gravel or forest paths, but much less than with models from Wildling, Meindl, or Leguano. That makes the Everest especially well-suited for barefoot beginners. The cushioned sole is easier on your foot muscles than radically minimalist shoes, ideal for taking your first steps into the barefoot lifestyle.

Light rain, damp grass, or a bit of slush? No problem – the Everest stays warm and mostly dry. It only starts getting wet in puddles or steady rain. Important note: water-repellent ≠ waterproof. But hey, the material still needs to breathe a little, or you might as well wear rubber boots.

The Everest is machine-washable at 30°C – ideally on a gentle cycle and in a laundry bag.

In our test, the Everest scored especially well in cool and wet weather. In warmer conditions, the low breathability just leads to overheating. At just under € 200, the price is on the steeper side. But for those looking for a solid entry-level shoe, especially for cold, damp weather – this one’s a strong contender.

Freiluftkind Overland – The Comfortable One

Barefoot vibes without freezing? The Overland from Freiluftkind is designed to keep your feet warm during the in-between seasons, while offering solid protection. Want to know how this outdoor-focused concept performed in our barefoot shoe test? Read on.

Barefoot Shoe Review: The Freiluftkind Overland

The Overland clearly stands apart from the Everest. With its shaped toe box, it resembles a classic toe shoe, while the raised sole at the front adds extra protection against bumps on hikes – nice touch!

The drawstring makes putting the shoes on and off noticeably easier – a practical detail for everyday life when you’re in a rush. In terms of breathability, the Overland shares the same weaknesses as its sibling, the Everest – no surprise, given the nearly identical materials. The Overland feels more at home in rougher terrain, thanks to its sporty, grippy, and well-cushioned build. Beginners will appreciate that it’s forgiving of heel strikes and other small form mistakes. Of course, this comes at a cost: ground feedback is clearly dampened.

Just like the Everest, the Overland is water-repellent and performs well in light rain, on damp trails, or in a bit of slush, keeping your feet pleasantly warm and mostly dry. When conditions get really wet (heavy rain or deep puddles) it reaches its limits.

The Overland is machine-washable at 30°C, best in a laundry bag and on a gentle cycle.

Built around a similar concept as the Everest, the Overland adds a more pronounced tread and light toe protection – making it ideal for autumn hikes and outdoor activities. If you’re looking for an entry-level barefoot shoe for transitional weather that can handle chill and mud, this one’s a strong candidate.

Best Buy: Saguaro Luck 1 – The Budget Hero

The Saguaro Luck 1 is by far the most affordable shoe in our test – but can a barefoot shoe this cheap really deliver? We took a closer look: where does it cut corners, and where does it surprise?

The name “Saguaro” actually comes from a type of cactus whose shape inspired the tread pattern of the 100% natural rubber sole – narrow at the bottom, widening toward the top. The model we tested, Luck 1, belongs to the DuckStride series, which have extra-wide toe boxes.

Barefoot Shoe Review: The Saguaro Luck 1

Visually, the Saguaro Luck 1 is definitely a little divisive – in black, it’s barely noticeable, but the white version looks a bit like a clown shoe. That bold shape does have its benefits: the wide toe box offers lots of space and makes for a comfortable fit. The 5-eyelet lacing keeps the shoe snug, and the craftsmanship seems solid – no loose stitching or chafing seams; the build quality is surprising considering the price. However, despite the breathable mesh upper, the shoes are rather warm, potentially due to the thick insole. Whether we wore socks or went commando, we usually had sweaty feet by the end of the day.

And the barefoot feel? Not as direct as Wildling, Leguano, or Merrell – the insole slightly dampens the feedback from the ground. You won’t feel every single pebble on gravel or forest paths, but the ground contact is still clear enough to keep you aware of what you’re walking on. Especially for beginners, the more forgiving insole can actually be a plus: the slightly thicker sole helps absorb little mistakes, like accidentally reverting to a heel strike.

The Luck 1 is easy to clean in the washing machine: 30°C in a laundry bag, gentle cycle – very practical.

The wide toe box provides ample space and comfort – great for wider feet, too. Build quality? Surprisingly solid for under € 50. If you’re looking for a simple and affordable entry into the world of barefoot shoes, the Saguaro Luck 1 delivers a well-rounded package. That’s why it’s a clear Best Buy from us.

Winner: Wildling Tanuki Umi – The Minimalist

The Wildling Tanuki is one of the lightest barefoot shoes in our test – it’s crafted from traditional Japanese washi paper, and built on a sole that wants to be as flexible as a ninja. But how comfortable is that level of minimalism really? And can a paper shoe really hold up in everyday life? What if it rains!?

At first, wearing paper on your feet sounds… well, odd. But Wildling Shoes prove that it can totally work. Founded in Germany in 2015, the brand have carved out a clear niche in the barefoot world, with a focus on sustainability and radical transparency. The standout: the Tanuki Umi. Its upper is made from Japanese washi – a tightly woven paper fabric derived from the abacá plant, crafted in Japan and blended with 25% polyester. And yes – it’s surprisingly durable.

Barefoot Shoe Review: Wildling Tanuki Umi

The Tanuki feels almost weightless – much like the Leguano Dean or Meindl Pure Comfort. Its breathable washi upper, combined with a hemp insole, creates a light, pressure-free climate for your feet, keeping the overall look sleek and minimal. The four-eyelet lacing provides a good range of adjustment, even for narrow feet. The thin rubber sole delivers direct ground contact – perfect for those who love that raw sensory feedback. On gravel, you’ll feel every little pebble. Experienced barefoot walkers will love it; beginners should take it slowly. The wide toe box gives your toes room to spread and move freely, boosting stability on nearly any surface. The lightly textured sole also offers just enough grip for everyday terrain.

But how well does a paper-based shoe hold up in real life? Surprisingly well. In our daily use, the washi fabric kept up without any issues. Moisture and cold, however, are not its strong suit – it soaks up water quickly, but dries fast too. Not recommended for winter or snow hikes – for that, check out sturdier options like Freiluftkind Overland or Everest.

Also, they’re not machine-washable, but a wipe with a damp cloth should keep them looking presentable.

The Tanuki Umi is perfect for anyone craving the true barefoot feeling – pure, direct, minimalist. Its subtle style fits right into city life; smart enough for the office, but comfortable for a lunchtime stroll around the park. For those who want more cushioning, warmth, or protection, there are plenty of other models out there. But because the Tanuki Umi embraces the barefoot principle like no other, it’s our well-deserved test winner.

Words: Robin Ulbrich, Susanne Feddersen Photos: Jan Fock