We kicked off the first Barefoot Shoe News Digest back in March for spring and summer. We’re keeping you updated on everything big that’s happening in the barefoot shoe world in the second half of the year in this fall and winter edition.
The Barefoot Shoe News Digest is a summary of the most important news, including new brands launching, often requested changes finally being made by a brand, or adding new sizing options.
My goal is for this to be a quick and easy place for you to check for any significant updates without trying to scroll through a social media page or sign up for a bunch of mailing lists. I’ll be periodically updating this post through the end of winter before starting a new page for spring/summer 2024.
Looking for holiday sales? Check out the best Black Friday Barefoot Shoe Sales in 2023 here.
When I first entered this barefoot shoe space, it was a pretty big deal to see a new brand launch or a new style being added. And while it’s still really exciting to see, new additions are happening more often and big changes are coming faster than ever. Even for someone who spends a lot of time dealing with barefoot shoes, it’s getting hard to keep up. Again, this post is focused on the most notable changes, not a list of every new style. To see the best of the new barefoot boot styles this season, see this post on the best everyday barefoot winter boots.
This post will keep it all organized so with just a quick check, you can see if there’s anything new you want to check out or if there’s any progress on a change you’ve been waiting on.
Note: This post may contain affiliate links. This means if you click on one of them, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Have a question about anything from sizing to finding a specific style to foot health? Join the Barefoot Shoe Guide Discussion Group on Facebook.
New Barefoot Shoe Brands launching
Ohne Project: This is one of the newest barefoot shoe brands that I’ve been looking forward to for a while. Yes, it’s another white sneaker, but they’re definitely not boring. Love the 80s vibe, and appreciate that they come with two insoles so you can adjust the cushion/volume. These are vegan made with corn leather uppers. Snag a pair at 10% off with code KELLY10.
For fit and sizing of Ohne Project barefoot shoes, they’re best for narrow to medium width. With the different insoles, they can accommodate low to higher volume. I have a higher instep, and I’m most comfortable without any of the insoles. I have an EU37, which feels a tiny bit short for my 23.3cm feet. If I were to order again, I’d go with an EU38 which is my usual size. I measured my insole, and it seems to run a little bit shorter than the size chart.
Minnemals: Athletic style minimalist shoe catering to beginners to the barefoot shoe space. 6mm sole with 3mm insole. Launching November 2023. Based in USA. $125 with free shipping and returns within the US. Use code KELLY10 for 10% off at Minnemals.
I found the sizing to run a little big in these. I’m wearing the women’s 7/7.5, and they’re about a half size (maybe even a full size too big for me). I typically wear an EU38 or US7.5 in most of my barefoot shoes based on a 23.3cm foot measurement.
Lex Barefoot: New barefoot kid’s shoe brand launching in Australia. Faux leather uppers with velcro to secure to make them easy to clean and easy to put on. Currently comes in sizes EU20 – 27. Sizes up to EU35 coming soon. Retail at $58. Use code KELLY for $5 off at Lex Barefoot Shoes.
Note that the initial shoes did have a small heel-to-toe drop, which they’re rectifying in their new models. Going forward, Lex shoes should be zero drop.
Brands making notable changes to existing designs
Wildling new sole: In October 2023, Wildling introduced “Resouled,” a new full coverage outsole. It was made for damp, wet and harsh weather conditions, as the gaps in the original sole aren’t ideal for these situations. These are currently available in Tann Resouled, with a vivid green canvas upper and a felted wool lining. Shop Wildling US | Shop Wildling International
Feelgrounds new sole: Feelgrounds is known for their incredible soft and flexible soles, but with that superior flexibility came at the price of shorter wear for some. They have replaced their TPE soles for rubber soles that are denser and more durable. These rubber soles were previously used for the children’s styles launching in Spring 2023. During our six month testing of the children’s soles, we experienced normal wear, but no extreme wear or cracking of the soles. Shipping on models with new rubber soles began in October 2023.
Shamma Sandals new elastic straps: Created the Numa design with elastic straps. This may not seem like a huge deal, but it means you can put on the sandals hands free. For those of you that are missing a sandal like a flip flop you can just slide into, the Numa is a great option. I took these on a trip to the beach and could easily slide them on while my hands were full of beach gear. Code BAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE for 10% off.
Highly anticipated styles
Lems has a few good ones this season:
- Lems Boulder Boot Grip: The Lems Boulder Boot has long been one of the most popular minimalist boots out there, and the new Grip sole is a long-awaited upgrade. The Grip sole is designed to better handle wet, slippery and icy surfaces.
- Lems Kourt Grip: The minimalist casual shoe the Kourt also got upgraded to a slip-resistant sole. This is in response to those needing a non-slip barefoot shoe for work. The Lems Kourt Grip is made for those that work in areas like food service as the all-leather black uppers are easy to wipe clean, and the non-slip soles will give you extra traction even when there are spills on the floor.
Ten Little: Launched a minimalist toddler Chelsea boot and snow boot. You can read a full review of these new styles here here.
Barefoot Shoe Sales
Black Friday and Cyber Monday: This time of year has some of the biggest sales for barefoot shoes. Check out a comprehensive list of the best Black Friday sales for barefoot shoes here.
Special Vivobarefoot code: Vivo doesn’t have any Black Friday sales, but they have given me a boosted code to share with my followers for the month of December. Use code KELLY20 for 20% off Vivobarefoot through December 31, 2023.
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