Barefoot Shoe News Digest: Spring and Summer 2023
Welcome to the first iteration of the Barefoot Shoe News Digest for Spring/Summer 2023. This post is meant to be a news summary of any significant happenings in the barefoot shoe world, like new brands launching, often requested changes finally being made (like creating an extra wide width version), or adding new sizing options.
My goal is for this to be a quick and easy place for you to check for any 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 summer before starting a new page for fall/winter.
See the Memorial Day Barefoot Shoe Sales at the end of the post.
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. 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!
I recently started a Facebook Discussion group if you have specific questions about barefoot shoes or foot health. You can join here.
New Barefoot Shoe Brands launching
Fleeters: New brand with preorders launching at the end of April on Kickstarter. Two new sneaker styles. See my Instagram review post here. After the Kickstarter, you can use code KELLY for 10% off at Fleeters.
Icarus: Versatile all-leather shoe meant to take you through the gym and everyday. Currently only men’s sizing, with women’s to be added in the future. Come with three different insoles including one with a heel drop to help those that need a slower transition to barefoot shoes. See review here.
Ohne Project: Another barefoot shoe brand launching on Kickstarter. The Ohne Project is based in Spain, and has a Kickstarter price of 119EUR. The brand’s first style is called project 080, inspired by the sneakers that were popular in the ’80s with its loved and timeless design.
Brands adding new shoe styles or changes
Barebarics: Now offer a few of their most popular styles in leather. Previously all Barebarics shoes were faux leather. Use code KELLY5 for 5% off.
Splay Shoes: Splay Freedom lace ups now available in leather uppers in adult sizing. See Splay Shoes review here. Retail for $109, use code KELLY10 for 10% off.
Feelgrounds: added a no-lace/velcro style for adults with three velcro straps called the Snap and a sporty sneaker called the Courtside.
Xero Shoes: Added 5 new styles to the spring line-up. Most were small variations, but notably added a men’s dress sneaker.
Carets: Pre-orders for new women’s D’Orsay Mary Jane dress shoe with faux pointed toe (similar to the men’s dress shoes). Not available til June 2023.
Groundies: Launched new wider Barefoot+ line. Runs almost 1cm wider than the original barefoot line. See in-depth review of the Groundies Barefoot+ line here.
Saguaro Shoes: Launched two casual barefoot shoe styles for around $70. Use code KELLY15 for 15% off the Saguaro Shoes website. Saguaro was previously known for their mesh water shoes that cost around $35 — my son loves these and used them for running, sports, etc. The water shoes can be found on Amazon and on the Saguaro Shoes website.
Brands adding new sandal styles
Posh Panda: Now offers a two-strap buckle sandal plus a back strap, similar to Birkenstocks. You can fully customize them with different leather uppers, buckle colors, and sole thickness.
Feelgrounds: Launched a new sandal style called the Pathway. Has over-the-toe adjustable straps (in the ‘Z’ shape) and comes in 4 different colors.
BeLenka: Continue to add new styles, including the new women’s sandals called the Iris and Claire.
Brands adding kid’s sizing
Feelgrounds: Added kid’s style with velcro straps. Sizes EU-24-37. Retail $79
Reima: Large kids wear brand added barefoot shoe style and sandal style. Retail $60 for knit barefoot sneakers and $40 for sandals. See Reima review post here.
Aintap/Feelbarefoot on Etsy: Added kid’s sizes for their popular Yemeni loafer style. Use code KELLY35 for 35% off the Feelbarefoot shop on Etsy.
Memorial Day Barefoot Shoe Sales
Lems Shoes: May 25 – 30 | 20% off Most Styles | See full brand review here.
REI Anniversary Sale: May 19 – 29 | 25% to 30% off brands like Xero Shoes and Altras
Sierra: Large selection of Vivobarefoot shoes around 50% off. Several styles of the Primus sneakers are $70, Tracker Decon hiking boots are $100 (this company is owned by the same company as TJMaxx, but focuses on outdoor gear. Shoes on this website are likely purchased as part of a liquidation or phasing out past season’s inventory, so once they’re gone, they’re gone. I’ve ordered Altras from here and had a good experience).
Backcountry: 20-30% off Brands like Luna Sandals, Lems, and Altras, Topo Athletic, and See Kai Run
Saguaro Shoes: Some of their new causal shoes are 30% off. Stack code KELLY15 for additional 15% off. After this, some of the causal barefoot styles are about $40.
15% off site wide. Use code MEMORIAL15.
Splay Shoes: 15% of all Splay Slip-ons. Use code KELLY10 for 10% off all other styles.
Shamma Sandals: 15% of Elite sandals with code MEMORIAL23. You can use code BAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE for 10% off all other sandals.
Softstar: Shoes are 25-45% off in their Semi-Annual Clearance. Note that all clearance purchases are final sale.
Totem Sandals: 15% off sandals
Naboso: 25% off site wide (textured insoles, foot massage and exercise gear)
Robeez: 40% off site wide baby and toddler soft-soled leather moccasins (there are a few exclusions). Use code MDRS40.
Have any barefoot shoe news you want to share? Drop a comment below!
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