Barefoot Shoe News Digest: Spring/Summer 2025
The Barefoot Shoe News Digest is your one-stop shop for major seasonal updates in barefoot footwear. Find new brands, new styles, and more!
We’re back with the Spring/Summer 2025 edition of the Barefoot Shoe News Digest! This round-up brings you all the biggest happenings in the barefoot shoe world — from exciting new brand launches to long-awaited product updates.
This digest is your one-stop shop for major seasonal updates in barefoot footwear. No need to scroll endlessly on social media or juggle a dozen mailing lists. That said, I’ll give a quick plug for my newsletter, Inside the Guide — it’s where we go deeper with real-time alerts for major launches and sales. But if you’re just here for the highlights, you’re in the right place.
I’ll continue updating this post periodically through the end of summer 2025 before kicking off a new edition for fall/winter.
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!
New Barefoot Shoe Brands
There’s nothing more exciting than watching the barefoot shoe world continue to grow. Typically, the brands I highlight here are brand new — often launching their very first shoe with just one or two minimalist styles.
But something a little different is happening this year. Several well-established companies are entering the barefoot space for the first time. Some have fully embraced the barefoot philosophy, replacing all their conventional models with foot-shaped designs. Others are adding barefoot options alongside their existing lineup.
Here are the new brands worth keeping an eye on.
Dolfie Paradise
This Spanish brand made a name for itself with fresh, fashion-forward designs in its conventional shoe collections. But they’ve spent past two years thoughtfully recreating their entire sneaker line to a barefoot shape! Their vibrant colorways and chunky silhouettes prove that barefoot shoes can be bold and expressive. The new Dolfie Paradise barefoot sneakers feature a wide toe box, zero-drop platform, flexible soles, and moderate cushioning. They have a kids’ line too. Use code KELLYDP10 for 10% off.
Aviary
This brand launched their classic white leather sneaker at the end of last year, and it’s a sleek, minimalist option. The upper is made from LWG Gold-rated leather, and the outsole is a full rubber vulcanized sole.
The fit is most similar to Xero Shoes—best suited for narrow to medium width feet. On my medium width feet (23.3 cm long, 9 cm wide), I’d prefer a little more space around the pinky toe. They have enough volume for my higher instep, but they don’t come with an extra insole to adjust fit. I found them true to size—EU 38 fits me well.
These run on the higher end of barefoot sneakers, retailing at $199. Aviary offers free shipping and free returns. If you’re on the hunt for a clean, classic white sneaker, these are worth a look. Use code KELLY for 10% off.
Brambas
Spain seems to be the birthplace of cool, retro barefoot sneakers at the moment— and Brambas is one of the newest options. Brambas launched on Kickstarter earlier this year with their Calabria 165 sneaker, made with corn leather uppers and soft bamboo lining. I opted for my usual size, an EU38, and they feel like the perfect fit. Use code KELLY for 10% off.
Dada Brand
Another retro sneaker brand out of Spain, Dada was launched by a well-known creator that makes content about foot health and barefoot shoes. The Shibuya sneaker is made with recycled leather and suede, and available in fun colors like mustard yellow and pistachio green. With a price tag of $124, these offer a more affordable alternative to the typically steeper prices of premium barefoot shoes.
Zara
Okay, Zara definitely isn’t new—but barefoot shoes from them are! For the first time, Zara has released barefoot-style sneakers in toddler and kid sizes. If you’re an EU39 or smaller, you could snag a surprisingly decent barefoot option for just $42.90. I tested them myself—check out the full review here.
El Naturalista
A familiar name in the sustainable footwear world, El Naturalista has stepped into the barefoot space with a brand-new line of foot-shaped, zero-drop shoes. Their debut barefoot collection includes sneakers, clogs, and sandals—all made with their signature eco-conscious touch.
Notable New Barefoot Shoe Releases
Whether it’s an entirely new category or an upgrade to a fan favorite, here are the standout barefoot shoe releases for spring/summer 2025.
Wildling Rain Boots – The Ranidae
Wildling has finally released a full-fledged barefoot rain boot with a generous toe box and flexible sole — ideal for muddy trails, wet weather, or messy backyards. Find a full review here. Use code AWN_ BAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE for free shipping
Xero Shoes X-1 Mid Basketball Shoe
The X-1 Mid is the first barefoot-style basketball shoe designed for high-performance play. It features a flat, flexible sole and wide toe box for natural movement and toe splay, while the mid-ankle design adds comfort and support on the court. Engineered for quick cuts and pivots, the X-1 has been tested by professional athletes in both the NBA and WNBA.
Cycling Shoes by Strong Feet Athletics
Finally, finally! I’ve been asked this question so often, and while they’re have been some wider versions (or the option to go full custom), there wasn’t a brand making a true clip-in, foot-shaped cycle shoe, until now. I’ve tried them out, and they have plenty of room in the toe box for my medium width feet. I’d say these could fit wide, possibly extra wide feet. I opted for the EU38 since that is currently their smallest size. It’s a little bit on the roomier side for my 23.3cm feet, but everything secures down nicely. With that, I’d say they fit true to their size chart.
The Strong Feet Athletic Leviathan cycle shoes work with SPD, SPD-SL, Look-type, and Delta 3-hole style cleats and pedals.
Gaucho Ninja Safety Shoe
We’ve seen barefoot work boots, but this may be the first barefoot safety sneaker. Think reinforced toe protection in a flexible, low-profile shoe that meets safety standards — so it’s about as lightweight and minimal as you can get while still protecting your feet properly. The Sneaky Ninjas barefoot safety trainers run a little long—my usual EU38 fits with extra length compared to most other brands. They’re still wearable with the laces tightened, but I’d be curious to try an EU37 to see if I could size down comfortably.
These barefoot safety shoes feature a fiberglass toe cap, anti-puncture insoles, and meet the requirements for ASTM F2413-24. These vegan sneakers also feature Gaucho’s ‘Diamond Grip’ sole.
The Gaucho Ninja Safety Trainers are currently 20% off during the pre-order period.
Shapen Playa Espadrille
The Shapen Play Espadrille is another style first for the barefoot shoe world. I’ve you’ve been wanting a barefoot version of this summer-ready slip-on, the Shapen Playa Espadrille comes in two different widths. I debated between the two and ended up ordering the EU37 wide. At this size, the regular width is 8.8 cm, while the wide is 9.3 cm. Based on the fit and material, I think these would’ve felt to tight in the toe box at the regular width for my 9cm feet. The extra room is nice on the wide, but I don’t love how noticeably squared off the shape is on the big toe. I know these are barefoot shoes and meant to be wide, but I think there’s still some room for refinement in the shaping here.
Trending Styles Getting a Barefoot Version
Each year we see new mainstream trends making their way into barefoot form — and 2025 is no exception. While 2024 was dominated by Samba-inspired styles, this year’s hot items are:
Clogs
Clogs are everywhere right now — and now they’re barefoot-friendly too.
- Mukishoes Soca Clogs: Known for natural materials and minimalism, they’ve released a flexible clog with a cork midsole. Use code KELLYMUKI for 10% off.
- Drifter Leather Solis Clogs: Handmade and customizable, their leather clog adds a rugged, artisan feel to the trend. I’ll be testing these soon!
Boat Shoes
Whether you’re about to hop on a boat, or just love the coastal look, boat shoes are a timeless and comfortable summer shoe. They’re clearly on the radar for several barefoot shoe brands this season—some launching them for the first time, others bringing back updated favorites.
- Gaucho Ninja has crafted a handmade leather boat shoe with a zero-drop sole and glove-like fit. Available in navy blue (see photo on left) and brown. Code KELLY10 for 10% off.
- Lems has reintroduced the Mariner, a wide, foot-shaped take on the classic boat shoe with moderate cushioning. Available in three different brown color ways (see photo on right) and navy blue.
Final Thoughts
That wraps up the Spring/Summer 2025 Barefoot Shoe News Digest! I’ll be keeping an eye out for more launches, restocks, and discounts as the season unfolds, so stay tuned. If there is a new barefoot brand or style that you think should be added to this list, drop a comment below!
As always, you can find full reviews, size info, and barefoot fit tips right here on the Barefoot Shoe Guide.
