My short list of barefoot shoes from 2025.
I tried dozens of new barefoot shoe brands and even more new styles this last year, but there are some shoes I keep going back to. A lot of that has to do with personal preference, fit, lifestyle, etc. What may be the perfect shoe for you may not be even a good shoe for me.
For reference, I have medium width feet with a higher instep and narrower ankle. My longer foot measures 23.3cm (usually one foot is a little bit longer than the other, find out how to measure yours here), and I’m usually a size EU38. My toes have a gentle slope shape, meaning each toe is slightly shorter than the last. My number one priority is comfort (definitely tracks as someone that’s wearing barefoot shoes), but I used to love shopping for fun shoes that would really complete an outfit. I’m still not sure if I’ve found my way back to that yet, but want to do a better job with that in 2026.
Here are the barefoot shoes I wore most in 2025.
Bahé Revive Runners
This is probably my top worn shoe for two or three years running. I got
the new Modes versions this year (meaning this style now comes in three different stack heights), which was good, because my first pair was getting pretty worn out. I started wearing the lowest cushion option more, but still really like the mid-cushioned 14mm stack height. I wore them to the gym, hiking, daily walks…basically any day I knew I’d be on my feet a lot. Overall, they have such a roomy and comfortable fit without looking overly wide.
Code BAREFOOTGUIDE for 10% off
Lems
I still like the more minimal option
from Lems the most–either the Lems Primal 3s or the Primal Zen, but the Boulder Boots are my go-tos for yard work or whenever I need a heavier duty leather boot (mine are a few years old and I just reconditioned them in this photo). This is the brand I typically recommend first for barefoot shoe beginners.
Dolfie Paradise
This is one of the new brands I was most excited about, and each release keeps getting better. Dolfie Shoes are a little heavier and chunkier, but the toe box space is great. Love their Supersonics as the perfect chunky dad sneaker.
Code KELLYDP10 for 10% off.
Fleeters Sneakers
A classic and cool vegan sneaker. These are comfortable to wear, and have fun pops of color. They also came out with some new styles this year too!
Code KELLY for 10% off.
Feelgrounds Mesh or Knit Sneakers
These are my go-to summer sneakers because they’re really light and breathable, and so easy to slip on. They’re really simple, but I have no complaints. They just fit well! The mesh sneakers have probably been my most worn pair of shoes over the last 6+ years.
Code KELLY5 for 5% off.
BeFlamboyant Clogs
I got these clogs later in 2025, but once I did, they rarely left my feet. They’re lined and so cozy. They look like a chunky sole, but they’re only 5mm and nice and flexible.
Code KELLY5 for 5% off.
Shamma Sandals TrailStars
If I only had one sandal to wear all year, this would be the one. The straps are so soft and comfortable and it’s really easy to adjust to get a secure fit. I love the leather footbed on this one too!
Code BAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE for 10% off.
Earth Runners
And if I picked a second sandal, it’d probably be these Earth Runners, especially if it’s around water (beach, lake, kayaking, etc). They’re easy to bring on any trip since they’re so minimal and don’t scream “hiking sandal,” so I often use these for casual wear too.
Code KELLY10 for 10% off.
Wildling Slippers
This is the house slipper that I use all year round. They’re slip-on with a rubber sole, so they’re right by the door when I need to quickly run outside. They’re felted wool, so they feel warm enough during winter with socks, but not too hot when it’s just a little too cold to go barefoot around the house.
Free shipping code: AWN_ BAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE
So that’s it–my short list of the barefoot shoes I wore in 2025, over and over again. While you may need something different when it comes to barefoot shoes, hopefully this can give you a jumping off point. If you have any questions, drop them below.
