Barefoot Water Sandals Like KEEN Sandals

Looking for a barefoot version of the KEEN Newport sandals? This list of closed-toe barefoot water sandals offers plenty of protection plus a more flexible sole.   

In the process of switching over to barefoot shoes, you’ll inevitably find yourself searching for a barefoot version of a shoe you used to wear all the time. My DMs are full of questions starting with, “is there a barefoot version of [insert popular shoe style here].” As the barefoot shoe industry has grown exponentially, I can now often respond with a, “Yes, there is. And multiple options too!” 

This Barefoot Shoe Trades series will highlight barefoot versions of popular shoe styles, starting with the KEEN Newport sandals. 

Are KEEN sandals barefoot shoes? 

The term “barefoot shoes” applies to shoes that have a wide, anatomically shaped toe box, and a thin, flat and flexible sole.  

There is a range out there of how well a shoe meets these criteria, even among those that are widely considered barefoot shoes. For example, Wildling’s shoes are some of the most flexible soles you can find, while some of Groundies’ soles may feel a bit stiffer. But they’re still both flexible enough that most people easily slot them into the barefoot shoe category.  

There are some shoes that deviate further from these criteria, and I’ll often call those a transitional barefoot shoe or a compromise shoe. These tend to be good shoes for those new to barefoot shoes as they may have something like additional cushion or support that some people find helpful when they’re first starting out. Think of a brand like Altra that has a wide toe box and is zero-drop, but still has quite a bit of cushion and a toe spring.  

KEEN shoes are known for their wide toe box, which is a great start. But there is heavy emphasis on durability and protection in the KEEN Newport Sandals, which means the thin, flat and flexible part of the barefoot shoe is lacking.   

If you value KEENs first and foremost for the protection, then this may outweigh the downsides of a less flexible sole. But if you like a lot of things about the function of the KEEN sandals, but wish they had a more flexible sole, then this list of rugged, closed-toe barefoot water and hiking sandals is for you. 

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Barefoot Water Sandals

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1 Freet Zennor

The Freet Zennor is a barefoot open trail shoe, meant to be take you through rivers, lakes and waterfalls. These have an overall stack height of about 7mm; or 4mm if you take out the removable insole. If you want something super similar to the KEEN sandal, but a wider toe box and more flexible sole, these Freet sandals are a great choice.

Price: From $65 for Junior Sizes, $110 for Adult sizes

Code: KELLY for 10% off

Sizes: Starts at Kid’s US11.5/EU30 to US Men’s 13/EU48

Location + Shipping: UK, ships to most countries

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2 CIOR Barefoot Water Sandals

The CIOR barefoot water sandals are an affordable and durable summer shoe for kids. The soles are made of grippy and flexible rubber. The uppers are breathable and dry quickly.

Price: Under $20 on Amazon

Sizes: Starts at Toddler US9

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3 KOEL Madison Water Sandals

These Koel Madison water sandals are another barefoot option that provides plenty of toe protection, plus adjustability with elastic laces and a velcro strap. The 6mm rubber soles are anti-slip and very flexible.

Price: $105 to $120

Code: KELLY for 10% off on PedTerra

Sizes: US8 Toddler/EU24 through US Men’s 8/EU41

Location + Shipping: Available in the US on PedTerra

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4 Vivobarefoot Ultra Bloom

The Vivobarefoot Ultra Bloom are barefoot water shoes made with a lightweight, quick dry foam. While the first three on this list of barefoot water sandals have a very similar design to the KEEN sandals, these are more reminiscent of Crocs. But, these are thin, flat and flexible and securely attach to the feet. And if you’re looking for a shoe for all you water adventures, the Ultra Bloom are a great option.

Price: $68 – $80

Code: KELLY10 for 10% off on Vivobarefoot | KELLY25 through April 2024

Sizes: US9 Toddler/EU25 through Big Kid’s US6/EU38

Location + Shipping: UK with worldwide shipping

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5 Merrell Bare Steps H20 Sneakers

The Merrell Bare Steps line makes minimimalist shoes for toddlers at a pretty affordable price point. I opt for the wide width for my toddler, even with his average width feet. They have good width and good volume, which I appreciate as many toddlers have thicker feet.

The Bare Steps H2O water shoes provide a good balance of barefoot qualities and protection. The soles are a little bit stiffer in the heel, but overall pretty flexible.

Price: $40 (though I do see these on sale for under $30 sometimes)

Sizes: US4 Toddler – US10 Toddler

Location + Shipping: US

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More options for barefoot water sandals

• Reima Rantaan Barefoot Sandals 
• Xero Shoes Colorado Sandals | It seems like they may have discontinued this style, but I’ve found some on Amazon, and you can also find them used. Hopefully Xero Shoes brings it back!