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?
I think KEEN sandals are a good starting point, but they can definitely be better. It’s true, KEEN sandals do have a wider toe box than most conventional options out there, but for me the biggest issues are their stiffness, heaviness, rigid toe spring, and 10mm+ heel-to-toe drop.
KEEN somewhat remedied this themselves by offering a more minimal version of the Newport Sandals called the Seacamp CNX, which only has a 3-4 mm heel-to-toe drop, but again, I still think we can do better.
That’s why I created this list of closed-toe barefoot sandals that offer the durability and protection of sandals like KEEN, but with much more minimal feel. All of the sandals on this list have a wide, anatomically shaped toe box, and a thin, flat and flexible sole. And they have a secure fit, unlike some wildly popular clogs like Crocs, which are also wildly floppy, and always look like one trip away from disaster.
Note: This post contains 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!
Barefoot Water Sandals
Here is our list of rugged, closed-toe barefoot water and hiking sandals for kids!
1 Saguaro Breeze I Shoes
For a breathable sandal with a similar design to KEENs, with all the durability and comfort your kids need, check out the Saguaro Breeze sandals. With the 15% off coupon KELLY15, they come down to a more affordable price point of $54. These sandals feature an adjustable Velcro back strap and elastic laces on top, allowing for a fully customizable fit. Extra padding around the ankle helps prevent rubbing and blisters, while the flexible rubber sole is both grippy and protective, extending over the toes for added coverage.
Price: $63 | Use code KELLY15 for 15% off
Sizes: Toddler US9.4/EU26 through Big Kids US4/EU36
2 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
3 CIOR Barefoot Water Sandals
For the most affordable option, check out the CIOR barefoot water sandals on Amazon. They have soft, grippy flexible soles with water holes for better drainage, and the uppers are breathable and dry quickly.
Price: Under $20 on Amazon
Sizes: Starts at Toddler US9
4 Reima Valoa Barefoot Sandals
Reima is a Finnish kidswear brand known for quality and durability, all in service of their mission to help kids spend more time outdoors. While they’ve been making clothing and footwear for over 80 years, they only recently entered the barefoot shoe space, and continue to expand their offerings each year.
The Valoa barefoot sandals are ultra-breathable thanks to their lightweight knit uppers, with synthetic overlays added for extra durability. They feature a wide toe box, zero-drop sole, and flexible construction that supports natural foot development. Sizing and fit are consistent with the rest of Reima’s barefoot line, so if you’ve tried their shoes before, you’ll have a good sense of what to expect. The Valoa sandals are available in green, black and pink.
The Rantaan Mesh sandals are also another great barefoot closed-toe sandal from Reima.
Price: $75 | Code: BAREFOOT20 for 20% off
Sizes: Little Kid US11 through Big Kid US7.5
5 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
6 Vivobarefoot Ultra Bloom
The Vivobarefoot Ultra Bloom are barefoot water shoes made with a lightweight, quick-drying algae-based foam. While the first ones on this list of barefoot water sandals have a very similar design to the KEEN sandals, these are more reminiscent of Crocs. But, these have a vastly different feel on the foot. They are thin, flat and flexible and securely attach to the feet.
Thanks to the breathable hexagon cutouts and molded shape, they offer solid protection while still allowing water to drain and feet to breathe. They’re perfect for all the summer adventures, from the pool to the beach, the splash pad to the creek.
Price: $68 – $80 | Code: BSG20 for 20% off on Vivobarefoot
Sizes: US9 Toddler/EU25 through Big Kid’s US6/EU38
Location + Shipping: UK with worldwide shipping
7 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
More options for barefoot water 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!
2 Comments