After logging countless miles on the trails, here are the best barefoot hiking sandals that will keep you comfortable on your next outdoor adventure.
I used to be a die-hard Chacos fan, mostly because I was trying to avoid hiking boots that squished my toes. But most traditional hiking sandals like Chacos are still stiff, clunky and comically heavy.
Ever since I discovered the world of barefoot shoes, I opt for barefoot and minimalist hiking sandals as often as I can. They’re comfortable, lightweight, and I feel so much quicker and nimbler on my feet using a shoe that can move with me.
Hiking is one of my favorite activities, whether I’m at home or traveling. I’ve tested these hiking sandals on trails throughout the United States and 4 continents—and these are the ones that make my top list for hiking and high mileage travel days. I’d be happy walking in these sandals on the trails or exploring a new city.
Types of Barefoot Hiking Sandals
Barefoot and minimalist sandals for hiking and running typically fall into two categories: a huarache style sandal with a toe post, or a strap over the toes. Both styles are included in this list, though there do tend to be more huarache-style options for barefoot sandals as they don’t restrict toe splay and create secure fit.
Key Characteristics of Barefoot Hiking Sandals
1 Thin, Flexible and Lightweight Soles
The first thing you’ll notice when you slide on a pair of barefoot sandals is how lightweight they are. Hiking sandals should provide protection and traction, but still be thin and flexible so that they don’t impact your natural walking gait.
Many barefoot hiking sandals use Vibram soles, which have varying thickness and treads. I typically look for soles that are between 5mm and 12mm. In contrast, the pair of Tevas I wore previously were 22mm at the toe and 35mm at the heel.
On the thicker end, a 10mm sole is comfortable and offers a lot of protection, without becoming too stiff or heavy. A 5mm sole will allow for good ground feel, but still provides some insulation from a rocky trail.
2 Flat aka Zero-drop
Barefoot hiking sandals are flat, which means there isn’t an elevated heel that will alter your posture or natural movement.
3 Foot-shaped
The hallmark of barefoot shoes is the wider, foot-shaped toe box. It’s the same for sandals. The toe area should have enough room for your toes to maintain a natural splay; the straps shouldn’t squish them together too tightly.
4 Secure Fit
Barefoot sandals should also have a secure fit so that they don’t interfere with natural movement.
Tips on picking the best size and fit for barefoot sandals
Fit and sizing for both barefoot shoes and sandals can be tricky when you’re ordering online. I promise that as you get a little bit more familiar with your own feet and with some of the barefoot shoe brands, it does get easier.
Always start with measuring your own feet (both length and width). Look for sandals that are 5mm to 10mm more than your longest foot measurement. You typically do not need as much extra space in sandals as you do in closed toe shoes. While you don’t want your toes falling off the front, you also don’t want sandals that are too long and cause you to trip.
Next, gain an understanding of your foot shape and volume. These barefoot hiking sandals have adjustable straps that can accommodate a range of widths and volumes, but some styles may still tend to be better suited to a certain type of foot.
Sizing reference
I’ll note my sizing as a reference for each sandal style. My feet are medium width and measure 23.3cm long with a high instep. I typically look for sneakers with extra 1.2cm of space, and sandals around 1cm of extra space.
I’m most often a US7.5/EU38 in my barefoot shoes, but often times size down to a US7/EU37 in barefoot sandals. This can vary from brand to brand and sometimes even style to style. Sandals usually don’t need as much space as you don’t have to worry about a toe hitting the front of the shoe, and the toes can go to almost the end of the sole.
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All of the sandals in this post are unisex, and work well as hiking sandals for both men and women. Find a list of cute and dressy sandals for women here.
Best Barefoot and Minimalist Hiking Sandals
After trying dozens of sandals, I’ve rounded up the best options based on the barefoot criteria I’ve listed above, comfort, fit and quality. Whether I’m heading out for a long walk around my neighborhood, a day at the lake, or a day of hiking, these are the barefoot hiking sandals I reach for again and again.
1 Earth Runners
Sole Thickness: 8, 9 or 12 mm | Weight: 5.9 oz for Circadians| Price: $68 – $89 | Vibram Soles | Discount code: KELLY10 for 10% off
Discount Code: KELLY10
What I love:
- Versatile sandal for hiking and travel
- Can be dressed up or down
What I don’t:
- Performance laces can be very uncomfortable (opt for lifestyle laces)
- Some don’t like the textured footbed over longer distances
- Footbed can get dirty and smelly, but is easy to clean
Earth Runners are a popular huarache-style sandals for hiking and running. They come in three different sole thickness and tread patterns. The 9mm Circadian sandals with the lifestyle laces have been one of my go-to sandals for hiking, heading to the beach, and traveling. They perform well on a hike, but don’t appear out of place if you’re wearing them casually too.
The straps are easy to adjust and replace if needed. The continuous strap is secured at the bottom of the sandal with a copper grounding plus and can be tightened with the buckle at the end.
I recommend the lifestyles laces as they’re soft but still durable after several years of wear. I still find the performance straps too uncomfortable between my toes. The break-in period for the performance straps can be pretty painful; getting the straps wet and pinning the the area just above the toe post together with a clothespin in between wears can help soften that area.
The canvas footbed wicks moisture and provides a little bit of grip. I personally find the footbed comfortable, but if you’re more sensitive to texture on the bottom or your foot, you may want to opt for the Primal Sandals which do not include the additional footbed.
Fit & Sizing: Fits true to size. I wear Earth Runners in a size 7 with a 23.3cm foot measurement. They typically fit up to wide feet, and with the adjustable straps, work well with most foot volumes.
2 Shamma Sandals
Thickness: 6 mm – 15mm | Weight: 4.5 oz | Price: $50 – $140 | Vibram Soles | Discount code: BAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE for 10% off
Code BAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE for 10% off
What I love:
- Large range of sole options
- Comfortable, secure and very adjustable strapping system
- Option to add leather footbed
What I don’t:
- Very utilitarian look (but most on this list do!)
Shamma Sandals was founded by Josh Styles, an avid runner that tests all of the sandals around their workshop in Santa Cruz, CA.
Shamma Sandals has two sandal styles—a huarache style and one with a toe loop. The huarache has two Velcro tabs and a tri-glide, so every section of the straps is adjustable. You can even add an extra power strap to get a more secure fit. Shamma uses Vibram soles, ranging from the thin 6mm Warriors to the 13mm Ibex with 4mm lugs.
The Shamma Trailstar sandals are reminiscent of the Chaco Z2 sandals with a toe loop.
For those looking for hands-free sandal, the elastic straps of the Numa make them easy to slide on. I love these for the beach as I can put them on when I reach the parking lot without having to drop all of my beach gear.
You can add a leather footbed to many of the sandals, which feels so comfortable under foot. You’ll most often find me wearing the Elite Maximus sandals with a 9mm stack height and a leather footbed. This is a comfortable middle ground of not too thick and not too thin for me!
Fit & Sizing: Fits true to size. Shamma sandals lists its sizing in unisex sizing (which is really just men’s sizing). I wear a Shamma size 6, which is a women’s 7. Check out their sizing template and printable size guide. Thanks to the adjustable straps, these barefoot hiking sandals fit a wide range of volumes and narrow to wide feet.
3 ZuZu Sandals
Sole Thickness: 7mm – 11mm | Weight: 6 oz | Price: $79 – $99 | Upcycled Soles | Discount code: KELLY10 for 10% off
Discount Code: KELLY10
What I love:
- Sustainable and Durable
- Versatile for hiking and more casual wear
What I don’t:
- Slightly heavier than other options
- Only one tread style
ZuZu makes huarache style sandals that are built for walking, hiking and running. The soles for all three models (the Flow, the Flex and the Groove) are made with upcycled tire rubber. ZuZu’s goal is to make both more durable and more sustainable hiking sandals, and does this by keeping high quality rubber in use and out of a landfill. For a more in-depth discussion on these sandals and their materials, read the full ZuZu sandals review. The stack height of the sandals varies depending on the additional footbed.
The straps are easily adjustable and replaceable; you can opt for nylon, recycled polyester or leather straps. For the best performance, especially wet conditions, I recommend the recycled polyester straps. The strap is thin but secure and work well for both hiking and casual wear.
Fit & Sizing: I wear ZuZu sandals in an EU38, which is the same size I wear in barefoot sneakers. They’re slightly longer than my Earth Runners and slightly shorter than my Shamma sandals, so the EU38 equates well to a women’s sandal size 7.
4 Bedrock Sandals
Sole Thickness: 8mm – 20mm | Weight: 7.8 oz | Price: $70 – 135 | Vibram Soles
What I love:
- Very durable with Sole warranty and repair program
- Secure fit with options for whitewater rafting
What I don’t:
- Can’t replace straps on your own
- Heavier option
The Cairn Evo sandals by Bedrock are a good combination of grippy tread, cushion and durability with a 14mm stack height. They’re still flexible but provide enough protection for almost any terrain.
These are the heaviest hiking sandals on the list; a pair of Bedrocks will run you about a pound. To compare, a pair of Chacos clock in around two full pounds, so even this beefier option among minimalist hiking sandals is still much lighter than the conventional ones.
Bedrock has a range of thinner and thicker options, and even a Pro line with a specific strapping system made for whitewater rafting adventures.
You can order Bedrock Sandals on REI, which offers free shipping and free returns in store.
While you can’t replace the straps for Bedrocks on your own, they offer a Rock Solid Warranty. This is a lifetime warranty on the Vibram soles, which also covers any manufacturing defects on the straps. If you damage your straps, Bedrock offers reasonable repair rates through their Re-Soul program ($20 for a complete strap replacement per sandal).
Fit & Sizing: These run true to size. Like most standals that come in whole sizes, I recommend going for the size down. My husband typically wears a US Men’s 10.5 or 11, and wears these in a Men’s 10.
5 LUNA Sandals
Sole Thickness: 5mm – 15mm | Weight: 8.2 oz | Price: $110 – 135 | Vibram Soles | 15% off using this link
Get 15% off using the this link
What I love:
- Large range of rugged soles
- Secure and adjustable strapping
What I don’t:
- Toe post can twist around
- Winged versions can rub the inside of the feet
Barefoot Ted met Manuel Luna in the Copper Canyons of Mexico back in 2006, and learned about the ultra-running techniques and minimalist sandals worn by the Tarahumara. He started his own minimalist running sandal company, and named them Luna sandals after the man that inspired him.
Luna has a range of soles, with a lot of really rugged options. My current favorite Luna hiking sandal is the Middle Bear Winged Edition. The goal of these sandals is to give you the best of both worlds—it’s not too thick and not too thin and uses the Vibram MegaGrip outsole.
They’re an ideal option if you’re using them for a lot of tough terrain, but can be overkill if you also plan to use them as a daily shoe. For thinner options, check out the Venado or Leadville trail sandals.
Luna sandals has two strapping systems. The original (now called retro lacing system) just uses a twist of the straps around the soles to hold them securely in place. The new lacing system has plastic wings that attach the straps to the sole just before the heel. Some people find that the plastic wings can rub the inside of their feet, especially while running over long distances. Adjusting the straps to set the back strap higher on the heel can prevent the rubbing. Or, opt for the retro lacing system that doesn’t have the plastic wings.
The main drawback I’ve found in my Luna sandals is that the toe post will twist around, so that the twisted strap feels thicker between my toes. It can easily be twisted back, but usually needs to be untwisted each time I wear them.
Fit & Sizing: I wear a women’s size 7 in Luna Sandals. They fit up to medium width feet well, and are somewhat narrow compared to other brands, like Shamma.
6 Xero Shoes
Sole Thickness: 11 mm | Weight: 5.5 oz | Price: $80
What I love:
- Good option with no toe post
- More affordable
- Foam footbed for those that like softer cushion
What I don’t:
- Footbed is slippery when went
- Feels cheaper
- Cannot replace straps
The Xero Shoes Z-Trails were my first minimalist hiking sandal, and I quickly started wearing them everywhere. For those that do not like sandals with a toe post, these Z-Trails are a solid option—my husband and son still wear these regurlarly.
At $80, these are a more affordable option than most others on this list. But I think the price does reflect the quality; the outsoles as well as the insoles show considerable wear, whereas other sandals I’ve worn for similar mileage are in better shape. Like all Xero Shoes, these do have a 5,000 mile, so you have some insurance on the sole since they’re not using a more premium product like Vibram soles.
The top layer of foam offers a softer and more bouncy footbed; the downside is that it compresses over time, so the footbed of my sandals have deep compressions in the heel and big toe. The sole has a minimal tread, so they work well for light hiking, but I wouldn’t choose these for a tough trail.
Xero Shoes recently released the H-Trail hiking and running sandals, which uses a similar sole, but pairs them with Huarache-style straps. The strapping system is concealed between the foam footbed and outsole, so you cannon replace the straps on these sandals.
Fit & Sizing: I wear these in a Women’s 7, and have plenty of space in these without them feeling too long. The Z-Trail has a heel cup on the back, so you may not want these in as close of a fit as other sandals as your heel could end up on top of the bump. These are one of the few sandals that come in separate men’s and women’s versions; the men’s are wider.
These generally work well for medium width feet. As you start to go wider, the over-the-toe straps can start to squish the toes together.
7 Toetem Sandals
Sole Thickness: 5mm – 14mm | Price: $120 – $140 | Vibram Soles | Discount Code: KELLY5 for 5% off
KELLY5 for 5% off
What I love:
- Squared toe box to accommodate foot shapes that do not slope
What I don’t:
- Straps are thicker and bulkier
These huarache sandals are made with Vibram soles that 5mm, 8mm and 14mm soles, so you can pick your level of cushion and grip. The straps are made with a soft microfiber that’s thicker than the straps you’ll find on most other barefoot hiking sandals; it can feel a little bulky. There are long pieces of velcro around the heel and over the top of the foot to adjust the sandals. The back strap sits a little lower on the heel for me, so I find I have to tighten these a little more to get them to stay up.
To further customize your Toetem sandals, opt for the hemp footbed that is designed for good grip in wet conditions.
Fit & Sizing: With the squared off toe box, the Toetem sandals fit those with square and plateau feet well. They now come in extra wide and standard width; the extra wide is their original sole shape, which I found to fit medium and wide width feet well.
Comparison of the best hiking sandals
Our testing process at the Barefoot Shoe Guide
I’ve been wearing many of these sandals for several years, and I’ve logged countless miles both on hiking trails and in everyday life. I’ll usually test out new sandals by bringing them on a trip with me where they will be the only shoes I’ll wear for a week or more. It’s an efficient way to tell how the sandals performs in varied terrain, in the water, and in different weather and if any issues pop-up from repeated wear.
As my first barefoot sandal, I wore my Xero Shoes Z-Trails on dozens of hikes through California. I spent over a week hiking through the jungles and along the beaches of Costa Rica in my Shamma Sandals. And recently, I packed my ZuZu sandals on a 10-day trip through Morocco, where I went from the coast, through sand dunes, hiked to an oasis, and spent several days exploring the busy streets of Marrakesh.
Customizing your sandals
If you find you like different aspects from each of the different sandal brands, some are compatible enough that you can do a little mixing and matching. For example, you may need the squarer toe box from Toetems, but prefer the straps from Shamma Sandals. The simple straps from Earth Runners and ZuZu sandals can often be used with different soles, like Toetems or Shamma Sandals. Many of the sandal brands do sell straps separately, and some sell the soles separately so you can do a little bit of customization.
Bedrock Sandals and Xero Shoes Sandals are the only brands on this list where you cannot easily replace the straps on your own as they are anchored and enclosed between the outsole and footbed.
Kid’s barefoot hiking sandals
A number of these barefoot hiking sandal brands offer styles in kid’s sizes, including Earth Runners, Shamma Sandals, LUNA Sandals and Xero Shoes. See this post for a complete list of barefoot outdoor sandals for kids.
Why are barefoot sandals so expensive?
This question is asked often when it comes to barefoot shoes. While there are a large number of reasons that result in the final price tag, the big drivers tend to be that these are small businesses with much lower order quantities compared to large brands, a commitment to better materials and paying fair wages.
Plus, a thinner sole often doesn’t mean a cheaper one. It’s often the reverse, in that a thinner sole needs to be made of better material to maintain both the flexibility and durability. Most of these barefoot hiking sandals use Vibram soles, which are not cheap.
And for fairness, if you compare the prices to some of the biggest names in hiking sandals, you’ll find that the prices aren’t that far off. A pair of Chacos will typically start around $100, the rugged Terra Fi Tevas are $110, and KEEN Newport sandals are $125.
Final Thoughts
The best barefoot hiking sandals are the ones you find most comfortable. I hope that with the real-life insights included in the reviews above, you’ll find a pair of sandals that will be the best fit for you, and you can enjoy the outdoors with happy, pain-free feet.
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