Best Barefoot Sandals for Men: From Town to Trail
Minimalist freedom with a more rugged look. These barefoot sandals for men don’t sacrifice comfort or style.
Barefoot sandals are a favorite among runners, hikers, travelers, and anyone who wants to stay cool while staying connected to the ground. Most styles are technically unisex, especially in the running and hiking categories, but the most minimalist options can sometimes look a bit delicate, with ultra-thin straps and lightweight designs.
That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with thinner styles—they’re functional, and plenty of people love them. But if you’re after something that feels a little more substantial or masculine this list is for you.
Below you’ll find barefoot sandals that are not only zero-drop and foot-shaped but also favored by men for their bolder straps, darker colorways, and all-terrain toughness.
Whether you’re looking for a casual everyday sandal or a serious hiking companion, here are the best barefoot sandals for men that deliver function and form.
Hiking sandals are usually unisex. If you don’t mind thinner straps, find more options on this complete list of the best barefoot running and hiking sandals.
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Best Barefoot Sandals for Men for Everyday
1 Softstar Camino Sandals
Leather Uppers | Retail: $130 and up | Sizes: Women’s US 5.5 – Men’s US14 | Stack height: 7 to 15 mm
Looking for a barefoot-friendly alternative to Birkenstocks? The Softstar Camino Sandals are your answer. With thick, oiled leather straps and a cork-inspired design, they offer a more rugged and masculine look than many minimalist sandals.
Softstar now offers three versions of the Camino to suit different comfort and ground feel preferences:
- Original Camino – 15mm stack height (5mm outsole + 6mm midsole + cushioned footbed). This is the plushest model, ideal for all-day wear or barefoot beginners wanting comfort without arch support.
- Street Edition – 8mm total stack with a thinner 2mm outsole. A more flexible version while still retaining structure.
- Camino Lite (2025) – 7mm total with updated colors and a slightly firmer feel. Thinner and lighter than the Original, but still not ultra-flexy.
While none of the Camino versions are the most flexible sandals on this list, they offer a nice middle ground for men who want barefoot function with some underfoot cushion and classic styling. These work especially well for casual wear or transitioning from conventional sandals.
Available directly from Softstar with free shipping and easy returns in the U.S.
The Freet Salcombe is another solid barefoot alternative to the Birkenstock Milano, with a similar look and feel—at a more affordable price point ($100). You can use code KELLY for 10% off.
Fit tip: Softstar’s sizing runs a bit short due to the padded footbed. If you’re in between sizes or at the upper end of their range, size up to avoid toe overhang.
2 Shamma Sandals Pacific Avenue
Leather Uppers | Retail: $125 | Code BAREFOOTGUIDE for 10% off | Sizes: Men’s US6 – US14 | Stack height: 9 – 12 mm
What I love:
- Versatile and comfortable leather uppers
- Built to last
What I don’t:
- No big ones!
If you’re looking for a barefoot-friendly alternative to classic flip-flops like Rainbow Sandals, the Shamma Pacific Avenue are a super comfortable and high-quality minimalist upgrade. Made with soft leather and available in two minimalist sole options (9mm or 12mm), these sandals offer a comfortable fit that molds to your foot over time. The slip-on design with a built-in heel strap keeps them secure, and the look is perfect for everyday wear—from the beach to the street. Like all Shamma sandals, they’re handmade in California and can be easily repaired with Shamma’s modular parts. It’s a great choice for guys who want a more natural feel underfoot without sacrificing style or durability.
Come in tan, dark brown and black. Use code BAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE for 10% off.
Fit tip: Use Shamma Sandal’s printable size guide to check your size. Note that they have a “Shamma Size” which typically mean’s the men’s US size.
Best Barefoot Sandals for Men for Hiking
3 Bedrock Cairn 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 Bedrock Cairn Evo strikes an ideal balance of durability, traction, and just enough cushion for rugged adventures. With a 14mm stack height, they offer solid protection while remaining flexible enough to keep that barefoot feel on varied terrain.
These are among the heavier barefoot hiking sandals—but that’s all relative. At about a pound per pair, they’re still half the weight of traditional hiking sandals like Chacos. You get the toughness without the bulk.
Bedrock offers a range of models, from thinner-ground feel versions to the Cairn Pro line built for high-intensity use like whitewater rafting. All feature Vibram soles and a secure, no-flop strap system that holds up to serious use.
You can order directly from Bedrock or there is a limited selection available on REI. Both offer free shipping. Bedrock has free returns online, while REI has 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. Aaron typically wears a US Men’s 10.5 or 11, and wears these in a Men’s 10.
4 Xero Shoes Z Trails
Sole Thickness: 6mm to 11 mm | Weight: 5.5 oz | Price: $80
What I love:
- More affordable
- Foam footbed for those that like softer cushion
What I don’t:
- Footbed is slippery when went
- Feels cheaper
- Cannot replace straps
- Footbed compresses over time
If you’re not into toe posts, the Xero Shoes Z-Trail is a solid starting point for a light hiking or everyday barefoot sandal. With a comfortable Z-style strap system and a price tag around $80, it’s one of the most budget-friendly barefoot sandals for men.
The Z-Trail was my first minimalist hiking sandal—and my husband and son still wear theirs regularly. They’re lightweight and easy to pack, making them great for travel, light hiking, or everyday casual wear.
That said, the affordable price does come with a few trade-offs. The foam insole feels soft and springy at first, but over time tends to compress—especially under high-pressure points like the heel and big toe. The outsole is functional but not made from Vibram, and mine showed noticeable wear faster than some higher-end options.
Still, Xero backs the sole with a 5,000-mile warranty, which helps offset concerns about longevity.
5 Lems Switchback Sandals
Sole Thickness: 14/17mm with 3mm heel-drop | Price: $120
What I love:
- Lightweight, springy EVA midsole adds bounce without feeling bulky
- Easy-to-use single-strap design that stays secure during wear
What I don’t:
- 3mm heel-to-toe drop is noticeable after years in zero-drop shoes
- Less ground feel due to extra cushioning — may not suit barefoot purists
- Raised toe bar sometimes hits awkwardly on the footpad
The Lems Switchback is a comfort-focused hiking sandal that offers more cushion than most barefoot options—making it a great pick for guys who find traditional minimalist sandals too firm or thin.
With a 14–17mm stack height and a soft EVA midsole, the Switchback prioritizes shock absorption and underfoot comfort. It still checks some key barefoot boxes—like a wide toe box and flexible sole—but it’s not zero-drop. The 3mm drop is subtle, but worth noting for purists.
The simple single-strap system is easy to adjust and stays secure on the trail. It includes a soft toe post that doesn’t irritate, and a contoured footbed with textured ridges and a raised toe bar. Depending on your foot shape, that toe bar may take some getting used to.
Compared to heavy-duty sandals like Tevas or Chacos, the Switchback is lighter, more flexible, and better shaped for natural foot movement—though it doesn’t offer the same ground feel as more minimalist options.
Fit & Sizing: I typically size down for sandals, which is what I did with these Lems. For example, if you typically wear an 10.5, I’d opt for the size 10 in the sandals.
Conclusion
The best barefoot sandals for men don’t need thick soles or bulky straps to get the job done. Look for a design that fits your style, with a flexible sole and secure fit that works for your daily life. Whether you’re hiking, traveling, or just enjoying warm weather, minimalist sandals offer comfort, function, and a more natural way to move.
