Fleeters Brand Review: the Sustainable Barefoot Shoe Brand from France

Learn all about Fleeters, the French barefoot shoe brand that prioritizes foot health, planet health, and style.

If you’re looking for a barefoot shoe that blends everyday style, comfort, and sustainability, Fleeters is a brand worth knowing. Unlike many barefoot shoe companies that lean heavily into either athletic or ultra-minimalist designs, Fleeters has carved out a niche with sleek, city-ready sneakers that still honor the principles of natural movement.

What makes Fleeters especially unique is their thoughtful approach to both function and fashion. These shoes are built to provide the freedom of barefoot movement without sacrificing aesthetics. They have a conventional look that fits seamlessly into everyday life, but with a foot-friendly design that allows for natural toe splay, flexibility, and comfort.

Beyond their design, Fleeters also stands out for their commitment to sustainability. The brand exclusively uses vegan and eco-friendly materials, including recycled rubber, corduroy, and plant-based leather alternatives like grape skin and corn skin. Their shoes are handcrafted in Portugal with a focus on ethical production, and they’re part of 1% for the Planet, meaning they give back to environmental causes with every sale.

I’ve been wearing Fleeters for almost two years now, and in this review, I’ll share my experience with their comfort, durability, and fit, as well as how they’ve evolved their designs over time. If you’re curious whether these stylish barefoot sneakers are right for you, keep reading!

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Watch my video Fleeters barefoot shoe review on Instagram.

About the Brand

Fleeters was started by two brothers, an osteopath and a business executive, who decided to combine their skills and shared interest in the barefoot lifestyle to create their own shoes designs.

Their goal was to create a shoe that felt as good as it looked, blending the key principles of barefoot footwear—flexibility, a wide toe box, and zero-drop soles—with an aesthetic that appealed to people who wanted something more versatile than the typical sporty or ultra-minimalist barefoot shoe. They focused on designing a sneaker that wouldn’t immediately scream “barefoot shoe” but still provided the freedom and comfort of one.

As I’ve been wearing Fleeters, I’ve been impressed with both the comfort and style. 

Barefoot Features

Whenever a new shoe brand pops onto the market and claims to be barefoot, my questions are: 
1) Does that toe box really have a wide, natural foot shape? 
2) And how flat and flexible is the sole?

The toe box is impressively spacious, providing plenty of room for natural toe splay. However, Fleeters has managed to refine the design so that the width isn’t visually overwhelming, making these a great option for those who want barefoot-friendly shoes without the ultra-wide appearance.

While the outsole appears thicker from the outside, giving the shoe a more conventional sneaker-like look, it’s actually only 5mm and remains super flexible, allowing for natural foot movement. For added versatility, there’s also two sets of removable insoles included, so you can customize the feel to your preference.

Sustainability with Vegan Materials

Fleeters is fully committed to sustainability, and as part of that mission, all of their sneakers are 100% vegan. They’ve put serious effort into sourcing high-quality, eco-friendly materials that mimic the look and feel of leather.

To reduce waste and reliance on virgin materials, Fleeters incorporates a mix of recycled components, including recycled rubber, corduroy, and microsuede. For their faux leather styles, they use innovative plant-based alternatives like corn skin and grape skin. These bio-based materials not only give the shoes a premium aesthetic but also help repurpose agricultural byproducts that would otherwise go to waste. Over the years, Fleeters has refined their materials to improve both durability and appearance. I’ve had my Fleeters for almost two years now, and they’ve held up beautifully. Comparing my older pair to their latest releases, I’ve noticed a shift toward a more textured, pebbled leather look, which adds depth and a more natural feel to the design.

Each pair of Fleeters barefoot shoes is handcrafted in Portugal, ensuring ethical production and high-quality craftsmanship. Beyond just making sustainable shoes, the brand is also part of 1% for the Planet, meaning they donate 1% of their revenue to environmental protection projects. It’s refreshing to see a barefoot shoe company so dedicated to minimizing its footprint—both literally and figuratively.

Models: Lemon and Peach

The Lemon and Peach have the same fit and sole, but their uppers differ slightly in design. Each model features different paneling, materials, and color combinations, allowing for subtle variations in style.

Some versions include soft suede-like textures, while others have a smooth faux leather finish. Many of the designs incorporate contrasting heel tabs, bright stitching, or playful pops of color, reinforcing Fleeters’ signature aesthetic.

Fit & Sizing

Fleeters are available in sizes EU36 – 47. They fit medium to wide feet well. I found Fleeters to fit true to size. For me, that’s an EU38 based on a 23.3cm foot measurement. I also tried an EU39 to confirm, and they were a little long for me.

Each pair of Fleeters comes with two sets of insoles: 3mm and 5mm. The 3mm insole is a great fit for my higher instep, and the amount of cushion and ground feel I prefer. You can use the 5mm to adjust for lower volume.

They do have different color ways listed for men and women, but they’re all the same fit, so you can choose whatever design you like best.

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Pricing

All Fleeters sneakers are €159. You can use the code KELLY for 10% off at check out.

Shipping & Returns

Fleeters barefoot shoes ship from France, and deliver to most countries worldwide. Shipping to the US is via DHL, and costs about €27.

Fleeters has a 14-day return policy. The cost of return shipping is deducted from the refund.

Any questions about Fleeters? Drop them below.