The short list of the best men’s barefoot boots for winter.
One of the beautiful things about barefoot shoes is the simplicity that comes with the minimalism of it all. Since barefoot shoes are designed to be flat and foot-shaped, we drop the features that often differentiate women’s shoes from men’s shoes, like pointier toes and higher heels.
While some barefoot shoe brands still do make men’s and women’s versions, many brands are unisex. If there are separate men’s and women’s versions, the men’s are typically slightly wider and feature different colors or styling. But really, you can simply pick the shoe that fits your foot best as all barefoot shoes are meant to fit the natural shape of the human foot.
My barefoot shoe lists are typically for both men and women, but this list focuses on barefoot boots that men might find more appealing, mostly due to styling and color options.
Men’s Barefoot Boots for Winter
1 Lems Boulder Boots
Price: $150 – $185 | Sizes: Women’s US5 – Men’s US15
Best For: medium to wide feet, medium to high volume
For a rugged, waterproof winter boot or hiking boot, opt for the Boulder Boot Waterproof Grip or the Boulder Boot Summit. Both of these boots feature full-grain oiled leather uppers, a waterproof membrane, and a grippy tread. The Boulder Boot Grip uses a slip-resistant sole made for slippery conditions, while the Summit features 4mm zig-zag lugs that are ideal for hiking.
These minimalist boots feature a generous toe box and a zero-drop sole, but are cushier than other barefoot options with a stack height of 13mm and above.
See a complete Lems brand review here, including more details on each specific Boulder Boot model.
2 Vivobarefoot Gobi Boots and Tracker Boots
Price: $200+ | Code KELLY10 for 10% off | Sizes: Men’s EU40 – 49
Best For: narrow to medium width feet, low to medium volume
Whether you’re on the hiking trails or the city streets, Vivobarefoot’s new barefoot winter boots will keep your feet comfortable and in style. Try the new Gobi Boot high-tops in the original version (unlined rawhide leather, so best for fall and spring) or in the Winterized edition with a faux shearling lining. These boots give a chunky vibe while managing to be some of the lightest and most flexible boots in my closet.
The Tracker II FG has always been one of my favorite barefoot hiking boots for its optimum performance and classically good looks. For heavy winter conditions, opt for the new Tracker Winter SG with a extra warm lining and thermal insole.
3 Crave Boots
Price: €187 | Sizes: Men’s EU37 – 46
Best For: medium to wide feet, low to medium volume
Crave is a new barefoot shoe brand (and sister brand to Angles) that brings an urban edge to their styles. The Crave Glasgow is a sneaker/boot that features leather uppers, gusseted tongue and a waterproof membrane. At 5mm, the sole is thin and flexible with great ground feel. The Glasgow boots come in smooth black leather or a cognac nubuck leather.
4 BeLenka Winter Boots
Price: €187 | Code KELLY5 for 5% off | Sizes: Men’s EU37 – 46
Best For: medium to wide feet, medium volume
BeLenka is one of the most prolific barefoot shoe brands, and that includes boots. While a lot of the boots are geared towards women, there are many with more neutral or rugged styling too. For the ultimate winter boot, try the BeLenka Winter 3.0. Fully lined with merino wool including a wool insole, these are one of the warmest barefoot boots on the market.
Most of BeLenka’s boots accommodate wide, higher volume feet, but because of the extensive lining, the winter boots tend to be better suited to lower volume feet.
Other great barefoot boots for men by BeLenka include the Atlas, Nevada, Ranger and Olympus.
5 Wildling
Price: $100 – 150 | Sizes: up to US Men’s 13.5
Best For: narrow to medium width feet, medium to high volume
Uppers: Most winter styles are water-resistant cotton canvas or wool
Location + Shipping: Based in Germany with worldwide shipping. Free Shipping on orders over $200, or use this code for first-time customers: AWN_ BAREFOOTSHOEGUIDE. Returns for first-time customers are free.
There are barefoot shoes, and then there are Wildling barefoot shoes. Wildling shoes are ideal for those that prioritize groundfeel, flexbility, the lightness of the shoe, and the use of sustainable materials. The winter models of Wildling shoes use wool and canvas uppers, a polyester member, a wool lining and insoles. They are surprisingly warm for how lightweight the shoes are.
See a complete Wildling review here.
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