Mukishoes Brand Review: Truly Barefoot, Creatively Sustainable and Colorful
Mukishoes is a small, Portugal-based barefoot shoe brand known for natural and unique materials, minimalist construction, colorful pops in their line that ranges from toddlers to adults . Over the years, they’ve become a go-to for barefoot enthusiasts who want truly barefoot shoes that don’t scream “foot health.” In this Mukishoes brand review, I’m diving into the brand’s ethos, fit, and performance—plus individual reviews of current Mukishoes models.
Brand Snapshot: Mukishoes
- Foot Type Compatibility: Medium to wide width; medium to high volume
- Sole Thickness: 3.5mm outsole + thin footbed
- Best For: Minimalist purists, sustainability-minded shoppers, kids that love color
- Sizing: EU24–48 (varies by model)
- Price Range: €60–€135
- Coupon Code: KELLYMUKI for 10% off
- Shipping: Ships worldwide from Portugal
- Returns: Accepted within 30 days from EU and North America (buyer pays return shipping)
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What Makes Mukishoes a Noteworthy Barefoot Shoe Brand
How Barefoot Are Mukishoes?
Mukishoes is one of the most barefoot brands on the market. Across their sandals, sneakers, and boots, you’ll find:
- Ultra-thin soles (typically 3.5mm rubber)
- Zero drop
- Naturally-shaped Toe Box
- Lightweight Design
This is a brand that stays true to minimalist roots and doesn’t “compromise” with cushion. If you’re transitioning to barefoot shoes or used to thicker soles, Mukishoes might feel like a big shift—but if you love ground feel, they’re a dream.
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Materials and Sustainability
Mukishoes is serious about using eco-conscious, natural materials:
- Uppers are often made from recycled and organic cotton, leather, suede, and wool. Additionally, they frequently use deadstock fabrics, which is a great move to reduce waste, but can also mean that they run out of stock and can’t restock the style.
- Outsoles are natural rubber
- Footbeds include cork, leather, and wool combinations depending on the style.
- Many models are vegan or plastic-free.
They manufacture in Portugal in small batches and emphasize fair labor and sourcing. The brand’s transparency and thoughtful material choices put them among the most sustainable barefoot shoe companies out there.
Durability
In my experience, Mukishoes holds up well—especially considering how thin and flexible the shoes are. That said, these are not bomb-proof boots. The shoes prioritize minimalism and breathability, so they’re best suited for urban wear, light activity, or dry conditions unless stated otherwise.
For the kids shoes, we’ve mostly used the cotton and wool uppers, which have lasted well, but do start to show some wear. For kid’s that are tougher on shoes, I’d opt for one of their leather styles, like the Nimbus Play. The soles also get worn down, but we haven’t had any get holes (see pictures of a well-loved pair of Mukishoes below).
Fit and Sizing
Mukishoes shoes generally fit:
- Width: Narrow to Medium
- Volume: Medium to high volume
- Toe box shape:
- Kids: medium to wide feet, average to high volume
Mukishoes has a size chart that lists insole length for both kids and adults sizes, which I’ve found to be accurate. This means I typically wear an EU38 in sneakers, size down to an EU37 for sandals, and size up to an EU39 in boots if I’m going to be wearing thicker socks. This is based on my 23.3cm foot length, medium width, and higher instep. My higher instep has enough space as is, but if I did want to add an extra insole for cushioning, they’d start to get a little tight. In this Mukishoes brand review, I’ll note any size particulars on the styles below.
Shipping and Returns
Shipping: Mukishoes ships worldwide from Portugal. Shipping to the U.S. is typically €20–25 and arrives in about 1–2 weeks.
Returns: Accepted within 30 days from EU and North America (buyer pays return shipping).
Coupon Code
Use code KELLYMUKI for 10% off your Mukishoes order.
Mukishoes Reviews
Mukishoes are simple, but recognizable. Their sneakers have their own distinct shape and style, and stand out for some of their brighter and bolder colors (though they have plenty of neutrals too). For their sandals, they’ve taken inspiration from some of the top trending styles, but put their own minimalist spin on them.
Lyra Sneakers
Suede uppers | EU36 – 46 | €130
I’ve been wearing some shoes with thicker soles lately, so slipping on the Lyra—with its barely-there sole—was a refreshing reminder of how much I love the feeling of unrestricted, natural movement. I recently added them to my round-up of barefoot alternatives to the Adidas Samba. The Lyra sneakers have an ultra-flexible 3.5 mm sole, topped only with a thin leather insole. I’m wearing the Theia in a pretty mint green suede, but they also come in white leather and suede.
Cloud Sneakers
Leather or cotton uppers | EU36 – 48 | €99 – €125
The Cloud is Mukishoes’ most popular version of their classic sneaker, featuring a clean and minimal design in soft, chrome-free white leather. This design comes in several other uppers, including cotton and hemp. It’s part of their core lineup and showcases the brand’s commitment to using high-quality, natural materials without compromising on aesthetics.
Like all Mukishoes sneakers, the Cloud sits on their ultra-thin 3.5mm rubber sole, offering excellent flexibility and ground feel. The leather is soft right out of the box, and the unlined interior keeps things breathable and lightweight. These sneakers pair effortlessly with just about everything—from jeans to dresses—making them a versatile staple if you want a barefoot shoe that doesn’t look like one. Fit-wise, they work best for narrow to medium wide feet with average to high volume, and the natural leather does soften and mold to your foot with wear.
Hightop Sneakers
Linen, cotton, hemp or leather uppers | EU36 – 48 | €99 – €125
Mukishoes’ classic sneakers come in a high-top version made with a range of natural materials, including linen, cotton, hemp, and leather. The colors and fabric combinations vary from season to season, but all feature Mukishoes’ signature 3.5mm natural rubber sole—ultra-flexible, zero-drop, and great for ground feel. These sneakers have a casual, understated look that pairs easily with everyday outfits.
Nazare Sandals
Suede uppers | EU36 – 48 | €89
Birkenstock-inspired sandals are everywhere, including in the barefoot shoe world. The Nazaré sandals by Mukishoes are one of the latest minimalist takes on the popular Birkenstock Milano style, and I’d say they’re my favorite of the bunch (find the whole round-up of barefoot sandals like Birkenstocks here).
Where Birkenstocks miss the mark with their thick, stiff, and heavily contoured footbed, the Nazaré sandals get it right with a much more minimal, natural feel. These have a 3.5mm outsole, plus a cork midsole and a suede insole.
The straps are also made of soft suede, but they don’t feel too thin where I forsee stretching out to be a big issue.
I went with an EU37 for these sandals, and have consistently worn an EU37 in Mukishoes sandals. These fit medium to wide feet well and offer good adjustability to accommodate different foot volumes.
Ibiza Sandals
Leather uppers | EU36 – 48 | €89
I’ll start off by saying I like the Ibiza sandals a lot. I’ve been seeing some iteration of this design —with a toe loop, X-strap, and ankle strap —everywhere from Target to Madewell to a luxury brand that retailed over $400. These are a super cute barefoot alternative, and I was excited to try them.
Overall, they’re very comfortable. The leather is thick but unlined, so it still feels soft against the skin. The sole has a bit of bounce thanks to the cork midsole and leather footbed, which makes them feel like more than just rubber while still staying minimal. The total stack height is about 8mm, including the 3.5mm rubber outsole.
The biggest question with these will probably be whether the leather X-straps fit your foot well, since they’re not adjustable. I think Mukishoes designed them with extra room to accommodate wider or higher-volume feet, which means they’re a bit loose on my medium-width, high-instep feet. The front straps pucker slightly (see the photo on the right below), which isn’t my favorite look, but they don’t feel tight or press on my toes at all. The fit still feels secure because of the toe loop and ankle strap.
For sizing, I went with an EU37. These fit medium and wide width feet well. I measured 10cm from strap to strap in front of the toe loop on my EU37s.
Solstice Sandals
Cotton uppers | EU36 – 48 | €79
These Teva-style sandal are totally vegan, with cotton straps and a cork insole. The total stack height is 6mm, which provides just enough cushion. The front strap is adjustable, but still fits narrow to medium width feet best; these don’t run quite as wide as the Nazare or Ibiza sandals.
Soca Clog
Suede uppers | EU36 – 48 | €89
Revisiting Birkenstock for inspiration, Mukishoes recently released the Soca Clog. This style is similar to the Boston—or technically, the Tokio, since it has a back strap—but with a much more minimal barefoot design. Both the upper and footbed are made of soft suede, and like the first two on this list, it features a cork midsole that adds a touch of cushion.
They pulled in a lot of great elements from the original design, including adjustable buckles across the top of the foot and at the heel. I also appreciate the structured toe box—it helps the clog maintain its shape and gives your toes room to move.
The one detail I’m not totally sold on is the strip of leather that extends up the back of the heel by about 1.5cm. On traditional Birkenstocks, that area is part of the molded cork heel cup, but here it’s just soft suede and doesn’t really add function. I can’t help but wonder if a fully open back would have made more sense.
Sizing-wise, I think a EU37.5 would be ideal for me. I went with an EU38 (my usual size in their tennis shoes), and they feel a bit roomy without socks—but just right when I wear them with socks. They fit medium to wide feet and can fit adjust to higher volume. I have a high instep, and I’m using the smallest top buckle.
Chelsea Boots
Leather or Vegan Cork | EU 24 – 48
Of all the barefoot Chelsea boots I’ve tried, these are easily the lightest—especially the version with vegan cork uppers. They’re also available in leather and suede, with material options varying over the years. Mukishoes has even released them in kids’ sizes, which is a great addition.
Because they’re so minimal and lightweight, they’re an excellent option for fall and spring wear (and even mild summers). That said, I wouldn’t reach for these in truly harsh winter conditions—they’re not built for deep cold or wet weather.
I chose an EU38, and they fit well with thin socks. If I wanted to wear them with thicker socks, I’d definitely size up. And if you have wider or higher-volume feet, you’ll likely need to size up for a comfortable fit.
Pantufa Slippers
Felted wool uppers | EU36 – 48 | €75
The Pantufa slippers are made from the softest wool I’ve ever felt—crafted from felted Spanish wool that feels luxuriously cozy. They feature Mukishoes’ signature rubber outsole, which is soft, flexible, and perfect for indoor wear. Overall, they’re a lightweight, warm, and minimalist slipper.
My only gripe is the elastic trim around the foot opening—it digs into the back of my heel a bit. I usually wear them with socks to avoid that, or just step on the backs when I need to slip something on quickly.
Kid’s Barefoot Shoes
Leather, cotton, or wool uppers | EU20 – 35 | €60 – €85
Mukishoes have been one of our family’s go-to barefoot shoe brands for kids. They offer the same lightweight, flexible design as the adult styles, but with a slightly roomier toe box—definitely a plus for growing feet. You can choose between velcro closures or elastic laces, and uppers come in a variety of materials like cotton canvas, wool (for winter), and leather.
They’re always added in new styles, but some of our favorites have been the Moss Kids with its high-cut, green hemp uppers, colorful eyelets and orange elastic laces, and the Nimbus Play with a low-cut white leather upper and velcro straps.
They also do a great job playing with color in a way that feels fun and fresh without being over the top. Most kids’ styles range from EU24 to EU35, but they recently added a toddler-friendly option in sizes EU20–23.
Final Thoughts
Mukishoes continues to stand out for their fully flexible barefoot shoes that combine eco-conscious materials with uncompromising minimalist design. If you value ground feel and thoughtful sustainability, Mukishoes is one of the most purpose-driven barefoot brands on the market.
Their sandals have become a real highlight in recent seasons, while the sneakers are perfect if you’re looking for an ultra-thin sole that allows for true natural movement.
I hope you found this Mukishoes barefoot shoe brand review helpful. Any questions? Drop them below!
Code KELLYMUKI for 10% off
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