We’re all in on barefoot shoes here at Terradrift. And when spring rolls around, we swap our winter boots for barefoot sandals and hike, travel, trail run, and do pretty much everything all summer long in these purpose-built sandals designed for adventure. We’ve tested a lot of barefoot sandals over the years (including nine last year), but these are the best of the best this year: our very favorite barefoot running sandals, hiking sandals, and more from our very favorite brands. All to help you find the perfect pair for you.
How We Test
We took all these hiking sandals out on dirty, rocky, uneven trails in Utah and beyond, hiked and ran on gravel and asphalt, packed them in our luggage, and compared functionality, comfort and more, sometimes over several seasons, to determine which are best for what activities, which are the most durable, have the best ground feel, you name it.
New to barefoot shoes? Read about how to transition to barefoot shoes here and find some non-sandal barefoot hiking boot options here.
Deliberate Life Designs Onsight: The Custom Hiking Sandal
Weight: 11.5oz (men’s size 9 pair)
Stack Height: 7mm
We’ve tested several styles of Deliberate Life Designs sandals and we’re big fans. This Vermont-based cottage brand’s specialty is making sandals that fit YOUR foot perfectly. You can choose your sole type and laces–including the up-cycled Black Diamond webbing laces (pictured above)–but you can also choose the shape of your footbed! Options range from a narrow-slope shape to wide-mountain shape depending on the outline of your foot and even the length of your second toe. As a result, you’re guaranteed to end up with sandals that fit your unique feet and are perfect for whatever activities you need them. You can even send a tracing of your feet to DLD and they can custom cut soles for you!
The Alchemy that we tested last year is Josh’s preferred pair of barefoot trail running sandals from the brand, but he also wears them hiking and around town. Those feature the thicker, most popular Alchemy sole. But I prefer the thinnest Vibram sole, the 7mm Perception (formerly Onsight) paired with the lighter, softer, thinner repurposed Black Diamond Camalot webbing.
Even when it was warm out my feet stay put on the textured Vibram footbed, and because the webbing is just one length laced through the sole of the sandals they’re highly adjustable. The sole is dense enough to offer some protection, but at 7mm, they’re better suited for folks who prioritize groundfeel and flexibility. Bonus: the toe-post is made of a thin and flexible cord, so is more comfortable than some other options.
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How it’s sustainable: Made by hand in the USA, durable, small batch/made to order, some up-cycled materials.
Best Use: Hiking, trail running, travel, camp shoes.
Best Barefoot Sandals
ZuZu Sandals Flow: The Upcycled Sandal
Weight: 12oz (size 42 pair)
Stack Height: 6.8mm
We’ve tested a few different models from ZuZu Sandals (check out last year’s list), a small brand based in Stockholm and Tel Aviv, but the Flow instantly became one of my new favorites. The sole is made of upcycled tires (they buy tires that don’t pass inspection, use the outer rubber and recycled the rest) so they’re ultra durable and stupendously flexible. We’re talking ultra-super flexible. And while they’re not the thinnest soles (6.8mm), looks can be deceiving: the rubber is soft, so the ground feel is tremendous. Plus, the footbed is impressively sticky and textured and didn’t feel slippery at all when my feet got sweaty.
You can also purchase extra synthetic webbing or vegan leather laces if you’re looking to make your sandals appear a bit more sleek and stylish or just mix up your look. It’s truly easy to swap them out.
The fabric lacing in all styles is softer and more flexible than similarly-designed sandals, so it required no breaking in and felt more comfortable between my toes but still plenty secure when hiking or trail running. Clasps are metal instead of plastic, which in theory should last longer, though after a few months of wear in dusty environments they did get a little stiff and sticky and needed a good cleaning. They’re definitely my go-to sandal for travel, hiking, and much more. I don’t choose them for trail running on rocky Utah trails as often, though, since the soles aren’t as protective when pounding downhill.
How it’s sustainable: Made of 100% upcycled car tires (sole) and a 100% recycled PET strap, which makes it ultra durable. Replaceable laces.
Best Use: Hiking, everyday adventures, travel.
Shamma Sandals TrailStar Ibex: The Comfy Adventure Sandal
Weight: 14oz (men’s size 9 pair)
Stack Height: 13mm
These shoes were a surprise hit with Josh and he just keeps wearing them because of how comfy they are, how secure they feel on his feet, and because instead of a traditional toe post, there’s a toe loop, which he appreciates because posts aren’t always his fave. It’s the security of a thong sandal but without the discomfort. That and the Z-strap make them one of the most secure hiking sandals we’ve tested. It’s like having a second sole on your foot. It’s that secure.
It’s the sandal he turns to most often for everything from hiking and trail running to travel and strolling around town. The footbed is sticky so he never felt like his feet were sliding around and they have a more stylish look to them, too. The front thru-the-footbed straps keeps feet locked in and ensures you can make them fit just right no matter your foot shape or size. The Velcro heel strap makes them easy to get on and off. What’s more, the microfiber straps are soft to the touch, flexible and comfortable with no weird rubbing or hot spots.
To top it all off, the sole, which is hardly the thinnest on this list (though there are 9mm and 11mm options available in this style), is surprisingly and impressively soft and flexible but dense enough to also be protective. A beautiful marriage. The only caveat: those who prefer full freedom of motion with their big toe (that’s me), may want to opt for another webbing style. Fortunately, there are plenty available from Shamma that fit the bill.
How it’s sustainable: Repairable, made in the U.S.A.
Best Use: Hiking, backpacking, everyday adventures.
Xero Shoes D-Trail Sandals: The Everyday Adventure Sandal
Weight: 11.3oz (US size 6 pair)
Stack Height: 11mm
We love Xero Shoes. In fact, we’ve tested nearly every Xero Sandal made! But our favorite sandal option from the brand so far is the D-Trail, which was released last year. It may not be as well suited for aggressive hikes or trail running as other options on this list (there’s no toe post to keep your foot from sliding forward), but we still found them more than suitable for leisurely trail miles on warm hikes, even on dusty, rocky and steep terrain.
They still felt impressively secure on steep declines when fastened down comfortably tight (there are three Velcro adjustment points that make customizing fit quick and painless). And they’re supremely comfy, too, so they immediately became my favorite around-town and casual sandals. A year later, they’re still the ones I grab first for everyday wear, camping, hanging with friends, you name it. Mostly because they’re quick and easy to get on and off and they’re surprisingly comfortable.
The soles are impressively flexible and, despite being just 11mm thick, the footbed feels both soft and protective thanks to a thin layer of foam above rubber soles that not only keeps your feet tolerably protected, but offers a minimal but delightful amount of cushion. Pair that with wide straps lined with soft microfiber to keep your skin from rubbing or blistering and you’ve got a winning barefoot adventure sandal on your hands (your feet?).
How it’s sustainable: 5,000-mile sole warranty, recycled webbing.
Best Use: Light hiking, camping, daily adventure.
Luna Sandals Oso Flaco: The All-Rounder
Weight: 14.5 oz (men’s size 9 pair)
Stack Height: 11.5mm
We tested Luna’s Hemp Monkey last year. They were perfect for more casual use and easy hikes thanks to straps made of more natural materials that have some stretch (hemp), but they weren’t as well-suited for more extreme activities like trail running or extended hikes. For that, Luna’s classic synthetic webbing styles are still our favorite, particularly when paired with the impressively grippy Oso Flaco sole.
The footbed has a touch of squish that makes them super comfy, the webbing is soft and pliable, especially between the toes, and they’re some of the easiest sandals of this style to adjust and get on and off quickly. The soles are ultra flexible but are still thick enough to offer protection from rocks and uneven terrain, especially when running. There are thicker and thinner soles available, but the Oso Flaco feels like the ultimate balance of weight, protection, aggressive tread and flexibility.
They do tend to lean toward the wide side. My narrow feet sometimes slid from side to side between the strap posts if they weren’t really cinched down and hot spots were often created as a result. But those with average to wide feet (including Josh) will likely find them the perfect option in a sea of sandals that tend to lean narrow.
The thickness of the sole means you won’t feel every pebble underfoot, but the footbed did get a little more slippery on summer runs than other options. Not enough to be a dealbreaker considering how comfy and multi-functional they are, though.
They’re light and are a solid middle-of-the-road option for those who may not want a stupendously barefoot, feel-it-all shoe, but still want the flexibility and functionality of a minimalist adventure sandal. Especially if you have wider feet.
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How it’s sustainable: Made in the USA, durable.
Best Use: Hiking, backpacking, trail running.
Earth Runners Primal Sandals: The Earthing Sandal
Weight: 10oz (men’s size 9 pair)
Stack Height: 7.5mm
I often turn to my Earth Runners for all manner of outdoor activities, particularly the Primal, which is one of the thinner soles available. The sole thickness and flexibility are in a sweet spot between protective and flexible, they look good on and off trail, and they function just as well for hiking and trail running as for travel. Plus, they’re grounding sandals. There’s a copper plug connected to the webbing, which contains metal thread, so no matter what you’re doing outdoors, you can stay grounded even with your shoes on (watch our video about the science of grounding here).
The webbing is dense and a bit less flexible than other options, so may take some getting used to, but once you do, you’ll likely find them some of the most robust and durable sandals you own. Through-the-footbed webbing means you can get a perfect fit that stays put but also an easy to adjust buckle for faster on and off.
The tread may seem minimal, but because your feet are conformed to the shape of the ground it’s never an issue. Bonus: They come in a slew of colors and there are several types of laces and soles available depending on whether comfort or performance is more important to you. Get 10% off when you use our link (below) at checkout!
How it’s sustainable: Made in the USA by a small brand, durable, 1% of your purchase is donated to True Messages, a non-profit supporting the running heritage of the Tarahumara people, cotton footbeds made of organic cotton.
Best Use: Trail running, hiking, water sports, travel.
Vivobarefoot Tracker Ora: Best for Wide Feet
Weight: 19.2 oz (men’s size 9 pair)
Stack Height: 6.5mm
For those who want a secure, capable hiking sandal but hate straps between your toes, meet the Vivobarefoot Tracker Ora. We’ve been waiting for Vivo to release a vegan sandal for years and it’s finally here! The Ora is a strappy, secure, functional barefoot sandal from one of our favorite barefoot shoe brands. Built on the brand’s robust Tracker sole, they felt super secure on dusty, rocky Utah trails, we never felt nervous about traction, and they’re highly flexible while still being protective. That’s perfect for folks who don’t want to feel every rock underfoot, but still want full range of motion.
There’s comfy neoprene under the straps so they never felt like they were rubbing, and since both top straps and a heel strap are adjustable via durable hook-and-loop strips, it was supremely easy to dial in the perfect fit. That said, you may want to order a size smaller than in other Vivo shoes–we found that our regular size was just a smidge too big, which meant there was barely enough hook-and-loop material to cinch them down tight enough.
They’re better suited for wide feet. Because the forward strap over the forefoot is attached to the sidewalls of the sandal, we couldn’t tighten them as much as other sandals we tested. That resulted in Josh’s feet moving around more than they should, which created uncomfortable friction on the balls of his feet; they couldn’t be cinched enough to immobilize his average-width foot.
One feature we appreciated, though: the edges curl up just a touch, which helps protect toes, but also managed to keep out pebbles and dust. We think it’s an excellent choice for not only hiking, but water sports like kayaking and SUP, too.
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How it’s sustainable: The upper and lining is made of 88% and 78% recycled polyester, respectively. The sole is made of a combo of synthetic and natural rubber. Vivobarefoot is a Certified B-Corp. There’s a 100-day money back trial.
Best Use: Hiking, backpacking, camping, water sports.
Other Barefoot Adventure Sandals We’ve Tested
We’ve tested lots of barefoot sandals over the years. Not all made our “favorites” list this year. But a few other notable options are worth mentioning. These are other great barefoot hiking sandals you may want to consider.
- Unshoes Uinta: Our fave lightweight option from this Utah brand is stylish, but more suitable for around-town and campground use than on trails due to minimal tread and thin straps. Find our review here.
- Bedrock Cairn Evo: Bedrock shoes are more minimalist than barefoot thanks to thick, more inflexible soles. But they’re a great transition shoe and a solid option if you don’t want to go full barefoot or prefer less groundfeel. Find our review here.
- Bahé Respire: This is an excellent grounding sandal with secure straps, a firm sole and easily adjustable velcro. My feet simply sweat too much for the slick footbed. Find our review here.
A Note on Sizing
Barefoot sandal sizing can be challenging, especially when ordering online. Fortunately, almost all of these brands offer printable templates–and sometimes measurement instructions if you don’t have access to a printer–to help you figure out exactly what size you need. Also pay special attention to whether brands have custom or unisex sizing. For example, Shamma has their own unique sizing, so you may not be ordering your usual numbered size.
Bottom Line: Barefoot Hiking Sandals
We love barefoot hiking sandals and minimalist adventure sandals. And these are some of the best of the best. But if we missed your favorite or you have *thoughts* about these or any others you’ve worn, feel free to drop ’em in the comments! Footwear is such a personal thing and our goal is to help everyone find the pair that’s perfect for them.
Then check out our other reviews of barefoot hiking boots, our favorite barefoot shoes for every season, and how to transition to barefoot shoes!
Then we’d be stoked if you shared this with a friend or two who might be into hiking sandals! Either way, strap some barefoot sandals on your feet, get outside, and wander on. Just don’t forget the sunscreen. You don’t want your toesies to burn. Wander on.
Barefoot Sandal FAQ
Absolutely! We’ve done all those things and more in barefoot sandals and continue to do so regularly. Just make sure to transition slowly.
Heck yes, barefoot sandals are good for your feet. They promote better balance, foot function, strong feet and ankles, and better stability on uneven surfaces.
Everyone’s feet are different, but if you don’t find them uncomfortable, the answer is yes. Some podiatrists who specialize in natural foot function actually recommend barefoot shoes for plantar fasciitis (but transition slowly).
Responses to barefoot shoes vary widely in the podiatrist community, but functional movement specialists and related podiatrists recommend them for most people.
Some barefoot-promoting podiatrists say that folks with severe pronation or high and rigid arches may not be able to transition to barefoot shoes. But most other people without foot health issues often can.
Jojo
Tuesday 21st of May 2024
Thanks for the thorough review! what do you think about these for Morton's Neuroma?
Alisha McDarris
Friday 24th of May 2024
Our pleasure! We're not podiatrists or anything, but from what those more qualified individuals have explained to us, just about anyone can wear barefoot shoes as long as they transition slowly and carefully. The exceptions that they've told us about are folks with high, rigid arches and/or extreme pronation and/or some medical conditions, which could potentially include Morton's Neuroma. But if you're interested in barefoot shoes, we'd check in with a functional podiatrist specifically to see if they're right for you!