15 Barefoot Sneakers That Are Better Than Vans

Barefoot sneakers are an awesome way to enjoy the perks of barefoot shoes while still looking stylish. In this list, you’ll find my top 15 barefoot sneakers that look great—and feel even better!

Why should it matter if you’re rocking Vans? Honestly, when it comes to shoes, you could do worse (looking at you, stilettos). But there are some solid reasons to think about trading in your Vans for a barefoot sneaker alternative. Here’s what barefoot sneakers bring to the table:

• Foot Shape: Vans are shaped more like a plank than a human foot. More and more research shows that cramped toe boxes can lead to bunions and other common foot issues.
• Flexibility: Barefoot sneakers bend and move with your feet, unlike Vans, which are much stiffer. That extra flexibility supports better balance and natural movement.
• Zero Drop: While Vans may look flat, they actually have a slight heel lift. Even a small rise can throw off your posture and alignment, potentially leading to pain in your feet, ankles, knees, back—even your neck.

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Sizes US W6 – M14 | Available At:

HYKES Terra

What I Love About Them: The Hykes Terra are quickly becoming one of my go-to barefoot sneakers. They strike a great balance between everyday wear and outdoor function, with a sleek look that still feels totally foot-friendly. The toe box gives your toes room to spread, while the midfoot and heel stay nicely locked in—no slipping or sloppy fit here.

What really stands out is the sole. It’s thin and super flexible, so you get great ground feel, but it still has enough tread to handle trails, gravel, or wet pavement without a problem. I also appreciate the overall build—it feels durable but not bulky, which makes them great for everything from casual walks to light hikes.

Sizing & Fit:

• True to size
• Wide to extra-wide fit – These have a generous width that should work for most wide feet, though they’re not quite extra-extra wide.
• Medium volume – They should fit most feet well, but higher volume feet might feel a little snug at first. Adjusting the laces helps open things up.

Overall, the Hykes Terra have a flexible, natural fit that should suit a wide range of foot shapes. If you’re looking for a barefoot shoe that works equally well in the city or on the trail, these are a solid pick.

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Leather | Sizes EU 36-48 | Available At:

Koel Ila

What I Love About Them: The Koel Ila and Ilo (the men’s version) are hands-down my favorite sneakers right now. They offer a great fit—plenty of space for your toes, but still secure through the heel and midfoot, so there’s no slipping or sloppiness.

They also have a bit more cushion and thickness compared to most barefoot sneakers, which I personally love. It makes them super versatile—I can walk for miles on concrete comfortably, yet still get that flexible, foot-friendly feel.

Sizing & Fit:

• True to size
• Wide to extra-wide fit – These run wide, but not ultra-wide.
• Medium volume – They might feel a bit snug if you have high-volume feet, though you can loosen the laces for a better fit.

These have a generally universal fit that works well for most foot shapes and volumes. However, if your feet are very wide or high volume, they might feel a bit too snug.

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Vegan & Leather Options | Sizes EU 35-47 | Available At:

Shapen Barefoot

What I Love About Them: I’m totally smitten with the Shapen Re:Wind sneaker—it’s incredibly soft, super roomy in the toe box, and still manages to look stylish. They’ve been comfortable right out of the box with no break-in period, which is a huge win. They even fit extra-wide feet like Samantha’s with no problem.

Shapen makes a few other sneaker styles, but I’ve found those to be stiffer and less comfortable. On my lower volume feet, the firmer material tended to crease in weird spots, which didn’t feel great. That’s why I stick with the Re:Wind!

All of Shapen’s sneakers are extra-wide friendly and offer good vertical space above the toes—perfect for anyone who struggles with shoes rubbing on their toenails.

Sizing & Fit:

• Runs slightly big – I don’t size down, but keep it in mind if you’re between sizes.
• Extra wide – Surprisingly, they still work well on regular-width feet.
• High volume & roomy – I can cinch them down over my low-volume feet, but they fit best with an added insole (sold separately).

I wear my usual size 37, but they feel roomier than most other sneaker brands I’ve tried.

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Vegan | Sizes EU 36-46 | Available At:

Bohempia

What I Love About Them: Bohempia barefoot sneakers really nail that classic sneaker look. They’re sustainably made with hemp, which is a big plus, and they’re one of the few brands that offer both regular and wide width options. The sole looks chunky at first glance, but the rubber just wraps up higher on the sides—your foot still stays nice and close to the ground.

Sizing & Fit:

• True to size
• Two width options – Regular fits average to slightly wide feet, while Wide is best for extra wide feet.
• High volume – These have more depth than I need, so I use an extra insole or tongue pads to get a better fit.
• Removable insole – Easy to swap out or adjust for your needs.

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Canvas & Leather | Sizes EU 24-47/US kids 8 – M13 | Available At:

Splay Shoes

What I Love About Them: Splay shoes are a great starting point if you’re new to barefoot footwear. They’ve got that classic American sneaker vibe, paired with a wide toe box and a sole that’s thinner than it looks—so you still get some ground feel without going ultra-minimal.

They also offer a few more budget-friendly options, which is always welcome. In my experience, they don’t hold up quite as well as some of the pricier brands—they tend to show wear a bit faster. But for the price, they offer solid value and are a great way to ease into barefoot shoes.

Sizing & Fit:

• Runs slightly small – They don’t offer half sizes, so I size up to a 7.
• Average to wide fit – The width is comfortable, but not extra wide.
• Medium to high volume – This can vary quite a bit depending on the model.
• Removable insole – Easy to adjust the fit or add extra cushioning.

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Leather & Vegan Options | Sizes EU 36-47 | Available At:

Be Lenka EU

What I Love About Them: Be Lenka is another standout brand known for its high-quality barefoot sneakers. They blend traditional shoemaking techniques with barefoot-friendly features and clean, timeless style. While they’re not as instantly soft as something like the Koel Ila or Shapen Re:Wind, they have a more classic, structured feel that I really appreciate—and so do a lot of others.

Sizing & Fit:

• True to size
• Wide to slightly extra wide fit – Be Lenka sneakers are on the edge of extra wide and should work for most foot shapes, though very square feet might have some trouble.
• Medium volume – Fit tends to be right in the middle, though it can vary a bit between models.
• Removable insole – Great for customizing the fit or adding extra support.

Barebarics

Leather & Vegan Options | Sizes EU 36-47 | Available At:

Barebarics EU

What I Love About Them: Be Lenka also has a sub-brand called Barebarics, which focuses on urban-style sneakers. They’re super trendy with a wider toe box and a thicker, more durable outsole. I’d consider them “barefoot-inspired” rather than fully barefoot—they’re perfect for people who want a roomier fit without going all-in on minimalism.

My two personal favorites are the Wave and Zing models. They go with just about everything and feel really well made. A great choice if you want that barefoot look with a bit more cushion and structure.

Sizing & Fit:

• True to size
• Extra wide fit – These comfortably fit extra wide feet, but also work well for average and slightly wide feet.
• Medium volume – Pretty adjustable overall. They work well on my low-volume feet when I tighten the laces, and the insole can be removed to make more room for high-volume feet.
• Removable insole – Easy to customize for comfort or fit.

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Peerko

Leather & Canvas Option | Sizes EU 37-45 | Available At:

Peerko EU

What I Love About Them: Peerko sneakers offer a great fit and a clean, mainstream style—while still staying true to barefoot principles. They’re noticeably more flexible than something like Barebarics, making them a solid choice for anyone who wants that natural, barefoot feel in a classic-looking sneaker.

I’ve also found that they wear really well over time. Even after breaking them in, they keep their shape and still look sleek.

Sizing & Fit:

• True to size
• Wide fit – These have a similar shape to Koel: comfortably wide, but not quite extra wide.
• Medium volume – They fit right in the middle, but the laces make them adjustable enough to work for both high and low volume feet. I wear mine as-is without any tweaks.
• Removable insole – Easy to swap out if needed.

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Mukishoes

Vegan, Leather & Wool Options | Sizes EU 36-48 | Available At:

Mukishoes

What I Love About Them: Mukishoes barefoot sneakers are next-level when it comes to lightness and flexibility. They’re incredibly minimal—with soft, thin soles that bend easily in every direction—so you get a truly barefoot feel. Despite how minimal they are, they still manage to look stylish, and I love that they release unique colors and prints each season.

One of the things that really sets Mukishoes apart is their deep commitment to sustainability. They carefully choose eco-friendly materials and responsible manufacturing methods, and from getting to know the founders over the years, I can say they’ve stayed true to those values—even when it hasn’t been the easiest path.

Sizing & Fit:

• Runs slightly small – I usually go with a size 38 in Mukishoes since they fit a bit snugger than most other brands.
• Average width – The natural materials have some give, so they can stretch to fit slightly wider feet. Plus, the ultra-flexible outsole spreads out underfoot as you move.
• High volume – These have more depth than I need, so I almost always add an extra insole (sold separately) for a better fit.

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Groundies

Vegan & Leather Options | Sizes EU 36-48 | Available At:

Groundies

What I Love About Them: Groundies barefoot sneakers are easily some of the most stylish options out there, with a huge variety of designs to choose from. The quality is consistently excellent, and if you stick with the original rubber GO1 outsole, you’ll get great flexibility and all-day comfort.

One thing to note: Groundies offers two different width options. I only recommend their Barefoot and Barefoot+ lines—those are the ones with true foot-shaped design. Their “Regular” line may look nice, but it’s not shaped for natural foot function.

Sizing & Fit:

Groundies Barefoot is:

• True to size
• Medium width – These are on the narrower end for barefoot shoes and just wide enough for me. I find the GO1 sole fits roomier and more comfortably.
• Medium to high volume – GO1 models tend to fit medium to low volume, while GS1 sneakers have a higher volume fit.

And Groundies Barefoot+ sizing:

• Runs slightly big – You may want to size down if you’re between sizes.
• Extra wide fit – Plenty of space for wide feet, especially in the toe box.
• Medium to high volume – Offers a roomy fit overall, especially through the midfoot and instep.

Overall bigger and roomier – The Barefoot+ line offers more space in both width and volume.
Still, they can be cinched down with laces to fit lower volume feet comfortably.

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Vegan | Sizes EU 36-47 | Available At:

Ohne Project

What I Love About Them: Ohne Project sneakers bring a high-end, fashion-forward vibe to the barefoot world. They come in fun, bold colors and unique accents—perfect if you’ve been hunting for a stylish pair to match that tricky outfit. Plus, all their shoes are vegan and eco-friendly, made with plant-based materials that mimic leather beautifully.

The soles have a bit more cushioning and are slightly less flexible than ultra-minimal brands like Mukishoes or Feelgrounds. You still get a natural feel, just with a bit more structure and support.

Sizing & Fit:

• True to size
• Generous toe box – Wider than average but not quite extra wide, making them a great option for a variety of foot shapes.
• Low to medium volume – Perfect for low-volume feet. If you have medium volume, removing the insole can help. High-volume feet may find the fit too tight.

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Lems Shoes

Vegan & Leather Options | Sizes US W5-M15 | Available At:

Lems Shoes

What I Love About Them: We are big fans of Lems sneakers. I wear the Laguna slip-ons (above right) several times a week—they have a collapsible heel, so I keep them by the door and slip them on for errands or school drop-offs. Justin’s go-to is the Chillum, and we’ve introduced a bunch of friends to barefoot shoes thanks to the unbeatable comfort of the Primal Zen Suede (above left).

What makes Lems unique is their slightly thicker sole—it’s more cushioned than most barefoot shoes, yet still super lightweight and flexible. They’re a great option if thin soles feel too minimal for you, but you still want natural foot function. I love rotating them in for longer pavement walks when I want a little extra softness underfoot.

Sizing & Fit:

• Runs small – I usually order a half size up from my normal size.
• Wide to extra wide – Lems offers multiple width options. The Wide fit is generous, but the Widest models are truly extra wide—and hands down the most comfortable for me.
• Medium volume – The sneakers fit a bit closer than Lems boots, offering good heel and ankle security, but still leave plenty of space for high arches or vertical toe room.
• Removable insoles – Easy to swap or adjust as needed.

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Xero Shoes

Vegan | Sizes US W5-M15 | Available At:

Xero Shoes

What I Love About Them: Xero makes a few casual sneakers that I really like—especially the Dillon (both slip-on and lace-up versions) and the Wynn. They’re flexible, low-profile, and super easy to throw on for everyday wear. Solid kicks, in my opinion!

Sizing & Fit:

• True to size
• Medium width – A good fit for average feet, but not quite wide enough for extra wide toe boxes.
• Medium volume – Xero shoes used to run high volume, but their newer casual sneakers have a more dialed-in fit that I think is a big improvement.
• Removable insoles – Easy to adjust or swap out if needed.

Xero’s men’s and women’s shoes have different widths—men’s styles run wider. So if you need more toe space and can fit into a men’s size, that’s the better option for a roomier fit.

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Feelgrounds

Vegan | Sizes EU 35-49/US W5-M15 | Available At:

Feelgrounds

What I Love About Them: Feelgrounds barefoot sneakers are seriously cool, super comfortable, and incredibly lightweight. I find myself reaching for them all the time—they feel great on my feet and are really easy to pair with just about anything. I personally prefer the mesh and knit models for their breathability, though they also offer vegan leather options (those look nice but don’t breathe quite as well).

They’re thin and flexible, making them a solid pick if you’re after that true barefoot feel with no extra bulk.

Sizing & Fit:

• True to size
• Wide to extra wide fit – Not quite as roomy as the Shapen Re:Wind, but definitely wider than most brands on this list.
• Medium to high volume – I get the best fit by adding an insole (sold separately), especially with the knit and mesh styles.

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Vivobarefoot

Vegan & Leather Options | Sizes EU 33-49 | Available At:

Vivobarefoot

What I Love About Them: Vivobarefoot sneakers are consistently high quality and built to last. My personal favorite is the Geo Court—it’s sleek, minimal, and goes with just about anything. One downside I’ve noticed is that they can make my feet sweat, especially without socks. I still wear them sockless, but if that bugs you, a pair of hidden toe socks can help.

The upside? They’re impressively durable. Even though the soles are thin and flexible, they hold up really well over time.

Sizing & Fit:

• Runs long – They have a bit of extra length, but I don’t size down.
• Average to slim width – Vivo sneakers are narrower than most barefoot brands, but their sloped shape gives plenty of space for the big toe. If you have square-shaped feet, you might find the outer toe area a bit snug.
• Medium to low volume – The fit tends to be shallow, though this can vary slightly between models.
• Removable insoles – Great for dialing in the fit or adding a bit of cushion.

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Barefoot Sneaker Runner Ups

Here are several more great barefoot sneakers worth checking out! Some of these can be a bit harder to find in the U.S., but depending on where you’re located, they might be just what you’re looking for.

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Barefoot Sneaker Width Comparison

I’ve organized 27 barefoot sneaker brands from narrowest to widest toe box—check out the list below! Just a heads-up: this ranking focuses specifically on toe box width. Other parts of the shoe, like the heel, midfoot, and instep, can vary quite a bit in both shape and fit.