The Best Barefoot and Minimalist Shoe Brands for Beginners

If you’re new to minimalist footwear, the transition can be a bit of a shock—especially if you’ve spent years in heavily cushioned, supportive shoes. Suddenly, you realize just how hard the ground really is!

That’s why I’ve put together this list of 14 transitional barefoot shoe brands that are perfect for beginners. These options feature the essential barefoot elements—a wide toe box and flat sole—but with a touch more cushion to ease you in. I’ve also included my favorite insole hack that helped me when I was starting out.

Let’s explore your options!

But before we dive into the shoe brands, let’s quickly review what defines a minimalist shoe:

To qualify as a true barefoot shoe, it must include all of the following key features:

1. Wide Toe Box – Allows your toes to spread naturally, supporting full-body alignment and movement.
2. Flat (Zero Drop) – No elevated heel or arch support, promoting stability and natural posture.
3. Flexible – Lets your feet bend, flex, and respond to the ground as they would if barefoot.

*Note: “Zero drop” means there’s no height difference between the heel and the forefoot—the sole is equally thick from back to front, just like when you’re barefoot.*

As you get more comfortable in barefoot shoes, you might start gravitating toward thinner soles—after all, the goal is to mimic being barefoot as closely as possible. But many people prefer a bit more cushion in the beginning—and some continue to choose cushioned options long-term!

Here are my 14 favorite brands for transitioning into barefoot shoes. Each one is foot-shaped, flat, and flexible—true to the barefoot philosophy—but with a little extra cushion to help ease the shift.

Now let’s dive into my top picks for beginner-friendly zero drop shoes!

Hykes Barefoot

Hykes is a great option if you’re looking to ease into the barefoot world without diving in all at once. Their shoes offer essential minimalist features—like a wide toe box, zero-drop soles, and flexible construction—while still providing a bit of cushioning to support a gradual transition. With affordable pricing, a 30-day return policy, and a buy-one-give-one model, Hykes makes it easy to try barefoot shoes without a big commitment.

Many customers enjoy the comfort and foot-friendly design of models like the Hykes Flex and Aura Sport, often reporting improved foot strength and mobility after wearing them. These shoes offer an affordable entry point into barefoot-style footwear, making them a great option for beginners. Overall, Hykes provides solid value for those looking to explore minimalist shoes on a budget.

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Treks Barefoot

Treks Barefoot is an affordable barefoot sneaker brand offering true zero-drop soles, flexible construction, and foot-shaped toe boxes—everything you’d expect from a fully minimalist shoe. All their models come with a removable insole that adds a touch of softness underfoot, but the support remains minimal, keeping you close to the ground for better foot function and mobility.

If you’re ready to commit to barefoot shoes, Treks is a great place to start. I especially like their breathable knit styles, which are lightweight and comfortable for everyday wear, and their sleeker athletic-inspired designs that offer the same barefoot feel in a sportier silhouette.

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If you’re ready to dip your toes into the barefoot world but still rely on cushioned shoes, Lems is a fantastic place to start. Their designs give you the key benefits of minimalist footwear—like a wide toe box and zero drop heel—while still offering ample cushioning to help ease the transition and support a gradual change in your foot strike pattern. You can even add an orthotic, like this one, if you need a little extra support early on.

One of the best things about Lems is their variety. They offer stylish, unisex shoes suitable for everything from workouts and hiking to everyday wear.

Important: Not all Lems shoes are truly minimalist—so I’ve linked directly to the ones I recommend. Their Widest sole works best for wide to extra wide feet, while their Wide sole fits average to wide feet.

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Altra Running

Another solid option for easing into minimalist athletic shoes is Altra. Like Lems, they offer multiple width options, so I recommend sticking with their wider, zero drop models that have thinner soles—though even their thinnest are still much thicker than true barefoot shoes.

My top picks are the Lone Peak, Escalante, and Superior. If you need the widest toe box, go for the Lone Peak Wide (note: only select colorways come in Wide).

Altra was actually the first minimalist brand I ever tried, and I immediately felt how much more comfortable they were on my toes compared to traditional sneakers. A huge bonus is that Altra is widely available—you might even be able to try them on at a local running store. Just be aware: some models have very thick soles or a low heel drop (around 4mm), which I typically don’t recommend for those pursuing a true barefoot

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Joe Nimble

Joe Nimble is a German functional footwear brand known for its anatomical foot shape and slightly thicker soles compared to most barefoot shoes. They’re well-crafted, stylish, and ideal for bridging the gap if you want to keep up with your favorite activities while easing into minimalist footwear.

Keep in mind that not all Joe Nimble models are zero drop, and sole thickness varies—so make sure to read the product descriptions carefully before choosing a pair.

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Barebarics

Barebarics, a fashion-forward brand from Be Lenka, is designed with urban life in mind. They feature a durable, abrasion-resistant outsole, a bit more cushion than traditional Be Lenka models, and a sleek, modern aesthetic. These shoes seriously elevate both the style and build quality of minimalist footwear.

Thanks to their thicker, slightly stiffer outsole and cushioned insole, Barebarics make an excellent transitional option—you can even add an orthotic if needed. Plus, they have a fantastic toe box shape that accommodates wide feet while still looking sharp and contemporary.

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Oesh Shoes

Oesh is a women’s brand designed for those who want to wear minimalist shoes daily but still prefer a thicker sole. With a versatile lineup that includes athletic shoes, summer sandals, and even dress styles, Oesh covers a lot of ground for the modern woman.

What makes them unique is their 3D-printed soles, created in-house to be especially shock absorbent and springy. This design helps reduce joint impact while still being completely flat with no arch support, encouraging better foot stability and natural function.

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Icarus Footwear

Icarus was a pleasant surprise for us on the team. They are a new brand with one model, the Ascent, that comes in men’s and women’s sizes and has been a home run both for our male testers and me.

These sneakers have a sleek design that looks durable, stylish, and still quite wide in the toe box. But possibly the best part about them is they come with 3 insoles that can take you through your transition to barefoot shoes.

The first insole is cushioned and has a 5mm heel rise (not zero drop). The second is 4mm thick, and the third is 3mm thick. You can stack them together to add 7mm of zero drop cushion, or you can remove all insoles altogether to have an ultra thin shoe. These shoes can really transition with you, and will fit most foot types even with the different insole variations.

These are fitting true to size for us.

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Wyde Footwear

Wyde Footwear’s Arcus sneaker features a chunky-looking outsole that appears heavier than it actually feels. With a 10mm stack height, it’s thicker than a true barefoot shoe but still offers a decent level of flexibility. The extra wide anatomical toe box is a standout feature, and while the sole leans firmer and heavier—especially if you’re coming from barefoot shoes—there’s more ground feel than I expected.

These feel a lot like wearing conventional sneakers, but without the cramped, tapered toe box. There’s no internal support, but they’re high volume and include a thin removable insole, so there’s plenty of room if you want to add your own supportive insert.

The size chart is accurate—stick with your usual size. These are extremely wide, so there’s no need to size up for extra room.

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Flux Footwear

Flux Footwear offers another stylish, beginner-friendly sneaker option that’s zero drop and wider than average, with a cushioned sole and soft knitted upper.

The Adapt Trainer (left) has a more tapered toe box than I usually prefer, but it can be a good fit for those new to barefoot shoes or with narrower feet.

The Adapt Runner (right) features a thicker sole—22mm stack height—and a wider forefoot, but it also has a noticeable toe spring. For that reason, I consider Flux a bit of a compromise. They may not check all my personal barefoot shoe boxes, but they might be just right for your needs and style.

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Looking for sandals? There are tons of minimalist sandal options out there, but the ones below are my top picks for beginners. They offer a great balance of comfort, simplicity, and foot-friendly design to help you ease into barefoot living.

Bedrock Sandals

Bedrock Sandals are rugged, durable, and built to last—with thicker soles ranging from 8–20mm, depending on the model. Some versions offer mild arch support, while others are fully minimal, giving you options based on where you are in your barefoot journey. I love that Bedrocks stay securely on your feet while letting your toes move freely and naturally. Thanks to their excellent traction, they’re great for everything from daily wear to outdoor adventures. And now, they even offer a closed-toe option—the Mountain Clog!

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Luna Sandals

Luna Sandals offers a wide range of running and lifestyle sandals with options for both thick and thin soles that mold to your feet over time. They’re designed to stay secure, even during active use, and a single pair can last you for years. Whether you’re exercising or just going about your day, Luna sandals are a reliable and versatile choice. My personal favorites are the Rooted line, which feature traditional leather laces—they’re not only functional but also stylish enough to pass as fashion sandals!

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Shamma Sandals

Shamma Sandals are high-quality, handmade sandals available in a variety of thicknesses and feature combinations. They’re similar in construction to Luna Sandals but offer Velcro adjustments for quicker and easier on/off. Shamma also makes a leather strap model that’s incredibly comfortable and stylish. These are the most comfortable adventure sandals I’ve personally worn—and they look just as good for everyday use as they perform on the trail.

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Earth Runners

Earth Runners is another fantastic brand known for its secure fit, durability, and totally free toe movement. All their models are flat, flexible, and come in a variety of sole thicknesses to suit your comfort level. I’ve been wearing Earth Runners for years and love them for everything from hiking to everyday wear. They use just one simple strapping system, which I find refreshingly minimal and easy to style. I’ve paired mine with dresses, jeans—you name it. Whether you’re new to barefoot shoes or a seasoned minimalist, Earth Runners is a great choice.

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My favorite tip for transitioning into barefoot shoes? Get yourself some insoles! They’re a simple way to add a bit more cushion when you need it, making your barefoot shoes more comfortable and versatile—without needing to invest in multiple pairs.

Here are my two favorite insoles for barefoot shoe beginners:

• NorthSole Insoles – Flat, flexible, and durable, these insoles come in two thickness options and are perfect for adding subtle cushion without compromising ground feel.
• Bridge Soles – Designed with mild arch support and a slight heel lift, these are great for easing the transition to zero drop shoes while still promoting natural foot function.

I used NorthSole insoles myself during my transition, and they were an absolute lifesaver! They gave me the freedom to try more barefoot shoe options while still keeping things comfortable. Even now, I still reach for them on long travel days or when I’m dealing with joint pain (I have hypermobility, so those days pop up from time to time).

If you’re mainly after more toe space but aren’t ready—or don’t want—to go all-in on barefoot soles, you still have options! Check out the article below for a curated list of our favorite wide toe box shoes that offer foot-friendly comfort without the ultra-thin sole.

The Best Wide Toe Box Shoes

It might feel like there’s a steep learning curve when you first step into the world of minimalist shoes—but if you stick with it, you’ll build lasting strength from the ground up. You don’t have to jump in feet first right away; just taking the time to understand the basics will set you up for success on your barefoot journey.

New to barefoot shoes? Here are a few resources you might find helpful:

The Best Affordable Barefoot Shoes