*some of the links in the post are affiliate – thanks for supporting me by using them ❤
Here’s a list of shoes that I recommend for beginners and for those who just like a bit more padded sole. Some of the shoes on the list are barefoot and some are barefoot-friendly or transitional.
What kind of shoes are that?
A wide toe-box is the one barefoot characteristic that is non-negotiable to me, there’s no good reason for any shoe to squish your toes. But everything else is debatable and a thing of preference.
So, transitional shoes have a foot-shaped toe box and a thicker, more padded sole and maybe even a bit of a heel-lift or an arch-support.
If you’ve spent your whole life in heavily padded shoes, it can be hard to just switch to completely thin and flat soles. Our feet usually need time to adjust, and our whole body too.
Some might never like thin minimalist soles, and that’s ok too.
Shoes and Boots
Ahinsa
- Barefoot brand
- Styles: sandals, ballet flats, slip-ons, sneakers, low-shoes, high-tops, boots, sports shoes
- Fit: most suitable for wide feet
- Vegan
- My reviews and posts
- Buy here
Ahinsa offers a Comfort line which is as wide and soft as their Barefoot line, but these shoes come with a removable soft insole for more cushioning. The insole can be removed when you’re ready for the true barefoot feeling.
Altra
- Non-barefoot brand
- Styles: sneakers, sports shoes
- Fit: most suitable for medium and wide feet
- Buy here
Altra has heavily cushioned shoes with a nice foot-shaped toe box.
Anatomic
- Barefoot brand
- Styles: sneakers
- Fit: most suitable for medium-to-wide feet
- Affordable
- Buy here
Anatomic is an affordable barefoot brand with a bit stiffer and thicker soles, which can be good for beginners.
Ballop
- Non-barefoot brand
- Styles: sneakers
- Affordable
- Vegan options
- Buy here
Ballop is an affordable German brand that has a barefoot shoe line as well. They also include extra insoles which are more padded and therefore beginner friendly.
Barebarics
- Barefoot brand
- Styles: sneakers, high-tops
- Fit: most suitable for medium and wide feet
- Mostly vegan
- My reviews and posts
- Buy here
Barebarics is a barefoot brand with thicker soles. They offer trendy-looking, vegan sneakers and high-tops.
It’s the child company of the well-known Be Lenka.
Be Lenka
- Barefoot brand
- Styles: sandals, ballet flats, slip-ons, sneakers, low-shoes, high-tops, boots, outdoors shoes
- Fit: most shoes are suitable for wide feet, but some models are narrower too
- Vegan options
- My review and post
- Buy here
Be Lenka offers high-quality minimalist shoes for all occasions. Many of their models have a thicker sole (especially their autumn/winter models) which can be appropriate for beginners.
Feelgrounds
- Barefoot brand
- Styles: sandals, slip-ons, sneakers, high-tops, boots
- Fit: most suitable for medium and wide feet
- Vegan
- My reviews and posts
- Buy here
Their boots have a thicker sole which can be good for beginners. On the other hand, their sneakers have a very minimal sole with an excellent ground-feel.
Joe Nimble
- Barefoot brand
- Styles: sandals, sneakers, boots, sports and outdoors shoes
- Fit: most suitable for feet with medium width
- Buy here
Joe Nimble is considered a barefoot brand, but many of their shoes have a thicker sole, some are even heavily cushioned. Also the insoles in the shoes have a bit of a heel lift.
Lems
- Barefoot brand
- Styles: most suitable for medium and wide feet
- Fit: slip-ons, sneakers, low-shoes, boots, outdoors shoes
- Buy here
Lems is a barefoot brand, known for thicker soles and robust shoes. Some models are not zero drop.
Sandals
Earth Runners
- Barefoot brand
- Fit: most suitable for feet with a medium width
- Buy here
Earth Runners offers sporty sandals with a different sole thickness – thin, mid and thick.
Luna Sandals
- Barefoot brand
- Fit: most suitable for wide feet
- Buy here
Luna has sporty and lifestyle sandals with various sole thickness, some options are pretty thick.
Panta
- Barefoot brand
- Fit: most suitable for medium-to-wide feet
- Buy here
Some of the Panta sandals can be ordered as a Plus version sole which is 2 mm thicker than usual. They have a sporty look.
Shamma Sandals
- Barefoot brand
- Fit: most suitable for feet with a medium width
- Buy here
Some of the Shamma models have a thicker sole. They offer sporty and lifestyle sandals.
Can’t I just start with minimal shoes?
Yes, you can. My first barefoot shoes were actually Wildlings which are very minimal. Just keep in mind that you have to start slow and listen to your body. If it starts to hurt or becomes uncomfortable in any way – switch back to your old shoes or another more cushioned pair for a while.
The muscles in your feet have probably been neglected for most of your life and they need time to strengthen. It might be easier and faster if you had been barefoot often even before switching to minimalist shoes, as well as it might be harder if you had worn high-heels often.
It’s almost like starting a new workout routine. When you go to the gym after a long break or for the first time ever, you don’t start with the heaviest weights right away, right? You start slow and build your body until you are ready for more. Otherwise you risk getting hurt.
I also recommend using toe-spacers (like Correct Toes) and doing foot exercises to strengthen your feet quicker.
Insoles
Also, insoles are a great way to make even the most minimal shoes a bit more cushioned and transitional-like. You could either use winter insoles for more warmth or just insoles which add a bit of padding.
Do you wish to give barefoot shoes a try but are feeling a bit lost and don’t know how to start? Start here.
If you’re enjoying the content and would like to support me, you can do that here. Thank you! ❤
Barefoot with Nika 
4 thoughts on “Best Barefoot Shoes for Beginners”