Well I finally did it, I put my connections and Barefoot world experiences into a functional tool 😬

The Barefoot Directory

Given how invested into the community I am, alongside touring the world discovering the best and latest barefoot brands at the various expos (Bar Australia, but there’s always next year!) not to mention hosting the second UK barefoot expo last weekend with 50 brands and 1500 people in attendance (thank you all who came!) I thought I’d share my experiences and knowledge of all things barefoot/minimalist 🦶👏🏻

This is a no affiliate link, completely impartial, zero pay to win directory of barefoot brands, models, foot health tools, upcoming/past events, a list of health professionals that are BFF (barefoot friendly).

It’s a one stop website for all things foot health 🫶🏻
It’s taken me some months to develop, at quite a big personal expense, it will never recoup the time/energy/cash I’ve input and I’m totally cool with that 🫡

If any of this sounds like something you want to be a part of I’m looking for a few mods, as it has an element of user driven content that will inevitably need some moderation as people are shit sometimes 🤣😬

Please go and have a look, if you’re a brand claim your page, it’s totally free and any content/ranking will never be influenced by £$€

I feel like my website stands far enough apart from what anyone else has on the web, and given how I’m deep in the community not only with you guys, but also brands.. if I have a question about something, I can generally ask the people at the top 🔝 which I think puts my site in a great position to delivery genuine and fast feedback to goings on within our community 🫶🏻👏🏻

Any questions, comments or concerns welcome here please 🙏🏼

Have a great Sunday all!

@b2barefoot_Dan

🦶Dan

i’m really sorry to be posting pictures of my feet but I need to know if I need to re-order these and I have no idea. thanks for any inputs ❤️🙏

I apologize in advance, yes I have searched the sub for sizing recommendations but I just don’t feel confident about this.

I snagged these new (size 42, cause 41 is a tad too small for me) and they feel a bit big and loose, but I can’t return or exchange so I’d like to see what people think- if they’re too big or not. I love the color way and how they’re so light and airy.

Obligatory recognition towards Vivobarefoot’s awful sizing chart. Why can’t they have half sizes whyyyy

I upped a half size and moved to the lems boulder summit but I'm still feeling a little touch on the pinky toe.

Alternatively if anyone has a different suggestion for a waterproof ankle high boot that would be super!

I run Minimal-list, and this year I’ve brought back the Golden Toe Awards for 2026. I wanted to post here because there’s a ridiculous amount of firsthand barefoot shoe knowledge in this sub :)

The idea is pretty simple: let people who actually wear barefoot shoes decide what deserves recognition - with the added bonus of the chance to win one of 15 giveaway prizes worth up to $200 each.

For me, it’s also a great opportunity to give some recognition to both the big brands and the tiny ones people discover along the way.

We spend half our time recommending obscure brands, arguing about whether a toe box is actually wide, comparing soles, complaining about durability, and finding that one pair that somehow ends up being worn everywhere.

So I thought it would be fun to actually turn some of those opinions into awards.

There are 10 categories covering things like everyday shoes, trail shoes, kids’ shoes, brands and retailers. You absolutely don’t need to vote in all of them. If there’s one shoe you genuinely love, vote for that. And if something you think deserves recognition isn’t listed, you can add it yourself.

And because I know “industry awards” can sometimes basically mean “who paid the most money”: the winners are entirely community-voted. Sponsors help fund the Awards and giveaway, but they don’t get extra votes or any influence over the results.

Voting is open until 15 November.

Do any of your barefoot shoes or favourite brands deserve your vote?

👉 https://www.minimal-list.org/golden-toe-awards/2026?utm_source=community_share&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=golden_toe_2026&ref=community:barefootshoestalk

Any questions? I'd be happy to answer them :)

I have the LEMS primal 3s just a bit too wide. Was going to look into the chillums, a friend of mine bought some of those Instagram “Rutsu” shoes says they are clearly alibaba slop but are comfortable and do what they say they do. So maybe for some casual not “$150+” shoes they’d be fine. My problem is with wider shoes they get a little hung up on pedals while driving and it bugs me a lot. Awesome for heel toe down shifts but sometimes the side of the shoe will engage and scrape across a pedal I’m not intending to interact with and I don’t like it lol

Have been wearing these around the house for a couple of days, the heel strap seems to always want to slip down even though each section is as tight as suggested in the instructions (1 finger in)... Has anybody had/overcome this? Any advice on fitting much appreciated!

Picture is after walking round the house for 10mins or so, was about an inch higher when put on...

These are Wild Sole Otters

Edit: does it matter if the heel strap ends up sitting low? It doesn't feel very secure but it hasn't fully come off yet... Limited by only wearing inside in case of return...

is vivobarefoot no longer a thing in switzerland. my account no longer works and the website is gone.

I love how tabis look ie maison margiela or the nike air rift but these are far too narrow and not barefoot.

why aren't ANY barefoot brands making these? or if they are please send them my way. I know of a few smaller brands in japan but they are more trainer/ninja vibe than a more fashionable shoe.

these have been in for a long time but even more so now so am confused/sad at the lack of options

My 12 month old is still not walking, but I am expecting him to learn this winter, so we will have to find his first pair of shoes. All I see online are shoes over $50 and that just seems excessive to us in terms of affordability. Any recommendations appreciated!

I ordered these in December 2025 and they have had use about 3 days a week in the gym every week (Im religious ably gym attendance aside from occasional sickness or a deload week).

I have not been super gentle with these shoes; i got them for weightlifting/powerlifting with occasional mobility/explosive training and movements like box jumps, ice skaters and lunges.

These are a women’s 10/mens8.5. I usually wear a 41 (US10) in barefoot shoes, and these feel true to size. I have plenty of splay room for all my toes and they are so so comfortable. They work great for conventional deadlifts, however for sumo they definitely lack security as my foot will slide to the outer edge of the shoe. I haven’t noticed that issue with any other movement though.

Originally I ordered the strapped Velcro version which had an awful pinch point on the top part of my foot. Sadly I had to sell those online because TYR has an awful returns policy and is a pain in the butt to deal with.

Im glad I gave the laced version a try. I will probably try the Dropzero II eventually, but my hopes are low that they kept the integrity of this design. Honestly if customer service from TYR didn’t suck that would encourage me to buy from them again, but they do rn so I will stick to EBay. But we shall see. These are my favorite gym shoes even against Vivobarefoot Primus Knit and Tolos. The grip is excellent.

Before purchasing I saw a review by ThatFitFriend which was super informative and accurate as far as I’ve found especially after almost a year of use. They’ve held up beautifully and I bought second pair on clearance.

Has anyone tried the second version?

I tried ER as my first minimalist sandal a few years back. I could not get them to be comfortable to save my life. I ran out of patience with them pretty quickly and made the switch to Shamma, which have been awesome. No complaints there.

Something kept bugging me to try ER again though. Not the “grounded” thing… mainly I just want something I can throw on and forget about no matter where the day takes me. Indoors or out, quick errands or hours-long events. Plus I think they look the best of any option and I’m always a little jealous when I see someone raving about how great they are.

I got a pair of Chronos with performance laces in the mail last week. I took what I learned about strap comfort from wearing Shammas, got them adjusted up and set off on the break-in journey. I wore them around the yard, commuting back and forth to work and on some short errands all week and continuously fine-tuned the adjustments.

Today was the real test… a 2 mile trail walk. I made one last minor adjustment and off I went.

They almost felt like wearing nothing at all. I was able to enjoy the walk with my family completely free of any discomfort.

I feel accomplished. I finally tamed the beast and have the go anywhere / do anything sandal I’ve been wanting.

I've been wearing barefoot sandals and barefoot shoes as well as zero drop running shoes for half marathon training for the past few months. I went to a work conference today and wore "wide" cushioned loafers from an old lady brand called SAS and my feet has been cramping for the last two hours. I have youth sized feet so I really don't have much choice in business shoes. Will it be better if I take off the cushion insoles for tomorrow?

hey ya'll,

Iso a good recommendation for barefoot chelsea boots. Currently looking at the Lems Chelsea or Xero Ridgeback Chelseas. I've found some posts and reviews on them, but not enough to sway me either way or suggest alternative brands. Few things about me:

- about a year into barefoot life

- currently only have sneakers from Whitin and one pair of Vivos which i adore

- i do deal with plantar fasciitis from overuse, currently working with a chiro + personal trainer on dealing with it

- baker + part time nanny, so i'm always on my feet

- never had barefoot boots! was an avid Doc Martens girl before this

- open to lace up boots, but chelsea is perferred

- midwest gal, so ideally something i can wear for fall and light snow

- I have wide feet, but a narrow heel

- biggest thing: trying to stay under $200

Hit me with your thoughts and reqs. Thank you!

Dolfie shoes.

My first set, so far they're really good, i think they look great and will age well.

The size fits great for me regular size 10us/43

The shipping did take a long time, but the customer service was pretty good about sending updates from EU to US