Our Favorite Barefoot Boots, Shoes, and Sandals

It’s 2024, style no longer means sacrificing comfort, health, or sustainability…. and that goes for what we wear on our feet too!

First, a quick note on why what we wear on our feet matters (note a “barefoot” shoe has a wide toe box, is zero drop, and allows your foot to function as it would without any shoes on at all. Here’s why we wear them:

Strengthen the muscles in our feet
Reduces risk of ankle and knee injury
Improves the connection between feet and brain – and builds confidence for developing little ones.
Strengthen the foot arch for stronger, pain-free feet
Works from the bottom up to prevent/relieve back pain
More grounding and connection to the earth beneath our feet

Here are my top barefoot boot, shoe, and sandal favorites chosen for sustainability, durability, functionality, health (because yes, what we wear does impact our well-being), and style (because also yes, I want to look good too).

Belenka: I LOVE my Belenka boots, and the mission behind this small company. Belenka makes barefoot shoes for the whole family. Evie LOVES her boots for forest school, and I have finally discovered barefoot boots that I can dress up or use on the trails. There’s a magic when style meets function. They also make ergonomic baby carriers, for newborns to toddlers, as well as comfortable and beautiful baby-wearing, nursing, and maternity clothes. Their products are designed and sustainably made in the Czech Republic and Slovakia right in the heart of Europe. Shop HERE!

Earthrunners: I live in my Earthrunners all warm-weather season long. I LOVE the different color and material choices, the look, and the functionality all warm-weather season long. Their mission is to help recover our connection with nature and reestablish healthy physical and biological functions. Who knew sandals could do just that? Healthier feet, connection with the ground beneath us, and wholly holistically healthier humans because of it. What’s not to love? 10% off code: MYRADICALROOTS10.

Xero Shoes: One of the first barefoot shoe companies doing things right, these folks make shoes, sandals, slippers, and boots for everything – from hanging out to major hikes, Xero Shoes has a pair for everyone (kids too)! Shop HERE!

Saguaro Shoes: I love this one as a more affordable offering for the whole family. Saguaro shoes are made by a group of professional barefoot shoe makers keen on the outdoors, and it shows. I love the Wish I for CrossFit! They have great options for kiddos too. Shop HERE and save 10% with code: RADICALROOTS.

Wildling Shoes: This company gets it. Wilding is a B corp founded by folks who believe in the power of regeneration. They focus on partnership-based production, innovative materials from regenerative cultivation, and supporting renaturation projects. It’s their way of making a positive impact on all levels, step by step. And the shoes are awesome. Note, these are for folks who’ve enjoyed the benefits of barefoot shoes for a while and/or are open to moving forward with small steps (see what I did there?) They are the most barefoot of the boots/shoes I own, and I love them. Shop HERE.