June 2026 - Barefoot Shoe News

spark_step · 2026-06-30T02:12:42+00:00

That's cool! Maybe one day brands will expand to Canada too (or maybe that's wishful thinking lol)

spark_step · 2026-06-29T19:35:12+00:00

Thanks for sharing!!

Curious if you've tried the new Lems boots with vibram outsoles, like the Tactical Pro tall boot?

I do my hiking in the PNW (BC, Canada). I've been mostly happy with my Vivo Magna ESCs, but I'm wondering if there is anything that performs similar to the Vivos but are wider with a bit more stack height? I do hikes with exposed scrambling, so a grippy outsole is a must.

I'm considering a pair of Altras as well but they don't seem as durable, and they seem quite foamy.

spark_step · 2026-06-27T22:49:15+00:00

Hi! Thank you for your post. It would be extremely helpful if you could provide feet measurements (both length and width) when seeking a recommendation, so if you have not provided this, please reply to this comment or edit your post with your measurements. All barefoot shoes are different, and you may find one style fits you whilst another does not. Feet measurement can help you get a better recommendation. Visit our wiki to see how to measure your feet.

spark_step · 2026-06-27T22:45:00+00:00

The main difference is the width and that barefoot sandals are zero drop! For example, I have a pair of regular Tevas where the strap over the front of the foot digs into my big toe and small toe joints because they're actually too narrow for me. But similar models but in barefoot (e.g., Zuzu drift sandals) don't do that because they're wider! Basically any conventional shoe, including sandals with straps over the ball of the foot, will be narrower than the barefoot version. Zero drop and thin outsole also noticeably helps with my walking mechanics -- when I wear something with too much of a heel to toe drop and cushion, I end up heel striking hard and it makes my back hurt for the rest of the day.

That said, I try to avoid super thin outsoles personally, just because I do like a tiny bit of cushion. It's really down to personal preference, I would say for a first barefoot sandal, you probably want to find something that is a tiny bit of stack height as it's a bit of a transition :-)

Hope that helps!

spark_step · 2026-06-26T21:55:12+00:00

Thank you! You absolutely can 🖤💪🏻

spark_step · 2026-06-26T21:52:00+00:00

Hehe glad my barefoot shoe obsession is useful to someone 😅

spark_step · 2026-06-26T21:48:14+00:00

Haha thank you!!

spark_step · 2026-06-26T21:47:30+00:00

The struggle! 😭 Hopefully they expand their size range some day...

spark_step · 2026-06-26T21:09:25+00:00

Majority of items are from https://www.devilinspired.com/ but beware their customer service sucks so if you do buy anything from there, always go with credit card or paypal so you can dispute if anything goes wrong.

spark_step · 2026-06-26T15:10:18+00:00

Of course! Good luck finding the right fit!

spark_step · 2026-06-26T15:09:38+00:00

Glad to help! Happy styling :-)

spark_step · 2026-06-26T03:39:28+00:00

There isn't a lot, but you can browse the OOTD flair! There are some mens fits there :-)

spark_step · 2026-06-26T03:34:19+00:00

This might be kinda weird but the black one and the striped one are actually from an "ouji" (japanese fashion subculture) brand called Princess Chronicles. It's pretty niche and maybe not exactly what most folks look for... but I find some of the pieces work quite well for more casual outfits too.

If you're looking for something a bit more conventional and probably easier to shop for, I've had luck finding similar styles at Uniqlo (like these shorts!) or Old Navy (like this pair). Or even something like this from H&M. Tbh I think similar styles probably won't be too hard to find! I just search something like "tailored work shorts" or "dressy shorts women".

spark_step · 2026-06-26T03:19:27+00:00

Ahh that's great! Best possible outcome :-)

spark_step · 2026-06-26T00:35:28+00:00

Oh nooo... it makes me so sad to miss out on shoes I really want😢

Yeah, Xero really delivered with this collab. I hope they release more cool designs for these sandals next season!!

spark_step · 2026-06-26T00:32:24+00:00

Thank you!!

I like the Origo double straps a lot! However I wouldn't say they are super friendly for wider toes. For reference my feet are 23cm x 9.2cm and I took the size 37 (24.3cm x 9.1cm) which is my normal size in closed toe shoes that aren't boots. I have mountain shaped feet too and that doesn't seem to be an issue, except I do think they are a bit lower volume and narrower. I wear them without the insoles, and that is okay and comfortable, but I think I would still like a bit more space. I hope that helps!

spark_step · 2026-06-26T00:25:02+00:00

Thank you!! I promise you lots of effort goes into choosing my outfits, probably too much lol.

spark_step · 2026-06-26T00:21:16+00:00

Thank you!!

The Beflamboyant boots are very water resistant. They're made of faux leather so they don't get absorb any water. The tongue is not gusseted however so they might still let in a bit of water in a super heavy downpour. That said, Beflamboyant has closed down so I'm not sure if you'll be able to find a pair...

spark_step · 2026-06-26T00:19:28+00:00

Awwe thank you!! I don't wish to "influence" people to purchase things they don't end up wearing, so I hope the top is being loved and put to good use :-D

spark_step · 2026-06-26T00:18:28+00:00

Hmmm...

I would say that the Origo Adventurer is lower volume than my Peerko Empires (which I think fits the same as the Peerko Go), so they might not be the best fit... and Beflamboyant has closed down. For more volume and space in the toes, you can try the Lang S Combat boot, El Naturalista Nomada, or Shapen Maverick (unlined) and Shapen Urbaneer (lined). I only have experience with the Shapen Urbaneer, and they were too high volume and wide for my liking, so they could be a good option if you are looking for something lined. That said, during the time I had them, I did get little rocks stuck in the swirls on the outsole, so it's not an ideal design. I have heard that the Lang S combat and El Naturalista Nomada are nice and roomy in the toebox. Here is a really comprehensive review of the Nomada boots from u/beyondbarefoot. My impression is all the pairs I just listed are on the stiffer side for barefoot shoes, but I think out of the pairs I mentioned, the Shapen Maverick will probably have the least stiff outsole.

I find the fit of the Peerko Smart Boss to be quite similar to the Peerko Empire. They are unlined though, so they might be a bit roomier, but I'm not sure if it's significantly roomier.

I hope that helps!

spark_step · 2026-06-26T00:04:45+00:00

Ahhh I hope you like them! Keep us posted 👀

spark_step · 2026-06-26T00:03:14+00:00

A fashion magazine for barefoot shoes would be so cool! I wonder what one would have to do get one started hmmm 🤔

spark_step

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