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Selecting and Maintaining Barefoot Shoes
A clear comparison test of barefoot trainers for 2023. Which model will suit your feet and your style best?
Barefoot trainers are a brilliant addition to any outfit – you can wear them to work, on a day out, or even to a wedding. You just need to pick the right pair. That’s why we tested most of the adult barefoot trainer models for 2023 on our own feet and described them for you in detail.
Classic leather barefoot trainers are still on trend. Not only do they look great, but if you look after them properly, they’ll last for years. A popular alternative lately is trainers made from vegan leather – and yes, you can now find them in barefoot versions too. Breathable textile materials are especially welcome on hot summer days, and thanks to laces you can tighten your trainers so they feel secure and comfortable rather than flapping around on your feet.
You often spend all day in trainers, so it’s absolutely essential to choose the right size so the shoe fits properly. So we put our heads (and feet) together and prepared a comparison test of most of the trainers you’ll find with us in 2023.
Let’s take a look at the differences between brands and models and choose the ones that fit your feet – and your style – best.
All models were tried on by Lucka, who is responsible for managing the e-shop at naBOSo. You can see how each model fitted her in the photos and read her notes in the descriptions.
Lucka’s foot measurements
Elegant city trainers in a classic sneaker style from the Czech brand Crave. They’re made from durable vegan leather imitation and have a stitched sole for longer-lasting wear. These trainers with a cushioned insole are ideal for anyone who spends all day walking on hard city surfaces. If you’d prefer leather, take a look at CRAVE LONDON. Both models suit medium to wider feet and come in sizes 37–45.
Lucka tested size 38
Barefoot trainers in a classic cut from the Czech brand Angles are made from high-quality smooth leather. The sole is stitched for durability and designed specifically for city walking. They suit medium and slightly wider feet with a medium instep. You can choose from women’s sizes 37–42 and men’s sizes 41+ to 46+, which are slightly wider.
Angles also makes barefoot sneakers ANGLES DIONYSUS with a different cut and a slightly wider toe box.
Lucka tested size 39
Versatile barefoot trainers from the German brand leguano combine an upper made from durable, adaptable polyamide with a patented ultra-flexible sole with massage nubs. The sole is stitched, and the manufacturer focuses on material quality and precise workmanship. A big advantage is that you can wash the shoes in the washing machine on a gentle cycle up to 30 °C. leguano trainers fit narrow feet best, but thanks to the stretchy material they adapt easily.
The LEGUANO CITY All Black model is made from a different type of material than the LEGUANO CITY Black and Blue versions.
Lucka tested size 40
With leguano, we should also mention the LEGUANO GO trainers, which offer a similar level of comfort and a wider choice of colours, and the delicate, lace-trimmed LEGUANO AMALFI.
Barefoot trainers made from a combination of smooth and suede leather are finished with straps that give them the signature Xero Shoes look. Like all models from this brand, they fit medium and wider feet best. The removable foam insole is ideal for people who are new to barefoot shoes or who wear them mainly in the city.
Lucka tested size 39
Just as roomy and comfortable are the XERO SHOES PRIO SUEDE trainers in suede leather, and this year’s new release XERO SHOES DILLON.
Original textile trainers from the Czech brand SALTIC stand out thanks to decorative gold embroidery. They’re made for wide feet, with plenty of space in the toe box and across the instep. The thin 3.5 mm sole works well for walking in the city and in nature. The toe is protected against scuffs by a rubber toe bumper. The package also includes waterproofing spray and a practical shoe bag.
Lucka tested size 39
The SALTIC FURA model also comes in smooth, suede or patent leather versions, and in a wide range of colours and patterns.
The Czech brand Aylla focuses not only on comfort, but also on quality. That’s why their trainers are both glued and stitched at the same time. The model in soft smooth leather has an ideal shape – wide in the toe box and narrower at the heel, which makes it fit brilliantly. The thin 4 mm sole is beautifully flexible in every direction. The shoe is more open over the instep and, with only four lace holes, looks very elegant – so you can easily wear it instead of smart casual shoes.
Lucka tested size 39
New for this spring/summer collection are the Aylla Keck trainers. Kecks are barefoot shoes with a wider fit, giving your feet maximum comfort from spring through to autumn. They’re also upgraded with a 4 mm flexible sole and a lining made from anti-allergenic microfibre. Alongside the classic leather models, Aylla has also thought of vegans – the blue trainers are made from nubuck imitation.
Lucka tested size 40
Versatile trainers in nubuck leather work brilliantly with jeans in town and for a weekend trip. Merrell trainers have a specific cut that hugs the foot and keeps it secure on uneven ground and during sport. They fit best on medium-width to narrower, straighter feet. The practical wrap of the sole over the toe protects it from scuffing. You can choose from several colours in men’s (M) or women’s (W) versions, which differ by a few millimetres in their measurements.
Lucka tested size 39
This model also comes in a lighter canvas version, VAPOR GLOVE 3 ECO. It’s made from organic cotton and other recycled materials.
Stylish city barefoot trainers from the German brand Groundies look almost indistinguishable from conventional shoes. Groundies tend to fit medium to narrower feet and this model isn’t particularly wide in the toe area either. Different Groundies models vary by sole type. The GP1 sole, with its wedge-like look, 5 mm thickness and 2.5 mm tread, is the thickest and is designed specifically for walking around town.
Lucka tested size 39
In a similar style, there are also the GROUNDIES BALANCE VEGAN trainers. Thanks to the sporty viscose and polyamide upper, they’re noticeably more flexible and comfortable.
The roomiest of all the Groundies models tested are the NOVA trainers, made from a combination of suede and smooth leather on the 6.9 mm city sole GS1.
A thinner GO1 sole with 3.3 mm thickness and 3 mm tread can be found on trainers such as GROUNDIES MELBOURNE. Their vegan version with a soft terry lining is beautifully flexible overall.
Froddo mainly makes children’s shoes, but their trainers up to size 42 are a great choice for anyone buying their first barefoot shoes and looking for comfortable yet affordable trainers. Froddo shoes suit medium to wider feet with a low to medium instep. The toe box is nicely roomy and well shaped. Overall, the shoes are moderately flexible, with an outdoor-style tread and a rubber toe bumper. Thanks to the leather lining, they can handle a walk in less-than-ideal weather too.
Lucka tested size 39
Alongside the attractive price, another advantage of Froddo is the wide selection of models in smooth and suede leather, canvas, or a combination of water-repellent textile and leather.
Camper trainers are especially popular with barefoot beginners. The timeless design is complemented by iconic elastic laces. The removable foam insole helps regulate the space in the shoe and softens the landing. The flexible 4 mm sole is stitched and glued for longer-lasting wear. Camper shoes fit best on medium and narrower feet with a lower instep.
Lucka tested size 39
Looks definitely matter when choosing trainers. Nobody wants to wear shoes they don’t like, even if they’re incredibly comfortable. But it works the other way round too. That’s why it’s worth taking your time when choosing your new barefoot shoes – and picking a pair that both you and your feet will fall in love with.
For an urban look without compromise we recommend trainers from Crave, Angles or Groundies. At first glance they’re indistinguishable from classic models – just noticeably more comfortable.
For barefoot beginners ideal choices are Crave or Groundies trainers with a thicker city sole, or Camper and Xero Shoes models with a removable foam insole that cushions impact on the heel.
If you’re looking for versatile shoes that you can wear in town, in nature and for sport, try barefoot trainers from leguano, Saltic or Merrell, which can handle an easy hike or a training session too.
Trainers from the German brand leguano stand out from other models for their comfort and quality – but also their higher price. On the other hand, some of the most budget-friendly options include models from Froddo, Groundies and Saltic.
If you want to be completely sure about your choice, pop into one of the naBOSo shops, where you can try the shoes on in peace and get advice from our experienced staff.
Also pay attention to proper walking technique – you’ll enjoy your new barefoot shoes even more.
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