Welcome to Barefoot Universe

Hi, we’re Tjaša and Katja, and we’re here to help you step into the world of barefoot shoes with confidence. Our journey began in 2012 when we discovered the incredible benefits of walking naturally, free from the constraints of traditional footwear. Since then, we’ve dedicated ourselves to guiding others towards a healthier lifestyle through education and personal experience.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your understanding, Barefoot Universe is your go-to resource for everything you need to know about barefoot shoes. From expert reviews to practical guides, we’re here to support you every step of the way on your barefoot journey.

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23+ countries

Students from all over the world

12+ years

Extensive experience with barefoot walking

1000+ tests

Tested almost all brands of barefoot shoes

A Guide Through Our Website

At Barefoot Universe, we support you at every stage of your barefoot journey, offering resources tailored to your needs, no matter where you are in the process. Whether you’re just beginning, deepening your knowledge, or ready to make a purchase, we’ve got you covered:

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STARTING OUT

If you’re new to barefoot shoes, our educational resources are designed just for you. Explore our Academy and Fit Feet courses to build a solid foundation in foot health and discover the basics of barefoot living.

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DIVING DEEPER

For those who are already familiar with barefoot shoes and want to expand their knowledge, our in-depth guides and blog posts offer detailed insights and advanced tips to help you refine your barefoot lifestyle

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READY TO SHOP

If you’re looking to buy barefoot shoes, check out our curated list of retailers and exclusive discount codes. We make it easy to find the best deals on the top brands, so you can shop with confidence.

The Best Place to Start for Beginners

Entering the world of barefoot shoes can feel overwhelming with all the information out there. That’s why, after 10 years of personal experience, we decided to create a video course that simplifies the journey for you.

Our course is designed to guide you step-by-step, from understanding the basics of barefoot shoes to finding the perfect pair for your feet. You’ll learn how to transition safely, improve your foot health, and embrace a natural way of walking, all with expert advice and practical tips.

Whether you’re curious about starting your barefoot journey or ready to dive in, our video course is the best place to begin.

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FIND YOUR FOOT WIDTH

Wondering how your foot width compares to others? Are your feet narrow, medium, or wide? Understanding your foot width is essential, as it plays a big role in finding the right barefoot shoes. Our quick quiz will help you find out.

Get personalized results based on your foot measurements and learn how to choose shoes that fit and support your unique foot shape. It’s quick, easy, and insightful—taking the guesswork out of finding the best shoes for you!

Note: This quiz is currently designed for adult feet (feet that have already stopped growing).

WE REVIEWED OVER 1,000 SHOE MODELS – CHECK OUT OUR MOST RECENT POSTS BELOW

The Best Custom Barefoot Shoes for Perfect Fit and Style

Are you struggling to find shoes that fit your unique feet perfectly? Whether your feet are extra wide, extra narrow, extra large, extra small, or just hard to fit, finding comfortable and stylish shoes can be a challenge. Perhaps you’re looking for specific colors, styles, or materials that you just can’t seem to find anywhere. […]

15 Best Wide Toe Box Shoes With Extra Cushion

Finding the perfect pair of shoes can be a challenge, especially if you’re torn between wanting a wide toe box shoes and still needing extra cushioning. This blog post is for those who refuse to squeeze their toes into tight shoes but also can’t stand the thin soles of barefoot shoes.

Ultimate Guide: How to Measure Feet for Barefoot Shoes

Knowing the correct length and width of your feet is one of the first and most important steps when buying barefoot shoes, especially online. These measurements are essential not only for comparing with size charts to determine if a model is right for you but also for ensuring a proper fit across different brands and styles.

Saltic Eliot: Introducing the First Barefoot Climbing Shoes

When it comes to climbing, the right shoes can make all the difference. Today, we’re excited to introduce you to Saltic’s newest innovation—the Eliot, their first barefoot climbing shoes. Saltic is a well-established brand known for its exceptional classic climbing shoes, and they’ve leveraged their extensive experience to create these groundbreaking barefoot climbing shoes.

Start Your Barefoot Journey: How to Choose Your First Pair

It’s easy to get overwhelmed when starting your barefoot journey and shopping for barefoot shoes, especially once you discover how many choices are out there. 

This guide will walk you through many important things you need to consider before buying your first pair of barefoot shoes, so that you can avoid making expensive and painful mistakes.

5 Best Barefoot Water Shoes You Can’t Live Without This Summer

Hey there, water lovers! If you’re anything like me, you love the feeling of being barefoot, but sometimes going completely shoeless just isn’t practical. Whether it’s the scorching sand at the beach, the sneaky sharp spikes of sea urchins, or those tricky pebbles that seem to find the most sensitive spots on your feet, there are moments when we need a bit of protection.

15 Best Barefoot School Shoes Your Kids Will Love

When school uniforms are mandatory, finding the perfect shoes that meet the dress code requirements can be a challenge.  Sending your kids off to school in the morning means ensuring they’re ready for a day full of learning and play. While uniforms handle the ‘what to wear’ part, finding the perfect school shoes can be a bit tricky.

Why Barefoot is Better: 5 Best Replacements for Birkenstocks

Birkenstocks have long been celebrated for their unique blend of comfort and style, but why are they so popular? With their distinctive cork footbeds, sturdy straps, and foot-shaped design, they’ve become a staple in many wardrobes as a healthier alternative to modern footwear.

5 Best Barefoot Wedding Shoes for Brides and Guests

Welcome to the enchanting world of barefoot weddings! Whether you’re planning your own big day or attending as a guest, and you’re aiming to combine style with comfort, you’ve found the perfect guide.

OUR COURSES

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BAREFOOT UNIVERSE ACADEMY

The Barefoot Universe Academy teaches a step-by-step method for improving foot health with barefoot shoes. We assist you in everything from choosing the best barefoot shoes for your foot type to finding the perfect fit, all for improved foot health + MORE!

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FIT FEET

This course provides a step-by-step guide to increasing foot strength, mobility, stability, and restoring foot health through simple foot exercises.

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PERSONAL CONSULTATIONS

Still unsure about which barefoot shoes are best for you? We offer personal consultations for anyone in need of quick advice.

Rachel

Rachel Tyler

one of the UK’s leading foot and gait therapists

“If you are new to barefoot shoes this course clearly teaches you why wearing them is necessary for foot function and teaches you how to transition your feet to barefoot shoe-wearing. This is a detailed course filled with information from people who know and understand the barefoot shoe market.
The Fit Feet course gives you foot stretching and strengthening exercises. There are beginner, intermediate and advanced exercises all of which will help your feet function and feel better. If you are looking for a simple and straightforward foot health course Fit Feet is a great way to start your journey!”

Meggy

Meggy Francheteau

Yoga teacher

“The academy is everything I wish I’d had when I landed in barefoot land! Your explanation of barefoot shoes is perfect and understandable by all. Your work is comprehensive without ever being overwhelming.
Finding barefoot shoes is hard, especially at first, and your knowledge saves time and money to anyone who wants to get the best of their shoes. “Choosing your first barefoot shoes” was my favorite, a foot’s wingman; a brilliant way to explain how to choose the shoes and how to assess what we receive.
All in all, I am blown away by your expertise and how you share it in an easy, sweet and accessible way. Your knowledge is a gift to everyone who is curious about barefoot shoes and I can only thank you for your hard work and generosity in making sure others can navigate the transition with the best tools.”

Shelia

Sheila Cichoski

Licensed Massage Therapist/Structural Integrator

“I think the courses are a great resource for those new to the barefoot world. It can be overwhelming, but the course Barefoot Universe Academy covers all the key points when searching for shoes and understanding the advantages of using barefoot footwear.
The Fit Feet course gives a great foundation and start for improving foot health!
The Barefoot Academy course was very informative.
I would recommend it to anyone interested in the benefits of barefoot shoes, how to choose the right size shoe, and some of the companies out there. It’s a good compilation of information to guide those interested in barefoot shoes and how to get started.”

Andrea

“The course you offered is SO MUCH WORTH everyone’s while! I loved it and now my family is more than thankful to have healthier and happier feet! Thanks for all your hard work❤ and sharing the knowledge with us all!”

Katram

Hi, I wanted to thank you for your materials on the blog and all the information, that helped me choose the right barefoot models for me – it’s already 10 months since I wear only barefoot shoes and the change is amazing! From the very beginning my foot pain, that has been with me for 20 years, is gone! And lately I noticed that one of my nails, that has been deformed all my life, looks totally normal now. I have found the right models for my wide feet: Ahinsa and Belenka and feel great. Thank you again ❤️

Kathrin

I had severe pain in both feet, in my knee and hip. I could barely walk. No doctor knew what the problem was. Then I decided to give it a try and buy a pair of Groundies. After a few weeks I didn’t want to wear other shoes than these. My feet became better. In February I started to train and strengthen my feet and I made my first little barefoot walks. Meanwhile I own Groundies, Shapens, Leguanos, Feelgrounds and Vibram Fivefingers. Most days I am barefoot though. And guess what? My feet don’t hurt a bit, my knee is perfectly fine. And my hip sometimes hurts a bit after a long office day. Then I went for a barefoot walk and the pain disappeared. I can make it up to 5 km without any pain by now. Maybe I can start running again? Barefoot lifestyle changed everything for me. So, so happy!

Hi! Thank you for introducing the barefoot world to me! I appreciate new knowledge as a doctor, and my feet and back appreciate barefoot shoes. Brand reviews have been really helpful. I spread the word to my friends and family and we are thrilled to improve our health. Greetings from Croatia

Oliver

I am making exercises to open my toes too and yes, I can confirm a progress. And there is something I can add. I all ways had flat feet, but when I started putting my feet the correct way my arches began to appear. Of course, other things changed, my posture is straighter, may knees stop hurting, and I can walk more. I realized that the big toe is so important to walk. I’m learning to walk correct again. Still working, but I will love when my toes are open enough and make long walking.

Aliisa

I’m so happy that I finally bought my first barefoot shoes this autumn! I haven’t even done anything else but worn them every day instead of “normal” shoes and I already see so much improvement😍Thank you for opening my eyes❤️

Juliana

I’ve seen a tremendous change in my feet after using barefoot shoes AND exercising my feet… strength and flexibility has improved a lot and my feet look better when I stand.

Andrew

My feet have been transformed from the deformed shape to the natural shape they were meant to be! I have been going barefoot, wearing barefoot shoes, toe socks, toe spacers, and doing myofascial release on my feet and calves in order to restore my feet. It can be a slow process, but it is well worth the effort!

OUR MOST POPULAR ARTICLES

15 Best Wide Toe Box Shoes With Extra Cushion

Finding the perfect pair of shoes can be a challenge, especially if you’re torn between wanting a wide toe box shoes and still needing extra cushioning. This blog post is for those who refuse to squeeze their toes into tight shoes but also can’t stand the thin soles of barefoot shoes.

The Best Everyday Barefoot Boots You’ll Love Wearing

You read the title right—there’s no need to sacrifice the magical feeling of walking around barefoot when boot season arrives! Stylish barefoot boots exist that won’t compromise your foot health or natural gait and movements.

Best Barefoot Chelsea Boots: 13 Styles to Empower Your Fashion

Do you love the look of classic Chelsea boots? Do you want to feel good about the way your feet look and feel, but still want to keep up with the latest trends? Then barefoot Chelsea boots are perfect for you!

9 Must-Have Barefoot Hiking Shoes for an Epic Trek

Whether you’re a beginner seeking flexible and lightweight minimalist hiking shoes or an experienced hiker in search of a comfortable long-distance backpacking option, there’s a best barefoot hiking shoe out there that’s perfect for you.

Barefoot on a Budget: The Best Affordable Barefoot Shoes

Who says you have to spend a fortune to reap the benefits of barefoot shoes? In this post, we’ll share our top picks for the best affordable barefoot shoes for adults. From versatile sneakers to lightweight sandals, these shoes offer a natural foot feel and allow your feet to move and flex as they were […]

The Best Barefoot Shoes For Wide And Extra Wide Feet

If you’ve been looking for the best barefoot shoes for wide or extra wide feet, then you know what a struggle it can be. There are just so many out there that look good, but when it comes down to real life testing, they just don’t fit the way you’d wish. But it doesn’t have […]

Kids Barefoot Shoes: The Ultimate List of 2024’s Top Brands

Are you on a quest to find the perfect footwear for your child this spring? You’ve come to the right place! Welcome to our comprehensive guide to barefoot shoes for kids—a footwear choice that mimics the natural, barefoot experience, promoting healthier foot development and offering superior comfort.

Winter Barefoot Shoes for Kids – The Ultimate List

As winter approaches, every parent’s mind turns to the daunting task of choosing the perfect shoes for their kids. Finding the ideal kids winter barefoot shoes that offer the right balance of warmth, water-resistance, affordability, and proper development for growing feet can be quite challenging.

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Explore the Benefits of Barefoot Shoes: Natural Gait and Improved Comfort

Barefoot shoes, also known as minimalist shoes, are designed to provide a natural walking and running experience, as close to barefoot as possible, while still providing protection. They feature a wide toe box and a foot-shaped design that allows the toes to spread naturally during movement. The minimal cushioning maximizes ground contact, which is essential for enhancing sensory feedback from the terrain. The flexible soles of barefoot shoes are designed to flex and twist with the natural movements of the foot, promoting better balance and a more natural gait.

Another defining feature of Barefoot shoes is zero heel-to-toe drop. This means that, unlike traditional footwear, there is no raised heel, ensuring that the foot remains in a flat, neutral position that aligns the spine and minimizes stress on the joints. This design philosophy not only supports the health of your feet, but also contributes to an overall improvement in posture and locomotion, making barefoot shoes an ideal choice for those looking to improve their mobility and comfort during physical activities.

Improve Your Health and Wellness with Barefoot Shoes

Health-wise, barefoot shoes offer some great benefits. The foot-shaped design allows our toes and forefoot to spread out, creating stability and longitudinal stiffness for our feet so we can push forward when walking and running. The foot-shaped design also improves balance and stability, increases circulation, and reduces the the chance of forming bunions.

The zero-drop aspect of these shoes ensures that the heel and toe are on the same level, which promotes a more natural posture and reduces strain on the lower back and hips. This alignment helps distribute body weight more evenly, which can reduce pressure points and lead to a reduction in joint pain. In addition, the flexibility inherent in barefoot shoes supports a full range of motion, enhancing the foot’s natural ability to absorb shock and adapt to varying terrain. Over time, this can lead to stronger foot muscles, improved balance and a decreased risk of injury.

By embracing the philosophy behind barefoot shoes, wearers not only experience a return to a more instinctive form of movement, but also enjoy a lifestyle that prioritizes wellness and functional health. This approach aligns with modern wellness trends that emphasize holistic and preventative health measures, making barefoot shoes an ideal choice for those who want to nurture their body’s natural strength and resilience.

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Still on the fence about barefoot shoes? Check out these before and after stories
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