Shamma Sandals are some of the most adjustable and performance-ready barefoot sandals we’ve tested. They’re zero-drop, foot-shaped, and made to move – from thin and flexible to thick and rugged. What really sets them apart is how much you can customize your setup: you choose the model (strap design), the sole (thickness + tread), and even the footbed (leather or vegan).
If you have wide feet, Shamma is one of the best options on the market. Their soles are wider than most barefoot sandals, allowing your toes to spread naturally and comfortably.
But not every model works for every foot. Some of their soles are extremely thin – which can be too much for barefoot beginners. For hiking or longer walks, a bit more cushion and grip goes a long way. And while their standard foot shape is great for wide feet, it won’t work well for narrow feet – those might need a custom-made option, which Shamma can provide if you reach out to them directly.
If you’re not sure what barefoot shoes are or how they differ from regular footwear, check out our guide: What Are Barefoot Shoes?
In this review, we’ll walk you through the soles, models, footbeds, fit tips, and our real-life pros and cons – so you can decide if Shamma sandals are the right match for your feet and your lifestyle.
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Why We Recommend Shamma Sandals
- Excellent for medium and wide feet – roomier than most barefoot sandals
- Variety of models with different strap systems
- Huge range of sole types with varying thickness and tread
- Leather or vegan footbed options
- Secure velcro-based adjustment systems
- Printable templates to help with sizing and shape before ordering
- Handmade in the USA with high-quality materials
- Can be customized on request – including custom sole shapes for narrow feet
🦶 Not sure how wide your feet really are? Try our Foot Width Quiz to find your best fit.
Consider Before Buying
- Super-thin soles (like Warriors) might be too minimal for barefoot beginners
- Some models take time to adjust and set up properly
- Not ideal for narrow feet (but custom-made options are available upon request)
Models vs. Soles: What You’re Really Choosing
At Shamma Sandals, “model” refers to the strap system and upper design, while “sole” refers to the bottom unit (tread + thickness). Most models are paired with different soles, so you might see combinations like:
- Numa Warriors (minimalist, stretchy upper + thin sole)
- Elite Maximus (adjustable straps + moderate cushioning)
- Trailstars Ibex (toe loop + thick, grippy trail sole)
This lets you match the strap style you like with the level of ground feel or protection you need.
Models (Upper Strap Designs)
- Elite – Full velcro adjustment at both the heel and over the foot. Offers secure and customizable fit. Our favorite all-rounder for everyday wear and longer walks.
- Trailstars – Toe loop design with structured upper straps for extra midfoot security. Great for hiking, trail running, or everyday wear if you want something different and unique.
- Numa – Simplified design with elasticated front straps. Easy to slip on, soft between the toes, and perfect if you prefer a no-fuss sandal.
- Cruzers – Lightweight with a minimalist lace design. We tested this model and loved its comfort and playful style – it’s a great casual choice, especially if you want something colorful and simple.
Soles (Tread + Thickness)
Super thin (max ground feel):
- Warriors (6mm) – ultra-flexible, barefoot purist feel
- Chargers (7mm) – similar thinness with slightly different tread
Medium thickness (balanced ground feel + comfort):
- Maximus (9mm) – just enough cushion while staying minimalist
Thicker soles (extra protection for hiking or new barefoot users):
- Alpha (12mm) – cushioned sole with light tread
- Ibex (13mm) – deeper lugs, great for hiking and rugged terrain
- Sport (10mm) – slightly thicker than Maximus, designed for casual everyday wear around the neighborhood; not heavy-duty
- Omega (15mm) – the thickest sole Shamma offers, with maximum cushioning and structure
💡 If you’re new to barefoot shoes, we recommend starting with Maximus or Alpha soles – they offer a nice balance of comfort and ground feel. Ibex is a great choice specifically for hiking, thanks to its grippy tread.
If you’re wondering whether barefoot shoes are truly suitable for trails, read our full guide to barefoot hiking shoes.
Warriors are best suited for experienced barefoot users who enjoy maximum ground feel.
Our personal favorites are Warriors and Maximus – they strike the best balance for everyday movement and connection to the ground.
Footbed Options
You can choose between:
- Vegetable-tanned leather – long-term comfort and a more natural feel. It’s great in dry conditions and helps wick away sweat over time.
- Ultragrip vegan – better grip, especially in wet conditions or active use
We like the vegan footbed for hiking or sport, and leather for casual wear.
Our Favorite Models: Elite, Trailstars & Numa
We’ve tried several Shamma models, but these three stood out the most.
Elite is the most versatile. It has fully adjustable velcro straps – both at the heel and over the foot – and you can even move the buckle to improve the fit. I like the buckle closer to the ankle for better stability. It might take a bit of trial and error to get everything adjusted just right, but once it’s set, it’s a great all-around sandal for walking, everyday wear, and light activity.
Trailstars are ideal if you need more hold for hiking or trail running. The unique toe loop design gives you added midfoot security, but it also demands more precision. If the loop is too tight, your big toe won’t move freely. Too loose, and it won’t stabilize anything. Once dialed in, though, they’re incredibly secure and feel like part of your foot.
Just note: if you have low-volume feet, the straps may be too long – you can trim them down for a better fit.
Numa is the simplest and easiest model to wear. It features a soft, elasticated toe post and a stretchy lace across the foot – no buckles, no complicated adjustments. If you prefer a softer feel between the toes and want a sandal that’s quick to slip on and off, Numa is a great casual option.
We have the Numa Warriors, which combine this minimal upper with Shamma’s thinnest sole. One thing to note: the strap that anchors on both sides of the ankle is sewn directly into the sole, creating a fixed heel cup shape. If you have wide or high-volume heels, this might feel a bit restrictive. I have narrow heels and even for me, the heel space felt close to its limit. That strap attachment also feels firmer and less forgiving compared to the heel setup on other models like Elite or Trailstars.
Sizing & Fit Tips
Shamma Sandals are best for medium and wide feet. Their footbed shape gives plenty of space for toe splay – but that also means they may feel too roomy on narrow feet. If your feet are narrower and you love Shamma’s concept, you can reach out to them directly to request a custom-made narrower sole.
Before ordering, be sure to use their printable templates to check shape and size. The dot on the template should land between your first two toes, and your toes should stay inside the sole outline.
Still unsure? Take our Foot Width Quiz to get matched with brands and models that suit your foot.
Where to Buy & Shamma Sandals Discount Code
You can buy Shamma Sandals directly from the official Shamma US website, where you’ll find the full lineup and can request customizations if needed.
If you’re shopping from Europe, we recommend ordering from GoFree Concepts to avoid high shipping costs and customs delays.
Looking for more barefoot sandal alternatives? Check out our Best Multi-Sport Barefoot Sandals post for a range of options available in both the EU and US.
Want to save? Use our Shamma Sandals discount code BAREFOOTUNIVERSE for 10% off.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve got wide feet and want barefoot sandals that actually fit and perform, Shamma is one of the best options out there. The strap systems offer adjustability you won’t find in most sandals, and the variety of sole types means you can build a setup that fits your terrain, activity, and barefoot experience level.
They’re not for everyone – but if you get the right combo, they’ll feel like they were made for your feet.
Use BAREFOOTUNIVERSE for 10% discount on Shamma Sandals
