Hey there, barefoot shoe enthusiasts! If you’ve ever found yourself frustrated by the endless search for the perfect pair of barefoot shoes, you’re in good company. One of the most challenging aspects of this quest is finding shoes that fit your foot width and shape just right. Whether you’ve got narrow, medium, or wide feet, finding the right width can make all the difference in your comfort and overall foot health.
In this post, we’re diving deep into the world of barefoot shoes, focusing on finding the best fit based on foot width and shape. We’ll walk through a visual guide of barefoot brands sorted from narrow to wide, compare how different brands stack up in various sizes, and discuss why foot width is such an essential factor to consider. Plus, we’ll share a few photo collages to give you a clear visual of what to look out for. Let’s get started!
Why Wearing the Right Width Matters
Before we dive into the visuals, let’s talk about why your foot width matter so much when choosing barefoot shoes. Unlike traditional shoes, barefoot shoes are designed to mimic the natural shape and movement of your feet. This means that getting the right width is crucial—too narrow, and you’ll squash your toes and restrict movement; too wide, and you might find yourself slipping around inside your shoes.
But don’t forget, if you have narrower feet, wearing a wider shoe isn’t necessarily a problem as long as you can secure it properly. This could be through laces, straps, or other fastening methods. The key is ensuring your foot doesn’t slide around, causing discomfort or compensation when you walk. However, this doesn’t work the other way around. We highly advise against wearing barefoot shoes that are narrower than your feet if you want to experience the full benefits of them and avoid any harm while transitioning.
Take Our Foot Width Quiz!
Not sure where your feet fit into the mix? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Before you move on, don’t forget to take our Find Your Foot Width Ouiz to determine your exact foot width so you can get the best recommendations on which brands might be the best match for you.
Knowing your foot width can make shopping so much easier and save you from the frustration of trial and error. For more in-depth info on foot types, check out our “What is My Foot Type?” post as well.
Visual Guide: Barefoot Brands Sorted from Narrow to Wide
Now for the fun part—let’s take a look at how different barefoot shoe brands measure up in terms of width. Below is a photo collage showing various barefoot brands arranged from narrowest to widest (we compared shoes in size EU 42).
Commentary: In the collage, you can see several different barefoot brands sorted by width. Some brands are consistently narrow across the board, making them perfect for those with narrower feet, while others tend to be on the wider end, ideal for those with wide and extra-wide feet. Most barefoot brands fall somewhere in the middle, with some even offering multiple widths.
When choosing a model, consider brands that fall within a similar width range. The width difference between some brands can be minimal, and there might just be small differences, like toe box shape, volume, or material, that make a brand feel more or less spacious. This visual should help you quickly identify which brands are worth trying based on your foot width.
Making Shoes Work for Wider Feet
When it comes to finding the right barefoot shoe, don’t be discouraged if a brand isn’t specifically labeled as ideal for wide feet. Some brands can still work well for wider feet if you size up and allow extra space in front of the toes. This added space not only accommodates a wider foot but also provides room for natural toe splay, which is essential for comfort and foot health.
If you find a shoe that feels a bit snug in terms of width, consider going up a half or full size. With the right fit adjustments, shoes designed for a medium profile may be comfortable for wider feet.
Find Your Perfect Barefoot Shoes in One Easy Guide!
Want all this information at your fingertips? With over 60 barefoot shoe brands to choose from, finding the best fit for your foot width and shape just got easier. Download our PDF Guide, to explore all the brands mentioned above, organized by width, with direct links and special discount codes to buy from each brand.
For even more details, you can also check out our Barefoot Brand Directory and Discounts Page for the latest promo codes and updates on available brands.
Limitations of Comparing Shoe Widths
When choosing a brand, it’s important to remember that each foot and shoe model is unique. When it comes to finding the right barefoot shoe, it’s not just about size—volume, foot shape, and even the shoe’s materials all play a role in determining the perfect fit. Keep in mind that this visual serves as a general guide rather than an exact predictor.
Understanding the Limitations:
- Width and Length: The width of a shoe can change as the size increases. It’s not just about scaling up the length—many brands adjust the width-to-length ratio as well. A shoe that’s perfect for wide feet in size 37 might feel much narrower in size 42 (as shorter feet are wider on average than longer feet, some brands adjust shoes to accommodate this).
- Foot and Shoe Volume: Feet and shoes aren’t just two-dimensional measurements. Foot volume and shape can vary significantly, as do the ways shoes are constructed to accommodate them. Two feet can have the same width, but one might have a higher volume, filling out the shoe differently.
- Materials: The fit within one brand can differ between models depending on the type of sole and materials used. Thicker materials, lining, and added insoles take up space in shoes, affecting the fit.
- Foot Shape Compatibility: Even if a shoe seems the right length and width, its overall shape—such as toe box structure—might not align well with your foot shape. For example, if a shoe’s toe box is too steep for your foot shape, it may lead to discomfort due to limited space for your smaller toes.
Reminder! Use these visuals as a starting point but be open to experimenting, especially with models and materials that may behave differently based on the shape and volume of your feet.
Visual Guide: Barefoot Brands and Their Toe Box Shapes
Let’s take a closer look at toe box shapes. The toe box is the part of the shoe that surrounds your toes, and its shape can significantly impact how your shoes fit.
Why are there different shoe shapes? Our toes come in various shapes (check out our “What is My Foot Type?” post to find yours), and toe boxes can vary just as much to accommodate these differences.
Some barefoot brands feature a steeper toe box slope (a stronger angle toward the pinky toe), while others are more squared. Both aim to follow the natural shape of our toes but suit different foot types. Some toe box shapes also taper slightly on the big toe side—though not ideal, it’s a reality with certain brands.
So, what’s the right toe box for your feet? The best shape depends on your foot and toe shape—if you have a more squared foot shape, a rounded, squarer toe box might suit you. Meanwhile, those with a steeper toe slope might find a toe box with a stronger slope more comfortable.
In the photo below, you’ll see examples of barefoot brands with varying toe box shapes: some with steeper slopes, some with gentler slopes, and some that work well for feet with a longer second toe.
How well a shoe’s shape aligns with your foot affects both fit and the available space for your toes. While perfect alignment isn’t always possible, it’s helpful to choose brands that match your foot width first, then examine toe box shape.
Most brands aim to design toe boxes that suit several foot types, but one of the least ideal combinations is a steep-sloped shoe with a square or gentle-slope foot shape (see photo below), as this can quickly restrict space for your smaller toes. Other shape mismatches are often manageable by allowing enough space in front of your toes (you need space for all your toes, not just the longest one).
How to Check If Your Shoes Fit Correctly
A properly fitting barefoot shoe supports your foot’s natural shape, allowing your toes to splay without restriction while providing the right length and width.
Here’s how to ensure your shoes fit properly:
- Try Shoes While Standing
Always try on shoes while standing, as your foot spreads more under weight. If you plan to wear socks, test the shoes with the socks you intend to use, as they can influence the fit. Walk around, try squatting, and observe how your foot moves inside the shoe. The fit should feel secure without pinching or sliding. - Toe Space and Natural Splay
Your toes should have enough room to spread into their natural position without being restricted by the sides of the shoe. Your big toe should have enough space to point forward, not curve inward. Also, pay attention to your pinky toe to ensure it isn’t compressed. Proper toe space also means there’s enough room in front of your toes to allow for natural movement.
- Material and Volume Fit
The material around the ball of your foot should feel snug but not tight. If you notice horizontal lines or tightness pulling across the shoe, this can indicate the shoes are too narrow or lack sufficient volume. Conversely, if there’s excessive creasing or extra material, the shoe might have too much volume. - Extra Width and Proper Movement
While extra width at the toes isn’t necessarily a problem, especially in well-structured shoes, watch out for signs of a poor fit. If you’re grabbing with your toes to stay stable, tripping, sliding around, or struggling to walk properly, the shoes may be too large. Properly fitting shoes should feel secure while allowing your feet to move freely and naturally.
Perfect Fit: What It Looks Like
Properly fitting barefoot shoes should provide enough room in front of the toes and match the width of your feet, allowing your toes to splay naturally without restriction. Your toes should spread freely without rubbing against the sides or the front of the shoe. If there’s a small gap next to your big toe—especially if your toes are deformed from wearing tight shoes—don’t worry. This extra space is often essential for helping your feet gradually return to their natural alignment.
Additionally, a secure fit around your ankles and instep is important to ensure the shoes stay in place while walking, preventing unnecessary sliding or heel lifting. Shoes with adjustable closures like laces or straps are ideal for achieving this snug fit. For styles that are harder to adjust, such as Chelsea boots, loafers, or slip-ons, it’s especially important to check for secure fit and minimal movement while walking.
Conclusion
And there you have it—the ultimate guide to finding the best barefoot shoes by width and shape. We hope these visuals and tips will help you find a pair that fits your feet perfectly. Remember, the right width is crucial for comfort and foot health, so don’t settle for anything less than what feels right.
If you haven’t already, be sure to take our Foot Width Quiz to get a clear idea of where you stand (literally!). And don’t forget to share your experiences in the comments—what brands have worked best for your foot width? We’d love to hear from you.
Ready to shop? Don’t miss out on our Exclusive Discounts Page with the latest offers on barefoot shoes.
