Looking for barefoot sandals like Birkenstocks? You’re not alone.
Birkenstocks have that instantly recognizable style – cork footbed, wide straps, and earthy vibes. But if you’re after that look and want to support natural foot function, it’s worth going one step further.
After years of testing minimalist footwear, we’ve found the best barefoot sandals that give you the same easy-going style as Birkenstocks, but with more freedom for your toes, better ground feel, and no stiff arch support holding you back.
In this guide, you’ll find best barefoot alternatives to both the classic Birkenstock Arizona and Gizeh styles. Brands like Softstar Shoes, Mukishoes, and Freet offer sandals that look similar to Birkenstocks (think wide straps, and sleek buckles) but with flexible soles, no arch support, and room for your toes to move freely. Whether you prefer slide sandals or toe-posts, you’ll find something here that fits your lifestyle and your foot shape.
👉 Not sure what makes a good barefoot sandal? Start with our guide: How Should Barefoot Sandals Fit?
👉 Looking for more options? See our Complete List of Barefoot Sandals
👉 Curious about the long-term impact of support? Read: Are Birkenstocks Good for Your Feet?
What’s the Problem with Birkenstocks?
Birkenstocks are foot-shaped and supportive, but they’re still rigid, structured, and built around arch support. While they can be a good step up from traditional fashion sandals, they don’t encourage your foot muscles to engage naturally.
👉 Want the full breakdown? See our deep dive: Are Birkenstocks Good for Your Feet?
Barefoot Sandals Like Birkenstock Arizona (Two-Strap Style)
These are the foot-friendly sandals that mimic the iconic Arizona silhouette, but ditch the stiff sole and built-in arch.
Mukishoes Nazaré
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These are easily some of the softest and lightest leather barefoot sandals we’ve ever worn. The moment you put them on, they feel like soft leather socks – super gentle on the skin, with no break-in needed.
The suede leather is thinner and more flexible than on something like the Softstar Shoes Camino, which adds to the barefoot feel but also makes it a bit more sensitive to dirt and wear. We found that the straps need to be tightened well for a secure fit, especially on longer walks.
As expected from Mukishoes, the sole is ultra-thin, soft, and super flexible, offering fantastic ground feel. If you’re after a sandal that’s as close to barefoot as possible but still looks stylish, this is it.
Sizing & Fit:
- Made on a wider sole than their closed-toe shoes, but still best for narrow and medium-width feet
- Straps adjust well to accommodate different instep heights and foot volumes
Softstar Shoes Camino
We’ve tested a lot of barefoot sandals, and the Camino stands out as one of the best Birkenstock-style options if you want something more foot-friendly. The straps are solid, the whole sandal feels high quality, and the leather is thick and structured.
You can choose between two sole thicknesses. We tested both, and while the thicker one offers a soft, slightly squishy feel, the thinner version is our favorite. It moves better with your foot and gives you more ground feel without sacrificing comfort.
They’re definitely an investment, but the craftsmanship is worth it. Once we adjusted the straps (we prefer them tighter to prevent forward sliding), they felt secure and comfortable even for long walks.
Sizing & Fit:
- Best for narrow to medium-width feet, up to medium-wide
- The toe area does taper a bit, so make sure there’s enough length for your big toe to stay fully on the sole
- All straps (including the heel) are fully adjustable
- I wear US size 10, with foot dimensions 26.3 cm x 10 cm
- If you have a very square toe shape, this might not be the ideal match
Freet Salcombe
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The Salcombe is Freet’s version of leather barefoot sandals with a classic Birkenstock-style design. Made with thick, sturdy leather and a soft, foamy sole, they strike a balance between flexibility and comfort – perfect for everyday wear when you want just a little more cushion.
They work especially well for average to high-volume feet and fit medium to wide widths with ease. The ankle area is also roomy, making them a great pick if you have wider ankles. I have low-volume feet, and while I could still get a secure fit, I had to tighten the straps all the way – adding a few extra holes can help if you’re in the same situation.
If you want leather barefoot sandals that offer a bit of structure while still supporting natural movement, the Salcombe is a comfortable and practical choice.
Sizing & Fit:
- Best for average to high-volume feet
- Fits medium to wide widths and wider ankles
- Adjustable enough for low-volume feet (consider adding extra holes if needed)
Muris Rio
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If you’re looking for vegan barefoot sandals like Birkenstocks that won’t break the bank, Muris Rio is one of the best options out there. Instead of buckles, these sandals use Velcro straps, making them easy to adjust.
The sole is thin and flexible, giving you a true barefoot feel. They’re super lightweight and compact enough to take anywhere, which makes them a great travel or everyday minimalist option.
Sizing & Fit:
- Best for narrow to medium-width feet.
- They go up to size 41, so availability is limited for larger sizes.
Shapen Dazzle
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Shapen Dazzle adds a more sophisticated, dressy vibe to the barefoot sandal scene, but the execution isn’t our favorite. They use the same sole as their sneakers, which curves up around the sides. On sandals, this can feel a bit restrictive and unusual, especially if you’re used to more open barefoot designs.
They come pre-adjusted in a way that won’t suit low-volume feet out of the box. To ensure a secure fit and allow more adjustability for different foot volumes, make sure to re-adjust the buckles as shown in our photo. Otherwise, the front straps may feel too loose and allow your foot to slide forward.
Sizing & Fit:
- Best for medium-width feet with average to high volume.
- Not ideal for narrow or low-volume feet unless properly adjusted.
Slide-Style Sandals (No Back Strap)
While true barefoot sandals should ideally have a back strap to keep your foot secure and prevent toe gripping, we know some of you still love the classic slide design, especially if you’re transitioning from Birkenstocks.
These options skip the heel strap but offer a foot-shaped design, zero drop, and more flexible soles than traditional slides. Think of them as a gentler step toward barefoot – not ideal for long walks, but great for short outings or lounging.
Wyde Maia
The closest barefoot-inspired slide to Birkenstocks we’ve seen – zero drop, no arch support, and a wider fit that works for extra wide feet. The sole is thicker, making them a good option if you want a bit more cushion without losing the foot-shaped design.
Use BU10 for 10% discount
VIVOBAREFOOT Sensus Yin
Minimalist leather slides with a super thin, flexible sole and zero drop. Sleek and simple, but best for narrow to medium-width feet.
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Ahinsa Slip-ons
Vegan barefoot slides with a thin, flexible sole and soft upper.
Use BU10 for 10% discount
Tara Soles
Available in leather and vegan options, these barefoot slides offer a minimal, foot-friendly design with a thin Vibram sole. Best for narrow to medium-width feet.
Barefoot Sandals Like Birkenstock Gizeh (Toe Post Style)
These barefoot sandals follow the Gizeh layout, with a toe post and minimal upper – but they’re flexible, zero-drop, and foot-shaped.
Feelgrounds Seaside
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These are one of our all-time favorite barefoot sandals for everyday use. The cork footbed and soft straps make them comfortable right away, and they’re also one of the widest-fitting options on this list.
They offer a touch of cushioning without losing that barefoot feel. The Velcro strap on the heel makes them easy to put on, though adjustability is minimal.
Sizing & Fit: Great for wide and extra-wide feet with low to medium instep. If your feet are narrow, they might still work if the instep strap holds well. Use their printable template to get the sizing right.
👉 Read our full Feelgrounds Seaside review
Be Lenka Promenade
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If you’re after a more elegant barefoot sandal, Promenade is the dressiest option here. With a thin, firm sole and sleek leather design, it blends style with barefoot functionality, but without any cushion, so it’s best suited for experienced barefoot wearers.
Sizing & Fit: Fits low to medium instep and medium-width feet. The toe-post placement affects foot positioning, so sizing up can help if you have long toes. I wear size 42 with foot dimensions 26.3/10 cm, which gave me the right length without affecting my gait.
Tara Soles
A solid option if you’re looking for barefoot sandals like Birkenstocks, but with a more minimal, foot-friendly design. The Santiago has a soft leather upper, a Vibram outsole, and a thin, flexible sole that gives just the right balance of comfort and ground feel.
The toe-post is positioned further forward, so it doesn’t rub between your toes, yet still keeps your foot secure. Comfortable for everyday wear and a nice alternative if you prefer a more natural walking experience.
Sizing & Fit: Best for narrow to medium-width feet. While there’s some adjustability over the instep, they do not fit wide feet comfortably in the toe area.
Shapen Nomad
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A sleek, minimalist barefoot take on the Gizeh style made from soft leather with clean lines and subtle branding. While the material feels nice, some color options have a slightly plastic-like appearance, which takes away from the otherwise elegant look.
Sizing & Fit: Best for narrow and medium-width feet. We found the toe area a bit too tapered, especially near the big toe, which may limit comfort for wider forefeet. There’s minimal adjustability, so it’s important that they fit well from the start.
Last Updated: June 13, 2025
- Post reorganized into two groups: Arizona-style and Gizeh-style barefoot sandals
- Added slide-style options without a heel strap (Wyde, VIVOBAREFOOT, Ahinsa, Tara Soles)
- Included new brands and models for more variety in fit and style: Mukishoes, Freet, Muris, Shapen
Original Testing: July 3, 2024
Here’s What to Keep in Mind
We get why Birkenstocks are popular – they look great and feel better than most sandals.
But once you’ve tried barefoot sandals that let your toes spread, your foot muscles engage, and your whole body move naturally… it’s hard to go back.
Some of these options are incredibly close in looks, but worlds better in function.
No stiff soles. No built-in arch. Just simple, foot-shaped comfort.
If you’re after sandals that support your feet, not just the look – you’ve got plenty of options here.
Have you come across any grounding slide-style barefoot sandals (without back strap)?
There are some brands that make grounding sandals (like Panta Sandals and Earth Runners), but they don’t come in the style you’re looking for.