In barefoot shoes, it’s recommended to have about 12 mm of space in front of your toes. This space typically ensures that there is enough room for your toes to splay and for your feet to move naturally, which is crucial for comfort during movement. For children’s shoes, consider adding an extra 3-5 mm to accommodate growth.
However, the exact amount of space you might need can vary based on factors such as your foot shape, the functionality and measurements of your feet, as well as the specific shape and style of the barefoot shoes you are choosing. For a more detailed discussion on how much space you need in shoes and how to measure this accurately, check out our blog post titled “How much space do you need in shoes?” This resource will provide you with all the information and details necessary to make an informed choice.
RELATED POSTS
Best Barefoot Loafers (Look Sharp Without the Squeeze)
Loafers are timeless. Easy to slip on, stylish enough for work or weekends, and always in fashion. But here’s the catch: most conventional loafers are stiff, narrow, and anything but…
Katja
September 26, 2025
Barefoot Shoes on Amazon: Which Ones Are Worth Buying?
Amazon is packed with “barefoot shoes”, but here’s the catch: not all of them are truly barefoot. Some are just thin sneakers with narrow toe boxes, while others check every…
Katja
September 22, 2025
Best Wide Toe Box Chelsea Boots for Men (Barefoot-Friendly Picks)
Chelsea boots are a timeless men’s style—sleek, versatile, and easy to wear with both jeans and dress pants. The problem? Most traditional Chelsea boots have a narrow toe box and…
Katja
September 16, 2025
Best Barefoot Shoes for Kids (Personally Tested & Loved by Kids)
If you’re looking for the best barefoot shoes for kids, you’re in the right place. We’ve spent years testing barefoot shoes on our own children (and a few adventurous nephews).…
Katja
September 5, 2025
10 Best Barefoot Ballet Flats (Stylish + Wide Toe Box Approved)
If you've ever loved the look of classic ballet flats but couldn't stand the pinched toes or stiff soles – you're not alone. Most traditional ballet flats squeeze your toes,…
Katja
July 30, 2025
Naw Review: Barefoot Sneakers Kids Will Love (Sporty & Foot-Friendly)
Finding barefoot shoes that kids actually want to wear isn’t always easy – but Naw, a new barefoot brand from Spain, is changing that. With a fun, modern design and…
Katja
July 29, 2025
Strong Feet Athletics: The First Wide Toe Box Cycling Shoes
Cycling shoes have come a long way – but until now, there hasn’t been a real option for those of us who value natural foot shape and toe freedom. Strong…
Katja
July 24, 2025
Wyde Footwear: Extra Wide Toe Box Shoes That Fit
Finding shoes with an extra wide toe box is no small feat – especially if your feet are both short and extra wide. That’s why we were thrilled to hear…
Katja
July 9, 2025
Shamma Sandals Review: Wide, Adjustable, and Built to Move – But Are They for You?
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…
Katja
July 6, 2025
Read more
Best Barefoot Loafers (Look Sharp Without the Squeeze)
Loafers are timeless. Easy to slip on, stylish enough for work or weekends, and always in fashion. But here’s the catch: most conventional loafers are stiff, narrow, and anything but…
Katja
September 26, 2025
Barefoot Shoes on Amazon: Which Ones Are Worth Buying?
Amazon is packed with “barefoot shoes”, but here’s the catch: not all of them are truly barefoot. Some are just thin sneakers with narrow toe boxes, while others check every…
Katja
September 22, 2025
Best Wide Toe Box Chelsea Boots for Men (Barefoot-Friendly Picks)
Chelsea boots are a timeless men’s style—sleek, versatile, and easy to wear with both jeans and dress pants. The problem? Most traditional Chelsea boots have a narrow toe box and…
Katja
September 16, 2025
Best Barefoot Shoes for Kids (Personally Tested & Loved by Kids)
If you’re looking for the best barefoot shoes for kids, you’re in the right place. We’ve spent years testing barefoot shoes on our own children (and a few adventurous nephews).…
Katja
September 5, 2025
10 Best Barefoot Ballet Flats (Stylish + Wide Toe Box Approved)
If you've ever loved the look of classic ballet flats but couldn't stand the pinched toes or stiff soles – you're not alone. Most traditional ballet flats squeeze your toes,…
Katja
July 30, 2025
Naw Review: Barefoot Sneakers Kids Will Love (Sporty & Foot-Friendly)
Finding barefoot shoes that kids actually want to wear isn’t always easy – but Naw, a new barefoot brand from Spain, is changing that. With a fun, modern design and…
Katja
July 29, 2025
Strong Feet Athletics: The First Wide Toe Box Cycling Shoes
Cycling shoes have come a long way – but until now, there hasn’t been a real option for those of us who value natural foot shape and toe freedom. Strong…
Katja
July 24, 2025
Wyde Footwear: Extra Wide Toe Box Shoes That Fit
Finding shoes with an extra wide toe box is no small feat – especially if your feet are both short and extra wide. That’s why we were thrilled to hear…
Katja
July 9, 2025
Shamma Sandals Review: Wide, Adjustable, and Built to Move – But Are They for You?
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…
Loafers are timeless. Easy to slip on, stylish enough for work or weekends, and always in fashion. But here’s the catch: most conventional loafers are stiff, narrow, and anything but kind to your feet. That’s where barefoot loafers come in.
Amazon is packed with “barefoot shoes”, but here’s the catch: not all of them are truly barefoot. Some are just thin sneakers with narrow toe boxes, while others check every box for natural foot health. That makes it tricky to know which models are actually worth your money.
Chelsea boots are a timeless men’s style—sleek, versatile, and easy to wear with both jeans and dress pants. The problem? Most traditional Chelsea boots have a narrow toe box and stiff sole, which can leave your feet cramped and uncomfortable after just a few hours.