Barefoot sandals for women have become way more seamless. Gone are the days of the purely functional sandals; these barefoot sandals can actually be worn with normal attire. Now designed to let your feet move and breathe the way nature intended, while looking great with jeans, shorts, or even dressed up. Barefoot shoes for women have upped their game in recent years, and these minimalist sandals don’t just feel good; they strengthen your feet, support posture, and allow you to stay grounded (literally) wherever your adventures take you.
From performance-ready hiking styles to chic minimalist designs, the best barefoot sandals for women are crafted to balance practicality and style. Think lightweight soles, organic materials, and simple, timeless designs that go with everything from activewear to casual dresses.
Here’s our pick of the best barefoot sandals for women that blend barefoot freedom with a style you can wear with anything. From minimal sandals to water to hiking sandals, we have selected the top-rated sandals on the market. Featuring brands such as Earth Runner’s, Vivobarefoot, Xero, and more.
This blog is supported by the community. We may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through our links, which allows us to keep creating content. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more.
The Best Barefoot Sandals for Women at a Glance
- Best barefoot sandal: Earth Runners Circadian Sandals – Natural movement with grounding technology and balanced all-terrain grip.
- Best barefoot sandal with thicker sole: Earth Runners Atlas Sandals – Extra cushioning and durability for technical hikes.
- The best thinnest barefoot sandal: Earth Runners Primal Sandals – Minimalist feel with unmatched ground connection.
- Best barefoot hiking sandal: Xero Shoes Women’s Z-Trek – Versatile, lightweight, and durable for outdoor adventures.
- The best toe thong barefoot sandal: Xero Shoes Women’s H-Trail Barefoot Hiking Sandal – Between the toe design and flexible comfort.
- The best barefoot hiking and water sandal: Vivobarefoot Women’s Tracker Sandal – Secure, grippy, and ideal for warm-weather treks.
- Best minimalist rope style sandal: Xero Shoes Genesis – Ultralight, packable, and perfect for barefoot travelers.
Best Barefoot Sandals for Women
The Earth Runners Circadian is a cult favorite for a reason. Built for women who love to feel grounded in nature, these sandals offer that authentic barefoot feel with just enough protection for everyday wear. The 9mm Vibram® sole provides comfort and grip on mixed terrain, while the moisture-wicking organic canvas footbed keeps your feet cool and comfortable even on long, warm days outdoors.
What really makes these sandals special is the grounding technology—conductive laces woven with stainless steel thread and a copper plug designed to reconnect your body to the earth’s natural energy. Whether you’re hiking or simply walking the dog, the Circadian lets you stay balanced and grounded.
practicing
Key specs
Stack height 9mm
Drop 0mm
Outsole Vibram® Gumlite
Footbed Organic canvas (GOTS-certified)
Laces Conductive with stainless steel thread and copper plug
Fit Adjustable thong, heel, and ankle straps
For women who love a barefoot experience but want a little more underfoot protection, the Atlas Sandal strikes the perfect balance. Its 15mm Vibram® Morflex sole provides a cushioned yet responsive feel, ideal for tackling rocky terrain or long hikes where you need a bit more support. Despite the extra thickness, it stays light and flexible, allowing your feet to move freely and naturally.
Like all Earth Runners, the Atlas also features the brand’s signature grounding technology, helping you feel connected as you move. The organic canvas footbed feels soft against the skin, and the fully adjustable lace system offers a secure, flattering fit. It’s a perfect option for women who split their time between trails and travel and want one sandal that can handle both.
Key specs
Thickness 15mm total
Sole Vibram® Morflex
Footbed Organic canvas
Grounding Conductive laces with iON SYNC® plug
If you love the sensation of walking barefoot, the Primal Sandal is the purest way to experience it. With just a 7.5mm sole and no footbed, it brings you incredibly close to the ground for maximum sensory feedback. Lightweight, flexible, and quick-drying, it’s the perfect companion for warm climates, beach walks, and minimalist travelers who prefer a natural stride.
The stripped-back design lets your feet move and breathe freely while still offering enough grip for everyday adventures. These are the sandals for women who want to feel every texture beneath their toes and embrace a truly natural walking experience—simple, strong, and effortlessly free.
Key specs
Thickness 7.5mm
Sole Walkbase® GumEVA
Footbed None
The Xero Shoes Women’s Z-Trek is built for movement. Lightweight, flexible, and secure, it’s designed to handle everything from hiking and paddle boarding to casual travel days. The zero-drop sole encourages natural posture, while the adjustable webbing straps give a snug, comfortable fit.
These sandals offer a grounded feel and impressive grip without weighing you down. They dry quickly and pack flat, making them a great choice for women who like to keep their adventures simple, spontaneous, and comfortable.
Key specs
Weight Lightweight and flexible
Design Zero-drop, adjustable straps
Material Quick-drying recycled webbing
Sole Durable rubber outsole
The H-Trail is Xero’s answer to women who love hiking but don’t want to sacrifice natural movement. With a flexible sole that mimics barefoot walking and a soft foam layer for cushioning, it strikes a smart balance between comfort and trail performance.
The H-shaped strap design distributes pressure evenly while keeping the foot stable over uneven terrain. These sandals transition easily from mountain paths to laid-back travel days, offering support and versatility for every kind of barefoot explorer.
Key specs
Weight Lightweight and packable
Design H-strap for secure fit
Material Breathable synthetic webbing
Sole Flexible trail-ready rubber
For warm-weather hikes, the Vivobarefoot Women’s Tracker Sandal is a brilliant alternative to traditional hiking shoes. Perfect for river paddles to epic summits, this water shoe meets hiking sandal has just enough protection.It combines an open design with the durability and grip of a trail shoe, giving your feet space to move naturally while staying protected.
The flexible sole and adjustable straps make it easy to adapt the fit, while the breathable textile upper keeps things cool and comfortable. It’s very breathable, and dries rapidly for adventures in and out of the water. Made with a tough Firm Ground 2 sole, customisable Velcro z-straps, and protective rubber toe band means it performs just as well during rugged trails too.
Key specs
Upper Breathable textile and synthetic mix
Design Adjustable strapping system
Sole Flexible rubber grip outsole
Fit Secure, open-structured design
The Genesis is a travel essential for minimalist adventurers. Inspired by ancient huarache sandals, it features a 5mm sole that provides excellent ground feel and flexibility. Despite its delicate appearance, it’s durable enough for daily wear and diverse terrain. The Genesis is where the Xero Shoe journey began, and has been a classic ever since.
Ultra-light and easy to pack, the Genesis gives that true barefoot experience while still offering enough grip for comfort. The rope toe piece is comfortable and stretchy making putting them on super efficient and fast.
Key specs
Thickness 5mm
Sole FeelTrue® rubber
Design Huarache-inspired strap system
Fit Adjustable and minimal
Barefoot Sandals for Women FAQs
What are barefoot sandals for women?
Barefoot sandals are minimalist shoes that allow your feet to move naturally, improving posture and strengthening muscles while keeping you connected to the ground.
Can barefoot sandals be used for hiking?
Yes, many barefoot sandals like those from Earth Runners and Xero Shoes are also designed for hiking, offering durability, grip, and protection without compromising natural movement.
Are barefoot sandals comfortable for everyday wear?
Yes, we love them. With lightweight soles and breathable designs, barefoot sandals are also great for everyday use, from errands to outdoor adventures.
Are barefoot sandals for women good for travel?
They’re ideal for travel since they’re light, packable, and versatile enough to go from beach to trail to casual dinner.
How do I transition to barefoot sandals?
Start slowly, wearing them for short periods to let your feet adjust. Then, over time, your feet will strengthen, and barefoot walking will feel completely natural.
Enjoyed our barefoot sandal guide? Read more
The Ultimate Barefoot Shoes Women Guide
Best Barefoot Hiking Shoes for Women
Best Barefoot Shoes for Men
