If you are looking for the best barefoot sandals for the warmer months, then here is our guide to our top picks. At Barefoot Backpackers, we inevidantly favor barefoor sandals as they are breathable, lightweight, and promote natural foot movement, keeping you comfortable even in the warmest climates, but pack to nothing in your backpack. That’s the benefit of barefoot shoes, you can bring a few different pairs depending on your travels as they have no foot arch or in the case of sandals, are very thin.
Barefoot sandals go beyond their functional benefits — they help with earthing and keep you as close to being barefoot as possible. Their minimalist design allows your feet to experience the earth beneath you while offering just the right amount of protection. Whether you’re walking along sandy beaches or navigating bustling city streets, barefoot sandals provide comfort and style that complements any adventure.
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The Best Barefoot Sandals at a Glance
- Best barefoot sandal: Earth Runners Circadian – Natural movement with grounding technology and a balanced sole thickness
- Best barefoot sandal with thicker sole: Earth Runners Atlas Sandals – Extra cushioning and durable grip for technical trails
- Best thinnest barefoot sandal: Earth Runners Primal Sandals – Minimalist feel with unmatched ground connection
- Best barefoot hiking sandal: Xero Shoes Z-Trail – Versatile, lightweight, and built with a 5,000-mile warranty
- Best minimalist travel sandal: Xero Shoes Genesis – Ultralight and packable with huarache-inspired lacing
- Best for travel: LUNA Sandals OSO Flaco Winged Edition – Aggressive tread and flexible performance for rugged adventures
- Best barefoot hiking sandal alternative: Vivobarefoot Tracker Sandal – Secure, grippy, and durable for warm-weather treks
At Barefoot Backpackers, we’re passionate about conscious travel. That’s why we’ve chosen sandals that align with our values of sustainability and health. These sandals are not only lightweight and easy to pack but are also crafted from natural, long-lasting materials, ensuring a minimal environmental footprint. From trusted brands such as Earth Runner, Xero and Vivobarefoot – these shoes are built to last your travels.
In this guide, we’ve curated a list of the best barefoot sandals to complement your adventures. From grounding designs to versatile styles, to barefoot hiking shoes and sandals, these options are perfect for hot climates and beyond.
Best Barefoot Sandals for Men
Earth Runners’ best-selling adventure sandal, the Circadian, is designed for those who want the freedom of barefoot movement with the durability to take on any terrain. Built with a 9mm Vibram® Gumlite sole, it strikes the perfect balance between comfort, protection, and ground feel. Lightweight and versatile, it delivers reliable wet grip and a natural connection to the earth, making it equally at home on the trail, by the water, or in everyday wear.
What sets the Earth Runners apart is its grounding technology. The sandals feature conductive laces with stainless-steel thread and a copper plug that links your body directly to the earth, helping replicate the benefits of walking barefoot. The moisture-wicking Earth Grip footbed, made from GOTS-certified canvas, keeps feet cool and comfortable, while the fully adjustable lace system ensures a secure, personalized fit. For adventure seekers who value both performance and connection, the Circadian is a true barefoot classic.
Key Specs
Weight approximately 5.9 oz per sandal (men’s 9 / women’s 11)
Stack height 9mm (7.5mm Vibram® outsole + 1.5mm footbed)
Drop 0mm
Outsole Vibram® Gumlite, domestically sourced, all-terrain grip
Footbed Earth Grip moisture-wicking organic canvas (GOTS-certified)
Laces Conductive laces™ with stainless steel thread and copper plug
Fit fully adjustable thong, heel, and ankle straps
Ground feel moderate
The Atlas is a high-performance sandal built for hikers who want barefoot freedom but need extra protection on rough trails. Its 15mm sole combines Vibram® Morflex grip with an organic canvas footbed, providing durability and comfort for long days on the move. Despite the thicker platform, the Atlas remains lightweight, making it suitable for technical terrain without weighing you down.
Like all Earth Runners sandals, the Atlas incorporates conductive grounding technology. The iON SYNC® earthing plug helps you stay connected while ensuring reliable performance on demanding hikes. If you love minimalist footwear but still need extra cushioning for rocky trails, this sandal bridges the gap.
Key specs
Weight 6.2 oz (men’s 9)
Thickness 15mm total
Sole Vibram® Morflex
Footbed Organic canvas with GOTS-certified dye
Grounding Conductive laces with iON SYNC® plug
If minimalism is your priority, the Primal Sandal is as close to barefoot as it gets. With just a 7.5mm Walkbase® GumEVA sole and no added footbed, it delivers unmatched ground connection, but definitely not your entry level barefoot shoe. It’s quick-drying and ultralight, making these sandals are perfect for travellers who want a truly natural walking experience.
While the thin sole isn’t ideal for rocky mountain trails, it shines in hot, dry climates or beachside adventures. The lightweight design makes it easy to pack as a secondary travel sandal, and the simple build ensures maximum flexibility and breathability.
Key specs
Weight 5.0 oz (men’s 9)
Thickness 7.5mm
Sole Walkbase® GumEVA
Footbed None
The Z-Trail is one of the most versatile barefoot sandals on the market. With a 10mm sole, zero-drop design, and secure Z-style straps, it provides comfort and stability on uneven ground. Despite its durability, it’s surprisingly lightweight and flexible enough to roll up and stash in your pack. Backed by Xero’s 5,000-mile warranty, it’s designed for long-lasting adventures.
These sandals excel in all conditions, from water sports to long hikes, and are a great choice for travellers who want a single sandal to do it all. The quick-drying construction makes them suitable for humid or coastal trips, while the barefoot design encourages natural posture and movement.
Key specs
Weight Lightweight and packable
Thickness 10mm
Warranty 5,000 miles
Design Zero-drop, Z-style straps
Water resistance Fast-drying materials
The Genesis takes inspiration from ancient huarache sandals, updated with modern barefoot technology. With just a 5mm FeelTrue® sole, it offers excellent ground feel and flexibility while still providing enough protection for city and trail use. The patent-pending tension adjustment system ensures a quick, secure fit, and the soft toe loop eliminates irritation.
At only 4.6 oz per sandal, the Genesis is incredibly lightweight and perfect for minimalist travellers. It packs down small, trims to fit your foot shape, and comes with Xero’s 5,000-mile sole warranty, making it one of the most reliable ultralight sandals available.
Key specs
Weight 4.6 oz (men’s 9)
Thickness 5mm
Sole FeelTrue® rubber
Design Huarache-inspired with tension adjustment
Warranty 5,000 miles
The Oso Flaco Winged Edition is designed for rugged versatility. Its Vibram Megagrip sole with Monkey Grip Technology delivers traction on everything from slick rocks to urban streets, while its 7mm base and 4.5mm lugs strike a balance between grip and ground feel.
Lightweight yet extremely durable, the Oso Flaco is ideal for long-term travellers who need one sandal to handle diverse conditions. The continuous strap and easy adjustment buckles allow for a tailored fit, while the flexible sole adapts to your movement. Backed by the Moonrock Guarantee, it’s built for a lifetime of adventuring.
Key specs
Weight 7.2 oz
Thickness 7mm base + 4.5mm lugs
Sole Vibram Megagrip + MGT
Strap Climbing-grade webbing with adjustment buckles
Guarantee Moonrock lifetime guarantee
The Tracker Sandal blends barefoot freedom with hiking functionality. Built for warm-weather adventures, it combines a sticky, non-marking rubber sole with durable straps for a secure fit on technical terrain. Its minimalist design provides just enough protection while still allowing plenty of ground feel.
Perfect for summer hikes, river paddles, or city exploration, the Tracker Sandal is a versatile option for travellers who want barefoot benefits without compromising on grip and durability. It’s a solid alternative to traditional barefoot hiking shoes in hot climates.
Key specs
Design Barefoot hiking sandal
Grip Non-marking sticky rubber compound
Use All-terrain warm-weather adventures
Durability High abrasion resistance
Are Barefoot Sandals Durable Enough For Hiking?
Barefoot sandals might look simple, but many models are built with surprisingly robust materials. Brands like Earth Runners and others we have recommended use Vibram soles and abrasion-resistant straps that can handle rocky trails, river crossings, and long-distance treks. Their minimalist build doesn’t mean they sacrifice strength — in fact, their lack of bulky padding makes them more adaptable to varied conditions.
That said, durability often depends on thickness. Thinner sandals like the Earth Runner’s Primal or Genesis are better suited to light trails and travel, while thicker options such as the Earth Runners Atlas or Xero Z-Trail excel on more rugged hikes. If you choose a model that aligns with your terrain, barefoot sandals can absolutely hold up for serious adventures.
How To Choose The Best Barefoot Sandal For You
The right barefoot sandal depends on your travel style and environment. If you prioritise natural ground feel and packability, ultrathin sandals are ideal. For more technical terrain, go for sturdier models like the Atlas or Oso Flaco. Water lovers should look for quick-drying materials and slip-resistant soles, while long-distance trekkers may prefer thicker Vibram-based designs for added protection.
Fit is just as important as function. Barefoot sandals should feel secure without pinching, with straps that allow easy adjustment. Some brands offer trim-to-fit soles or continuous strap systems for a personalised fit. Ultimately, the best choice is the sandal you’ll reach for most often — one that balances freedom, comfort, and durability for your adventures.
Benefits Of Barefoot Sandals
Barefoot sandals are more than just lightweight footwear — they’re a gateway to reconnecting with your natural stride and the earth beneath your feet. By encouraging proper posture and natural movement, they strengthen foot muscles and reduce reliance on artificial support. Some models even include grounding technology, helping your body reconnect with the earth’s energy.
From a travel perspective, barefoot sandals tick all the boxes. They’re breathable, keeping your feet cool in hot climates. Their compact design makes them easy to pack, taking up minimal space in your backpack. And for those who value mindful, sustainable living, barefoot sandals often use natural materials that support conscious travel.
FAQs: Best Barefoot Sandals for Men
Are barefoot sandals good for everyday wear?
Yes. Barefoot sandals can be worn daily, as long as you transition gradually to let your feet adapt. They encourage natural movement and are often more comfortable in hot climates than traditional shoes.
Can I hike in barefoot sandals?
Absolutely. Models like the Xero Z-Trail, Earth Runners Atlas, and Vivobarefoot Tracker Sandal are designed with rugged soles that can handle trails. Just be mindful of terrain — ultrathin sandals are better for light hiking.
Do barefoot sandals help with posture?
Yes. Barefoot sandals support natural alignment by eliminating raised heels and unnecessary cushioning. This encourages better posture, strengthens foot muscles, and improves balance.
What’s the difference between thin and thick barefoot sandals?
Thinner sandals maximise ground feel and packability, while thicker sandals offer more protection and durability for rough terrain. Choosing between them depends on whether you prioritise minimalism or long-distance comfort.
Are barefoot sandals waterproof?
Most barefoot sandals are water-resistant and quick-drying, making them excellent for beach trips, river crossings, and humid climates. Materials like Vibram soles and synthetic straps ensure durability in wet conditions.
What are the benefits of barefoot shoes?
Barefoot running shoes, hiking shoes and sandals can improve foot strength, enhance posture, and provide better sensory feedback. They encourage a more natural walking and running gait. So, are barefoot shoes good for your feet? For many, they offer a healthier and more natural alternative to traditional footwear, promoting better posture, stronger muscles, and improved foot health. Whether you’re exploring trails in barefoot shoes or hitting the gym in minimalist trainers, embracing the barefoot lifestyle can lead to long-term benefits for your overall well-being. Here is our guide on the benefits of barefoot shoes if you want to go deeper.
At Barefoot Backpackers, we’re passionate about helping you navigate the world with purpose. Our site is a hub for holistic health, conscious travel tips, and sustainable living advice. With every guide, we aim to help you create meaningful adventures while staying true to your values. Our content always comes from real experiences and knowledge that is truly aligned with us.
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