If you are looking for the best barefoot sandals, then here is our guide to our favorites. At Barefoot Backpackers, we have tested a fair few barefoot sandals, and they are one of our favorite pieces of footwear. They are breathable, lightweight, and promote natural foot movement, keeping you comfortable even in the warmest climates, but pack 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 keep you as close to being barefoot as possible while still protecting your feet. Plus, their minimalist design allows your feet to experience the earth beneath you while offering just the right amount of protection. If you are looking for barefoot sandals for women, we have a guide to that, too.
We’ve chosen sandals that we know and trust. From brands such as Earth Runners, Xero, and Vivobarefoot, these shoes are built to last your travels. So with that in mind, let’s look into the best sandals for the beach and trails.
The Best Barefoot Sandals at a Glance
Best Barefoot Sandals Men’s Top Picks
Earth Runners Circadian Sandals
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 Earth Runners apart is their conductive lace system. The laces are woven with stainless-steel thread and connect to a copper plug in the sole, a design the brand calls grounding. The moisture-wicking Earth Grip footbed, a cotton canvas with GOTS-certified dye, 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.
- 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 cotton canvas, 1.5mm, with GOTS-certified dye
- Laces Conductive laces™ with stainless steel thread and copper plug
- Fit fully adjustable thong, heel, and ankle straps
- Ground feel moderate
Earth Runners Alpha Sandals
The Alpha has a 10.5mm sole: a 9mm Vibram® Morflex outsole and a 1.5mm cotton canvas footbed. That’s a little thicker than the Circadian and the Primal, and the extra cushioning helps on long days of walking and on hard surfaces like city streets and pavement. Morflex is a light, airy rubber, so even with the thicker sole the Alpha is the lightest pair in the range at 4.4 oz, lighter than the thinner Primal (5.0 oz).
Like the rest of the line, it uses the brand’s conductive laces and copper plug, and the thong, heel and ankle straps adjust independently for a secure fit. Earth Runners recommends it as a first pair for people new to minimal footwear, and it’s made in the USA.
- Weight
- 4.4 oz (men’s 9 / women’s 11)
- Thickness
- 10.5mm (9mm outsole + 1.5mm footbed)
- Outsole Vibram® Morflex
- Footbed Cotton canvas with GOTS-certified dye
- Laces Conductive, with copper plug
- Made in
- USA
Earth Runners Atlas Sandals
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 a 13.5mm Vibram® Morflex outsole with a 1.5mm cotton 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 uses the brand’s conductive laces and copper plug. Its iON SYNC® plug sits in a sole built for demanding hikes. If you love minimalist footwear but still need extra cushioning for rocky trails, this sandal bridges the gap.
- Weight
- 6.2 oz (men’s 9)
- Thickness
- 15mm (13.5mm outsole + 1.5mm footbed)
- Sole
- Vibram® Morflex
- Footbed Cotton canvas with GOTS-certified dye
- Grounding Conductive laces with iON SYNC® plug
Earth Runners Primal Sandals
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 perfect for travelers 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.
- Weight
- 5.0 oz (men’s 9)
- Thickness
- 7.5mm
- Sole
- Walkbase® GumEVA
- Footbed None
Xero Shoes Z-Trail
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.
- Weight
- Lightweight and packable
- Thickness
- 10mm
- Warranty
- 5,000 miles
- Design Zero-drop, Z-style straps
- Water resistance Fast-drying materials
Xero Shoes Genesis
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.
- Weight
- 4.6 oz (men’s 9)
- Thickness
- 5mm
- Sole
- FeelTrue® rubber
- Design Huarache-inspired with tension adjustment
- Warranty
- 5,000 miles
LUNA Sandals Oso Flaco Winged Edition
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.
- 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
Vivobarefoot Tracker Sandal
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.
- Design Barefoot hiking sandal
- Grip Non-marking sticky rubber compound
- Use All-terrain warm-weather adventures
- Durability High abrasion resistance
How To Choose The Best Barefoot Sandal For You
The right barefoot sandal depends on your travel style and environment. If you prioritize 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. They should feel secure without pinching, with straps that allow easy adjustment. Some brands offer trim-to-fit soles or continuous strap systems for a personalized fit. Ultimately, the best choice is the sandal you’ll reach for most often – one that balances freedom, comfort, and durability for your adventures.
Are Barefoot Sandals Durable Enough For Hiking?
They 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 Runners 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, it can absolutely hold up for serious adventures.
Benefits Of Barefoot Sandals
By encouraging proper posture and natural movement, they strengthen foot muscles and reduce reliance on artificial support. Some models, like Earth Runners, even add conductive laces for what the brand calls grounding.
From a travel perspective, they 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.
FAQs:
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 maximize ground feel and packability, while thicker sandals offer more protection and durability for rough terrain. Choosing between them depends on whether you prioritize 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.
