When you’re living a foot-forward life, you probably don’t want the typical gifts. We’re a unique breed! So I’ve gathered here my favorite things that make my life happier and love my body back.

These make excellent gifts for yourself & your loved ones who are into barefoot shoes, foot health, and a movement-centered lifestyle.

Cozy Socks, Slippers, & Insoles

We’ll start with the basics. These work great as stocking stuffers and small gifts for friends.

Cutesy boot cuffs – I have a lot of fun with boot toppers paired with my toe socks. You can go wild with colors and textures, but still keep your toes free inside your boots. I’m looking at ordering these ones for myself:

• 100% wool cable knit cuffs
• Patterned knit cuffs
• Wool plain knit leg warmers

Wool Socks – You can never go wrong with cozy socks. Especially when they’re cute. Find all the toe and foot-shaped socks I like here.

Fleece Lined Stirrup Tights – I have a few of these in different colors and they have been so great for keeping warm in the winter with skirts and dresses. I also have these toe tights for days it’s not as cold. You can pair both of them with your own toe socks!

Wide Toe Box Slippers – They never fail as a holiday gift! I’ve listed my favorites in the link here.

Wool Insoles – this is an easy gift that really makes your shoes and slippers comfier and cozier. I use them all winter long.

Ice Cleats – If you have icy winters, these are excellent and work with all of my barefoot boots.

Foot Exercise Tools

For the person in your life who is working on their foot health – these are the fundamental tools I have been coming back to over and over for years.

Toe Spacers – I like Correct Toes best (especially if you have small feet), but these from The Toe Spacer are also good.

Yoga balls – I have been using these exact massage balls for 9 years now. They are so good for getting into the soft tissue of the feet and I regularly use the two balls together in the mesh bag on the base of my neck/head and spine.

Another good foot release tool is the Naboso Neuroball.

TFC Solemate – This little tool is so fun and effective. My boys and I like to each stand on one half of it and throw a hacky sack back and forth. It’s great training for balance and foot/ankle stability – something that everyone in my family needs because we have genetic laxity.

Dynamic Living Space

Some of my favorite gifts of all time are ones that make my home more dynamic. When I sit still too much I get antsy, stiff, and it aggravates my back pain (not to mention all the research out there about how too much sitting affects blood sugar and so so many other aspects of our health).

I am always looking for ways to make movement more seamless and integrated with my life. Here are my all-time favorites.

Walking desk – One of the best things I’ve done for my health in a long time. With this walking desk (I linked exact one) and the Movemate below I am using my standing desk much more frequently and I find that my low back is a lot happier.

I am able to move the treadmill fairly easily (not advised if you have mobility issues), and it’s soo much cheaper than a huge treadmill – but it still goes to running speed when not under a desk.

Movemate – Love this movement board for working at my computer. My kids also have a lot of fun on it. If you are someone who needs to wiggle a lot, it’s genuinely soothing. It rocks back and forth, twists, rotates, and moves in all kinds of fun ways. I swap between this and my walking pad.

Indoor jungle gym – Not just for kids! This was a Christmas gift for our family a few years ago and it has brought so much movement and joy. My boys and their friends use it to burn off energy in the winter, and I take a turn on it to break up my work day and to work on my grip and upper body strength.

It’s easy to take a swing or a hang when you walk by, and all those little moments add up to improve your health. If you don’t have kids you can find versions more geared for adult exercise.

Cushy washable rugs – We try to spend a lot of time on the floor, because it keeps your joints limber and your strength up. But I want the ground to be comfortable AND I want it to be clean. So we use washable rugs with a thick floor pad in fun prints to encourage use. I am obsessed with this Midnight print we have in our basement.

Bamboo laptop desk for floor sitting (currently using it this very minute) – Sometimes I take a break from my standing desk and work sitting on the floor or on my low couch. I like this tray as a low table for just such an occasion. Makes it easier for me to be mobile with work without having to look so far down at my laptop.

Venn Design Air Chair and Floor Cushions – I use my Air Chair at my desk when I move it to sitting height, and I roll around and stretch out on it when I need a break. The floor cushions dot my living room and are perfect for low tables or floor sitting.

Rock mat – Longtime favorite in our house! This is a fun acupressure mat that we like to walk on. Gives a good foot massage too.

Nugget Play Couch – these have provided endless fun for my children, and I also frequently use it when I want to sit on the floor but not totally on the floor. They float around the house, sometimes used as a fort or crash landing pad and sometimes a place to lay down and read. Ten Little also has a similar one that looks good!

Pants/dresses to wear with barefoot shoes

By popular demand, here are my favorite brands for clothes that work well with barefoot shoes.

The secret sauce is in the hemline. By making sure it’s not too long you can keep your legs from looking stumpy. Cropped pants are my go to with barefoot boots! But this isn’t just for pants – making sure the hemline of your coat and skirts isn’t too long, to account for no heel on your shoes, can elongate the legs.

I am 5′ 3″ and get petite sizing in all my bottoms and coats. If you are tall, then petite won’t be necessary – but the length of your clothes is something you still want to pay attention to!

Pants

My favorite pants to wear with barefoot shoes!

Quince Bella Stretch – These wide leg pants are only $50 and are so soft and comfortable. They are one of the only pairs of pants I don’t rip off as soon as I get home. They come in several lengths too. The shortest length is good for my 5’3″ frame.

Madewell Wide Leg Jeans – These come in Petite, Plus, and Tall. Hit at just the right place to not swallow your barefoot shoes, but highlight them. Great classic fit in a quality denim.

Aritzia Remy Jeans – I wear these ones a ton. They have a really nice cut to them that is lengthening and the waist IS NOT TOO TIGHT! They also have some weight to them and low stretch (99% cotton, 1% elastane), which I love in the colder months, and they last longer than stretchy jeans. The Remy come in two lengths, but not petite so I had to get mine hemmed so that they skimmed my shoes just right. Worth it.

Anthropologie Colette – A barefoot shoe hero – such great wide leg pants for displaying your shoes and boots! They’re soft and stretchy, and come in a variety of options for different body types.

Anthropologie Corduroy Colette – The Colette comes in a bunch of versions. I also love these corduroy pants for fall and winter.

J Crew Slim-Wide Leg Crops – The legs are wide, but not super wide and the length is just right to let your barefoot shoes shine. Runs big!

Not Perfect Linen Puglia pants – These are the perfect linen pants. And you can get them tailored with up to 3 unique modifications. For high quality linen that is custom made to your measurements, this is a dang good price. And it means you can get them the perfect length. I bought my first pair 1.5 years ago and have washed and worn them a ton – you wouldn’t even know!

Banana Republic Factory Straight Leg – I got a killer deal on these and they’ve been perfect this fall with all my boots. Looks like they’re selling out right now, but wanted to share another cropped pant I’m loving. I got them in a dark and a light wash and love both.

Coats

Abercrombie Coat – This is a great classic wool coat that comes in lengths, which I think is really important with barefoot boots, because you can get the length you need for your body type.

Dresses

Abercrombie Elegant Dresses – I can always find here a lot of dressy outfits that come in petite, regular and tall lengths. Particularly because fancy outfits are often paired with high heels, getting the right length on a dress can really make or break the outfit.

Anthropologie Dresses – Another great source for fancy dresses that come in extended sizing and petite length so you don’t have to alter to wear with flat shoes.

I’m wearing the Somerset Maxi here, but there are so many pretty options!

Loft Dresses – Always some cute dresses and skirts available from Loft that come in Petite, Regular, and Tall. (The one I’m wearing here not in stock anymore).

Extra special shoes

Typically I don’t recommend gifting shoes, because it can be so hard to get right. So if you do, be sure to supply the recipient with a gift receipt or way to exchange, and make sure you know the return policy well.

If you do want to gift shoes, or maybe you’re buying yourself something special, I love to use the special occasion as an excuse to spring for the fun, exciting shoe that you haven’t been able to justify the rest of the year. You can find my favorite fun barefoot shoes in my Wear This, Not That series!

Closet Workhorses

If you are using the gifting season to fill a hole in your closet with an essential, everyday kind of shoe there’s nothing wrong with that! For my top recommended closet workhorses, check out my Best Of Barefoot Shoes series, where I’ve distilled the best options for all different categories – winter boots, casual sneakers, dress shoes, work boots, etc.

The post What You Really Want This Year- 2025 Foot Nerd Edition appeared first on Anya's Reviews.

With holiday season and cold weather fast approaching I am ready to cozy up with warm tootsies. You would think it goes without saying that a house slipper would have plenty of toe space, but so many of the ones I’ve tried over the years have been tight in the toes while sliding off my heel! If you’ve struggled to find actually comfortable slippers, you’re in the right place.

Here are my tried-and-true ACTUALLY wide foot-shaped slippers that won’t pinch your feet so you can be cozy and comfy all winter long.

The Best Barefoot Slippers

I work from home doing all the barefoot shoe things, so slippers are kind of a must-have for me. Especially because I live in the Midwest where it’s cold half the year! The following are the all time favorites for myself, Justin (my husband and co-founder) and Samantha (my lovely wide-footed assistant).

Mukishoes Pantufa

Felted Wool | Natural Rubber Outsole | Sizes EU 36-48

*Normally Mukishoes’ EU store carries the Pantufa, but they had a material shortage and only have limited inventory this year. See what is available here, and you can use code ANYAMUKI for 10% off.

I have worn these so much since I got them one year ago! They are light, soft, and comfy, and fit my lower volume feet well. These have a grippy rubber bottom, which can be handy if you need grip on your floors. Justin also wears them and we both love them to pieces.

I really love my slippers to be secure and not floppy – a common problem for my low volume feet and narrow heels. So it’s great news that these Pantufa slippers stay secure on my feet. And of course the fact that they are both breathable and warm is fabulous.

Sizing & Fit:

• Runs slightly small – I sized up to a 38 and they work great with a pair of socks. I’ve also tried a 37 and they fit best without socks (size 37 is on me in the pics here).
• Medium to wide width – these are unstructured and flexible, so the material spreads out with my foot. No pressure points at all!
• Medium to low volume – they can stretch some for high volume feet (the opening is elasticized), but could be tight on high arches.

Zeazoo Sheepskin

Sheepskin | Vibram rubber Outsole | Sizes EU 34-45

You can also order direct from Zeazoo in the EU and get 5% off with code ANYASREVIEWS.

Zeazoo sheepskin slippers are so fluffy!! They are also incredibly warm for how light and soft they are. Truly like clouds for your feet. You can find a few different cuts and variations from Zeazoo, depending on your fit and style preferences. The Dolly (above right) is quite high volume, so my heel slips a little if I wear them barefoot. For that reason the Dingo (left) is a better slipper option for me.

All are delightful on wintry days! But probably not best for people who run hot, because they really are so warm.

Sizing & Fit:

• Runs on the roomy side, but true to size for length.
• Wide width
• High volume

I have a size 36/37 and they feel looser than other slippers in the same size, but I don’t think I could size down.

Kingdom of Wow – Extra Wide Friendly

Wool & Bamboo | Sizes US Women’s 6 – Men’s 12.5 | Ships from:

Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off

These are so dang comfy, I wear my Kingdom of Wow slippers in both high and low cut all the time. The lightweight version (75% New Zealand wool and 25% botanical fibers) is not as warm as the others and can be worn a lot of the year. The cozier slippers (65% New Zealand wool and 35% botanical fibers) are thicker and warmer, but still light. They have taken the shape of my feet and are just so easy to wear!

I tend to reach for the slip-ons most often because they are the easiest to put on and work great almost year round. One pair of my KOW slippers is two years old and even after all that use they are still in great condition. They’ve stretched some, but not excessively, and you can put them in the washing machine when dirty.

Sizing & Fit:

• Slightly small when new – I have a Women’s 7.5-8 (a size bigger than I would normally take) in all mine, and they are a good fit with a pair of socks.
• Wide width – the shape conforms to your foot, so they are adaptable for a lot of different shapes. Extra wide feet may spill over the sides.
• All volumes – they work on my low volume feet, and will stretch to fit higher volume feet (but might be snug at first)

Softstar Fireside – Extra Wide Friendly

Suede & Sheepskin | Sizes 5U-13U | 2 Width Options | Handmade in the USA

I have been wearing this same pair of slippers the last 5 or 6 years – they are incredibly comfortable and high quality and very roomy. Over the years they’ve stretched out and now are a little floppy if I wear them without socks, but still perfect with cozy socks. And you can replace the insoles because the sheepksin can get flat after years of wear.

They come in two widths, and the wide is extra wide friendly. Mine are a size 5u (women’s 6) wide, which is on the smaller end of what I would normally choose for a slipper. But they are still plenty roomy and I definitely wouldn’t size up. New this year – Softstar now makes a rubber bottom version called S’More!

Softstar also has the Merino Zen slipper, which is a felted wool. They are a nice house shoe! My son likes them.

Sizing & Fit:

• Should fit snug when new – I recommend getting a size down
• Fits average, wide and extra wide feet!
• Medium to high volume fit

Wildling Slinka Sten

Undyed Felted Wool | Rubber Sole | Sizes EU 23-48

Use code AWN_ANYA_S for a one-time free shipping offer

These felted wool slippers are the only ones on this list that step-in friendly (hands free!) and come in the entire size range from little kids to large men’s sizes. The wool is thick and warm, and the outsoles are just grippy enough to not be slippery but still quiet on my floors.

They are on the higher volume side and I like to pair them with one of their wool insoles (does not come included) for a better fit. Even still, they’re a little floppy on my low volume feet and I prefer to wear them while reclining but not walking around. They will work best for people who want that hands-free feature and have higher volume feet.

Sizing & Fit:

• Runs big. I tried a 38 first and they were way too big. Now I have a 37 and I still have lots of room and can wear socks with them.
• Wide fit
• Medium to high volume

Xero Pagosa Cozy

Synthetic Fleece | Rubber Outsole | Sizes US Women’s 5 – Men’s 15

These fleece slippers are so cozy, they’re like a warm fleece for your feet. They also have a rubber bottom and a collapsible heel for quick slide in if you don’t want to put them fully on. They fit both Justin and me really securely, and are so soft. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to the sheepskin and wool options here that is still warm and structured, this is the best one. Overall pretty big fan!

You can get the regular Pagosa too if you want a house shoe that isn’t so warm. Justin has been wearing his religiously for the past few years.

Sizing & Fit:

• Slightly small – I have a US 7 and find them just big enough for me, but Justin’s usual size was too small for him.
• Medium wide, not suited for extra wide toe splay
• Medium volume

Verloop – Extra Wide Friendly

Vegan | Fleece Lined | Sizes XS – M/L | Ships from USA

Samantha has these knit slippers and loves them! They have a bit more cushion to the sole when brand new, but it compresses with just a couple wears (and some people might like that extra squish!). They are also a good price point for a cozy wide toe box slipper.

The knit uppers are stretchy and the soles are super flexible with plenty of grip for indoor use. They’re also sustainably made with deadstock yarn and they’re machine washable! We recommend the Verloop slippers with backs for a secure fit. Oh, and the fun prints and colors are a win.

Sizing & Fit:

• True to size
• Extra wide friendly
• Medium to high volume (the high top booties are higher volume than the low cut slippers)

More Foot-Friendly Slippers

The above are my favorites, but here are a few more good foot-friendly slipper options.

Lems Drifter Fur (US) – Cozy lined slip-ons with rubber outsole for either indoor or outdoor use and optional collapsible heel. Justin loves them! They also look cool. Find Men’s Drifter Fur here

If you’re outside the US, shop Lems EU here.

Luks Barefoot Slippers (EU) – These wool-lined slippers come in two widths and have loads of toe space for even square shaped feet. Runs large and high volume.

High Plains (US) – These are a nice handmade sheepskin slipper, but best for high volume feet/thicker ankles because the ankle opening is wide. Justin slips out of them.

Kyrgies (US) – The Wovens are my favorite. The Slides are also zero drop (others are not). These ones are also not super secure on the foot, so best for reclining or for those with thicker feet.

Posh Panda (CA) – Multiple sole options including “soft sole” which is a leather bottom. They can be a simple leather house shoe, or you can add a sheepskin insole for more of a slipper feel. Read my Posh Panda review for details!

Baa Lamb Slippers (New Zealand) – You can also order via their Instagram. We have not tried these personally, but they look good so far.

Manitobah (CA) – This indigenous owned brand makes slippers with a good square toe box shape. Best for high volume, thick feet.

Glerups – These are zero drop, but have a narrower toe box than I prefer. Best for slim feet.

Padraig Cottage (CA)- Made in Canada with wool uppers, leather soles, and a sheepskin lining.

The Leather Works (US) – Sheepskin booties with a suede or rubber outsole. Handmade in the USA.

Lang. S by Tikki Shoes (EU) – Felted wool, super lightweight! Use ANYALANG for 10% off.

Zeazoo Indoor (EU)- Get 5% off with code ANYASREVIEWS

Starry Knight Design (US) – Soft sole leather slippers with wool insole, and optional add-on rubber sole. This one has a slightly tapered toe box, best for medium or narrow toes.

Tibetan Socks – Hand knit wool socks with fleece lining

Pudus (vegan) – Made from recycled polyester

Cozy Socks that Don’t Pinch Your Toes

I love a cozy comfy sock for around the house! You can find all my favorites here.

And there you have it! You can keep your feet toasty warm and still maintain full comfort throughout the cold season.

If you’re looking to actually leave your house this winter, there are loads of great barefoot boots options that will keep you warm and still meet all the barefoot criteria. Check out all my barefoot boot reviews and guides for plenty of choices for men, women, and kids. Let the happy feet continue even when it’s frigid outside!

The post Slippers Your Feet Will Love appeared first on Anya's Reviews.

That’s a wrap for Black Friday 2025! Going forward, we will have all active sales in our ongoing Sales & Discounts article here.

Welcome to the 7th annual Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sales and Discounts list on all things barefoot shoes, wide toe box shoes, and healthy foot gear for the 2025 season. We manually track all this information to bring you the most comprehensive resource available!

You’ll even find exclusive discounts for Anya’s Reviews readers only. So if you’re doing any barefoot shoes shopping this Black Friday & Cyber Monday season, you’re in the right place.

Got questions? Not sure if a brand is right for you? What size to get? Start browsing my homepage for all the resources you need.

For year round deals, you can check out my constantly updated Barefoot Shoe Discounts page. To get that news delivered straight to your email inbox each week be sure to subscribe to the Barefoot Shoe Digest!

Otherwise, happy shopping!

The Best Barefoot Shoe Black Friday Sales of 2025

– Vivobarefoot: Up to 30% off select models
– Birchbury: 10% off everything
– Origo Shoes: 15% off site-wide with code HOLIDAY15
– Be Lenka: Up to 50% off select models

Adult Barefoot Shoe Sales

And here is the complete list of wide toe box, barefoot shoe sales!

• ENDED Ahinsa (vegan brand): Up to 40% off
• LIVE Aintap FeelBarefoot: AR Exclusive! 11/28-1/1 – 45% off & extra 5% off with code ANYA50
• ENDED Anya’s Shop: 11/17-12/1 Up to 30% off
• ENDED Astral: AR Exclusive! 11/21-12/8 25% off sitewide. Additional 10% off with code ASTRALxAnyas. 5% donated
• ENDED Atlantis Handmade: 12/1 – 20% off site-wide with code BF25. BOGO 50% off with code BOGOBF. Free towel gift in every order
• ENDED Bahe: 11/28-12/3 – AR Exclusive! 20% off Revive model, 30% off Respire model. Additional 10% off with code ANYA
• ENDED Barebound: Discounts on select products
• LIVE Be Lenka & Barebarics: Discounts up to 50% off
• ENDED Bearfoot Shoes: 15% off all shoes
• LIVE Birchbury: 12/5-12/21 – 10% off everything
• ENDED Bohempia: 11/26-12/1 – 20% off non-discounted items. Not combinable with other promotions
• ENDED Brambas: 50% off select styles
• ENDED Butterfly Your World: 20% off all shoes
• ENDED Carets: 11/25-12/2 – 18% off orders < $300 with code 18BF2025. 23% off orders > $300 with code 23BF2025
• ENDED Crupon Sandals: Discounts up to 40% off. Additional 10% off with code ANYA. Duties prepaid for US
• ENDED Dolfie Paradise: AR Exclusive! 11/19-12/1 – 15-20% off all shoes, additional 5% off with code ANYABF
• ENDED El Naturalista: Up to 20% off select styles
• LIVE Feelgrounds: 20% off everything with code BYE2025. Use code ANYA5 for an extra 5% off your first order
• ENDED Flux Footwear: Up to 60% cash back when you spend $115+
• ENDED Freet: 11/12-12/2 – Up to 60% off all products. If you are in the UK, shop the sale here. And if you are in the EU, use this link
• ENDED Gaucho Ninja: 11/28-12/1 – 20% off with code BLACKFRIDAY2025
• ENDED Groundies USA: 12/8-12/22 – AR Exclusive! Up to 20% off sitewide. Extra 5% off with code ANYA5STAR (excludes clearance)
• ENDED Groundies (EU & ROW): – Up to 50% off sale items, and 20% extra off all shoes with code BESTDEAL
• ENDED Groundz: 20% off sitewide with code GIFT20
• ENDEDJoe Nimble: Up to 50% off while supplies last
• ENDED Lang.S: 11/7-11/28 – 35% off Tikki products. 20-40% off Lang S. products
• ENDED Lems: 11/18-12/2 – 25% off sitewide, excluding new releases and non-Lems accessories
• LIVE Lisbeth Joe: $50 london loafers
• ENDED Lono: 11/13-12/1 – BOGO 50% OFF on ALL models
• ENDED Luks Barefoot: 20% off sitewide
• ENDED Magical Shoes: Up to 45% off. Extra discounts and products for email subscribers
• LIVE Merrell: 12/4-12/25 Up to 40% off select models
• ENDED Mukishoes: 20% off most models with code NOVSALE
• ENDED Minnemals: 11/28-12/1 15% off sitewide with code BF2025
• ENDED Nackt: 20% off sitewide
• ENDED Notorious Lift: 12/2-12/7 15% off sitewide
• LIVE Oesh: AR Exclusive! $20.25 discount on any footwear with code ANYA2025
• ENDED Ohne: Up to 45% off
• ENDED Origo Shoes: 11/20-12/3 – Up to 30% off
• ENDED PaperKrane: 11/14-12/1 – Up to 40% off. Sign up for their emails for possible extra deals during the sale
• ENDED Peerko: 12/7-12/9 AR Exclusive! – Discounts up to 30% off. Extra 5% off with code ANYA5EXTRA
• ENDED Peluva: 25% off site-wide
• LIVE Posh Panda: 12/1-12/25 – BOGO 50% off
• ENDED Raum Goods: 25-50% off everything
• ENDED Ruby Workshop: AR Exclusive! Throughout November – 40% off with code ANYABLACKFRIDAY40
• LIVE Rutsu: 20% off sitewide with code HOLIDAY20
• ENDED Saguaro: 25% off select models
• LIVE Saltic: 25% off with code BLACKFRIDAY
• ENDED Shapen Barefoot: AR Exclusive! Discounts up to 40% off party shoes. Additional 5% off with code ANYA5
• ENDED Skinners EU: 11/17-12/1 – 20% off all shoes
• ENDED Softstar Shoes: 11/12-12/3 – Up to $50 off most styles & 15% off gift card purchases over $100
• ENDED Splay Shoes: Up to 50% off
• ENDED Tomas Sullivent: 11/28-12/1 Up to 25% off shoes, free shoe care kit with shoe purchase while supplies last
• LIVE Tolos: AR Exclusive! 11/28-12/25 – $20 off all shoes. Stackable with ANYA10 for additional 10% off.
• ENDED Turriff: 11/21 – 11/28 – $62 off each pair with code FUNCTION
• ENDED TYR Lifters and training shoes: 40% off sitewide
• ENDED Unshoes Footwear: 11/28-12/1 – Between 20% and 75% off all shoes
• ENDED Vibram: Up to 50% off
• LIVE Vivobarefoot: Up to 30% off select models
• LIVE Whitin: Select barefoot models 20-50% off
• ENDED Wildling Shoes: 10-40% off
• ENDED Wyde Footwear: AR Exclusive! 11/24-12/3 – Up to 40% off. Additional 5% off with code ANYASREVIEWS
• ENDED Xero Shoes: 30% off select fan favorites
• ENDED Zeazoo: 11/18-12/1 – 25% off with code BF25

Barefoot Sandal Sales

• ENDED Bedrock Sandals: 11/14-12/1 – 15% off sandals and apparel with code HOLIDAY15
• ENDED Crupon Sandals: Discounts up to 40% off. Additional 10% off with code ANYA. Duties prepaid for US
• ENDED Earth Runners: 12/5-12/15 – 20% off bundles
• ENDED GAIA Grounding Sandals: 11/28-12/2 – 15% off order with code THANKSGIVING15
• ENDED Grecian Sandals (Etsy): AR Exclusive! 11/10-12/9 – 25-50% off select items. 10% off everything else with code EXTRA10ANYA
• ENDED High Feels: AR Exclusive! 11/24-12/2 – 20% off with code ANYA
• ENDED Luna Sandals: 12/1-12/5 – 20% off
• LIVE Shamma Sandals: 20% off Elites, Trailstars, & Luma
• ENDED Toetem Sandals: 11/24-12/1 – 25% off
• ENDED Deliberate Life Designs: 11/21-12/1 – 20% off + free cork massage ball with code BLKFRI20 , and 10% off Enigma + free cork massage ball with code BLKFRI10
• ENDED Unshoes Footwear: 11/28-12/1 – Between 20% and 75% off all shoes
• ENDED ZuZu Sandals: Up to 40% off select products with code BLACKZUZU

Kids Barefoot Shoe Sales

• ENDED Anya’s Shop: 11/17-12/1 Up to 30% off
• ENDED Barefoot Kids: AR Exclusive! 11/10-12/1 – 20% off with code ANYASFRIDAY20
• LIVE Be Lenka: Discounts up to 50%
• ENDED Dolfie Paradise: AR Exclusive! 11/19-12/1 – 15-20% off all shoes, additional 5% off with code ANYABF
• ENDED Earth Runners: 12/5-12/15 – 20% off bundles
• LIVE Feelgrounds: 20% off everything with code BYE2025. Use code ANYA5 for an extra 5% off your first order
• ENDED Fleeters: 11/28-12/1 – 15-30% off select products
• ENDEDFoot Buddy: AR Exclusive! 11/22-12/10 – 40% off all products with code ANYAS40
• ENDED Freet: 11/12-12/2 – Up to 60% off all products. If you are in the UK, shop the sale here. And if you are in the EU, use this link
• ENDED Groundies: AR Exclusive! 12/8-12/22 – Up to 20% off sitewide. Extra 5% off with code ANYA5STAR (excludes clearance)
• ENDED Jan & Jul: 11/28-12/2 – 20% off sitewide. Daily lightning deals over the weekend to be announced on their Instagram
• ENDED Lang.S: 11/7-11/28 – 35% off Tikki products. 20-40% off Lang S. products
• ENDED Lex Barefoot: 30-50% off selected items
• ENDED Little Love Bug Company: 40% off sitewide with code BF40
• ENDED Magical Shoes: Up to 45% off. Extra discounts and products for email subscribers
• ENDED Mukishoes: 20% off most models with code NOVSALE
• ENDED Origo Shoes: 11/20-12/3 Up to 30% off
• ENDED PaperKrane: 11/15-12/1 – Up to 40% off. Sign up for their emails for possible extra deals during the sale
• LIVE Posh Panda: 12/1-12/25 – BOGO 50% off
• ENDED Reima: AR Exclusive! 12/1 – 30% off + free shipping. Additional 20% off first purchase with code ANYA20
• ENDED Saguaro: 25% off select models
• LIVE Shamma Sandals: 20% off Elites, Trailstars, & Luma
• ENDED Shapen Barefoot: AR Exclusive! Discounts up to 50% off. Additional 5% off with code ANYA5
• ENDED Soft Walker Shoes: 11/1-12/8 – 20% off purchase with code HOLIDAY2025
• ENDED Splay Shoes: Up to 50% off
• ENDED Starry Knight Design: 11/21-12/1 – 20% off
• LIVE Stonz: 40% off select styles.
• ENDED Ten Little: 15% off eligible orders over $75 with code BFSAVINGS15.
• ENDED Unshoes Footwear: 11/28-12/1 – Between 20% and 75% off all shoes
• ENDED Wildling Shoes: 10-40% off
• LIVE Vivobarefoot: Up to 30% off select models
• LIVE Whitin: Select barefoot models 20-50% off
• ENDED Xero Shoes: 30% off select fan favorites
• ENDED Zeazoo: 11/18-12/1 – 25% off with code BF2025
• ENDED Zuna Shoes: AR Exclusive! 10/21-12/5 – 20% off with code ANYA20
• ENDED Zutano (baby booties): 40% off sitewide with code SOFTMONDAY

Wide But Not Barefoot Brands

• ENDED Altra Running: 30% off select styles
• ENDED Duckfeet: 20% off with code DUCKTHEHALLS

Region-Specific Barefoot Shoe Sales

Australia

• ENDED Barefoot Inc: 12/1- Free shipping in AU
• ENDED Bprimal: Ends 12/7 – Up to 40% off sitewide
• ENDED Oz Barefoot: Up to 40% off
• ENDED Sole Mechanics AU: 25-50% off sitewide

Europe

• ENDED Affenzahn: Up to 55% off
• ENDED Anatomic: Up to 20% off select styles
• ENDED Aylla: Up to 40% off
• ENDED Barefoot & More (retailer): 11/2-12/1 – Up to 60% off select models. Also, BOGO 50% off Vivobarefoot
• ENDED Barefoot Naboso (retailer): Up to 70% off select styles
• ENDED Filii: 10% off orders over 300€ with code GREEN10. 20% off orders over 600€ with code GREEN20. 30% off orders over 1000€ with code GREEN30.
• ENDED Freet EU: 11/12-12/2 – Up to 60% off all products
• LIVE Functional Footwear (retailer): Up to 40% off
• ENDED Go Free Concepts: Up to 50% off
• ENDED Lems EU: 11/18-12/2 25% off sitewide
• LIVE Mugavik Barefoot (retailer): Through 12/24 – free pair of insoles with every purchase of shoes marked “+ GIFT”.
• ENDED Muris Brand: Up to 60% off
• ENDED Sole Runner: 20% off with code FEELFREE20
• ENDED Tadeevo: Up to 20% off
• ENDED Xero Shoes EU: 30% off select fan favorites

UK

• ENDED Barefoot Junkie: 10% off everything with code BFJCYBER10
• ENDED Freet UK: 11/12-12/2 – Up to 60% off all products
• ENDED Happy Little Soles (Kids + Adults): 11/1-12/1 – 20% off select styles. 11/25-12/1 – 30% off select styles.
• ENDED Nackt: 11/20-12/1 – 20% off sitewide
• ENDED Wildsole: AR Exclusive! 11/28-12/1 – 20% off sandals with code WILDSOLEBF
• ENDED Xero Shoes UK: Up to 40% off select models

USA

• ENDED Anya’s Shop: 11/17-12/1 Up to 30% off
• ENDED Butterfly Your World: 20% off all shoes
• ENDED Freet USA: 11/12-12/2 – Up to 60% off all products
• ENDED Injinji Socks: Up to 30% off sale & free shipping on US orders over $60
• ENDED Minnemals: 11/28-12/1 15% off sitewide with code BF2025
• ENDED Notace: Free gift with purchase.
• ENDED Origo Shoes: 11/20-12/3 Up to 30% off
• ENDED PedTerra: 11/28-12/2 – 15% off sitewide
• LIVE Rutsu: 20% off sitewide with code HOLIDAY20
• ENDED Ten Little (Kids): 15% off eligible orders over $75 with code BFSAVINGS15
• LIVE Tolos: AR Exclusive! 11/28-12/25 – $20 off all shoes. Stackable with ANYA10 for additional 10% off
• ENDED Tomas Sullivent: 11/28-12/1 Up to 25% off shoes, free shoe care kit with shoe purchase while supplies last
• ENDED Xero Shoes: 30% off select fan favorites
• ENDED Zuna Shoes (Kids): AR Exclusive! 10/21-12/5 – 20% off with code ANYA20

Canada

• LIVE Posh Panda: 12/1-12/25 – BOGO 50% off
• ENDED Sole Freedom (Shoe + foot gear retailer): 10% off entire order with code BLACKFRIDAY10

South America

• LIVE Feet of Tomorrow (Brazil): BOGO 30% off sneakers

Barefoot Shoe Accessories

Socks

• ENDED Injinji Socks (US/CA only): Up to 30% off sale & free shipping on US orders over $60
• ENDED Anya’s Shop: 11/17-12/1 Up to 30% off
• ENDED Maro Toe Socks: 11/24-12/1 35% off all products with code BF35
• ENDED Knitido+ USA: 40% off on 5 pairs with code CYBERWEEK2025
• ENDED Icarus Footwear: 50% off toe spacers and socks with code BLACKFRIDAY
• ENDED Creepers Socks: 12/1 – Up to 30% off and free shipping
• ENDED Knitido DE: 11/28-12/1 – 20-50% off select products
• ENDED Bedrock Sandals: 11/14-12/1 – 15% off sandals and apparel with code HOLIDAY15
• ENDED Earth Runners: 12/5-12/15 – 20% off bundles
• ENDED Luna Sandals: 12/1-12/5 – 20% off
• LIVE Naboso Technology: Free shipping on USA orders over $75
• LIVE The Toe Spacer (foot health tools): 20% off stocking stuffers with code STOCKING20
• ENDED ToeToe Socks: Up to 40% off
• ENDED ToeSox: 30% off with code BFDEAL30 & $25 gift card when you spend over $125
• LIVE XOSkin socks: 25% off with code HOLIDAY2025

Slippers

• ENDED Kyrgies (Wovens & Slides are zero drop): BOGO on all house shoes with code BOGO
• ENDED Softstar Shoes: 11/12-12/3 – Up to $50 off most styles & 15% off gift card purchases over $100
• ENDED Lems: 11/18-12/2 – 25% off sitewide, excluding new releases and non-Lems accessories
• ENDED Verloop (slippers): Buy 3 get 1 free
• ENDED Kingdom of Wow: 11/28-12/2 – 25% off sitewide for US, 20% off sitewide for Europe. Additional 5% off for newsletter subscribers

Foot Gear/Insoles

• ENDED Correct Toes: $10 off original model, $5 off sport model. Discounts on other select products
• ENDED Anya’s Shop: (Correct Toes, floor mats, massage balls): 11/17-12/1 Up to 30% off
• LIVE Naboso Technology: 12/6-12/17 – Free shipping on USA orders over $75
• LIVE The Toe Spacer (foot health tools): 20% off stocking stuffers with code STOCKING20
• ENDED Barefoot Kids (Textured floor mats): AR Exclusive! 11/10-12/1 – 20% off with code ANYASFRIDAY20
• LIVE Pranamat ECO (acupressure mats): Up to 15% off & free shipping

Exercise Equipment

• LIVE The Foot Collective: 30% off online programs & free gift with purchase
• ENDED MOBO Board: 11/27-12/2 – 10% off 1 board with code HOLIDAZE1. 15% off 2 boards with code HOLIDAZE2. 20% off 3 boards with code HOLIDAZE3.
• LIVE P.R. Gear: 50% off a FloatRun or Bridge Soles with any purchase
• ENDED Movemate: 11/28-12/7 – 15% off with code MOVE
• ENDED Yoga Tune Up Fitness: 25% off sitewide & $5 off next purchase when you spend $25
• ENDED Venn Design (dynamic furniture): 11/27-12/2 – 20% off sitewide

Laces/Miscellaneous/T-shirts

• ENDED Anya’s Shop: 11/17-12/1 Up to 30% off

Education

• ENDED Whealth: Up to $750 off
• ENDED Restore Your Core: 11/25-12/1 AR Exclusive! Up to 50% off the RYC 12-week program. Additional 10% off with Anya’s code to be announced in our newsletter
• ENDED Gait Happens: 11/26-12/2 – Up to $100 off and 10% off sitewide
• LIVE The Foot Collective: 30% off online programs & free gift with purchase

Barefoot Shoes Brands Not Having a Black Friday / Cyber Monday sale

• BLifestyle
• Conker Shoes
• No(N)s
• Steger Mukluks
• Zami
• Zapato Feroz
• Zaqq Barefoot – You can find the a selection of Zaqq models at Anya’s Shop
• Barefoot Shop (retailer):
• Lonnies:
• Barefoot Shoes AU:
• Feelmax:
• Cool East Market (shoe retailer):
• Kiva Tribe:Nutritious Movement:

The post The Ultimate Guide to Barefoot Shoe BLACK FRIDAY Sales – 2025 appeared first on Anya's Reviews.

I love the Chelsea boot look, but I’m tired of cute shoes that are uncomfortable. That’s why I wear barefoot Chelsea boots instead! They don’t squish my toes or aggravate my back, like most stylish shoes do. Want to wear Chelsea boots without hurting your feet? You’re in the right place.

Find here my all-time favorite wide toe box Chelsea boots, including barefoot, cushioned, extra wide, and budget options.

Why I Wear Barefoot Chelsea Boots

My feet are important to me, and I am done stuffing them into shoes that don’t respect their natural shape. I wear barefoot Chelsea boots because:

1. They have a wide anatomical toe box that doesn’t squish my toes
2. They are flat (zero drop) and don’t push my weight forward
3. They style the same as regular Chelsea boots!
4. And you can choose more cushioned options or add insoles if you don’t want a thin sole!

Most fashion footwear, like the Chelsea boots on me above right and below right, have a pointy narrow shape and heel that can really hurt! Unlike shoes that claim to be good for wide feet but still come to a point at the end, barefoot boots actually give you the space and the flexibility where you need it.

The Best Barefoot Chelsea Boots

These are my all time top picks for the best barefoot Chelsea boots!

But first – Pro tip: Chelsea boots don’t have laces, which means they can be more slide-y and floppy than other shoes. I frequently make use of a few easy fit hacks to ensure I get a perfect fit. Ok NOW let’s talk about my personal favorite barefoot Chelsea boots that have space for your toes to wiggle AND are stylish and trendy.

Xero Shoes

Leather | Microfiber Lining | Sizes US W5 – M15

Xero has two barefoot Chelsea boots – the rugged Ridgeway, which comes in men’s and women’s sizing and the Tari II. The Ridgeway has been very popular as an all-purpose functional Chelsea, that also looks trendy. I personally found them too stiff in the back heel area for my liking, but I am quite sensitive there – a lot of people in my community are loving them.

The other Xero Chelsea boot is the women’s Tari II – which I co-designed with them! I wanted to see a Chelsea with a touch more sophistication, and that something extra that makes you excited to put them. While not as rugged as the Ridgeway, the outsole is still meant to be functional throughout the season with some grip. And they have a wider toe box and more feminine fit than the original Tari Chelsea. Read more about them here!

Sizing & Fit:

• True to size for most people, but the Ridgeway ran small for Justin (he wears a 13 but needed 14 in Ridgeway Chelsea). I have a size 6.5 in the Tari II.
• Medium to wide width – Men’s models are wider than women’s
• Medium to high volume with removable insole

Vivobarefoot Sensus Chelsea

Leather Upper | Leather Lining | Sizes EU 35-49

Use code ANYASREVIEWS15 for 15% off

If you have low volume feet and narrow heels, this is the best barefoot Chelsea boot for you. I am almost always swimming in pull-on barefoot shoes, but the Vivobarefoot Sensus Chelsea I can wear with no modifications. They come with a removable thermal insole that some people will want to take out (if you’re not quite as low volume as I), and the toe box width is solid! They are not extra wide, but wider fitting than other Vivobarefoot shoes I’ve tried.

They have a really sleek, outfit-completing silhouette that I love. Stylish, and still practical with an outsole that has some grip to it.

Sizing & Fit:

• I find them true to size, but they do run shorter than other Vivo shoes. So some people will want to size up or plan to remove the insole.
• Medium wide in the toe box
• Low volume fit with insole, medium low volume without insole

Lila by Anya

Leather Upper | Leather Lining | Sizes EU 34-45

When it comes to Chelsea boot styling, the Lila has been a go-to for years. I wanted something that looked more like a classic Chelsea boot than other barefoot options, so I went out and designed one! The leather paneling over the elastic makes for a more sophisticated look, so these dress up really well too. I reach for them and the Rosa boot (similar but with side zipper) all fall and winter when I really want to look good!

Lila Chelsea boots have a quality leather upper, leather lining, and leather insole – all chrome free and vegetable tanned without the use of harsh chemicals. It takes significantly longer and is more expensive to tan leather in this way, but it’s safer for skin and is softer/more breathable than chrome tanned leather.

The outsole has a rubber bottom for a bit of grip, but they are not intended for rugged use. And it is a bit thicker and stiffer sole (because it’s entirely leather) than some barefoot Chelsea boots, so if you want a real flexible feel you’ll probably like the others here better!

Sizing & Fit:

• True to size, but slightly short for some. I wear my usual size still.
• Medium wide – suitable for average and wide feet, but not best for extra wide feet.
• High volume above the arch, so I added tongue pads to mine to get a secure fit (just be aware that tongue pads are semi permanent and don’t come off easily).

Lang.S Luna

Leather | Leather Lining | Sizes EU 36-42*

*Sizes up to EU 44 are available directly from Lang S in the EU

Use code ANYALANG for 10% off directly from Lang S

These were an unexpected favorite from Lang.S (formerly Tikki), which has recently started making adult shoes. They have that ample toe box room both in width and in height – that means no toe pinching from any direction. They are lined with a soft chrome-free natural leather, and are so soft and lightweight. I also like the sole, which has a traditional welt and feels more classic.

Sizing & Fit:

• All around roomy, but I still wear my normal size
• Wide to extra wide fit
• High volume – I need an extra insole and thick socks

Mukishoes Chelsea

Leather | Wool Lining | Sizes EU 36-45

Use code ANYAMUKI for 10% off directly from Mukishoes in the EU

I love that the Mukishoes Chelsea is a lower cut than most other wide toe box options, which gives you different styling options – easier to wear with jeans than taller Chelsea boots! They are also very light, flexible, and come with a real wool lining – not too thick, but nice for cold days.

They can get a little wrinkly/frumpy because they are so soft and unstructured, but it doesn’t stop me from styling them with lots of outfits. I reach for them often when I want a quick and easy look that’s still stylish. Mukishoes Chelsea is unisex.

Sizing & Fit:

• Slightly small – I have a pair both in my regular size and a size up – both fit but the smaller size is a bit short.
• Medium wide – best for average and some wide feet. The outsole is very soft and can flatten out a bit under wider feet as they break in, but don’t feel super wide when brand new.
• Medium volume – the ankle opening is slim and lower cut, so some people say the front edge cuts into their ankle a bit. But it helps keep the shoe from being floppy even on different instep heights.

Lems Chelsea

Leather | Waterproof Options | Sizes US W6 – M15

If you’re outside the US, shop Lems EU here.

Hands down my favorite wide toe box Chelsea boot with cushion is the Lems Chelsea. They are really lightweight, have a very spacious toe box shape that can fit most foot shapes and widths, and they are soft and cushioned. Justin and I both have had great luck with ours – the quality, fit, and feel are all on point.

Also from Lems is the Chelsea Tuff. The brown color has a fluffy collar and lining that is surprisingly warm. The sole is quite thick (makes me feel so tall!) but flexes at the toe. Really well-made waterproof shoes with a grippy practical outsole. The black color has no fluff, but is still insulated.

Groundies

Leather | Velvet or no lining | Two Width Options | Sizes EU 36-43

Groundies has a few different Chelsea models, and all are well made and stylish. My favorite is the Camden, above left, which comes in Barefoot and Barefoot+ (extra wide). They are light, so flexible, and have a taller shaft for an edgier, slim-fit look. The Sienna, above right, has a trendy chunky look, and I like them but they’re not quite as flexible or as forgiving in the toe box.

The Camden has a slip-resistant outsole, which is handy in the fall and winter, and a thin velvety lining for a little bit of extra warmth. They feel great on foot! I love them in both widths myself since I don’t have an extra wide foot.

The Barefoot+ width is extra wide friendly and higher volume – they’re one of the best wide options if you have trouble fitting into most barefoot shoes.

Sizing & Fit:

• True to size
• Medium width in Barefoot) and extra wide in Barefoot+
• Medium volume in Barefoot, medium-high volume in Barefoot +

Zaqq Equity

Leather | Leather lining | Sizes EU 36-46*

*Sizes up to EU 50 are available directly from Zaqq in the EU.

For me a sleek, glossy all-black Chelsea boot is a fall/winter wardrobe essential. They do double as an everyday shoe and a dress shoe, because they’re understated and match every outfit – the cold weather version of the Little Black Flat. The Zaqq Equity is my top pick in this category.

Sizing & Fit:

• True to size
• Medium width – fit my slightly wider feet, but wouldn’t work for extra wide feet.
• Higher volume – I add an extra insole and a tongue pad for an optimal fit

Be Lenka Entice

Leather | Fleece lined | Sizes EU 36-43

The Be Lenka Entice is a little more rugged of a Chelsea boot style with a durable outsole. They have an extra wide, fan-shaped fit for those of you who really need all the toe space while still styling like other Chelsea boots.

They are heavier than the Groundies Camden and other barefoot Chelsea boots – some people love that extra durability and traction though. They certainly are good quality!

Be Lenka also has the Mojo chelsea boot that we really like. It’s not quite as wide as as Entice, but is still plenty wide for me and features a comfortable knit ankle opening.

Sizing & Fit:

• Runs small – I size up one
• Extra wide
• Medium volume – they do not have a removable insole, and people with high volume feet often find them tight over the top of the foot. They can loosen with wear though!

Freet Durham

Leather | Textile lining | Sizes EU 37-48

Use code AnyaFreet for 10% off

Another rugged Chelsea boot option that fits extra wide feet – the Durham is new for 2025. It is a solid boot, with a little thinner sole than the Lems and Xero boots featured here. They can function for everyday wear, light hiking, and a light work boot because the leather is thick and the outsole has some tread.

Sizing & Fit:

• Mostly true to size, but if you have extra wide feet I’d suggest going up one size
• Wide to extra wide fit
• High volume – they come with a removable insole, and even with it in they are quite spacious on me.

Feelgrounds Chelsea

Vegan Leather | Velvety Lining | Sizes EU 35-49

Use code ANYA5 for 5% off your first order.

Feelgrounds Chelsea boots have that chunky style that is a bit more urban but still sleek. The functional outsole is nice for winter weather, and they have an all around good fit. Truthfully, I don’t often like to wear faux leather, but I still reach for these when I want a sleek look but a bit more outsole.

Sizing & Fit:

• Runs small for me – I sized up one
• Wide fit – not quite extra wide, but wider than your standard barefoot shoe
• Medium volume – I am able to wear mine comfortable with a pair of socks and don’t need to add an extra insole.

Best Budget Chelsea Boot

For when you want the comfort of a wide toe box barefoot Chelsea boot, but can’t swing the price.

Saguaro Urban

Faux Leather | 4mm Outsole | Sizes EU 36-42

Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 15% off.

These faux leather Chelsea boots from Saguaro have a classy look and a nice little perforation detail around the edge. They’re really comfortable straight away, without any hard edges or rough bits. I don’t expect the faux leather to be as durable as real leather, but it does make the price more affordable.

Sizing & Fit:

• True to size
• Wide to extra wide toe box
• Medium volume, but can work for high volume feet with the insole removed.

More Barefoot Chelsea Boots

If you’re looking for even more barefoot Chelsea boots options, you can find a complete list below with brands from all around the world.

Softstar Primal Chelsea (US) – Unisex sizes 5U – 14U in regular or wide. These have the widest, most square foot shape of all the barefoot boots! They are low volume over the toes, which can be uncomfortable during the break-in time. Once you know you want to keep them, I suggest stuffing the toe box with socks or paper towels and letting that area stretch out.

Magical Shoes Lupino (EU) – Sizes EU 36-47. Get 10% off with code ANYA. These run small, I recommend sizing up one. Love how soft and flexible they are! You can find them in the US at Pedterra and use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off your first order. The Lupino also comes in a vegan option!

Wildling Bruklin – These have a wool lining and a wool/hemp upper paired with a water resistant membrane. The higher cup sole is also more weather friendly and they are just dang comfy!

Use code AWN_ANYA_S for a one-time free shipping offer. If you live outside the US/Canada, shop Wildling Shoes via this link.

Peerko Chelsea (EU) – Sizes EU 37-43. Use code ANYASREVIEWS10 for 10% off. Returns are not accepted outside the EU. I love Peerko’s fit and quality!

Annika Barefoot (EU) – Sizes EU 37-42. These have an extra wide toe box, and a nice fitted heel. Perfect for fan-shaped feet! They’re also available in all black and come with two insoles options of 5mm or 7mm. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off

Aintap FeelBarefoot (EU) – Sizes US Women’s 3.5 – Men’s 15. Read my Review here. You can use code ANYA50 for a discount! They come in all kinds of colors, which is fun.

Ahinsa (EU) – Sizes EU 37-46. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off

Bohempia Lumi (EU) – Sizes EU 36-47. Use ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off. This is an excellent wide vegan barefoot Chelsea boot.

Angles Nyx (EU only) – Sizes EU 37-45. You can find a limited selection at Anya’s Shop

Conker Shoes (UK) – Sizes UK 1-13 with 3 different width options and different sole options.

Drifter Leather (EU) – Sizes EU 34-49 with custom fit available. See my reviews of the Drifter Leather here.

Gaucho Ninja Chelsea (UK) – Sizes EU 36-45. Read my Gaucho Ninja Review here. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off! Pricey, but beautifully made.

Koel Fila (EU) – Sizes 36-45. These come in a few colors you don’t often see in Chelsea boots. I like them for average width, average volume feet.

Also available at retailer Mugavik Barefoot with worldwide shipping. Code ANYASREVIEWS gets you 5% off from Mugavik.

PaperKrane Chelsea boot (AU) – Sizes EU 19-42. PK is a great brand for a pop of color! Use code ANYA10 for 10% off. Pedterra in the US also often has PaperKrane models and you can use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off

Shapen Barefoot (EU) – Sizes EU 36-43. Several See my Shapen review for more details about this brand. I found Shapen Chelsea boots to be difficult to get on and off, even though they have a generous toe box. You can use code ANYA5 for 5% off, but they do not accept returns outside the EU.

Blusun (EU) – Sizes EU 37-43. These are best for average width. Use code AR10 for 10% off

The post The Best Barefoot Chelsea Boots That Won’t Squish Your Toes! appeared first on Anya's Reviews.

That’s a wrap for BFCM 2024! You can find any remaining sales in our current discounts article here.

Welcome to the 6th annual Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sales and Discounts list on all things barefoot shoes, wide toe box shoes, and healthy foot gear for the 2024 season. We manually track all this information to bring you the most comprehensive resource available!

You’ll even find exclusive discounts for Anya’s Reviews readers only. So if you’re doing any barefoot shoes shopping this Black Friday & Cyber Monday season, you’re in the right place.

Got questions? Not sure if a brand is right for you? What size to get? Start browsing my homepage for all the resources you need.

For year round deals, you can check out my constantly updated Barefoot Shoe Discounts page. To get that news delivered straight to your email inbox each week be sure to subscribe to the Barefoot Shoe Digest!

Otherwise, happy shopping!

The Best Barefoot Shoe Black Friday Sales of 2024

Adult Barefoot Shoe Sales

And here is the complete list of wide toe box, barefoot shoe sales!

• ENDED Ahinsa (vegan brand): 11/25-12/2 – Up to 40% off select models
• ENDED Aintap FeelBarefoot: 45% off site-wide. Use code ANYA50 for an extra 5% off.
• ENDED Altra Running: 11/29-12/2 30-40% off select styles, no code needed discounts will automatically apply
• ENDED Anya’s Shop: 11/20-12/2 – 5% – 30% off most products in the store
• ENDED Astral: 25% off almost everything
• ENDED Bahe: 11/29-12/1 – 10% off limited edition colors + extra 10% off code ANYA. These are cushioned wide toe box shoes.
• ENDED Barebarics: Up to 40% off
• ENDED Be Lenka: Up to 40% off
• ENDED Bearfoot Shoes: 11/29-11/30 – 15% off with code BLACKFRIDAY2024
• ENDED Birchbury: 11/22 -12/3 – 20% off shoes site-wide with code BLACKFRIDAY20
• ENDED Bohempia: 11/27 -12/2 – AR Exclusive Early Access 20% off everything with code GREENFRIDAY
• ENDED Carets: 11/26-12/3 – 18% off all orders less than $300 with code 18BF2025 or 23% off orders over $300 with code 23BF2025
• ENDED Crupon Sandals: 11/8 – 25%-40% off select models + an extra 10% off with code ANYA
• ENDED Feelgrounds: 11/29-12/2 – 20% off site-wide including clearance and use code ANYA5 for an extra 5% off.
• ENDED Flux Footwear: 30% off site-wide (Runners have a wide toe box, but thick sole).
• ENDED Freet: 11/22-12/3 – Up to 50% off. Email subscribers get early access + returns extended through the end of January
• ENDED Gaucho Ninja: 11/29-12/2 – 20% off with code BLACKFRIDAY20
• ENDED Groundies: Cyber Week sale – Up to 50% off select models
• ENDED Groundz:  20% off footwear with code FRIDAY20
• ENDED Jim Green: 11/25-12/1 – Up to 20% off select styles
• ENDED Joe Nimble: Up to 50% off
• ENDED Lems: Ends 12/3 – Sale Extended Up to 22% off site-wide
• ENDED Lisbeth Joe: 15% off pre-order new models
• ENDED Lono Flow: 10% off with code 10%BF2024
• ENDED Luks Barefoot: 20% off everything, 30% off in-stock products
• ENDED Magical Shoes: 12/5 – Cyber Monday 15% off site-wide
• ENDED Merrell: Up to50% off select styles
• ENDED Minnemals: 11/27-12/1 – 15% off site-wide with code BF15
• ENDED Notorious Lift: 15% off sitewide, 20% off $100+, 25% off $150
• ENDED Oesh: 11/27-12/15 – $20.24 off with code ANYA2024
• ENDED Origo Shoes: BOGO 50% off
• ENDED PaperKrane: 11/1-12/2 – Up to 50% off in stock shoes
• ENDED Peerko: 11/25-12/2 – AR Exclusive – 20% off vegan models with code VEGANBF20 (not applicable to outlet items) and code ANYASREVIEWS10 for 10% off everything else.
• ENDED Peluva: 15% off site-wide
• ENDED Posh Panda: 11/16-12/2 – Buy one get one 50% off
• ENDED Raum Goods: 11/18-12/3 – 25% off with code GROUNDED25
• ENDED Realfoot: Up to 40% off
• ENDED Ruby Workshop: 11/1-11/30 – 40% off everything with code ANYASREVIEWS
• ENDEDSaguaro: 11/15-12/7 – Up to 28% off select products
• ENDED Saltic: 25% off with code BLACKFRIDAY
• ENDED Shapen Barefoot: 11/18-12/2 – Up to 40% off + an extra 5% off with code ANYA5
• ENDED Skinners: 20% off with code BF 20
• ENDED Softstar Shoes: 11/13-12/2 – Up to $50 off select adult styles
• ENDED Splay Shoes: Cyber Monday up to 60% off
• ENDED Tomas Sullivent: 11/19-12/2 – Up to 15% off select styles
• ENDED Tikki Shoes: 11/24-12/1– Up to 40% off
• ENDED Tolos: $99 sneakers + an extra 10% off with code ANYA10
• ENDED TYR Lifters and training shoes: Cyber Monday 30% off sitewide, automatically applied at checkout
• ENDED Unshoes Footwear: 11/26-12/2– 25% off everything with code BlkFri
• ENDED Vibram: Up to 50% off
• ENDED Vivobarefoot: 11/11-12/6 – Use code ANYASREVIEWS15 for 15% off full-priced models until 12/6.
• ENDED Whitin: Discounts on select barefoot models
• ENDED Wildling Shoes: 30% off autumn & winter models
• ENDED Wyde Footwear: 12/2 – 20% off with code BW20
• ENDED Xero Shoes: 10% off all Xero Shoes + 50% off select styles
• ENDED Zeazoo: 11/25-11/29 – 25% off all models with code BF2024

Barefoot Sandal Sales

• ENDED Bedrock Sandals: 11/12 – 15% off Sandals + Apparel with code HOLIDAY15
• ENDED Crupon Sandals: 11/8 – 25%-40% off select models + an extra 10% off with code ANYA
• ENDED Earth Runners: 11/24-12/8 – Up to 30% off tiered savings (the more you spend, the more you save)
• ENDED GAIA Grounding Sandals: 11/28-12/2 – 10% off with code GROUNDTURKEY10
• ENDED Grecian Sandals (Etsy): 25% off all sandals. Select styles 50-70% off
• ENDED Luna Sandals: 11/29-12/2 – 20% off site-wide
• ENDED Shamma Sandals: 11/15 – 25% off favorites
• ENDED Toetem Sandals: 20% off All In-Stock BlackBears (excludes outlet/clearance) + AR Exclusive add matching MetaStraps for 50% Off with purchase of sandals w/code ANYAMETA
• ENDED Deliberate Life Designs: 11/29-12/2 – 20% off everything with code 24BLKFRI
• ENDED Unshoes Footwear: 11/26-12/2– 25% off everything with code BLKFRI
• ENDED ZuZu Sandals: 11/17-12/7 – Up to 60% off everything + AR Exclusive free replacement straps with code ANYABF2024

Kids Barefoot Shoe Sales

• ENDED Anya’s Shop: 11/20-12/2 – 5% – 30% off most products in the store
• ENDED Barefoot Kids: AR Exclusive 11/25-12/2 – 20% off with code ANYASFRIDAY20
• ENDED Be Lenka: Up to 50% off
• ENDEDEarth Runners: 11/24-12/8 – Up to 30% off tiered savings (the more you spend, the more you save)
• ENDED Foot Buddy: Extra discount with code ANYAS40
• ENDED Freet: 11/22-12/3 – Up to 50% off + returns extended through the end of January
• ENDED Groundies: Cyber Week sale – Up to 50% off select models
• ENDED Jan & Jul: 11/29-12/2 – 20% off site-wide
• ENDED Lex Barefoot: Ends 11/30 50% off 2 or more items.
• ENDED Little Love Bug Company: 11/29 – 35% off site-wide automatically applied at checkout. All sales final *exchanges are okay but size availability is not guaranteed (Dust Bags Not Included)
• ENDED Magical Shoes: Cyber Monday 15% off site-wide
• ENDED Origo Shoes: BOGO 50% off
• ENDED PaperKrane: 11/1-12/2 – Up to 50% off in stock shoes
• ENDED Posh Panda: 11/16-12/2 – Buy one get one 50% off
• ENDED Reima: 12/2 – 30% off site-wide & free shipping. Extra 20% off with code ANYA15
• ENDED Saguaro: 11/15-12/7 – Up to 28% off select products
• ENDED Shamma Sandals: 11/15 – 25% off favorites
• ENDED Shapen Barefoot: 11/18-12/2 – Up to 40% off + an extra 5% off with code ANYA5
• ENDED Skinners: 20% off with code BF20
• ENDED Splay Shoes: Up to 60% off
• ENDED Starry Knight Design: 11/22-12/2 – 20% off
• ENDED Stonz: Up to 40% off select items (toddler boots)
• ENDED Ten Little: 11/1-12/3 – 15% off  $75+ with code BLACKFRIDAY15 (includes all shoe styles)
• ENDED Tikki Shoes: 11/24-12/1– Up to 40% off
• ENDED Unshoes Footwear: 11/26-12/2– 25% off everything with code BLKFRI
• ENDED Wildling Shoes: 30% off autumn & winter models
• ENDED Vivobarefoot: 11/11-12/6 – Use code ANYASREVIEWS15 for 15% off
• ENDED Whitin – Discounts on select shoes.
• ENDED Xero Shoes: 10% off all Xero Shoes + 50% off select styles
• ENDED Zeazoo: 11/25-11/29 – 25% off all models with code BF2024
• ENDED Zuna Shoes: AR Exclusive 11/1-12/6 – 20% off with code ANYA20
• ENDED Zutano (baby shoes): 40% off with code SAVE40

Region-Specific Barefoot Shoe Sales

Australia

• ENDED Barefoot Inc: Discounts on select products.
• ENDED Barefoot Shoes AU: 11/29 Free shipping on all orders + free toe spacers on orders over $200
• ENDED Bprimal: 11/20-12/3 – Up to 40% off on select in-stock items, no code required
• ENDED Oz Barefoot: Up to 30% off
• ENDED Sole Mechanics AU: 20-50% off select styles

Europe

• ENDED Xero Shoes EU: 10% off all Xero Shoes + 50% off select styles
• ENDED Mugavik Barefoot: 11/25-12/1 – Extra 10% off Outlet with code ANYA10
• ENDED Barefoot & More (retailer): 11/15 – Up to 40% off select styles
• ENDED Go Free Concepts: Outlet sale
• ENDED Affenzahn: Up to 60% off
• ENDED Barefoot Naboso (retailer): 11/25-12/2 – Up to 70% off on closeout items
• ENDED Functional Footwear (retailer): Clearance sale
• ENDED Tadeevo: 11/19 – Up to 20% off
• ENDED Feelmax: Moving sale up to 70% off
• ENDED Lonnies: 11/30-12/8 – 20% off all sandals & new flowers crystal with code AnyaWinter

UK

• ENDED Xero Shoes UK: 10% off all Xero Shoes + 50% off select styles
• ENDED Barefoot Junkie: 11/29 10% off everything
• ENDED Barefoot Shop (retailer): 11/25-12/1– 5% off site-wide. New email subscribers can receive stackable 10% off code.
• ENDED Freet: 11/22-12/3 – Up to 50% off early access for email subscribers + returns extended through the end of January
• ENDED Happy Little Soles (Kids + Adults): 70% off select styles

USA

• ENDED Anya’s Shop: 11/20-12/2 – 5% – 30% off most products in the store
• ENDED Injinji Socks: 11/27-12/2 – Up to 50% off select styles
• ENDED Origo Shoes: BOGO 50% off
• ENDED PedTerra:Ends 12/2 – 15% off entire order
• ENDED Ten Little (Kids): 11/1-12/3 – 15% off  $75+ with code BLACKFRIDAY15 (includes all shoes styles)
• ENDED Tolos: $99 sneakers + an extra 10% off with code ANYA10
• ENDED Tomas Sullivent: 11/19-12/2 – Up to 15% off select styles
• ENDED Xero Shoes: 10% off all Xero Shoes + 50% off select styles
• ENDED Zuna Shoes (Kids): 11/1-12/6 – 20% off with code anya20

Canada

• ENDED Posh Panda: 11/16-12/2 – Buy one get one 50% off
• ENDED Cool East Market: 11/1-12/31 (CA retailer): Seasonal items on markdown/clearance and $10 off $100 or more with code ANYA
• ENDED Sole Freedom (CA retailer + foot gear): 30% off all balance beams

South America

• ENDED Feet of Tomorrow (Brazil): 30% off site-wide

Barefoot Shoe Accessories

Socks

• ENDED Injinji Socks (US/CA only): 11/27-12/2 – Up to 50% off select styles
• ENDED Anya’s Shop: 11/20-12/2 – 5% – 30% off most products in the store
• ENDED Maro Toe Socks: Ends 12/2 – 35% with code BF35
• ENDED Knitido+ USA: 11/8 – 40% off five or more pairs
• ENDED Creepers Socks: 11/28 3pm Central time – Limited edition sock drop + 10% off through this link.
• ENDED Serasox: 20% off all bamboo toe socks
• ENDED Knitido DE: 11/29-12/2 – Select styles on sale
• ENDED Bedrock Sandals: 11/12 – 20% off Sandals + Apparel with code HOLIDAY20
• ENDED Earth Runners: 11/24-12/8 – Up to 30% off tiered savings (the more you spend, the more you save)
• ENDED Luna Sandals: 11/29-12/2– 20% off site-wide
• ENDED Naboso Technology: Save up to 50% on select sock styles
• ENDED Realfoot: Up to 40% off
• ENDED The Toe Spacer (foot health tools): 25% off site-wide
• ENDED ToeSox: 12/2 – 30% off site-wide + free leggings on orders over $125
• ENDED ToeToe Socks: Up to 40% off
• ENDED XOSkin socks: 25% off

Slippers

• ENDED Kyrgies (Wovens & Slides are zero drop): Spend $100 and get a FREE pair of insoles. Spend $150 and get a FREE Set of Coasters or a second pair of Insoles. Spend $200 and get a FREE Bifold Wallet or third pair of Insoles. Spend $250 and get a FREE pair of Wool Slides or fourth pair of Insoles.
• ENDED Kingdom of Wow: 11/29 – 10% donation made to Spean Chivit Youth Resource Centre. Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off
• ENDED Softstar Shoes: 11/13-12/2 – Up to $50 off select adult styles
• ENDED Lems: 11/18-12/3 – Sale Extended Up to 22% off site-wide
• ENDED Verloop (slippers): 11/25-12/2 – 30% off site-wide with code GIFTCOZY

Foot Gear/Insoles

• ENDED Correct Toes: 11/29-12/2 – 25% off single spacer – Add two to your cart to make a set for $48.
• ENDED Anya’s Shop: (Correct Toes, floor mats, massage balls): 11/20-12/2 – 5% – 30% off most products in the store
• ENDED Naboso Technology: Save up to 50% on select sock styles
• ENDED The Toe Spacer (foot health tools): 25% off site-wide
• ENDED Barefoot Kids (Textured floor mats): 11/25-12/2 – 20% off with code ANYASFRIDAY20
• ENDED Pranamat ECO (acupressure mats): 15-25% off

Exercise Equipment

• ENDED MOBO Board: 11/27-12/2 – HOLIDAZE1 – 10% off 1 board, HOLIDAZE2 – 15% off 2 boards, HOLIDAZE3 – 20% off 3 boards
• ENDED P.R. Gear: 25% off site-wide with code THANKS
• ENDED Movemate: 11/29-12/6 – Use code MOVE for 15% off
• ENDED Yoga Tune Up Fitness: 15% off site-wide with code MORE2CARE

Laces/Miscellaneous/T-shirts

• ENDED Anya’s Shop: 11/20-12/2 – 5% – 30% off most products in the store
• ENDED Kiva Tribe: 11/17-12/2 – 50% off with code BLACK50

Education

• ENDED Whealth: $200 off Hypermobility Program with code ANYASREVIEWS
• ENDED Nutritious Movement: 11/26-12/10 15% off Whole Body Barefoot, Fix Your Feet kit, and Get Ready to Walk kit with promo code BAREFOOT24
• ENDED Yoga Tune Up Fitness/Nutritious Movement: 25% off with code ENJOY25
• ENDED Restore Your Core:
• ENDED Gait Happens: 11/26-12/2 Discounts on all Gait Happens courses, consultations, and products.

Barefoot Shoes Brands Not Having a Black Friday / Cyber Monday sale

• BLifestyle
• Conker Shoes
• Kiuu
• Mukishoes
• Butterfly Your World
• No(N)s
• Steger Mukluks
• Zami
• Zapato Feroz
• Zaqq Barefoot – You can find the a selection of Zaqq models at Anya’s Shop.

The post The Ultimate Guide To Barefoot Shoe BLACK FRIDAY Sales in 2024 appeared first on Anya's Reviews.

Your typical work boots are often stiff, heavy, and narrow. While this may protect you in the short term, it can hurt and cause real damage to your feet over time. But if you need protection what choice do you have? A few, it turns out.

Let’s examine how the wide toe box and natural feel of a barefoot work boot offers a better alternative for your feet than the traditional work boot – without compromising on safety.

Why a Wide Toe Box?

Feet don’t like to be cramped. Not only can a wide toe box help you feel better in the short term, it can also help ease the discomfort of chronic foot issues like bunions and plantar fasciitis.

Especially when wearing work boots for long hours each day, you will likely start to feel that pointy narrow toe box that comes standard on most work boots. If you are tired of suffering through your day and coming home with stiff, achy feet, you are in the right place!

Check out this wide toe box boot compared to another steel toe safety shoe we ordered as part of our research. I gasped when I pulled the right shoe out of the box! How can that be comfortable??

You deserve better than that. Let’s explore wide toe box work boots that won’t squish your toes, but still protect you when you need it.

The Best Wide Toe Box Work Boots

We recruited the help of a firefighter & homesteader to put to the test all the safety shoes and work boots with a wide toe box and flat sole that we could find. Over many months he tested them in the following ways:

• On the job as a firefighter (Paramedic and station duties only – not worn for fire calls)
• Woodworking
• Operating power tools
• Chopping wood
• Farm/yard work
• Hunting
• Driving a tractor

After months of wear, here are the ones that passed the test. These are the best of the best wide barefoot work boots, so your feet don’t have to suffer on the job.

Wide Steel Toe Boots

If you need serious toe protection, here are the wide work boots with a steel toe and safety ratings.

Carets Determination Boot

Steel Toe | Water Resistant | 19mm Stack Height | Resolable | Sizes US men’s 6-12

The Determination boots from Carets was our top pick for all around versatility and comfort. They come with all the features and specs needed for most jobs that require work boots AND can be resoled and repaired so that they last many years. They even have a ladder groove, while still being level from heel to toe!

The materials are thick and durable, from the leather upper down to the outsole. The upper is lined for a bit of extra protection around the foot and ankle, but they aren’t bulky or clunky. Everything performed at the level expected of a true safety boot, from the anti-slip sole to the steel toe – all while being actually foot-shaped and more natural feeling than you can find from your typical work shoe.

The product description states that the Determination is a factory boot and not a farm boot, but our tester Nick used them extensively in homesteading situations without any issue. Even wading through creeks they stayed dry unless the water came up above the 3rd lace eyelet where the gusseting ends.

The one thing we would change? That they come in black too, because many jobs (including Nick’s job as a firefighter) require black boots.

Sizing & Fit:

• True to size
• Wide
• High volume initially, but the lacing goes nearly down to the toes so once the leather breaks in you get full adjustability.

Nick found that they needed a bit of breaking in because of the thickness and durability of both the leather upper and the outsole. But after just a couple of wears they were soft, flexible, and easy to put on and off.

Safety Ratings:

• ASTM 2413-18 Impact, Compression, and Electrical Hazard Resistant (view certification)
• ASTM 2413-18 Puncture Resistant (view certification)
• ASTM F3445-21 Slip Resistant (view certification)
• ASTM D471 Oil & Chemical Resistant (view results & discuss with your employer)

Gaucho Ninja Safety Shoes

Steel or Fiberglass Toe | Resolable Options | Sizes EU 37 – 48

Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% your Gaucho Ninja order!

Next up are the Gaucho Ninja barefoot safety shoes, which were Nick’s top pick for comfort and have the widest toe box of any option we’ve tried. They carry a leather Carpenter boot, low top safety shoe, and their safety chelsea boots are on preorder now (delivery expected Sept.).

First, let’s talk about the Carpenter Boots as they are the highest quality and have a full steel toe. They had no break in time, and the soft but thick vegetable tanned leather has molded perfectly to his ankle and foot. These are the boots Nick has been wearing to work as a firefighter for most of this year – he wears them for training and ambulance calls when black steel toed shoes are required.

They function more like warehouse/factory boots than rugged farm boots, so Nick doesn’t wear them when doing construction or other outdoor work. The soft leather upper doesn’t provide a lot of ankle protection, which makes for a really nice light fit, but doesn’t lend itself as well to rougher wear.

One thing Nick noticed is that they are toe heavy, because of how soft and light the shoe is compared to the steel toe. But once he got used to that he fell in love with them and has been raving about them ever since (even though his coworkers tease him a bit). The comfort, fit, and the fact that they can be resoled and repaired over and over makes them well worth it.

The other in-stock option from Gaucho Ninja is the Sneaky Ninja Safety Trainers, which are non-leather. They have a spacious, anatomical toe box just like the Carpenter Boots, but with lightweight fiberglass toe caps and a more conventional aesthetic (no teasing from crew in these!). These trainers are the lightest weight option on this list, and come with a puncture resistant insole and anti-slip outsole. Nick loves these for how well they look and function. His only complaint is the upper vegan material is not as easy to clean as the smooth leather of the boots.

Sizing & Fit:

• True to size
• Extra wide toe box
• Good for most volumes because of moldable leather and laces.

Safety Ratings:

• Steel toe caps (200J) EN ISO 12568:2010 
• Fiberglass toe caps CSA F2413-24
• Anti-puncture insole material (1200N) ASTM F2413-2018
• Soles made in Germany EN ISO 20344/20345 with anti-slip, fuel and oil proof, and anti-static properties

Birkenstock QS 700

Steel Toe | Leather & Vegan Options | Water Resistant | Sizes EU 36 – 48

The Birkenstock QS line is a steel toe safety shoe that comes in different colors, materials (only vegan option on this list), and ankle heights. Like the Gaucho Ninja boot, they are more of a factory boot than a farm boot. But they have the important safety specs, a high quality construction, and they are comfortable and wide. I also think they have the most mainstream and polished look.

One more perk – they go down to the smallest size of any option here, for small-footed people who need wide safety shoes.

The cons for us are that they are not easily resolable and come with a thick, supportive insole. Some people may love that, but we like more of a barefoot feel so we replaced it with a NorthSole insole. With that modification they are quite light and flexible.

Sizing & Fit:

• True to size
• The toe box width is generous, but not extra wide (the Gaucho Ninja is the only one that is extra wide).
• Works for all foot volumes, but if you have medium or low volume feet plan to use an insole inside them (either the factory insole or your own).

There was a little break in time, but they were pretty comfortable out of the box.

Safety Ratings:

• Steel toe (200 joules) with scratch-resistant toe cap
• penetration-resistant, metal-free, nonslip, and oil- and petrol-resistant outsole (P, SRC, FO)
• energy absorption around heel (E)
• antistatic protection (A)
• Safety shoe certified in accordance with EN ISO 20345:2011

The trickiest thing about these barefoot work boots is that they are not available in all countries. See below a few of the places where they are found.

• Zami (ships worldwide)
• SLS Bartel Shop (ships worldwide)
• Amazon DE
• Birkenstock UK
• Birkenstock AU
• Birkenstock Spain
• Birkenstock Poland

If you are unable to find them on your local Birkenstock website, Zami (located in Spain) does ship worldwide. They also carry the low top version with and without the safety toe. Zami and Amazon DE are currently the only places I know of that ship worldwide, and the only way to get them in the US!

Wide Load Boots

Steel or Composite Toe | Side Zipper | Ladder Groove | Sizes US Men’s 7-17

Wide Load is an Australian brand, but we purchased them from the US retailer XL Feet. They are indeed very wide! But otherwise more like a traditional boot with a bulkier, clunkier sole and lots of padding around the ankle for support. Like the Birkenstock boot, they come with a thick supportive insole. But you can swap it out for the extra insole they send that is totally flat. This makes for a lower stack height and nearly flat boot.

When Nick first put these on he said, and I quote “This boot makes me feel like I’m getting into an F350!” You can take that how you will.

Wide Load boots felt a bit clompy compared to the others we tested, because they don’t have much flexibility. But they are lightweight and provide ample room for your toes and foot. And, they go all the way up to a men’s 17! You can also choose from a steel or composite toe.

Sizing & Fit:

• True to size
• Wide to extra wide fit
• Medium volume with thicker insole, high volume with thin insole

Safety Ratings:

• AS/NZS 2210.3:2009
• Class 1:SB-SRA
• EN: 20345:2004
• IS: BMP 670431

DeWalt Plasma

Steel Toe | Leather | Sizes US Men’s 7 – 14

The DeWalt Plasma doesn’t have as wide of a toe box as the other work boots reviewed here, but they are soft out of the box, wider than most work boots, and have a nice natural feel to them. Nick uses these for night ambulance calls, when he has to pull on his shoes fast . He keeps the top speed hooks undone and ties the laces lower so he can slip into them.

They have a nice look to them, and the leather feels great. They are a little easier to find in the US than the Birkenstock boots, and also a little lighter too. They’re a good in-between option for someone who wants to start being kinder to their feet in a more accessible way, being the cheapest option in this article.

Sizing & Fit:

• True to size
• Average toe box width, but wide through the ball and midfoot
• Medium volume

Safety Ratings:

• ASTM 2413-11 M I/75 C/75 EH

Wide Work Boots (No Steel Toe)

The following are rugged barefoot boots that can be used in work settings, but do not have safety ratings or a steel toe.

Bearfoot Bruin

Reinforced Toe | Leather | Water resistant | Resoleable | 15mm Stack Height | US Sizes Women’s 6.5 – Men’s 16

Use code ANYA10 for 10% off

The Bearfoot Bruin is a fully leather barefoot work boot, with a reinforced toe. Made with durable Crazyhorse leather and a gusseted tongue to keep debris out, these shoes can protect your feet for yard work, construction, and in a workshop. The hefty zero drop sole can be replaced by a cobbler if it wears out.

We used these for yard/farm work, home renovations, and DIY projects where a steel toe was not needed. They were excellent in that capacity! And they have lots of toe space for even extra wide feet. We also love that they have a Made in the USA version you can preorder

For all the details, read the full Bearfoot Bruins reviews here.

Sizing & Fit:

• True to size according to the US size chart
• Wide to Extra Wide
• High volume (our tester added a tongue pad to get a good fit)

We found them to be on the stiffer side when new, and they required break in time before they were easy to put on and off and tighten the laces. Once broken in, the durable materials were much appreciated.

Jim Green

Reinforced Toe | Leather | Water resistant | Resoleable | 15mm Stack Height | US Sizes Women’s 6.5 – Men’s 16

Jim Green makes a barefoot line that has a thick, rugged, and resolable outsole with a durable leather upper. They are similar to the Bearfoot Bruin, but softer leather out of the box, and less voluminous fit.

Both the short and tall cut boots have a fully gusseted tongue to keep out debris and provide natural water protection. But it also adds a bit of bulk around the ankle that needed breaking in for real freedom of movement.

Sizing & Fit:

• True to size
• Wide to Extra Wide
• Medium volume and easily adjustable.

Short break in time.

Vivobarefoot Tracker

Leather | Waterproof | Sizes EU 35-49

Use code ANYASREVIEWS15 for 15% off

The Vivobarefoot Tracker FG is a sturdy boot with padding around the ankle and a tough leather exterior. It has a puncture resistant outsole and lugs for traction. These are marketed as a hiking boot, but they work well for all kinds of rugged outdoor use.

The sole on these is thinner than every other option here, so may not be comfortable for stepping on shovels. But functionally, they are really practical!

Sizing & Fit:

• Runs slightly small – we size up for socks and an insole
• Medium to wide width – men’s version is wider than women’s
• Medium volume – works well for low and some high volume because of the adjustability.

Lem’s Boulder Boot Grip

Leather | Waterproof | Sizes US Women’s 6 – Men’s 15

The Lem’s Boulder boot is really roomy and lightweight. It has a thick sole to protect you from sharp objects and is padded around the ankle. The toe box is not reinforced, but the upper has a lining for a bit of extra protection.

They are also fully waterproof and super comfortable!! They give clearance above the toes, so you’re not getting squished from above or from the sides. All arounds great boot that can double as a light work or farm boot.

Sizing & Fit:

• Runs small – I recommend sizing up
• Wide to extra wide fit
• Works for all foot volumes

Coming Soon Brands

The follow brands are in the process of developing a wide toe box barefoot work boot. We have not yet tried them, but will be sure to keep you updated in our Barefoot Shoe Digest.

• Texarado Boots
• Flatstep Work Boots

The post The Best Wide Work Boots That Won’t Kill Your Feet appeared first on Anya's Reviews.

After my second child was born I developed debilitating (and unexplained) foot, ankle, hip, and low back pain that persisted for a long time – until I started to address the weakness and instability starting with my feet. I’ve made a lot of progress since then, but when you’ve spent decades not understanding your body it takes a while to unravel!

So I was very excited to get an in-person gait analysis with Gait Happens for deeper insight into what I can improve. I’ve been lucky to cross paths with Gait Happens founders Jenifer Perez and Courtney Conley many times over the years and consider them friends – but they’re also amazing at helping people get out of pain! Let’s dive right in to what I learned.

Foot Strength Test

We started out with a foot strength test using a dynamometer. I learned from Dr. Conley that foot and toe strength are hugely important for optimal movement and injury prevention – but how much is enough?

They say you want to be able to generate 10% of your body weight both through your big toe and through the ball of your big toe (which measures outer ankle strength/peroneus longus) and 7% through the outer toes.

So the dynamometer gives you a very real look at whether you have adequate foot strength for your daily life. Here were my results:

My right foot is on the money in terms of strength. But my left is significantly weaker! And the funny thing is it was my right foot that was injured and painful for so long – to this day it still is prone to issues and has arthritis/joint damage. So it may be that my right side is carrying too much of the burden!

So the strength of my left foot is going to be a focus for me now. I will continue doing this ToePro exercise, but with extra reps on my left side only to help even things out.

Gait Analysis

After the foot strength test we moved to the gait analysis on the treadmill. Oftentimes a static assessment only gives you partial understanding – you may present one way standing still, but then move in an entirely different way. And since a lot of the time our pain comes with movement, it makes sense to look at the body in motion.

Jen took slow motion video of me walking on the treadmill from all angles and was able to show me immediately a few things she noticed. The biggest red flag here was that I lift my toes a lot, especially on my (weaker) left foot.

This is called extensor substitution because the extensor muscles that lift the toes are doing what the tibialis anterior muscle (that flexes the ankles) should be doing. Extensor substitution can suggest limited ankle range of motion, but that’s not the case for this hypermobile girl.

Dr. Perez confirmed with a strength test that I actually just don’t have a lot of strength in my tibialis anterior, which runs up the front and side of your lower leg. In layman’s terms: I don’t have the strength to lift my foot high enough to clear the ground without extra help from my toes lifting (toe extensor substitution).

To work on this musculature imbalance I’ve added in these weighted tibial lifts. I’m also trying it with an elastic band under the direction of my physical therapist (good if you don’t have a kettlebell). This should help even things out so that nothing is being under or overused.

Another finding from the slow motion video was that I have medial heel whip – my heel whips in to the midline of my body when I lift it off the ground instead of staying straight. This finding (and the solution) was confirmed in the next step: a pedograph.

Pedograph

The 3rd component to my gait analysis was a pedograph. I walked over a special stamp that left a foot print on paper – the shading shows the pressure distribution through my feet as I walk.

My pedograph shows less shading under the big toe portion of the ball of my foot. Because in the dynamometer strength test I had good strength on my right side and significantly less strength of the left side, this relatively even pressure on the right and left suggests that I have a patterning issue. Meaning that regardless of the strength I have, my peroneus longus (that muscle on the outer ankle which helps the ball of the foot stay down) isn’t as involved as it should be in the gait cycle. This makes a lot of sense, as I get intermittent outer ankle pain – right where peroneus longus runs.

I am already going to be working on improving left foot and ankle strength, but for this in-motion issue I need to practice using peroneus longus more in-motion. To specifically help with that, I’ll be adding in this Peroneus Longus Patterning exercise.

I think this one will give me lot of bang for my buck because of how important the big toe is for good gait – and since I hope to take many thousands of steps every day for many more years to come, I’d like to have good gait.

Hip Assessment

The final piece was assessing my hips/pelvis, because this can affect and be affected by everything down the chain. Jen found a strength discrepancy between my left and right hip (unsurprising at this point), and that my right hip is rotated forward. I’ve known about my hip issues for a while, but only recently have begun to actively work on balancing the strength between both sides. I’ll be adding this exercise back in to work on improving symmetry and alignment.

What I Learned

My key takeaways are that I have a few areas of weakness that should make life easier by addressing. I totally did not have tibialis anterior/shin strength on my radar, so it was very helpful to have that weak link made known to me.

And the patterning issue of not getting enough pressure under the ball of my foot during the gait cycle also made a lot of sense given what has been hurting. I walked away with a few very actionable insights and I am excited to see where it takes me. Thank you Gait Happens!

Gait Happens provides virtual consultations as well as in-person consultations via their local practices – Total Health Solutions and Kinetic Chiropractic, both in Colorado.

The post Findings From a Gait Analysis – How to Move Without Pain appeared first on Anya's Reviews.

Katy Bowman is a biomechanist, prolific author, speaker, and founder of Nutritious Movement. Her best selling books include Whole Body Barefoot (my personal favorite) and her newest book Rethink Your Position. Her work was very influential to me during my darkest times of injury and pain, and I think you’ll love it too.

Katy was one of the earliest proponents of minimalist footwear as a viable solution to many of the foot woes we experience in the developed world. But as this idea has taken hold (and rightly so!) there’s a part of the conversation that often gets left out. And that is the shoes are actually not the entire solution. It’s the foot inside the shoe that needs to be capable of supporting our daily lives.

And that means that when pain arises we should think not only about our footwear, but also about how we are using/not using our feet and what we can do to better prepare them for the life we want to lead.

You’ll listen to the following topics in this interview:

• The nuance that is missing from the barefoot shoe conversation.
• When to reconsider your footwear & your movement habits.
• Why the perfect pair of shoes doesn’t exist.
• Why it’s harder to change when you feel good.
• Being in communication with your body is more important than doing it “right”.
• Foot exercises are not just from the ankle down.
• Why many injuries have similar root causes, even when they look different.
• The steps to better foot & body health are often the same for different people, regardless of your individual anatomy.
• Be protective of your ability to move and walk. Hold it sacred and prioritize it.

Katy challenged some of my own closely held stories about how my body works and reframed it with a biomechanical lens.

I can’t wait to hear what you think and what a-ha moments you had listening to this conversation!

Did this interview raise more questions for you? Are you ready to start digging into these supplemental foot and body exercises to future proof yourself? Here are a few resources to get you on your way.

Additional Resources For Your Happy Feet Journey:

• The books Whole Body Barefoot & Rethink Your Position by Katy Bowman
• 5 Fundamental Foot Exercises
• Why Barefoot Shoes Might be (Part of) the Solution To Your Foot Pain
• Wide Toe Box Shoes That Aren’t Barefoot – If you need to choose alternatives at this stage in your life
• Walking 101 – Tips to get you started

Connect With Katy:

• Katy’s company: NutritiousMovement.com
• Salient Books: Rethink Your Position, Grow Wild, Whole Body Barefoot
• Social Media: Katy Bowman @nutritiousmovement on Instagram and Facebook

Katy Bowman is a biomechanist and bestselling author of 10 books, including Move Your DNA, Grow Wild, Whole Body Barefoot, and her latest Rethink Your Position. Named one of Maria Shriver’s “Architects of Change,” Bowman is changing the way we move and think about our need for movement. Find out more at NutritiousMovement.com.

The post Why Barefoot Shoes Aren’t The Full Solution – with Katy Bowman appeared first on Anya's Reviews.

That’s a wrap on Black Friday for 2023! Head here for the 2024 roundup.

Welcome to the 5th annual Barefoot Shoe Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sales list. Find here the most comprehensive sale and discounts list for barefoot shoes on Black Friday 2023 – we pour our heart and soul into creating this resource for you!

You’ll even find discounts for Anya’s Reviews readers only! So if you’re doing any barefoot shoes shopping this Black Friday & Cyber Monday season, you’re in the right place.

We’re also your one-stop-shop for everything barefoot shoes. Got questions? Not sure if a brand is right for you? What size to get? Start browsing my homepage for all the resources you need.

Before we get to the 2023 barefoot shoe Black Friday Sales, a couple details:

Don’t forget that most barefoot shoe brands are small businesses with limited inventory, so some popular models will be sold out for the season by the time Black Friday shopping season arrives. While Black Friday is a great time to get a deal on barefoot shoes, if you have a specific shoe in mind it’s not always a good idea to wait.

Understanding this list: Dates and details are displayed next to each brand so you know what sales are coming. Sales that are currently live will be highlighted, and then updated again once they are over so you can always see what’s happening and don’t have to check a million sites!

If there is no information next to a brand, that means the sale details are not yet public. Brands that are not participating in Black Friday are listed at the end, along with any discount codes I have.

For year round deals, you can check out all the current sales and coupon codes I have on my Barefoot Shoe Discounts page that is constantly updated – and to get that news delivered straight to your email inbox each week be sure to subscribe to the Barefoot Shoe Digest!

Otherwise, happy shopping!

The Best Barefoot Shoe Black Friday Sales of 2023 – Highlights

Find here a curated selection of the best live barefoot shoe sales during Black Friday.

Adult Barefoot Shoe Sales

• ENDED Ahinsa (vegan brand): Up to 30% off
• ENDED Aintap Feel Barefoot: 10/1-12/31 – 40% off with exclusive code ANYA40
• ENDED Altra Running: 11/24-12/3 – Up to 50% off. I recommend Lone Peak, Solstice, Superior & Escalante.
• ENDED Anya’s Shop: 11/17-11/27 – 5-30% off sitewide
• ENDED Astral: 11/17 -12/4 – 25% off (5% of sales donated to non-profit organizations)
• ENDED Barefoot Pals: Up to 60% off
• ENDED Barebarics: 11/8-11/30 – Up to 40% off
• ENDED Be Lenka: 11/8-11/30 – Up to 40% off bestselling boots + clearance
• ENDED Bearfoot Shoes: 11/13-11/27 – 15% off with code BLACKFRIDAY
• ENDED Birchbury: 11/24-11/28 – Up to 25% off select shoes
• ENDED Bohempia – Ends 11/27 (at midnight CEST) – Use code GREENFRIDAY for 20% off everything. You can shop Bohempia at Anya’s Shop
• ENDED Carets: 11/20-11/27 (begins/ends at midnight) – 15% off with code 2023BF15 or 20% off orders $200+ with code 2023BF20
• ENDED Earthing Moccasins (DIY shoes): 50% off tutorials when ordering a starter kit
• ENDED Everleigh Meadow (women’s): 11/3 – 11/5
• ENDED Feelgrounds: 11/24 -11/28 – 20% off everything
• ENDED Feelmax: 11/23-11/26 – 30% off with code 23FRIDAY30
• ENDED Flux Footwear: BOGO 50% off with code BFCM23
• ENDED Freet: Up to 50% off select styles
• ENDED Gaucho Ninja: 11/24-12/1 – 20% off with code exclusive BLACKFRIDAY23
• ENDED Groundies: 11/13-11/27 – Up to 50% off plus Bundle Deal on non-discounted items
• ENDED Groundz: 11/23-11/26 – 15% off all black and cinnamon shoes 
• ENDED High Feels: 11/24–11/28 – Final pairs 20% off
• ENDED Joe Nimble: Up to 35% off (with the exception of NimbleToes these are transition barefoot shoes)
• ENDED Leguano: BOGO 60% off clearance
• ENDED Lems: Ends 12/1 – Up to 25% off sitewide
• ENDED Lisbeth Joe: 11/13-11/30 – Up to 60% off
• ENDED Luks Barefoot: 15% off everything
• ENDED Magical Shoes: 15% off shoes, 20% off training tools
• ENDED Manitobah Mukluks: 11/29-12/3 – Daily deals (not all are barefoot friendly)
• ENDED Merrell: 30-40% off several barefoot and minimalist styles
• ENDED Mukishoes: 11/24-11/27 Get 30% off two or more pairs of the new model Juniper with code JUNIPERFAMILY. Use code ANYAMUKI for 10% off everything else.
• ENDED Oesh: 11/22-12/17 – $20.23 off with exclusive code ANYA2023
• ENDED Origo Shoes: 11/17-11/28 – 15-25% off Origo styles, 15% off Huaraches
• ENDED PaperKrane: 11/24-11/30 – Up to 40% off select styles
• ENDED Peerko: 11/24-11/26 – 15% off for non-EU customers with exclusive code PEERKOFRIDAY (returns not accepted)
• ENDED Posh Panda: 11/20-11/27 – BOGO 50% off
• ENDED Raum Goods: 11/22-11/27 – 20% off + free shipping with code BEGRATEFUL
• ENDED Realfoot: 11/20-12/7 – 10-30% off site-wide
• ENDED Ruby Workshop: 30% off
• ENDED Saguaro: 11/15-11/27 – Up to 58% off
• ENDED Saltic: 20% off with code BLACKFRIDAY
• ENDED Shapen Barefoot: 11/20-11/27 – Up to 40% off, Extra 15% off sale prices with code BF2023-15
• ENDED Skinners: Ends 11/30 – 20% off select models and colors
• ENDED Softstar Shoes: 11/17-11/28 – Up to $40 off several styles and 15% off gift cards $100+
• ENDED SOM: 11/24-11/27 – BOGO 50% off with code BLACKFRIDAY2023 (Buy 1 pair at regular price, get 50% off a second pair or gift card. Limit first 100 customers) + 10% donated to local charity
• ENDED Splay Shoes: 11/22-11/28 – BOGO 40% off sitewide + launch of 4 new colorways
• ENDED Tadeevo: 11/20-11/27 – Black week discounts with code BLACK
• ENDED Tikki Shoes: 11/10-11/26 – Up to 40% off
• ENDED Tolos: 25% off Archetype 1.0 plus an extra 10% off with code ANYA10
• ENDED Unshoes Footwear: 11/24-11/27 – Up to 45% off – discount automatically appears in cart
• ENDED Vibram: 11/22-11/27 – 50% off select FiveFingers and Furoshiki models.
• ENDED Whitin – 15% off select sneakers
• ENDED Wildling Shoes: 11/23-11/26 – 30% off many models, including new models
• ENDED Wyde Footwear: 11/15-11/26 – 20% off site-wide with code BFCM
• ENDED Xero Shoes: 11/7-11/28 – Up to 70% off
• ENDED Zeazoo: 11/17-11/24 – 25% off everything with code BF2023