Barefoot shoes experiences – what 885 reviews and 720 customer answers tell us
Are barefoot shoes really comfortable? Can they help with foot pain? How long does it take to get used to them? Instead of answering ourselves, we let our customers do it. We went through 885 product reviews and 720 answers from our customer survey – here are the results, with statistics, charts and the customers’ own words.
Barefoot shoes experiences in numbers
How customers rate their barefoot shoes
Share of 885 product reviews on widetoes.com, by number of stars
758 × 5★ · 92 × 4★ · 22 × 3★ · 4 × 2★ · 9 × 1★
Only about 1% of the reviews are clearly negative (1–2 stars). When something doesn’t work out, it is almost always about size or fit – a shoe that was too narrow, too low or too big for that particular foot. More on this under Honest criticism.
What customers talk about most
We categorised all 885 reviews by what customers mention. One review can mention several things, so the total adds up to more than 100%.
What is mentioned in the reviews?
Share of 885 reviews that mention each theme
Categorisation based on keywords in the review texts (mainly Swedish and Finnish).
Comfort is by far the most common theme. Phrases like “so comfortable”, “like walking on clouds” and “the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever had” come up again and again. Customers talk about size just as often – which shows how important it is to measure your foot before ordering.
Barefoot shoes and foot problems – customer experiences
One of the most common questions we get is whether barefoot shoes can help with foot pain. In the reviews, around twenty customers describe how the shoes have worked for them with conditions such as hallux valgus (bunions), plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuroma, flat feet, arthritis or knee and back pain. Here are their own words.
Hallux valgus (bunions) – finally shoes that don’t press
Hallux valgus is the most frequently mentioned condition. What customers highlight is that the wide, foot-shaped toe box gives room without pressing on the joint.
Wore them through an entire wedding party and my feet didn’t hurt. Not even blisters, even though it was the first time I wore them. […] I generally have narrow feet but have developed hallux valgus on one – I didn’t feel it at all during the evening.
The first brand where my wide feet, with both big-toe arthritis and hallux valgus, have had plenty of room. Highly recommended!
Wide enough for my sore bunion, nicely warm with just the right amount of cushioning – works all day at the office.
I have hallux valgus, so it’s a challenge to find shoes that fit. But these seem to work well. A completely new experience walking in these compared to ordinary shoes.
I was really nervous about ordering shoes online without trying them on, but it was so worth it! These might be the best-feeling shoes I’ve had in years, and the size was spot on following the charts. A wide, high foot with a bunion slips comfortably inside.
Plantar fasciitis and pain under the foot
Several customers with plantar fasciitis or sore forefeet have found a middle ground: zero drop and a wide toe box, but with some cushioning – Altra’s running shoes, for example.
I ordered these about six months ago when my plantar fasciitis just wouldn’t ease up. I walk a lot at work. My physiotherapist recommended Altra […] The best shoes ever! […] And with these the plantar fasciitis has gone, because the sole is thin but cushioned.
Bought on my podiatrist’s recommendation to treat severe foot pain (plantar fasciitis + other issues). The most comfortable shoes ever!!!
With barefoot shoes the pain in my midfoot disappeared, and with these I can run again.
I bought my first barefoot sneakers and I’m so happy with them. I have Morton’s neuroma and rarely feel it in these shoes.
Knees, back and aching feet after work
Since I started wearing barefoot shoes, the aches in my ankles, knees and feet have also decreased noticeably.
I have a physical job where I walk a lot. I used to have sore feet after a working day […] And best of all, my feet feel good and don’t ache!
I have flat feet and weak calves, but these shoes have helped build up the muscles in both my feet and calves.
By far the most comfortable trail shoes – or shoes at all – I’ve ever had. My rheumatic knees and back don’t give me nearly the same problems with these.
I’ve worn barefoot shoes in my free time for years […] my feet have felt good, and even my back pain has eased a little. That’s probably why normal safety shoes started to feel pretty unpleasant […] After a couple of weeks I can say I won’t be buying “normal” work shoes anymore. The foot pain disappeared within the first few days.
But – barefoot shoes don’t suit everyone straight away. One customer got knee and foot pain from a softly cushioned running shoe because their foot became unstable, and some survey respondents write that because of plantar fasciitis or surgery, for example, they need more cushioning than a completely flat barefoot shoe provides. For them there are transition shoes – a wide toe box and zero drop, but with a thicker sole. Feel free to ask us for advice.
Your first barefoot shoes – what does it feel like?
In the survey, almost one in four (23%) say they are looking at barefoot shoes for the first time and aren’t sure whether they need them. This is how new barefoot shoe wearers describe their first pair:
Could I have found a more comfortable first barefoot shoe? Shouldn’t think so.
I was very sceptical about barefoot shoes before buying these. They’re like balm for the feet: light, comfortable, stylish and they go with everything from shorts to dresses. There will definitely be more barefoot shoes.
This was my first barefoot shoe; it took about two weeks to get used to them. I wore them all year round, even in winter with thick socks.
I hadn’t worn barefoot shoes before, so I chose these with a slightly thicker sole. […] I love the freedom for my toes and I notice my posture changes when I walk in them. More relaxed shoulders. […] It took a little while to get used to, so I took it easy at first.
My first barefoot shoes, and I got tears in my eyes when, for the first time, shoes fitted perfectly and my toes could spread out! My foot is quite wide, and the last feels perfect.
My first barefoot shoe and the best winter shoe I’ve ever had! It’s been -25 °C this winter and my feet haven’t been cold once.
Summary: Most people describe a short adjustment period – often a couple of weeks. Many beginners choose a slightly more structured model or add an extra insole at first.
Wide feet and toe box – “finally room for my toes”
One in three reviews is about width and toe room. Many have searched for years for shoes that don’t squeeze.
Comfortable for a wide foot with high volume. Stylish and well made.
Very comfortable, roomy shoes. I have wide feet with a high instep and often struggle to find shoes that fit. These don’t squeeze anywhere – my feet have plenty of room.
I tend to burst my shoes at the sides because my forefoot is so wide, but so far these have been super comfortable, and they’re so wide that neither the shoes nor my feet risk an early death.
I’ve always wanted a pair of Converse, but they’ve always been too narrow for my feet. Found the Orik 2.0 […] and wow, did they work – incredibly comfortable and stylish.
As I have a wide, high foot, I chose the men’s model of this shoe even though I’m a woman. The men’s model is a little roomier than the women’s. The size charts are helpful, because women’s and men’s sizes differ in inner length.
Customers’ tip: If your feet are very wide, look at “wide” models, try the men’s version and read other customers’ comments on width and height. Barefoot shoes vary a lot between brands.
Barefoot shoes for kids – parents’ experiences
Almost one in five reviews (19%) concern shoes bought for children, and 14% of the survey answers come from parents shopping for their kids.
We love these boots. They’re easy for my wide, high-footed daughter to put on. We don’t even look for others anymore. When she grows out of them we just order the next size up.
Really nice zero drop, natural toe box shape running shoes for kids! My daughter finds them really comfortable.
The shoes are soft, lightweight, and fit well for a high instep. They are easy to put on even with woollen socks. Most classic barefoot models are too low for my child’s feet due to the high instep. Tested them at -5 °C, and the legs and toes stayed warm.
The wide toe box and soft soles make me, as a mum, feel confident that my children’s feet can develop the way they should. Our new favourite brand!
The first thing my daughter said after putting them on was: “I feel SO much faster in these shoes than in any others I’ve had!”
No cold toes! Really happy with these winter shoes. […] Worn below -20 °C with wool socks and an extra wool insole. Easy for my 2-year-old son to put on himself, and he loves them.
See all barefoot shoes for kids →
Barefoot shoes in winter – do they work in a Nordic climate?
30% of the reviews are about warmth, cold, snow or wet conditions. Customers’ answer is clear: yes – especially with a wool insole and wool socks.
Fantastic, high-quality hiking boots! […] I initially bought size 44 – my usual size – but they were too small, so I had to go up a size. This leaves room for thick socks, and the boots hold up well in cold weather. The service from Widetoes was absolutely impeccable, making the exchange process easy.
The best barefoot boots I’ve ever had.
Finally I’ve found a pair of leather winter shoes with wool lining that are also very good value. […] Finally winter doesn’t feel like a torment.
Incredibly comfortable shoe that keeps your feet warm and dry. I tried spraying water straight at them – completely water-repellent.
Comfortable for hiking, in forests as well as on the fells, and suitable for every season […] I’ve worn my first pair practically every day, all year round, since 2020. Now, four years later, they’re starting to look worn, but they still handle damp and cold really well.
Tip: Many customers choose winter shoes half a size to a full size larger to make room for a wool insole and thick socks. Also check whether the shoe is waterproof (membrane) or only water-repellent.
On your feet all day at work
I ordered these to wear at work, where I walk and stand most of the day. […] As soon as I put them on, they fitted perfectly.
The first work shoes I can say are comfortable and good for my feet. I’ve worked standing up for 10 years, and of all the safety shoes these are probably the most comfortable and the best-looking.
Really comfortable, high-quality leather sneakers. I’ve worn them for several months and I’m still very happy. You can walk all day in these without your feet getting tired.
Bought these as indoor shoes for work, but they ended up becoming my new everyday shoes because they’re so comfortable!
Running and hiking
Altra has the highest average rating of the major brands (4.92 / 5). Customers appreciate the combination of a wide toe box, zero drop and cushioning.
Worked perfectly for running, even for someone with flat feet. No sore feet, and the shoes have good cushioning on tarmac and gravel.
They really give that extra room in width, and even though my foot is both wide and high, this one is still on the roomy side. […] A 10/10 purchase!
The best trail shoe I’ve ever used! I have high arches and wide feet, but they fit me perfectly. Very comfortable and incredibly good grip.
The shoe that gives me everything: the most comfortable shape for my foot, a sense of lightness and safety at the same time. […] Enough space in the toe box to move as much as I want without feeling tired. The grip of the outsole is the most reliable ever. Highly recommend!
The customer survey: who buys barefoot shoes – and why?
In addition to the reviews, we asked visitors on widetoes.com a few questions in a short Hotjar survey. 720 people in Sweden and Finland responded. Not everyone answered every question, so the number of answers varies per question.
Which option describes you best?
677 answers
What matters most to you when choosing barefoot shoes?
503 answers
Who are you buying barefoot shoes for?
695 answers
81% of those who answered the question about whether anything was stopping them from buying said “No, I’m here to buy now”. Among those who hesitated, the most common reasons were:
- Price
- Uncertainty about size and fit – “Hard to know which size to choose”, “I’m not sure they’re wide enough for my feet”
- Wanting to try them on first – you can do that in our store in Jakobstad, Finland
- Needing more cushioning than a traditional barefoot shoe offers
Honest criticism – and what we learn from it
A page about experiences wouldn’t be credible without the negative side. This is what less satisfied customers point out:
Ordered the same size as my Altra Escalante, but these were far too tight over the top of the foot.
The soft sole makes my foot/ankle unstable […] My foot simply prefers a thinner outsole!
With my hallux valgus, the boot was too narrow over the forefoot, so […] I had to send it back. Such a shame! Because otherwise it felt really good!
Very cool shoes, lovely colour and shape. Barefoot without looking barefoot I think. But the sole is so thin!! […] I would only recommend them to someone who is used to walking in socks on concrete.
What we learn: The height over the instep and the shape of the toe box vary a lot between models. That’s why we always list inner measurements and fit information on our product pages – and why exchanges and returns are easy. If you have questions about a specific model, contact our customer service before ordering.
Customers’ most loved brands
Brands with at least 20 reviews, sorted by number of reviews.
| Brand | Reviews | Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Be Lenka | 183 | 4.79 |
| Froddo | 121 | 4.82 |
| Xero Shoes | 82 | 4.87 |
| Altra | 74 | 4.92 |
| Barebarics | 35 | 4.57 |
| Beda | 31 | 4.84 |
| El Naturalista | 28 | 4.36 |
| Reima | 28 | 4.54 |
| D.D. Step | 27 | 4.96 |
| Anatomic | 27 | 4.74 |
| Groundies | 22 | 4.82 |
| Kuoma | 22 | 4.95 |
| Bundgaard | 20 | 4.85 |
| Vivobarefoot | 20 | 4.55 |
Customers’ best tips for getting started with barefoot shoes
- Measure your foot – and read the size guide. One in three reviews is about size. Brands differ: some run large, others small. “Followed the size advice on the website and one size up from my usual was perfect!”
- Think about height, not just width. If you have a high instep, check comments about the height over the instep and toes.
- Start slowly. “It took about two weeks to get used to them.” Wear your shoes a few hours a day at first.
- Use an extra insole during the transition. Many beginners add an extra insole for the first few weeks and remove it later.
- Winter = wool. A wool insole and wool socks keep barefoot shoes warm even at -20 °C. Choose a size that leaves room for them.
- Need cushioning? Choose a transition shoe or a model like Altra – a wide toe box and zero drop, but with more sole.
- Ask us. “It was the first time I bought barefoot shoes online, so they helped me choose the model and size.” – Ellinor
Frequently asked questions about barefoot shoes – answered with customer experiences
Are barefoot shoes comfortable?
According to our customers – yes. Comfort is the most frequently mentioned theme in the reviews (41%), the average rating is 4.8 out of 5, and 96% give 4–5 stars. In the survey, comfort is also the most important factor when buying (54%).
How long does it take to get used to barefoot shoes?
Many customers describe about two weeks. Start with short periods and increase gradually. An extra insole can make the transition smoother.
Do barefoot shoes help with bunions or plantar fasciitis?
Around twenty customers describe in their reviews that the shoes have worked well despite hallux valgus, plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuroma or knee pain – usually thanks to the wide toe box. These are individual experiences, not medical advice. Consult a podiatrist if needed.
Can you wear barefoot shoes in winter?
Yes. Customers have worn barefoot shoes at -20 to -25 °C with a wool insole and wool socks. Choose lined or waterproof models and a size with room for wool.
Are barefoot shoes good for kids?
Parents especially appreciate the room for toes, the soft and flexible soles and that children can easily put the shoes on themselves. 19% of all reviews are about kids’ shoes.
What if the shoes don’t fit?
The most common issue in the reviews is the wrong size or fit. At Widetoes you can exchange or return – and our customer service is happy to help you find the right model.
About the sources and method
Customer survey: Collected on widetoes.com using Hotjar between November 2023 and October 2026. A total of 720 answers (576 from the Finnish version of the website, 144 from the Swedish). The questions covered what best describes the visitor, who they are buying for, what matters most when choosing barefoot shoes, what might be stopping them from buying, and what could be improved in the online store. Percentages are calculated from the number of answers per question.
Product reviews: 885 reviews written by customers themselves on widetoes.com between 2021 and 2026, mainly in Swedish and Finnish, with a few in English and other languages. Rated on a scale of 1–5 stars. Themes were categorised based on keywords in the review texts; one review can belong to several themes.
Quotes: Shown with the customer’s display name. Longer quotes have been shortened (marked […]). Reviews in Swedish, Finnish and Norwegian have been translated into English; reviews originally written in English are shown unmarked. Experiences of foot problems and pain are individual customers’ experiences and should not be taken as medical advice.
Last updated: October 2026.
