New to barefoot shoes? Start here

A friendly beginner guide: what to look for, how to measure and how to ease in.

Dan taking a selfie in a grand old room full of shoe boxes and trainers on display

From Barefoot Brit's blog

Posts by Brittany Balinski, read in full on barefootbrit.co.uk.

Saguaro Barefoot Shoes Review: Affordable Barefoot Shoes for Beginners: If you’ve been curious about barefoot shoes but don’t want to spend a fortune on your first pair, Saguaro is the brand for you.
TT Kids: Barefoot Shoes for Growing Feet & Their New Reflexology-Inspired Shoes: Finding well-fitting shoes for growing feet can be tricky.
New to Barefoot Shoes? Barely of Glastonbury Might Be Your First Step to Foot Freedom: An Introduction to Barely Barefoot If you’re new around here, I’m Brit – your guide to navigating the world of natural movement and more specifically...
Polish Barefoot Shoe Brands: When most people think of barefoot shoes, brands from the UK, Germany, or the US usually come to mind.
Larger Velcro & Lace-Free Barefoot School Shoes: Finding barefoot school shoes for older children can be a challenge—especially if they still prefer the independence of a Velcro fastening.
10 Well-Known UK High Street Shops Where You Can Buy Barefoot Shoes Right Now: Healthy footwear is no longer a niche, alternative thing. The high street giants are officially jumping on board, and natural foot freedom is going mainstream.
The Glamour Illusion: Why Mainstream Fashion is Failing Your Feet (the Real Summer 2026 Barefoot Guide): If you arrived here after reading Glamour Magazine’s recent summer barefoot shoe guide, you are likely looking for a lifestyle change.
10 Best UK Barefoot Trainers: Easy First Options for Kids Ages 5-10: The best barefoot trainers for kids...
The Ultimate Barefoot Crocs Alternative: Why the 2026 Boatilus Collection is a Scented Game-Changer for British Health Conscious Parents: Beyond the Conventional Foam Clog: The Audacious Rise of Barefoot Crocs Alternatives...
The Ultimate Barefoot Shoe Expo: My Top Takeaways from Anya’s USA Event: There is something truly magical about walking into a room where you do not have to explain your footwear choices.
Tired of Aching Feet in the Office? Here are 15 of the Best Smart, Formal Barefoot Shoes for Men: You do not need narrow, pointy shoes to look smart anymore. Gone are the days of impractical winkle pickers!
Barefoot Shoes Hit the Mainstream Media: Here’s What You Need to Know NOW: Barefoot Shoes Are Mainstream Now. Here’s What You Need To Know | Seen barefoot shoes in the news?
Why are Your Flip Flops Damaging your Feet? Understanding Why Barefoot Shoes are Way Better for Your Health: Flip flops are often the first thing people think of when they hear the term minimal footwear. They are thin.
Brand Spotlight: How Be Lenka Became One of the Most Trusted Barefoot Shoe Brands: In the world of barefoot footwear, a few brands stand out not only for the shoes they produce, but for the role they play in shaping the wider movement.
Purist vs Transitional: What Makes a Great Barefoot Shoe?: Barefoot shoes have become one of the fastest growing areas of footwear in recent years.
Why Barefoot Shoes Are the Surprising New Comfort Revolution on the UK High Street: Barefoot shoes in the UK have long felt like something you had to go searching for.
Barefoot Shoes for Healthcare Workers: A Real Alternative to Crocs?: If you work in the NHS or any healthcare setting, your shoes are not an accessory. They are equipment.
Why Are Zara, Next and Clarks Suddenly Selling Barefoot Shoes?: If you have recently searched for barefoot shoes in the UK or walked into Zara, Next or Clarks, you may have noticed something quietly remarkable.
Foot Shaped Socks in the UK: A Better Alternative to Restrictive or Toe Socks?: If you wear barefoot shoes, you’ve probably had this quiet frustration at some point. You’ve invested in wide toe boxes.
Why Children’s Shoes Suddenly Stop Looking Like Feet: …what the footwear industry does not like talking about Walk into any shoe shop and start in the baby and toddler section.
From Fungal Frustrations to Freedom: Why Barefoot Dan Finally Gave His Head a Wobble 👣: If you happen to be tucking into your lunch right now, I am going to start this with a bit of a warning.
10 of the Best Children’s Barefoot Hiking Boots that will Let Feet be Free: Trail Guide for Active Little Feet: Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
Barefoot Cycling Shoes: Cycling Shoes Hurt; Is there a better way?: If you already wear barefoot shoes day to day, cycling footwear can feel like a sudden step backwards.
Are There Any Barefoot or Foot-Shaped Football Boots?: Why Foot-Shaped Football Boots Matter (Especially for Growing Feet) If your child plays football, rugby, or any kind of field sport, there’s a very real...
Are Crocs Barefoot Shoes? The Real Story Behind the World’s Most Misunderstood Shoe: Crocs are one of the most recognisable shoes on the planet. They are also one of the most misunderstood.
Wait, but I’m not ready to wear flat, thin shoes. Are there foot shaped shoes that still have a thick sole?: If that sentence has ever crossed your mind, you are exactly where so many people begin their barefoot shoe journey. Barefoot shoes are often misunderstood.
Are There Any USA-Based Barefoot Shoe Brands?: USA based barefoot shoes...
Building the Foundation: Why the Barefoot Brit Conference is a Game Changer for the UK Industry 👣: Find out why the Barefoot Brit Conference is the premier B2B event for the UK barefoot industry.
Why Your Socks Might Be Sabotaging Your Feet: The Guide to Barefoot Toe Socks UK: If you have been following my journey for a while, you will know that I am quite vocal about what goes on your feet.
Beyond the Review: Why I Started the Barefoot Brit Shop: Looking for the best barefoot shoes in the UK? Brittany (Barefoot Brit) introduces her new barefoot shop!
How to Stay Comfy & Warm in Winter Wearing Barefoot Shoes (Yes, It’s Really Possible): Cold. Wet.
Why Wool Changed Everything for Me: From Elimination Communication to Barefoot Living, Sustainability, and Feeling Better in My Own Skin Wool was never something I planned to care about.
How to Buy Overseas Barefoot Shoes Without Hidden UK Taxes: Trusted DDP Brands | How DDP Works | UK Barefoot Brands | Safe Shopping Tips This article is aimed at the UK consumer.
Barefoot Shoes and High Arches: A Perfect Match for Natural Foot Function: In recent years, barefoot shoes have become an increasingly popular choice for those looking to maintain their natural foot function and improve overall...
Barefoot Shoes and High Arches: A Perfect Match for Natural Foot Function: In recent years, barefoot shoes have become an increasingly popular choice for those looking to maintain their natural foot function and improve overall...
The UK’s Barefoot Shoe and Foot Health Expo: Everything You Need to Know: Barefoot shoes are gaining huge momentum in the UK, and with more people seeking natural movement, better posture, and improved foot health, the demand to...
Why School Pumps Hurt Kids’ Feet? Better PE Shoe Alternatives: Updated March 2026 (originally published June 2025, now updated with more options) Black plimsolls have been a standard part of UK school PE kits for decades.
Is It Really Dyspraxia – or Just the Wrong Shoes?: How Footwear May Be Worsening (or Mimicking) Movement Issues in Children It’s something I see all the time.
My Child has _____; are Barefoot Shoes Suitable?: Don’t Panic! If you’re new to the world of barefoot shoes, especially for children, you might be feeling overwhelmed or even skeptical.
Best Barefoot Shoes on a Budget: Starter Picks That Won’t Break the Bank (UK Edition): If you’re ready to dip your toes into the barefoot shoe world – but your budget says “not today” – don’t worry.
Barefoot Running: Reclaiming Our Natural Stride: Discover the history, biomechanics, and benefits of barefoot running.
Is It OK to Wear Second-Hand Barefoot Shoes?: Barefoot shoes are designed to promote natural foot movement, allowing your feet to function as nature intended.
Do Barefoot Shoes Wear Down More Quickly?: One common concern about barefoot shoes is their durability. Without thick cushioning or heavy-duty soles, do they wear out faster than traditional shoes?
Are Zara’s ‘Barefoot’ Shoes the Real Deal? A Full Review: As the barefoot shoe movement continues to gain traction, it’s exciting to see mainstream brands dipping their toes into the market.
Barefoot Horse Riding: Challenging Tradition in Equestrian Footwear: File by Peteris P1170220 by Pēteris is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
The End of Maximalist Shoes: Why Barefoot Footwear is the Future of Foot Health: Balenciaga’s Bold Move and the Rise of Minimalist Footwear for Better Health and Comfort For the past six to twelve months, I’ve been loudly predicting that...
How to Care for Leather and Wool Barefoot Shoes: A Step-by-Step Guide: As avid mushroom foragers, my husband and I spend countless hours trekking through forests, fields, and muddy paths.
Are There Any Physical Stores in the UK That Sell Barefoot Shoes?: If you’re on the hunt for barefoot shoes in the UK, you’ll likely find that there are very few physical stores offering them.
The Importance of Barefoot Time for Babies: How Going Barefoot Supports Healthy Development: From the moment a baby is born, their feet are often quickly covered in soft, protective shoes, socks, or booties.
Doesn’t Feeling the Floor Through Your Shoes Hurt?: The Power of Ground Feel: Why Barefoot Shoes Connect Us to Nature and Improve Our Well-being As modern humans, we’ve become incredibly disconnected from the...
Buying Barefoot Shoes from the EU Confidently: If you’re in the UK and looking to buy barefoot shoes, you might notice that many fantastic brands are based in Europe, such as Gogsig, Muki Shoes, Lang S...
Understanding the Differences Between Minimalist Footwear and Barefoot Shoes: The world of footwear is changing as more people realise the impact that shoes have on their foot health and overall well-being.
Are Barefoot Shoes Just Flat Shoes? Understanding the Science and Benefits of Barefoot Footwear: Barefoot shoes have gained popularity in recent years, sparking debates and curiosity among footwear enthusiasts, health-conscious individuals, and those...
Hypermobility and Barefoot Shoes: Hypermobility is a condition characterised by an increased range of motion in the joints.
When do Babies Need First Shoes? A Parents’ Guide to the Best Barefoot Shoes for New Walkers: Originally published in 2024, updated in 2026. Hello!
The Importance of Keeping Babies Barefoot: Nurturing Natural Foot Development: When it comes to ensuring the healthy development of a baby, much attention is given to nutrition, cognitive stimulation, and overall physical well-being.
Why Are Barefoot Shoes So Expensive?: Understanding the True Cost and Value This article contains affiliate links. This week, I introduced you to a Danish brand called Gogsig Barefoot.
Slip-On Shoes for the Barefoot Enthusiast: Finding the Perfect Balance: Barefoot shoes have been a game-changer for many, providing a natural walking experience that promotes healthier feet and a more natural gait.
The Hidden Dangers of Mainstream Footwear: In our modern society, mainstream footwear is ubiquitous.
How to Determine Your Foot Width: Understanding whether your feet are narrow or wide can be tricky, as these terms are quite subjective.