The Barefoot Shoe Guide

01/30/2026

After a backpacking trip a few years ago, I swore was done with hiking boots. My feet were tired and sore, and I wished I’d just worn my light and meshy trail runners instead, even if it meant giving up protection of a leather boot.

The problem wasn’t hiking boots as a category.

It was the kind of boots I was wearing: heavy, stiff, narrow, heeled…aka the kind that gave me blisters and left my toes throbbing.

But after learning about barefoot shoes and the benefits of wide toe boxes and zero-drop, flexible soles, I realized that I didn’t need to give up hiking boots all together. I just need better ones.

The Lems Boulder Boots have been my go-to leather hiking boots ever since. They give me the protection and durability I want from a boot, without all the clunky downsides that made me swear them off in the first place.

If you want the good parts of a leather hiking boot (and none of the old-school misery), check out lemsshoes !

👉Comment BOOTS for a link to the Lems Boulder Boots and my complete review.

⛰️ And I need some more hiking or backpacking inspiration! My dream for my next trip is a hut-to-hut hike through the Dolomites. Where are some of your favorite places to hike?

01/26/2026

01/23/2026

Shoes should not be shapewear (even if it’s a collab with SKIMS).

01/21/2026

J.Crew and Madewell used to be my favorite places to shop for cute work flats…now I can’t even bring myself to try them on.

Part of me genuinely wonders if shoes are just getting narrower. Because how could anyone think this is the more comfortable option (especially when we’re told heels are the problem)?

It’s hard to imagine these feeling good on anyone. And if a foot truly “fits,” chances are it’s already been reshaped by years of narrow, tapered footwear.

Shoes are meant to protect our feet. Style should be fun.

Why is it still considered acceptable for shoes to cause pain…and set the stage for years of foot issues?

👉 Need a new place to shop for shoes? Comment “POST” for a short list of the barefoot shoes I wore most in 2025…all with a true foot-shaped toe box.

12/19/2025

Yay! The Birkenstock Lutry clogs are on sale—with $50 off!

I was able to snag a pair of these last year for almost half price, so I’ve been waiting to see if any great deals popped up this year. One finally has, and you can now get them for just over $100.

👉Comment “BIRK” for the link! Plus I’ll send my post with all of my tips on how to make these barefoot. It’s really easy since the cork just pops right out, but I share a few different insole replacement options and my experience with sizing.

12/16/2025

Just a PSA—starting to wear barefoot shoes will probably ruin all your old favorite shoes for you. 😬

Every time I try on a pair of conventional shoes (even the ones I used to think were comfortable), it’s always a stark reminder of just how poorly designed and dysfunctional they are.

Has this happened to you?

12/12/2025

What’s new in the barefoot shoe world?! Twice a year I creat a post with some of the biggest happenings that season—new brands, new styles, and helpful info you’ll be glad to know.

Comment “DIGEST” and I’ll send you the post.

12/06/2025

🎄 St. Nicholas Giveaway with Shapen! 🎅

Shapen is proving time and again that shoes can be cute and comfortable! These are a few of my favorite styles from Shapen, but I want three of you (plus your best friend) to enjoy the comfort of these barefoot shoes too!

12/03/2025

The new Bahé Rewild waterproof trail shoes are here!

I’ve worn Bahé’s minimalist trail runners for years, and these new hikers have that same fit and feel I love, now with a waterproof upper. The Rewild comes in three stack heights, so you can choose from the thin and flexible 10mm barefoot sole all the way up to a more cushioned 22mm option.

🔍 barefoot shoes, hiking shoes, hiking boots