Selecting and Maintaining Barefoot Shoes
Barefoot sandals need to fit properly for comfort and a secure feel. At naBOSo, we tested all 2023 models and described them in detail.
Tousled hair, sunglasses, a floaty dress, bare feet and perfectly fitting comfy sandals – that’s exactly what belongs to the hot summer ahead of us this year. Awaken your inner breeze of summer adventures, ditch the inhibitions and choose the right barefoot sandals for unforgettable experiences, whatever you’ve got planned. You’ll find sensual, elegant, sporty and versatile models… and all of them unmistakably healthy naBOSo.
And because we know choosing new shoes isn’t always easy, we’ve put all barefoot sandal models into one article: Summer loves minimalist footwear – choose your barefoot sandals too.
Sandals are the most barefoot type of footwear you can wear. Essentially, it’s a thin, flat sole with a few straps to keep it on your foot. Then it’s just you and the breeze – and sometimes grass, stones or sand – while your feet still have unlimited space. Your foot can spread in every direction as it needs to. Sandals are usually open-toe, so you don’t have to worry about toe box width and extra length in the front. You still need a bit of allowance, though, so you don’t scuff your big toe on the pavement.
Wondering which barefoot sandals are right for you? Let’s compare specific models, look at the exact parameters, award plus points and, hopefully… maybe… even discover a few downsides?
All models were personally tried on by Lucka, who’s in charge of managing the naBOSo e-shop. You can see how each model fitted her in the photos and read her notes in the descriptions.
Lucka tests shoes regularly, so she can spot features in a very short time that you might only notice after longer wear. The aim of these comparisons is to highlight the positives, but also point out any potential negatives. Take all this information as criteria to focus on when choosing. One important note: what doesn’t suit Lucka, a long-time barefoot wearer, might be absolutely fine for you.
Lucka’s foot measurements

Comfortable and elegant barefoot sandals made from vegan materials that look like suede go with just about any outfit. They fasten with an adjustable strap around the ankle. Across the instep there’s a practical Velcro strap, so you can tighten the sandals to fit you perfectly. The sole is beautifully thin and flexible, yet thanks to the rubber studs it’s soft enough for walking around town. You can also wash them in the washing machine on a hand-wash programme at 30 °C.
Lucka tested size 38

Florence is a great example of how to combine the classic design of Roman sandals with the comfort of barefoot shoes. The result is a refined sandal made from quality leather that easily brings a barefoot feel to your summer outfit. They fit best on narrow to medium-width feet with a lower instep. The ankle strap is quite short, so it won’t fasten on a thicker ankle. The natural latex sole is 6 mm and, alongside a softer landing, offers good flexibility too.
Lucka tested size 37

Ares are elegant city sandals in a flip-flop style from the Czech brand Angles. Not only are they beautiful, they’re also unbelievably comfortable and, thanks to the adjustable ankle strap they stay securely on your foot. The cut is designed more for medium to narrower feet. The combination of smooth leather and a 4mm rubber sole makes them stylish barefoot sandals that will look great whether you’re strolling through Prague or heading off on a summer holiday.
Lucka tested size 38

Another new release this year from the Czech brand Angles are truly minimalist sandals with a flexible 4 mm sole. They’re held on your foot only by an ankle strap and a big-toe loop. That’s freedom. You can adjust the strap and cut it to the length that suits you. These sandals fit medium to narrower feet. You can choose from several classic colours that will slip easily into your wardrobe.
Lucka tested size 38
For all minimalists, there’s also the model ANGLES HESTIA, classic sandals with two leather straps.

Modern sandals with a refined cut, made from smooth or metallic leather that will shine on a summer city stroll or a seaside promenade. There’s no need to compromise between beauty and comfort. These sandals are made for medium to narrower feet, but thanks to adjustable straps around the ankle and across the toes, you can easily tailor them to your needs. A flexible 4 mm sole is complemented for extra comfort by a smooth leather insole.
Lucka tested size 38
The ANGLES ERYX model differs from PENELOPE only in the cut of the front strap and the colour options.

Leather barefoot sandals from the Croatian company Froddo are the most affordable city sandals, and the thicker sole ensures enough comfort even for barefoot beginners. They fit well thanks to Velcro straps that make it easy to adjust the width you need. A moderately flexible 6 mm sole is made from natural rubber, is non-marking and slip-resistant.
Lucka tested size 38
Genesis are versatile huarache sandals that you don’t need to tie. Thanks to the original fastening system, you simply slip them on and go. They fit perfectly and tighten easily. You can also trim the straps and the sole to match your foot exactly. The very flexible 5 mm sole is suitable for leisure activities, day trips, sport and, for experienced barefoot walkers, even for a walk around town.
Lucka tested size 38.5

Z-Trek are multi-purpose sandals from Xero Shoes. Low weight combined with a durable, flexible 6 mm sole makes them ideal sandals for sport and hiking. They protect your feet on land and in water. Adjustable straps at the heel and instep make it easy to fine-tune for comfortable wear. They fit medium and wider feet best.
Lucka tested size 38.5

Z-Trail are versatile minimalist sandals that you can take on a woodland walk, a stroll around town, and they’ll support you during sport too. Z-Trail with a 10 mm trail sole are the perfect combination of protection, comfort, low weight, natural flexibility and durability even in demanding terrain. The adjustable straps are made from quick-drying nylon sourced from recycled PET bottles.
Lucka tested size 38.5
You can read how these sandals performed under several weeks of use in the article XERO SHOES Z-TRAIL REVIEW: Truly universal barefoot sandals

Bosky sandals, made in the Czech Republic, combine barefoot parameters, comfort and exceptional sole durability. ENDURO sandals were created with the aim of making the most versatile barefoot sandals possible with a comfortable leather footbed and an 8.5 mm sole that stands up to both trails and city streets.
Lucka tested size 38.5
With sandals – unlike other types of shoes – you can pretty much stop worrying about squashed toes, because they have an open toe. On the other hand, if you choose the wrong size, there’s a risk your foot may slide out of them.
So what’s the right size? The ideal allowance for sandals, unlike other shoes, should be only around 5 mm. Too much extra length can actually be a disadvantage, because it makes it easy to trip over the sole.
Want to be 100% sure about your choice? Visit one of our naBOSo shops and let our trained staff show you all the sandals.
Ideally, reserve your dream pair in advance with a no-obligation order for click & collect at your chosen shop. That’s the only way to be sure they’ll be waiting for you. Then you can take as long as you like to choose and try them on until you’re truly confident you’ve found the right pair.