Groundies soles: How to choose the right one for the city and the outdoors?

We’ll walk you through the differences between the various sole types and help you find the best option for tarmac, nature, sport or winter.

When choosing barefoot shoes, it’s not just the design that matters – the sole plays at least as big a role. If you’ve got your eye on Groundies, we’ve put together this guide for you – Groundies offers a lot of different options that vary in thickness, flexibility and what they’re designed for. This article will help you get your bearings and choose exactly what you need. You’ll find the sole type for each Groundies model in the product description under the features section.

If you’re not sure which shoe width to choose, take a look at our comparison of fits too. But now, let’s dive into the different sole types. 

Groundies city soles

For the city, you’ll want a sole that can cushion your step on hard tarmac or paving, while still giving you that maximum barefoot feel. These sole types are perfect for everyday wear, walking around town, or even for work.

Sole	Features	Fit width	Recommended for
GP1 and GSP1	Springy, thicker, with a visually raised heel	Medium and narrower	Beginners
GS1	Lightweight, softer, with enough cushioning	Medium and narrower	Beginners, everyday city wear
GS4	Dense rubber, less sensitive ground feel	Medium and narrower	Beginners, extra foot protection
GO1	Thin, sensitive, wider toe box	Medium and wider BF+	More experienced barefoot walkers
Street	Flexible and non-slip	Medium	For the city and indoors
Urban	Flexible with a visually raised heel	Medium	For the city, smarter occasions

The photo shows the GO1 sole

For barefoot beginners

If you’re new to barefoot shoes, it’s better to start with a more cushioned sole that’s kinder to feet that aren’t used to barefoot walking. You can also begin with a narrower fit and gradually move to a wider one.

Sole	Features	Fit width	Recommended for
GS1	Lightweight, softer, with enough cushioning	Medium and narrower	Beginners, everyday city wear
GP1 and GSP1	More cushioned, thicker, visually raised heel	Medium and narrower	Beginners, transitioning from conventional footwear
GS4	Firmer rubber, less sensitive ground feel	Medium and narrower	Beginners, city wear

Winter barefoot shoes

In winter, thicker soles that insulate better from the cold and keep you steady on slippery surfaces are a great choice. Even in winter boots, you can still enjoy that barefoot “barefoot walking” feel.

Sole	Features	Fit width	Recommended for
GX2	Thickest, firmer, with tread	Medium	Winter season
GS1	Used on Chelsea boots, softer, with enough cushioning and tread	Medium to narrower	City wear in winter
GO1	Thinnest, springy, sensitive ground feel	Medium and wider BF+	Mild winter, more experienced walkers

The photo shows the GX2 sole

Ballet flats

Ballet flats are known for having the thinnest and softest sole possible, which highlights the shoe’s elegant line. A great choice for anyone who wants to combine the barefoot philosophy with tasteful outfits for smarter occasions.

Sole	Features	Fit width	Recommended for
GB1 and GB2	Very soft, flexible, similar to GO1	Medium and wider BF+	Smart footwear, city wear

Sandals

With sandals, it’s important that the sole offers a bit of cushioning, while still being lightweight and flexible. All Groundies sandals use the same sole type, which works well in the city and on easier outdoor paths.

Sole	Features	Fit width	Recommended for
GC2	Absorbs impact well, versatile use	Medium	Summer wear, easy terrain

Barefoot sports shoes

For sport, you need shoes that will last and can handle quick movements and varied terrain. With Groundies, you can choose based on the sport you do most often.

Sole	Features	Fit width	Recommended for
Active	Thin, prominent big toe, tapered toes, minimal tread	Medium	Running, workouts, gym
GH1 and GH2	Robust, with pronounced tread, protects off-road	Medium	Trail running, hiking
GP1	Springy, soft, versatile, visually raised heel	Medium and narrower	Recreational sport, city
Motion	Flexible and non-slip with a visually raised heel	Medium	Sport, gym

Outdoor shoes

Off-road, you’ll appreciate a sole that can handle uneven ground and protect your feet, while still staying flexible. Groundies offers both versatile options and more robust models with deeper tread.

Sole	Features	Fit width	Recommended for
GO1	Versatile, thin, light tread, trainers	Medium and wider BF+	More experienced walkers, easy terrain
GH1 and GH2	Robust, with pronounced tread, protects off-road	Medium	Longer hikes and more demanding terrain

Children’s barefoot shoes

With children’s shoes, the most important thing is that the sole is flexible, non-slip, and shaped correctly for a child’s foot that’s still growing. That’s why Groundies designed an even better children’s fit with a new sole type. 

Sole	Features	Fit width	Recommended for
GK2	Soft, non-slip, 100% rubber (10% recycled)	Medium, wider heel and ankle	Children

Final recommendations

When choosing new shoes, think not only about the right size, but also about where you’ll wear them most. A good sole means comfort with every step. And if you’re new to barefoot footwear, choosing well can save you from unnecessary aches and pains. For starters, more cushioned types (GP1, GS4) are ideal, and you can gradually move to thinner ones (GO1, Active) as your feet adapt. You’ll find the sole type for a specific model in the shoe description under the features section.

If you’re not sure, feel free to get in touch – we’ll be happy to help. Or pop into one of our shops, where you can try the shoes on in person.

Where will your next steps take you:

• Groundies: Which fit should you choose? Regular, Barefoot and Barefoot+
• How to care for leather barefoot shoes properly
• How to measure your foot correctly and why barefoot shoes need extra allowance
• Do your feet get cold in winter in conventional shoes? They won’t in barefoot shoes