Best Barefoot Hiking Brands (and how to choose them for Australian trails)
Barefoot and minimalist hiking footwear gives you better ground feel, improved balance and a closer connection to the trail. In Australia — from rocky coastal headlands to dusty bush tracks — the right barefoot shoe or sandal protects your foot while still letting it move naturally. Below we list the brands we recommend, explain which gear suits which terrain, and give practical tips for choosing, transitioning and caring for barefoot hiking shoes.
Top barefoot brands for hiking (shortlist)
These brands are widely available, tested by the barefoot community, and offer models suitable for Australian walking tracks and multi-day hikes.
1. Vivobarefoot
Vivobarefoot is one of the most recognised barefoot brands worldwide and offers a range of hiking-specific boots and trail shoes with thin, puncture-resistant soles and wide toe boxes — ideal for rocky and mixed terrain. If you want a boot-style option with weather protection, Vivobarefoot's hiking models are a strong choice. [oai_citation:0‡Vivobarefoot AU](https://vivobarefoot.com.au/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
2. Xero Shoes
Xero Shoes makes lightweight barefoot sandals (Z-Trek, Z-Trail) and flexible trail shoes that are popular for Australia’s warm-weather hikes, creek crossings and packable trekking. The Z-Trek/Z-Trail sandals give excellent ground feel and are very packable for multi-day trips. [oai_citation:1‡xeros.com.au](https://www.xeros.com.au/z-trek-women-s-lightweight-packable-barefoot-sandal/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
3. Lems & Be Lenka
Lems focuses on very flexible, roomy shoes that are popular for day hikes and travel. Be Lenka produce trail-ready barefoot models as well — both are good options if you want a soft, roomy toe box with lower profile protection.
4. Barefoot Sandal Makers (Bedrock, Luna, Shamma)
If you prefer sandals, Bedrock and Luna (and smaller makers like Shamma) build durable barefoot sandals with aggressive tread patterns suited to trails and water crossings. These are excellent for summer hiking in Australia, river walks or island hopping. [oai_citation:2‡Terradrift](https://terradrift.com/the-best-barefoot-hiking-sandals/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Which barefoot shoe for which Australian terrain?
Australia’s trails vary a lot — choose footwear based on the dominant surface and season.
Coastal paths & rocky headlands
Choose a barefoot shoe or boot with a slightly tougher sole and good toe protection (e.g., Vivobarefoot Tracker or Tracker II). Thin, puncture-resistant soles and sticky rubber tread help on sandstone and sharp rock. [oai_citation:3‡Vivobarefoot AU](https://vivobarefoot.com.au/collections/hiking-shoes?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Dry, dusty bush tracks
A flexible barefoot trainer or light trail shoe (Lems, Be Lenka) is often enough. The roomy toe box helps with fatigue on long days and allows toes to splay naturally.
Wet, creeky sections & island hikes
Barefoot sandals (Xero Z-Trek, Bedrock) are ideal: they drain and dry quickly, and secure straps keep the foot locked in when navigating slippery rocks. [oai_citation:4‡xeros.com.au](https://www.xeros.com.au/z-trek-women-s-lightweight-packable-barefoot-sandal/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
How to choose the right model — checklist
- Toe box width: toes must be able to splay — the shoe should feel roomy in the forefoot.
- Sole thickness: 3–6 mm is common for barefoot hiking; thinner = more ground-feel, thicker = more protection.
- Tread & grip: look for chevron or multi-direction lugs for wet rock and loose surfaces.
- Weight & packability: for multi-day trips, lighter/packable sandals or shoes save carry weight.
- Weather protection: waterproof/breathable membranes for winter hikes; open sandals for summer coastal trails.
Transitioning safely to barefoot hiking
If you’re new to barefoot footwear, transition gradually — your feet and calves need time to adapt. Start with short walks, increase distance slowly, and include foot strengthening drills (toe spreads, calf raises).
Caring for barefoot hiking shoes
- Rinse salt, sand and mud after walks; air dry away from direct heat.
- Use leather conditioner sparingly on full-grain leather boots and replace insoles or footbeds when worn.
- Store sandals with straps loosened to avoid strap stretch and check buckles/hooks before heading out.
Where to buy (Australia)
AdventureCo stocks a selection of barefoot shoes and sandals for Australian hikers — check our hiking shoes collection and size/fit pages for each brand. (Link to collection:) adventureco.com.au/collections/hiking-shoes
Quick Picks — models to try
- Vivobarefoot Tracker II — comfy, protected boot for rocky coast and multi-day use. [oai_citation:5‡Vivobarefoot AU](https://vivobarefoot.com.au/collections/hiking-shoes?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Xero Z-Trek / Z-Trail — lightweight, packable barefoot sandals for summer hiking. [oai_citation:6‡xeros.com.au](https://www.xeros.com.au/z-trek-women-s-lightweight-packable-barefoot-sandal/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
- Lems Trailhead — flexible day-hike shoe with roomy toe box.
- Bedrock Cairn Evo — barefoot sandal with grippy sole for river/rock terrain. [oai_citation:7‡SELF](https://www.self.com/story/best-hiking-sandals?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
FAQ
Are barefoot shoes good for long hikes?
Yes — many hikers use barefoot shoes for long distances, but a gradual transition and the correct sole thickness for the terrain are essential.
Can you do multi-day hikes in sandals?
Yes, on warm trails with low exposure and when water crossings are expected. Pack socks or lightweight shoes for cooler nights and rough terrain.
Shop barefoot hiking shoes at AdventureCo