Beyond Barefoot
@beyondbarefoot.bsky.social
A resource for people interested in wide toe box shoes https://beyondbarefoot.substack.com/
El Naturalista has been killing it lately with some of their wide toe box footwear designs. Read my review of their new cushioned zero drop Nomada boots here:
A review of El Naturalista Nomada zero drop boots
Wide toe box Derby boots, combat boots, Doc Marten dupes... whatever you want to call them
beyondbarefoot.substack.com
October 3, 2025 at 1:11 PM
El Naturalista has been killing it lately with some of their wide toe box footwear designs. Read my review of their new cushioned zero drop Nomada boots here:
If you've been looking for a classic leather sneaker that has similar properties to a barefoot shoe but with a thicker sole, the Rückenwind by GEA Waldviertler is definitely a solid choice!
Check out my review below:
Check out my review below:
A review of GEA Waldviertler Rückenwind sneakers
A classic barefoot-adjacent sneaker with cushion
beyondbarefoot.substack.com
July 14, 2025 at 3:24 PM
If you've been looking for a classic leather sneaker that has similar properties to a barefoot shoe but with a thicker sole, the Rückenwind by GEA Waldviertler is definitely a solid choice!
Check out my review below:
Check out my review below:
If you've been struggling to find unique healthy shoes that express your fashion sense, look no further! There are more fun wide toe box options now than ever before.
Here's my list of funky shoes for a variety of different wardrobe styles.
#widetoebox #zerodrop #barefootshoes
Here's my list of funky shoes for a variety of different wardrobe styles.
#widetoebox #zerodrop #barefootshoes
A list of wide toe box shoes with attitude
For those wanting something a little different while still leaving room for the piggies
beyondbarefoot.substack.com
June 1, 2025 at 12:01 PM
If you've been struggling to find unique healthy shoes that express your fashion sense, look no further! There are more fun wide toe box options now than ever before.
Here's my list of funky shoes for a variety of different wardrobe styles.
#widetoebox #zerodrop #barefootshoes
Here's my list of funky shoes for a variety of different wardrobe styles.
#widetoebox #zerodrop #barefootshoes
Keen has long been known for having much more toe room than most other conventional shoe brands. If you've been curious about Keen's barefoot-inspired KNX line, check out my short review below.
#widetoebox
#widetoebox
A short review of Keen KNX sneakers
Wide toe box sneakers with heel elevation
beyondbarefoot.substack.com
May 2, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Keen has long been known for having much more toe room than most other conventional shoe brands. If you've been curious about Keen's barefoot-inspired KNX line, check out my short review below.
#widetoebox
#widetoebox
I know what a struggle it can be to find wide toe box shoes that look good, so I’ve put together a (totally subjective) list of the best-looking wide toe box shoes currently on the market.
#barefootshoes #zerodrop #widetoebox
#barefootshoes #zerodrop #widetoebox
My top picks for the best-looking wide toe box shoes
Shoes can be comfortable and look good too
beyondbarefoot.substack.com
April 13, 2025 at 3:17 PM
I know what a struggle it can be to find wide toe box shoes that look good, so I’ve put together a (totally subjective) list of the best-looking wide toe box shoes currently on the market.
#barefootshoes #zerodrop #widetoebox
#barefootshoes #zerodrop #widetoebox
For years now, I’ve been waiting for someone to come out with an amazing-looking zero drop boot made of durable materials. I’m happy to say that day has finally arrived! If you’ve been on the lookout for something that combines quality craftsmanship with healthy footwear, check out the deets below 👇
The quality zero drop boots I've been waiting for
Someone finally made "The Boot"
beyondbarefoot.substack.com
March 26, 2025 at 12:57 PM
For years now, I’ve been waiting for someone to come out with an amazing-looking zero drop boot made of durable materials. I’m happy to say that day has finally arrived! If you’ve been on the lookout for something that combines quality craftsmanship with healthy footwear, check out the deets below 👇
A barefoot shoe is kind of like low carb ice cream: it’s never going to be quite the same as the original version.
To find out why some barefoot shoes just don't look quite right, read my article below:
To find out why some barefoot shoes just don't look quite right, read my article below:
Why barefoot shoes look weird (pt. 2)
So many reasons, so little time
beyondbarefoot.substack.com
March 11, 2025 at 3:53 PM
A barefoot shoe is kind of like low carb ice cream: it’s never going to be quite the same as the original version.
To find out why some barefoot shoes just don't look quite right, read my article below:
To find out why some barefoot shoes just don't look quite right, read my article below:
Barefoot shoes don’t look like conventional shoes. But why is that? The toe box shape is obviously one reason, but there’s much more to the story. Read about some of the reasons barefoot shoes look weird:
#barefootshoes #footweardesign
#barefootshoes #footweardesign
Why barefoot shoes look weird (pt. 1)
And how they can look better
beyondbarefoot.substack.com
February 22, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Barefoot shoes don’t look like conventional shoes. But why is that? The toe box shape is obviously one reason, but there’s much more to the story. Read about some of the reasons barefoot shoes look weird:
#barefootshoes #footweardesign
#barefootshoes #footweardesign
Sneakers should be some of the most comfortable shoes you own (in my opinion), so I’ve put together a list of wide toe box sneakers for everyday wear. Whether you're looking for zero drop sneakers with cushion, wide toe box sneakers with heels, or barefoot sneakers, I've got you covered!
A list of wide toe box sneakers
Cushioned zero drop sneakers, sneakers with heel elevation, and barefoot sneakers
beyondbarefoot.substack.com
February 13, 2025 at 3:24 AM
Sneakers should be some of the most comfortable shoes you own (in my opinion), so I’ve put together a list of wide toe box sneakers for everyday wear. Whether you're looking for zero drop sneakers with cushion, wide toe box sneakers with heels, or barefoot sneakers, I've got you covered!
I’m always on the lookout for new wide toe box shoe offerings—especially zero drop shoes with cushion, since there are currently so few options. A handful of brands have recently released (or are soon to release) shoes in this category, and I thought you should know!
#zerodropshoes #widetoebox
#zerodropshoes #widetoebox
New and upcoming healthy footwear releases
Wide toe box shoes with cushioned zero drop soles
beyondbarefoot.substack.com
January 31, 2025 at 5:39 PM
I’m always on the lookout for new wide toe box shoe offerings—especially zero drop shoes with cushion, since there are currently so few options. A handful of brands have recently released (or are soon to release) shoes in this category, and I thought you should know!
#zerodropshoes #widetoebox
#zerodropshoes #widetoebox
If you’re looking for a casual zero drop sneaker that has more substantial soles than a barefoot shoe, the OG Cush is a solid option—depending on the shape and width of your foot and personal preferences. Read my review of TRUE linkswear OG Cush zero drop sneakers here:
#zerodropshoes
#zerodropshoes
A review of TRUE linkswear OG Cush
Zero drop sneakers with cushion
beyondbarefoot.substack.com
January 29, 2025 at 5:04 PM
If you’re looking for a casual zero drop sneaker that has more substantial soles than a barefoot shoe, the OG Cush is a solid option—depending on the shape and width of your foot and personal preferences. Read my review of TRUE linkswear OG Cush zero drop sneakers here:
#zerodropshoes
#zerodropshoes
If you want wide toe box boots for Winter, look no further! Here's a list of options, whether you're looking for barefoot boots, zero drop boots with cushion, or something that has a bit of heel elevation.
#barefootshoes #zerodropshoes #widetoebox #functionalfootwear
#barefootshoes #zerodropshoes #widetoebox #functionalfootwear
A list of wide toe box boots for Winter
Plus tips for keeping your feet warm in chilly weather
beyondbarefoot.substack.com
January 29, 2025 at 4:58 PM
If you want wide toe box boots for Winter, look no further! Here's a list of options, whether you're looking for barefoot boots, zero drop boots with cushion, or something that has a bit of heel elevation.
#barefootshoes #zerodropshoes #widetoebox #functionalfootwear
#barefootshoes #zerodropshoes #widetoebox #functionalfootwear
If you've been looking for quality zero drop boots with some cushion, you'll love these by GEA Waldviertler! Read my review of the Mustang Chelsea boots:
#zerodropshoes #widetoebox #functionalfootwear #foothealth
#zerodropshoes #widetoebox #functionalfootwear #foothealth
A review of GEA Waldviertler Mustang boots
Zero drop Chelsea boots with cushion
beyondbarefoot.substack.com
January 28, 2025 at 10:03 PM
If you've been looking for quality zero drop boots with some cushion, you'll love these by GEA Waldviertler! Read my review of the Mustang Chelsea boots:
#zerodropshoes #widetoebox #functionalfootwear #foothealth
#zerodropshoes #widetoebox #functionalfootwear #foothealth
Poorly designed footwear has been the cause of a lot of pain and misery throughout history. In this article, I'll explore the writings of a few trailblazers whose efforts to promote healthy footwear deserve recognition.
"Why the Shoe Pinches" (pt. 2)
The pursuit for healthy footwear continues
beyondbarefoot.substack.com
January 28, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Poorly designed footwear has been the cause of a lot of pain and misery throughout history. In this article, I'll explore the writings of a few trailblazers whose efforts to promote healthy footwear deserve recognition.
Considering that the rise of barefoot shoes is a fairly recent phenomenon, it might be tempting to think the idea that shoes should respect the natural shape of the foot is a new, radical concept. In reality, people have been calling for healthier footwear options for many years. Read about it here:
"Why the Shoe Pinches" (pt. 1)
The pioneers of healthy footwear advocacy
beyondbarefoot.substack.com
January 28, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Considering that the rise of barefoot shoes is a fairly recent phenomenon, it might be tempting to think the idea that shoes should respect the natural shape of the foot is a new, radical concept. In reality, people have been calling for healthier footwear options for many years. Read about it here:
Shoe fitting is a complex topic that unfortunately gets oversimplified into the maxim that you should have a thumb’s width of extra space from the end of your toes to the end of the shoe. Find out why there's much more to shoe fitting than the "thumb's width rule."
How should shoes fit?
Some lesser-known tips for finding comfortable footwear
beyondbarefoot.substack.com
January 28, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Shoe fitting is a complex topic that unfortunately gets oversimplified into the maxim that you should have a thumb’s width of extra space from the end of your toes to the end of the shoe. Find out why there's much more to shoe fitting than the "thumb's width rule."
Looking for casual wide toe box boots? I've got you covered! Whether you want barefoot boots, zero drop boots with cushion, or wide toe box boots with heel elevation. Check 'em out below!
#zerodropshoes #barefootshoes #widetoebox
#zerodropshoes #barefootshoes #widetoebox
A list of boots for Fall that won't squish your toes
Boots with wide and/or anatomical toe boxes
beyondbarefoot.substack.com
January 26, 2025 at 5:48 PM
Looking for casual wide toe box boots? I've got you covered! Whether you want barefoot boots, zero drop boots with cushion, or wide toe box boots with heel elevation. Check 'em out below!
#zerodropshoes #barefootshoes #widetoebox
#zerodropshoes #barefootshoes #widetoebox
I’m sure I’m not the only one who would like to wear shoes that have some barefoot properties without having to commit to the whole thin-sole lifestyle, which is I started my blog—so I could highlight the shoes I’ve found to help make your own search a little easier. Here are some of my best finds:
The shoe brands I'm most excited about
Wide toe box shoes to have on your radar
beyondbarefoot.substack.com
January 25, 2025 at 8:31 PM
I’m sure I’m not the only one who would like to wear shoes that have some barefoot properties without having to commit to the whole thin-sole lifestyle, which is I started my blog—so I could highlight the shoes I’ve found to help make your own search a little easier. Here are some of my best finds:
Many barefoot shoe companies aim to have the thinnest soles possible to allow for more “ground feel,” which is said to help with proprioception and foot strengthening. Thin soles definitely do make you feel more underfoot, but for some people, that’s not necessarily a good thing. Read more here:
We need more barefoot shoe options with thicker soles
Why having more "ground feel" isn't always a good thing
beyondbarefoot.substack.com
January 25, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Many barefoot shoe companies aim to have the thinnest soles possible to allow for more “ground feel,” which is said to help with proprioception and foot strengthening. Thin soles definitely do make you feel more underfoot, but for some people, that’s not necessarily a good thing. Read more here:
Here’s a running list of shoes with a wide toe box that are suited for various sporting activities. As awareness grows regarding how much our footwear choices can affect our performance and foot health, more options are popping up to meet the specific needs of different recreational pursuits.
A list of wide toe box athletic shoes for a range of activities
Need shoes for basketball? Dancing? Golf? You're in luck!
beyondbarefoot.substack.com
January 24, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Here’s a running list of shoes with a wide toe box that are suited for various sporting activities. As awareness grows regarding how much our footwear choices can affect our performance and foot health, more options are popping up to meet the specific needs of different recreational pursuits.
If barefoot shoes appeal to you but you can't get past the lack of cushioning, the Austrian brand GEA Waldviertler is a solid option. Read my review of their Aufwind sneakers for the deets!
#zerodropshoes #widetoeboxshoes #functionalfootwear #foothealth #barefootshoes
#zerodropshoes #widetoeboxshoes #functionalfootwear #foothealth #barefootshoes
A review of GEA Waldviertler zero drop shoes
For those who want a barefoot-style shoe with more padding
beyondbarefoot.substack.com
January 22, 2025 at 7:35 PM
If barefoot shoes appeal to you but you can't get past the lack of cushioning, the Austrian brand GEA Waldviertler is a solid option. Read my review of their Aufwind sneakers for the deets!
#zerodropshoes #widetoeboxshoes #functionalfootwear #foothealth #barefootshoes
#zerodropshoes #widetoeboxshoes #functionalfootwear #foothealth #barefootshoes
Dressing up doesn't need to be painful! If you're looking for a curated list of the best-looking zero drop shoes to wear at the office or your next formal event, here's a list I've put together:
A list of dressy zero drop shoes for men & women
Shoes with no heel elevation for the office or formal occasions
beyondbarefoot.substack.com
January 22, 2025 at 7:09 PM
Dressing up doesn't need to be painful! If you're looking for a curated list of the best-looking zero drop shoes to wear at the office or your next formal event, here's a list I've put together:
Many people are turned off by wide toe box shoes because they think they look “funny.” What if we can have elegant shoes while also being kind to our feet?
#widetoeboxshoes #functionalfootwear #healthyfootwear #zerodropshoes #barefootshoes
#widetoeboxshoes #functionalfootwear #healthyfootwear #zerodropshoes #barefootshoes
Shoes don't need to look like feet to be healthy
It's time we had a talk about "action length"
beyondbarefoot.substack.com
January 21, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Many people are turned off by wide toe box shoes because they think they look “funny.” What if we can have elegant shoes while also being kind to our feet?
#widetoeboxshoes #functionalfootwear #healthyfootwear #zerodropshoes #barefootshoes
#widetoeboxshoes #functionalfootwear #healthyfootwear #zerodropshoes #barefootshoes
Not everyone can wear barefoot or zero drop shoes. If you've been looking for wide toe box shoes with some heel elevation, this list is for you!
#widetoeboxshoes #functionalfootwear #foothealth
#widetoeboxshoes #functionalfootwear #foothealth
A list of shoes with a wide toe box and elevated heels
Many, but not all, with anatomical toe boxes
beyondbarefoot.substack.com
January 21, 2025 at 4:39 PM
Not everyone can wear barefoot or zero drop shoes. If you've been looking for wide toe box shoes with some heel elevation, this list is for you!
#widetoeboxshoes #functionalfootwear #foothealth
#widetoeboxshoes #functionalfootwear #foothealth
Have you tried barefoot shoes in the past but found that you needed something with a bit more padding? Check out my list of cushioned barefoot shoes in the link below!
#barefootshoes #widetoeboxshoes #functionalfootwear #zerodropshoes #foothealth
#barefootshoes #widetoeboxshoes #functionalfootwear #zerodropshoes #foothealth
A list of zero drop shoes with a wide toe box & cushioned soles
Also known as minimalist shoes, transition shoes, or cushioned barefoot shoes
beyondbarefoot.substack.com
January 21, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Have you tried barefoot shoes in the past but found that you needed something with a bit more padding? Check out my list of cushioned barefoot shoes in the link below!
#barefootshoes #widetoeboxshoes #functionalfootwear #zerodropshoes #foothealth
#barefootshoes #widetoeboxshoes #functionalfootwear #zerodropshoes #foothealth