The best barefoot shoes for wide feet and bunions
- BareTierra
- Nov 25, 2025
- 5 min read
Having wide feet, bunions, or hammer toes can turn the search for shoes into a mini-nightmare. Many conventional styles pinch the toe box, rub against the bunion, and by the end of the day, your feet are begging to get out of there.
Barefoot footwear can be a great ally if you choose the right shape and width .
In this guide, I'll explain in simple terms what to consider and provide several models that tend to work better with feet that need more space.
1. Who is this guide for?
Designed for you when:
You feel that almost all shoes pinch in the toe or bunion area.
You have overlapping, claw-like, or slightly inward-turned fingers.
You're looking for barefoot shoes with a wide toe box and a flexible sole , not "more of the same" with a different label.
This does not replace professional advice. If you have severe pain, a significant deformity, or have recently undergone surgery , it is best to discuss any changes in footwear with your podiatrist or doctor.
2. Quick tips for choosing barefoot shoes for wide feet or bunions
Before looking at specific models, pay special attention to:
1) Toe shape
It should be what many brands call foot-shaped : wider and more rounded, following the natural shape of the foot.
The straighter and narrower the tip, the worse it is for bunions and compressed toes.
2) Width and volume
It's not just the width that matters, but also the "height" of the shoe in the front area.
Wide feet and bunions benefit from soft materials and extra space in that area.
3) Flexible sole
A rigid sole keeps the foot boxed in.
A flexible sole allows the toes to move and spread apart, which is key if they've been under years of compression.
4) Adjustable closure
Laces or Velcro allow you to adjust the shoe to the instep without crushing the toe .
With this in mind, let's look at the models.
3. Recommended barefoot models for wide feet and bunions
3.1. Be Lenka Prime 2.0: the star option for wide feet
The Be Lenka Prime 2.0 is one of those shoes that many people with wide feet describe as "finally something that doesn't pinch."
It's a barefoot leather sneaker, with a very wide toe box and a foot shape.
For whom
Wide feet, bunions or claw toes that suffer with narrow shoes.
Daily use: city, casual work, leisure walks.
The best
Very wide toe box: the toes have real room to spread.
Thin and flexible sole (4 mm), which allows you to feel the ground without being exaggerated.
Removable template to adjust the internal volume if needed.
Things to keep in mind
It's not designed for running or intense sports. Its strength lies in everyday use and walking more freely.
See Be Lenka Prime 2.0 (wide feet and bunions)
3.2 Shapen: an elegant brand with two actual widths
One of the most interesting surprises for those with bunions or wide feet is that Shapen offers several models in two different widths: Regular and Wide . This is uncommon in elegant barefoot footwear, where many brands only work with a single last.
The Regular width is already quite generous , with real room for the toes and for feet with moderate bunions. But there is also the Wide option, designed for really wide feet, pronounced bunions, or people who need even more volume in the front.
Models like Poppy , Tulip , Lily 3.0 or Playa can be found in both versions, allowing you to choose an elegant shoe without sacrificing a proper and comfortable fit, even for difficult feet.
3.3. Be Lenka Cityscape: Spacious barefoot shoes for jeans and the office
If you want something a little more "dressy" but still need space in the front, models like Be Lenka Cityscape maintain a wide toe box and a clean design that works very well with jeans, chinos or office wear.
For whom
Wide feet that cannot tolerate narrow formal shoes.
People who want a barefoot shoe that doesn't look sporty .
The best
Minimalist design, easy to combine with work looks or more elegant casual outfits.
They maintain the wide fit of Be Lenka: they respect bunions and big toes.
Thin and flexible sole to continue feeling the ground.
Things to keep in mind
It's not a super formal dress shoe, but a smart-casual middle ground.
3.4. Urban Barebarics (e.g., Blend): modern look with good width
In the Barebarics line you'll find sneakers with a more modern aesthetic and a slightly firmer sole, but with a wider toe box compared to a standard sneaker.
For example, Barebarics Blend or similar urban models.
For whom
Wide feet looking for a more "urban sneaker" look.
Use: city, informal work, long walks.
The best
Modern and youthful aesthetic.
Wide and rounded toe box, much kinder to bunions than classic sneakers.
Flexible soles (although somewhat more structured than those of the pure Be Lenka).
Things to keep in mind
They are not usually as wide as a Prime 2.0, but they are much wider than most conventional sports cars.
3.5. Saguaro Free Walker Knit III: an economical option with a generous fit
Within Amazon.es , the Saguaro Free Walker Knit III model is an economical barefoot style option, with a flexible sole and a wider toe box than most conventional athletic shoes.
For whom
For those who want to try barefoot walking with wide feet without making a large initial investment.
People who are used to very narrow shoes and want to "try out the sensations" before moving on to more specific brands.
The best
Very affordable price to get started in the barefoot world.
Relatively wide toe box and flexible sole, more forgiving for wide feet than a standard athletic shoe.
Lightweight and breathable knit upper fabric, comfortable for everyday wear.
Things to keep in mind
The shape of the toe box is not as anatomical or as generous as in high-end barefoot brands (Be Lenka, Barebarics, etc.).
Materials and finishes are more basic; if you are looking for a shoe for very intensive use or for many years, it is worth keeping this in mind.
View Saguaro Free Walker Knit III options on Amazon
3.6. Skinners (Comfort 2.0 and similar): sock-shoe that does not compress the bunion
Skinners are a cross between a sock and a shoe: stretchy fabric with a thin sole. They don't have a rigid toe box, so they don't usually put as much pressure on the bunion area.
For whom
Feet very sensitive to lateral pressure.
For travel, the gym, camping, or walking short distances.
The best
Elastic fabric that adapts to the shape of the foot.
Extremely flexible and easy to carry: they roll up and fit in any backpack.
A sensation very close to going barefoot, but with a protective sole.
Things to keep in mind
They are not the ideal shoe for spending all day on very hard asphalt.
It is important to adjust the size properly so that they are not too tight.
4. Final tips if you have wide feet or bunions
Don't rely solely on European sizes. Two shoes with the same size can have very different widths.
If you're unsure between two sizes, the larger one is usually better, as long as your heel doesn't slip out.
When you try on a model, walk around a bit and notice:
Can the fingers move and open?
Does the bunion have space or does it rub against the edge?
Do you feel lateral pressure or a "funnel" sensation in the toe box?
The goal is not just to "feel the ground," but to give your foot the space and freedom it probably hasn't had for years.
5. Next steps
If you want to know more about this type of footwear, you can check out Baretierra's barefoot page :
barefoot models
how to start little by little,
a 6–8 week plan,
and answers to frequently asked questions.
