So, you’ve discovered barefoot shoes and are excited to try your very first pair. But then reality hits — buying barefoot shoes online can feel like a total leap of faith. Without trying them on first, how do you know if the size, width, and shape will actually work for your feet?
If you’ve ever typed “barefoot shoes near me” into Google hoping to find a local store, you might have been a bit disappointed by the lack of options popping up on the map. Unlike traditional sneakers, barefoot shoes are still somewhat niche, so most sales happen online. But don’t lose hope! There are brick-and-mortar stores where you can try barefoot shoes on in person — you just have to know where to look.
Why Trying Barefoot Shoes On Matters
Barefoot shoes are all about fit — wide toe boxes, zero-drop soles, and flexible materials that allow your feet to move naturally. Because feet come in so many shapes and sizes (length, width, arch height, volume), two people with seemingly similar feet might end up preferring very different sizes or styles.
That’s why even the best online reviews can’t fully replace trying on shoes in person. When you try them on, you get a feel for the width, the toe room, the flexibility, and comfort — and that’s invaluable for finding the perfect fit.
Barefoot Shoe Stores: The Reality
There aren’t tons of barefoot shoe stores yet, but they are popping up more often! Some stores are brand-specific showrooms, while others carry multiple barefoot brands alongside traditional footwear.
Here’s a quick snapshot of places in the USA where you can try barefoot shoes:
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Ascent Outdoors (Seattle, WA) – Outdoor retailer selling Lems, Vivobarefoot, Xero Shoes
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Foot Rx (Asheville, NC) – Retailer with barefoot options
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REI – Nationwide outdoor retailer offering Xero Shoes, Altra, Vivobarefoot
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SoftStar Shoes (Philomath, OR) – Brand showroom specializing in barefoot shoes
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Stride Lab (Boulder, CO) – Retailer carrying Xero Shoes, Vivobarefoot, Luna Sandals, and more
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Tip Top Shoes (New York, NY) – Carries Lems and Vibram FiveFingers
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Vince’s Family Shoes (Middlesex, PA) – Retailer carrying Lems, Xero, Altra
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Xero Shoes (Denver, CO) – Brand showroom
And for those outside the U.S., there are great barefoot shoe retailers and showrooms in Canada, the UK, and many European countries. For example:
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Vivobarefoot Concept Store (London, UK)
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Barefoot Antwerpen (Belgium)
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Barefoot in Berlin (Germany)
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BeLenka Store (Slovakia)
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…and many more!
Pro Tips for Finding Barefoot Shoes Near You
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Use brand “Find a Store” tools. Many barefoot brands have locator maps or retailer lists on their websites to help you find local stores carrying their shoes.
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Check outdoor retailers and specialty running stores. Stores like REI often stock barefoot brands alongside other trail and running shoes.
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Look for pop-up shops or events. Sometimes barefoot shoe brands host pop-ups or events in bigger cities.
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Ask around your local running or hiking communities. Fellow enthusiasts often know where to try barefoot gear nearby.
FAQs
Q: Will there be more barefoot shoe stores soon?
A: Hopefully! As barefoot shoes grow in popularity, more retailers and brand showrooms are opening up. For now, many companies focus on online sales but are experimenting with local showrooms and events.
Q: Is there a barefoot shoe store in New York City?
A: There isn’t a dedicated barefoot shoe store yet, but Tip Top Shoes in NYC carries Lems and Vibram FiveFingers and may have some barefoot models in stock.
Final Thoughts
Buying barefoot shoes online can be tricky, but trying them on in person is a game changer. Whether you find a local retailer, visit a brand showroom, or plan a trip to a nearby outdoor store, testing the shoes on your feet will give you the confidence to pick the right size and style.
If you want, I can help you find stores near your location or recommend barefoot shoe brands with good online sizing tools to make your first purchase easier. Just let me know!
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