Complete List of Affordable Barefoot Shoes Under $100

Finding barefoot shoes that don’t break the bank can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But good news: you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy natural movement, roomy toe boxes, and zero-drop comfort. Whether you’re just dipping your toes into the barefoot world or looking to expand your collection without draining your wallet, this guide has you covered.

We’ve rounded up the best barefoot shoes you can snag for under $100—from everyday sneakers to cozy indoor slippers, and even rugged trail options. Ready to feel the ground without flattening your budget? Let’s jump in!

Complete List of Affordable Barefoot Shoes Under $100

Where you can find cheap barefoot shoes?

AliExpress:

• AliExpress offers what appear to be cheap barefoot shoe options, often around $20. While I haven’t personally tried these, they are likely similar to some of the budget brands available on Amazon, such as Whitin or Saguaro. Keep in mind that items from AliExpress can take a while to ship, as they usually come directly from China. If you decide to try any of these options, please share your experience.

Amazon:

• Amazon features a variety of barefoot shoe brands that often look quite similar. Many of these may be produced at the same factories and simply rebranded. Some popular affordable options on Amazon include:
  • Whitin: Known for their affordability and decent quality, Whitin shoes are a popular choice among budget-conscious barefoot shoe enthusiasts.
  • Saguaro: Another budget-friendly brand that offers various styles of barefoot shoes. They are generally well-reviewed for their price point.
• There are always new brands popping up on Amazon, so if you discover a new one that you like, feel free to share your experience in the comments below.

Discounted or used barefoot shoes

Buying used barefoot shoes is a savvy way to save money. With a bit of searching, you can often find nearly-new or gently used pairs at significant discounts. Here are some of the best places to score deals on barefoot shoes:

Facebook Groups

Facebook buy/sell/trade groups are a goldmine for used barefoot shoes. The groups below are active and worth keeping an eye on, or you can post a request if you’re looking for something specific:

• Minimalist Shoe Buy/Sell/Trade (USA)
• KIDS Minimalist/Barefoot Shoes BUY/SELL/TRADE (USA)
• Europe Buy/Sell/Trade Minimalist, Barefoot Shoes

eBay

eBay is another great spot to hunt for used barefoot shoes from individual sellers. Additionally, Splay has an outlet on eBay for factory seconds—shoes that are like new but have minor cosmetic defects. Prices range from $30 to $45 with free standard shipping, though returns, refunds, and exchanges are not available.

REI Outlet

REI Outlet occasionally offers discounted barefoot and minimalist shoe brands like Altras, Lems, and Xero Shoes. Used options are typically around 50% off.

Sierra.com

Sierra, an online outdoor retailer similar to TJMaxx, frequently has deeply discounted barefoot shoes from brands like Altras and Vivobarefoot. Inventory comes from liquidations or other retailers’ prior season stock, with prices often over 50% off. It’s worth checking regularly as stock can be unpredictable.

Revivo by Vivobarefoot

Vivobarefoot operates Revivo.com, a platform where people can sell their used Vivobarefoot shoes back to the company for cleaning, repair, and resale. Prices are set based on the condition of the shoes.

ReEarth Runners

Earth Runners has a site called ReEarthRunners.com, selling sandals that might be discontinued models, lightly used returns, or have minor cosmetic defects. Although the selection is limited, you can find affordable barefoot sandals starting at $48, compared to $74 at full price.

Other Resale Platforms

Popular resale apps like Poshmark and Mercari also offer deals on barefoot shoes. Brands you’re likely to find include Altra, Vivobarefoot, Vibram Five Fingers, and Merrell’s minimalist Vapor Gloves line.

Why Are Barefoot Shoes So Expensive?

Barefoot shoes often come with a higher price tag compared to traditional footwear for several reasons:

1. Economies of Scale:

• Most barefoot shoe brands are relatively new and smaller in size. They do not produce shoes at the same volume as established, larger traditional shoe companies. This lack of high production volume prevents them from benefiting from economies of scale, which typically helps in reducing costs.

1. High-Quality, Sustainable Materials:

• Barefoot shoe brands often prioritize using high-quality, sustainable materials. These materials tend to be more expensive than the synthetic alternatives used by many traditional shoe manufacturers.

1. Manufacturing Costs:

• Many barefoot shoe brands, especially those based in Europe, manufacture their products in countries like Portugal, where wage rates are higher compared to common manufacturing hubs like China and Vietnam. This results in increased production costs.

1. Market Size:

• The market for barefoot or minimalist shoes is still relatively niche. Although it has experienced significant growth in recent years, it remains much smaller compared to the traditional shoe market. For context, Nike sells over 780 million pairs of shoes annually. Despite the high prices of some Nike shoes (often $100+), they are still able to produce them cost-effectively in countries with lower labor costs, using synthetic materials.

Given these factors, smaller barefoot shoe brands often face higher costs for materials and labor. Even when they charge prices similar to those of major footwear companies, their profit margins are typically lower. This explains why barefoot shoes tend to be more expensive despite being produced by smaller companies.

15 Tips for Finding Affordable Barefoot Shoes

1. Shop Off-Season Just like with other clothing items, buying shoes off-season can lead to significant savings. Look for sandals in the winter and boots in the summer. Retailers often discount these items to make room for new inventory.
2. Sign Up for Newsletters Subscribe to newsletters from your favorite barefoot shoe brands and retailers. They often send out exclusive discount codes, notifications about sales, and updates on new product releases. Some brands also offer a discount just for signing up.
3. Use Cashback and Coupon Websites Websites like Rakuten, Honey, and RetailMeNot can help you save money by providing cashback offers and coupon codes. Before making a purchase, check these sites to see if there are any available discounts.
4. Check Out Factory Outlets and Clearance Sections Many barefoot shoe brands have factory outlets or clearance sections on their websites. These sections often feature discontinued models or shoes with minor cosmetic flaws at a fraction of the original price.
5. Be On the Lookout Sometimes, traditional shoe companies produce shoes that accidentally meet barefoot shoe standards. These “accidentally barefoot” shoes can be a budget-friendly option. Look for these key features:
6. Check Kids’ Sizes If You Have Small Feet If your feet are on the smaller side, explore children’s sizes. For instance, Altras in the largest child size go up to EU39 (about a women’s US 7.5/8) and cost significantly less than adult versions. While kids’ shoes can be narrower, this can be a perfect fit if you have smaller, narrower feet.
7. Buy One Type of Shoe at a Time Transitioning to barefoot shoes can cause your feet to spread and grow. This means your shoe size might change after a year or so. To avoid buying shoes that might soon be too small, start with one or two pairs and gradually build your collection. Always remeasure your feet before each purchase, especially in the beginning.
8. Choose What You Like and Need It’s important to buy shoes that you genuinely like and that fit your needs, even if it means waiting and saving up. Settling for a cheaper, less satisfying option often leads to spending more in the long run. If you tally the cost of multiple “almost right” purchases, it usually equals or exceeds the price of the pair you originally wanted. While $100+ for shoes might not fit everyone’s budget, saving up for a pair you truly want can be more economical in the end.
9. Consider DIY Modifications If you’re handy, you might be able to modify a pair of conventional shoes to make them more barefoot-friendly. Removing insoles to reduce heel drop, or widening the toe box with shoe stretchers, can help make a standard shoe more compatible with barefoot principles.
10. Look for Multi-Use Shoes Opt for shoes that can serve multiple purposes, like a pair of minimalist sneakers that are suitable for both casual wear and light hiking. This way, you can reduce the number of pairs you need to buy.
11. Participate in Online Forums and Communities Join online forums, Facebook groups, or Reddit communities focused on barefoot or minimalist footwear. Members often share tips on where to find deals, and you might even find someone looking to sell or trade a pair.
12. Wait for Major Sales Events Plan your purchases around major sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or end-of-season sales. These events often feature substantial discounts on barefoot shoes.
13. Consider Second-Hand Stores Don’t overlook local second-hand stores or thrift shops. You might get lucky and find a pair of barely-used barefoot shoes at a very low price. It’s always worth a quick visit or call to see what they have in stock.
14. Buy in Bulk with Friends If you have friends or family members who are also into barefoot shoes, consider placing a bulk order to take advantage of bulk discounts or reduced shipping costs.
15. Set Price Alerts Use price-tracking websites or apps like CamelCamelCamel or Honey to set alerts for specific barefoot shoe models. You’ll be notified when the price drops to a level you’re comfortable with.

By combining these strategies, you can maximize your chances of finding high-quality, affordable barefoot shoes that fit your lifestyle and budget.

Happy shoe hunting!