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Barefoot Shoes for Winter
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Ladies, winter is here! I guess that will depend on where in the world you are reading this from. Seeing as you are reading this, you are getting ready to hide away. Preparation is key. Stay warm.
We have reviewed and created a list of our 9 favourite vivobarefoot shoes for the winter. One of these will keep you warm this season.
If you are not aware of this, Vivobarefoot are barefoot zero drop shoes that are great for keeping your feet’s sensory nerves engaged, as they ought to. We have an article that explains this in more depth.
In no particular order, here we go!
Vivobarefoot MAGNA TRAIL WOMENS
Our first pick is the Magna Trail. It is one of my favourite designs from Vivobarefoot, based on aesthetics. They have that high cut ankle look that is common with basketball shoes.
It has a nylon upper which should keep your feet warm. The bottom of your foot will be kept warm by the removable thermal insoles that come with the shoes.
Pros
- Beautifully designed.
- It comes with removable insoles
- Made from Recycled PET Plastic
- Vegan-friendly
- 5x Puncture resistant sole
- Great grip for outdoor use.
Cons
- The nylon could be thicker, perhaps?
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
TRACKER FG WOMENS: barefoot winter boots
Perhaps you are after something a little more robust? The Tracker FG is designed with the look that most of us would associate with traditional hiking boots. If you are looking for shoes to hit the outdoors with, but also take on the harsh winter weather. This is a winner.
It is designed to take on the wild, rough terrains that you would encounter while hiking. The upper part is made of very strong leather. This would work for ensuring the durability of the boot and keep you warm. Leather has always been known to be a match for the cold.
In case you are caught in the rain, need not worry. This barefoot boot is equipped with waterproof lining. No one needs wet feet in the cold weather. They also come with thermal protection, courtesy of the leather upper. What’s in barefoot winter boots?
Pros
- Premium leather.
- Sturdy.
- Removable Thermal insole.
- Water Resistant.
- Terrain traction sole.
- Waterproof lining.
Cons
- On the heavier side of Vivobarefoot shoes.
- Plain look.
4.7 out of 5.0 stars
GOBI HI 2.0 LEATHER: barefoot boots for winter
This is another top pick. The Gobi Hi 2.0 is another incredible pick for a barefoot winter boot.
As you can see it is a high cut, which means that the protection from the elements stretches to just above the ankles. We have previously written about the Gobi Hi Canvas.
The exterior is made of wild hide leather. As we have already mentioned above, leather is incredible at keeping heat and cold in/out. The lining is made of faux shearling.
The design means that you can wear the Gobi Hi 2.0 can be worn daily. It could fit into casual wear, as well as in some formal contexts.
Pros
- Versatile.
- Minimalist
- Leather Upper
- Removable Thermal insole
- Faux Shearling lining
- Durable
- Water-Resistant
- 5 x Puncture Resistant
Cons
- None that are immediately apparent
4.9 out of 5.0 stars
Vivobarefoot SHARPEI ECO SUEDE WOMENS
When it comes to barefoot boots for winter, these are definitely highly ranking in our boots.
They have a striking resemblance to the design that is usually associated with UGG boots. These are of course barefoot winter boots. They come in two colours, we all love choice.
They are made from recycled PET plastic, which makes them vegan winter boots. We do love for our winter boots to stretch above the ankle, for that added protection.
They also have that faux shearling lining. The bottom part of the shoe has a removable thermal insole.
Pros
- 5x Puncture Resistant sole
- Thermal Insole
- Vegan
- Faux Lining
Cons
- It may get too warm in certain instances, especially indoors.
- Probably not geared for treading on snow.
- The lining could have been warmer.
4.5 out of 5.0 stars
Vivobarefoot FULHAM
Who does not like a good Chelsea boot? They offer much-needed coverage for your feet. They also stretch to just above the ankle, which is incredible. The upper part is made of wild hide leather.
The one criticism for this sort of design is how difficult they tend to be to put on and remove. Vivobarefoot have mitigated this by adding a pull up at the back. You can get them in brown and in black, as shown in the images above.
Just for added assurance, Vivo added a canvas lining. The outsoles are made of sticky rubber, which gives them a little more grip. For those that worry that the cold will come from below them, the incredible thermal insole is included.
Pros
- Wild hide leather exterior
- Water-resistant
- Thermal Insole
- Stick Rubber outsole
- Minimalist and beautiful
Cons
- Not easy to put on and remove, even with the tab.
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
Vivobarefoot GOBI HI 2.0 ECO CANVAS
If you like the ankle boots but prefer for them to be canvas, the Gobi Hi 2.0 is a great pick for a barefoot winter boot. They offer laces from foot, all the way to just above the ankles.
Perhaps the leather on the other winter boots is a no-no for you. These are vegan. They are made from recycled PET plastic. Talk about being environmentally friendly.
Their general look is minimalist and casual. They could be a great fit for shorts, trousers, and even underneath that lovely dress or skirt (don’t quote me on this one). For warmth, you have thermal insoles.
Pros
- Fashionable
- Versatile
- Environmentally friendly
- Thermal insoles.
- Vegan
- 5 x puncture-proof sole.
Cons
- It’s canvas, so not entirely weatherproof.
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
PRIMUS HI-VIZ MESH
We have previously written about the Primus Hi-Viz Mesh. It is a light and lean shoe. Our favourite feature is the visibility. Not much of a fan of it as a winter shoe. I prefer my winter shoes to be at least at the ankles. These do not offer that.
I am not sure there is much else that I can say about this as a winter shoe. It’s a great shoe, but just not for the winter, at least for me. The thermal insoles do make a difference.
Pros
- Seamless Construction
- Thermal insoles
- Vegan
Cons
- Thin outer part
- Not above ankle length
3.0 out of 5.0 stars
PRIMUS TREK LEATHER shoes for winter
The Primus Trek Leather offer great versatility. The leather exterior guarantees an added protection from the cold. Leather is just less permeable. You can get it in brown and in black.
The black looks incredibly beautiful. The brown has that “winter-ready” look about it. Not that the looks have any impact on how effective the shoe is.
Under your sole, there will be a thermal insole. This gives added protection from the cold that can rise form the ground. They are also water-resistant. Perhaps the best part for planet lovers is that it is made from recycled PET plastic.
Pros
- Beautiful shoe
- Thermal insole
- Environmental friendly
- Water-Resistant
- 5 x Puncture Resistant
- Can definitely tread on snow
Cons
- Doesn’t stretch beyond the ankle.
- The neoprene sock may be too tight.
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
RYDER WOMENS barefoot boots for winter
Due to quality control issues, we cannot recommend this product at this time
If you are in an ultracold place, these are clear winners. They offer what wellington boots do. You have protection from the cold and the rain. In essence, what is in the boot remains in, what is outside remains there as well.
For your soles, they come with the thermal insoles. The exterior is made from Wild Hide leather. This means that they are durable and weatherproof.
Pros
- Leather exterior and footbed
- 5x puncture-resistant sole
- Thermal insoles
- Winterproof
Cons
- Not as versatile.
- Challenging to put on and remove.
If we had to pick one, it would come down to how cold it is. If it is freezing, these vivobarefoot Ryder boots would be the pick. If you are looking for something that offers free movement, we would consider another pick.
Let us know which ones you buy and what your experience is.
3.9 out of 5.0 stars
Be Lenka Winter Long
This is a brand that we only recently been introduced to. They are out of Europe. Their designs are quite refreshing especially considering that they managed to remain barefoot while creating elegant looking products.
These winter long boots are made out of high-quality water-resistant leather. Their soles are water-resistant well flexible as well.
To ensure that you stay warm the inside of the boots is lined with Merino wool that has a protective membrane. Not only does it keep you warm but it also ensures that your feet remain dry.
This is especially important if you’re dealing with heavy snow. The side of the boot has a long zipper that makes it easy to get in and out of the boot.
You also be happy to know that the toe box is quite large. This leaves plenty of room for those thick socks that you love. Another great thing is the fact that not many other shoes barefoot but they are also a drop. These two things tend to go hand-in-hand.
They are well insulated which is one of the ways that ensure that your feet are kept warm. Heat it is kept in while the cold is kept from entering the boots. The material on the inside is also very soft, as one would have expected from Merino wool.
Be Lenka Winter
Perhaps you like the first Be Lenka product that we recommended but would prefer if they were not as long. The answer to that is these feelings of barefoot shoes.
They bring the same sort of features that you would’ve loved about the long boots without being long themselves.
They are meant to be water-resistant due to the leather that is used on the exterior of the shoes.
The soles are in incredibly flexible which allows for ease of movement. You also be happy to find that the insides of the shoes have Merino wool that keeps you warm when the temperatures drop.
It is the same material to ensure that you remain comfortable and well insulated.
The Merino wool is incredibly soft which means that they remain comfortable even when you have had the shoes on for a fairly long day.
The protective membrane that is used in the manufacturing of the issues ensures that your feet remain dry warm and comfortable.
As with the other products from this manufacturer these ones have very thin soles that are adequately protective without giving you excess weight.
There is zero heel elevation and zero toe spring. This means that your feet are allowed to move in their natural way.
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Where are the zero drop winter shoes that one could wear to work. Why are all these designs all utility and zero fashion? It’s as if shoe companies that design zero drop shoes think we are all resigned to ugly foot coverings. Every year I look at all the offerings wanting some fashion forward, and all utility. So far I’m mostly confined to Teeks, Softstar ballet flats and Merrill trail shoes. Found a super cheaply made suede boot on Amazon last year that is entirely flat…just a over the ankle slouch in black or brown but it got me through the winter for any kind of professional occasion.
Couldn’t agree more, Cynthia. The industry is improving in terms of the designs available. VivoBarefoot are leading this charge.
Check out Xero, not sure why they are not included. They have some cute booties.
Hey Bria. You are absolutely right. We have them on a list to the added here. Keep an eye out.
The only other thing is that Xero do not make barefoot shoes. Theirs are barefoot-inspired
This company has some great looking zerodrop shoes lemsshoes.
Hey Kristine. Love Lems. Their shoes are beautiful. They don’t fit into this post as they are not barefoot.
I’m looking for a very warm and dry snow boot that I can walk in daily. Montana winters… very cold, windy and sometimes deep snows. I’m wondering if the Ryder barefoot boots would be warm enough? They are tall enough to keep out the snow, but I saw some review where the consumers didn’t think they’d be warm enough for the really cold.
Hey Rebekah. Great question. The main area that lets in the cold are the soles. They’d do the job if you use the Vivobarefoot thermal insoles. The sides of the boot are long and well insulated.
Why are all of these from one company? Real great round up, guys.
Hey Britt. Unfortunately, there are not many others that offer winter shoes that are both barefoot and zero drop. Most of the others offer zero drop without the barefoot side of things. If you have any in mind that we may have missed, please let us know. Thanks
You should check BeLenka shoes.
Yeah, we have been looking at them and shall be adding their products to the list. The shoes are stunning.
Try Tadeevo Shoes! They are not gorgeous, but I think much better looking on me personally than many of the other barefoot shoes I’ve tried. And SO comfortable/flexible with excellent ground feel and a wide toe box. I have the winter shoes, the leather gentlemen’s derby (even though I’m a woman, it looked better than many women’s pairs that I tried) and a pair of the black leather classic ballet pumps. (I liked the leather ballet pumps, but I didn’t like the uppers on the ones that had a woven look because the uppers were rather stiff on those models only–though the soles were still completely flexible.)
Hiya. Will have to check Tadeevo out! Thanks for recommending them
These are all from one company. Are they paying for this endorsement? There are several others that DO qualify as barefoot, despite your objections. I wear Tadeevo boots, Xero Shoes boots, and Lems. (XeroShoes even has a great podcast on barefoot running). All are minimalist and barefoot design. All hold up very well. I had one pair of Vivo’s and they didn’t last two years.
Hi Ann. Nope, this is not a paid endorsement. Tadeevo is one that we hadn’t encountered. Thanks for pointing that out. Xero are not barefoot, they are barefoot-inspired boots. It’s a subtle difference, but one nonetheless. They are certainly zero drop. I’m sorry to hear about your experience with your Vivo’s. Which ones did you have? There will certainly be outliers all brands.