Barefoot shoes, also called minimalist shoes, have a wide, foot-shaped toe box and a thin, flexible, zero-drop sole that bends with every step. SOL Footwear is the South African distributor of Saguaro, and you'll find every style we stock right here. They suit anyone who wants room for their toes, a level sole and more feel for the ground, whether at the gym, at work, on a weekend walk or out in the rain. Browse barefoot trainers, casual sneakers, winter styles, rain boots, water shoes and kids' pairs below.
Shop barefoot shoes by style
What to look for in barefoot footwear
-
A wide toe box: the front follows the shape of your foot, so your toes can spread and nothing pinches.
-
A zero-drop sole: your heel and forefoot sit at the same height, just as when you stand barefoot.
-
A thin, flexible sole: it bends with your foot and lets you feel the ground. Saguaro soles are thin by design, so don't expect thick cushioning.
-
A light build: the Fast I weighs about 189 g per shoe.
-
The right upper: breathable mesh or knit for warm days, a soft lining for winter, and soft, PVC-free material on the rain boots.
Finding your size
Saguaro sizes run slightly large, and a little space in front of your toes is normal in a barefoot shoe. Not sure which size to order? WhatsApp us on 075 111 2222 with your foot length and the style you like, and we'll help you choose. Adult styles start at UK3, and each shoe shows the sizes in stock. See our Saguaro size guide.
Delivery and our Sandton showroom
We deliver across South Africa, with free delivery on orders over R1,000. To try before you buy, visit our Sandton showroom at Unit 22, Inospace Olympia Works, 11 Olympia Street, Sandton. We're open on Tuesdays from 09:30 to 14:00 and Thursdays from 09:00 to 15:00.
Barefoot shoe questions
Which shoes are best for daily walking?
Choose a light, flexible pair with a wide toe box and a zero-drop sole. Our casual barefoot walking shoes, like the Luck I, Retro I, Go I and Roam, are made for everyday wear in town, at work and on weekends.
Is it okay to hike in barefoot shoes?
Yes, on day hikes, park trails and dirt paths. Pick a grippy outsole, like the gum rubber sole on the Vitality III, and expect to feel stones and roots through the thin sole. Our guide to hiking in Saguaro shoes explains which trails suit them.
Can I buy barefoot shoes in a store?
Yes. Pop into our Sandton showroom on a Tuesday or Thursday to try the range on. Walk-ins are welcome, and we'll help you find your size.
Where can I buy barefoot shoes online?
Right here. Order online and we'll deliver anywhere in South Africa, free on orders over R1,000.
What is the best brand of barefoot shoes to buy?
Look at the features before the name: a wide, foot-shaped toe box, a zero-drop sole, a thin, flexible sole and a light build. Every Saguaro style we sell is built around these, with pairs for the gym, work, winter, rain, water and kids.
What does zero-drop mean?
It means the heel and the front of the shoe sit at the same height, with no raised heel. Every Saguaro shoe has a zero-drop sole.
Can I run in barefoot shoes?
Yes, if you want a light, flat shoe to run in. Our lightest style is the Fast I: about 189 g per shoe, with a breathable mesh upper, a light EVA midsole and a zero-drop sole. It has much less padding than a cushioned running shoe, so it feels very different underfoot.
Do you have barefoot shoes for men?
Yes. Saguaro is unisex, so most styles come in men's sizes, many up to UK12 or UK13. Good places to start are the Smart II, Vitality III, Luck I and Go I.
Do you deliver to Cape Town and Durban?
Yes. We deliver anywhere in South Africa, including Cape Town, Durban and Pretoria, and delivery is free on orders over R1,000.
