How barefoot shoes should fit: Forget about traditional sizing

If, when trying on barefoot shoes, you felt like they were too big, congratulations: you've probably chosen the right size.

Sounds strange?

It’s normal.

For years, we’ve been sold the idea that shoes should fit tightly, like a latex glove.

And of course, you put on a pair of barefoot shoes and think:

"This feels wrong. There’s too much space. This can’t be right."

Wrong.

It is right.

You see,

The footwear industry has been designing shoes with absurd lasts for decades, squeezing the foot and deforming the toes. Then we wonder why we get metatarsalgia, neuromas, bunions, and a thousand other problems.

But the foot isn’t designed to live cramped. It’s a living structure, with muscles, tendons, and bones that need to move, expand, and work.

And what happens when you give it freedom?

The foot behaves as it should. It works well.

It doesn’t complain.

And the best part: you walk better, run better, and feel better.

So yes: it’s normal for there to be extra space in the toe box. In fact, it’s necessary.

How much space should there be in a barefoot shoe?

About the width of a finger between your heel and the back of the shoe with the shoe unbuckled. See the image.

And this is for a very simple reason.

When you try on barefoot shoes, you’re standing still, your foot is relaxed.

But as soon as you start walking or running, something that we rarely consider happens: your foot expands.

With each step, it widens and also gains some length as it bears the weight of your body.

If your shoes don’t respect that extra margin, you’ll notice it after walking for a while: your toes will bump against the front of the shoe, causing discomfort and long-term problems like black nails or the dreaded appearance of bunions.

And how do you know if you’ve chosen the right size?

Can you fit a finger at the back?

Yes? Then do the following:

1. Stand up. Move your toes.
2. Take a few steps. Do you feel the foot free? Do the toes not touch the front?
3. Jump, run in place.

If you forget you're wearing shoes, you've chosen well.

It’s that simple.

Good.

Another common mistake: Searching for your size only in the Men’s or Women’s category.

Barefoot shoes have the same last for both. The only thing that changes is the label.

So if you can’t find your size in one, try the other.

The same goes for kids who are on the borderline of adult sizes: if your child wears a 36, they’ll probably find shoes in the Women’s category.

Forget the labels. Look for what fits your foot.

Finally.

Cold weather is coming. Rain is coming. Mud is coming.

And you’re still wearing the same shoes, dodging puddles like they’re traps, with wet feet and silently cursing.

It makes no sense.

Because today, you can have waterproof, flexible, and lightweight boots that respect the natural movement of your foot and, moreover, don’t look like they’re from a polar expedition in the 1950s.

And here’s where two Lems models come into play that have EVERYTHING:

First, a boot for those who don’t stay home: Lems Breck Boot Waterproof

If you’re the type who’s not afraid of a little mud, if you enjoy hiking or simply want footwear that can handle EVERYTHING without sacrificing comfort, this is your new ally.

✔ Truly waterproof. Not “water-resistant.” This handles rain, puddles, snow… whatever you throw at it.

✔ Feather-light. No feeling like you're carrying two bricks on your feet.

✔ Flexible and comfortable. Because a boot doesn’t have to be a cage for your feet.

✔ True barefoot. Space for your toes, no restrictions, and maximum freedom of movement.

And for everyday use (and much more), but with a lower shaft: Lems Outlander Waterproof

Because not everything is about the mountains. Sometimes you just want boots that can handle everything without looking like you’ve just climbed Everest.

A casual, stylish, and functional option for the mountains and daily life:

✔ Warmth without excess. Keeps your foot warm without turning it into an oven.

✔ Premium materials. Because your feet deserve quality too.

✔ Real flexibility. It adapts to you, not the other way around.

✔ Impeccable look. Because not everything waterproof has to look like astronaut footwear.

And now, what are you going to do?

Keep your feet cold, wet, and cramped… or put on some proper barefoot boots?

Don’t overthink it. The cold doesn’t wait.

Effectiwonder.

Your health starts with your feet.

Antonio Caballo