Freet is a brand we have got to know really well over the years. Their focus on making practical, capable barefoot shoes that work properly in real life, across a wide range of uses, is something that really resonates with us. Their footwear is grounded and purposeful, designed with movement in mind, and shaped by their environment, the British countryside.
The Origins
Founded in North Yorkshire in 2010 by Andrew and Sarah Goss, the company is built on years of experience in performance and outdoor footwear, with a clear focus on creating shoes that allow feet to move naturally while still being tough enough for real terrain. Freet is still a family-run business, with a hands-on approach to design and testing, now continuing into the next generation.
Freet has a clear respect for their environment, carried through to their material choices. Recycled options such as BottleYarn, made from plastic bottles, and CoffeeYarn, created using recycled coffee grounds, are used to reduce impact without compromising on durability.
Who Wears Freet?
Freet tends to attract people who already have a sense of what they’re looking for, or at least what they’re trying to move away from.
You might love them if you are looking for:
- Barefoot shoes that feel practical and capable rather than styled first
- Wide, foot-shaped footwear that allows for natural toe spread
- Lightweight trainers, boots or sandals that can handle varied terrain
- Shoes that suit outdoor use, travel and everyday wear in equal measure
They work particularly well for those who value function, comfort, and durability over trends, and for anyone who wants a barefoot shoe that functions reliably in rugged environments.
Freet at HLS
What stands out with Freet, and the reason we keep recommending them, is the consistency in their approach. All their footwear is practical and well thought through, and has kept a clear focus on how their shoes will actually be used.
We love that their children's range follows the same approach as the adults, with reliably barefoot, healthy designs that work really well and stand up to anything an outdoor kid might get up to.
For walks and hikes, and everyday wear, they are a solid choice, and for unpredictable ground, in the unpredictable British climate, they are the go-to brand for many of our customers.
New for 2026
We have expanded our collection of Freet footwear to include a good choice in sandals, in particular, Salcombe - their foot-friendly take on the classic Birkenstocks, which are a very welcome addition and are sure to be super popular this summer.
Milo is Freet's first specialist performance shoe, designed specifically for intense gym use. It is built for strength training, cross training, court sports and cycling. Learn more about Milo in our blog and see how Milo compares in our barefoot training shoes review
Size And Fit
Freet is known for its generous, foot-shaped fit, and this is one of the reasons it has such a loyal following.
- Typically suits medium to wide feet particularly well
- Offers good toe box space, allowing toes to spread naturally
- Lightweight and flexible underfoot, with a more substantial feel than very minimal brands
- Most styles run true to size, though the wide fit can feel roomier if you are used to narrower shoes
Some models include removable insoles, giving you a bit of adjustment depending on your preferred feel or sock thickness, and Freet insoles can be found in our accessories section.
Overall, they’re a reliable option if you struggle with narrower fits or want something that doesn’t crowd the foot.
Freet for Kids
What We Love About Freet
Freet has a clear sense of purpose. They are a brand that has been shaped by use and function in the outdoors. There is a consistency to how each style is designed, something that we have watched evolve over the years. That focus on comfort and performance works for everyday wear and more demanding activities. If you love being active, love the outdoors and moving naturally, you will love them too.
More Help
We’ve created a space filled with advice to help you get the very best from your barefoot shoe shopping. From detailed sizing guides, resources and blogs, to tips on making the most of our delivery options, you’ll find it all in The Advice Hub.
If you’d like a little more tailored support, do get in touch. Our Customer Service team love talking all things barefoot and are always happy to help.
We hope you love your purchase, but if something isn’t quite right, we offer free returns. For full details, please see our Returns Policy.
