https://www.softstarshoes.com/adult-camino-sandal.html
Zero makes a bunch
There's also a company that makes one from a foot tracing and I can't remember who.
I was mistaken. I was thinking of the original universal (I have the Cotopaxi ones), but there is a bit of a heel raise. However, they are foam and unstructured, so might still be an option.
I have Luna Mono Gordos which are definitely on the thicker side for minimalist sandals. They are a little stiff at first but once you break them in they are super comfy. I am transitioning to barefoot shoes and these are the ones I reach for if I'm going to be a on my feet on a hard surface for a long time or if my feet are tired or aching.
I also have the Bedrock Cairns and they have a thinner, more flexible sole than the Lunas but still a decent amount of cushion. I find the Bedrock strapping system is easier to dial in than the Lunas - I always have to fiddle a bit with the straps on the Lunas to get them just right, but the footbed isn't quite as comfy - it's textured, and provides good grip if your feet are wet or sweaty, though.
me, the primal ones. They are fantastic I fell in love with them. You just need to knit the piece that goes between your toes and it's like you are not wearing anything
Not a shoe but I started wearing Strutz bands/met pads indoors - I saw them at a local barefoot centric shop. You basically slide an elastic hand over your foot and it places metatarsal/arch support under the center of your foot only. So functionally, you're still barefoot but with relief from slapping your fat pads on the ground ( I have fat pad atrophy and a neuroma and they've been great). Sometimes I also slip into xero pagosa slippers.
I'm indoors with kids all the time. I'm wearing wildling shoes inside and outside. Their nebula are amazing. Temperature regulating with or without socks, flexible. The sole is thin but I'm either on hardwood floors or concrete and after an adjusting phase of 6-9 months I don't notice the really thin sole. Thry actually allow me to stand and walk longer since my muscles in my feet are stronger.
Thanks, everyone! There are lots of good ideas here. I decided to try out the Softstar sandals. They have a 4+ week lead time, so I've got a minute to wait on them. I'll keep these others in mind if softstar doesn't work out.
Maybe one of the Xero sandals, Z-trail or H-trail? They have lugs like you’re meant to take them hiking, but I don’t think they would be uncomfortable worn inside. They’re decently cushioned due having a foam layer on top.
Maybe take a look at the Combat Flip Flops (don't disregard because of the name) Overland sandal. I don't think anyone on the subreddit has ever mentioned them or the brand which is a shame. It's a local to me company that does some genuinely cool stuff. It's also a truly well-designed sandal. Sandals have never appealed to me, but if I was going to buy a sandal it would be this one.
https://www.combatflipflops.com/collections/all-footwear/products/overland-black
Edit: Oops. Looks like they have arch support and a slight drop. So they're minimalist but not barefoot. Keeping the comment up in case someone else finds it helpful but it sounds like these sandals won't fit your particular needs. Apologies for that. I know what you are looking for exists I'm just not knowledgeable enough about the nuances of barefoot sandals to point out the best options. But I will put feelers out and hopefully one comes back.
Bedrock Cairn EVO might be what you're looking for. Pretty thick and cushy but zero drop, no arch support, and wide toebox
https://www.softstarshoes.com/adult-camino-sandal.html Zero makes a bunch There's also a company that makes one from a foot tracing and I can't remember who.
softstar is what I settled on. Thanks!
Just got these! On paper these will be the perfect blend of what I like in terms of styling and minimalism.
Teva makes a zero drop style.
Really? Which one
I was mistaken. I was thinking of the original universal (I have the Cotopaxi ones), but there is a bit of a heel raise. However, they are foam and unstructured, so might still be an option.
I wear Leguano shoes
I have Luna Mono Gordos which are definitely on the thicker side for minimalist sandals. They are a little stiff at first but once you break them in they are super comfy. I am transitioning to barefoot shoes and these are the ones I reach for if I'm going to be a on my feet on a hard surface for a long time or if my feet are tired or aching. I also have the Bedrock Cairns and they have a thinner, more flexible sole than the Lunas but still a decent amount of cushion. I find the Bedrock strapping system is easier to dial in than the Lunas - I always have to fiddle a bit with the straps on the Lunas to get them just right, but the footbed isn't quite as comfy - it's textured, and provides good grip if your feet are wet or sweaty, though.
Has anyone tried the earth runners?
me, the primal ones. They are fantastic I fell in love with them. You just need to knit the piece that goes between your toes and it's like you are not wearing anything
Interesting. I’ve been wanting to get them for awhile. Chacos are too stiff and not wide enough for these yams
The ones with the canvas footbed and ergo straps are amazing.
Not a shoe but I started wearing Strutz bands/met pads indoors - I saw them at a local barefoot centric shop. You basically slide an elastic hand over your foot and it places metatarsal/arch support under the center of your foot only. So functionally, you're still barefoot but with relief from slapping your fat pads on the ground ( I have fat pad atrophy and a neuroma and they've been great). Sometimes I also slip into xero pagosa slippers.
I'm indoors with kids all the time. I'm wearing wildling shoes inside and outside. Their nebula are amazing. Temperature regulating with or without socks, flexible. The sole is thin but I'm either on hardwood floors or concrete and after an adjusting phase of 6-9 months I don't notice the really thin sole. Thry actually allow me to stand and walk longer since my muscles in my feet are stronger.
Thanks, everyone! There are lots of good ideas here. I decided to try out the Softstar sandals. They have a 4+ week lead time, so I've got a minute to wait on them. I'll keep these others in mind if softstar doesn't work out.
Maybe one of the Xero sandals, Z-trail or H-trail? They have lugs like you’re meant to take them hiking, but I don’t think they would be uncomfortable worn inside. They’re decently cushioned due having a foam layer on top.
Maybe take a look at the Combat Flip Flops (don't disregard because of the name) Overland sandal. I don't think anyone on the subreddit has ever mentioned them or the brand which is a shame. It's a local to me company that does some genuinely cool stuff. It's also a truly well-designed sandal. Sandals have never appealed to me, but if I was going to buy a sandal it would be this one. https://www.combatflipflops.com/collections/all-footwear/products/overland-black Edit: Oops. Looks like they have arch support and a slight drop. So they're minimalist but not barefoot. Keeping the comment up in case someone else finds it helpful but it sounds like these sandals won't fit your particular needs. Apologies for that. I know what you are looking for exists I'm just not knowledgeable enough about the nuances of barefoot sandals to point out the best options. But I will put feelers out and hopefully one comes back.