How to Measure Your Feet for the Perfect Barefoot Fit

Getting the right size in barefoot shoes starts with something very simple — measuring your feet properly. It may sound obvious, but the way you measure makes all the difference. Barefoot shoes are designed to follow your natural foot shape and allow your toes to move freely, so even a few millimetres can change how they feel.

At Minimus, we always say that shoes should adapt to your feet — not the other way around. Our mission has always been to create shoes that feel natural from the very first step: light, flexible, and shaped exactly like a human foot. To experience this comfort fully, it’s worth taking a moment to measure carefully before choosing your size.

Find a piece of paper, a pencil and a ruler, and stand barefoot on a hard surface. Place the paper under your foot, keeping your weight evenly distributed, and draw a line around it — just like children do when tracing their feet for fun. Then measure the distance from the tip of your longest toe to the centre of your heel. Always use the longer foot as your reference — we all have one that’s slightly bigger.

When you have the measurement, you’ll want to add a little extra space. For children, we recommend adding 5–7% of the foot length to leave room for natural growth — for example, if your child’s foot measures 150 mm, then shoes around 157–160 mm in internal length would be ideal. For adults, aim for at least 1 cm of extra room, but not more than 1.5 cm. This gives your toes enough space to move and spread naturally, while still keeping the shoes comfortably snug.

If you’ve ever read about barefoot footwear, you’ll know that this extra space isn’t about wearing oversized shoes — it’s about giving your feet the chance to work as they were meant to. A little room in front of the toes allows your muscles and tendons to function naturally, improves balance and posture, and prevents unnecessary pressure on the toes.

You can compare your measurements with our Minimus size chart to find the right size. All Minimus models are designed on anatomical barefoot lasts — meaning they are shaped exactly like real feet. That ensures consistency between styles made on the same outsole, although small variations can appear between sandals and insulated boots, for example.

Measuring takes just a few minutes, but it’s worth it. The right size barefoot shoe feels natural from the very first step — your toes have room to move, your stance feels stable, and your whole body relaxes into a more natural rhythm.

At Minimus, we believe that every pair should bring freedom, not restriction — letting you move, play, and walk through life the way nature intended. So take your time, grab a pencil, and let your feet tell you what they need. They’ll thank you later — with comfort that truly feels natural.