Wyde Footwear and Barebarics both make sneakers with a wide toe box and zero drop. Barebarics, a sneaker brand from Be Lenka, builds them on thin, flexible soles. Wyde places its shoes between conventional shoes and pure barefoot shoes, with more sole under the foot. The two brands also differ in materials, country of manufacture, price and return terms.

Contents

This comparison covers sole thickness, toe box and drop, width and sizing, materials, where the shoes are made, prices as of October 2026, returns and what each brand makes its shoes for. Where a figure belongs to one model, the model is named.

How do Wyde and Barebarics compare at a glance?

The biggest difference is the sole. The Barebarics Zing leather has a 5.5 mm sole, while the Wyde Nova has a 10 mm stack height plus the insole. Barebarics is cheaper on the models compared here, and Wyde gives a longer return window. Both use a wide toe box, zero drop and removable insoles.

What are the main differences in short?

• Thinner sole: Barebarics, at 5.5 mm on the Zing leather.
• More sole under the foot for city pavements: Wyde, at 10 mm plus insole on the Nova and 22 mm on the Soma.
• Lower listed prices on the models compared: Barebarics, from €109.90 for the Zing leather.
• Insole width published for every size: Wyde, from 10.0 cm in EU 36 to 12.2 cm in EU 47.
• A vegan sneaker range: Barebarics. Wyde has no vegan shoes.
• Leather models handmade in Portugal: Wyde.
• A longer return window: Wyde, at 30 days against 14 days.

How thick are the soles?

Barebarics' sole is thinner. The Zing leather uses a ComfortGrip Neo rubber sole that is 5.5 mm thick, made up of a 3 mm base and 2.5 mm lugs. Wyde's Nova has a 10 mm stack height plus the insole, the Maia and Nilo have 14.6 mm, and the Soma has 22 mm.

How does Barebarics describe its soles?

Barebarics calls its sneakers barefoot sneakers with "a special flexible sole" and describes the sole as "a sole that bends the way you do". It says its ultra-flexible sole "provides an excellent ground feel". The Zing leather's sole is rubber, and its lugs are the raised parts of the tread pattern.

How does Wyde describe its soles?

Wyde gives one stack height per model. The Nova sneaker has 10 mm plus the insole, and Wyde notes that the shoe looks as if it has a higher stack height, which it calls purely a visual effect. The Maia sandal and Nilo slip-on have a 10 mm cork midsole and a 4.6 mm rubber outsole, which makes 14.6 mm. The Soma sneaker has 22 mm and an EVA midsole.

Wyde describes its soles as "really bendy", so the foot can move freely and the shoe bends where the toes bend. It makes its shoes for everyday wear on concrete and pavement.

If you want the least sole between your foot and the ground, Barebarics is built for that. If you want more sole under your foot for city pavements, Wyde's 10 to 22 mm soles are the closer match.

Do both brands use zero drop?

Yes. Barebarics says "all barefoot sneakers have zero drop, i.e. there is no difference in height between the heel and the toe". Wyde makes every model with zero drop and no toe spring.

Zero drop means the heel and the toes sit at the same height, like standing barefoot. Toe spring is the upward curve at the front of many shoes that lifts the toes off the ground. Wyde's shoes have no toe spring, so the toes rest flat. If you are used to flat shoes such as Converse or Vans, Wyde says zero drop will feel familiar.

For a closer look at the shape that every Wyde model shares, read Foot-Shaped Shoes: Wide Toe Box, Zero Drop and Flexible Soles Explained.

How do the brands describe toe box and width?

Both brands make a wide toe box. Barebarics says the wide front part of the shoe lets the toes wiggle freely, and it advertises 12% more room than a conventional shoe. Wyde says the foot-shaped toe box is wide as standard on every model, so the toes have room to spread.

What width figures does each brand publish?

Wyde lists the insole width for every size, from 10.0 cm in EU 36 to 12.2 cm in EU 47. In EU 42 the insole is 11.2 cm wide. Barebarics lists the inner width of each Zing leather size: 9.2 cm in EU 36, 10.1 cm in EU 42 and 10.8 cm in EU 47.

Each brand measures in its own way. Wyde gives the insole width and Barebarics gives the inner width of the shoe, so read the numbers as a guide and not as a like-for-like measurement. On these figures, Wyde's listed width is larger at every size from EU 36 to EU 47.

Should you size up for a wide foot?

At Wyde, no. Choose your size by foot length only, because the wide toe box is standard on every model. If you are between sizes, size up. Wyde sells full EU sizes only, so there are no half sizes.

Barebarics asks you to measure your foot and compare it with the inner length and width in its size chart. It says to add about 0.5 cm to your measured length, and it notes that its size charts "may not correlate with other brands". It also says foot shape, toe width and instep can affect fit.

How does sizing work at each brand?

Both brands sell EU sizes 36 to 47 in the models compared, and both ask you to measure your foot in centimetres. Wyde sells one unisex range. Barebarics lists its sneakers under separate women's and men's categories on its website.

How do you measure your foot for each brand?

• Wyde: stand upright with your full weight on the foot and measure from the back of your heel to the tip of your longest toe. Measure both feet and choose the size that fits the larger foot.
• Barebarics: stand on a sheet of paper and trace your foot, then measure the length from the heel to the longest toe and the widest part of the foot. Add about 0.5 cm to the length.
• Wyde: if you are between sizes, size up. Do not size up for width.
• Wyde: for the Maia and Maia Strap sandals, choose one size down from your Wyde sneaker size.
• Barebarics: check the size chart of the exact model, because its charts are specific to Barebarics.

In EU 42, Wyde's chart covers a foot length of 25.9 to 26.6 cm. Barebarics gives the inner length of the Zing leather in EU 42 as 27.3 cm. These are different measurements, so always use each brand's own chart.

For step-by-step sizing and the full exchange process at Wyde, read Wyde Footwear Sizing, Size Exchanges and Returns Explained.

What are the shoes made of?

Wyde uses leather, nubuck and suede on its leather models and air mesh with suede on the Soma. The Barebarics Zing leather has a leather upper and a textile lining, and Barebarics also sells a separate range of vegan sneakers.

Which materials does Wyde use?

Wyde's leather models use LWG certified leather. On the Nova it depends on the colourway: most Nova uppers use LWG Gold certified leather, and Nova White uses LWG Silver certified aniline leather. Ten of the 11 colourways have a Coolmax lining, and all of them have a rubber outsole.

The Maia has a waxed leather upper and a suede lining, both LWG Gold certified from Portugal, on a cork midsole. The Nilo has an LWG Gold certified suede upper and lining. The Soma has an air mesh and suede upper, a velvet lining, an EVA midsole and a rubber outsole, and it has no LWG claim.

The Leather Working Group audits tanneries on how they measure, control and report the impact of their operations, for example on water and energy use, chemical management and waste. A rating describes the tannery that made the leather, not the shoe itself. Every Wyde shoe has leather or suede somewhere in the upper or lining, and Wyde has no vegan shoes.

Which materials does Barebarics use?

The Zing leather has an upper that Barebarics calls "sustainable leather", a textile lining and a ComfortGrip Neo rubber sole. Its insole is made of PU and polyester, and it is removable and described as antibacterial.

Barebarics also lists vegan sneakers as their own category. In its men's vegan category it shows models such as the Zing Fresh and the Revive. If you want a shoe with no leather or suede, Barebarics has options and Wyde does not.

Where are the shoes made?

Wyde hand-makes the Nova, Maia, Maia Strap and Nilo in Portugal, and the Soma is made in China. The Barebarics Zing leather is made in Vietnam, according to its product page.

Wyde says its leather models come from three family-run factories in Portugal, and that its Soma line comes from a long-standing partner in China. The Barebarics terms and conditions name the seller as Be Lenka s.r.o., based in Žilina in the Slovak Republic. Each brand lists the country of manufacture on its product pages, so check the model you are considering.

How much do Wyde and Barebarics shoes cost?

Barebarics is cheaper on the models compared here. As of October 2026, its Zing leather is listed at €109.90, reduced from €149.90, and Wyde's lowest-priced sneaker, the Soma, costs €179 in the EU store. Prices change with sales and by region, so check the product page before you buy.

What does each Wyde model cost?

• Maia sandal: 1,425 kr on wydefootwear.com or €130 in the EU store.
• Nilo slip-on: 1,675 kr or €155.
• Soma sneaker: 1,875 kr or €179.
• Nova sneaker: 2,375 kr or €215. Nova Patent Black: 2,500 kr or €225.

What do Barebarics shoes cost?

• Zing leather: €109.90, reduced from €149.90.
• Zing Fresh: €129.90.
• Legend, Enigma and Revive: €159.90.
• Futura: €189.90.

Wyde's prices are in Swedish kronor on wydefootwear.com and in euros in its EU store. Barebarics' prices are in euros. For every Wyde model and its price, read Wyde Shoe Prices: What Each Model Costs and What You Get.

How do returns and exchanges compare?

Wyde gives more time. You have 30 days from delivery to register a return at Wyde, against 14 days from delivery at Barebarics. Wyde offers free size exchanges in Sweden, the EU and the US, and at Barebarics you return the original item first and then place a new order.

What are Wyde's return terms?

You have 30 days from the day you receive your order to register a return in Wyde's return portal, and this applies to all markets. Shoes need to come back unused, in original condition and in the original box. Wyde says a few minutes of walking around indoors on a clean floor is fine.

Wyde provides a prepaid return label for orders within Sweden, the EU and the US. For a refund, it deducts 100 SEK in Sweden and €10 in the EU to cover the label and handling. Size exchanges are free in Sweden, the EU and the US. In Norway, Switzerland, the UK and Canada, you place a new order in the size you want and register the original pair as a return.

What are Barebarics' return terms?

Barebarics says goods can be returned within 14 days of delivery, in their original condition. The customer pays return shipping. In selected countries Barebarics offers a return shipping service with tracking, and its fee is deducted from the refund. To exchange a product, you return the original item first and then place a new order on the website.

What is each brand making its shoes for?

Wyde makes shoes for everyday city wear on concrete and pavement, and does not position them for hiking, trails or rugged terrain. Barebarics describes its shoes as "stylish barefoot sneakers" for a bolder urban look, and it says its shoes are not designed for sports.

Barebarics' care guidance adds that cycling, rock climbing and other strenuous activities can damage the sole. If you plan to use a shoe for activities like these, check each brand's product pages first.

Wyde's support team can answer fit questions at support@wydefootwear.com or through the contact form on wydefootwear.com.

When does Barebarics suit you better?

Barebarics suits you better if you want the thinnest sole and the most ground feel, or if you want a lower price or a vegan shoe.

What are Barebarics' strengths?

• A thin, flexible sole: 5.5 mm on the Zing leather.
• Lower listed prices on the models compared, from €109.90.
• A separate range of vegan sneakers.
• A wide choice of models, including low and high sneakers and insulated styles.
• Size charts that list inner length and width for each model.

When does Wyde suit you better?

Wyde suits you better if you want a foot-shaped shoe with more sole under your foot for city pavements, or if you want leather models handmade in Portugal.

What are Wyde's strengths?

• More sole under the foot than the Zing leather: 10 mm plus insole on the Nova and 22 mm on the Soma.
• Insole width published for every size, from 10.0 cm in EU 36 to 12.2 cm in EU 47.
• One unisex range with the same wide toe box on every model, so you size by length only.
• Leather and suede models handmade in Portugal, with LWG certified leather.
• Removable insoles on every model, so you can use your own orthotics.
• A 30-day return window and free size exchanges in Sweden, the EU and the US.

To see how Wyde compares with the other Be Lenka sneaker line, read Wyde Footwear vs Be Lenka: Sole, Fit and Materials Compared. For more brands in this category, read Best Brands for Wide Toe Box Sneakers: 8 Brands Compared. If you are looking at other options than Barebarics, read Barebarics Alternatives: Wide Toe Box Sneakers and Outdoor Options.

Frequently asked questions

Is Barebarics part of Be Lenka?

Yes. Barebarics calls itself a sneaker brand from Be Lenka, and its terms and conditions name the seller as Be Lenka s.r.o. in Žilina, Slovak Republic.

Which has the thinner sole, Barebarics or Wyde?

Barebarics. The Zing leather has a 5.5 mm sole, while the Wyde Nova has a 10 mm stack height plus insole and the Wyde Soma has 22 mm.

Does Wyde make barefoot shoes?

No. Wyde makes foot-shaped shoes with a wide toe box, zero drop and a flexible sole, with more sole than thin barefoot sneakers such as the Barebarics Zing leather. Wyde places its shoes between conventional shoes and pure barefoot shoes.

Do both brands use zero drop?

Yes. Barebarics says there is no difference in height between the heel and the toe, and every Wyde model has zero drop and no toe spring.

Can you use your own orthotics?

Wyde's insoles are removable on every model, so you can replace them with your own orthotics. The Barebarics Zing leather also has a removable insole.

Does either brand sell vegan sneakers?

Barebarics does, in a vegan sneaker category on its website. Wyde has no vegan shoes, because its leather models use leather or suede and the Soma upper includes suede.

Where are the shoes made?

The Wyde Nova, Maia, Maia Strap and Nilo are handmade in Portugal, and the Soma is made in China. The Barebarics Zing leather is made in Vietnam.

How long do you have to return shoes?

Wyde gives 30 days from delivery for unused shoes, with free size exchanges in Sweden, the EU and the US. Barebarics gives 14 days from delivery, and the customer pays return shipping.

What are the sources?

Wyde Footwear, FAQ: https://wydefootwear.com/pages/faq

Wyde Footwear, Size guide: https://wydefootwear.com/pages/size-guide

Wyde Footwear, Refund policy: https://wydefootwear.com/policies/refund-policy

Wyde Footwear, Nova White product page: https://wydefootwear.com/products/nova-white

Wyde Footwear, Soma White product page: https://wydefootwear.com/products/soma-white

Wyde Footwear, Maia Black product page: https://wydefootwear.com/products/maia-black

Wyde Footwear, Nilo Gray product page: https://wydefootwear.com/products/nilo-gray

Wyde Footwear, EU store, Nova White: https://wydefootwear.eu/products/nova-white

Barebarics, home page: https://www.barebarics.com/

Barebarics, Zing leather collection: https://www.barebarics.com/zing-leather/

Barebarics, Zing All White leather product page: https://www.barebarics.com/barefoot-sneakers-barebarics-zing-all-white-leather/

Barebarics, Men's vegan barefoot sneakers: https://www.barebarics.com/men-s-vegan-barefoot-sneakers/

Barebarics, What are barefoot shoes?: https://www.barebarics.com/what-are-barefoot-shoes/

Barebarics, Barefoot FAQ: https://www.barebarics.com/barefoot-faq/

Barebarics, By Be Lenka: https://www.barebarics.com/by-be-lenka/

Barebarics, Returns: https://www.barebarics.com/returns-1/

Barebarics, Terms and conditions: https://www.barebarics.com/terms-conditions/

Be Lenka UK, Barebarics Zing White and Black leather product page: https://www.belenka.co.uk/barefoot-sneakers-barebarics-zing-white-black-leather

Leather Working Group, Certification: https://www.leatherworkinggroup.com/certification/