Ohne Project review: My barefoot shoe experience (2026)

Quite soon into my barefoot journey, I got fed up with all the unimaginative and limited shoe designs. I was really missing the classic trainers I used to wear in my pre-barefoot days.

Yet most barefoot shoe brands couldn’t seem to blend zero drop with the classic trainer style. I get it, barefoots are pretty flat. And most classic trainers tend to have chunkier soles, which is part of the look.

But Ohne Project shoes instantly caught my eye, with a large variety of classic styles and great colourways. Since then, I’ve been pretty much wearing them exclusively, other than my Vivobarefoots for hiking and running.

In this Ohne Project review, I’ll share my experience wearing their shoes. I’ll cover the style and design, the fit, materials, walking experience, and whether they’re worth the price.

Buy Ohne Project barefoot shoes here

What is Ohne Project?

Ohne Project is a barefoot shoe brand based in Spain, founded by Manel and Hanna. The two are actually vegan food bloggers who fell in love with the barefoot lifestyle but couldn’t find any shoes that matched their style. So, they decided to create their own.

All of their shoes are 100% vegan and handcrafted in Elche, Spain, using plant-based and recycled materials like corn waste, rubber, and organic cotton. They focus on creating barefoot shoes that actually look like regular shoes, with retro-inspired designs spanning several decades.

Their range has grown to include casual trainers/sneakers, boots, loafers, sneakerinas, lace-up shoes, and kids’ shoes – all featuring wide toe boxes, zero drop soles and flexible construction.

Basically, they make barefoot shoes that don’t look like barefoot shoes, which is what drew me to the brand in the first place!

My experience with their shoes

I have lots of experience with Ohne Project shoes. I own five pairs in different styles, including trainers: Retro Run, Project 80 XL, Project 80 Vintage White, and boots: Nomad and Zuri.

I’ve been wearing their shoes for about eight months and have really put them through their paces. I’ll go into more detail on the style, fit, materials, walking experience and price below.

The style

Style is the main reason I started buying my shoes from Ohne Project. Most barefoot brands make shoes that look, well, like barefoot shoes. Ohne Project is one of the few brands that has genuinely nailed the blend between barefoot function and classic shoe design. And that’s what keeps me coming back!

The variety is brilliant. I wear my Zuri chelsea boots for smarter days, when I am wearing skirts, dresses, or nice trousers. My Project 80s are my go-to for casual days, to match jeans or shorts. For longer days on the move, I reach for my super comfy Retro Runs. And when it gets colder, my Nomad boots come out alongside baggy jumpers and jeans.

Can you tell they’re barefoot shoes? If you look closely, yes. The toe box is wider, and the overall profile is flatter than a traditional shoe. But they pass. Way more than any other barefoot brand I’ve come across.

I’ve had plenty of compliments, and not a single person has clocked them as barefoot shoes unless I’ve told them (or they were barefoot wearers themselves!)

The fit

The fit is great across all my Ohne Project shoes, but I’d really recommend measuring your feet before ordering. Their size guide is detailed and worth following closely, especially since sizing can vary between styles. For example, I wear a smaller size in my boots and Retro Runs than I do in my Project 080 trainers. So don’t just assume your size will be the same across the range.

Once you’ve got the right size, though, the fit is spot on. They’re comfortable straight out of the box with no break-in period needed. Nothing too tight, no rubbing, no awkward pressure points. I’ve worn them for full days of walking without any issues. With thicker socks, they can feel a little snug, but still comfy.

The toe box is wide enough to let your toes spread naturally, which is exactly what you want from a barefoot shoe. And my toe spacers fit nicely (better than my old Vivobarefoot Gobi trainers). They don’t feel overly roomy or sloppy, though, which is a balance a lot of barefoot brands struggle with.

One thing to note: Ohne Project don’t currently accept returns from outside the EU, so getting your size right first time is especially important if you’re ordering from the UK.

The materials

If you spend any time in barefoot shoe communities online, you’ll notice that materials can be a bit of a sore point when it comes to Ohne Project. Many barefoot enthusiasts prefer animal-based materials like leather, which Ohne Project doesn’t use.

They’re a fully vegan brand, founded by two vegan bloggers, so it makes sense. And for me, this is one of the biggest draws. I love that everything is vegan and I don’t have to spend time checking individual product pages for animal-based materials.

In terms of quality, I’ve found the materials to be really impressive. My oldest pair is around eight months old now, and they’ve seen a lot of wear. The soles are still holding up brilliantly; there are no holes, and they still look great. They’ve softened and had some give over time, but they still fit me perfectly.

Their shoes use a mix of sustainable materials, including cotton canvas, recycled corn waste, and rubber soles made with recycled rubber. It’s clear that durability and sustainability are priorities for the brand, and from my experience so far, they’ve delivered on both.

The walking experience

The shoes feel sturdy in hand, but the soles are really flexible and provide a great barefoot experience. I get a lot of ground feel and feel very connected to the surface when walking. The trainers, like my Project 80s, feel like they have a slightly thinner sole. The boots are a bit sturdier, which I actually prefer since I tend to wear them in the cooler months when a little extra protection is welcome.

All the trainers, Retro Runs included, are super light. The boots are a little heavier, but still not what I’d call heavy. They’re comfortable to wear for a full day without any fatigue. And the grip across the range is great, particularly on the Retro Runs. I haven’t had any slipping on wet or smooth surfaces, which is a big plus.

As I mentioned earlier, they’re a breeze to walk in from the get-go. No rubbing, no discomfort, just easy wearing. They’re great for walking around cities and towns, providing just the right amount of support and comfort for everyday use.

I wouldn’t necessarily reach for them for anything too sporty or rugged, though, as they may not provide the right level of protection. I use my Vivobarefoot Trackers for hiking, for example. Ohne Project shoes are more aimed at leisurewear. That said, I could still see my Nomad boots getting me through a longer walk out in the countryside if needed, with plenty of comfort.

The price

Ohne Project shoes aren’t cheap, but they’re similarly priced to other popular barefoot brands like Vivobarefoot, where most trainers sit between £140 and £170. For the quality and design you’re getting, I think they’re fair.

The main thing to factor in is shipping. If you’re ordering from outside Spain or Europe, the delivery cost can add up. I like to buy a few pairs at a time to make the shipping feel more worthwhile. Just make sure you’ve measured your feet properly beforehand, especially since returns from outside the EU aren’t accepted.

Here’s a breakdown of some of their current prices in GBP:

Ohne Project review verdict

Ohne Project has quickly become my most-worn barefoot shoe brand. The style is what drew me in, and it’s what keeps me coming back. They’ve done something that very few barefoot brands manage, which is making shoes that genuinely look like regular shoes.

The variety is a huge selling point. Having a barefoot option for every occasion, from smart chelsea boots to casual trainers, means I’m never tempted to reach for a non-barefoot pair. They’re comfortable from the first wear, the materials are holding up brilliantly, and the grip is solid across the range.

The fact that everything is fully vegan is obviously a massive bonus for me. It’s nice to shop with a brand where I don’t have to double-check every product page for animal-based materials.

If you’re someone who has been putting off going barefoot because you can’t find anything that matches your style, Ohne Project is the brand I’d point you to. They aren’t the cheapest option, and the shipping cost for UK buyers adds to that, but for the quality and design you’re getting, I think they’re well worth the investment.