A few years ago, I was on the lookout for the perfect pair of vegan barefoot boots. I wanted something that would give all the benefits of a zero-drop shoe without compromising style or comfort. After a lot of research, I decided to give Ahinsa’s Sundara Ankle Boots a try.
(Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on the links and make a purchase. Thank you for your support!)
I’ve seen a lot of barefoot products that are visually similar to a conventional boot, but these are the closest match I’ve seen so far! I love that I can wear my Sundara boots with smart or casual outfits without them looking too clunky or incongruous.
As well as style, functionality was crucial to me. As someone who lives in a rural area, I needed shoes suitable for muddy walks and uneven ground. I wanted something I could wear throughout autumn, winter, and early spring (and they needed to be able to handle this rainy English weather!). I’m happy to say that Ahinsa’s Sundara boots hit the mark perfectly!
This is how they look after two/ three years with minimal upkeep and moderate usage in water…
Edit 19th February 2025: Ahinsa Shoes are currently offering an exciting promotion on their online shop.
Get 20% off new collection preorders with the code SPRINGREADY.
About Ahinsa Shoes
Ethical and Vegan Barefoot Boots
Ahinsa shoes are ethically produced by hand by a small team in Europe. As a company, they pride themselves on maintaining fair working conditions for staff and creating products that are ‘handmade with love, respect for nature, and without harming animals or people’.
All the materials used in their shoes are vegan-friendly and sourced from the EU. They prioritise the use of natural, recycled, and long-lasting materials over conventional alternatives.
Durable and Well-Crafted
Ahinsa shoes are built to last. I’ve worn mine regularly for two/ three years, and they’re in fantastic condition. I must admit, I’ve not been very careful with them either – my boots have been everywhere! I’ve waded through water in them, climbed over rockpools, trekked through muddy fields and been on many adventures in the woods.
Flexibility
The Sundara boots are incredibly flexible, with a thin and lightweight but durable sole. The sole is curved, which I find works well for me as it provides central stability and anchorage for my feet within the shoe. I’d love to see the brand release different width options, as a slightly narrower size would have provided an even better fit.
Comfort
I bought the comfort model with a removable cushion lining. Depending on how much distance I plan on walking, I can remove or keep the lining according to my needs each day. I still love the multifunctionality of the comfort shoes and would happily purchase this model again.
Waterproof
Perhaps one of the most amazing features of the Sundara boots is their resistance to water. Without a doubt, these are the most waterproof boots I’ve ever owned. I can happily paddle through shallow streams (below the lower eyelets) and splash through puddles without getting a drop of water inside my shoes. It’s surprising just how much freedom that can give you!
My Experience with Sizing
My shoe size tends to lie somewhere around a 5, give or take a ½ size depending on the brand. With these being my first ever pair of barefoot shoes, I was unsure about whether they’d be true to size. Luckily, Ahinsa Shoes has a guide on how to correctly measure your feet to get the best fit. After measuring, I fell between two sizes, so I contacted their team for some advice.
The team were so friendly and offered plenty of guidance on how to choose the right shoe for me (this was long before I became an affiliate). Together, we got the perfect fit. I purchased the Ahinsa Sundara Comfort boots in a size 38 (UK 5, US 6).
Production and Shipping
My boots were made to order, and I kept in contact with the Ahinsa team throughout the production process. Once they were ready, less than 3 days passed before the boots were in the hands of my local postal service. I was very impressed by the steps Ahinsa took to make their shoe packaging as eco-friendly as possible.
Would I buy them again?
Overall, I’m incredibly impressed by Ahinsa Shoes. They’ve managed to provide high-quality, comfortable barefoot vegan boots without compromising on their ethics and values as a cruelty-free business. I use my Sundara boots very regularly, and I wholeheartedly believe that they’ll continue to perform well for years to come! I’d gladly buy from them again.
I purchased the dark brown variant. The Sundara Boots are now available in light brown, black, blue nubuck, grey, and blue.
This post was all about Ahinsa Sundara Boots: Vegan Barefoot Boots!
