This is a guest post written by Adam at Minimal-list. Read his full review here. 

For years, I dreaded wearing traditional dress shoes. Stiff leather, narrow toe boxes, and rigid soles always left my feet aching after long workdays and 

business trips. But when I heard about barefoot dress shoes, I was intrigued. Could a minimalist design really provide the polished look of a dress shoe while keeping my feet comfortable? 

The problem? Most barefoot dress shoes are either too casual for business settings or ridiculously expensive. That’s why the OAKA Derby caught my attention. It claims to offer a professional look with zero-drop support, a wide toe box, and a lightweight, flexible build—all without sacrificing style. 

So, do barefoot dress shoes (and the OAKA Derby in particular) actually live up to the hype? I put them to the test and broke things down into five key areas:  comfort, travel-friendliness, style, durability, and foot health benefits. 

If you’re a professional, traveler, or someone who just wants to ditch uncomfortable dress shoes, this guide is for you.

1. Superior Comfort for Long Hours on Your Feet 👣 

Traditional dress shoes look great, but let’s be real—they’re a nightmare for comfort. Between the rigid soles, narrow toe boxes, and raised heels, they force your feet into unnatural positions that lead to soreness and fatigue. 

Why Traditional Dress Shoes Cause Foot Fatigue: 

❌ Rigid soles restrict natural foot movement. 

❌ Narrow toe boxes squeeze your toes together. 

❌ Elevated heels throw off your posture, leading to lower back pain. 

This is where the OAKA Derby shines. Instead of forcing your feet into a stiff, unnatural position, it allows them to move freely with a zero-drop sole and wide toe box. The breathable rPET upper adds flexibility and keeps your feet cool, even after hours of wear. 

I put them to the test on a long workday—commuting, sitting through meetings, and grabbing dinner afterward—and by the end of the night, my feet felt surprisingly fresh. If you’re on your feet all day, this alone makes barefoot dress shoes worth considering. 

2. Travel-Friendly & Lightweight ✈️ 

One of my biggest gripes with traditional dress shoes? They’re awful for travel. Heavy, bulky, and impossible to pack efficiently, they take up way too much space in a suitcase. 

The OAKA Derby, on the other hand, is built for travel. It’s: 

✈️ Lightweight – Feels barely there, reducing foot fatigue. 

🎒Packable – Flexible enough to be packed without losing shape. 

🌍 Multi-use – Stylish enough for meetings, comfortable enough for walking. 

I tested this on a recent business trip and was amazed at how much luggage space I saved by packing these instead of traditional leather dress shoes. Plus, walking through airport terminals in barefoot shoes instead of stiff-soled Oxfords?  Game-changer. 

3. Business Casual Approved (But Not for Every Occasion) 👔

Let’s be clear—the OAKA Derby isn’t replacing a high-end Oxford for black-tie events. But for business casual and smart-casual outfits, it’s a perfect fit. 

Where They Work Best: 

✅ Office environments (especially business casual settings). 

✅ Business travel (airport-friendly and versatile). 

✅ Semi-formal events where comfort is key. 

Where They Might Not Work: 

❌ High-end corporate settings requiring polished leather. 

❌ Black-tie events where formal shoes are expected. 

That said, styling makes a huge difference. Pairing the OAKA Derby with chinos, slacks, or dark jeans creates a polished, professional look. Just don’t expect them to pass as high-end leather dress shoes. 

4. Long-Term Durability: Can They Compete? 🏆 

Traditional leather dress shoes can last decades with proper care. But barefoot dress shoes, with their lightweight materials and flexible soles, don’t always have the same lifespan. 

So, how does the OAKA Derby hold up? 

Durability Considerations: 

🏆 High-quality materials – The rPET upper is breathable and strong, but it won’t develop the patina of full-grain leather. 

🏆 Flexible sole – More comfortable, but might wear faster than a stiff dress shoe sole. 

🏆 Machine washable – Easier to clean, but long-term durability depends on use. 

I’ve worn my OAKA Derby regularly for several weeks, and so far, they’re holding up well. But if you’re looking for something that will last 10+ years, a leather shoe might still be the better investment. 

5. The Foot Health Benefits Are Real 🦶

Beyond comfort and style, barefoot dress shoes are actually better for your feet. Most traditional dress shoes cause long-term issues like bunions, plantar fasciitis, and poor posture due to their restrictive design. 

Why the OAKA Derby Is Healthier: 

🦶 Zero-drop sole – Keeps your posture aligned and reduces strain. 

🦶 Wide toe box – Lets your toes spread naturally, preventing foot issues. 

🦶 Flexible materials – Strengthen foot muscles by allowing natural 

movement. 

Since switching to barefoot dress shoes, I’ve noticed less foot fatigue and better posture—something I never thought I’d say about dress shoes. If foot health is a priority for you, this is a major reason to consider the switch. 

Conclusion: Is the OAKA Derby Worth It? 🤔 

So, are barefoot dress shoes worth the hype? When it comes to comfort, travel friendliness, and foot health, the OAKA Derby absolutely delivers. 

✅ It’s worth it if you: 

• Want comfortable, all-day wear without foot pain. 
• Travel often and need a lightweight, packable shoe. 
• Work in a business casual setting where flexibility matters. 
• Care about foot health and natural movement. 

❌ It might not be for you if you: 

• Need high-end formal dress shoes for black-tie events. 
• Prefer the structured feel of traditional leather shoes. 
• Want shoes that will last decades with proper care. 

For me, the OAKA Derby checks all the right boxes. It’s the best mix of comfort, style, and functionality I’ve found in a barefoot dress shoe. If you’re tired of foot pain and looking for a stylish yet foot-friendly alternative, I highly recommend giving them a try. 

Want more insights on barefoot shoes? 

Check out Adam’s full review of the OAKA Derby for an in-depth breakdown of fit, style, and performance.