The Best Barefoot Running Shoes

Although they may require an adaptation period, barefoot running shoes allow you to feel the terrain better than any other type of footwear. In addition, they strengthen your foot muscles, which reduces the risk of injury and makes you run more efficiently.

Before making a choice, you should know that there are significant differences between models. Some models are designed for city use, others for running, others for trail running, and still others for hiking. In this article, I’m going to talk about materials, types of soles, flexibility, responsiveness, breathability, and other important features. In addition, I’ll review the best models of the year so that you can choose the one that suits your style.

Take a look at other articles to find the best trail jackets, running shorts, running backpacks, trail shoes, running T-shirts, running watches, and running belts.

THE BEST MINIMALIST RUNNING SHOES

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VIBRAM V-TRAIL 2.0

The Vibram V-Trail 2.0 has an ultra-minimalist design that makes you feel like you’re walking barefoot. This model allows you to feel the ground while protecting your feet from debris, rocks, and irregularities with its resistant sole.

It’s not totally waterproof, but it has a water repellent treatment that performs well in moderate rain. Also, it features a fairly solid construction. The quick lacing system allows you to tie and untie your shoes in a matter of seconds.

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NEW BALANCE MINIMUS 10 V1

The New Balance Minimus has become one of the best-selling models of the year thanks to its excellent performance. One of the main advantages is that the sole provides great traction and grip, which makes it excellent for road and trail alike.

The upper part is made with mesh for increased ventilation and breathability, as well as synthetic reinforcements for improved flexibility and durability. The traditional lacing system ensures a perfect fit. Also, the inner lining features a special treatment that prevents microbial growth and reduces odor.

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VIBRAM KSO EVO

The Vibram KSO EVO is a great option for track running, gym workouts, and walking on flat terrain. That’s probably why it has been on the market for a long time now. The thin, flexible sole provides great traction and responsiveness.

However, keep in mind that it’s not recommended for rough terrain. Please, don’t get into rocky, irregular paths, as otherwise, your feet will suffer. Many people need some time to get used to very responsive barefoot models (like this one), but after a few weeks, most are really happy. Other advantages: It’s affordable, strong, and durable.

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MERREL VAPOR GLOVE 4

Available in a wide variety of colors, the Merrel Vapor Glove 4 features a simple but attractive design. This ultralight model provides great freedom of movement and ground contact. The sole provides a great grip for both road running and trail running. Also, it’s made from stronger materials than previous versions (Glove 3, Glove 2) for greater durability.

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VIBRAM FIVEFINGERS V-RUN

The Vibram Fivefingers V-Run is the perfect option for runners transitioning from conventional footwear to barefoot footwear. This model has a soft, flexible, perforated upper part for added comfort and ventilation. The thin sole allows for an intense ground feel while providing some shock absorption and cushioning for increased performance. It’s a true classic among minimalist shoes.

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XERO SHOES PRIO

The Xero Shoes Prio features a firm, strong construction for greater durability (although it’s really flexible, too). Unfortunately, this means that it’s a bit heavier than other models on the list.

If you are looking for something ultralight, this might not be your best choice. However, it has other advantages, such as a versatile sole for road running and trail running (preferably dirt trails), a natural fit that allows your toes to move, a reflective lacing system for added safety, and a zero-drop design that improves the runner’s posture.

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VIVOBAREFOOT PRIMUS LITE II

The Vivobarefoot Prime Lite II is designed for minimalist runners who are already used to this type of footwear. This model perfectly fits your foot shape, allowing for natural movement with each step. The sole is extremely thin, which provides high responsiveness (it essentially feels like you’re walking barefoot). It’s a popular model for city walking, trail running, dirt trail running, and gym workouts.

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MERREL TRAIL GLOVE 5

The Merrel Trail Glove 5 stands out for its lightweight construction, excellent ventilation, and breathability. Unlike other models, it has a thicker sole that provides greater support and cushioning. The inner sole provides great stability, while the TrailProtect rock plate protects your feet from pebbles and debris. Overall, it performs very well on both asphalt and dirt tracks.

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WHITIN BAREFOOT

The Whitin Barefoot features a removable insole that you can take off for a more “barefoot” feeling. The outsole provides good traction on both flat terrain and mountain trails, while the upper part is made from comfortable, stretchy materials. It doesn’t offer as much durability as higher-end models, but it’s a good value for the money, and it’s available in many colors.

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SAGUARO

The Saguaro Barefoot shoe is made from super stretchy, comfortable, breathable materials. This ultralight model performs well for different sports such as running, surfing, sailing, Pilates, workouts, etc. It can be worn for trail running, too, but keep in mind that its durability will be significantly reduced if you wear it on aggressive trails.

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HOW TO CHOOSE A GOOD PAIR OF SHOES FOR MINIMALIST RUNNERS

IMPORTANT FEATURES

Minimalist shoes are designed to allow your foot to move naturally. To achieve this, they must perfectly fit the shape of your feet and optimize their performance. Several studies have investigated the benefits of wearing barefoot running shoes, and most experts agree that they provide great benefits when one trains up to 35% of the time wearing these types of shoes. The reason is that they can strengthen your calf and foot muscles.

Compared to conventional shoes, this type of shoe has a pretty different construction. Before making a choice, be sure that your model has the following essential features:

Flexible materials: Flexible shoes allow your feet, toes, and ankles to articulate freely with each step. You should avoid stiff shoes that restrain your foot’s natural movement.

Thin sole: Thick soles increase heel strike when running, which can result in heel pain. Therefore, your model should have a thin sole that increases sensory feedback and allows for a much more natural movement of the feet.

Low heel: Many models have a raised heel. A slight heel drop can be beneficial for certain activities. However, this forces us to adapt our balance when walking, affecting our natural posture. I recommend that you look for a model with a low heel or “zero drop”.

Low arch support: Your foot arch should be free to move with every step. This is why the shoe shouldn’t have a thick insole underneath that can limit movement.

Wide toe box: Pointed shoes force your toes into unnatural positions and shapes. As time passes, these deformations can be amplified and remain that way forever.

COMFORT

Once you have chosen a pair of shoes with all the features that I just mentioned, make sure they are comfortable when you walk. The idea is that they will allow you to feel the ground under your feet, while your body feels balanced when walking or running.

If you’re not used to this type of footwear, you’ll probably feel a bit funny when walking. Don’t worry, as this is totally normal, even if you’re wearing the most expensive models on the market. In fact, some people feel quite uncomfortable when they break in their new shoes.

But don’t give up. Keep wearing them and in a few days, you’ll be happy with your purchase. Your feet and your body just need time to adapt to your new shoes.

FLEXIBILITY

Flexibility is an important factor to consider when you’re looking for a good pair of shoes. Flexible footwear allows you to freely move your feet, ensuring natural movement and avoiding injuries.

We all have different foot shapes and walking styles. A highly flexible pair of shoes will easily adapt to the anatomical differences of each runner.

Minimalist sneakers can be made with different materials that offer varying levels of flexibility. If this is your first time wearing this type of footwear, I don’t recommend that you choose an extremely flexible model, as you’ll have trouble adjusting to it. A medium-flex model could work well for a beginner runner, although this also depends on the runner’s taste.

RESPONSIVENESS

Thanks to the thinness of the materials and soles, this type of footwear allows you to feel the terrain with incredible responsiveness. The main idea is that you feel as if you were running barefoot while protecting your feet from abrasions and pain, which increases your athletic performance.

You must consider the type of runner you are. Do you go for short walks in the city? Do you prefer running tracks? Are you a trail runner? Keep in mind that while highly responsive models have advantages, such as improving natural balance and stimulating certain foot muscles, they also have disadvantages.

The main disadvantage is that they can hurt the soles of your feet if the terrain is too rough—for example, when it’s full of sharp stones, gravel, debris, etc. Most manufacturers guarantee that their shoes are puncture-resistant in the event that you step on a piece of broken glass or something like that.

WATER RESISTANCE

Waterproof models prevent water from getting into your feet. This makes them the perfect option for running in rainy weather and winter running. However, this water protection also makes them less breathable, which can result in sweaty feet.

While most models aren’t fully waterproof, they can withstand light-to-moderate rain for 15 to 30 minutes before your socks start to get wet. These models aren’t made with Gore-Tex membranes or sealed seams because they are not designed to withstand heavy rain.

To choose the right water resistance, you must think about your exposure time to rain, the weather, the humidity, etc.

BREATHABILITY

Most minimalist models don’t include waterproof membranes (which can considerably reduce breathability) because they are designed to keep your feet dry and fresh. This feature is essential to run comfortably and avoid blisters, which are usually formed by excess moisture.

Many models include breathable mesh panels as well as side vents that increase overall breathability. That’s why minimalist running shoes are great for running in moderate to warm weather. Your feet must always feel cool and comfortable.

SIZE AND FIT

To find the right size, keep in mind that your shoes should feel quite snug (almost like a glove), but never too tight. The right size should provide a firm fit while leaving enough room for your foot to move when it’s in contact with the ground. Your feet must feel comfortable at all times. Take a look at the size chart that each manufacturer recommends.

IS IT SAFE TO WEAR MINIMALIST RUNNING SHOES?

Generally, these shoes should be safe to wear for virtually all types of runners. However, you should make a gradual transition from standard footwear to minimalist footwear. In other words, if you’ve worn normal footwear your entire life, you shouldn’t put on your new minimalist shoes and get into technical trails, marathons, and the like.

Take it easy, try on your new footwear, and start with short runs so that your body gets used to it. Otherwise, you may suffer from muscle overload or injury (although this would be in the worst-case scenario, and is usually due to misuse).

The greatest risk of injury is typically during the first few weeks. Once you adjust to your new footwear, you’ll be able to complete longer trails and run faster.

IS IT HARD TO GET USED TO YOUR NEW FOOTWEAR?

Each person requires a different period of time to adjust to their new shoes. This depends on the runner’s experience, type of terrain, activity, speed, weight, etc.

Most of the time, it takes two or three weeks until you feel completely comfortable when walking in this type of shoe. If we’re talking about getting used to running, you’ll need to add another week.

Start by walking and running on soft terrain, always doing short runs at a moderate pace. Avoid overexertion. This way, your thighs, feet muscles, and tendons will gradually get used to your new shoes.

CAN THEY BE USED ON TECHNICAL TRAILS?

This will depend on the trail conditions, but it should be stressed that minimalist shoes are not designed only for city walking and track running. Some models are designed for trail running and hiking, and they can perform really well on mountain trails.

In any case, you should know the trail’s conditions beforehand. Some models are suitable for moderate mountain trails but they are generally not the best option for extreme routes. Keep in mind that this type of footwear features a thin construction that doesn’t provide as much protection as standard hiking shoes.

HOW LONG DO MINIMALIST RUNNING SHOES LAST?

Each model has a different durability depending on its materials, the type of sole, the thickness of the sole, etc. The durability will also depend on the intended use, the type of tracks you’re running on, how often you run, etc. Generally, for city use and short runs, most models can last around two or three years. This durability can be considerably reduced when you wear the shoes for trekking and trail running.