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Forbes
16-07-2025
- General
- Forbes
The Best Barefoot Shoes That Promote Flexibility And Natural Movement
Humans have been walking barefoot for most of our existence, long before the invention of modern shoes. But in the past couple of decades, we've started gravitating back to minimalist designs that align with the natural shape of the foot and re-create the feeling of barefoot travel. The best barefoot shoes, featuring thin soles and wide toe boxes, are built to let your feet move and adjust more naturally and, although they aren't for everyone, they offer a comfortable alternative to the cushy shoes we're accustomed to. Based on years of experience testing footwear, the Xero Shoes Prio Neo is my top pick for those seeking a barefoot shoe that's great for everyday wear. Take to the streets, the peaks and everywhere in between with the best barefoot shoes. Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Cam Vigliotta To find the best barefoot shoes, I started by identifying top brands in the barefoot space, like Vivobarefoot, Xero and Merrell. From there, I focused on key shoe categories, and I compared styles based on flexibility, stack height, drop and durability. I also kept an eye out for materials that promote breathability and long-term comfort—even minimalist shoes should feel good for hours on end. And after reading independent reviews to cement my top picks, I put this guide together. Below, the best barefoot shoes for running, walking and everyday wear. Our Top Recommendations Best Barefoot Shoes Overall: Xero Shoes Prio Neo Best Barefoot Running Shoes: Xero Shoes HFS II Best Budget Barefoot Shoes: Whitin Minimalist Best Barefoot Hiking Shoes: Merrell Trail Glove 7 Best Barefoot Sandals: Bedrock Cairn Evo Best Barefoot Shoes For Lifting: Vivobarefoot Primus Lite 3.5 Xero Shoes Xero Shoes Prio Neo Weight (per pair): 14.6 ounces (women's); 17.4 ounces (men's) | Drop: 0mm | Outsole: FeelTrue rubber | Midsole: Foam I believe the Xero Shoes Prio Neo are the barefoot shoe that meets the needs of most people. As a barefoot athleisure shoe, it's a great choice for the gym, the office, the grocery store—you name it. A breathable mesh upper keeps your feet cool, and the brand's flexible FeelTrue sole provides more feedback than traditional athleisure shoes. Plus, a wide toe box gives your feet plenty of room to move and groove, even though the heel and midfoot feel secure. The biggest issue barefoot folks tend to have with Xero has more to do with style than substance. The Prio Neo looks kind of like a low-top boxing shoe, and it's fairly expensive for something so minimal. But if you can look past the looks and the price, this is a truly adaptable barefoot shoe that's ready for most tasks, and Xero's 5,000-mile sole warranty makes it an even easier buy. Xero Shoes Xero Shoes HFS II Weight (per pair): 13.4 ounces (women's); 16.6 ounces (men's) | Drop: 0mm | Outsole: Rubber | Midsole: BareFoam Again, Xero Shoes makes the cut with the HFS II, a true barefoot road-running shoe that's light, grippy and comfy. The shoe's mesh upper feels breathable and cool, and it wraps around your foot in a more anatomical fashion—there's plenty of room in the forefoot to promote toe splay. Meanwhile, a new tread pattern underfoot looks kind of like a tire, which Xero updated to improve grip and security. A very thin layer of the brand's proprietary BareFoam takes the edge off impacts, and a soft insole can be removed if you'd like to make the shoe feel even thinner. A few reviews suggest the laces are too short, which could be a problem depending on how you prefer to lace up your shoes for running. But if that's a concern, simply invest in a longer pair and make the swap. Otherwise, the HFS II should keep your feet happy over long distances and hard surfaces. Weight (per pair): Not stated | Drop: 0mm | Outsole: Rubber | Midsole: Foam It's a bit ironic that barefoot shoes contain less material and somehow cost more than their traditional counterparts. Almost all of the recommendations in this guide top $100 (when they aren't on sale), but Whitin keeps costs low without sacrificing comfort via the Minimalist. If you're looking for a barefoot shoe that's casual and comfortable, it's a great option. The knit upper looks and feels nice, so you can dress it up or down, and the toe box is made wider to promote a natural foot shape. Underfoot, a honeycomb-like tread pattern should be grippy enough for most surfaces, and the shoe comes in quite a few colors, so you can pick up a pair (or two) that matches your style. Of course, a budget-friendly shoe raises long-term durability questions, but reviews suggest they last if you wear them as intended. Keep in mind this isn't really a hiking or running shoe, but more of an everyday barefoot trainer. If that's what you're looking for, it's a truly great option with lots of positive feedback. Merrell Merrell Trail Glove 7 Weight (per pair): 16.9 ounces | Drop: 0mm | Outsole: Vibram Ecostep | Midsole: 30% recycled EVA foam Heavy-duty boots and propulsive shoes have their place outdoors, but if you're looking to get a little closer to nature (literally), Merrell's Trail Glove 7 should fit the bill. Complete with a mesh upper, roomy toe box and Vibram Ecostep outsole, it maintains the qualities I like to see in a trail shoe, though cushioning is kept to a minimum. It's also nice to see Merrell use a lot more recycled materials—everything from the upper to the insole to the rubber underfoot contains recycled material, so the shoe is a bit easier on the planet. Merrell also treats the design with Cleansport NXT odor control, which means the shoe doesn't smell even after long days on the trail. Although the Trail Glove is flexible and protective, it doesn't feel quite as thin as some barefoot shoes. If you have experience with barefoot footwear and want something truly thin, you should look elsewhere. But if you're looking for a shoe that serves as a solid entry into barefoot hiking, the Merrell Trail Glove 7 is great for light and moderate trails. Weight (per pair): 15.6 ounces | Drop: 0mm | Outsole: Vibram XS Trek EVO | Midsole: EVA I've tried a lot of different sandals over the years, but none combine comfort, durability and versatility quite like Bedrock's Cairn Evo. Head over to some of the barefoot shoe forums and you'll find purists who consider this sandal too thick, but it's much thinner than the Chacos and Tevas of the world. For the average person, it's a minimalist sandal—and a good one at that. The sandal's unique strap system requires you to embrace the toe thong, but if you can look past that, you get a simple, comfortable midsole and a grippy outsole. Bedrock made the midsole with a basic layer of EVA, so there's no arch or toe triangle to speak of, and Vibram XS Trek EVO completes the outsole. It's grippy, durable and suitable for everything from hiking to walks around town. Having backpacked in this sandal for years, I can speak to its flexibility, ground feel and sheer versatility, all of which earn high marks. Once the outsole is truly worn out, Bedrock's Re-Soul and Repair Program allows you to send in your sandals for a new base, thus keeping them in circulation. If you're after an even thinner sandal, consider the Xero Shoes Genesis. Vivobarefoot Vivobarefoot Primus Lite 3.5 Weight (per pair): 18.9 ounces (women's); 15.9 ounces (men's) | Drop: 0mm | Outsole: Primus | Midsole: Ortholite Performance Insole Take a closer look at the shoes people wear while lifting and you may spot out-of-place styles like Chuck Taylors or Vans. Odd as these choices may seem, they actually make a lot of sense—flat, firm soles create a stable base for lifting, especially during squats and dead lifts. If you're looking for a similar experience in a true athletic barefoot shoe, the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite 3.5 is a great all-around choice. Spacious, flexible and breathable, it almost feels like you're not wearing a shoe at all. The wide base improves stability, offering better feedback and encouraging natural movement. Plus, the design is nearly fully recyclable, from the outsole to the upper. The biggest issue you might have with the Primus Lite 3.5 is the sticker price of $150—comparable to a decent walking shoe. Still, Vivobarefoot includes a six-month sustainable warranty, so if the shoe doesn't hold up to exercise, you can contact the brand for a replacement. Realistically, you should know within six months if your shoes are falling apart, which is why I ultimately think they're worth the expense. The gear team at Forbes Vetted spends countless hours and hundreds of miles testing, rating and reviewing footwear. We've covered best-selling shoes like the Hoka Clifton and Bondi, along with broader topics, like the best running shoes for beginners . Cam Vigliotta serves as Forbes Vetted's gear editor, and he's the author of this guide. He also holds a degree in kinesiology and relies on his background as a runner to evaluate products that help you stay active. In high school, he read Christopher McDougall's national best-seller Born to Run, which convinced him—and thousands of other runners at the time—to adopt minimalist footwear. Later, he would return to traditional running shoes. serves as Forbes Vetted's gear editor, and he's the author of this guide. He also holds a degree in kinesiology and relies on his background as a runner to evaluate products that help you stay active. In high school, he read Christopher McDougall's national best-seller Born to Run, which convinced him—and thousands of other runners at the time—to adopt minimalist footwear. Later, he would return to traditional running shoes. Christine Colby, a commerce editor at Forbes Vetted, edited this article. She has over five years of experience with product testing and recommendations and recently spearheaded an extensive test of the best patio umbrellas. We return to this guide on a regular basis to ensure the information we provide is accurate and up-to-date, so you have the tools you need to find a comfortable, supportive pair of barefoot shoes. This guide was published in July 2025. We took many steps—both literally and figuratively—to find the best barefoot shoes for various shoppers and use cases. Here's how we made our picks: We looked into best-selling barefoot brands that make styles suitable for walking, running and everyday wear, based on our own expertise and real-world testing and feedback. Brands like Vivobarefoot, Xero, Merrell and Whitin were some of the first ones we considered because of their established reputations in the barefoot footwear space. We checked out specific shoes and evaluated a range of options based on key variables, chief among them sole thickness and flexibility. Barefoot shoes should offer more ground feel and feedback than traditional shoes, so highly flexible soles that promote natural foot movement were given priority. Toe box width, drop and fit are also incredibly important features to consider when buying barefoot shoes. We sought styles with wide, foot-shaped toe boxes, zero-drop outsoles for a more natural posture and gait, and a secure fit through the heel and midfoot. When you combine sole thickness and flexibility, toe box width, drop and fit, what kind of shoe are you left with? And who does it best serve? By comparing shoes against one another based on these elements, we gained a better understanding of different options before making our recommendations. When it comes to choosing the right pair of barefoot shoes, we recommend paying close attention to such key features as the shoe's flexibility, drop and fit. Here are the top factors to consider. Flexibility One of the biggest things that sets barefoot shoes apart from other shoes is the sole, and it's not just the fact that it's thin; it should also be flexible. The best barefoot shoes provide enough protection against the ground while still letting your foot feel everything beneath it. That 'ground feel,' as it's often referred to, is what helps with balance and natural movement. The thinner and more flexible the sole, the more it mimics actual barefoot walking. If the sole is too thick or stiff, you aren't really reaping the benefits of barefoot travel. Toe Box Width Your toes need room to move as you step. That's why a wide, foot-shaped toe box is non-negotiable if you're looking for a quality barefoot shoe. The space allows your toes to spread out naturally, which is important for balance, stability and general foot health. If your toes are crammed together, they can't splay, or spread out, with each step. Look for styles that follow the natural shape of your foot as opposed to those that taper at the front. Drop (Heel-To-Toe Drop) Drop, or heel-to-toe drop, is the difference in height from the heel of a shoe to the toe. Measured in millimeters, barefoot shoes should be zero drop, which means there is no difference in height between the back and front of a shoe—they're on the same level, just like when you're actually barefoot. This helps keep your posture aligned and encourages a more natural walking or running gait. Fit All shoes, from sandals to stilettos, should fit well, and barefoot shoes are no exception. Ultimately, the best barefoot shoe for you is the one that comfortably matches the shape of your foot. It should be a bit more snug in the heel and midfoot to avoid slipping, but that sense of security shouldn't come at the cost of flexibility. If possible, try a few different brands or styles to find what works best for your feet. Durability Barefoot shoes may be thin, but they still need to hold up to whatever activity you're doing. Whether you're running, commuting or wearing shoes around the house, materials, tread patterns and construction quality matter a lot more than you may think. Make sure you're choosing a barefoot shoe that fits your lifestyle or preferred activities, and not just your foot.
Fashion United
29-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion United
Unify Brand Partnerships adds Jason Markk and Xero Shoes to strengthen footwear portfolio
Unify Brand Partnerships, one of the UK's leading distributors of premium lifestyle and activewear brands, has announced two new additions to its growing portfolio, securing UK distribution rights for Jason Markk and Xero Shoes. The deals mark a significant expansion of Unify's influence in the high-growth sneaker care and barefoot footwear sectors, respectively. The partnerships reinforce Unify's status as a gateway for globally relevant brands seeking access to the UK market. With existing names like Cotopaxi, Teva, REEF, and Pajar under its wing, the addition of Jason Markk and Xero Shoes positions Unify at the intersection of performance innovation and streetwear culture. Founded in Los Angeles in 2007, Jason Markk has become a global leader in premium sneaker care, selling over six million bottles of its signature shoe cleaner and operating flagship stores in both LA and London. The UK distribution agreement—effective from autumn 2025—will see Unify take over wholesale and direct-to-consumer operations, including the relaunch of the brand's UK website. 'We're thrilled to welcome Unify Brand Partners as our official distributor in the United Kingdom,' said Jason Angsuvarn, Founder of Jason Markk. 'Their deep understanding of the market, commitment to premium brand storytelling, and strong retail relationships make them the ideal partner.' Unify's Managing Director Damian Cooper described the brand as 'a strong fit for the UK market,' citing its 'authenticity, innovation, and cultural relevance.' Meanwhile, Colorado-based Xero Shoes continues its international push, tapping Unify to lead wholesale growth in the UK following the brand's DTC launch in 2023. With a portfolio of over 65 minimalist footwear styles and a presence in more than 300 retail locations globally, the brand is riding the rising consumer interest in natural movement footwear. 'This marks a significant step in our UK wholesale expansion,' said Dan Dougherty, EU Managing Director of Xero Shoes. 'Unify will help us drive revenue growth, broaden consumer access, and build brand awareness in a key market.' For Unify, the addition of Xero Shoes reflects a strategic bet on wellness-driven lifestyle trends. 'The demand for barefoot and minimalist footwear is growing rapidly in the UK,' Cooper said, adding that Xero's 'distinctive design and ethos' aligns closely with evolving consumer preferences.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Footwear Market - New Market Data by GVR Reveals Key Insights for Driving Revenue Growth by 2030
SAN FRANCISCO, May 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global footwear market size is expected to reach USD 588.22 billion in 2030 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% from 2025 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The rapid urbanization and an increasing working population contribute to the demand for durable and comfortable footwear products. Moreover, changes in population demographics, such as the growing aging population and the rising focus on children's footwear, have created new opportunities and demand for specialized footwear products. The rise of the athleisure trend and the growing emphasis on active lifestyles have fueled the demand for athletic and casual footwear that can be worn for both workouts and casual wear. Moreover, innovations in footwear technology, such as advanced cushioning systems, lightweight materials, and improved traction, have attracted consumers seeking better performance, comfort, and functionality from their footwear. In addition, the growth of e-commerce and omnichannel retail strategies has made it easier for consumers to access a broader range of footwear products and brands, contributing to the overall demand. In September 2022, Xero Shoes, the U.S.-based Barefoot Footwear Brand, announced the launch of an e-commerce platform to sell directly to consumers (DTC). This strategy helped the company to strengthen its connection with customers and gain greater control over its distribution channels. The non-athletic segment held a major share of the footwear market in 2023. The non-athletic category consists of flats, heels, mules, sandals, sneakers, and boots, which can be worn on different occasions. This product category is heavily influenced by fashion trends, with consumers seeking stylish and trendy options for casual wear, social occasions, and various lifestyle activities. Request a free sample copy or view report summary: Footwear Market Moreover, luxury brands recognize the importance of using sustainable materials in their footwear production. For instance, in August 2022, Louis Vuitton announced the launch of sustainable unisex sneakers. The sneaker is made of recycled organic materials, such as corn-based plastic and recycled polyurethane, cotton & polyester. In addition, the growing aging population across the globe has created a demand for comfortable and supportive non-athletic shoes designed for older individuals, such as slip-resistant shoes and orthopedic footwear. The women's footwear segment held the largest share in 2023. The growing influence of social media, celebrity endorsements, and fashion bloggers has amplified trends, with women seeking footwear that aligns with current fashion aesthetics. Moreover, an increasing number of working women is driving the demand for comfortable, stylish, and durable footwear that can keep up with their demanding schedules. Moreover, the athleisure trend has fueled the demand for comfortable, stylish, and versatile footwear for athletic and casual occasions. Asia Pacific accounted for the largest share of the market. This can be attributed to a large and rapidly growing population, particularly in countries like China, India, and Southeast Asian nations. Rapid urbanization, expanding middle-class population, and rising disposable incomes in these countries have led to an increased demand for various types of footwear, including casual, athletic, and formal styles. Moreover, the development of modern retail formats, such as shopping malls and specialty footwear stores, has facilitated increased footwear sales and brand exposure in the region. In addition, several Asia Pacific countries, such as China, Vietnam, Thailand, India, and Indonesia, are major footwear manufacturing hubs, contributing to the region's availability and affordability of footwear products. Read full market research report on Footwear Market with TOC - Footwear Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Athletic, Non-Athletic), By End User (Men, Women, Children), By Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa), And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030 Footwear Market Report Highlights: According to findings from the 2022 PowerReviews' State of Apparel & Footwear Shopping survey, a remarkable 74% of footwear purchases are now being made online. Casual footwear emerges as the most sought-after category, commanding a staggering 96% of online sales, closely trailed by athletic footwear, which captures 84% of the online market. In August 2023, the AR Mirrors by ZERO10 animated the JD Sports x Nike Need it Now collection, enabling shoppers at JD Sports' Times Square New York and State Street Chicago flagship stores to virtually try on 18 items. Some items were accompanied by additional AR enhancement effects, such as water droplets. The footwear market presents a plethora of opportunities for brands and manufacturers to capitalize on various emerging trends and consumer preferences. The non-athletic segment accounted for a share of 66.3% of the global revenue in 2024. The non-athletic category consists of flats, heels, mules, sandals, sneakers, and boots, which can be worn on different occasions. The women segment accounted for a share of 47.8% of the global revenue in 2024. Comfort and functionality are key drivers in the women's footwear market. The footwear market in North America accounted for a share of 25.3% of the global revenue in 2024. North American consumers tend to prioritize footwear that reflects current trends, personal style, and individual expression. Footwear Market Segmentation Grand View Research has segmented the global footwear market report based on type, technology, application, and region: Footwear Market - Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030) Athletic Non-Athletic Footwear Market - End user Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030) Men Women Children Footwear Market - Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030) North America Europe Asia Pacific Latin America Middle East & Africa List of Key Players in the Footwear Market Nike, Inc. Adidas AG Puma SE Geox S.p.A Timberland Skechers USA, Inc. ECCO Sko A/S Crocs Retail, LLC Under Armour, Inc. Wolverine World Wide, Inc. Check out more related studies published by Grand View Research: Diabetic Footwear Market - The global diabetic footwear market size is expected to reach USD 13.98 billion by 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. It is projected to expand at a CAGR of 7.7% from 2025 to 2030. Rising importance of specialty footwear which improves the lower body posture and protects the feet from fungal infection is expected to remain a favorable factor. Leather Footwear Market - The global leather footwear market size is expected to reach USD 166.28 billion by 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. It is projected to register a CAGR of 3.1% during the forecast period, attributed to the rise in working class population and disposable income, flourishing retail e-commerce sector, and evolving fashion trends in business wear. Luxury Footwear Market - The global luxury footwear market size is anticipated to reach USD 57.38 billion by 2030 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7.0% from 2024 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The growing influence of casual and streetwear on high-end fashion is also responsible for the rise of luxury footwear globally, where it is now increasingly acceptable to pair footwear with a tailored suit. Medical Footwear Market - The global medical footwear market size is anticipated to reach USD 18.28 billion by 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc., expanding at a CAGR of 11.1% from 2025 to 2030. Increasing cases of foot-related issues, ankle sprain, ulcers, diabetes, and strain and foot pain owing to obesity are expected to fuel the growth of this market. Browse Horizon Databook on Footwear Market – Global Footwear Market Size & Outlook About Grand View Research Grand View Research, U.S.-based market research and consulting company, provides syndicated as well as customized research reports and consulting services. Registered in California and headquartered in San Francisco, the company comprises over 425 analysts and consultants, adding more than 1200 market research reports to its vast database each year. These reports offer in-depth analysis on 46 industries across 25 major countries worldwide. With the help of an interactive market intelligence platform, Grand View Research Helps Fortune 500 companies and renowned academic institutes understand the global and regional business environment and gauge the opportunities that lie ahead. Explore Horizon Databook – The world's most expansive market intelligence platform developed by Grand View Research. Gain insights from 30K+ Global & Regional Reports, 120K+ Country Reports, 1.2M+ Market Statistics, 200K+ Company Profiles, and 5 business solutions encompassing ESG and Sustainability Consulting, Procurement Intelligence, Pricing Index and Analysis, and Consumer Analytics. Contact:Sherry JamesCorporate Sales Specialist, USAGrand View Research, 1-415-349-0058Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519Email: sales@ Us: LinkedIn | TwitterBlog - Logo: View original content: SOURCE Grand View Research, Inc. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pistons' Isaiah Stewart signs with Xero Shoes to make its first basketball shoe
Isaiah Stewart has signed a deal with Xero Shoes, the company announced Thursday. The "minimalist" footwear brand, which specializes in lightweight running and training shoes, is launching its first basketball shoe, the X1, on March 26. Stewart, the Detroit Pistons' backup center, is one of several athletes to rep the brand, including Justin Holiday, who wore the shoes with the Denver Nuggets in the 2024 playoffs, and WNBA player Temi Fagbenle. More: Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores on franchise turnaround: 'It's surreal' 'I feel like I'm gaining a lot by switching from a standard basketball shoe,' Stewart said in a statement released by the company. 'I feel very grounded. I play with a lot of force, strength and power, and the Xero Shoes X1 allow me to function as the human body should.' The manufacturer's suggested retail price is $170 for the X1 Mid and $160 for the X1 Low. BREAKING: Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart has signed a shoe deal with XERO. 📄✍️The brand specializing in 'barefoot' and low-to-the-ground footwear is launching their 1st basketball shoe later this month. 'I play with a lot of force, strength and power, and the Xero X1 shoes… — Nick DePaula (@NickDePaula) March 6, 2025 Stewart, 23, has been a key bench piece for the Pistons, who are 35-28, ranked sixth in the Eastern Conference. He's averaging 5.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game in 19.9 minutes per game over 57 games. Stewart is in the first season of a four-year, $60 million contract with the Pistons signed in July 2023. He was the No. 16 overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft and now in his fifth season with the Pistons. [ MUST WATCH: Make "The Pistons Pulse" your go-to Detroit Pistons podcast, listen available anywhere you listen to podcasts (Apple, Spotify) ] Contact Omari Sankofa II at osankofa@ Follow him on X and/or Bluesky. Follow the Detroit Free Press on Instagram (@detroitfreepress), TikTok (@detroitfreepress), YouTube (@DetroitFreePress), X (@freep), and LinkedIn, and like us on Facebook (@detroitfreepress). This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Pistons' Isaiah Stewart signs with Xero Shoes
