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Travel + Leisure
17-07-2025
- Health
- Travel + Leisure
Barefoot Shoes Are Back—Here Are Our Top Picks
While we love a good pair of fully cushioned walking shoes, barefoot shoes have been seeing increased interest from folks leaning more into the minimalist shoes trend. These shoes have minimal cushion and often a zero-drop heel-to-toe build, which can help encourage a more natural stride while maintaining some support and protection from the ground. I typically lean toward moderate-to-full cushion shoes, but I love a good pair of barefoot shoes to help keep my feet strong and improve my ground contact. Studies have shown that wearing barefoot shoes can help strengthen your feet and ankles, which improves control, balance, and stability, but they aren't for everyone. 'The benefits of barefoot shoes include improved stability and activation of intrinsic or small foot muscles for improved balance and strength,' says Dr. Peter Lovato, DPM. 'When used in the correct setting and training regimen, they can reduce overuse injuries.' And if you're just getting into barefoot footwear, podiatrists recommend starting off by wearing the shoes for short periods of time. We put a range of barefoot shoes to the test while walking, running, training, and running errands, evaluating everything from out-of-box comfort to long-term durability and impact on posture and stride. These are the barefoot shoes we tested and recommend for travelers of all types. Credit: REI View on REI $120 at Backcountry View on Dicks Sporting Goods While we were initially skeptical of the comfort of the Trail Glove, these barefoot shoes for women and men surprised us with the level of support, smooth upper material, and improved ground feel. We felt no discomfort, blisters, or chafing, and the stability was more than we expected for such a minimal shoe. We tend to heel-strike when we walk, and since the minimalist midsole encouraged more of a forefoot strike, we did feel increased calf fatigue after longer wear. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, and it was interesting to note regarding the difference in encouraged stride. As with most of our barefoot shoe testing, we felt the ground more (especially on trails and rocky surfaces) but the outsoles had just enough protection where it didn't cause true discomfort. We loved that the front of the shoes had an added toe bumper for more protection, and the whole shoe is well designed and constructed. The reinforced eyelet alternatives show these were designed by people who have put them to the test, and they've shown no sign of wear or damage. The Details: Size 6-13 men's and 5-11 women's | Mesh, foam, and rubber | 14.2 ounces | 0 mm drop Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Zappos $100 $82 at Amazon View on REI $100 at Backcountry We were so impressed with how this shoe for men and women encourages a natural gait—whether walking or running—that we gave it top marks in almost every category. We felt almost no sense of pavement underfoot, and the traction was excellent. We wore these in wet and stormy conditions, over roots and slick rocks, and the grip and ability to use our feet for added leverage was fantastic. The sole offered just the right amount of thinness: close to our feet without sacrificing comfort, and it molded to our foot almost like a wetsuit—snug, flexible, and form-fitting. We wore these around cobblestone streets and on trips in high temperatures and humidity, and felt no pressure from the ground, hot spots, or overheating despite the warm conditions. They flexed without resistance, and we will continue to wear these for years to come since they're just that comfortable. The Details: Size 7-15 men's and 5-11 women's | Mesh and rubber | 11.3 ounces | 0 mm drop Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Amazon $130 at Amazon View on REI $130 at Backcountry Altra is known for their 'foot shape' build and zero-drop midsole, and this minimalist pair for men and women plays off that ethos by encouraging natural foot strike and offering extended comfort. We never felt rubbing or pinching, and they have enough cushion where it was less of a dramatic switch from standard running shoes to this minimalist pair without foot or calf fatigue. These are a little taller than a true barefoot shoe, which makes them a good transition pair if you're just getting into trying shoes with less cushion. I've personally worn these as my lifting shoes for the past year, and appreciate the stability and support underfoot as well as the ease of balance during complex movements. As far as sizing goes, these run a little big (and might feel bigger if you're used to narrower shoes), so if you're between sizes, we recommend dropping a half size. The Details: Size 7-15 men's and 5.5-12 women's | Mesh, EVA foam, and rubber | 18.3 ounces | 0mm drop Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Lems These comfortable, stylish shoes for women and men felt comfortable right away, and are made of a soft suede-like material for a unique look and feel. We found these to be fairly wide (even more so than other barefoot shoes), which allowed our feet more room to naturally splay. If they were any wider, they would have felt almost sloppy, but the balance ended up being just right and we felt no fatigue, soreness, or hot spots during the test period. We walked in these shoes for upwards of 12 hours and put more than 10 miles on them and felt plenty protected on variable surfaces thanks to sturdy sole and widely spaced traction. That said, they do have thicker outsoles than the most minimalist shoes we tested. This provides plenty of protection, but it can be harder to tell if the shoe promotes a natural gait. So while we love these for longer walks, people looking for a more minimalist pair should probably look elsewhere. The Details: Size 4.5-15 men's and 6-12 women's | Polyester, rubber, and cork | 15.3 ounces | 0 mm drop Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Tolos These soft, fashionable unisex sneakers come with comfy textured insoles that can also be flipped over for a smooth surface. We loved the flexible lacing system and supportive heel that provided just enough cushion around the achilles without feeling constricted, and they come in six neutral colors to match whatever we feel like wearing. They have a protective 3.5-millimeter rubber outsole and 2-millimeter insole for a total of 5.5 millimeters of protection—midrange for this style of shoe and provided versatility for wear duration. We did have some fit issues with these shoes, and wouldn't recommend them for people with wider feet or bunion issues. They felt quite short top to bottom, and the toe box was narrow enough that our pinky toes felt pinched. But for people with lower-volume feet or narrow widths, they're a great bet and a classic sneaker style easy to pair with a range of outfits. The Details: Size 5-14 men's and 6.5-15.5 women's | Polymesh and rubber | 14.8 ounces | 0 mm drop Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: REI $90 $70 at Amazon View on REI View on Nordstrom I've been wearing Xero's Prio Shoes as my go-to pair of barefoot shoes for the past few years. I often wear moderate shoes for daily errands, but my running shoes are quite highly cushioned, and I like to switch it up and wear barefoot shoes as a change of pace, easing into my wear each season to avoid injury. The Prio for men and women are excellent for this, as they have a slightly more moderate 5.5-millimeter outsole that provides a little more support than the thinnest shoes we tested, and the offset lacing offers more wrap through the upper. These have been really good for encouraging my natural footstrike, and I like to think that even my on-and-off usage helps strengthen my feet. I also love how breathable the upper material stays during the summer, and I can wear them with thin socks and have no overheating issues. The Details: Size 6-14 men's and 5-12 women's | Mesh, synthetic leather, and rubber | 14.6 ounces | 0 mm drop Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: REI $162 $135 at Amazon View on REI View on Vivobarefoot has a strong corner of the barefoot shoe market for everything from lifting shoes to dress shoes to running shoes. In fact, my friend just ran a fast 5K with me in a pair of Vivobarefoot shoes—a far cry from my max-cushioned road runners. We found the RA IV Men's Oxford Shoes to be so comfortable we found ourselves wearing them around the house on a regular basis. There was plenty of room for our toes, and the cork-like sole provided a nice bounce and added comfort while walking. We didn't experience any fatigue while wearing these shoes for most of the day, though they lack much in the way of arch support, so people with flat feet might prefer an added insole. Otherwise, there were no hot spots or tenderness, and the style goes well with everything from casual summer outfits to nicer clothes we'd wear to a fancier restaurant. They do have ample room in the toe, so people with shorter feet might want to size down for a closer fit. The Details: Size 7-15 men's | Leather and rubber | 20.6 ounces | 0 mm drop Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Vivobarefoot $122 at Amazon View on REI View on These shoes for women and men were so comfortable during testing they became our daily go-to pair. We didn't notice any rubbing or pinching and they flexed really well right out of the box, whether we were training at the gym or running errands. The sole is quite thin and we were able to feel whether we were walking on concrete or gravel, but once we became accustomed to the feeling, it barely registered. The underfoot cushion is among the most minimal on this list, with just 2 millimeters in the forefoot and heel. Since these are so minimalist, we did feel fatigue in our feet and calves at first (remember, it's important to ease into barefoot shoes), but we appreciate the strengthening from this style. If you're heading to the gym for lifting, you'll also like the stable platform and ability to micro-adjust for balance. The Details: Size 7-12 men's and 5-10 women's | Mesh and rubber | 19 ounces | 0 mm drop Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Wildling Our first impression right out of the box was how incredibly lightweight these unisex shoes felt. They were lighter than any other footwear on our shelves, and we loved the ability for our toes to splay out in the wide toe box despite the minimal build. Wildling promotes these as some of the lightest shoes in the world thanks in part to their thin build and unique materials that include cotton and washi (a paper material). As far as sizing goes, they did feel a little short at first and we were concerned about rubbing on the tops of our feet, but it wasn't an issue as we could adjust the lacing and tongue. Similar to the Vivobarefoot training shoes, you will feel much of what's going on underfoot, and we recommend avoiding rough or rugged surfaces while getting used to this style. These were incredibly easy to walk in and we felt no fit discomfort, and the cotton insole provided a scant bit of cushion without losing the barefoot, breathable feel. These are a more 'advanced' barefoot shoe and feel very natural on our feet, though we'd recommend wearing them for shorter amounts of time at first. The Details: Size 4-13.5 men's and 5-14 women's | Washi, polyester, cotton, and rubber | 8.8 ounces | 0 mm drop Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: REI $80 $48 at Amazon View on REI $80 at Zappos These super minimalist sandals for men and women are one of my go-to camp shoes, travel sandals, and packable options when space is at a premium. I wear them on my paddleboard, in my kayak, and as pool shoes. They are super adjustable and the straps are lightweight but nicely cushioned to avoid hot spots. They cinch down with just one tug, and the flat underfoot portion is so easy to pack I almost lose them in my carry-on. Despite this thin, barefoot build, the sandals actually have a three-layer platform that includes a foot-conforming foam under my feet, a cushioned TrailFoam midlayer, and a toothy rubber outsole with similar traction as my thicker hiking sandals. I don't necessarily hike long distances in these, but the natural stride and ease of packing makes them a stalwart on my sandal shelf. The Details: Size 5-13 men's and 5-12 women's | Rubber, foam, and polyester | 8.6 ounces | 0 mm drop Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure


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.