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The Best Barefoot Shoes That Promote Flexibility And Natural Movement
The Best Barefoot Shoes That Promote Flexibility And Natural Movement

Forbes

time7 days ago

  • 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.

City of El Paso names new streets, new budget directors
City of El Paso names new streets, new budget directors

Yahoo

time14-06-2025

  • Business
  • Yahoo

City of El Paso names new streets, new budget directors

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The City of El Paso has announced the appointments of a new streets director and a new budget chief. Randy Garcia will serve as director of the Streets and Maintenance Department and Sasho Andonoski as director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the City said. The two will officially begin their new roles on Sunday, June 15. They bring 'decades of public service, operational insight, and commitment to excellence that will strengthen the City's infrastructure and financial stability,' the City said in its news release. 'Randy and Sasho have both demonstrated a deep commitment to serving our community through innovation, accountability, and collaboration,' City Manager Dionne Mack said. 'Their leadership will help us continue to deliver high-quality services while advancing the City's long-term strategic vision.' Here is what the City said about each: Randy Garcia, Streets and Maintenance director 'Randy Garcia, a fifth-generation El Paso native, brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in local government and nonprofit management. He has built a reputation for delivering results through data-driven strategies and operational reforms that improve core services for residents. 'Randy joined the City of El Paso in 2012 as an Administrative Analyst for the Streets and Maintenance Leadership Team. He was promoted to Administrative Services Manager in 2017, where he oversaw a departmental budget of more than $100 million and implemented performance-focused financial and operational systems. 'In 2022, he was named Assistant Director of the department. In this role, Randy led the successful restructuring of the Traffic Engineering and Fleet Maintenance Divisions —modernizing internal processes, boosting responsiveness, and aligning resources to meet long-term infrastructure goals. 'His ability to break down silos, streamline operations, and build cross-functional collaboration has made him a highly effective leader within the organization. Randy earned his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from The University of Texas at El Paso in 2004. His strong ties to the community, combined with his results-oriented approach, make him well-positioned to lead one of the City's largest and most visible departments.' Sasho Andonoski, Office of Management and Budget director 'Sasho Andonoski brings more than 20 years of experience in fiscal administration, budgeting, and strategic planning. Since joining the City of El Paso in 2014, Sasho has been instrumental in strengthening the City's financial framework. He began as a Project Manager and later served as an Executive Budget Adviser at OMB, where he led several key initiatives including the City's first in-house Multi-Year Financial Outlook, a structured salary increase plan, and a new citywide budgeting software system. 'In 2022, Sasho transitioned to Sun Metro as Administrative Services Manager, where he implemented performance-based budgeting that generated significant savings despite rising costs. He also led the development of internal financial tools to enhance accountability and ensure long-term financial stability, helping the department maintain a healthy fund balance of over $120 million. 'Sasho holds a Master of Arts in Nonprofit Studies and a Graduate Certificate in Leadership and Management from Arizona State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Economics (Finance and Financial Management) from Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in the Republic of Macedonia.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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