Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. If the idea of yet another mile on the treadmill doesn't excite you, you may find yourself opting for the challenge of barefoot running. Whether you enjoy the feeling of sand below your feet or you appreciate the few minutes you save by not having to lace up your footwear, barefoot running offers more connection to the ground although whether it reduces injuries is still an open question.
If you're easing your way into the trend, or want to try it while still using some protection from the elements, barefoot running shoes are a great option. These minimal shoes tend to be slip-on style and crafted of lightweight, flexible material. Some feature toe pockets. We've gathered the best barefoot running shoes, fit for those looking for a new challenge or those working on perfecting the practice.
The FiveFingers design allows your toes to splay naturally, enhancing their natural dexterity and letting the shoe adapt to your individual biomechanics.
With just the right amount of ground feedback and protection, the KSO EVO lets you feel the terrain or road beneath your feet, while still offering excellent flexibility and traction. It also features a breathable and flexible upper and a quick lacing system for ease and convenience. The sole is less than 5 millimeters thick, so this shoe encourages a natural style of running but is still solid and durable enough to absorb shock and protect your feet.
This lightweight, versatile barefoot running shoe works very well as a road or trail running shoe, but can also be used for cross-training, walking and other activities. The soft upper is made of a comfortable polyester Lycra stretch mesh that has little holes for ventilation, keeping your feet cool and dry.
The easy-wash, breathable mesh upper provides a snug fit while keeping your feet cool and comfortable. This shoe is intended for neutral runners who want a lightweight, yet durable, barefoot running shoe. It also works very well for avid walkers or anyone who spends a lot of time on her feet. The Vibram FiveFingers V-Trail barefoot running shoe provides the perfect balance of ground feel and protection from rocks and other debris on rugged trail surfaces, making it an ideal shoe for a runner who wants to take their natural running style off-road.
This shoe also features padding around the heel, toe bumpers at the end of the toes, and an aggressive tread design for additional comfort and protection. The toe pockets mimic your natural shape and the shoe is a solid choice for both running and walking. Finding the proper fit in a barefoot running shoe usually requires some trial and error.
And certain foot issues could make wearing barefoot shoes challenging:. The technicians at Merrell began studying the foot in motion to create a shoe that helps the foot stabilize the body in conditions where there are frequent, rapid changes in movement. It provides neutral support and minimal cushioning while giving your feet all the flexibility they could need. The upper exterior is a combination of mesh and synthetic material for a secure and breathable ride. Trail running in barefoot shoes is one of the small pleasures in life.
The fact that the soles allow you to feel the earth beneath you is what being out in nature is all about. Unlike other barefoot running shoes, these have a slightly thicker rubber sole in order to protect your feet from sticks and stones. If you need a pair of shoes for running, boating, kayaking, swimming and more, the L-RUN Athletic Water Shoes are the right choice for you. These versatile shoes are available in over 30 different colors and designs, and include a drawstring closure for a snug fit around your feet.
The thickened outsole provides protection from the ground and grip on slippery surfaces. The Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III may be the most expensive shoe on our list, but the brand is dedicated to making an eco-friendly product that is also comfortable to wear.
Vivobarefoot is, in fact, a Certified B Corporation, which means they utilize sustainable products and practices. The shoes themselves are designed to get you as close to the ground as possible, allowing you to make a connection with the earth below your feet. Home Gear Accessories Image courtesy of Vivobarefoot.
What Are Barefoot Running Shoes? They include: Toe Box — Sometimes continuous and sometimes broken down into individual toes, this reinforced barrier gives your toes enough room to spread out while providing protection at the same time.
Users also love that it boasts a sleek and unique styling that will make you want to wear them while you're out running errands as well! The very first thing that we noticed about this design is the lightweight and quilted upper. It is composed of materials that are incredibly lightweight that allow your foot to breathe. It has abbreviated laces and minimal seam lines that reduce the risk of chafing and hot spots, which are all hallmarks of an effective pair of barefoot trainers. The rubber outsole is slightly tacky, which is perfect when running on slick sidewalks are the rain.
Users love that the simple sole is lightweight, but still offers subtle energy feedback and support where you need it most. It also hosts reflective features to help you be seen when out for a pre-dawn run. If you are in the market for something that effortlessly blends style and function in one sharp pair of trainers, this design from Vivoborefoot is a great choice.
Users love that its simple design is comfortable, lightweight, and feels like they are wearing nothing at all. Barefoot trainers often have a reputation of boasting unique styles that makes them ideal for running and nothing else. The styling of this updated version of the Merrell Trail Glove makes it something that really shines on the trails, and will generate some glances while out running errands. What users love most about this design is that it provides a little bit of extra cushioning while still fits on your foot like a glove.
It is made from super lightweight and breathable materials with minimal seam lines to reduce the risk of hot spots. Users also love that this design uses a Vibram outsole that is insanely durable and helps support your foot when traversing bumpy trails.
This rubber sole provides modest energy feedback while still allowing you to really connect to the ground under your feet. The Updates in the Trail Glove 5 are made to provide runners with a more natural feel without hindering support and performance.
It is made from eco-friendly recycled materials that users can feel good about and has a lightweight and easy fit that your feet will appreciate. If you want something that is a little more versatile than some of the other minimalistic designs that we have seen so far, this design from Saucony is a great choice. While it may not immediately look like your basic barefoot running shoes, key features help keep your feet supportive without being held back. Users also love that it comes in a wide variety of styles and color options.
The very first thing that we wanted to discuss is that the design of the midsole and outsole has excellent movement. This shoe really moves with your foot, while the cushioning helps to provide excellent energy feedback.
The styling of this sole makes it great for trail running, as well as workouts at the gym as well. We also love the lightweight and easy upper of the Kinvara It boasts simple and lightweight materials with simple laces that reduces the instances of hot spots.
If you are in the market for something that is simple yet supportive, the Kinvara 11 is a great choice. Users love that it promotes a full range of motion with light and easy materials, which makes it ideal for more than just running. Plus, it comes in a lot of fun colors and designs that you are sure to love. Members receive ongoing support from certified coaches, race guides, videos, interviews with experts, and more All for less than 1-on-1 run training.
In a Hurry? Editors choice:. Merrell Vapor Glove 4. Arc'teryx Norvan SL. Vibram FiveFingers V-Run. New Balance Minimus 10 V1. Merrell Bare Access 4. Xero Shoes Prio. Vivobarefoot Stealth II. Merrell Trail Glove 5. Saucony Kinvara By Brian Price. Last updated:. Overview of this guide 1. How we review minimalist running shoes 2.
Best overall 3. Best for trail 4. Best budget shoe 5. Best with toe pockets 6. Best vegan 7. Scientifically proven effects of minimalist running shoes 9. Minimalist vs. Popularity of minimalist running shoes. But we still put them through an extensive review to pick out the best ones: Our testers run miles in each pair on average to provide an in-depth overview of its comfort, fit, and performance in various conditions.
Over 30 different shoe parameters are measured at our RunRepeat lab. This is how we get comparable data to put each shoe against all others. We buy every pair with our own money and receive no free shoes from brands.
Best for trail 4 colorways available Merrell Trail Glove 6 4 colorways available Men. Best budget shoe Merrell Vapor Glove 5 Men. And the toe box? Simply superb. Make sure your current health allows you to start running in minimalist shoes Minimalist shoes tend to go minimal in all directions: weight, stack height, heel drop, stability and motion control.
Shoe features Effects on the body and running Lightweight The lighter the shoe, the less features it has. Low stack height Loading rates the speed at which you apply forces to the body are significantly higher in minimalist shoes than in maximalist shoes, as shown in this study. Low heel drop Lower heel drop can place greater stress on the foot, ankle, lower leg, but might help with ITB, anterior knee pain, gluteal overuse syndrome.
Even Nike tried stripping off heel drop while chasing the subhour marathon. The only issue was: runners hated it. Forefoot stiffness is something to forget about when buying minimalist shoes.
No or minimal stability and motion control You should be ready to give up or go really low on a motion control - the ability of the shoe to support the inner foot and reduce inward rolling overpronation and on b stability features - the ability of the shoe to offer support and alleviate foot discomfort. Find the perfect fit Minimalist running shoes tend to feel glove-like. Take the adaptation period seriously. Example of a minimalist trail shoe: Saucony Switchback 2 Scientifically proven effects of minimalist running shoes How safe are minimalist shoes?
Are they better for running than standard shoes? Running injuries No clinical study has demonstrated the superiority of running in minimalist footwear when it comes to reducing injury. Strengthening it may help with the transition. Less stiff arches lead to flat feet. Flat foot can be treated by switching to minimal footwear. Stack height might be high enough so it offers comfort while running on uneven terrain.
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