The 10 Best Barefoot Running Shoes For Healthy Feet | Anya's ...

The 10 Best Barefoot Running Shoes For Healthy Feet
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The Best Barefoot Running Shoes written in collaboration with performance coach Graham Tuttle.
Foot pain is a quick way to end your running career. So if you run you probably care about your shoes! But the debate is endless – do we need arch support, pronation control, and cushion to protect our feet? Maybe not.We believe that our bodies can carry us without all that shoe technology, and that barefoot running shoes are better in the long run.
In this review we cover our 10 favorite barefoot running shoes, why we think they’re better, and practical tips for transitioning to them.
Why We Run in Barefoot Shoes
Compared to hefty modern running shoes, these thin foot gloves might look strange. Especially after endless marketing from shoe brands and foot specialists telling us our feet need to be supported every which way.
But we can train other parts of our bodies to become stronger and more resilient, why can’t we train our feet as well?
Because here’s the rub – most feet aren’t flawed, they’re weak. Rather than constantly bracing and supporting with high tech shoes, we believe that conditioning our feet so they function on their own is the best long term solution to foot pain. And that’s why we run (and walk) in minimalist footwear – they don’t interfere with our natural foot function!
What Is A Barefoot Running Shoe?
In contrast with your typical running sneaker that’s full of shock absorbers, pronation control, and arch support, barefoot shoes say you are the technology! They let your feet move naturally – as if barefoot – by following these tenets:
Zero drop (totally flat from heel to toe)
Thin, flexible sole
No arch support
Anatomical (foot-shaped) toe box
You see, the feet and hands are not that different. They’ve got similar bone structures, functionality, and dexterity capabilities. One reason we suffer from so many foot issues is that we shove our feet into restrictive shoes every day and don’t use our range of motion. If you put your hand into a stiff cast for decades, it would get painful and weak too!
But because so many of us already have deconditioned feet (and because feet play such a big role in how the rest of our body functions), it’s really important that we consider transitioning to barefoot running shoes as a whole body endeavor.
My journey to minimalist shoes was a tale of learning the hard way. As a young runner I got away with poor conditioning for years until a major ankle sprain in college. It never quite healed and I ended up with a long list of secondary problems… collapsed arch, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, turf toe, etc.
Things kept getting worse, even after trying orthotics, new shoes, and cortisone shots. Nothing helped. Eventually I realized “the only way out was through” (Robert Frost). The solution to my pain was to confront my weak feet through training and better shoes.
Now when I move I feel grounded and stable. While I do some sprinting and running barefoot, most of my movement happens in minimalist shoes.
Graham Tuttle Running Coach
How To Transition to Barefoot Running Shoes
Changing your shoes without strengthening key areas and adjusting your running volume and pattern can result in pain or injury.
Below are a few tips for successfully transitioning to barefoot running shoes:
Walk before you run – walking in barefoot shoes is an excellent way to strengthen your feet without the high impact of running.
Mind your form – cushioned shoes enable poor technique. Start to change this by taking your shoes off and running for a few steps on a hard surface. You will naturally shorten your stride and land closer to your body!
Increase running time in barefoot shoes slowly – you want to only train good form, so it’s better to take it slow rather than push through and run poorly.
Add movement diversity – bounce around, swim, bike, squat. Running is repetitive, and we need to be well rounded in our strength to not get injured
Be patient – it takes time*
*Fascia – the connective tissue that provides strength at the foot and lower leg – can take anywhere from 3-6 months to fully remodel. It is different from muscle in that you must load it enough to provide a stimulus for change but not too much that you overdo it and get injured. So pay attention to your body while increasing your volume and strengthening your lower legs.
If you’d like a step by step program that walks you through the transition and adds accountability, check out Graham’s Functional Feet Program– it’s designed to restore foot, ankle, and lower leg mobility so you can run comfortablt! And you can use code ANYA10 to get 10% off the program any time.
Now that we’ve covered the basics of running in barefoot shoes, it’s time to talk about the shoes themselves.
The Best Barefoot Running Shoes
This isn’t your standard collection of links. I (Anya) have personally used all of the shoes on this list plus hundreds of others in an effort to bring you the most useful barefoot running shoe guide available.
Even though I think these are the ten best, not every shoe works for every person. So I have also included fit & sizing recommendations, prices, materials, and ships-from location to help you narrow it down. Want to learn more about your own foot type and how to pick a size? Check out this guide.
And if you still don’t find what you’re looking for, don’t worry. I have a complete list of minimalist running shoes linked below, plus tons of other useful resources and reviews on my website whether you run, walk, hike, or whatever.
Vibram Five Fingers
Well of course we had to lead with Vibram Five Fingers! They kicked off the barefoot running craze after all. But because they are so minimal (like being barefoot) they require a thoughtful adjustment. Make sure you’ve read through the previous “How To Transition” section before running in these.
What We Love:
The glove like fit keeps your foot from sliding around during dynamic movement
The rounded heel cup lets the back half of your foot move freely as well
Despite being thin & flexible, these shoes are durable and can last for years
Graham has gotten hundreds of miles out of his Vibram KSO’s over multiple years and they’re not done yet.
Sizing & Fit Type: Vibram Five Fingers come in many different styles, and each fit slightly differently. But in general, this brand is true to size. Here is the rundown:
Vibram Five Fingers are meant to fit closely.
They fit almost all foot widths
You might want to go 1/2 size down because they will stretch.
If you have high volume feet and/or long toes don’t size down!
If you have extra short toes this brand might not be for you.
Pro tip: Graham likes to buy them one half size smaller than his usual size so that they feel a little stiff and tight at first. But then once they break in they are perfect and his toes don’t slide out of the pockets.
Xero Shoes
The Xero 360 sneaker is the most versatile barefoot trainer available and my top pick if you want one pair of shoes that works for running, court sports, lifting in the gym, and basically any type of athletics.
Shoes from Xero have a unique shape to them that is medium width at the toes but wide through the midfoot and heel. They work great for what I like to call “brick feet,” in the most loving way of course! 😀 I like the Zelen for myself because they fit a little wider in the toes.
My partner Justin has been wearing the same pair of Pace sneakers for virtually everything (and I mean everything) for 2 years. 10/10 will buy again when they’re kaput. My personal favorite from Freet is the Feldom.
Justin’s Freet Pace sneakers, back when they were still new
Sizing & Fit Type:
Square toe box (works for almost everyone)
Fits both high and low volume because of removable insole
Extra wide in toe box and midfoot
Be sure to read each product description fully for sizing advice because it is not always consistent between products. Some models run longer/shorter than others.
These sneakers really feel like nothing on your feet! They’re one of the most comfortable barefoot sneakers out there – but be sure to read the next section on fit! The rubber sole is long-lasting and the leather toe guard helps protect against snagging.
Sizing & Fit Type:
True to size
Fit all foot shapes
Extra wide & high volume
Might be floppy on narrow or low volume feet
The Tadeevo Bliss can accommodate even the beefiest paws. If you have low volume feet you might want to use a barefoot insole with them, or try a different brand.
Merrell Vapor Glove
The Vapor Glove from Merrell is a consistently reliable barefoot running shoe that can be used on trails and road. They are quite thin with a 6mm stack height, so you might consider the Trail Glove if you want a more robust sole. But we love how flexible and breathable they are.
Merrell’s Vapor and Trail Glove shoes don’t have an extra wide forefoot, so for people with a wide toe splay may not have enough space. They fit me well around the ankle and arch, but I wish I had more space for my toes to spread out.
On the Merrell website they say to order 1/2 size down to get the same fit as other Merrell shoes. But I found them to be true to size, so if you want to get the benefits of the extra toe space I would not size down.
Here are a few places you can find Merrell barefoot shoes around the world:
Best Transition Shoes
While you don’t necessarily need transition shoes, they can be helpful if you’re coming from an injury or don’t want to decrease your running time as you train your feet. Check out this guide for more Beginner Barefoot Shoe options!
This is the brand I wore every single day for a year while I built up strength in my feet.Today I prefer thinner soles (and I believe they are better for us in the long run), but they were a lifesaver at the time. I recommend the Lone Peak, Solstice and Escalante Racer as they are an appropriate thickness for transitioning and still have decent toe space. Altra is also very well regarded in the running community for being a high quality brand.
Sizing & Fit Type:
Wide forefoot width and narrow heel – for toe freedom + secure fit
Work for both low and high volume feet
Mostly true to size, but I would recommend sizing up for athletic use
Just be aware that some of the newer models come in a “Standard” or “Slim” fit. For the best foot shape, go for the “Original” shape models. Men’s are also higher volume than women’s, so you can choose that if you need more space. For more details on the Lone Peak, read my review of them.
Best Budget Shoes
Want to experience barefoot freedom without investing in an expensive pair of shoes? Here are some great starter options that give you a taste without breaking the bank. After trying these budget-friendly options, many people move on to other more established brands for their quality and longevity, but these are perfectly good shoes that meet my healthy shoe requirements.
Saguaro
Be Aware: Like Whitin, you must remove the insole for them to be zero drop.
From Saguaro I recommend only the Chaser series, because they have the widest toe box. It can be a little confusing to order because they have so many similar looking shoes. some have a neoprene like material and are more like a water shoe, others have mesh which I prefer for breathability.
Sizing & Fit Type:
Extra wide fit
Square toe box shape
High volume when insole is removed
They run a little bit small and I recommend erring on the larger side.
If you have low volume feet I’d go for an option with a velcro strap, since the laces only tighten so much.
Which Shoes Are The Widest?
So which barefoot running shoes are the widest? Here is a rough guide to toe box width in the brands reviewed here.
I did my best to generalize the differences between men’s and women’s sizes, and between models. Note that this chart does not take into account the width in other parts of the shoe – for all other fit considerations besides toe box please read the Sizing & Fit sections above.
Lems, Whitin, Tadeevo, Saguaro, and Altra are all very similar in toe box width!
Sole Thickness Comparison
Here are the same 10 brands organized from thinnest to thickest. Keep in mind that some brands (like Xero and Freet) have different thicknesses available in different models and depending on whether you use the insole.
Wildling
Vivobarefoot
Vibram
Saguaro (without insole)
Whitin (without insole)
Tadeevo
Freet
Xero
Lems
Altra
Barefoot Running Sandals
Lots of barefoot enthusiast love running in minimalist sandals! You can find my top picks for athletic sandals in this article.
Conclusion
Barefoot running shoes provide your feet an opportunity to MOVE! Feet support the entire body every time we stand, walk or run, so it makes sense to keep them in prime condition. Foot shaped toe boxes, flat soles, and shoe flexibility keep your feet in their natural state. But because most of us have been stuffing our feet in non-functional shoes for decades, we need to transition thoughtfully back to minimalist shoes. This guide on barefoot running shoes is your jumping off point for healthier feet, more enjoyable runs, and a stronger body!
Interested in minimalist shoes for more than running? There are tons of options for different lifestyles and events – spend some time in my Barefoot Shoe Lists to get started.
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My family and I have been wearing barefoot shoes for years and have tested hundreds. Below is a review of the absolute best, tried-and-true barefoot shoe brands for every occasion and every member of the family.
43 thoughts on “The 10 Best Barefoot Running Shoes For Healthy Feet”
I know of the brand Ballop, but don’t really know anything about the fit or quality. There are some water shoes on Amazon US with the name Ballop but I don’t believe they are from the same German barefoot shoe brand that I’m thinking of: https://www.ballop-shop.de/
I have flat feet and since i was a kid. And I mean, FLAT! Podiatrists suggested shoes with strong arch supports which I did for many years, up until Dec 2022. However, I’m 40 now and I’ve realised (when trying to run and during research with my physio, PT, and other folks – possibly some podiatrists too now that know better) that my arches, and feet, are actually weak. Using arch support is the equivalent of putting a bandaid on a cut. It is only a work around and doesn’t actually stop the cut from occurring in the first place.
I have only now started arch strengthening exercises which are incredible after just 4-8 weeks. I’ve started jogging on a treadmill barefoot, shorter strides and just did 1km this morning without calf, knee, or feet pain, and I felt light on my feet.
So, will be investing in some flat, minimalistic running shoes soon.
My suggestion is to look at feet strengthening exercises first, and get some flat shoes to walk in. After a month or 2, try jogging, but only 500m – 1km. When running, try land flat, rather than heel first, or 100% toe first.
Just my 2 cents. I’m still learning. 😉
Hi Anya, thanks for the review! I was wondering if you knew any low-cut running-style shoes for men that offer a bit of water resistance and protection from the cold? I know that Vivobarefoot have an “all-weather” version of the Primus II, but they were a bit narrow for me when I tried them on. I don’t mind if they’re a bit more of a trail shoe, so long as they are low-cut. If you have any ideas, please let me know!
Altra Lone Peak comes in an All Weather low top. They would have a wider fit than the Primus as well! Definitely lots more stack height as well, but that can help with the cold. Otherwise Zaqq Barefoot has some waterproof low cut shoes that might work but I have never used them for athletic purposes (all the Zaqq shoes I have are lifestyle shoes).
Vibram must have changed the sizing on the 5 Fingers since I bought a pair over 10 years ago. I had to size up a lot to get the width I need. [I have extra wide high volume feet.] I strongly suggest anyone with wide feet try a pair before buying.
Also, you need to have a very standard shaped foot. My feet are what I call mountain – cliff. My second toe is the longest, but my tiny toe is very small and the joint is quite far back on my foot. This toe does not reach the V5F toe space at all.
I use my pair as toe spacers, but I could not run in them if my life depended on it.
Anya I like when you post shoes from widest to narrowest, thank you! Actually I love all of your posts here and on IG! I ordered some Vivo’s Georacer Mesh and while to me they look wide at the toe (because of the narrow heel I think), they were actually too narrow for me. So I ordered the men’s version and they were perfect! And you are right about Xero being a bit narrower and how “brick-shaped” feet work well with those. I tried several Xero shoes and they were too narrow and when I got the men’s version the heel and mid foot were too wide. But, I have to say the one Xero shoe that works very well for my foot is the Xero HFS, the women’s style. The mesh is so flexible that my wide-ish forefoot fits well without spilling over the sole. I’d say my foot shape is a medium fan shape. Just wanted to mention the Xero HFS in case other medium fans out there want to try this style!
Hi Anya! Thank you so much for your great work! You makes our life easier and help choose right shoes! 🙂 Last autumn I changed all my shoes (from casual to office) to barefoot (Vivobarefoot) but before I already used some yaers Vibram Fivefinfers. I’m “all year runner” and now I have barefoot shoes for any weather. For almost any weather… How about winter running barefoot shoes with spikes? Early I used Inov-8 ArcticClaw (drop 8 mm), in the coming season I’ll try Icebug Spirit8 which promises “narrow racing fit with straight big toe line”, high flex, low cushioning and drop 4 mm. Is there in the world a real barefoot shoes with spikes? Can you recommend anything? Thanks in advance!
Hi! Thanks for the kind words! There aren’t winter running shoes with spikes that I know of unfortunately! Altra has some technical all weather running shoes (and they have both US and EU distribution), but I don’t believe they have spikes.
Hi Anya! Self-installation of existing on the market spikes is only possible in a thick sole. For a thin sole the design of the spikes must be different and their installation during the manufacture of shoes only. The experience of using barefoot shoes in winter tells me that shoes with thin soles and spikes have the right to exist so that the feet do not freeze and the grip on ice is reliable. I’ll search and wait… 🙂 Thanks and best wishes!
I don’t know of any, but I wonder if you could use Yaktrax with a pair of barefoot running shoes? I walk in Yaktrax in the winter, and they have some that go over the top so they don’t fall off. Would probably pair well with Altra Lone Peak
I’m so happy I came across you! You make this whole barefoot thing SO much easier to navigate. There’s so much! Thank you for running this blog.
I am feeling unsure about my transition. I haven’t been using barefoot shoes so far, but my feet (visually) seem fine, and have been wearing pretty wide shoes. Also, I walk barefoot at home (I work from home) and train bare foot. But still, I don’t know the condition of my feet and I am afraid of injury while running if I just get into minimalist shoes.
Graham’s program seems great, but I am so, SO tight with time (and money) right now that I seriously cannot fit it in. So now I feel like I’m either gonna continue to run in “normal” shoes (😳) or start with some very simple exercises (like the ones you mentioned) 5 mins a day and maybe some short runs in then. I have just started running and I want to create good habits and posture now from the beginning.
Training your feet and lower legs at home is actually a really great way to prepare for running in minimalist shoes. Many barefoot running coaches train people by having them run for short periods of time in minimalist shoes and slowly increasing the time, but the foot exercises will make a huge difference, and you can also wear minimalist shoes for walking but not for running. All of that is prep work and highly beneficial even if you continue running primarily in your other shoes.
Thank you! By far the best review of shoes, including shoe shape and fit. I wear a womens 39/8.5 and have a high volume foot. Most shoes just do not fit. Based on your article, I purchased Tadeevo Bliss and could not be happier. They fit beautifully and are just what I’ve been looking for. My feet thank you!
Older female. Low volume (Narrow in arch/midfoot & heel) but need wide toebox due to Morton’s Neuroma. The arch/midfoot is where I have problems, most shoes “bow out/puff out” in that area for me where I need support. My feet are not shaped like rectangles/bricks!
I don’t know how much longer I can continue to “try out shoes” w/out going bankrupt. Anyone have any thoughts?
Hello, I run in Vibram v-runs and KSO Evo shoes, totally love them. I’m trying to beat my 5K PB from 4 years ago and I’m getting closer, but recently was wondering if, just for racing I should try (and I hate myself for saying this) Super shoes, everywhere I look I read how they reduce your running times.
That sounds like a question for Graham! This question has come up a few times in my conversations with podiatrists, PTs, gait specialists, etc. I think there is a difference between short term performance and long term health. You might get short term gains with special technology (and that might be just fine if reducing your race time is your focus) but I would think twice before you make Super shoes your everyday training shoes. Probably better to use them only on race day.
I’m working my way through your list of shoes for running and am striking out. I have a wide foot and wide mid-foot and heel as well.
After trying several others, I thought the freet feet were going to work and they are close to wide enough, but my inner foot still hangs over slightly and my feet curve in. Is that expected because the soles on those shoes are thinner in the arch area? I was then considering the Tadveeo Bliss but it looks like their sole is designed similarly which makes me think it’s on purpose and maybe my feet will adjust. What are thoughts?
Otherwise it might be the runamocs which other wide 4e people have recommended, but think they might be too thin as I transitions out of Altras for running, but I have been in Xero shoes for a few years for daily shoes. They have worked well, but now my foot has gotten even wider and they’re not a good fit anymore.
I would think the Tadeevo Bliss would be your next best option, they are wider through the midfoot and heel than Freet. If it’s your midfoot that is handing over the sides of the Freet, even the Softstar Primal Runamocs might be tight there (though you will have plenty of toe space). Of course, Softstar might be a little easier to access if you’re in the US because they have good shipping/return policies.
Thank you for your article. I started getting into barefoot 15 years ago after I had ankle surgery. I started going everywhere barefoot and I would just keep a pair of flip flops around for when stores would kick me out for not having shoes on. At some point I saw the Vibram 5 fingers and thought that would be perfect for me as I got pretty sick of stepping on still burning cigarettes and sharp objects but still wanted that barefoot feel. The main problem that I had with them was that they would get really stinky and that caused me to wash them in my washing machine which caused them to fall apart quickly. They were also a pain to put on so after my wife threw them in the trash I decided to try the Nike minimalist shoe but that was garbage so I searched for another option. I finally settled on Merrell’s trail running shoe 4, then went to Merrell’s vapor glove 4 and finally Merrell’s vapor glove 5.
At the time I had decided that I was going to stick with Merrell because I thought they were just the same and the Vibram 5 fingers without the inconvenience plus I could wear regular socks (which I now need to do because I now have psoriasis on my feet and need to moisturize them and cover them in less breathable socks to keep them from cracking). I more recently found out that the Merrells (especially the newer ones) have pretty aggressive arch support, besides that I liked the shoe.
Now it is time for me to choose a new barefoot shoe and I have spent way too much time trying to research online what my options are. I want an every day shoe that I can also use to go running, trail running and light hiking. For some reason I didn’t really like the vivobarefoot branding and how it’s marketing was too much in my face, I also really don’t like their price. I also didn’t like the look of the Xero shoes as I prefer to buy a shoe that can be more or less 1 color (black) and blend into just about everything.
This morning I was thinking that I will just go with the Lem’s Primal 2 as it has the versatility that I am looking for and I like how they look. The only down side to me was that they are less connected to the ground (which even though I did call it a down side the upside is that I will feel less rocks when doing trail running and light hiking as I mentioned). But then I read your very informative article and I found the Freet’s (and less so the Tadeevo’s) to be intriguing alternatives. I’m strongly considering the Freet’s Feldom as a direct alternative to the lems primal 2 while both the Freet’s Pace and Flex are each options I am strongly considering. Given my whole history and what I mentioned I am looking for I am curious as to what your suggestion might be.
thanks,
Hi Reuven, as I was reading I was thinking Freet for you! I think they are a good combo of all the things you are looking for. Lems Primal 2 is also a good shoe, and if you remove the insole they are not so thick. But Freet is an all around winner. I would say Flex over Pace for how you are looking to use them.
Hi Anya! Thank you for providing such a great site and info. I currently use the Altra Lone Peak, but I would like to move to something less clunky. I wish Altra made more of their original last shoes, the newer lasts are all too narrow for me. I have a similar foot shape to you. Anyway, do you think the Freet Feldom would be a good choice to take that next step down in cushion? I still need something semi-transitional but didn’t like the Lem’s primal 2. Thank you!
I do, but you might consider also getting their Ortholite insole with your order in case you need just a few mm of extra cushion. It is 6mm thick, meanwhile the insole that comes in the Feldom is 2.5mm thick. They are a phenomenally comfy/light shoe!
Great question. The nice thing about barefoot shoes is that they’re really all good for walking! The ones on this list for running focus on breathability, flexibility (for quick maneuvering), and durability, so there is no reason why anything here won’t work for walking too. But I also use many other casual barefoot shoes for walking.
I’m looking for water shoes for summer vacation…by water shoes I mean something to wear on rocky beaches and exploring tide pools that will protect my feet and toes from sharp rocks, but will also drain and dry fairly quickly. Vibram 5 Fingers are great for this, but I’d like to find something more versatile. Seems like the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite or the Lems Primus 2 might be good options, but do you have other suggestions?
Hi lovely people,
I’ve been wearing the Altra Escalante 2.5 for work for about a year now and sadly they have discontinued it and the new model has more cushion and zero lateral flex and my feet hate them. I was 12-15kms for work with about a 1/3 of that distance also being stairs and all pavement/sidewalk. I’ve tried on the Lems Primal Zens which feel decent but my feet miss that little bit of spring the Ergo midsole in the Altras has. I thought about a different insole (not the cork) in the Lems perhaps but that’s an expensive experiment if it doesn’t work out. My feet did not like the Lems Primal 2 because of the rounded sole shape. I thought I had found a solution with the Freet Flex or Pace but am now worried looking at the pictures as they also have the same slight rounded sole shape as the Primal 2 and also don’t have as much cushion as the Escalantes at 24mm. I’m okay doing less but need some spring back. I have also tried on Topos zero drops but they also lack the flexibility in the soles.
Great list! Altra running shoes were my first pair of barefoot(ish) shoes and today I only wear barefoot shoes for everything. However, I now find that my Altra Escalante started squishing my little toe a bit. My toe shape is somewhat between mountain and sloped shaped – the second and big toe are the same length, then the length of toes decreases. Base one that shape, the Altra should fit, so I’m a bit lost why it doesn’t.
Any alternatives you would recommend that still have a bit of cushion (I’m not ready to run on super thin soles on the concrete yet)? Or should I try a larger size (I already went up from EU 43 to EU 44 while wearing barefoot shoes)?
I would consider the Lems Primal 2 or Primal Zen. I tend to size up in Lems, they run small-ish for a lot of people. You also might just need to size up in Altra, since sometimes your feet grow after switching to barefoot shoes!
Hi. I'm Anya.
I first discovered barefoot shoes after a long history of foot issues. By changing my footwear and strengthening my body I was able to completely transform my life. Anya’s Reviews is my way of sharing with the world that healthy feet are happy feet!