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Best Sandals
Xero Shoes Z-Trail
Best for Budding Runners
Merrell Vapor Glove 5
Best for Sandal Beginners
Luna Sandals Mono Winged
Best Trail Runners
Softstar Primal RunAmoc
You were born barefoot, and a growing body of evidence suggests you should have stayed that way. The technology and padding of the modern shoe protect your feet, but protection isn’t always what you want. Feet were made to stretch, flex, roll, and bend, and letting them do what they evolved to do can reduce impact injuries and provide a host of other benefits.
That said, please do not buy a pair of these barely there shoes and start walking or running the way you always have. That won’t work, and it can lead to injuries. You need to ease into all things barefoot-related, and to some degree you need to relearn how to walk and run. In this guide, we’ve got advice on making the transition from padded shoes to “barefoot shoes” (also known as minimalist shoes or zero-drop shoes), and we’ve rounded up our favorites. They’re as close as you can get to achieving that barefoot sensation without running afoul of “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service” signs.
Be sure to check out our other buying guides, including our Best Running Gear and Best Snow Gear roundups.
Updated April 2024: We’ve updated our top picks to add the Xero Scrambler Mid boots and Vivobarefoot Pluma Knit baby shoes. We’ve also updated prices and links throughout.
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Photograph: Xero
Best Sandals
Xero Shoes Z-Trail
I love these shoes. They are the only shoes that have ever inspired me to write 1,000 words. They are really that good. Think of these as the barefoot answer to Chacos. Except where Chacos are like putting tractors on your feet, the Z-Trails still flex and bend as you walk, giving your feet the freedom of movement you expect from a barefoot shoe. Despite being sandals, these have 10 millimeters of cushion, which is more padding than most of the shoes you see here. That makes the Z-Trail a good option for newcomers. If you want an even more minimalist sandal, I also love Xero’s Z-Trek sandals ($60), which have less padding.
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Photograph: Merrell
Best for Budding Runners
Merrell Vapor Glove 5
The Vapor Glove 3 was the first barefoot shoe I ever tried. They’re still fairly shoe-like, with a wide toe box and tight heel cup. But they have zero drop (the heel is the same height as the forefoot) and minimal padding, putting them firmly in the barefoot shoe camp. It’s a solid, comfortable shoe that will fit a wide range of feet and stand up to all the abrasion and other abuse of trail running.
My only problem is that Merrell feels the need to update the Vapor Glove constantly (the latest model is the 7, which I have not tested yet). Those of us wearing them don’t like change. A like-new Vapor Glove 3 sells for more on eBay than a brand-new Vapor Glove 7 straight from Merrell. That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with the Vapor Glove 7 (I haven’t tried it yet), but it is a warning that if this version is your favorite shoe ever, you might want to buy a few pairs. The Vapor Glove 8 will inevitably be slightly different. You’ll use those pairs if you like them. The one thing I don’t like about these shoes is that they only last me about six months of average use.
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Photograph: Luna Sandals
Best for Sandal Beginners
Luna Sandals Mono Winged
If you’ve never run in sandals before, Luna’s Mono Winged Edition is a great way to start. These are technically what I (and Luna) call “zero-drop,” rather than “barefoot.” The soles are thick enough to provide a good cushion—you’re less likely to bruise your feet the first time you run in them. At the same time, the strap design allows your ankle to get used to moving around in a way that modern running shoes do not allow, easing the transition to sandals. That’s not to say that veteran barefoot runners won’t enjoy them as well. I love them for hard surfaces, like concrete and asphalt. Experienced barefoot enthusiasts looking for a thinner sandal might like Luna’s Venado sandals ($90), which lack the trail-friendly sole but are much thinner.
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Photograph: Softstar
Best Trail Runners
Softstar Primal RunAmoc
My wife came back from her first run in these Softstar Primal RunAmocs and said they were so good, she’d never wear any other shoe again. I agree; these are my favorite shoes for running trails that I can’t run in sandals or barefoot (usually due to mud). The soles are minimal, like those in the rest of this guide, but for some reason they seem softer and let me feel the ground more than the others. The leather uppers are the softest leather I’ve ever owned and, surprisingly, don’t make my feet overly sweaty (which I was worried about going in). The toe box is wide, almost comically so, but after wearing these you’ll never want to go back to a smaller toe box. The more your toes can move, the better you will run.
If you routinely run in muddy conditions, I’d suggest the Megagrip model, which uses a Vibram sole with more traction on it. My other suggestion is that you use Softstar’s sizing guide but then order a full size bigger, as all three pairs I tested were on the small side. I should also note that Softstar makes some great barefoot shoes for children as well.
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Photograph: Xero
Best All-Around Shoe
Xero Shoes Prio Neo
Remember when you were a kid and you just had shoes? Like one pair of shoes? They were your shoes. There were not shoes for the gym and shoes for a night out. There were just shoes. If you want to return to that world of minimalist fashion, I recommend these. Xero calls them “athleisure” shoes, which gets most of their appeal into a single word. They’re trim, light, flexible, and well ventilated, making them good for a run, but they’re also nice enough to wear around town as a causal shoe. If you want something even nicer, there’s a Prio Suede ($110, Men’s/Women’s), which is more or less the same shoe in suede.
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Photograph: Freet
Best Slip-On
Freet Tanga
WIRED readers are big Freet fans. I got quite a few emails suggesting I try these, and I’m glad I did because the Tangas are my new favorite around-the-house shoes. The single-piece mesh upper is made of recycled coffee grounds, so they lean on the positive side of the sliding scale that is environmental friendliness. They’re also very comfortable, and the mesh fabric is nicely breathable for warm days.
The Tangas sport a thicker 6.5-mm sole out of the box, but it’s easy to pull out the insole and reduce that down to 4 mm if you want a thinner feel. This makes them a good way to start your barefoot journey, since you can reduce the amount of padding as you go.
★ Alternative: Xero’s new Pagosa slippers ($70, Men’s/Women’s) aren’t nearly as robust as the Freet Tangas, but make a good slip on for around-the-house wear in cooler months. They’re vegan (fake wool) and keep your feet toasty without feeling trapped.
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Photograph: Xero
Best Barefoot Hiking Boot
Xero Shoes Scrambler Mid II WP
If you’re headed out on rocky trails, or just want some additional ankle support in your barefoot shoe, my favorite barefoot boot is Xero’s Scrambler Mid II. The Scrambler was just updated for spring 2024 with a new waterproof version (using PFAS-free waterproofing), which I tested this past fall.
I’ll confess that when it arrived I was dismayed at the thickness of the sole. Turns out that’s an optical illusion designed to make it look more like a hiking boot. The sole has two parts. The outsole lug layer uses a Michelin-designed material. Above that is the typical padding layer you’d find in any Xero trail shoe. The result is a strong, but still thin and flexible sole.
The waterproof upper worked very well in my testing, but you do lose some breathability compared to regular mesh (there’s a not-waterproof version available as well). I like these because they’re very light (about 12 ounces), have great traction, but don’t sacrifice too much of the barefoot feel. They’re also made of high-quality materials that have stood up to considerable abuse on the trail.
★ Alternative: If you want a heavier lug sole for hiking on rough ground but don’t want a full boot, Xero’s Mesa Trail II ($120, Men’s/Women’s) makes a great hiking shoe. They can also double as trail runners when you want to move faster.
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Photograph: Xero
Best Winter Boot (Women’s)
Xero Shoes Tari Boot (Women’s)
This slip-on boot has kept my daughter’s feet warm from the cold winter beaches of Texas to the frigid plains of Colorado. While technically a slip-on, it does have an adjustable strap that runs from the top of the arch, down to the sole, and then through a buckle near the back, which means you can snug it down a little if you need to. That said the fit on these is pretty true to size so unless you have a very low arch, you shouldn’t need the strap too much. I am the last person you want to go to for fashion advice, but to my eye these look great. Unless they’re really familiar with barefoot shoes, most people probably won’t notice these as anything other than cool boots.
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Photograph: Xero
Best for Road Running
Xero Shoes HFS
I’ve tried several of Xero’s various running shoes, but the HFS is my favorite for running on human-made surfaces like concrete and asphalt. That said, they work great on trails too. I went backpacking in mine with a 45-pound pack and had no problems. Barefoot purists (yes, those exist, see the barefoot running subreddit) would argue that these are pushing the definition of barefoot, but why let semantics get in the way of a great shoe? These are comfortable and durable, and they offer about 7 millimeters of padding to soften the impact of running on hard surfaces.
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Photograph: Vibram
Best for Toe Freedom
Vibram FiveFingers Classic
Whenever I tell someone I’m testing barefoot shoes, if they have any response at all it’s usually, “Oh, like those five-finger things?” Yes, these are the classic, perhaps original barefoot shoe (if you’re willing to disregard millennia of sandal-making around the world).
Barefoot shoes aren’t for everyone, and these FiveFingers are especially not for everyone, but I really like them. The foot-shaped sole, and separate toes make them very minimal. I am especially fond of the KSO Eco model ($99), which is lighter and more flexible than the traditional FiveFingers. I’ve come to appreciate the separation of toes—it does actually help with balance and it allows you toes to naturally splay wider. It also leads to things like walking through undergrowth and ending up with a bouquet of dandelions stuck between your toes.
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Photograph: Vivobarefoot
Best for Around Town
Vivobarefoot Addis
The Addis is Vivobarefoot’s take on a barefoot casual dress shoe. The leather is sourced from independent Ethiopian cattle farmers—which is why they’re named after Ethiopia’s highland capital—and it makes them some of the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn.
If you’re looking for a shoe to wear around town, this is one of the best-looking barefoot shoes you’ll find. The leather is soft, and I had no issues with chaffing. I didn’t mind wearing them without socks; my feet did not get sweaty in the leather, as I’d feared. That said, they’re definitely the warmest shoes on this page, so keep that in mind if you live someplace hot. Another thing to note is that they run wide—especially in the toe box. Try these on in person if you can.
★ Alternative: If you prefer a more chukka boot look, Vivobarefoot’s Gobi III ($185) shoe is very similar in construction, but with a higher cut.
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Photograph: Xero
Best for Minimalists
Xero Shoes Genesis
Modeled (somewhat) on the running sandal of the famous Tarahumara runners, the Genesis sandal was my first exposure to Xero Shoes. You buy either a DIY kit to make your own sandals or opt for the premade Genesis. These are fast becoming my favorite shoes, but beginners shouldn’t start here.
These are a mere 4-millimeter sole with some shock cord to hold them to your feet. Despite their apparent flimsiness, they’re wonderful to run in and great for just lounging around the house. Buyer beware: They will take some getting used to, and having a cord running between your toes is not for everyone.
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Photograph: Xero
Best Barefoot Water Shoes
Xero Shoes Aqua Cloud
Ever since I went to barefoot shoes, the one thing I’ve really been missing is a good pair of water shoes—something for paddling, stepping into streams while fishing, or wading in shallow bays where old fishhooks might be present. Xero’s Aqua Cloud sandals are pretty darn close to what I was after. They’re very similar to the Genesis above, but with some extra grip on the foot bed and a raised heel cup to keep out sand and gravel. The result is a shoe that’s comfortable and performs well in the water.
I found the Aqua Cloud great for fishing and paddling. (I strapped them to the front of the SUP I tested so I had footwear for forays ashore.) Wading in sandals isn’t the best, and that’s true of the Aqua Cloud as well as my trusty old Chacos. Still, these are my go-to sandal for all things water related, up to whitewater rafting, which is the one thing I keep my Chacos around for.
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Photograph: Vivobarefoot
A Good All-Weather Running Shoe
Vivobarefoot Primus Trail III All Weather FG
Vivobarefoot’s Primus Trail shoes have been in this guide in various guises since it launched years ago. The problem I have with the Primus Trail is that it keeps changing and styles go in and out of stock. The latest is this all-weather shoe, which I like. It’s comfortable, keeps the moisture at bay, but isn’t overly suffocating. Vivobarefoot bills it as a running shoe for cooler, wetter climates, which seems about right to me. If you’re running in Portland, check this one out. My only gripes are the price, and the outer material has a weird plasticky feeling that also makes noise at first (this has mostly gone away after a month of wear).
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Photograph: Vivo Barefoot
Best for Toddlers
Vivobarefoot Pluma Knit
My son is only 1, so he can’t exactly tell me how much he liked wearing the Vivobarefoot Pluma Knit shoes, but he clearly loved the grip and flexibility they gave him. He had an easier time climbing on slides with these shoes (something all toddlers are on a mission to do) and slipped less often than he does in classic soles. He has a wide, thick little baby foot, but these knit shoes were easy to slide on and off his foot and didn’t squeeze. They only downside was that, even though they were knit, they didn’t seem particularly warm, and my son preferred to wear them with socks. A funny upside: Never in my life have I gotten so many compliments on a pair of toddler shoes. —Nena Farrell
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Photograph: Nick Dolding/Getty Images
Go Barefoot Before You Buy
Test the Waters
The best barefoot footwear out there is … your bare feet. There is no need to run out and spend money on any of these shoes. Instead, start by walking around barefoot. This may be easier said than done; if you live in a major US city, don’t stroll the sidewalks barefoot. See if a nearby park has some small stretch of grass you can explore barefoot.
Don’t walk far—10 paces is enough—but as you walk, pay attention to your feet. Focus on how much of your foot is actually in contact with the ground. If you’re like most people, this can be a mind-blowing experience. Now put your shoes on and go home. If you wake up the next day feeling fine, go do it again for a little longer. Keep slowly expanding your distance until you can comfortably walk a mile barefoot. Once you’ve got that down, you’re ready to go all-in on some shoes.
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Photograph: Masudnpathan/Getty Images
How to Get Started With Barefoot Shoes
Go Slow to Avoid Injury
You’ve probably been wearing padded shoes most of your life. Don’t expect to toss them and be able to do the same mileage—whether walking or running—in barefoot shoes. To a certain degree, you must relearn how to run and walk. It’s going to take a conscious effort on your part, and it can be very difficult. You’re not just learning, you’re also unlearning some ingrained habits. The key is to go slow. Very, very, absurdly slow.
How you approach barefoot shoes depends on what you’re looking to do. I happened to be getting into running, which worked out nicely because I had to take it slow (I sucked). If you’re currently an ultra-marathoner and want to try barefoot shoes, you’ll have a hard time holding yourself back. If you’re somewhere between those poles, it’ll still be hard not to overdo it. Focus the discipline you usually use for distance into not doing distance.
If you don’t know where to start, check out Graham Tuttle’s YouTube channel, especially his foot strengthening exercises. These will help you develop the foot and ankle strength you lack if you’re coming from years of padded shoes, and help reduce muscle soreness when you’re getting started in barefoot running. Tuttle also offers some paid programs aimed at giving you a more personalized guide (I have not tried any of these). Another YouTube channel I’ve found helpful is the MovNat channel, which isn’t barefoot-specific but has plenty of good barefoot advice sprinkled throughout its content. And if you haven’t read Christopher McDougall, both Born to Run and Natural Born Heroes are fun barefoot-related reads. Indeed, Born to Run arguably did more to popularize barefoot running than anything else since the padded shoe was born in the early 1970s.
It’s also worth saying that barefoot shoes are not a zero-sum game. For over a year I wore barefoot shoes running, regular shoes for other tasks, and sandals the rest of the time. It’s not all or nothing. If you go on a barefoot run and then slap on your favorite Converse right after, that’s OK. It’s equally important to know that everyone is different. It took me six months to fully transition to barefoot shoes. But that’s just me. It might take you two months or two years. Go at your own pace, and don’t worry about the experiences of others.
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Photograph: marekuliasz/Getty Images
What Makes a Barefoot Shoe?
Or Why We Don’t Include Altra
Readers often ask why we don’t include Altra or other zero-drop shoes. The answer has to do with how thick the sole is. Our definition of a barefoot shoes is that it should have a thin sole, or stack height as this is sometimes called. I put the cutoff at 10mm or less (ideally less) to allow for good ground feel, toe splay, and give you the kinds of feedback your foot needs to maintain natural movement.
Altra and other zero drop trail running shoes are a huge step up from high-arch super padded running shoes, but they they aren’t thin enough to qualify as a barefoot shoe. Most of Altra’s low padding shoes still have a stack height of around 20mm or more. That said, I have tested them and I found them to be durable, if a little thick soled. They can make a good shoes if you want to get away from the huge arch support of running shoes and dip your big toe in the barefoot waters, though I still think the best way to do this is to actually go barefoot. If that doesn’t work in your scenario, then the Altras might be a good place to start.
