As fitness trends go, barefoot shoes have been around long enough to rule them out as a fad. However, for the uninitiated, what is a “barefoot” shoe?
They’re a minimalist type of footwear that mimics being barefoot. They have a thin sole, a wide toe box and greater flexibility than traditional shoes. Another key feature is the zero-drop sole, which means there’s no change in the height of the shoe from the heel to the toe.
Despite their unusual, flat appearance, barefoot shoes have become ever more popular, a trend that can perhaps be attributed to our growing desire to ground ourselves and reconnect with the earth. There are other possible benefits, too. Barefoot shoes are designed to strengthen your feet, which, in theory, can grow weak over time when shielded by inches of padding. Advocates of the barefoot lifestyle also believe that wearing thin-soled shoes can help to correct posture, improve running form and reduce lower back and knee pain.
In the list below, I’ve rounded up the best barefoot shoes for hiking, running and general daily wear. Nowadays, barefoot shoes come in many styles, shapes and materials, so you don’t need to feel out of step with current fashions when you pull on your new pair of barefoot boots.
***
At a glance
Best barefoot shoes overall:
Vivobarefoot Primus Trail Knit FG
Best budget barefoot shoes:
Saguaro Free I
Best barefoot shoes for running:
Vibram FiveFingers V-Alpha
Best barefoot shoes for hiking:
Vivobarefoot Tracker Textile AT
Best barefoot shoes for comfort:
Freet Tanga 2
***
Why you should trust me
For the past 10 years, I’ve worn barefoot shoes almost exclusively. In my early 20s, I noticed that standing for prolonged periods caused my feet, knees and lower back to ache – issues that all but disappeared when I walked about in socks. After some research, I acquired my first pair of barefoot shoes and have never looked back.
I’ve owned many pairs since then, and I’ve used them in all kinds of scenarios, from daily city life to off-grid adventuring. Unless it’s a wedding or a funeral, where dress shoes are mandatory, you won’t catch me wearing “conventional” shoes again.
How I tested
To test all 15 pairs considered for this roundup, I spent about three months continually swapping shoes based on the activity I was planning to do.
In a typical week, I commute to and from the office every day, ride a Lime Bike several times, and attend the gym two or three times. During the testing period, I also went camping twice, completed a series of hikes across Utah’s Zion national park in the US, and spent a weekend scrambling cliffs to rig up ropes for outdoor climbing.
Throughout, I methodically took notes as to how the different shoes felt and performed. I didn’t test all shoes in the same way, since that doesn’t always make for a useful comparison. For example, I didn’t go wading into streams in shoes without waterproofing only to mark them down for failing to keep my feet dry.
Full disclosure: I’m not a runner, but luckily, my partner is. She’s a fellow barefoot-shoe enthusiast and was able to test shoes designed for running while training for the London Marathon. Including the 15 pairs we tested specifically for this article, we’ve worn about 30 pairs of barefoot shoes in total. After testing, all shoes sourced for this article were donated to charity for resale.
***
The best barefoot shoes to buy in 2026
***
<em>Best barefoot shoes overall:</em>Vivobarefoot Primus Trail Knit FG
- What we love:Smart-looking trainers that are worth the price
- What we don’t love:A bit too warm to wear year round
- Men’s, £123 at Vivobarefoot Vivobarefoot £123
- Women’s, £123 at Vivobarefoot Vivobarefoot £123
Vivobarefoot makes shoes for all ages and many different activities, but interestingly, it’s the brand’s early designs that remain among the most popular. Case in point is the Primus Trail FG, a rugged multipurpose shoe that’s equally at home on the trails, in the gym or pounding the pavement. I’ve had a few pairs over the past decade, but this new version is easily my favourite.
Why we love them
The Primus Trail Knit FG has a premium look and feel, so you can wear them to the office or the pub without raising any eyebrows, which can’t be said for some of the other shoes on this list. I especially love its sock design, which keeps your feet snug while preventing stones and the like from sneaking their way inside. They offer superb grip because of 2.5mm rubber lugs on the soles, and they’re lightweight and flexible – just as much as any other model in the Vivo range.
It’s a shame that … they’re not as breathable as standard Primus Trail FGs, which have a lighter toebox mesh. This means they’re a tad warm, but they appear to be much tougher than the older mesh style, which I’ve found prone to tearing.
Sizes: men’s UK 6-14 / women’s UK 2.5-9
Suitable for: trail running/hiking, gym, casual
Fastening: toggle lace
Waterproof? No
Materials: synthetic/recycled
***
<em>Best budget barefoot shoes:</em>Saguaro Free I
- What we love:It doesn’t get more affordable than this!
- What we don’t love:Lack versatility – good for the gym but not much else
Prior to this test, I hadn’t come across Saguaro, and I was a little sceptical when I saw its price: across the board, the shoes are suspiciously affordable. Nevertheless, I gave some of them a go, and I was relatively impressed.
My preference was for the Free I, a no-frills, lightweight shoe that’s perfect for a short walk or gym session. They don’t offer a lot of support around the ankles, and the sole is quite smooth, so I wouldn’t recommend them for a hiking expedition, but they’re a good starting point on your barefoot journey.
Why we love them
The Free I’s combination of comfort and affordability makes them hard to beat if you’re looking for a budget barefoot shoe. The toe box is generous, giving lots of room for the toes to splay, and the stretchy, mesh upper is reasonably breathable. There was no breaking-in, no hotspots, and they’re easy to slip on and secure via the toggle lace-fastening system.
It’s a shame that … they look so cheap and goofy. You can’t get away with pairing them with a pair of chinos, that’s for sure.
Sizes: unisex UK 3.5-9.5
Suitable for: walking, gym
Fastening: toggle lace
Waterproof? No
Materials: synthetic, natural rubber
***
<em>Best barefoot shoes for running:</em>Vibram FiveFingers V-Alpha
- What we love:The ultimate barefoot experience (without being barefoot)
- What we don’t love:Might draw unwanted attention
- Men’s, £99 at Mountain Warehouse Mountain Warehouse £99
- Women’s, £77 at Mountain Warehouse Mountain Warehouse £77
With their instantly recognisable toe-glove design, wacky colour schemes and thin rubber soles, there’s really no shoe range like the Vibram FiveFingers.
There are lots of different shoes to choose from, but my running-obsessed partner settled on the V-Alphas as the best all-rounder. They’re pretty barebones in terms of padding, although they are thicker in the sole than the KSO Evo, making them more versatile.
My partner’s pair is still going strong after considerable use. At the risk of stating the obvious, though, they’re not for everyone, and are easily the most Marmite on this list.
Why we love them
They provide an amazing, detailed ground-feel unlike any other shoe, and are suited to all kinds of terrain. Out of all the shoes on test, these are the best for mindful running, and they’ll stop your heel-striking habits right in their tracks.
Fellow runners regularly ask my partner how she deals with stones, and she feels that wearing these shoes has improved her proprioception such that she avoids obstacles instinctively, so it’s never an issue. They’re ultra-thin though, so if you’re planning to run on gravel, for instance, you should opt for something more rugged, like the Primus Trail Knit FG above.
It’s a shame that … they make you look like you’re cosplaying as a Frogfolk from Dungeons & Dragons. On a serious note, the toggle laces aren’t well designed, and on one occasion, my partner tripped on the laces mid stride, resulting in a pretty nasty fall. She soon fitted the V-Alpha with a pair of Lazy Laces, restoring the shoes to their original prized status.
Sizes: men’s UK 6.5-13 / women’s UK 3-8
Suitable for: running, walking, gym
Fastening: toggle lace
Waterproof? No
Materials: wool, synthetic, rubber, PU foam
***
<em>Best barefoot shoes for hiking:</em>Vivobarefoot Tracker Textile AT
- What we love:Beautifully designed boots – just look at them!
- What we don’t love:Not as minimalist as they could be
- Men’s, £126.35 at Amazon Amazon £126.35
- Women’s, £126.35 at Amazon Amazon £145
Price notwithstanding, the Tracker Textile AT from Vivobarefoot have undone nearly all of my long-held prejudices against hiking shoes. Where traditional hiking boots have ludicrously tall and heavy platform soles, this pair brings you right back down to earth – and, because of the improved feedback, you’re much less likely to roll an ankle on a loose rock, at least in my experience.
I’ve tried two other pairs of Vivobarefoot hiking boots in the Tracker range and both had problems solved in this model. One was warm but not waterproof; the other waterproof but not very warm. The Tracker Textile AT struggled in neither department and its design is more fetching too.
Why we love them
I hate having wet or cold feet. If both apply, I’m no fun at all. With the Tracker Textile AT, my feet remained warm and dry no matter the conditions.
The “thermal” insole prevents lost heat through the ground, and the dense lining adds warmth and support right up to the ankle. I walked about in a forest stream with these, and the waterproofing held true.
It’s a shame that … they’re clunkier than other barefoot shoes on the list. With all the added grip on those sole lugs, plus the waterproofing and weatherproofing, some of the minimalist principles have been compromised here.
Sizes: men’s UK 6-14 / women’s UK 2.5-9
Suitable for: hiking, walking
Fastening: lace-up and metal hooks
Waterproof? Yes
Materials: recycled polyester, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, zinc, aluminium, PU foam
***
<em>Best barefoot shoes for comfort:</em>Freet Tanga 2
- What we love:Shoes that feel like socks
- What we don’t love:Not built for heavy-duty work
The Tanga 2 is the kind of shoe you can put on and forget about – they’re almost as comfortable as wearing no shoes at all. The upper mesh has a sock-like fit that’s stretchy and secure; it’s like a hug for your feet, but not a smothering one, since the toe box has plenty of room and doesn’t get overly hot.
I used these throughout last summer for the gym, work, while on holiday and pretty much everywhere else. They never made my feet too sweaty, and they never started to smell, so I just kept wearing them.
Why we love them
These are far and away the most comfortable barefoot shoes I have ever tried. My favourite aspect of the design is the ease with which you can slip them on and off. When they’re on with the toggle secured, there’s no chance of your feet sliding out of the shoes. Yet you can take them off with little more than a gentle tug on the back toggle.
It’s a shame that … the rubber sole doesn’t have a good grip. I noticed this most of all when cycling in the rain, at which point they felt a little dangerous. They also came up short when hill scrambling on dry terrain, so leave them at home if you’re headed for the fells.
Sizes: unisex UK 4-12.5
Suitable for: casual wear, gym
Fastening: toggle lace
Waterproof? No
Materials: CoffeeYarn, BottleYarn, natural rubber, synthetics
***
The best of the rest
***
Vivobarefoot Gobi II Sneaker Premium Canvas
- What we love:Fancy look and feel
- What we don’t love:Nowhere near as comfortable as other Vivo trainers
- Men’s, £160 at Bathsheba Surf Bathsheba Surf £160
- Women’s, £160 at Healf Healf £160
Best for: a classic sneaker design
I can’t deny that the Gobi II has a more attractive design than any other barefoot shoe on this list. Vivobarefoot says they’re made with an “innovative, mushroom-based leather alternative alongside 100% canvas and a fully natural outsole”. As far as making a stylish shoe is concerned, Vivobarefoot has succeeded.
It didn’t make the final cut because … they’re not comfortable to wear. During the summer, I found that my feet got hot very quickly, even in an air-conditioned office. They’re also not the most flexible, and I found that the upper lining rubbed unpleasantly on the bridges of my feet. I hoped this might just be a breaking-in problem, but unfortunately, it persisted.
Sizes: men’s UK 6-14 / women’s UK 2.5-9; suitable for: casual wear; fastening: laces; waterproof? No; materials: cotton canvas, cork, natural rubber
***
Freet Howgill
- What we love:Comfortable and (reasonably) affordable
- What we don’t love:Not an all-weather hiking boot
Best for: easy country walks
Freet’s strength lies in the incredible wearability of its shoes. It’s not that other brands make markedly uncomfortable shoes; it’s just that, in a category of shoe already known for comfort, Freet’s range is a cut above. I enjoyed wearing the Howgill on short walks around my local area, in parks and along country trails.
It didn’t make the final cut because … they’re not quite as comfortable as the Free Tanga 2, and nowhere near as rugged and versatile as something like the Vivobarefoot Tracker Textile AT. Crucially, they’re not waterproof, although Freet says they’re “water resistant” if you regularly treat them following the care instructions. They’ll hold off a light rain, but that’s about it.
Sizes: unisex UK 4-12.5; suitable for: gym, walking, hiking; fastening: laces; waterproof? Water resistant; materials: BottleYarn, natural rubber, synthetics
***
Saguaro Luck I
- What we love:Good, grippy gym shoes
- What we don’t love:Odd design choices
Best for: affordable smart-casual wear
This pair is probably the least conspicuous that I tested for this article. They don’t look much different to the kind of cheaply made low-cut trainer you’d find in the likes of Primark, but they’re vastly more comfortable than a typical high-street budget buy. I don’t love the design, but I have found myself reaching for them more than once when attending an event with a smart-casual dress code.
It didn’t make the final cut because … they get dirty easily and are quite difficult to clean. This may be less of an issue with the brighter colours, but I was sent the beige, and found myself wiping them off after every use.
Sizes: unisex UK 3.5-13; suitable for: casual wear; fastening: laces; waterproof? No; materials: natural rubber, PU foam, synthetics
***
What you need to know
***
Does sizing work differently for barefoot shoes?
Sizing for barefoot shoes is straightforward most of the time, and companies usually list measurements in UK and EU standards. Based on my experience, most barefoot shoe brands are “true to size”. I’m a 7-7.5 UK in regular trainers (Nike, NewBalance etc), and the majority of the barefoot shoes I’ve worn are a UK men’s 7. Depending on the brand, it can be trickier to find half sizes, though, and some companies (such as Freet) have committed to a unisex sizing model across their ranges.
Are barefoot shoes comfortable?
On the whole, they’re very comfortable. A typical barefoot shoe has a very wide toe box, providing plenty of room for your toes to splay out. Since they don’t contort your feet in any way, you may find you can wear them for longer without needing to kick them off. With their minimalist build, they’re lighter than conventional shoes, making them less of a burden on a long day’s hike. However, as there’s less cushioning, they won’t feel comfortable for everyone right away, especially on hard floors.
Is it healthier to wear barefoot shoes?
Many barefoot advocates believe so, and there are some studies indicating they’re on to something. Wearing barefoot shoes has been found to improve foot strength, toe flexion and balance as well as superior ankle mobility.
You will see claims about overall joint health and improved posture, especially in advertisements from barefoot shoe companies. These ideas are largely unproven, although there’s certainly a “common sense” argument. Most modern shoes elevate our feet and change our body’s angle in relation to the ground, which results in unnatural posture adjustments that, over time, create weaknesses and imbalances. Coupled with the reduced foot strength caused by overly cushioned footwear, this can lead to poor balance, reduced strength, loss of mobility, joint pain and higher risk of injury.
With that said, you can also find systematic reviews indicating that the jury is still out, and more research is needed before anyone can say with certainty that barefoot shoes leave you better off. Of course, if you’re concerned about a medical condition and how wearing barefoot shoes may affect this, always speak to a doctor for advice first.
Will barefoot shoes improve knee/ankle/foot/back pain?
This is something that nobody can promise – and if they do, you shouldn’t trust them. I can share my own experience, which is that my lower back pain was reduced when I first made the switch to barefoot shoes. The soles of my feet have become much thicker and tougher as well, although that change took months and years, not weeks.
Can I run in barefoot shoes straight away?
As the old adage goes, you should learn to walk before you run. Some runners have a tendency to strike with the heel as they land, which can be tolerated in a thickly padded trainer. You don’t want to be heel striking in barefoot shoes, but if you do – well, you’ll quickly learn not to.
When you change your stride and take away layers of underfoot padding, the overall forces – and the direction of those forces – going through your tendons and muscles will change too, which is why it’s important to take things slowly at first. Try running on grass or an athletics track before hitting the pavement, and shorten the runs for the first few weeks.
The more experienced you are, the easier it will be to make this transition, and it’s been found that some advanced runners improve their efficiency when making the switch. On the other hand, it’s been reported that an abrupt change to minimalist footwear in young athletes can increase injury potential, so it’s wise to take things slowly.
Read our guide to the best running shoes for men and women
If shoes are bad, why wear them at all?
People say this to me from time to time. The answers are fairly obvious – you don’t want a shard of glass or a sharp stone piercing through the bottom of your foot, for a start. There’s the matter of hygiene, as well as the fact that in modern society we’re expected to wear shoes when in public. For minimalist shoe enthusiasts like myself, barefoot shoes offer the safety and warmth of a regular shoe, combined with the comfort of going without. I would recommend wearing socks with them, especially if you’re using them for exercise.
For more, read the Filter’s guides on the best fitness tech and gadgets and essential bouldering equipment for beginners
***
Tom Bruce is a journalist from north-west London. Having spent several years testing and reviewing consumer products, he never turns down a chance to test out a new piece of gear. Anything related to the great outdoors will do – as long as it gives him a valid excuse to go camping and escape London (along with his responsibilities) for a few days
