Barefoot shoes might sound like a contradiction at first, but they’re an increasing market and for very good reason. All shoes are specialised – you could be looking for new gym trainers, a pair of running shoes to improve your PB, or some weightlifting shoes to support you in deep squats. The best barefoot shoes serve a very important purpose, too.
The best barefoot shoes can ease pain and treat conditions like plantar fasciitis while reducing the risk of further damage and injury. Increasingly, these shoes are also being taken up as they allow you to use the full biomechanics of your foot without needing to go barefoot. Many sports and activities boast that going barefoot or at least wearing barefoot shoes will benefit performance. In strength training, compound exercises, including deadlifts, barbell squats and barbell rows, earn better results when done barefoot or with flat-soled shoes.
The best barefoot shoes in 2024 at a glance:
• The best men’s barefoot shoes for training: Vivobarefoot Motus Strength Mens – View at Vivobarefoot
• The best women’s daily barefoot shoes: Merrell Women's Wrapt – View at Merrell
• The best budget barefoot shoes: IceUnicorn Barefoot Shoes Men’s Women’s – View on Amazon
You might think barefoot shoes might fall into a niche category, but these shoes can be stylish, comfortable, and extremely long-lasting. With brands like Vivobarefoot and Merrell leading the charge, you can always expect quality barefoot shoes for various occasions.
There are plenty of options for barefoot shoes that cater to all needs. Just like some running shoes for the trail while others are designed for the track, barefoot shoes are manufactured with a specific purpose in mind and carry different features, such as different grips, lacing options, ankle heights and more.
Let’s get stuck into the buyer’s guide. Here, we’ve compiled a list of the best barefoot shoes suitable for various contexts.
The best barefoot shoes in 2024:
Please note: All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.
The best women’s barefoot shoes for CrossFit
Vivobarefootwww.vivobarefoot.com
Step into freedom with a set of Primus Lite III Women's barefoot trainers. These lightweight, flexible shoes are designed for natural movement and offer unrivalled comfort and support for every adventure. Discover true barefoot bliss. The only downside is that we're desperate to see more colours available for these shoes.
Pros
- Incredibly versatile shoe
- Stylish
- Great for experienced users and beginners
Cons
- Only three basic colours are available
The best men’s barefoot shoes for CrossFit
Vivobarefootwww.vivobarefoot.com
Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III barefoot shoes are engineered for natural movement and are so light it feels like you're wearing no shoes at all. The flexible soles provide unmatched comfort and grip for all your adventures.
Pros
- Incredibly versatile shoe
- Stylish
- Great for experienced users and beginners
Cons
- Fairly heavy shoe
The best women’s barefoot trail shoes
Merrellwww.merrell.com
The Women's Trail Glove 7 barefoot trainers have been built for the trail. Engineered for rugged terrains, these lightweight yet durable shoes offer superior grip and protection, empowering your every outdoor endeavour. The thick tread over the big toe area may take some time for some users, though.
Pros
- Light mesh makes them highly breathable
- Universal fit
- Stylish colour options
Cons
- Thick tread over big toe won’t be for everyone
The best men’s barefoot trail shoes
Merrellwww.merrell.com
Unleash your potential with the Men's Trail Glove 7 barefoot trainers from Merrell. Conquer the tough terrain. These lightweight, strong barefoot shoes offer everything you need when hitting the trail. These shoes do suffer the same potential issue as the women's versions – the tough tread over the big toe might not be for everyone.
Pros
- Very breathable thanks to light mesh material
- Original colour variations
- Universal fit
Cons
- Thick tread over big toe won’t be everyone's cup of tea
The best budget barefoot shoes
AmazonBehold, the IceUnicorn Barefoot Shoes. These affordable unisex trainers boast healthy, natural movement. Lightweight, flexible, and surprisingly durable (in ordinary conditions), these shoes provide some real comfort and support, perfect for various activities and mild adventures.
Pros
- Very comfortable
- Lightweight
- Unisex
Cons
- Not suitable for extreme wear and conditions
The best women’s barefoot shoes for training
Vivobarefootwww.vivobarefoot.com
Motus Strength Women's barefoot trainers redefine training. Light as a feather yet seriously durable, they offer optimal support and flexibility for dynamic movements, empowering your workouts with every step. We'd love to see just a few more colour options, though.
Pros
- Built for performance and durability
- Highly breathable
- Excellent grip
Cons
- Only two colour choices
- Heavier than other options on the market
The best men’s barefoot shoes for training
Vivobarefootwww.vivobarefoot.com
Motus Strength Men's barefoot training shoes revolutionize workouts. Resilient and comfortable, they provide incredible support and flexibility for the most demanding sessions, enhancing performance during every training session. They are highly durable in the gym but may not hold up in more extreme conditions.
Pros
- Built for performance and durability
- Highly breathable
- Excellent grip
Cons
- Not as durable in extreme conditions
The best women’s daily barefoot shoes
Merrellwww.merrell.com
You can make the everyday special with the Women's Wrapt barefoot shoes. Comfort and style shine here, as these lightweight shoes provide natural support for your daily adventures, ensuring freedom of movement with every step. Sadly, you'll have to opt for the mid-ankle version for a waterproof alternative.
Pros
- Amazing all-rounder shoe
- Great look
Cons
- Not waterproof
The best men’s daily barefoot shoes
Merrellwww.merrell.com
Get ready for real comfort and style with the Men's Wrapt barefoot shoes, which are light and versatile. These shoes offer natural support for your everyday activities, ensuring agility and freedom of movement. Again, like in the women's version, you'll have to opt for the mid-ankle version for a waterproof alternative.
Pros
- Very versatile trainer
- Unforgettable design
Cons
- Not waterproof
The best velcro barefoot shoes
AmazonIceUnicorn Wide Barefoot shoes have a lot going for them. Engineered for all-day wear, their wide design offers superior fit and freedom, making them perfect companions for any activity, anytime, anywhere. Just don't face the elements in them, for they're not waterproof nor durable enough to handle tricky terrain.
Pros
- Very good value for money
- Whopping 18 colour variations
- Slip-on and off velcro strap
Cons
- Not waterproof at all
- Not suited for difficult terrain
Common questions
Are barefoot shoes good for you?
Yes, wearing barefoot shoes can have many benefits for the health and stability of your feet. As humans, our feet and heels aren’t designed to be constantly elevated at any degree. Wearing barefoot shoes puts your feet in their natural state as if you were walking on the ground. It may take some time to adjust to walking without sole support, but once this period passes, your feet will be extremely grateful for it.
Are barefoot shoes good for flat feet?
Barefoot shoes can be very useful for people with flat feet. However, it’s not a one-sided matter. Not all barefoot shoes are the same; while most will offer flat soles, they all vary in midsole cushioning, among other things. If you suffer from flat feet, please thoroughly research a pair of barefoot shoes before you purchase them. The best shoes for flat feet deserve a dedicated conversation, as they are deliberately made to assist with the condition.
Why wear barefoot shoes?
There are so many reasons why you should consider wearing barefoot shoes. After consistent wear, you can strengthen the muscles in your feet and the arch itself. Believe it or not, you can relieve back pain and even improve the connection between the feet and the brain. You’ll also vastly reduce the risk of ankle and knee injury.
Jack Barrell is a Tech and Fitness Writer for What’s the Best. He is invested in all things entertainment and keeps well up to date with the latest sports and exercise trends too. On his off days Jack can usually be found doing one of two things; lifting heavy weights – or watching his favourite Star Wars for the thousandth time.