The best barefoot shoes for running
Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.
Barefoot shoes, designed to emulate the feel and benefits of walking (and running) barefoot, have gone from niche to sportswear must-have. Their construction – featuring flexible flat soles, wide toe boxes and a lightweight design – unlock natural foot movement, which can improve posture and reduce body strain. But which ones are the best fit?
Best Minimal Road Running Shoe
Vivobarefoot Primus Flow
Vivobarefoot’s new road-specific shoes are suited to experienced runners seeking high feedback and minimal interference. They’re lightweight at 150g with a sock-like upper for a secure, adaptive fit and a 4mm midsole maximising proprioception – the body’s ability to sense the location and movement of its parts – with a touch of energy return. Choose them if you’re looking to prioritise biomechanics (helping you move in a way that improves performance and reduces the risk of injury), responsiveness, and foot freedom on the road.
Best Stylish Casual
Camper Peu
The Spanish maker’s bestseller combines sleek styling in supple high-quality leather with incredible comfort, which makes it a great everyday barefoot shoe that will give you years of wear.

Best For Gym And Class Workouts
Tolos Archetype 2.0
Suitable for everything from HIIT to yoga, this design has a true barefoot feel with a construction that can handle dynamic training. The 5.5mm stack height, sock-like fit (with a breathable second-skin knit upper) and flexible sole lend excellent ground feedback and freedom of movement.
Best All-Rounder
Bahé Revive
Versatile shoes that will take you from running and gym workouts to everyday wear. They have a nice level of cushioning (14mm, reducing to 11mm without the insole), providing ample comfort for prolonged wear and run times, while offering good ground feel with the added benefit of water resistance.
Best For Summer
Ohne Project Retro Run

A retro-style sneaker delivering the natural barefoot feel. The 8mm stack height provides light ground feedback, while breathable mesh panels make this a good hot weather option. Plus they’re made from 100 per cent vegan materials. £148
Best Minimal Trail Running Shoes
Merrell Trail Glove 7
These shoes are built for the trail. They’re more cushioned than true minimalist shoes given the 14mm stack height, which makes them ideal for runners who need a buffer on sharp terrain. The Vibram outsole is tough and grippy while the 2.5mm lugs provide reliable traction.
Best Hiking Boots
Xero Scrambler Trail Mid WP
A lightweight, waterproof hiking boot designed for barefoot enthusiasts who seek natural movement on rugged trails. Weighing around 329g per boot, they have a zero-drop heel and wide toe box with a Michelin-engineered outsole equipped with 3.5mm lugs, for grip and flexibility off-road.
Best Children’s Shoe
Groundies Noto Kids

Barefoot shoes are ideal for children, encouraging natural foot development, balance, and strength. These sandals have soft goatskin uppers, hot weather-friendly breathable microfibre insoles, and easy Velcro straps. Sizes range from around two to 10 years old. From €74.90
Best Waterproof Boot
Lems Chelsea Barefoot Boot
With a full-grain oiled leather upper, waterproof membrane and a rugged rubber outsole, this boot is built to handle wet, cold conditions but has a zero-drop platform and a wide toe box for natural movement. It’s lightweight, despite the sturdy build, and easy to slip on and off for everyday wear.
Best Bespoke Option
Vivobarefoot VIVOBIOME Tabi Gen 01
The world’s first fully bespoke, 3D-printed barefoot sandal, made with scan-to-print technology available in-store in London and Prague. A quick foot scan captures your exact anatomy, and the custom-fit sandals arrive at your door within weeks. They have a zero-drop sole and natural foot shape, delivering a tailored barefoot experience.
Best Value Model
Saguaro Vitality III
For those who want to try a barefoot shoe without investing in a top range design, this entry-level option has a 5mm outsole that’s surprisingly capable and convenient for summertime wear. Its?quick-drying mesh keeps feet comfortable, too.
Best cushioned road running shoes
Altra Torin 8
A standout option for runners seeking plush cushioning without sacrificing the benefits of a zero-drop platform. Now in its eighth iteration, it has a generous 30mm stack height, mostly made of a lightweight new-generation foam, providing shock absorption – which is even more welcome when clocking up a high weekly mileage.
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