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 Primus Flow running shoes, £150

Vivobarefoot Primus Flow running shoes

Price: £150

Click: vivobarefoot.com

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

Camper nubuck Peu sneakers, from £130

Camper nubuck Peu sneakers

Price: from £130

Click: camper.com

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.

Runners on a Saturday-morning Parkrun
Runners on a Saturday-morning Parkrun ? BrucieBaby

Best For Gym And Class Workouts

Tolos Archetype 2.0

Tolos Archetype 2.0 trainers, £69

Tolos Archetype 2.0 trainers

Price: £88

Click: wearetolos.com

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

Bahé Revive sneakers, £149

Bahé Revive sneakers

Price: £149

Click: bahe.co

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

Ohne Project Retro Run sneakers, £147
Ohne Project Retro Run sneakers, £147

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

Merrell Trail Glove 7 trail running shoes, £115

Merrell Trail Glove 7 trail running shoes

Price: £115

Click: merrell.com

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

Xero Scrambler Trail Mid WP hiking boots, £160

Xero Scrambler Trail Mid WP hiking boots

Price: £160

Click: xeroshoes.com

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

Groundies Noto Kids, from €74.90
Groundies Noto Kids sandals, from €74.90

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

Lems leather Barefoot Chelsea boots

Price: £140

Click: lemsshoes.com

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

Vivobarefoot Vivobiome Tabi Gen 01 sliders

Price: £140

Click: vivobarefoot.com

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

Saguaro Vitality III trainers, £37

Saguaro Vitality III trainers

Price: £37

Click: saguaro.com

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

Altra Torin 8 running shoes, £130

Altra Torin 8 running shoes

Price: £130

Click: altrarunning.eu

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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