19 Best Barefoot Shoes for Running or Walking (2025), Tested and Reviewed

FAQsHow do you outline a barefoot shoe?Readers usually ask why we do not embrace Altra or different zero-drop footwear. The reply has to do with how thick the only is. Our definition of a barefoot shoe is that it ought to have a skinny sole, or stack peak as that is typically known as. I put the cutoff at 10 mm or much less (ideally much less) to permit for good floor really feel and toe splay, and to provide the sorts of suggestions your foot wants to take care of pure motion.That stated, there are some classes the place this does not all the time make sense. WIRED readers requested about heavier, work-boot type footwear, so we now embrace Lems boots. They’ve a 13-mm sole, however no arch. Splitting hairs over definitions does extra hurt than assist to the barefoot neighborhood for my part. Zero-drop footwear are an enormous step up from high-arch, super-padded trainers, and if that is the place you need to begin, that is nice.How do I get began with barefoot footwear?You have most likely been sporting padded footwear most of your life. Do not count on to toss them and be capable to do the identical mileage—whether or not strolling or operating—in barefoot footwear. To a sure diploma, it’s essential to relearn the right way to run and stroll. It will take a aware effort in your half, and it may be very tough. You are not simply studying, you are additionally unlearning some ingrained habits. The secret’s to go gradual. Very, very, absurdly gradual.The way you method barefoot footwear depends upon what you are seeking to do. I occurred to be moving into operating, which labored out properly as a result of I needed to take it gradual (I sucked). Should you’re at the moment an ultra-marathoner and need to attempt barefoot footwear, you may have a tough time holding your self again. Should you’re someplace between these poles, it’s going to nonetheless be arduous to not overdo it. Focus the self-discipline you normally use for distance into not doing distance.If you do not know the place to start out, try Graham Tuttle’s YouTube channel, particularly his foot strengthening workouts. These will enable you to develop the foot and ankle energy you lack in the event you’re coming from years of padded footwear, and assist scale back muscle soreness if you’re getting began in barefoot operating. Tuttle additionally gives some paid packages aimed toward providing you with a extra customized information (I’ve not tried any of those). One other YouTube channel I’ve discovered useful is the MovNat channel, which is not barefoot-specific however has loads of good barefoot recommendation sprinkled all through its content material. And if you have not learn Christopher McDougall, each Born to Run and Pure Born Heroes are enjoyable barefoot-related reads. Certainly, Born to Run arguably did extra to popularize barefoot operating than the rest because the padded shoe was born within the early Seventies.It is also value saying that barefoot footwear should not a zero-sum sport. For over a 12 months I wore barefoot footwear operating, common footwear for different duties, and sandals the remainder of the time. It is not all or nothing. Should you go on a barefoot run after which slap in your favourite Converse proper after, that is OK. It is equally vital to know that everybody is totally different. It took me six months to completely transition to barefoot footwear. However that is simply me. It’d take you two months or two years. Go at your personal tempo, and don’t be concerned concerning the experiences of others.