Best Barefoot Running Shoes (For a Breathtaking Running Experience)

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Wearing the best barefoot running shoes is essential since your body and feet need to be conditioned to the rigors of barefoot running. 

Barefoot running shoes feature little to no padding. This allows for maximum contact between the runner and the ground. Besides, they’re designed for people who wish to run as naturally as possible.

If you don’t take precautions, you run the risk of hurting yourself.

And if you’re looking for the best barefoot shoes on the market, you’ve come to the right place since I combined this list with you.

Let’s get started!

Summary: 7 Best Barefoot Running Shoes

Shoe Brief Summary
Xero Prio Training Shoe -2 millimeters thick insole-16.8 ounces weight-You can wear the shoe with daily attire
Vibram KSO EVO Shoe -Easy to clean-They have almost no-drop-Long-lasting
Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V2 -Highly protective soles-They are nearly indestructible- It’s designed for multisport players
Fila Ez Slide Shoe – Has a textured synthetic outsole-Contains fabric that offers perfect fitting- Gentle on joints
SIMARI Barefoot Shoes – Made from a pliable EVA material- Cost-effective- Highly flexible
WHITIN Minimalist and Barefoot Shoe – Zero-drop sole- Highly economical- Best for traction
TSLA Barefoot Shoes -Highly stable-Comfortable- High quality

1. Best Budget: Xero Prio Training Shoe

First, the insole of each of these pairs of shoes is 2 millimeters thick. Although that provides very little cushioning, it is detachable if you would need even less space between your foot and the ground.

This version is about as “barely there” as a running shoe can go when it comes to being there. Moreover, these shoes do have a little extra weight to them.

This pair of shoes is very heavy, coming in at 16.8 ounces, about twice as hefty as the lightest running shoes.

A few more ounces are probably not a major concern for athletes who want to use their feet with as few limits as possible and are not anything to worry about.

Many runners value that they are some of the few minimalist running shoes you can wear outside with everyday attire. This is a distinct advantage over other minimalist running shoes.

If you are willing to spend a little more money and tolerate a little additional weight, you will be able to get shoes that you can wear on the trail, in town, and even for a night out.

2. Best for Easy Cleaning: Vibram KSO EVO Shoe

These are the kinds of shoes that you should avoid thinking about purchasing unless you have already been jogging for some time and are certain that you will continue participating in athletics.

These shoes have almost no drop and are as minimal as any other shoe can get. This shoe has five distinct toe slots, which will make it more difficult to put on than the other “finger shoes.” 

The shoe’s soles are utilized to construct this specific pair of shoes. These particular soles offer a high level of protection to the wearer’s feet while still retaining the flexibility that allows them to move with the wearer’s every step.

Because of this material’s exceptional grip over wet surfaces, you can wear these barefoot shoes both in and out of the water. 

Although it is constructed out of high-quality and long-lasting materials, you can still easily clean the KSO EVO Shoe.

3. Best for Multisport Athletes: Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V2

These shoes have a zero-drop heel, which is amazing. However, this shoe is highly durable. They can withstand challenging conditions, from hiking trails to CrossFit mats.

This is why their pricing is so easy to explain for such a large number of customers.

Investing in minimalist footwear for a half-dozen distinct sports would result in a significant increase in financial outlay. 

Despite the extensive work that Inov-8 put into making these shoes nearly indestructible, you are still receiving a sneaker that adheres to the principles of minimalism.

Lastly, this shoe is designed for multisport players looking for a barefoot-like experience that they may appreciate for many years to come.

4. Best Lightweight: Fila Ez Slide Shoe

If you want a barefoot alternative to handle the rigors of beach running, these are, without a doubt, the best shoes that you may choose.

They are designed to be gentle on the joints. If you opt to run on slick ground, a textured synthetic outsole will provide you with an exceptional degree of stability no matter where you choose to go.

These barefoot shoes include a fabric that stretches in four directions and is composed of air mesh, which results in an overall relaxed and pleasant fit.

The improved drainage mechanisms of these barefoot shoes are another factor that has contributed to their meteoric rise in popularity among beach runners.

They guarantee that any water that makes its way inside is removed as fast as possible.

Since additional water results in additional weight, this presents a challenge for various types of footwear.

5. Best for Flexibility: SIMARI Barefoot Shoes

The SIMARI Barefoot Shoes are the most cost-effective option available within this exclusive selection.

Therefore, if you start as a runner and don’t want to shell out a lot of money right away, the Barefoot Water Shoes are excellent.

The insoles of the barefoot shoes sold by SIMARI are made from a pliable EVA material that provides the wearer with a high level of flexibility.

If you want to run on uneven ground, jagged rocks, or even scorching sand during your workout, this will protect your feet and make the experience more comfortable.

Furthermore, if you are searching for shoes that are ideal for moving from land to water and back again, they are acceptable options for the price tag.

The elastic mesh tops of these shoes will wrap around your feet in a gentle embrace while still allowing air to circulate and drying out sweat quickly.

6. Best for Traction:  WHITIN Minimalist and Barefoot Shoe

If you truly want to get as basic as possible, this is an economical pair of barefoot running shoes having a zero-drop design. If this is what you’re looking for, then look no further.

Rubber forms the zero-drop sole of these cross-trainers, including a “power footbed” measuring 5 millimeters and providing substantial cushioning.

Runners who are just starting with the zero-drop design are particularly fond of this shoe because it features a cushioned rear collar supporting the Achilles’ tendons. 

WHITIN has further equipped these shoes with ultra-grip outsoles to enhance your traction in both dry and wet conditions.

Not just for grip but also for durability, sticky-grip rubber outsoles make the most of what this ultra-grip design offers.

Therefore, you may confidently intend to wear these shoes for the next many years, regardless of where the path may lead you.

7. Best for Comfortability: TSLA Barefoot Shoes

If you want to run on rocky trails, TSLA created this shoe with a little padding so that you won’t be defenseless against the terrain.

Although this may disqualify them for individuals looking for a pure zero-drop experience, I believe it makes them the ideal option for those transitioning from more traditional running shoes.

In addition to that, the instep stability on these shoes is shockingly high-quality. Therefore, if you seek a fit with zero drops, you should make them your first pair of barefoot shoes to try.

In addition to providing comfort, these designs will also ensure that they remain securely fastened to your feet.

Final Thoughts

Your approach to getting the best barefoot running shoes depends on what you want to accomplish. When you take up running, you should know that you will need to go at a modest pace to enjoy the sport.

If you are currently competing in ultra-marathons and are interested in trying barefoot shoes, you may have a difficult time resisting the urge to do so.

However, I hope this post will come to your rescue!

Tom McDermott

Tom McDermott

Barefoot shoes have quite literally changed my life. Obviously I can't make any medical claims, but for me, going the BFS route saved me and rid me of years worth of back and knee aches.
So I'm going to share some great info here.

About Me

Barefoot shoes have quite literally changed my life. Obviously I can’t make any medical claims, but for me, going the BFS route saved me and rid me of years worth of back and knee aches.
So I’m going to share some great info here.

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