The best barefoot shoes

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.

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.