13 Best Barefoot Running Shoes (Review) In 2022

Walking in at an affordable price, the FiveFingers KSO EVO’s by Vibram takes the cake for ticking all of the right boxes. Light and flexible, these natural running shoes have been designed to feature XS TREK technology. This technology is responsible for the traction, stability, and durability that the KSO EVO’s are popular for.

Interesting fact: KSO stands for “Keep Stuff Out” and the pair got the name for being one of the first shoes to have a fully enclosed and protective midfoot. The security of this shoe is further enhanced with a flexible upper and quick lacing system and a thin but sturdy midsole that measures less than 5 mm. While these Vibrams might not be much to look at, their performance far outweighs their aesthetics, making them a reliable option for roadrunners who are on the hunt for a combination of impressive ground feel and overall protection. If you like running, check out our guide to the best trail running shoes for men.

New Balance has been manufacturing nifty gear for runners for some time now but the introduction of the MT10V1 Minimus trail shoes has sparked a newfound interest in the brand. Fashionably designed to not only look good, as the name implies, these barefoot shoes also feature a minimalist structure that’s ideally suited to trail running.

Built to maintain an essential forefoot toe splay with a midfoot wrap that holds the foot steady, we can give these “kicks” a whole-hearted thumbs-up for being versatile and reliable during even the most extreme adventures. To add, if you take your hygiene seriously, you might be impressed with the model’s odour-resistant treatment that helps to keep foul smells at bay.Overall, the Minimus 10 v1 is a perfect choice for trail runners who are looking for a breathable, comfortable, and quality running shoe that won’t cost an arm and a leg (or a foot).

Shoe-like in appearance, the Trail Glove by Merrell confirms to a minimalist approach by sticking to lightweight materials and fitting like a, well, glove. Boasting a sleek and attractive design, these thin running shoes are ideal for trail runners who enjoy a light, authentic barefoot shoe. What we really appreciate about these guys, however, is that they are not limited to trails. Take to the roads and you won’t notice a difference in feedback or quality!

Accompanying a modest price tag, the Trail Glove 4 Runner oozes style and sophistication while the rugged outsole works at gripping uneven terrains seemingly effortlessly. Crafted to be anatomically correct, comfort is a key feature of this shoe – the fit is blissfully natural! And on reading consumer reviews about this product, we found a lot of admiration for the shoe’s flexibility, slip resistance, construction, and durability. You may also like to check our guide to the best trail running shoes for women.

Merrell has impressed us once again, this time with the sleek and lightweight design of the Vapor Glove 3. Available in a wide assortment of attractive colours, these minimalist trail running shoes are not recommended to those who are newcomers to the world of barefoot running. Lacking midsole cushioning and a rock plate, these shoes are, instead, best suited to those who have already adjusted to the closer connection to the earth whilst running.

Vapor Gloves enter the market with a mid-range price tag that we simply cannot argue. The investment gives you an ultra-flexible shoe that flaunts a roomy toe box and a soft and comfortable glove-like fit. The Vibram TC5 outsoles also feature a superior tread, giving you the speed and stability that you will need to tackle different terrains. The minimalist construction, anatomic shape and 0mm heel-to-toe drop provide everything you need for more natural foot movements while protecting you from the harsh elements. We like!

Engineered for intense workouts and lateral movements, this stellar product provides the feel and performance of a barefoot running shoe while keeping to a slightly sturdier design. The KMD Sport LS training shoes are perfect for bridging the gap between full-on trainers and thinner higher-grade minimalist shoes – making them ideal for beginners but still potent enough for experienced natural runners.

This multi-sport shoe is dynamic and adequately meets the needs of cross-trainers who appreciate the minimalist approach when it comes to footwear, which means it’s the perfect go-to shoe for walkers, runners, yogis, and weightlifters alike. With comfortable toe slots, TC-1 rubber outsoles, and traction pods and lugs that provide maximum grip on all sorts of terrains, the Vibram FiveFingers KMD Sports are excellent value for money. Be sure to also check out our list of the best running shoes for flat feet for more great items like this. 

Ready to marvel at the comfort and impressive performance of the Minimus Cross trainers by New Balance? Let’s start. These minimalist trainers feature a fully knit nylon infused upper that encourages air to flow through the shoe, leaving your feet dry as the stretched material wraps around your foot in a snug and secure fit. Simply slip the gear on as if they were a typical pair of socks – and away you go!

With just a touch of aesthetic flair, these somewhat plain looking kicks remain humble in appearance while their performance is far from modest. Featuring a one-piece Vibram outsole, you can expect reliable traction that offers a noticeably grounded feel during strength training – making this product suitable for athletes of all types, not just runners. Easy on the pocket as well as your feet, we simply have no gripes with the 20v7 Minimus trainers.

If you want to test the waters and don’t feel like splurging on a pair of minimalist shoes that might not exactly tickle your fancy, then WHITIN offers an affordable option without skimping on quality. Possessing all the features of more premium designs, these natural trail runners include a roomy toe box, a rubber sole with excellent ground feedback, and the protection you will need on even the hardiest of trails.

With a quick lacing system and an added strap, WHITIN Minimalist Trail Runners have been engineered for comfort and a secure fit. You also have the option to keep the inner sole for extra padding or you can remove it for a “closer to earth” feel. And if you’re an environmentalist with an appreciation for animal-free merchandise, you’ll be happy to discover that this is also a vegan-friendly product. Our handy guide to the best running shoes for underpronation features more great products like this. 

Well received by the training community, the handsome Bare-XF 210 V2 sneakers by Inov-8 also get our nod of approval. Home to a Power footbed insole that provides cushioning and absorbs shock, this pair of barefoot running shoes is slightly bulkier than other similar models – although they still maintain a very light weight.

Perfect for running, Crossfit, and weightlifting, the Bare-XF’s sticky rubber outsole guards against impact while giving you the grip you need to manoeuvre your way around your workout safely and effectively. Complete with a stretchy mesh upper that breathes like a dream and an aggressive toe bumper that protects your stride, these minimalist running sneakers make the cut for being a quality product that focuses on peaking performance while reducing the chances of injury.

Slightly on the bulky and clunky side, the Prio minimalist trail and road running shoe by Xero is perfect for athletes who are transitioning from average trainers to more grounded and natural footwear. In other words, they make a great “in between” shoe. Arriving on shelves with an acceptable price tag, the Prios keep to a practical yet attractive design (nothing too flashy).

Offering adequate forefoot space, wrapped straps for a snug and secure fit, and a XERO-drop sole that allows for proper balance, posture, and agility, this barefoot sneaker delivers a promising performance. Considering that this is Xerosfirst effort at engineering a minimalist running shoe, we think they did an excellent job at creating a lightweight product that ticks most of the boxes for barefoot running. Love this product? Check out our review of the best running shoes for beginners for our top picks. 

Designed with the intent of combining fashion with practical use, we think Troadlop hit the nail on the head with the introduction of their minimalist hiking shoe range. The brand’s unique selling point is a barefoot shoe that remains permanently dry while you keep moving but they have managed to create a reliable pair of trainers that offers so much more than just that – all while keeping to a competitive price.

Boasting breathable, deodorized, and antibacterial insoles, Troadlop’s Quick Drying Hiking Shoes offer a soft textile lining with a next-to-skin feel. A quick lacing system holds the shoe securely to your foot while the anti-slip rubber soles have impressed us with their superior gripping capabilities even on the most slippery surfaces. If you are a dedicated hiker or enjoy a good run on roads less traveled, you’ll find that you can easily depend on these lightweight, shock-resistant, and durable trail running shoes.

Available in a wide range of striking colours, the Escalante 1.5s run on the notion that style and performance can, in fact, go hand-in-hand. Altra has outdone themselves by designing a minimalist shoe that features the perfect combination of high performance and comfort – finish this off with a trendy look; well, how can you resist the pair?

A sleek shoe that’s popular among runners who prefer to pick up the pace, these lightweight kicks offer a smooth yet springy stride while the Footpod outsoles give you the momentum you need to keep your balance while pushing forward at a speed. Weighing a little heavier on the pocket, we can assure you that the Escalantes premium price tag is attached to a product that’s well worth any dedicated runner’s investment. Find more great products like this by checking out our guide to the best zero drop running shoes.

Calling itself a shoe that kick-started a revolution, we cannot deny the soft and smooth ride that the Kinvara9s boastfully maintain. Light in weight and highly-responsive when it comes to ground feedback, these barefoot running shoes might not have been the first of their kind but they have certainly outdone themselves by making an impact on those who enjoy feeling the earth beneath their feet whilst training.

Featuring a minimal upper that comes in a variety of attractive patterns and designs, the shoe looks good while giving you the comfort you need for long-distance running. Keep in mind that the outsole and tread of these trainers are best suited to paved surfaces, treadmills, and groomed hard-packed trails – so not the best kicks for challenging trails. Overall, the SauconyKinvara 9 has made a lot of athletes happy and content because of its competitive price, simplistic yet handsome design, its excellent construction, and its impressive performance on the beaten paths.

Strutting in with a household brand name, the Nike Rn 2018s are all that you would expect them to be – and then some. Leaning towards a more basic design than most Nike trainers, this model focuses on barefoot running performance instead of boasting a flashy look. Ensuring a highly-customised wearing experience, you’ll appreciate the comfortable wrap-around heel strap, superior cushioning, and versatility on the asphalt.

While we couldn’t find anything to complain about when it came to the Rns, there were a few naysayers who weren’t impressed with the sizing of the shoes – but this is just a matter of opinion. Instead, our discovery led us to hold this pair of minimalist shoes on a pedestal. We simply love how it wraps around the foot to create a feeling of sereneness which in turn creates a great fit, resulting in a comfortable run that gives you the desired traction. This is apremium shoe that comes with a premium price tag. Don’t forget to also check our guide to the best stability running shoes.