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The right pair of barefoot shoes promotes long-term foot health and strength, as long as you transition gradually from conventional shoes. From gym trainers to hiking-focused models, there's a minimalist option for your needs, with more categories of barefoot shoes being introduced every year.
The Merrell Trail Glove 8 is one of our favorite barefoot shoes for on-trail adventures. It offers some ground feedback but is slightly cushioned, has a stiffer outsole, and provides dependable traction on gravel, dirt, and mud.
The Whitin Minimalist is an excellent introductory barefoot shoe at a hard-to-beat price. They have one of the widest toe boxes on the market and are comfortable from the get-go.
Some barefoot shoes are unisex, but most come in both men's and women's models. We have also conducted in-depth testing by female reviewers in our review of women's barefoot shoes. If you're not quite ready to dive into the world of minimalist footwear, we've also tested traditional running shoes and our favorite trail running shoes.
Editor's Note: On July 2, 2026, we updated this review to include several newly tested shoes, some of which have become our new favorites.
If you want a pair of barefoot shoes for urban environments, on-pavement walks, or gym training, put the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite IV at the top of your potential list. This eye-catching model is comfy and has a lugless outsole with great traction on smooth surfaces, from sidewalks to rock slabs. The Primus Lite IV favors a more modest construction that keeps weight down, coming in at only 14.8 ounces in a men's 9, and we absolutely loved the wider toe box, which allowed our toes to naturally splay as much as needed. “After taking some time to let my feet adjust to these, I was able to put in some lengthy gym training sessions while wearing the Primus Lite IV, and they looked great enough for a dinner party afterward,” one barefoot tester commented.
As one tester noted, “This isn't the right choice for chunky trails or mud, making it less versatile than some of the competition if you want to take your barefoot footwear outdoors.” If you want a more hiking-oriented shoe, check out the Merrell Trail Glove 8, though it doesn't have quite as much sensitivity as the Primus Lite IV.This more minimalist shoe favors ground feel and lower weight over protection, and we'd steer you towards something like the Xero Scrambler Trail Mid if you need more padding from your barefoot footwear.
From scrambling on granite slabs to gym sessions, the Primus Lite IV offers top-notch ground feel. Credit: Zach Lovell
Barefoot footwear can be challenging on the trails, but the Merrell Trail Glove 8 is a great pair for a wide variety of hikes, whether scrambling above treeline or slogging through mud at lower elevations. These aren't our first recommendation if you want the most sensitive shoe, but the stiff Vibram outsole makes the Trail Glove 8 more protective on sharp rocks. The Vibram sole is also longer-lasting than many barefoot options and offers excellent all-terrain traction on wet or dry ground. If you want to wear these to the bar or gym, they still offer great around-town performance for days you don't have time to hit the trails.
The light cushion and more robust outsole of the Trail Glove 8 are comfortable for longer days on the trail, but the ankle design wasn't as comfy for some. “I loved the Trail Glove across most metrics, but I had to adjust the lacing at the ankle to keep pressure points to a minimum.” The stiff sole also made these shoes much less sensitive than other models, which barefoot enthusiasts might find a downside. If you want better ground feel, the Merrell Vapor Glove 7 is worth checking out, with excellent traction but a much thinner midsole than the Trail Glove 8. Aside from a few setbacks, this shoe is incredibly capable for minimalist footwear shoppers looking to take their next pair outdoors.
The Whitin Minimalist outperforms most of the pricey options at a fraction of the cost. Being much more affordable than many other barefoot shoes, it delivers a good natural feel. The upper material in our test model is a knitted mesh fabric that breathes well and holds up well in road and trail running, gym sessions, and general all-purpose use. The ground feel is clear and responsive, as it should be for a barefoot shoe. While doing balance work in the gym, one tester even commented, “The ground feel under the toes is almost the same as being actually barefoot.” The width is ample throughout the midfoot and the toe box, so those with particularly wide forefoot and toe box should be at home in this model. The sole has a modest tread pattern that provides sufficient grip on most surfaces, somewhat similar to that of a skate shoe. It also features removable insoles that, when removed, bring the feet even closer to the ground.
The Whitin doesn't have the most robust construction, with heavy glue use throughout the upper. While it made it through our testing season, other options utilize double or triple stitching to connect upper sections. For a little more attention to fit and finish, the Merrell Trail Glove 8 has a similar shape, though not quite as broad in the toe box. The main difference between this shoe and its more expensive rivals is its greater weight. All the shoes in this category are lightweight relative to non-barefoot shoes, but Whitin's choice of casual-style material does sacrifice some weight. According to the scales, our testers thought its heft was below the threshold of noticeability when actually wearing the shoe.
The Whitin Minimalist is an excellent all around shoe at a price that can't be beat. Credit: Alex Glades
New to the barefoot game, Whitin has a couple of well-thought-out offerings at an affordable price. There are two different styles of the Whitin Cross Trainer. One that looks like a traditional running shoe, with tread designed to grip on a hard top, and the pair we tested, which has more protection around the front of the shoe, a tread geared for trail running, and a quick-drawstring lacing system. We'll focus on the latter, since that's the type we tested. The aggressive tread grips the trail well. In fact, this pair has some of the best dry traction among the contenders in our lineup. The outsole is relatively thick, at 5mm. Add a 1.5mm removable insole, and these trainers aren't the lowest to the ground. That said, we really appreciated the ample toe box, which let our toes spread out.
One thing we noticed when removing the insole to increase ground feedback is that the insole's heel is thicker than the forefoot. This means that, with the insole, these shoes aren't technically "zero drop"; they're ever so slightly more raised in the heel. We don't believe this affected performance, but it is a technicality worth mentioning in a review of barefoot shoes. The rugged tread grips great on trails and soft surfaces, but totally loses grip when wet; this isn't Vibram-quality rubber. Another thing to note is that the drawstring lacing system, while it cinches the shoe around the ankle, does not tighten it much at the midfoot. We found that our foot moved around enough in these to affect stability on slopes and more technical terrain. While not the lightest or most durable, if you're looking for a pair of cheap minimalist trainers, or perhaps two (one for the gym and one for the trail), then this one will do the trick. If you're willing to shell out a few more shekels for a lighter shoe, the Merrell Vapor Glove 7 is another great option, offering a similar level of performance across all other metrics.
The Whitin Cross Trainer surprised us with a admirably decent performance despite the super-bargain price. They just aren't likely to last you as long as a more expensive pair. Credit: Jon Oleson
The Xero Ridgeway Chelsea is a great fit if you love barefoot footwear but care even more about looking sharp around town. Xero brings the classic Chelsea-boot silhouette into the minimalist world, with a thin midsole, wide last, and zero-drop platform that feels noticeably lighter and more grounded than a typical leather boot. Slip-on convenience and a full-grain leather upper make it an easy choice for coffee shop runs, office days, and social hangs. “Once the leather broke in, it fit like a glove, and I could wear these all day,” one of our barefoot experts shared. If you spend most of your time on pavement or on moderate hikes and want something that pairs just as well with jeans as with casual dress pants, this is an easy shoe to put on your short list.
The Ridgeway sacrifices some versatility for that style-forward design, though its outsole performed much better than expected on trails, even when they got muddy. With no laces, these don't offer enough foot security for long hikes, and we found they're best suited to casual strolls. If you want more all-terrain performance in a leather boot, check out the Vivobarefoot Leather Tracker AT II, with a great lacing system and a more stable construction. The Vivobarefoot Primus Lite IV is another worthwhile choice if you want a gym-ready, under-ankle option that still looks great in town. Outside of these considerations, the Xero Ridgeway Chelsea became a boot we repeatedly reached for on smaller adventures and city hangs.
If you want a versatile barefoot shoe that still feels at home on trails, in the gym, and around town, the Merrell Vapor Glove 7 is worth a close look. It's exceptionally light yet still uses a Vibram outsole that grips well on rock slabs, loose dirt, and pavement, and its super-thin build gives you plenty of ground feel. That combo makes it a fun choice for backyard hikes, scrambles, and shorter workouts, especially if you already have some experience with minimalist footwear. If you're after an ultralight, do-a-bit-of-everything barefoot shoe, this one deserves a spot on your short list.
The trade-offs of the Vapor Glove 7 are evident in support, fit, and long-term durability. The narrower last and more rounded outsole doesn't feel as stable as wider competitors when you're lifting or doing one-leg squats. The mesh-heavy upper also favors breathability and weight over lifespan. Our testers loved the “almost barefoot” sensation but found these best for people who already like minimalist shoes and don't need a roomy toe box. If you'd prefer something more robust and supportive for rugged hikes, the Merrell Trail Glove 8 adds stability and a tougher upper for only a small weight penalty. Aside from the negatives of the Vapor Glove, our barefoot shoe lead said it best: “I loved the featherweight of the Vapor Glove 7, and as an experienced barefoot shoe wearer, was happy in these for adventures both big and small as long as I kept them out of abrasive gravel.”
Multi-day backpacking trips, sloppy shoulder-season hikes, and long dog walks are exactly where the Vivobarefoot Leather Tracker AT II shines. It's a leather high-top boot that offers a wider last, a zero-drop platform, and the thin, flexible outsole barefoot fans expect, but with far more protection and ankle coverage than most minimalist shoes. You still get clear feedback from roots, gravel, and subtle trail changes, yet the boot feels notably more stable and supportive when you're carrying a pack or moving over awkward, off-camber terrain. “If you're already into barefoot footwear and want something that can handle real miles, real mud, and real abuse, I would put this at the top of your list,” one tester shared.
This is one of the heaviest options in the barefoot space, and the all-leather construction can feel warm and overkill for hot summer hikes or high-cadence gym work. Our testers still deemed the weight was worth it for many outdoor missions, with unparalleled stability on sidehills and loose descents. Even after a rough testing season, the leather and stitching showed little wear, which helps justify its price tag. If you like the idea of a high-top barefoot boot but would rather have something lighter and more breathable, the Xero Scrambler Trail Mid is a well-made option that has a bit more versatility. Beyond these concerns, the Vivobarefoot Leather Tracker AT II is a trustworthy boot for more challenging hikes or outdoor adventures, as long as you're comfortable with the higher cost and can handle the extra weight.
For hikers who want a barefoot-leaning boot but still appreciate real cushioning and ankle support, the Xero Scrambler Trail Mid strikes a great balance. Its high-top design, padded ankles, and zero-drop platform make it feel much more stable while lugging around a pack, and the all-terrain “FeelTrue” outsole grips well on soggy forest floors and can even handle some snow. Xero also made this shoe with a slight TrailFoam midsole, which made it more protective against sharp rocks, especially when paired with a thicker outsole. Despite its more robust construction, the Scrambler still provides more trail feedback than traditional hiking footwear. If you're interested in a lighter, more flexible boot that still offers real protection on rough trails, this is worth adding to your short list.
The Scrambler's heavy construction makes it less sensitive than the minimalist competition. Its over-ankle design also makes it a bit less versatile, as many testers found it too much of a boot for casual walks or gym workouts. “I found this best for hikers who want to use a barefoot boot but still need some cushion and ankle support on more rugged adventures,” one tester shared. If you want to lean further into durability, the Vivobarefoot Leather Tracker AT II is another high-top boot option that uses an all-leather construction. As long as you don't mind less versatility, the Scrambler Trail Mid is an excellent choice as a slightly cushioned barefoot boot that offers a great blend of protection and sensitivity.
This high-top footwear is excellent if you want ankle support from your barefoot shoes. Credit: Zach Lovell
Product Comparison Table
We wore every pair of shoes in this review for months, using them for gym workouts, mountain hikes, and social hangs. Credit: Zach Lovell
How We Tested
We purchase all the models discussed in this article and subject them to rigorous testing. Because each shoe is designed for a specific purpose — road running, trail running, hiking, or gym training — each pair is evaluated in its respective specialty. We compile research, closely examine each shoe, and take extensive notes to form our opinions on which models work best in each discipline. Most importantly, we work out in these shoes; each model sees at least 15 miles of pavement, trail, or both, as well as multiple gym sessions. Learn more about how we test barefoot shoes.
Our barefoot shoe testing is divided across five key metrics:
Ground Feedback (30% of overall score weighting)
Stability (20% weighting)
Traction (20% weighting)
Weight (15% weighting)
Durability (15% weighting)
Since minimalist footwear aims to enhance your body's abilities, we prioritize ground feedback and stability in our scoring.
Why Trust GearLab
Our barefoot and minimalist shoe team includes Alex Glades, Zach Lovell, and Jon Oleson. Alex, a physical therapist, prioritizes functional movement and takes a holistic approach to wellness. He views strong feet as a key to a healthy body and seeks beginner-friendly options for those transitioning to barefoot shoes. Zach is an IFMGA Mountain Guide who balances heavy-duty footwear, including ice-climbing and ski boots, with a “less is more” selection of minimalist footwear to keep his lower body as strong and healthy as possible.
Jon also comes with a wealth of barefoot experience. Over a decade and a half ago, he ditched his conventional shoes after a pair of narrow and constricting hiking shoes damaged his feet. Slowly, Jon rebuilt his foot dexterity, mobility, and strength by exercising barefoot and donning barefoot shoes when protection was required. Now, if he even looks at a pair of narrow shoes, it makes his feet hurt. And if he wears them, he feels it from his feet all the way through his hips to his shoulders. Jon notes, “One thing about going barefoot is that, once your body becomes accustomed, it's hard to go back.”
We're a team of detail-oriented physical therapists, mountain guides, and outdoor educators passionate about every pair of barefoot shoes we test.
Analysis and Test Results
All the shoes included in this review are among the best and most popular barefoot and minimalist options on the market. We tested each for ground feedback, stability, traction, and more.
We test multiple sub-categories of barefoot shoes to offer a comprehensive review list. Credit: Alex Glades
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
Whether you're an experienced barefoot runner or looking for your first pair, selecting a good-value shoe can be challenging. We evaluate value using a “price-to-performance” ratio and have found that even high-priced models may be justified. At the same time, we also found excellent deals on very affordable shoes. If you want slightly more cushion for your feet at a great value, check out the Whitin Cross Trainer, which costs substantially less than the premium barefoot shoes.
The Tracker AT II is very expensive, but our testing revealed that it is much longer-lasting than some of the mesh-oriented models. Credit: Zach Lovell
We also feature several mid-priced shoes in our review, including some of our highest-scoring options, such as the gym-centric Vivobarefoot Primus Lite IV and the trail-oriented Merrell Trail Glove 8. Both are great-value models and further underscore that there's a barefoot shoe for you, even if the budget is a bit tighter.
The Whitin Cross Trainer proved to be an all-around good barefoot shoe for trail running, and at a bargain price. Credit: Jon Oleson
Ground Feedback
Freeing your feet is what minimalist and barefoot shoes are all about, and it all comes down to ground feel and responsiveness. How close can each shoe come to feeling like you are actually barefoot? The soles of the feet are among the most sensitive parts of our body because the information fed through our feet is directly related to proprioception, or our sense of positioning in space. With an activity like running, to understand our body positioning as we move through space, our feet must flex, move, and feel the ground. The best minimalist shoes limit their interference with, and perhaps even enhance, our natural “sixth sense.”
Most designs enhance proprioception through a precise combination of features such as a thin outsole, zero heel-to-toe drop, a wide toe box, ample flexibility, and, of course, a lack of conventional support that would otherwise inhibit the foot's ability to feel the ground. True barefoot designs, like the Vibram V-Trail 2.0, incorporate all of these design attributes and will provide the highest level of natural, barefoot feeling.
The Vibram V-Trail 2.0 is built with toe dexterity in mind. The “5-finger” design allows each toe to feel, grip, and move independently of the others. Credit: Jon Oleson
Flexible shoes like the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite IV, Whitin Minimalist, and Merrell Vapor Glove 7 offer tremendous freedom of movement and an overall accurate ground feel. But it is difficult for any shoe to quite touch the 'real feel' and barefoot accuracy of the V-Trail 2.0. The V-Trail is an updated version of the original FiveFingers shoe, built for trail running, and is, without a doubt, the closest thing to running barefoot. While this is the OG shoe for barefoot diehards, the feel may be a bit odd for many who aren't used to this style.
The Vivobarefoot Primus Lite IV offers exceptional flexibility, with a thin outsole also offering top-scoring sensitivity. Credit: Zach Lovell
Not all barefoot shoe enthusiasts prefer ultra-thin soles like those of the Merrell Vapor Glove 7; the slightly cushioned Merrell Trail Glove 8 is a great alternative. While the Trail Glove is similar to the Vapor Glove, it features a thicker midsole and outsole while retaining the natural toe box and zero heel-to-toe drop. It's a great option for beginners who want to start with barefoot shoes, though it provides less ground feel.
The Trail Glove 8 is relatively padded for a barefoot shoe, making it less sensitive but more protective. Credit: Zach Lovell
It is also crucial to evaluate each shoe based on its intended activity. For instance, a trail runner like the Vibram V-Trail 2.0 should excel at handling rugged terrain, while a road shoe such as the Xero HFS II needs to withstand the wear of concrete and rough roadside gravel. A gym-specific trainer should support natural foot movement without slipping or feeling unstable. Some versatile trainers, like the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite IV, are designed for specific activities but still perform well across multiple disciplines.
While the Primus Lite IV is designed as a trainer, it was great for some close-to-the-car hikes and scrambles. Credit: Zach Lovell
Barefoot shoes that lean more toward aesthetics, such as the Xero Ridgeway Chelsea, offer surprisingly sensitive outsoles. We loved their feel despite an eye-catchingly clean upper, and they are great boots for barefoot lovers headed to the restaurant or concert.
Training Tip
If you're new to barefoot shoes, it's crucial to respect their minimalist design. Jumping into your normal distance or pace right away might lead to persistent injuries, even if you don't feel discomfort during your run. We recommend reducing your mileage considerably until your feet adapt to wearing this kind of shoe.
The Xero Prio offers a little more structural support due to its thicker materials, yet keeps the barefoot feel. Credit: Alex Glades
Stability
Interrelated with ground feedback, stability is how well a shoe's design aspects affect natural balance and responsiveness. Attributes such as sole thickness, sole edging, toe box width, tread, and how well the shoe hugs the foot all contribute to the platform's stability.
The Xero Scrambler Trail Mid is among the most stable models we've tested in the barefoot category. It's built with a generously padded ankle and a fairly wide last. When paired with a flat outsole and a zero-drop platform from toe to heel, we could brave even the most rugged of hiking trails with confidence.
The high-top build of the Scrambler Trail Mid kept our ankles from rolling, whether trekking across snow or side-hilling through gravel. Credit: Zach Lovell
Shoes that allow the toes to splay naturally greatly improve stability. Imagine doing push-ups or yoga while wearing mittens that are too tight. Without the ability to spread your fingers, balancing your body becomes difficult. The same applies to toes, which is where true barefoot shoes excel. The Vivobarefoot Primus Lite IV features one of the widest toe boxes in our lineup. Its thin sole, zero-drop design, and breathable upper make it a perfect barefoot workout shoe. The Whitin Cross Trainer also offers ample toe box room, but its slightly thicker sole makes it better suited to trail running than the Primus.
The wide last of the Primus allowed our toes to splay as wide as they needed, creating natural stability. Credit: Zach Lovell
The Whitin Minimalist is another stable model. The wide toe box in these shoes allows for proper toe splay step by step. As a result, this provides a more stable feel, since your toes aren't squished together. Additionally, the very flexible outsoles in both shoes keep the shoes moving with the foot and don't impede natural movement.
The wide toe box and very flexible sole allow for the Whitin and Wildling to be some of the more stable shoes in the lineup. Credit: Alex Glades
Shoes with a narrower toe box received lower stability scores. One test that we performed was standing on one foot to balance. As you might guess, the narrower the toe box, the less balance we had. Shoes like the Xero HFS II and the Xero Prio have a hybrid toe box that is wider than conventional, yet not as wide as we like.
The boots we tested inevitably scored the best, including the Softstar Switchback in a “wide,” which proved to be very wide even for a barefoot toe box. This made them extremely comfortable to wear, but it lowered their stability score because the boots sometimes slipped while edging on rocky terrain. The Vivobarefoot Leather Tracker AT II is another boot with a wide last and ankle support, ranking near the top of the charts in this metric.
The Ridgeway Chelsea has a fairly robust outsole, but without laces, we couldn't get too adventurous wearing them. Credit: Zach Lovell
Traction
For barefoot runners, toe grip is an essential input that feeds into the broader sensory perception of movement. For hikers, it's important to maintain traction on technical trails, especially when carrying weight. The best barefoot shoes feature outsoles that support this natural function without diminishing ground feel. Maximum points were awarded to shoes with thin, flexible outsoles made of sticky rubber compounds that use lugs to assist (not outperform) the natural grip of our feet.
To assess the grip of an outsole, we test shoes side-by-side, scrambling up and down the same rock face, much like how we would test the stickiness of climbing or approach shoes. We also seek out particularly steep and loose trails and note how well the shoes brake when running downhill. We make specific notes on the lug patterns' design and how well they perform in dry, wet, loose, and rocky trail conditions, as well as how effectively they propel you over concrete.
We took every pair of barefoot shoes through the same terrain to provide an accurate, side-by-side analysis. Credit: Zach Lovell
Shoes designed specifically for trail running or hiking tend to perform best in this metric because they are built to handle varied surface conditions. The Merrell Trail Glove 8 was one of our favorite trail shoes. The thicker construction felt slightly more protective on rocky trails, but we still felt the shoe's grounding effect. The natural FiveFingers design of the Vibram V-Trail 2.0 allows your toes to grip the ground with accuracy, and the tread is designed to grip the trail in all conditions.
The Trail Glove 8 kept up with our tester's hiking demands across rock slabs and loose trails. Credit: Zach Lovell
The much more affordable Whitin Cross Trainer surprised us with how well they grip the trails and slopes, nearly as well as the V-Trail. This is due to an aggressive tread that, while thicker than the Vibram sole, was clearly designed for traction.
The five-finger design and aggressive tread proved to be effective at maintaining traction with the Vibram V-Trail 2.0. Credit: Jon Oleson
Both the Vivobarefoot Tracker and Xero Scrambler Trail Mid did exceptionally well in the traction metric. Whether the hike included loose dirt or mud, the lugs on these hikers kept us feeling confident and agile. Some traditional hiking boots have very large lugs that make rock slabs feel less secure, but these models found a middle ground with lug length, offering better all-around performance.
The Xero Scrambler Trail Mid is trustworthy across rock slabs and gravel-laden trails, which paired well with its hiking-oriented ankle support. Credit: Zach Lovell
Most bareboot shoes feature an inverted tread pattern, but the Xero HFS II does not. This Xero's sole resembles a typical shoe with protruding lugs. While not our first pick for trail running, they offer decent traction and perform adequately in moderate off-road conditions.
The Xero HFS II have better traction than most barefoot shoes as the lugs are exposed, much like a conventional shoe. Credit: Alex Glades
Another essential function of a lugged sole is to shed loose dirt and water. We also do our best to seek out puddles, mud pits, and sandy spots during runs to test this capability and adjust traction scores accordingly. No matter the lug pattern, Vibram bases are among the best performers. Shoes that use this outsole are the Vapor Glove 7, Trail Glove 8, and the Vibram-owned V-Trail 2.0.
The Vapor Glove 7 uses the same Vibram outsole as the Trail Glove 8. Both pairs scored very highly. Credit: Zach Lovell
Don't be deceived by the casual appearance of the Xero Ridgeway Chelsea; they've got great traction for relaxed hikes or city strolls, even in wet conditions. However, their lack of laces caused our feet to slide slightly around on steeper trails or sidewalks.
It's hard to beat the featherweight of the Merrell Vapor Glove 7. Credit: Zach Lovell
Weight
A shoe's weight can greatly influence the overall experience, especially in running-specific designs. But even in the gym or on a hike, a lightweight shoe lets you push the limits of your adventure without feeling like a pair of cement blocks is weighing you down. For minimalist and barefoot options, we want our feet to feel as free and unencumbered as they do in their natural state. The top performers are not only objectively lightweight but also provide the airy feel of going barefoot.
The lightest shoes are the Merrell Vapor Glove 7, which we weighed at 12.8 ounces in a men's 9.5. When paired with their very thin construction, these felt like we were wearing rubber slippers, whether hiking or training in the gym.
From the gym to the streets, the low-weight Primus Lite IV kept our legs and feet from getting fatigued prematurely. Credit: Zach Lovell
The Vivobarefoot Primus Lite IV is another lightweight model that landed at 14.8 ounces in a men's 9. As a gym-focused model, we loved having these airy shoes for high-cadence workouts and on-pavement runs.
The Softstar Switchback proved not to be fully waterproof. Our left foot was left soggy after this test. Credit: Jon Oleson
It is also important to know how these shoes will perform when wet, as trail runners and hikers are likely to encounter stream crossings, and road runners often face puddles. A waterlogged shoe is a heavier shoe. We subject each shoe to the hose before taking off on a short loop, testing each pair sequentially on the same day to directly compare their performance. The Vibram V-Trail 2.0 features a water-resistant upper, offering superior protection at the expense of breathability. We also wanted to test the boots' waterproofing, as keeping your feet dry on the trail can be the difference between sad and happy feet when putting in the miles. The Softstar Switchback proved not to be waterproof in the same way; walking through a stream left us with soggy socks.
The Vapor Glove's Vibram outsole held up well, but its mesh upper is quite delicate, showing some fraying and tearing near the toe cap. Credit: Zach Lovell
Durability
We put these shoes through their paces, literally, by logging miles of running and hiking on a variety of terrain and by spending hours in the gym. We deliberately push each pair of shoes through the most abrasive terrain, from loose gravel to rock scrambles, to unearth any construction defects and identify the best and worst intended uses for each shoe in terms of longevity.
Unsurprisingly, the Vivobarefoot Leather Tracker AT II hiking boots rank highest for durability, with an all-leather upper showing minimal wear and tear at the end of our testing season. From the outsole to the eyelets to even the laces, we saw minimal signs of wear and tear. The Xero Scrambler Trail Mid also posted high scores in this metric, though it uses a ripstop upper rather than leather, which is more breathable.
The Vivobarefoot Leather Tracker AT II, on the left, and the Scrambler Trail Mid, on the right, both were incredibly resilient to our field testing. Credit: Zach Lovell
Vibram is known for its outsole design and durable rubber, which extends the life of shoes season after season. When paired with a tough mesh upper, the V-Trail 2.0 functions like a tank among barefoot shoes. While the Merrell Vapor Glove 7 also features a Vibram sole with comparable toughness, its upper is significantly less durable than that of the V-Trail 2.0.
Shoes that incorporate a more durable upper and sole design scored higher in this category. The Xero DayLite Hiker Fusion has a durable rubber sole and an upper comprised of abrasion-resistant material. The Huarache-inspired tension straps are tucked under the tough upper, increasing longevity. Likewise, the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite IV is made of tough, recycled rubber with a welded sole that will withstand miles of road wear.
Even after taking the Primus Lite IV on hikes, they held up much better than we expected, given their gym-leaning design. Credit: Zach Lovell
While there aren't many features on the Xero Ridgeway Chelsea, its simple, full-grain leather upper is impressively durable. Its “FeelTrue” rubber outsole also held up to sharp rocks embedded in the trail, and Xero even offers a 5,000-mile warranty if you ever manage to wear it down.
While we had some minor stretching in the elastic at the ankles, the Ridgeway stood up to all our field testing. Credit: Zach Lovell
How to Pick the Best Barefoot Shoes
Barefoot shoes are a unique category of footwear, as they usually lack the cushion and support found in traditional shoes. Here are a few considerations to help you choose the right minimalist footwear for your budget and intended uses.
What Style Should You Look for?
Whether you're looking for your next trail-running staple or need a trusty work boot, barefoot shoes come in various styles and are designed for different purposes. If you have yet to try barefoot shoes, a good place to start is a minimalist shoe with some padding to ease the transition to full barefoot walking and running. Once you have decided on your intended use for barefoot shoes, that decision will help guide you to the necessary features, such as traction, water resistance, and comfort.
Ease in slowly to wearing barefoot shoes, and they will continue to feel more and more comfortable. Credit: Zach Lovell
Are Barefoot Shoes Comfortable?
Like any other well-fitting shoe, barefoot shoes should feel comfortable and fit out of the box. However, most folks will need an acclimation period to zero drop and minimal cushioning. It's also worth noting that the toe box on barefoot shoes is wider to help promote toe splay. As your foot strengthens over time, your barefoot shoes should start to feel freer and less restricted than regular shoes, thanks to the use of your foot muscles and natural foot movements.
Your feet probably don't twist up like this, but doing so with the shoe gives us a good idea on how flexible they are. Credit: Alex Glades
Is Flexibility Important?
You might be thinking, “Why are these people showing me how much these shoes fold up?” The goal of a good barefoot shoe is to reduce the resistance between your feet and the shoe, allowing you to use your feet more naturally. A barefoot shoe with proper flexibility will provide a better range of motion and allow you to mimic the natural movement of your feet. When we fold up shoes, we are looking at how easily they fold and how much they move. Consider how much natural flex is produced and whether the added flexibility is important to your personal needs. Someone hiking and scrambling on rocks in barefoot shoes may want a more flexible shoe than someone who needs one for running errands or while at work.
We strongly encourage you to pay attention to weight when shopping for your first, or next, barefoot shoes. Credit: Zach Lovell
What About Weight?
With barefoot shoes, the goal is to reduce the restrictions between your feet and your shoes for the most natural-feeling experience. The more weight is added to your feet, the harder it is to accomplish that goal. Activities such as running or hiking will greatly benefit from a lightweight barefoot shoe. Even folks planning to use barefoot shoes for everyday wear will appreciate a lightweight shoe to enhance feel and form. When considering your options, factor in weight and how important it is to your barefoot-shoe experience.
From high-top models for hiking to gym-trainers, there are several sub-categories of barefoot shoes. Credit: Zach Lovell
Conclusion
While barefoot shoes are a notoriously complex gear category, we've identified several great pairs that are worth your consideration. Whether you want an option that's best for hiking or gym training, rest easy knowing there's a pair of minimalist shoes that'll meet your needs. Even if you need a more fashion-focused option, we have more barefoot model sub-classes than ever before. We've done the hard part of testing and sharing our findings; now all you have to do is read through our barefoot shoes articles and make a final decision.
We also have extensive hands-on experience with a wide variety of top-rated hiking shoes and walking shoes if you're looking for something a little less niche.
—Alex Glades, Aaron Rice, Zach Lovell, and Jon Oleson
