Over the last few years, the most popular shoes have emphasized maximalism: Extra plush, extra cushioning and extra large soles. So you might be surprised to hear that one of the latest trending styles is taking a major step back from all of that.
Minimalist, "barefoot" shoes are trending, with searches for the term "barefoot shoes" hitting an all-time high in June 2024, according to Google Trends. And sure, the term seems like an oxymoron, but it's a growing category of footwear that aims to give you the benefits of going barefoot, while still offering the protection of a shoe.
Part of the reason why they are so popular right now is that people appreciate the minimal and more "natural" feel of the shoe.
"Many people are seeking minimalist footwear that promotes natural foot movement, believing it can lead to better foot strength and function and overall body alignment," shares podiatrist Dr. Miguel Cunha. "In recent years, there has been a growing interest in minimalist lifestyles, with the minimalist design of barefoot shoes particularly appealing for its simplicity."
To give you a better look into the trend, we tapped two top podiatrists who shared their thoughts on whether the shoes could actually be good for your feet. Keep reading for everything you need to know.
What are barefoot shoes? | Are barefoot shoes good for your feet? | Do podiatrists recommend barefoot shoes? | Best barefoot shoes, according to podiatrists | How we chose | Meet our experts
What are barefoot shoes?
"Barefoot shoes are shoes designed to protect the feet while allowing the foot to function naturally," shares Dr. Anne Sharkey, a podiatrist at the North Austin Foot & Ankle Institute. The goal is to allow the foot to move as naturally as possible. That's why most pairs feature a minimalist design "with a thin sole, minimal cushioning, no arch support and a shape that is more anatomical," she says.
Are barefoot shoes good for your feet?
Since these shoes allow your feet to move more naturally, they may have some key benefits that you wouldn't get with bulkier sneakers.
Because you don't have the added arch support and cushioning of a traditional shoe, your foot muscles will have to work harder to support your arch and absorb shock as you walk, thus helping to make your feet stronger, Sharkey says.
Similarly, many conventional shoes are made with features like heel-toe drops and forefoot rockers, which can decrease your range of motion through the ankle as you're walking or running, Sharkey says. While these things can be helpful for those with injuries or limited mobility, she explains that "it can hinder normal range of motion in those with 'normal' feet and ultimately cause weakness over time and decreased tolerance of being barefoot."
You may also notice that when wearing these types of shoes, your balance is better. "The sole of the foot is comprised of a dense network of nerve endings and sensory receptors specialized to sense pressure, vibration and texture," Sharkey tells us. "These receptors communicate directly with the brain to provide feedback for adjustments in foot position and posture." With a smaller amount of material between the ground and the bottom of your foot, your body is able to process this input more efficiently.
Barefoot shoes also tend to be less restrictive than other kinds of shoes, meaning that they may reduce the risk of things like bunions, hammertoes and misaligned joints, Cunha says.
Do podiatrists recommend barefoot shoes?
While both of the podiatrists we spoke to say that the shoes can have benefits for certain groups, they're not for everyone.
They tend to be better for casual activities, especially for those who are new to wearing them. "Think errands, out to dinner, lifestyle or activities where there isn’t high impact or rough terrain," Sharkey says. They also can be "great for weightlifting."
However, as shown by recent studies, they may help more experienced runners run more efficiently, as they encourage "a midfoot or forefoot strike" and reduce "ground contact time compared to traditional cushioned shoes," Cunha says.
One thing to note is that if you're planning on running in the shoes — or doing any activity, really — you'll need to start slowly and give your feet time to adjust, Cunha says. "Start with short periods of wear and progressively increase the duration as you listen to your body and adjust accordingly as needed to avoid injury," he says.
There are some people who shouldn’t wear these types of shoes. People with existing foot conditions, like arthritis, tendonitis, peripheral neuropathy (loss of sensation in the feet) or anyone who requires orthotic support for specific conditions should, Cunha says.
If you're ready to trade your maximalist shoes in for something a little simpler, we're sharing some of the top pairs that the podiatrists recommend.
Best barefoot shoes, according to podiatrists
Topo Athletic Men’s ST-5 Road Running Shoes
- Collapsible heel counter
- "2nd skin" feel
- Made for road running
Sizes: 8-14 | Available in men's and women's sizes? Yes | Colorways: Two
Topo is one popular brand known for its barefoot shoes and the ST-5 is Cunha's top pick from the company. They're designed for road running and gym work, so they're good for anyone who has already spent a fair amount of time training their feet to run in barefoot shoes. According to the brand, this is the most "natural feeling shoe" in its lineup, featuring a roomy toebox and a reduced 14-millimeter, zero-drop platform.
Merrell Women’s Trail Glove 7
- Textured outsole
- "Natural odor control"
- Tread wears out quickly
Sizes: 5-11 | Available in men’s and women’s sizes? Yes | Colorways: 10
Another one of Cunha's picks, the Merrell Trail Glove 7 shoes feature a Vibram textured outsole for optimal traction, whether you're climbing, hiking or simply taking a walk in the local park. The shoes are also treated with Cleansport NXT, which the brand says provides natural odor control.
Lems Women's Primal 3
- Wide toe box
- "Super-soft" upper
- May not fit high arches
Sizes: 6-12 | Available in men’s and women’s sizes? Yes | Colorways: Five
Sharkey shares that Lems has a great selection of barefoot shoes, and Cunha recommends this pair. According to Lem, theses shoes feature a wider footprint than the previous model, which allows for better stability and more contact with the ground.
Xero Shoes HFS Men’s Running Shoes
- Lightweight
- Wide toe box
- Wear down easily
Sizes: 6.5-14 | Available in men’s and women’s sizes? Yes | Colorways: 12
Cunha also likes these running shoes from Xero Shoes. Along with the zero-drop heel, the shoes feature a mesh upper for breathability and instep straps that hold your feet securely in place. Plus, they're super lightweight — according to the brand, a men's size 9 shoe weighs just 8.3 ounces.
Vibram Women’s V-Trail 2.0 Trail Running Shoe
- Machine washable
- Water repellent
- May not fit all feet
Sizes: 5.5-10 | Available in men’s and women’s sizes? Yes | Colorways: Four
When you think of "barefoot shoes," this style is likely the one that comes to mind. One of Cunha's picks, the shoes feature a unique toe-hugging design to provide an even better grip on the ground. According to the brand, these shoes are designed for running in nature and through trails.
Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III Women's
- Grippy, patterned tread
- Stabilising overlays
- Whole sizes only
Sizes: 4.5-11 | Available in men’s and women’s sizes? Yes | Colorways: Three
Vivobarefoot is another top brand with great options, Sharkey shares. This shoe is said to be the brand's "most versatile" pair for training. And Vivobarefoot says that it's suitable for those who are new to wearing barefoot shoes.
Socks to wear
Vwell Cotton Toe Socks
- Moisture-wicking
- Non-slip
- May rip easily
While these socks can be worn with any shoes, if you're using toe shoes specifically, the brand says that wearing the socks can help prevent blisters. You'll get four pairs for under $14!
Atbiter Ankle Socks
- Low cut
- Protective heel tab
- Run small
These socks are well-ventilated and won't slip or bunch in your shoes, the brand says. They have more than 7,000 perfect five-star ratings from reviewers who say that they are "lightweight" and "breathable."
Whitin Minimalist Barefoot Sock Shoes
- Rubber outsole
- Ventilation zones
- Sticky on bottom
If you want something that's in between wearing a barefoot shoe and going completely barefoot, these are a popular option among shoppers. They feature a sock upper with a protective non-slip sole.
"These shoe socks are the best thing to use when transitioning to minimalist running / walking," shares one shopper. "These replaced my house slippers and they just feel so good on my feet. I can go from house to outside without worrying about damaging the shoe."
How we chose
We interviewed two experts to get their insights into the barefoot shoe trend. They recommended the above shoes and brands. We also looked at reviews and ratings of socks that suitable for barefoot shoes.
Meet our experts
- Dr. Miguel Cunha, DPM, is the founder of Gotham Footcare in New York City. He is a foot and ankle surgeon with experience treating a range of conditions, from minor issues to complex reconstructive surgery.
- Dr. Anne Sharkey, DPM, is a podiatrist at the North Austin Foot & Ankle Institute. She treats a variety of foot and ankle conditions but has a special interest in ankle sprains, ankle stabilization, bunion correction and heel pain.
