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Ready to take your runs to the next level? We’ve rounded up the best barefoot running shoes and sandals of 2025 to keep your feet strong, free, and connected to the earth with every step!
There’s a barefoot running shoe for everyone, whether you’re an avid hiker, city sprinter, or serious trail runner. And with the right minimalist running shoes, you can experience the freedom of running naturally while still protecting your feet.
Unlike traditional running shoes that rely on thick cushioning and arch support, barefoot running shoes and sandals are designed to mimic the way our feet move naturally.
SKL top picks, in a nutshell…
- Best Barefoot Running Shoes For Beginners: Splay Shoes
- Best Barefoot Running Sandals: Earth Runners
- Best Barefoot Running Shoes For Marathons: Merrell
- Super Minimalist Barefoot Running Shoe: Wildling Shoes
- Best Barefoot Running Shoes For Wide-Feet: Softstar Shoes
They promote a forefoot or midfoot strike rather than a heel strike, which helps reduce impact on the knees, ankles, and hips. Over time, this strengthens the foot muscles, enhances stability, and improves overall running form.
The best barefoot running shoes are made with lightweight, flexible materials like natural rubber, mesh, and thin yet durable outsoles that allow your feet to feel the ground beneath them.
A wide toe box ensures your toes can spread and move freely, while a zero-drop sole keeps your feet in their natural position.
Whether you’re tackling rocky trails, wet conditions, or urban streets, the right minimalist shoe will provide protection, grip, and just the right amount of stability.
What are barefoot running shoes?
Barefoot running shoes are lightweight, flexible shoes with a thin sole, minimal padding, and no arch support. They allow your feet to move naturally while still providing traction and protection from sharp objects. Most feature a wide toe box for natural toe splay and a zero-drop design to keep your feet in alignment.
Are barefoot shoes good for running?
Yes! Barefoot running shoes promote a natural running stride, reducing impact on joints and strengthening foot muscles. However, transitioning should be done gradually to allow your body to adjust to the new movement pattern.
Benefits of Barefoot Running Shoes:
- Strengthen foot and leg muscles
- Improve balance and posture
- Reduce risk of injuries like plantar fasciitis and shin splints
- Encourage a natural, low-impact running stride
- Provide better ground feel and sensory feedback
How do I choose the best barefoot running shoes for me?
Consider the following when choosing barefoot running shoes:
- Fit: A wide toe box for natural movement
- Sole thickness: Thinner soles offer more ground feel, while slightly thicker ones provide more protection
- Material: Breathable and durable materials like mesh and natural rubber
- Activity type: Trail running requires more grip, while road running shoes should be extra lightweight
How long does it take to transition to barefoot running shoes?
It depends on the individual, but most runners take a few weeks to months to fully adapt. Start with short distances and gradually increase as your feet and legs strengthen.
The Very Best Barefoot Running Shoes & Running Sandals
1. Splay Shoes
Best Barefoot Shoe For Road Running
Use discount code SKL10 to save 10%!
Splay Shoes‘ Runner V1 is their most comfortable running shoe yet!
This ultra-lightweight barefoot running shoe practically disappears on your feet, making every step feel effortless.
Perfect for jogging, gym sessions, or tackling your busy day, the Runner V1 is designed to keep up with your active lifestyle.
Crafted with suede and nylon, and featuring a breathable mesh lining, these shoes keep your feet cool and comfortable all day long.
With a 15mm stack height, a 3.5mm removable insole, exceptional flexibility, zero-drop design, and a roomy toe box, the Runner V1 delivers just the right amount of cushioning for a smooth, natural ride every time.
Price
$84
size & thickness
Women’s US 6-16 | Men’s 5-14 | 15mm
Location/Shipping
United States, ships worldwide
Our Favorites from Splay Shoes:
2. Bahé
Best Barefoot Running Shoe For Long Runs
Use discount code SKL10 to save 10%!
The Bahé Revive grounded running shoes are crafted to give you that barefoot feel while delivering the perfect balance of support, flexibility, and comfort.
With conductive grounding technology, a zero-drop design, and a wide fit, the Revive enhances your natural movement.
Featuring a 4mm outsole and 2.5mm lugs, it’s the ideal shoe for running, walking, or daily wear.
Made with eco-friendly materials, a water-resistant finish, and 100% vegan, these shoes combine sustainability with performance.
Price
$199
size & thickness
Women’s 5-14 | Men’s 4-13 | 4mm
Location/Shipping
United States, ships worldwide
Our Favorites from Bahé:
3. Feelgrounds
Use discount code SKL5 to save 5%!
The Feelgrounds Move sports barefoot shoes are the ultimate blend of comfort, performance, and style.
Engineered with a zero-drop, thin, and ultra-flexible sole, along with a foot-shaped toe box, these shoes deliver a truly natural, barefoot feel for unrestricted movement.
The breathable knit upper, crafted from eco-friendly TENCEL™ Lyocell, ensures your feet stay cool and dry—even during the most intense workouts.
A functional lacing system provides a personalized fit, while the newly designed rounded-edge sole enhances flexibility and freedom of motion.
Complete with a removable insole, vegan-friendly materials, and the convenience of machine washability, the Move combines innovation and practicality to elevate your athletic experience.
Price
$129
size & thickness
Women’s US 5-11.5 | Men’s US 7-15 | 4mm
Location/Shipping
Cyprus, ships worldwide
4. Earth Runners
Best Barefoot Sandals For All-Terrain Running
Use discount code SKL10 to save 10%!
Inspired by the ancient Tarahumara huarache sandals, Earth Runners are beloved by the barefoot running community.
Vegan, GOTS-certified, and incredibly secure, the Alpha Sandals are perfect for both newcomers to minimalist footwear and seasoned adventurers ready to push their limits.
As the collection’s most cushioned model, they feature ultra-durable performance laces designed for maximum stability and long-lasting wear, no matter where your journey takes you.
Price
$94
size & thickness
Women’s US 6-16 | Men’s US 4-14 | 10.5mm
Location/Shipping
United States, ships worldwide
5. Luna Sandals
Best Barefoot Sandal For Trail Running
Use discount code SUSTAINABLYKINDLIVING to save 10%!
The award-winning Luna Sandals offer several unisex designs adorned with performance laces for an effortless fit.
From trail running to thru-hiking to the hills, the mountains, and more, Luna Sandal’s Middle Bear Winged Edition covers all your healthy running needs.
The shoes are enhanced with the GEN3WINGS harnessing system that secures you in while letting you get out quickly.
The lacing system is infinitely adjustable, which means that your barefoot running shoes will fit your foot like a glove thanks to the patented one-continuous-loop lacing system.
Price
$120
size & thickness
Women’s US 6-12 | Men’s US 4-13 | 4.5mm
Location/Shipping
United States, ships worldwide
6. Wildling Shoes
ShopWildling Shoes USA ShopWildling Shoes EU
Nittugo (Nebula) is a high-performing and super stylish pair of minimalist running shoes made of a soft blend of knitted merino wool fabric.
With a secure, glove-like fit, these shoes provide excellent protection while allowing for maximum freedom of movement.
Handcrafted in Europe, they are breathable, lightweight, and versatile enough to double as stylish everyday footwear.
Plus, this award-winning brand is committed to reducing its carbon footprint while championing a more natural walking experience for all.
Price
$129
size & thickness
Women’s US 5-14 | Men’s US4-13.5 | 2.5mm
location/shipping
Germany & United States, ships worldwide
7. Merrell
The Merrell barefoot running shoes are incredibly lightweight, offering a very spacious fit and exceptional flexibility.
The Vapor Glove 6 offers a snug, secure fit that feels natural without being restrictive.
Its upper is crafted from recycled mesh, ensuring excellent breathability to keep your feet cool and dry during every run.
Plus, Merrell’s top barefoot running shoe is treated with Cleansport NXT™ for natural odor control and features a Vibram® Ecostep outsole made with 30% recycled rubber, delivering enhanced durability and reliable grip on both wet and dry terrain.
Price
$100
size & thickness
Women’s US 5-11.5 | Men’s US 7-16 | 4mm
location/shipping
United States
8. Vivobarefoot
Vivobarefoot running shoes can cope with most conditions– whether you are going for a run on a wet, dry, rocky, rubbly, or firm path.
It is part of VivoBarefoot’s “Primus” line of running shoes, made from recycled materials and designed to be lightweight and flexible. You can thank the FG sole (armed with 4mm lugs) for that.
This rubber addition grants multi-terrain traction and enough grip and durability no matter what life throws.
These minimalist running shoes also have a breathable and water-resistant upper made from recycled PET bottles, which helps to keep feet dry and comfortable.
Price
$175
size & thickness
Women’s US 4.5-11 | Men’s US 7-15 | 2mm
location/shipping
United States, ships worldwide
9. Softstar Shoes
Known as the best barefoot running shoes for runners with wide feet, the Megagrip PRIMAL RunAmoc is ethically made in the USA.
The shoes combine Softstar’s innovative foot-shaped design with the added grip and durability of VibramTM Megagrip soles.
These soles perform well in both wet and dry conditions and are a favorite among extreme trail runners.
On top of that, the minimalist running shoes come with an added 3.5mm midsole for an extra buffer from sharp rocks while maintaining a streamlined, minimalist design.
Price
$200
size & thickness
Women’s US 5.5-13 | Men’s US 4.5-13 | 6mm
location/shipping
United States, ships worldwide
10. Xero Shoes
Best Barefoot Shoe For Cross-Training
The brand Xero Shoes’ best barefoot running shoes are backed with a 5,000-mile warranty and have over 38,000 5-star reviews worldwide.
The 360 shoe is a raved-about, lightweight cross-training shoe designed to handle court sports, parkour, CrossFit, and just about anything else that requires quick lateral movement.
It has a non-elevated “zero drop” heel for proper posture and a low-to-the-ground design for perfect balance and agility.
The upper of these minimalist running shoes are made of a tough mesh material that can withstand regular use and abuse, and the sole is made of a high-quality rubber that is resistant to wear and tear.
Price
$35.99-$119.99
size & thickness
Women’s US 5-12 | Men’s US 6.5-15 | 7mm
location/shipping
United States, ships worldwide
11. Bedrock Sandals
Repairable barefoot trail running shoes Bedrock Sandals are not only one of the best barefoot running shoes on our list but also the only re-soleable and repairable!
These minimalist running Cairn Eco Sandals are designed with patented premium webbing, 3 adjustment zones, and sole-hugger wings for locked-in stability to perform in wet and slippery conditions.
Additionally, the exclusive Vibram® XS Trek EVO soles were added to provide a lightweight, rugged, long-lasting grip—especially in dry conditions.
So if you are hunting for the best minimalist running shoes that do the job just right and are free from all the extra fluff, this one is for you!
Price
$115
size & thickness
Women’s US 6-15 | Men’s US 5-14 | 15mm
location/shipping
United States, ships worldwide
12. Freet Barefoot
Moving on to Freet Barefoot’s best barefoot running shoes – a brand dedicated to fair trade business ethics and the highest material standards.
Freet Barefoot’s Connect 3 is super flexible and enhanced with a roomy toebox for natural movement.
More precisely, these minimalist running shoes carry a Freet 5-in-1 asymmetric forefoot that mimics the natural foot shape allowing toes to spread naturally.
Price
$115
size & thickness
Women’s US 6-11.5 | Men’s US 7-13 | 9mm with insole, 6mm without insole
location/shipping
United States, ships worldwide
13. Vibram
Let’s start with the shoe that kicked off the entire barefoot running craze – Vibram’s Five Fingers.
Lauded as one of the best minimalist shoes for running, Vibram XS TREK fits like a glove and easily keeps your foot from sliding around during any type of dynamic movement.
You’ll get the slip-on comfort of a soft, knitted upper combined with a grippy, minimalist outsole.
The strategically-designed toe pockets help splay your toes lightly to increase your stability further.
Price
From $110+
size & thickness
Women’s US 6-10.5 | Men’s US 6.5-15 | 5mm
location/shipping
Italy, ships worldwide
Did you find your perfect barefoot shoe or sandal?
Switching to barefoot running shoes and sandals is more than just a footwear choice—it’s a step toward stronger, healthier feet and a more natural running experience.
Whether you’re hitting rugged trails, sprinting through city streets, or simply looking for all-day comfort, the right minimalist shoe can transform the way you move.
With options that offer flexibility, durability, and a true barefoot feel, there’s a perfect pair for every runner.
As you transition, take your time, listen to your body, and enjoy the journey toward better balance, stability, and foot strength.
Ready to feel the ground beneath you? Lace up (or strap in) and take your next run to the next level!
