When choosing the best barefoot hiking shoes for women we look for a pair that balances natural movement with durability and grip for the trails, while also actually looking good. Barefoot hiking shoes encourage proper alignment, strengthen your feet, and allow for a more connected experience with the ground. With options ranging from lightweight trail runners to fully waterproof leather boots, there’s a style for every kind of hiker.
Barefoot shoes are designed with zero-drop soles, wide toe boxes, and flexible constructions to mimic walking barefoot while still offering protection. Whether you’re tackling muddy trails, rocky slopes, or long-distance treks, the right barefoot hiking shoes will keep your feet comfortable and moving naturally. If you are looking for the overall best barefoot shoes for women, check out our guide.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best barefoot hiking shoes for women, each with their own strengths for different conditions. From all-weather boots to breathable minimalist shoes, these picks are built to support natural movement while keeping your feet protected on every adventure.
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The Best Barefoot Hiking Shoes for Women at a Glance
- Best Overall: Vivobarefoot Tracker II FG Women’s Leather Hiking Boot – A rugged, waterproof leather boot with firm-ground traction and natural flexibility.
- Best Waterproof Hiking Boot: Xero Shoes Women’s Xcursion Zero Drop Waterproof Hiking Boot – Lightweight yet protective, with a waterproof membrane and barefoot design.
- Best All-Weather Trail Shoe: Vivobarefoot Primus Trail III All Weather FG – A durable trail runner built for cooler, wetter conditions.
- Best Budget Barefoot Hiking Shoe: SAGUARO Women’s Barefoot Shoes – Affordable, versatile, and quick-drying for both trail and water use.
- Best Lightweight Trail Runner: Merrell Women’s Vapor Glove 6 Trail Runners – Minimalist design with excellent ground feel and Vibram traction.
Best Barefoot Shoes for Women
The Vivobarefoot Tracker II FG is one of the most durable barefoot boots available, designed to handle all-weather hikes and rugged terrain. Made from premium leather with sealed seams and a breathable waterproof membrane, it keeps your feet dry while still allowing natural flexibility. Its firm-ground outsole delivers stability and traction on varied surfaces, from wet mud to rocky trails.
Inside, a removable thermal insole provides temperature regulation, making these boots suitable for both warm and cold hikes. Lightweight for a boot yet incredibly tough, the Tracker II FG is the best choice for women who want maximum protection without losing the barefoot experience.
Key specs
Weight Lightweight for a leather boot
Thickness Thin barefoot sole with firm-ground lugs
Warranty Standard manufacturer guarantee
Design Zero-drop, wide toe box, premium leather upper
Water resistance: Fully waterproof with thermal insole
The Xero Shoes Xcursion is a lightweight yet protective barefoot hiking boot designed for those who want to feel the ground while staying dry. Its wide toe box and zero-drop sole encourage natural posture, while the rugged dual-chevron tread provides reliable traction on tough trails. The seam-sealed inner bootie and waterproof XeroTex membrane keep feet dry in wet conditions.
Despite its waterproofing and protective features, the Xcursion remains lightweight and flexible, making it comfortable for long hikes and multi-day trips. With its 5,000-mile sole guarantee, it’s a durable investment for women seeking minimalist performance in a hiking boot.
Key specs
Weight Lightweight hiking boot
Thickness Flexible barefoot sole with dual-chevron tread
Warranty 5,000-mile sole guarantee
Design Zero-drop, wide toe box, abrasion-resistant mesh upper
Water resistance: Fully waterproof with seam-sealed membrane
The Vivobarefoot Primus Trail III All Weather FG is built for active women who love fast hikes and trail runs in cooler, wetter climates. Its water-resistant upper and firm-ground sole make it suitable for a variety of conditions, offering grip and durability without compromising flexibility. This shoe is designed to encourage natural strength with every step.
Made with recycled vegan materials, it’s as eco-friendly as it is practical. The lightweight build and quick-lace system make it easy to wear on both trails and in urban environments, making it one of the most versatile barefoot shoes for women.
Key specs
Weight 315g (EU 42)
Thickness Thin barefoot sole with firm-ground lugs
Warranty Standard manufacturer guarantee
Design Zero-drop, wide toe box, recycled vegan materials
Water resistance: Water-resistant upper
The SAGUARO barefoot shoes are a budget-friendly, versatile option that performs well for hiking, trail running, gym workouts, and even water activities. With a wide toe box, zero-drop sole, and breathable upper, they encourage natural movement and comfort. Their removable insoles allow you to customise the barefoot feel, making them adaptable for different activities.
What sets SAGUARO apart is their quick-drying design, which makes them suitable for both trails and amphibious use. Lightweight, foldable, and affordable, they’re a great choice for women new to barefoot hiking or looking for a multi-use minimalist shoe.
Key specs
Weight Lightweight and packable
Thickness Thin barefoot sole
Warranty Standard manufacturer guarantee
Design Zero-drop, wide toe box, breathable fabric upper
Water resistance: Quick-drying and amphibious
The Merrell Vapor Glove 6 offers one of the most barefoot-like experiences in the brand’s range. With a thin Vibram outsole, it provides excellent ground connection while still offering traction on wet and dry trails. Its zero-drop sole keeps your stride natural, while the breathable mesh upper keeps feet cool during long runs or hikes.
Lightweight and flexible, this shoe is perfect for women who want to feel as close to barefoot as possible while still having a reliable grip and durability. It’s a minimalist option designed for trail runners and hikers who value ground feel over cushioning.
Key specs
Weight Lightweight trail runner
Thickness Thin barefoot sole
Warranty Standard manufacturer guarantee
Design Zero-drop, wide toe box, breathable mesh upper with recycled laces
Why Choose Barefoot Hiking Shoes?
Barefoot hiking shoes allow your feet to move naturally, strengthening muscles, tendons, and ligaments that are often neglected in traditional hiking boots. By keeping a zero-drop sole and a wide toe box, these shoes encourage better posture and alignment, reducing strain on knees, hips, and back.
They also improve balance and ground awareness, helping you navigate uneven or rocky terrain more safely. For women, barefoot hiking shoes can prevent common issues like bunions, plantar fasciitis, and restricted toe movement caused by narrow, cushioned boots.
Key Features to Look For
When choosing barefoot hiking shoes, consider weight, sole thickness, water resistance, and terrain suitability. Lightweight shoes allow for faster, more agile movement, while thin but protective soles offer better ground feel. Waterproofing or water-resistant materials are essential for wet or muddy conditions, and firm-ground or multi-terrain lugs help with traction.
Other important factors include breathability, ankle support (if needed for rugged terrain), and durability. A removable insole or customisation options can also help adapt the shoe for long hikes or multi-day trips.
How to Transition to Barefoot Hiking Shoes
Switching to barefoot hiking shoes requires a gradual transition to avoid injury. Start with short walks or easy trails, then progressively increase distance and terrain difficulty. Pay attention to your feet, calves, and shins, as these muscles need time to adapt to the different biomechanics of barefoot movement.
Incorporating foot-strengthening exercises, like toe spreads, calf raises, and balance drills, can accelerate the transition. Always listen to your body and avoid overtraining, especially if you are used to heavily cushioned hiking boots.
FAQs
Can barefoot hiking shoes be used on long treks?
Yes, with a gradual transition and proper conditioning, barefoot hiking shoes can be worn on multi-day hikes. Many hikers report stronger, more resilient feet over time.
Are barefoot hiking shoes waterproof?
Some models, like the Vivobarefoot Tracker II FG and Xero Shoes Xcursion, are fully waterproof, while others, like the Merrell Vapor Glove 6, are breathable but not water-resistant. Choose based on the conditions you’ll encounter.
Can I wear barefoot hiking shoes for running?
Absolutely. Many barefoot hiking shoes double as trail runners, especially lightweight models like the Primus Trail III and Merrell Vapor Glove 6, which offer excellent ground feel and flexibility.
How do I choose the right size?
Barefoot hiking shoes should fit snugly but allow your toes to splay naturally. Measure your foot length and width, and check the manufacturer’s sizing guide, as barefoot brands often run differently from conventional shoes.
Are barefoot shoes suitable for ankle support?
Barefoot shoes typically offer less ankle support than traditional boots. For rugged terrain or heavy loads, choose a mid-height model like the Tracker II FG that provides some stability while maintaining barefoot principles.
