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If you’re searching for the best barefoot shoes for men, we’ve curated a comprehensive guide to meet all your needs. From hiking boots to office shoes – barefoot footware has come a long way. Why opt for these types of shoes though? Barefoot shoes help reconnect you with nature, promote strong and healthy feet, and contribute to your overall wellbeing. If you are looking for the best barefoot shoes for women, we have a guide of that too. So, whether you’re trekkng through forests, running on city trails, or enjoying a casual day out, these minimalist shoes are designed for versatility, comfort, and sustainability.
Barefoot shoes are more than just footwear—they’re the next step to re-wilding to connecting to our primal nature. They encourage natural movement, improve posture, and strengthen foot muscles, helping you walk with more ease and confidence. By minimising the distance between you and the earth, they offer a sense of grounding that’s hard to replicate with traditional shoes.
The Best Barefoot Shoes at a Glance:
- Best Overall Barefoot Shoe: VivoBarefoot Primus Lite – Bestseller, lightweight and versatile for everyday.
- Best Knit Barefoot Shoe: VivoBarefoot Primus Lite Knit – Lightweight sock style
- Best for Hiking: VIVOBAREFOOT Tracker Forest ESC Mens – Lightweight & Puncture Resistant. Built by Survival Experts
- Best for Water Resistant: Xero Shoes Xcursion Fusion – Durable and waterproof for rugged terrain.
- Best Running Shoe: Merrell Vapor Glove 5 – Flexible and responsive for optimal performance.
- Best Barefoot Sandal: Xero Barefoot Sandal – Grounding and lightweight
- Best Smart Shoe: Xero Shoes Glenn Dress Casual Leather Shoes – Minimalist style with maximum comfort for office.
At Barefoot Backpackers, we select gear that aligns with our values of sustainability, health, and adventure. Being barefoot is at the heart of our mission. Not only are they the most convenient footwear for travelling as they fold down small as they have no arch, but really help you to reconnect to natural movement and will help you feel grounded not only on outdoor adventured but day to day too.
We’ve explored a wide range of barefoot shoes to suit different needs, from hiking and running to casual wear and beyond. Our selection ensures every step of your journey is grounded and intentional. In this guide, we’ll explore the best barefoot shoes from barefoot hiking boots for men running shoes, sandals, and more. Each pair has been carefully chosen to provide maximum comfort, functionality, and alignment with a conscious lifestyle.
Best Barefoot Shoes for Men
Vivo Barefoot’s bestseller – the minimalist classic, the Primus Lite is ideal for those who want to reconnect with the ground beneath their feet, but want a shoe that blends in with the rest of their wardrobe. It’s incredibly lightweight and flexible, offering excellent breathability with its mesh upper and TPU overlays made from recycled materials. The wide toe box and zero-drop sole make it a go-to for natural foot movement, while the hexagonal tread pattern provides reliable traction on a variety of surfaces. Whether you’re training, walking, or running errands, it keeps you close to the earth with a high level of ground feel.
Key Specs
Weight approximately 16.8 oz per pair (US size 10)
Stack height 7mm (4mm base + 3mm removable Ortholite insole)
Drop 0mm
Outsole 2mm synthetic rubber with hexagonal tread
Upper material recycled polyester mesh and TPU overlays
Fit wide toe box for natural toe splay
Ground feel: high
Combining breathability with sustainable performance, the Primus Lite Knit features a soft, sock-like upper made from recycled knit fabric that hugs your foot without restricting it. The zero-drop design, wide toe box, and removable Ortholite insole work together to promote natural movement and excellent proprioception. It’s great for casual wear, training, or travel – wherever light, flexible footwear is key.
Key Specs
Upper material breathable knit made with recycled polyester and spandex
Outsole 2mm Primus outsole
Insole removable Active Ortholite Performance insole (98% recycled PU foam)
Puncture resistance 0.8mm Pro5 layer
Fit wide toe box
Drop 0mm
Weight approximately 246g per shoe
Designed with input from survival experts, the Tracker Forest ESC is built to perform in wild, off-trail environments. Its Michelin® outsole offers deep, multi-directional lugs for traction in muddy or rugged conditions, while the wild hide leather upper ensures breathability and water resistance. We love the robust, rugged look of this boot. Plus, with a zero-drop platform, flexible fit, and puncture-resistant layer, this shoe is both protective and prima. It is ideal for serious trail adventurers who are looking for a shoe built for them in mind.
Key Specs
Outsole Michelin® ESC with 2.5mm base and 7mm lugs
Upper material wild hide leather with synthetic rubber overlays
Lining 100% RPET
Insole removable Ortholite insole (98% recycled PU foam)
Water resistant
Weight 525g per shoe
Fit wide toe box, zero drop
Additional features textured RPET laces, non-marking outsole
This barefoot shoe looks like a typical shoe of this kind. It is a rugged trail companion, and the Xcursion Fusion delivers waterproof protection without sacrificing barefoot feel. Its flexible outsole grips well in wet or uneven terrain, while the sealed seams and waterproof membrane keep feet dry in unpredictable weather. With a wide toe box, zero-drop design, and extra protection in high-wear areas, it’s ready for any wet and wild adventure.
Key Specs
Outsole 10mm FeelTrue® rubber with 3.5mm dual-chevron lugs
Upper material synthetic and textile with waterproof membrane
Insole 2mm removable insole
Drop 0mm
Weight approximately 272g per shoe
Wide toe box
Additional features reinforced toe cap, reflective heel and instep straps
Engineered for speed and natural motion, the Merrell Vapor Glove 5 is a true barefoot running shoe with a barely-there feel. It features a Vibram® outsole for superior grip, a breathable mesh upper for ventilation, and a snug, sock-like fit that encourages natural movement. Ideal for road or gym use, this shoe is built for those who prioritise flexibility and ground feedback.
Key Specs
Outsole Vibram® EcoStep with 30% recycled rubber
Upper material mesh and TPU
Lining 40% recycled breathable mesh
Insole EVA foam with 100% recycled top sheet
Stack height 6.5mm (heel and toe)
Lug depth 2mm
Fit Merrell Barefoot 2 anatomical shape
For when you really want to get your toes out, the Xero Shoes Men’s Genesis Sandal is designed for those who prefer a minimalist, barefoot-style experience, combined with the security of a strapped sandal. These sandals are extremely lightweight and flexible, making them ideal for travel, everyday wear, and light activities. The open design promotes airflow, keeping your feet cool, while the adjustable straps ensure a comfortable and secure fit. They are designed to allow your feet to move naturally, promoting a more connected feel to the ground. Plus they weigh and pack down to next to nothing, making them a great piece of footwear for trips.
Key Specs:
Very lightweight, typically only a few ounces per sandal (4.6 ounces)
5.5mm FeelTrue® rubber sole provides protection and ground feedback.
Zero-Drop
Wide Toe Box:
Adjustable Straps
If you’re looking for a minimalist shoe that works in the office or out to dinner, the Xero Glenn hits the mark. It blends classic Oxford style with a barefoot-friendly sole, soft leather interior, and roomy toe box. Water-resistant and zero-drop, it’s built for those who want natural movement without compromising on sophistication.
Key Specs
Upper material water-resistant Nubuck leather
Lining material soft leather
Outsole 5mm zero-drop FeelTrue® cup sole
Insole 2.5mm removable
Stack height 8mm
Fit wider toe box, suits average to wide feet and dominant big toes
Closure lace-up
Weight approximately 278g per shoe Style classic Oxford design
Benefits of Barefoot Shoes
Barefoot shoes encourage a more natural gait, strengthening foot muscles and improving posture. They also provide a deeper connection to the ground beneath you, promoting balance and stability. Additionally, their minimalist design reduces material waste, making them a more sustainable footwear choice. If you want to go indepth about the subject be sure to check out our guide: are barefoot shoes good for your feet. Also Vivo Barefoot have some excellent ressources.
How to Choose the Best Barefoot Shoe
- Purpose: Determine your primary activity—hiking, running, or casual wear.
- Fit: Look for a shoe with a wide toe box to allow natural toe splay.
- Material: Opt for eco-friendly, breathable, and durable materials.
- Sole Thickness: Choose according to the level of ground feedback you prefer.
FAQ: Barefoot Shoes
Do You Wear Socks with Barefoot Shoes?
Yes, you can wear socks with barefoot shoes if you prefer. Many brands offer special socks designed for a minimalist fit to maintain the natural feel of the shoes.
How to Walk in Barefoot Shoes?
When transitioning to barefoot shoes, focus on landing gently with a midfoot or forefoot strike. Gradually increase your wear time to build strength and prevent discomfort.
How to Wash Barefoot Shoes?
Most barefoot shoes can be cleaned with a gentle hand wash using mild soap and water. Be sure to check the care instructions specific to your brand.
Do Barefoot Shoes Work?
Yes, barefoot shoes can improve foot strength, enhance posture, and provide better sensory feedback. They encourage a more natural walking and running gait. So, are barefoot shoes good for your feet? For many, they offer a healthier and more natural alternative to traditional footwear, promoting better posture, stronger muscles, and improved foot health. Whether you’re exploring trails in hike barefoot shoes or hitting the gym in minimalist trainers, embracing the barefoot lifestyle can lead to long-term benefits for your overall well-being.
At Barefoot Backpackers, we’re passionate about helping you navigate the world with purpose. Our site is a hub for holistic health, conscious travel tips, and sustainable living advice. With every guide, we aim to help you create meaningful adventures while staying true to your values. Our content always comes from real experiences and knowledge that is truly aligned with us.
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