Barefoot Shoes reviews from Reddit

Summary

We analyzed 413 Reddit reviews across 14 subreddits and 98 posts to rank the best Barefoot Shoes brands recommended by redditors, including communities like r/BarefootRunning, r/barefootshoestalk, r/BuyItForLife, r/minimalism, r/f45. Top-rated brands include Xero (4.3/5), Lems (4.0/5), Vivobarefoot (4.3/5).

Stats

Reviews413

Subreddits14

Posts98

Brands67

Products40

Top communities

r/BarefootRunning198 r/barefootshoestalk170 r/BuyItForLife10 r/minimalism10 r/f456

413 reviews from

and

By Brand

By Product

Xero

4.3

(43)

"I love the Xero Scrambler Low. Just used them in Sedona and Grand Canyon with a kid on my back."

"I really like the Xero Scrambler models for hiking."

"Xero shoes by far for me."

"Xero clearance section. Got 3 pair for $100. Now that’s all I wear. 2 weeks in and LOVE em!"

"I'd say getting Xeros at their annual sale is the best mile/$ you can get for true minimalist footwear."

"Switched to Xero Prios - split squats were way more stable. I thought I had accidentally halved the weight the first time I used them!"

"I love mine. Super comfy and they are pretty inconspicuous."

"The shoes I've found the best for me are Xero HFS"

"Xero Speedforce are my absolute favorite."

"I wear Xero Glenns. My feet love me for it."

Lems

4.0

(35)

"I have been training in Lems Primals for a decade."

"They are the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn!"

"Lems."

"If you want cushioning but in a minimalist concept, you should look into the Lems Primal2."

"Lems and altra"

"Lems are great. Not zero drop, and the sole is a little thicker than xero, but they're super comfy and hold up well to a lot of hiking"

"I feel like the go to answer in Lems and Xero"

"Birchbury and Lems are more business casual."

"Lems boot tuff"

"I’ve always enjoyed wearing the Lems nine2five"

Vivobarefoot

4.3

(26)

"Vivo barefoots are my personal preference all around- having cushion is good."

"I like vivobarefoot primus lite for general wear, especially holidays."

"The two largest brands are Vivibarefoot and Xero. Normally that means they’re doing something right. I have multiples of both."

"Game over!"

"Vivobarefoor Gobi and Ra, y have 3 pair of Gobi and is my daily for to, even when I wear suits"

"I also advise you take that leap!"

"Vivobarefoot is the best in the business to me rn."

"My 4 year old has only ever worn VivoBarefoot shoes since he could walk."

"Ive been wearing Vivo primus lite for indoor exercise for 3 years. Super comfy, wide toe box, great for lifting."

Whitin

4.0

(26)

"If these are your first pair of barefoot shoes I would go with these by Whitin. I bought them last May and have put over a million steps in them (literally) and they're still holding strong."

"I am a size 11.5, 13 cm wide and the whitin wide width works great for me."

"Only whitin for me and I got the fabric ones that are a bit stretchy."

"My wide Whitins feel like I’m not wearing anything, and very affordable."

"Check out Whitins. I especially love the wide canvas ones. Better durability and comfort than the $100+ models."

"Whitin direct from China through Aliexpress. More options are available and they're around $12 to $20/pair."

"The ground feel on Whitins are better than some of the Xero, Groundies, Lems, Feel Grounds."

"Love my whitins :)"

"I’m here to second Whitin. I used to buy Vivobarefoot but haven’t been able to justify the cost. The Whitins last longer."

"My whitins off Amazon were 40 bucks and have become my daily drivers."

Altra

4.3

(23)

"Altra all day!"

"Altra has great toe space if you need some cushion."

"I found Altras for wide toe box running shoes, got the Riveras to start out."

"I love my Altra lone peaks."

"I no longer have pain from plantar fasciitis after wearing Correct Toes and Altras."

"Hiking/running Altra all day everyday."

"Altra makes quite good hiking shoes"

"Perhaps something from Altra or Hoka?"

"Altras would fit the shoe requirements the doctor is recommending for your dad."

"Altras for zero drop, wide toe box, but lots of cushion"

Vivo

4.3

(18)

"I personally love them."

"I recently bought some vivos to replace my whitins."

"There are also a couple of groups there for used barefoot shoes in the UK."

"I always wear vivos at f45 and wherever else I lift. Totally worth the investment."

"Yes. I use VFF V-alphas or Vivo Magna Forest ESC depending on if it is cold and wet/muddy or not."

"My vivos have lasted much longer than any other shoe I’ve ever worn."

"I've been wearing the Vivo Primus Lite III -shoes for a few years at the gym and for tennis."

"Second vivo."

"Only knock for me against Vivo are the materials."

"The Tracker boots are solid though. And good for daily wear in cold weather."

Vibram

4.3

(18)

"Vibram fivefingers if you’re looking for the most barefoot like."

"If you want full bare, I think the best option is vibram five fingers."

"The shoes I've found the best for me are ... Virbram Five Fingers."

"Vibrams!"

"Or Softstar Primal or Realfoot worn with Correct Toes toe spacers"

"Been wearing vibram 5 fingers for all my gym workouts for years."

"I prefer vibram fivefingers in anything except rain/snow"

"My go to is Vibram Five Fingers. I also have Xero shoes, Vivobarefoot, Lems, and Altra Lone Peak for hiking."

"I enjoy the vibrams kso wool edition because of the natural properties of wool"

"I‘d personally advocate for VFF all day."

Wildling

4.3

(16)

"I have Wildling Shoes, Vivobarefoot and Gaucho Ninja and I really like them. I find the Wildling the most comfortable"

"For me, Wildlings are the best."

"Brands that immediately come to mind that stitch are Wildlings, Feelgrounds, Origo, I think Ahinsa and Bohempia do as well."

"I use Wildling Tanuki. They last surprisingly a long time."

"For working out (I lift and cycle/row) and everyday running errands, I wear Wildling Tanuki. They aren’t the widest shoes by the size chart but they were recommended to me."

"In the summer, I seem to prefer Wildling."

"Wildling are good and also feel very breathable."

"Wilding tanukis for shoes but you might want to see a doctor about the stink."

"I’ve read Wildlings are quite thin/minimal."

"Seconding Wildlings. I have two pairs and I love them so much."

Hobibear

4.0

(17)

"I switched to barefoot shoes, (Hobibear $50. on Amazon,) a month ago. my feet are almost back to normal."

"Hobibear are a good shout. Amazon has them for £30-40 and there’s usually some offer knocking off a couple of £s as well."

"Came to say hobi. 2 winners (from Amazon)"

"Just bought my second pair of hobibear sneakers. From amazon, Real plain and comfortable."

"Protip: Aliexpress Hobibear for the pricing."

"Go Hobibear from AliExpress instead. "Same" show, but actually has better laces, and is often half the price."

"Hobibear have been decent "cheap" barefoot shoes for me. I think theyre basically the same thing as the Whitins."

"Hobibear from ali are also good cheap shoes"

"I dipped my toes into Hobibear, liked them enough that I got a second pair."

"Hobibears for a barefoot/minimalist and wide toe box is an option too, bought from aliexpress they are £10-15"

#10

Splay

4.4

(11)

"Personally I will always throw out Splay as my personal favorite. Some of the newer styles are a bit pricier (worth it in my opinion though) but the old style is still like $40 I think, which is what I have and love."

"I think Splay has finally achieved it."

"Check out Splay"

"Splay shoes is coming out with a model specifically for skateboarding in a couple days."

"Excellent shoe, fits with standard US sizing."

"I kept my son in Robeez type shoes until they quit making his size, then moved to Splay and water shoes."

"I believe Splay does kid sizes."

"Later we were very happy with Splay, Plae, and Merrell bare steps."

"Splay Shoes."

"Splay Freestyles are fairly priced and will give you a new contact surface area underfoot."

#11

Vibram FiveFingers

4.2

(11)

"You should go with Fivefingers for everyday wear!"

"I‘d say jump and be brave enough for everyday VFFs :)"

"I wear VibramFiveFingers as water shoe. I don't take them off when on the beach"

"Vrun are great for running."

"I like my Vibram Five Fingers."

"Vibram fivefingers. I like my toes being able to move."

"Bought my 10yo boy fivefingers and he loves them."

"I like vff for training."

"My go-to minimalist shoes for biking are my VFF V-Trek."

"I hiked in DIY sandals, vibram five-fingers."

#12

Saguaro

3.9

(11)

"Look at Saugaro shoes. Cheap and very minimal."

"Saguaro are great budget barefoot shoes."

"If you're on a budget saguaro makes some good shoes."

"I've worn saguaros dupe of the Vivo primus and they've been great."

"My 5 year old has been in saguaro (or ones that's no brand but look the same) for years, they're great."

"Try Saguaro. They have good looking casual everyday use shoes for like $50."

"I got my mom and MIL, both in their 70’s Saguaro shoes because they aren’t the thinnest and are more of a transition shoe."

"I have heard good things about Saguaro kids shoes."

"I tried Saguaro: I used waterproofing spray on them and so far I didn't get wet feet."

"Saguaros are about 1/3 the cost for about 3/4 of the quality of most of my vibrams."

#13

Softstar

4.1

(10)

"My softstars are super wide and super minimal. They're also the most comfortable shoes I have."

"My personal favorite barefoot shoes are from the primal line of Softstar shoes."

"Softstar are USA made."

"Softstar"

"I've heard you can talk to Softstar customer service and sometimes they're willing to do custom cuts for certain models."

"Softstar and Realfoot are probably your best options."

"Softstar and Realfoot are your main options, although they make no effort to hide / no apology for the width (which I like)."

"Thanks so much, guys! Has anyone tried Softstar?"

"Maybe softstar?"

"Maybe the Softstar Moc 3 Runs? They have 2 mm soles."

#14

Freet

4.3

(7)

"I recommend the freet vibe. 8.5mm stack height with insole, 5,5mm without. Breathable, light and grippy."

"I am using Freet hiking shoes and I am very satisfied with them."

"Freet are very good, paid about £50 on Sports #pursuit recently, they also have Xeros"

"Look for Freet."

"Freet do a heel lift insert which might be helpful to you!"

"Freet if you want good quality without paying too much of a premium."

"Freet also makes some high quality shoes that have a little more protection than vivo."

#15

Feelgrounds

4.0

(7)

"Used Feelgrounds with my own insoles. 10-20k steps, no issues."

"Feelgrounds, Bohempia, Groundies are good brands that sell minimal shoes."

"Take a look at feelgrounds. Not sure if they have anything."

"Feelgrounds or Ahinsa!"

"Feelgrounds have vegan winter models."

"I don’t own these but I just came across them, look into a brand called feelgrounds."

"The Feelgrounds Patrol boot looks very flexible."

#16

Belenka

4.5

(6)

"Belenka shoes!"

"Belenka seem to be the one that he doesn’t protest wearing at all ever."

"My favorite footwear are Padraig Cottage "slippers" (moccasins), BeLenka City shoes and UnShoe Feather sandals."

"Belenka does nice kid's shoes in my opinion."

"I like BeLenka and Luna, but I recommend you look here to get an idea."

"I just replied to another post with a suggestion to look at Feelgrounds and Feelmax brands, and also BeLenka."

#17

Xero Shoes

4.3

(6)

"I've had good luck with Xero shoes."

"I got my kid 10 little and they were great. Then moved to xeros when they outgrew the 10 littles."

"Xero shoes has a slip on shoe called the sunrise. I’m not sure if this is the type of shoe you are looking for but right now you can get a pair for 28 dollars"

"I personally found some relief from neuropathy when wearing Xero Shoes"

"For example, Xero Shoes is not especially wide, it’s just foot-shaped."

"Xero Shoes are known for having many of the barefoot qualities across a range of model types."

#18

Birchbury

4.2

(6)

"I like birchbury and I have foot issues."

"Birchbury and Lems are more business casual."

"Birchbury are nice"

"If you're in the US, I like ones by Birchbury"

"Birchbury Brenstons for a more casual but still formal look than above"

"By a pair of Birchbury and wear them around town on errands and get your feet muscles to strengthen up for a month or two."

#19

Hykes

5.0

(5)

"Best shoes I have owned and I will never go back to restricted regular shoes."

"There are many brands but I use Hykes Pinnacle and love them."

"I am using Hykes Pinnacle and love them."

"Try Hykes Pinnacle barefoot shoes, I love them and will never use regular shoes again."

"I will never go back to regular shoes."

#20

Merrell

4.2

(6)

"I’ve spent the last decade running in the Merrell barefoot line. They are incredibly durable, excellent groundfeel, decent grip and adequate toe protection."

"Something from Merrell Barefoot? Maybe wildlings?"

"I wore merrel glove 3 for a few months for all my workouts. They work but everything requiring stability like lounges or one leg RDL feels so much nicer in my metcons."

"I have Merrell vibram sole ones I think? They are great."

"Later we were very happy with Splay, Plae, and Merrell bare steps."

"Then once you can wear them every day all day, then grab a pair of something designed for hiking: Lems, Vivobarefoot, Merrells."

#21

barefoot shoes

4.6

(5)

"I prefer to buy European-made barefoot shoes from smaller companies."

"I just got my first pair of barefoot and I’m happy."

"I’ve found these sock-like barefoot shoes and it’s all I wear now. I will never wear anything else. My feet feel free."

"Whitten barefoot shoes on Amazon are around $40 if they can fit adult sizes."

"Moved to barefoot shoes about a year ago and haven't looked back."

#22

Whitins

4.4

(5)

"Got a pair of Whitins a couple months ago and I don’t think I will go back to Vivos any time soon."

"Whitins! they are wide af."

"I was very skeptical of them when I ordered but I dig them."

"They’re always worth the price and always comfortable."

"I like the whitins for work. They are as protective of fluids as any other sneaker."

#23

Leguano

4.2

(5)

"Leguano Care, basically made for your field. My partner is a doctor and she‘s loving hers."

"I'm currently very happy with Leguano"

"If you have narrow feet maybe try Leguano? My Leguanos are way less shoe than others I have tried."

"Leguano has cute barefoot shoes for kids!"

"Leguano care is designed for nurses. Germany based company."

#24

Treks

4.2

(5)

"I have the Treks Airo, and I wear them for almost anything."

"I use Treks Airo. They're ultra-thin and flexible but still shield your feet from rocks."

"For hiking on rough terrain, I use Treks Airo, they're not five-toe but have an extra wide toe box for natural spread."

"I went with the treks airo, and they did not cost that much."

"Treks Airo are zero drop."

#25

Vivos

3.8

(5)

"Vivos are currently 25% off with code LYKKA25"

"A young student of mine wears vivos and xeros, and he says he enjoys both a lot."

"My preference are Vivos for athletic styled shoes."

"I be on them vibrams. I also have some Vivos."

"I recently bought some vivos to replace my whitins."

#26

Realfoot

4.0

5.0

(2)

"I like Vivo primus lite for the gym and running errands."

"They are truly barefoot and minimalist."

#33

Anya

5.0

(2)

"Barefoot shoes completely changed her life, no more shin splints, no more numb toes, etc."

"Look around the linked site for some more brands with shoes for kids - there are more than I realized before I had a kid who needed some shoes!"

#34

3.0

3.0

3.0

(1)

"I wear $12 water shoes from walmart, definitely not stylish, but very affordable and they feel great!"

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