Best minimalist shoes on Reddit

270 reviews from r/BarefootRunning, r/cars, r/Ultralight and 19 more subreddits

270 reviews from

and

By Brand

By Product

Xero

4.3

(47)

"I love my xero shoes for driving."

"I daily drive a manual Hyundai Elantra with those very same Xero shoes."

"Xero shoes. Comfortable and good for wide feet."

"I wear Xeros while driving, and just generally all the time."

"I like the xeros for driving!"

"Are great for that."

"Xero shoes have a section walking which has a video at the end."

"Xeros are quite long and have good ankle stability, try em"

"I walk on xero hfs and softstars all the time. Its a nice change of pace!"

"Most aggressive truly minimalist trail running shoe I can think of is the Xero Mesa trail with 4mm lugs."

Merrell

4.4

(23)

"Merrell makes the Vapor Glove and Trail Glove. Both are zero drop minimalist shoes that work well for me in the car."

"I run long distance and do parkour in a soft floored gym in Merrel minimalist shoes."

"Great everyday shoe with a really light fit."

"I've heard they are ultralight."

"Merrells are always good."

"Merrell Boys' Bare Access Sneaker, Blue, 2.5 Medium US Little Kid."

"Very lightweight and comfortable."

"I wear a size 50 and run on sidewalks/streets a lot in my Merrell Trail Glove 4's have held up really well."

"And I love them both."

"It's a barefoot shoe for people who don't like things between their toes."

Altra

4.0

(17)

"I love my Altras. They are zero drop wide toe box."

"Altras or xero shoes are my go to."

"I've got ~200 miles in 1.5 months on these bad boys."

"I run in Altra’s and wear Vivos for work."

"They are just so incredibly comfortable."

"I walk in Altra Lone Peaks. They are zero drop although not minimalist."

"Its great cause they haven't updated it since 2018."

"I wear minimalist shoes almost always. For backpacking I wear lone peaks and have had no issues."

"They are definitely more than minimalist shoes but the cushioning is nowhere near as robust as a majority of trail runners."

"I hike in Altras with a sub 20 lb pack. They work great."

Vivobarefoot

4.5

(15)

"Any thin and breathable shoe is going to be where its at. how about vivobarefoot? i like mine and ive been driving a stick daily for over 10 years."

"I do most of my running in "regular" shoes (Saucony, Nike, Hoka) but my main walking around shoes are Vivobarefoot."

"I’ve been wearing vivobarefoots for 5-6 years and started my running journey last year in Altra Torin 5s."

"Vivobarefoot and Tolos Barefoot are my go to !"

"Vivobarefoot has great options"

"Excellent quality, barefoot and minimalist shoes."

"I wear vivo barefoot over two years and they are super comfy."

"Super minimal, super stylish, super spendy: vivobarefoot"

"I like Vivobarefoot or Lem's over Xero."

"Vivobarefoot is quite stylish, it looks sleek."

Vivo

4.5

(12)

"I love my Vivo shoes. It's basically all I wear when away from home."

"He wears bedrock sandals or vivos to hike."

"He wears the vivos to work, and he works in a factory."

"I love my Vivos so much!"

"Vivo, bobux, snooshoos"

"For my money the Vivo Stealth 2 is the best all-around shoe."

"I have worn vivos as casual 'going to the shops' shoes for 2 years."

"My experience with Vivo Primus barefoot shoes for tennis."

"Vivo trail soft grounds ?"

"I currently play in vivo stealth 2s."

New Balance

4.1

(11)

"I can't more highly recommend the New Balance Minimus."

"[NB Minimus] EDIT: 3 years on mine as well. 4-5 days week in the gym and even ran a Spartan Beast in them."

"If you live in the USA, you can check the New Balance Minimus series."

"My partner wears New Balance Minimus, but will bring a pair of TX4 mids if we're doing a heavy XC trip."

"New Balance Minimus - 250"

"I've played in NB Minimus without major issues."

"I used to wear and love love love the new balance minimus trail zeros."

"New balance minimus feel great in every way."

"New balance minimus"

Vibram

4.4

(10)

"The KSO-evo and V-run are also very light."

"I've been running in Vibram's and Merrell minimalist shoes for about ten years now."

"Not what you want to hear about but VFF are about the best gym shoe you can get."

"I'm a huge fan of the Vibram KSO EVO and Vivobarefoot Primal for the gym."

"I used to play racquetball at the peak of my shoe minimalism. I had the Vibram Five-Fingers."

"Vibrams (multiple models) - about 100 miles"

"I’m around 1500km on my vibram runs."

"I'm at about 1300km in running on some vibram fivefingers trail v2.0."

"Vibrams made a five fingers version of the KSO Evo for kids."

"If you like Vibrams they can be had on ebay fairly cheap."

Whitin

4.4

(8)

"I got these shoes called 'Whitin' on amazon and they are super comfortable."

"Amazing feel."

"The best of them all."

"Honestly whitins are maybe some of the better product for the price."

"I really like them and can feel my feet kind of changing and adapting."

"Maybe try Whitin barefoot shoes in Wide fitting on Amazon also."

"I am pretty pleased with mine so far."

"For cheapo ones check out the Chinese Whitin ones on Amazon."

LEMS

4.1

(8)

"I'm partial to LEMS myself, zero drop but still just a little bit of cushion."

"My oldest friend is now a physio and wears Lems. I just got some minimal shoes for walking and they feel great."

"I wear LEMS trail runners. I get a flat footbed, wide toe box, but some cushion and traction."

"I've used Lems and Xero shoes for soccer, tennis, basketball."

"Some (not all) Lems are fairly wide and worth a try."

"I wear my Lem's to work where I'm on my feet all day."

"I do a lot of walking in my lems 9 to 5."

"The primal Zen Lems are decent and have thicker soles."

#10

Puma

4.0

(8)

"Puma Active Gaming Footwear EVOKNIT Esports Sneakers."

"Pumas all day."

"Puma makes some 'driving' shoes."

"I've always liked Pumas for driving."

"I’ve always been a fan of the puma speedcats."

"Puma makes great driving shoes."

"I liked my Pilotis and my Puma Speedcats."

"Puma Sparco?"

#11

Wildling

4.4

(7)

"Maybe have a look at Wildling shoes?"

"Wildling, Splay, Vivobarefoot and Softstar have great options."

"Wildling make small wintery shoes and are great value for money IMO."

"I enjoy riding fixed gear with Wildling Atmo shoes."

"Wildlings not sloshy at all."

"Have helped up great so far."

"They do really good winter weather shoes."

#12

Lems

4.3

(6)

"Lems outlander with thin wool insole and wool socks."

"They're the only ones that are truly comfortable."

"I play tennis in my Lems and so far no issues."

"I really like them. The sole seems to be longer-lasting than other barefoot shoes."

"I have lems primal 2's for the gym."

"If all black is acceptable, try the Lems Primal 2!"

#13

Hykes

5.0

(5)

"Hykes Pinnacle, best shoes I have owned."

"I am wearing Hykes Pinnacle and my husband wants the Hykes Navigator barefoot shoes."

"I am wearing Hykes Pinnacle and love them, I use them everything, I also run 5k every weekend and use them in our local trials."

"Best shoes I have ever owned."

"I love them, I use them for everything."

#14

Xero Shoes

4.0

(5)

"They're extremely breathable and durable, coming with a 5,000 mile warranty."

"Xero has many hiking models."

"Not a dress show but looks like a good BOH kitchen shoe."

"Consider xero shoes with their 5000 mile warranty."

"I have several pairs of Xero shoes and at least for me they don’t work that well for driving."

#15

Luna

4.5

(4)

"My luna sandals give me about 2000km"

"I finally tried Luna sandals and love them."

"I believe Luna and bedrock have some thicker sole models."

"Luna sandals are good quality."

#16

Vans

4.5

(4)

"Any Vans with the PopCush insole are stupid comfortable and are my go-to shoes for spirited driving."

"Skateboard shoes are what you want. Vans, etnies, lakai, ES."

"I’ve found Vans to be a great all-arounder."

"Vans authentic wide. may not be perfectly zero drop, but pretty darn close."

#17

Softstar

4.0

(4)

"Softstar is the only minimalist shoe that I have seen that I think might work."

"Generally touted as the enormously wide barefoot shoe."

"Softstar Shoes have some really cute femme options with customizable colourways."

"Check out softstars."

#18

Altra Lone Peaks

3.8

(4)

"Lone Peaks! I just did 140 miles over Whitney."

"I backpack(ed) with Altra Lone Peaks for a few seasons and loved them."

"They’re good, but hurt."

"Lone Peaks are definitely not minimalist shoes."

#19

Leguanos

4.7

(3)

"Am super in love with my Leguanos."

"I find them very comfortable and the sole is really really durable."

"Leguanos are pretty good for these surfaces."

#20

Vivo Barefoot

4.7

(3)

"I use vivo barefoot shoes for everything, including sprinting... they're pretty expensive but I find barefoot shoes are very good for sprinting."

"Last for years and years miles and miles."

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

#21

Hykes Pinnacle

5.0

(2)

"I have the Hykes Pinnacle and love them, best shoes I've ever owned."

"I have the Hykes Pinnacle and love them, best shoes I have owned."

#22

Wildlings

5.0

(2)

"I love my wildlings, they have tons of styles to choose from."

"I love my Wildling shoes."

#23

Altra Lone Peak

4.5

(2)

"Super wide toe box, rock plate, awesome traction, and great durability."

"I did this transition years ago from GTX to altra lone peaks. Overall I enjoy it much more."

#24

Soft Star

4.5

(2)

"They can make any shoe size you need and they’re super comfy."

"Soft star shoes."

#25

Onitsuka Tiger

4.5

(2)

"Onitsuka Tigers, hands down."

#26

SOM

4.5

(2)

"SOM are my shoe of choice."

"I am a huge fan of SOM shoes."

#27

Merrell Trail Glove

4.5

(2)

"My pick for running and lifting is the Merrell Trail Glove, Vibram five fingers, or Vivobarefoot shoes."

"The Merrell Trail gloves have some arch support and I like them."

#28

Vans Old Skool

4.5

(2)

"I've always liked vans old schools or barefoot for driving."

"Old skool regular insole vans, no comfy or pop cush insoles so you get better pedal feel."

#29

Plae

4.5

(2)

"Plae shoes without the insole are great as well."

"Plae shoes are great. They are pretty minimalist."

#30

Vibram FiveFingers

4.5

(2)

"Vibram 5 fingers are your best option though e"

"Have you actually tried VFF? Ya, they look weird, but if they work for you, who cares?"

#31

Inov-8

4.5

(2)

"Inov-8 makes a zero drop shoe that I really like, and Altra just released one, as well."

"Try inov8, I find they are more narrow and they are good quality."

#32

Adidas

4.0

(2)

"Adidas Sambas or Pumas."

"Flat, simple, nice grip for deads and squats."

#33

Vivobarefoot Primus Lite

4.0

(2)

"Been using Vivobarefoot Primus Lite for lifting, conditioning and short distance runs."

"I have worn vivo primus lite and sole runners for basketball."

#34

Saguaro

4.0

(2)

"Saguaro shoes."

"Saguaro minimalist shoes (from Amazon). Cheap, durable, comfortable."

#35

Xero HFS

4.0

(2)

"I am training for a marathon in the Xero HFS shoes. I now have over 250 miles in them."

"My current pair is around 700 miles and they still look great."

#36

Vivos

4.0

(2)

"I always use uncushioned foot shaped shoes like Vivos/Xero/Freet."

"You can get Vivos, Soft Stars, Freets, Joe Nimbles and Xeros that will fit."

#37

Tesla

4.0

(2)

"Currently i wear the following: * Tesla Baretrek (knockoff merell vapor glove), costs $30 on amazon."

"Currently i wear the following: Tesla Baretrek (knockoff merell vapor glove), costs $30 on amazon."

#38

Vivo Barefoot Primus FG

4.0

(2)

"I'll second the Vivo Barefoot Primus FG."

#39

Minimalist Shoes

4.0

(2)

"I switched out of those giant clunky Nikes and into minimalist shoes. Still completely terrible at basketball, but haven't hurt my ankles since the switch."

"Not an issue with minimalist shoes."

#40

Ten Little

4.0

(2)

"Ten Little are great."

"They are not quite truly minimalist, but still better than conventional shoes."

#41

Vivobarefoot Primus Trail SG

4.0

(2)

"I'm currently wearing a vivobarefoot shoe (primus trail sg) and I'm about to go out to the track for my run."

"Vivobarefoot Primus Trail SG are good in wet mud with good sized lugs."

#42

Soft Star Shoes

4.0

(2)

"They do custom color shoes."

"Soft Star Shoes might be an option to consider... they are leather (and durable)."

#43

Crocs

4.0

(2)

"Crocs. Theyre so comfortable and small.i feel more connected to the car with them on."

"Crocs."

#44

Saucony

4.0

(2)

"I liked the Saucony Shay XC 3 cross country flat. Super light and very little heel toe drop."

"I'd recommend the Saucony Type A6. A beautiful light shoe."

#45

Skora

3.5

(2)

"If you want tough, look no further than Skora."

"Have you looked at SKORA? I've been eying them after seeing them on reddit."

#46

Be Lenka

5.0

(1)

"I love my winter boots from Be Lenka!"

#47

The Drifter Leather

5.0

(1)

"I would check out The Drifter Leather. Great minimal custom fitted casual and dress shoes."

#48

Bobux

5.0

(1)

"Check out Bobux or slip free socks."

#49

Wolf Den

4.0

(1)

"These might work for you."

#50

Unshoes

4.0

(1)

"I would recommend Unshoes."

#51

Deadlift Slippers

4.0

(1)

"If you like the barefoot/socks feel but your gym won't allow it you can get some deadlift slippers."

#52

Chucks

4.0

(1)

"I lift in chucks and I love them. Deadlifting in any other type of shoe feels weird to me."

#53

Carets

4.0

(1)

"I just found Carets - pretty expensive shoe, but a well made shoe in full grain leather is going to be expensive."

#54

Lake

4.0

(1)

"If you have some where local lake is also worth looking at."

#55

Bont

4.0

(1)

"Bont makes a wider and more foot-shaped shoe."

#56

Bedrock

4.0

(1)

"I believe Luna and bedrock have some thicker sole models."

#57

Amazon

4.0

(1)

"If you’re looking for something cheap there’s tons of barefoot/minimalist shoes on amazon."

#58

Barefoot Minimalist Shoes

4.0

(1)

"I definitely want to give barefoot/minimalist walking and/or running a try."

#59

Feiyue

4.0

(1)

"Feiyue shoes. like these:"

#60

Nike

4.0

(1)

"Nike Frees and New Balance Minimus, you can find them for sub-$60."

#61

Ahinsa

4.0

(1)

"There are the Ahinsa Hiker boots. It's leather and although it doesn't state 'non-slip', the outsole is Vibram."

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