Best minimalist shoes on Reddit

313 reviews from r/BarefootRunning, r/cars, r/Ultralight and 14 more subreddits

313 reviews from

and

By Brand

By Product

Xero

4.4

(47)

"Is amazing for basketball and even the sole is designed to have pivot points."

"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."

"My favorite shoes to drive stick in are my barefoot shoes."

"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"

Vivobarefoot

4.5

(23)

"He loves them, they have improved his running style and he is very comfortable in them."

"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"

"I started using the tracker model for backpacking when it came out and I do really love that model."

"Excellent quality, barefoot and minimalist shoes."

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

"I have a pair of Vivobarefoot desert boots that I wore daily in the winter for a couple years."

Altra

4.1

(15)

"The Escalantes in particular is the one I always jump for because it's a very low profile and comfortable shoe."

"I've worn my trail glove 4s in deep mud and swampy trails."

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

"Altras or xero shoes are my go to."

"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."

"Trail glove 7’s are sick the lone peak 7 is another good option."

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

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

Merrell

4.7

(12)

"Our 3rd pair because our 3 yo loves them."

"I like my Merrell Trail Gloves"

"Merrell vapor for me, very close to being barefoot and I get great pedal control."

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

"Great everyday shoe with a really light fit."

"The best shoe i ever had .hands down."

"I've heard they are ultralight."

"Very lightweight and comfortable."

"I’ve been running in barefoot style shoes (older versions of the Merrell trail glove) since 2020."

"Moved to Merrell Foot glove which were good."

Puma

4.0

(11)

"Puma Active Gaming Footwear EVOKNIT Esports Sneakers."

"Pumas all day."

"Puma Driftcats."

"Puma makes a driving shoe. Pretty awesome."

"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."

"Puma Suede Classics."

"I liked my Pilotis and my Puma Speedcats."

Whitin

4.4

(9)

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

"Amazing feel."

"The best of them all."

"I love them. 1st week my feet felt awesome."

"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."

"Whitin barefoot shoes on amazon are non slip"

Vivo

4.3

(9)

"Great pedal feel, loafer/boat shoe style, comfortable."

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

"I love my Vivos so much!"

"My Vivo chukka dress boots are the most comfortable shoe I’ve ever worn."

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

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

"Work for my wide feet."

"I currently play in vivo stealth 2s."

"I have Vivo RunSwims SG and also Vibram Fivefinger EX-L both are good."

Hykes

4.9

(7)

"Sooooo comfy."

"Hykes Pinnacle, best shoes I have owned."

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

"Hykes Superhero barefoot shoes."

"Best shoes I have ever owned."

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

"Up to size 15 and wide shoes."

Lems

4.4

(5)

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

"My brother in law had a pair that lasted for a few years."

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

"I wear them daily with business casual."

"*Much* wider toebox than most."

#10

Softstar

4.2

(5)

"You should definitely try out the Youth Primal RunAmocs."

"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."

#11

Vibram

4.2

(5)

"Also the vibrab 5 finger shoes are awesome!!"

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

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

"I recommend the Sprint model."

"The Vivos are expensive and don’t last long but a bit better grip."

#12

New Balance

4.0

(5)

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

"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."

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

"I used my New Balance Minimus shoes a few times when backpacking."

#13

Wildling

4.5

(4)

"Maybe have a look at Wildling shoes?"

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

"Have helped up great so far."

"They do really good winter weather shoes."

#14

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."

#15

Vans

4.7

(3)

"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."

#16

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."

"I've read that the Vivo trail shoes, like the Magna or Primus are good for biking."

#17

Onitsuka Tiger

4.3

(3)

"Onitsuka Tigers, hands down."

"Onitsuka Mexico 66s were my go-to."

#18

Inov8

3.7

(3)

"Inov8 is good. Box toe and what I wear for x-training."

"I always appreciated the inov8 mud claw line."

"I'm using Inov8 BareXF 210 v2 for badminton."

#19

Wildlings

5.0

(2)

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

"I love my Wildling shoes."

#20

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."

#21

Leguanos

5.0

(2)

"Am super in love with my Leguanos."

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

#22

Soft Star Shoes

5.0

(2)

"Dressier than most & more mainstream look than their Runamocs."

"Currently the widest toe box of athletic shoes on the market."

#23

Allbirds

5.0

(2)

"Wool Allbirds I wear them without socks and they're super comfy."

"I love my Allbirds Wool Runners for driving, and they're sold in size 14."

#24

Anya's Reviews

5.0

(2)

"This person is the barefoot/minimalist shoe expert and she seems to have quite in depth reviews of the different options out there."

"These three ladies all have kids shoe reviews."

#25

Astral

5.0

(2)

"There's only one zero drop shoe that hugs the shape of a bare foot and looks sleek while doing it. It's the Astral Loyak."

"I wear them around town/running errands."

#26

Plae

4.5

(2)

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

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

#27

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."

#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

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."

#30

SOM

4.5

(2)

"SOM are my shoe of choice."

"I am a huge fan of SOM shoes."

#31

LEMS

4.5

(2)

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

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

#32

Splays

4.5

(2)

"They’re fantastic!! Zero drop. Wide with removable soles."

"I've been running in my splays with no problems so far."

#33

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."

#34

Vivo Barefoot Primus FG

4.0

(2)

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

#35

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."

#36

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."

#37

Crocs

4.0

(2)

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

"Crocs."

#38

Ten Little

4.0

(2)

"Ten Little are great."

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

#39

Groundies

4.0

(2)

"Groundies are the most 'normal' looking barefoot shoes I could find and they're very comfortable."

"I find them a *little* bit too squishy in the sole."

#40

Converse

4.0

(2)

"Chuck’s low top or high."

"I still wear Converse All-Stars when I play basketball."

#41

Joe Nimble

4.0

(2)

"I picked up biztoes to wear at work."

"Best I've found so far are Joe Nimble Warmtoes."

#42

Natur Athletics

5.0

(1)

"We make the first mass produced minimalist, wide toe-box cleats for grass sports."

#43

Wildling Shoes

5.0

(1)

"They are veeery soft and flexible and made from mostly organic and natural sources."

#44

Soft Star

5.0

(1)

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

#45

Tikki

5.0

(1)

"Tikki has the absolute best barefoot dress sandals! Handmade in Romania from vegetable-tanned leather."

#46

Xero Prio

5.0

(1)

"I've been using Prio for tennis. Love it."

#47

Merrell Vapor Glove 3

5.0

(1)

"I have leather version of merrell vapor gloves 3 and use them for everyday walking and love them."

#48

Xero Speed Force

5.0

(1)

"I’ve been using the Xero speed force and find them to be extremely comfortable for both lifting, running, and just about anything."

#49

inov8 Bare XF 210

5.0

(1)

"Inov8 bare XF 210. Made for crossfit, so should be fitting your profile."

#50

ASICS Matflex

5.0

(1)

"ASICS Matflex wrestling shoes. About $55."

#51

Nike Flyknit Racer

5.0

(1)

"My favorite driving shoes are Nike Flyknit Racers."

#52

Generic Barefoot Shoes

5.0

(1)

"I love my barefoot shoes for driving and daily life, got them from Amazon for like 20$."

#53

Vivobarefoot FG Trackers

5.0

(1)

"I loved those boots and enjoyed how much tactile information I was able to gather with a thin boot."

#54

Little Love Bug Shoes

5.0

(1)

"They are suuuuper minimal."

#55

Saucony Peregrine

5.0

(1)

"I can't imagine ever wearing boots to hike again."

#56

Saltic

5.0

(1)

"I've been wearing my Saltic Vintero shoes all winter, they don't look clownish at all, are super light, warm and comfortable."

#57

Nike

5.0

(1)

"They're the perfect blend of flexibility and support, promoting good pedal feel while being breathable."

#58

Bedrock

5.0

(1)

"I wear exclusively bedrock 3d cairn II sandals."

#59

Paperkrane

5.0

(1)

"Paperkrane make great shoes and they’re in Australia."

#60

Pediped

5.0

(1)

"Everything they have is apma approved. Lots of vegan options!"

#61

Saucony

5.0

(1)

"Saucony Bulllet or Onizka Tigers. The bullet's are basically a track spike without the spikes, very thin at your toes and ball of foot."

#62

ajko

5.0

(1)

"Ajko lows are my go to."

#63

Adidas SL72 Wales Bonner

5.0

(1)

"My favorite by far are Adidas SL72 Wales Bonner."

#64

Piloti Endurance

5.0

(1)

"I’ve had a pair of Piloti Endurance for many years, the heel is rounded off which makes them really nice for manual cars."

#65

Groundies Salzburg

5.0

(1)

"My favorite boots are groundies Salzburg - I've got them in black but they've got other colors too."

#66

Saguaros

5.0

(1)

"Barefoot only as much as possible. Saguaros or ten little are popular for outdoors with a wide toe and thin sole."

#67

Xero Speedforce

5.0

(1)

"I’m well over 2000 miles on my Xero Speedforce."

#68

Primus Lite II

5.0

(1)

"I'm at around 900 km's on my Primus Lite II's with no need for replacement anytime soon."

#69

Merrell Vapor Glove 4

5.0

(1)

"My Vapor Glove 4s are up to 600km and still holding."

#70

Xero Sandals

5.0

(1)

"Xero sandals. 5oz. wore them all summer and now in fall with socks."

#71

Vibram Furoshiki

5.0

(1)

"Vibram furoshiki!! The cloth feels like Batman's cape and my first pair lasted 2 1/2 years."

#72

Lems Boulder Boot

5.0

(1)

"I love these shoes and wear them all the time."

#73

Under Armour

4.0

(1)

"I just got a pair and really like them."

#74

Luna

4.0

(1)

"Luna sandals are good quality."

#75

Within

4.0

(1)

"One of my favorite is actually a pair of Within I bought from Amazon."

#76

Splay

4.0

(1)

"Check out Splay!. Haven't tried them yet but I definitely will be."

#77

Birkenstock

4.0

(1)

"I settled on Birkenstocks, have to buy though Germany to get shipped to U.S."

#78

Tesla

4.0

(1)

"I've seen a lot of positive comments about them."

#79

Rothy's

4.0

(1)

"Stretchy enough to accommodate wide width."

#80

Shoeszoo

4.0

(1)

"Can't beat the price and cuteness."

#81

Adidas

4.0

(1)

"Adidas Sambas or Pumas."

#82

SOM Footwear

4.0

(1)

"SOM Footwear just came out with a new model in the last few days that's water-resistant."

#83

Unshoes

4.0

(1)

"Unshoes also makes a dress sandal called Saffron that’s really simple but nice."

#84

iGuaneye

4.0

(1)

"I wear iguaneye jungle lights."

#85

Lake

4.0

(1)

"I use Lake cx201's, which are quite roomy and have a bit of a toebox."

#86

Inov-8

4.0

(1)

"Minimalist Crossfit shoe."

#87

Realfoot

4.0

(1)

"Realfoot. Softstar. About your only real options."

#88

Teva

4.0

(1)

"I like tevas."

#89

PF Flyers

4.0

(1)

"I really like PF Flyers. They're sort of like converse or chucks but comfier imo and have more feeling under the feet."

#90

Wrestling Shoes

4.0

(1)

"Wrestling shoes, good grip, snug, inexpensive, light, flexible but not too flexible."

#91

Puma Speedcat

4.0

(1)

"There's a lot of people really enjoying Puma Speedcats in the simracing community as well."

#92

Clarks Desert Boots

4.0

(1)

"Insane amount of pedal feel. Just be aware and probably size down or you’ll get a lot of heel slippage."

#93

Puma BMW Neo Cat Mid

4.0

(1)

"My current drivers shoe of choice for playing Forza Motorsport on my racing rig."

#94

Altra Torin

4.0

(1)

"I switch to some old Altra Torins for walking."

#95

Merrell Bare Access 2

4.0

(1)

"We got the Merrill Bare Access 2."

#96

Xero Mesa Trail

4.0

(1)

"The Mesa Trail is great for that close to the ground feel."

#97

Soms Footwear

4.0

(1)

"They look pretty close to vans and are zero drop."

#98

TSLA BK-32

4.0

(1)

"I have two pairs of tsla bk-32 shoes from amazon which are basically Merrell vapour glove copies but half the price."

#99

Merrell Vapor Glove 4 3D

4.0

(1)

"After much trial and error I have settled on the Merrell Vapor Glove 4 3D."

#100

Vibram KSO EVO

4.0

(1)

"KSO EVO's by Vibram is going to be your best bet."

#101

New Balance Minimus MT10v1

4.0

(1)

"The various shoes i have used for the gym and running have been NB Minimus mt10v1, xero prio, lems primal 2."

#102

Lems Primal 2

4.0

(1)

"I wear primal 2s to the gym and for running."

#103

Joomras

4.0

(1)

"Check out this brand on amazon called Joomras. Its a cheap chinese knock off of the xero type shoes but theyre really durable, breathable, and comfortable."

#104

Converse Chuck Taylor High Tops

4.0

(1)

"Converse Chuck Taylor High Tops are actually great for driving shoes on a budget."

#105

Hoka Speedgoat

4.0

(1)

"I started in Hoka Speedgoats and loved them, but wanted to go a bit more minimalist with lone peaks."

#106

Vivobarefoot Addis

4.0

(1)

"My Vivobarefoot Addis are great for capoeira."

#107

VFF KSO EVO

4.0

(1)

"I wear VFF KSO EVOs when I play tennis, softball and golf."

#108

Salewa Lite Train

4.0

(1)

"My go-to is Salewa Lite Train."

#109

Altra Youth Kokiri

4.0

(1)

"Overall mi kids like them."

#110

Lems 9 to 5

4.0

(1)

"Some people wear the 9 to 5 from lems."

#111

Merrell Vapour Glove

4.0

(1)

"Merrell Vapour Gloves should be good."

#112

Body Glove

4.0

(1)

"I have a pair of Body Glove Riptides that are very minimalist."

#113

Minnetonka

4.0

(1)

"Minnetonka driving shoes."

#114

Geox

4.0

(1)

"Heel and toe downshift. Geox all the way."

#115

Tadeevo

4.0

(1)

"Tadeevo makes up to 18."

#116

Amazon

4.0

(1)

"I can feel my feet muscles adapting and working my balance."

#117

DextraPerspective

4.0

(1)

"I had a cute pair of slip-ons made by DextraPerspective (etsy) which are hand-made, very comfy and cute."

#118

Xeroshoes

4.0

(1)

"I like trail runners from Xeroshoes and Vivobarefoot."

#119

Futsal

4.0

(1)

"Futsal (indoor soccer) shoes are great, thin sole, minimal uppers."

#120

Native

4.0

(1)

"The sandals are really good."

#121

Stonz

4.0

(1)

"Makes several vegan shoe types."

#122

Natural World Eco

4.0

(1)

"Makes a lot of vegan, sustainable shoes in kids sizes."

#123

Fit Kicks

4.0

(1)

"They seem even less substantial than the Xero shoes."

#124

Piloti

4.0

(1)

"The best shoes I’ve worn for driving have been Piloti."

#125

Nobull

4.0

(1)

"You might want to try Nobulls, specifically something made with their super fabric."

#126

Vivos

4.0

(1)

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

#127

Trail Runners

4.0

(1)

"The thought of wearing those heavy boots on a 30 mi. is making me tired right now."

#128

Saguaro

4.0

(1)

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

#129

Minimalist Shoes

4.0

(1)

"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."

#130

Xero Shoes

3.0

(1)

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

#131

Nike Air Force 1 Mid

3.0

(1)

"I've always loved driving in Nike AF1 mids but I don't heel toe like a normal person."

#132

inov8 G270

3.0

(1)

"I do all my walking in inov8s g270, they're 18mm of stack so not minimal, but they are zero drop."

#133

New Balance Minimus

3.0

(1)

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

#134

Xero Aqua X Sport

3.0

(1)

"I use the Xero Aqua X Sport effectively when ever possible."

#135

Vivobarefoot Kids Shoes

3.0

(1)

"Vivobarefoot kids shoes last a long time."

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