10 Best Barefoot Shoes 2025 in the United States

The Merrell Men's Vapor Glove 6 is designed to offer a barefoot shoe experience with several thoughtful features. It uses a 100% recycled breathable mesh upper, which helps keep feet cool and is eco-friendly. The toe box is designed to allow natural toe splay, a key aspect of barefoot shoes. The sole is made of rubber and features a molded nylon arch shank for some support, while remaining thin to maintain ground feel, important for flexibility and natural movement.

The shoe includes Merrell's Air Cushion in the heel, providing shock absorption and stability, which offers comfort without compromising the barefoot feel. The bellows tongue helps keep out debris, making it suitable for outdoor use. The fit is secured with laces, and the materials include leather and recycled components, balancing durability and sustainability. Some users may find the arch shank adds more structure than traditional barefoot shoes, which are usually very flexible, so this might feel somewhat firm for those seeking maximum flexibility.

This shoe is well suited for those looking for a close-to-barefoot feel combined with a bit of cushioning and support, especially for outdoor activities where debris protection and shock absorption are important.

The Vivobarefoot Primus Lite 3.5 is designed to closely mimic barefoot walking, making it a good choice for those wanting natural foot movement and to build foot strength. It has a wide toe box, which allows your toes to spread comfortably, supporting balance and natural posture. The sole is very thin at 2mm, offering great ground feel and flexibility, so you can really sense the surface beneath you. This thin sole also has zero heel-to-toe drop, meaning your heel and forefoot sit at the same level, which encourages a natural running or walking style.

The shoe is lightweight and flexible, great for both training and running, especially if you’re experienced with barefoot shoes or just getting started. The mesh inner and polyurethane outer material provide breathability and durability, while the rubber sole ensures good grip. The fit is described as wide, which suits people who need extra room in the front of the shoe.

One standout aspect is the sustainability: the shoe uses mostly recycled materials in the upper and cushioning, which is a plus if you care about eco-friendly products. However, it’s not yet fully recyclable due to durability needs. The cushioning insole is comfortable but minimal, staying true to barefoot principles. A possible downside is the very thin sole, which might feel less protective on rough terrain or for those new to barefoot shoes who need more cushioning. Also, the recycled materials may affect durability compared to traditional shoes. If you want a shoe that promotes natural foot movement, improves balance, and feels light and flexible, the Primus Lite 3.5 fits well in the barefoot category, especially for urban use and gym workouts.

The Vivobarefoot Motus Strength shoes are designed specifically for people who want a true barefoot experience during high-intensity workouts like CrossFit, powerlifting, and running. They feature a zero heel-to-toe drop, which helps promote natural foot movement and stability. The sole is quite thin, with a total of about 3.5mm thickness including 2mm rubber and 1.5mm lugs, offering good ground feel while still providing reliable grip and protection, especially thanks to the added midfoot sidewalls for support. The toe box is wide, supporting natural toe splay which is important for balance and strength.

These shoes are lightweight (around 282 grams), breathable due to their mesh fabric upper, and use eco-friendly materials like recycled PET and an insole made with recycled foam. The lace-up fit allows for adjustment, and the construction aims at durability and flexibility, key for barefoot-style training. However, the thin sole might not provide enough cushioning for those new to barefoot shoes or anyone needing more shock absorption on hard surfaces. Additionally, while the shoe is designed for a wide fit, the mesh material might not offer much structure, which could affect support for some users.

For those seeking a barefoot shoe that balances natural foot movement with protection suitable for intense workouts, the Motus Strength serves as a strong option, especially for individuals who value sustainable materials in their footwear.