Best Barefoot Shoes To Buy in 2025
If you’re searching for the best barefoot shoes of 2025, you’re not alone. More people than ever are making the switch from traditional padded footwear to minimalist shoes that support healthy movement, natural posture, and deeper connection to the earth.
Whether you’re looking for zero-drop shoes, wide toe box sneakers, or vegan barefoot shoes, this guide will help you find the best minimalist shoes for your lifestyle — from trail runners to stylish everyday footwear.
Why Choose Barefoot Shoes?
Barefoot shoes are designed to let your feet move the way nature intended. Unlike traditional footwear with raised heels, tight toe boxes, and excessive arch support, minimalist shoes feature:
Zero-drop soles (flat from heel to toe)
Wide toe boxes for natural toe splay
Thin, flexible soles for ground feel and stability
Lightweight and breathable materials for comfort and foot health
Switching to barefoot shoes can help improve posture, strengthen foot muscles, reduce knee and hip pain, and support better balance. Whether you're walking, working, running, or hiking, there's a barefoot shoe made for you.
Barefoot Shoes for Men, Women, and Kids
If you’re looking to buy barefoot shoes, here are the most popular, most trusted and top-rated brands available. I have tried Earth Runners, Lems, Merrell, Softstar, and WHITIN so far and would highly recommend them. I have Vivo Barefoot and Earthing Harmony next on my list.
Earth Runners Sandals
With copper grounding inserts and flexible Vibram soles, these sandals are great for grounding, walking, and even light trail use.
Xero Shoes
The Mesa Trail II is a top trail runner in 2025, and the Z-Trail sandal remains a best-seller for travel and casual wear.
Vivo Barefoot
One of the best-known names in minimalist footwear. Try the Primus Trail III for hiking or the Geo Court III for everyday style.
Feelgrounds
If you’re looking for stylish vegan sandals, sneakers, slip-ons, or boots that can pass in more formal settings, Feelgrounds is your go-to.
Grounded People
Sustainable, vegan minimalist shoes made with recycled materials. Zero-drop construction and stylish design, they’re great for everyday wear.
Softstar Shoes
Handcrafted in Oregon, Softstar Shoes fit like a glove on your feet, allowing for natural movement and healthy foot development.
Lems Shoes
Lems is ideal for people transitioning from traditional footwear. Their shoes offer wide toe boxes and a natural flexible shape.
Merrell
The Trail Glove 7 is widely available and often discounted online. It’s flexible, zero-drop, and has excellent grip for outdoor workouts and hiking.
Saguaro
Another budget-friendly barefoot shoe, Saguaro sneakers are highly rated for comfort, breathability, and affordability — often available for under $50.
These minimal boots are next on my buy list. This brand adds Ground-Flow rivets so you are constantly grounded to the Earth’s energy. (They also have grounding sheets.)
WHITIN
These budget-friendly barefoot shoes feature a zero-drop sole, wide toe box, and flexible construction that encourages natural foot movement.
How to Choose the Right Barefoot Shoes
If you're new to barefoot footwear, choosing the right pair depends on your needs and goals. Here are a few quick tips:
For everyday wear: Feelgrounds, Vivo Barefoot, Grounded People
For hiking or trail running: Xero Shoes Mesa Trail II, Merrell Trail Glove 7, Vivo Primus Trail III
For summer or grounding: Earth Runners, Xero Z-Trail, Earthing Harmony
For cold weather or boots: Lems Boulder Boot, Softstar Phoenix Boot
Be sure to transition gradually. Start with short walks or indoor wear to allow your feet to adapt and avoid soreness. Many people begin with barefoot shoes for errands and walks before switching to them full-time.
The Takeaway
All of the brands above offer minimalist footwear for both men and women, and many also carry barefoot shoes for kids — including Softstar Shoes, Xero Shoes, WHITIN, Merrell, and Vivo Barefoot. Always measure your foot width and length before ordering, and look for sizing charts that accommodate wide feet and high insteps.
Barefoot shoes aren’t just a trend — they’re part of a movement to reclaim our natural posture, movement, and freedom. Whether you're a runner, walker, traveler, or simply someone who wants healthier feet and better posture, barefoot minimalist shoes can support your journey.
If you’re looking to buy barefoot shoes in 2025, this list is designed to help you make the right choice — one step at a time. Remember: the best minimalist shoe is the one that lets your feet be feet.
Scientific Research
Want to see the science behind barefoot living? There were too many studies to include in each post, so we pulled them together in one place — explore the full list of scientific research here.
