Best Barefoot Shoes for Your Outdoor Training Adventures

From the crisp morning air to the unparalleled terrains, there’s a thrill in every step. And speaking of steps, let’s talk about what’s on our feet. Who has tried barefoot shoes or walks around with them every day? Honestly, I had once tested barefoot shoes in a shoe store, but found the wearing and feeling a bit strange. So I didn’t buy them. Nevertheless, I could increasingly observe the trend that many are wearing barefoot shoes. The following questions arose in my mind: “Why should the shoes be good?”, “Are they so comfortable to wear?”, “What is the best thing to look for when buying?”, “What are currently the best barefoot shoes on the market between $50 and $120? I will go into these questions in more detail as we go along.

What are barefoot shoes?

Barefoot shoes, also known as minimalist shoes, differ in shape and cut from conventional shoes. Thereby the imitated toe shape at the forefoot is often a characteristic feature of the shoe. You can walk or run barefoot with it without having to give up some protection. They provide little insulation from the environment, but that’s the whole point! In addition, there is usually no heel for cushioning at the heel, which also results in high flexibility.

Advantages of barefoot shoes

The goal is to recreate the innate gait (ball gait), which has been proven to be the healthier walking stride compared to heel gait in “normal” shoes. Websites of several health insurance companies also point out that the bunion gait is easy on tendons, ligaments and joints and is useful for general muscle building. The heel gait, on the other hand, is described as more harmful for joints and back, although many do this in natural everyday life. Benefits include:

• Natural Foot Movement: Traditional shoes often constrict our feet. Barefoot shoes, on the other hand, allow them to move as they naturally would.
• Ground Feedback: They provide an authentic connection to the ground, enhancing sensory feedback.
• Foot Strength: Over time, they can help strengthen the muscles in your feet.
• Improved Balance and Posture: With a better ground feel, you naturally improve your balance and posture.

An initial self-study confirmed heel gait in me. I also touch the ground first with the balls of my feet and only then the front foot. An attempt to consciously do the bunion walk, i.e., to first put the toes on the ground and then roll with the heel, felt very unfamiliar.

So, in order to consciously support my health in the future and actively promote the ball gait to protect my joints and ligaments, I picked out a few favorites of different barefoot shoes online for less than $50.

My Top 3 choices of Barefoot Shoes under $50:

Minimalist trail running shoes – GoodValue – Men’s Barefoot Shoes

• for men with wide toe box and narrow heel cup (zero drop style)
• minimal padding and arch support
• five-finger protection to prevent foot injuries.

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Minimalist cross training shoes – Oranginer – men

• flexible synthetic mesh upper offers breathability
• can also be worn as a water shoe
• occasions suitable, such as hiking, training, running, jogging, physical exercises, daily gym sports and so on.

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Water Shoes / Workout Shoes – MIFAWA

• removable padded insoles
• flexible, non-slip, wear-resistant
• rubber sole
• perfect for indoor and outdoor activities.

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What to consider before buying Barefoot Shoes

As with any shoe purchase, there are some factors to consider before deciding to buy. These mainly include:

• Fit: Ensure they are snug but not tight. Your toes should have space to wiggle.
• Terrain Specific: Some are designed for trails, while others are for urban environments. Choose based on your favorite outdoor training places.
• Transition: If you’re new, transition slowly to allow your feet to adapt.
• Maintenance: Barefoot shoes require proper care. Always follow the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations (I treat them like any other of my shoes though).

Best Barefoot shoes for outdoor training

Another question is which barefoot shoes are best for outdoor training places. These include for example rocky mountain trails (varying terrains challenge your feet in unique ways), city parks (perfect for evening jogs or early morning walks) or beachfronts (barefoot shoes protect from sharp shells while giving the almost-barefoot experience). Here is some more information about different user groups:

• TrailRunners: For rugged terrains, perfect for those who love trail running, grip is exceptional, and they mold to your feet like a second skin.
• FlexWalkers: For long walks in the park, provide the ideal balance between flexibility and protection.
• UrbanElites: To mix urban jogging with nature trails, offer a trendy design without compromising on the barefoot feel.
• NatureConnect: Tailored for women, ensures a comfortable fit, and the soft insole material feels heavenly on longer treks.
• AdventureMax: Combines durability with comfort, making it ideal for those rough mountain hikes.

As can be seen, there are many different uses for barefoot shoes and features that can be considered for initial experience. Although these shoes promote a healthier walking style, individual foot characteristics such as hallux valgus-bunions, flat feet or hollow feet should also be clarified before purchase.

Sources:

https://www.deine-gesundheitswelt.de/krankheit-behandlung-und-pflege/gesunde-fuesse-gesundes-laufen