Hikers who prefer the natural walking experience have chosen barefoot hiking shoes. Barefoot shoes aren’t the same as traditional hiking boots, as they let your feet move and flex more freely. Thin soles, wide toe boxes, and small or no arch support allow you to connect closely to the ground and walk.
The most important shift is to gradually transition from traditional hiking shoes to barefoot hiking shoes. Barefoot shoes allow your feet to walk more naturally, and over time, this will strengthen your feet. If you are looking for hiking shoes, this article will help you identify the best barefoot hiking shoe.
Following are some top considerations:
1. Vivobarefoot Tracker FG
The Vivobarefoot Tracker FG is the best-known barefoot hiking shoe. Its durable leather construction gives these shoes a minimalist feel while providing good protection. The sole is thin enough to give excellent grip on rocky mountains, and the wide toe box allows your toes to work naturally. Waterproof and also water resistant, they are perfect for use in any weather condition.
Key features:
- Leather upper for durability
- Thin, flexible sole
- Water-resistant
- Wide toe box for comfort
2. Xero Shoes TerraFlex
The TerraFlex is no exception to Xero’s lightweight and flexible designs. These shoes are very light and actually let your feet move naturally. The sole of it is grippy, so it’s ideal for all terrains, dirt trails, and rocky paths. The cushioning in the TerraFlex adds a nice touch of comfort without sacrificing the barefoot feel.
Key features:
- Lightweight and flexible
- Grippy sole for traction
- Comfort with minimal cushioning
- Great for various terrains
3. Merrell Trail Glove 6
Hikers and trail runners seek a minimalist shoe such as the Merrell Trail Glove series. The Trail Glove 6 is a hiking and running shoe with a snug fit and thin, flexible sole. While not as rugged as some other barefoot shoes, it’s a feasible option for the hiker on smoother trails or at a faster pace. The breathable mesh upper keeps your feet cool, and the shoe’s design helps to encourage a natural stride.
Key features:
- Lightweight and flexible
- Breathable mesh upper
- Light hiking and trail running are suitable
- Thin sole for ground feel
Lems Trailhead
Lems Trailhead combines some barefoot features with traditional ones. It’s thicker than most barefoot shoes but still offers flexibility and a large toe box. The thicker sole adds some extra protection and is beneficial for hikers. Those seeking a slightly more cushioned experience without sacrificing the advantages of hiking barefoot can opt for this shoe. The shoe also looks good, so it can be a good choice for casual wear.
Key features:
- Wide toe box for comfort
- Added protection—thicker sole
- Stylish and versatile design
- Light to moderate hiking is appropriate
5. Wildling Shoes Tanuki
If you’re looking for a truly minimalist experience, Wildling Shoes Tanuki is one of the closest objects to being barefoot with shoes. It’s incredibly lightweight, breathable, and flexible. It’s ideal for summer hikes or dry conditions. However, due to its thin sole, it performs better on softer land, such as grass or dirt trails, rather than rocky ones.
Key features:
- Ultra lightweight and flexible
- Breathable design
- Minimal sole for ground connection.
- Hikes on soft ground are ideal for summertime.
Characteristics of Barefoot Hiking Shoes
Barefoot hiking shoes serve as an excellent alternative to walking barefoot, providing some protection for your feet. Here are the key characteristics that set them apart from traditional hiking footwear:
1. Minimal Cushioning
Regular hiking shoes have more cushioning than barefoot shoes. The ability to have more ground feel takes a lot off your shoulders, as you can feel the terrain and know where to balance.
2. Thin and Flexible Soles
These thin and highly flexible soles are designed for barefoot shoes, allowing your feet to move with greater freedom. They help you feel the ground below your feet more easily and can assist you in balancing and being aware of your surroundings.
3. Wide Toe Box
A wide toe box is one of the identifying features of a barefoot shoe. It allows your toes to splay naturally, which helps with stability and will reduce the chances of getting a blister or feeling uncomfortable while out on a long hike.
4. Lightweight Design
Generally, barefoot hiking shoes are very lightweight. It helps you feel less tired and makes walking more natural, as you don’t strain your legs and feet as much over a long distance.
5. Zero Drop (Flat Sole)
Zero drop means there’s no difference in height between the heel and the forefoot. It encourages a natural gait and posture that should ease the stress on your joints and build up stronger feet with time.
6. Breathability
The breathable materials in barefoot hiking shoes, often made of mesh or thin leather, help keep your feet cool and comfortable during warmer hikes.
7. Minimal Arch Support
Most barefoot shoes do not provide any arch support, which results in your feet using their muscles more extensively. Although this needs an adjustment period, we can progressively strengthen the foot muscles and make natural alignment better.
8. Natural Flexibility
Barefoot shoes are designed to be bendable and flexible for each step, just like walking barefoot! It allows your foot to move better and move more naturally.
9. Ground Feedback
Without heavy cushioning and with a thin sole, barefoot hiking shoes offer excellent ground feedback, meaning you are able to feel the texture and shape of the ground you are walking on. It makes your connection to the terrain better and, thereby, more balanced and agile.
10. Minimal Padding with Durability
Although these shoes are minimalist, their sturdy construction ensures your feet remain safe even on rough terrain. Although they don’t use heavy padding for protection, your feet have to adjust to the sensations of different surfaces.
11. Low Profile
Low-profile hiking shoes, or barefoot hiking shoes, tend to hug the foot closely so they can’t trip or catch on things. This makes them ideal for a variety of terrains, but they excel particularly on smoother or softer surfaces.
12. It encourages normal foot mechanics.
Barefoot shoes overall tend to support the natural mechanics of the foot, which in turn helps you utilize the muscles, tendons and bones of your foot as it was designed. This can eventually develop stronger, more flexible feet.
That said, barefoot hiking shoes are a wonderful alternative for anyone who wants to enjoy a more natural, on-earth experience without harming their feet.
Is It Better to Go Hiking in Barefoot Shoes?
There’s nothing like hiking barefoot. Your feet move more naturally, which helps them grow stronger and more flexible over time. Thanks to their thin soles, you can feel the ground beneath your feet and have a greater understanding of what you’re standing on.
However, it would be best if you gradually transitioned from wearing more supportive footwear to barefoot shoes. Start out walking a modest distance at first and gradually increase it since your feet will need some time to adjust to this new walking pattern.
In summary
Many hikers find minimalist barefoot shoes to provide a more liberated and natural experience. Merrell, Xero Shoes, Vivobarefoot, Lems, and Wildling are all excellent choices; nonetheless, their merits fluctuate according to your specific hiking requirements. You can find a flexible, durable, or ground-feeling barefoot hiking shoe.
FAQ’s
Is it safe to hike barefoot?
Hiking without shoes can lead to better balance, a better workout, and less stress on your body.
What is the amount of space found at the end of a barefoot shoe?
Therefore, avoid purchasing shoes where the tips of your toes are in contact with them. For adults, the standard addition size is 4-5 mm (less for sandals), and for running shoes, it should be about 1 cm. Consider the growth of the child’s foot and purchase shoes with approximately 10-12 mm of extra room.
How do I recognize barefoot shoes?
You can recognize barefoot shoes by looking at them and trying them on. They have a thin sole, about 3 mm thick, with no raised heel or toe, yet they are flexible.
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