The best barefoot running shoes 2024: feel the ground beneath your feet

Collage of the best barefoot running shoes
(Image credit: Future)

The best barefoot running shoes have come a long way in the last 18 years, since Vibram's FiveFingers first pioneered a novel approach to the trails. Boosted by Christopher McDougall's Born to Run in 2009, the enhanced ground-feel sensations barefoot running offers athletes are addictive and soon a whole new approach to trail running was in full swing. 

Barefoot running shoes may not be for everyone – many people will be looking for the best trail running shoes with a bit more support – but there's still a definite trend for more minimal designs.

It's worth taking a moment first to consider exactly what you want from a 'barefoot' pair. Are you after an extreme experience that fully mimics barefoot feet, with barely a slim outsole between your toes and the trail? Or are you looking for a zero-drop, low-cushion design that will encourage a natural running style? Whatever your running needs, there's a model here for you, and if you still need some help deciding, check out our how to choose the best barefoot running shoes section down below.

We've selected the best barefoot running shoes, mostly for the trails, and tested them for comfort, grip and ground feel over long runs and short speed sessions to help you choose the best barefoot running shoes for you.

The quick list

This is our quick list, a brief overview of the best barefoot running shoes available. To delve deeper into the specifics of each shoe, see our more detailed reviews further down the page in this guide.

The best barefoot running shoes in 2024

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The best barefoot running shoes overall

A muddy pair of Xero Scrambler Low barefoot running shoes

(Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
The best barefoot running shoes overall

Specifications

Gender availability: Men's & women's
Weight (per shoe, men’s UK 11): 264g / 9.3oz
Stack height: 10mm
Drop: 0mm
Colors: Legion Blue / Black
Compatibility: Mixed terrain running, hiking and scrambling

Reasons to buy

+
Wide toe box
+
Ultra light
+
Lots of trail feel
+
Soft fabric collar
+
Removable insole

Reasons to avoid

-
Tend to slip on smooth, wet surfaces
-
Chunky laces
-
Pricey

Aside from some aesthetic touches, the main thing that differentiates the Scrambler from the rest of the Xero range is the Michelin-made outsole, which is designed for running on mixed terrain. The lugs are large enough to supply grip on slippery tracks, but they don’t push through the bottom of the shoe uncomfortably when you’re running on hard-packed and sealed surfaces. 

To help keep the Scrambler light and flexible while still making it tough, a layer of textile has been embedded into the outsole, while the main chassis of the shoe is  made from a lightweight breathable mesh, which drains quickly and is comfortable next to skin if you choose to lose your socks and go for a proper barefoot approach. 

Like other Xero shoes, the toe box is lovely and wide, and there’s a protective toecap on the outside. The laces are somewhat chunky for our liking, but despite only passing through four pairs of eyelets as standard, the midfoot strap set-up does supply decent hold and there is an extra pair of optional lace holes you can use in really boggy scenarios. 

Read our full Xero Scrambler Low review

The best barefoot running shoes for racing

Altra Superior 4.5 barefoot running shoe

The Altra Superior 4.5 is a barefoot trail shoe that's great for racing (Image credit: Altra)
The best barefoot running shoes for racing

Specifications

Gender availability: Men’s & women’s
Weight (per shoe, men’s UK 11): 302g / 10.6oz
Colors: Black / blue & yellow / green & lime / blue & lime / Yellow & port
Drop: 0mm

Reasons to buy

+
Light, fast and fun
+
Great all-rounder

Reasons to avoid

-
Grip in sloppy mud could be better

Altra doesn't particularly associate itself with the barefoot ‘movement’ – its appeal is broader and less controversial. However, the Superior exhibits features that fit with our ‘natural running’ theme. Altra is appreciated for their twin design philosophies of foot-shaped and balanced cushioning. We found that the shape allowed our toes to splay, especially as you're lifting off the ground. The zero-drop platform is interesting, and felt like more cushioning under our toes rather than less under the heel. The upper is a thin, soft and flexible engineered knit that's lightly padded in the mid-foot and a little more around the heel collar.

Like the padding, that midsole is  ‘just right’ for a fast barefoot running shoe, with 21mm of Quantic midsole and MaxTrac rubber giving responsive cushioning and dependable grip over most terrain. Only muddy conditions caused occasional slips. Beneath the 6mm insole you find Altra’s StoneGuard; a removable plastic layer that could save you 30g / 1oz and increase ground feel if you desired, although our reviewer left them to enjoy the protection they provided.

Read our full Altra Superior 4.5 review

The best barefoot running shoes for high mileage

Xero Shoes Mesa Trail barefoot running shoe

The Xero Shoes Mesa Trail has a long-lasting non-tacky outsole for durability (Image credit: Xero)
The best barefoot running shoes for high mileage

Specifications

Gender availability: Men’s & Women’s
Weight (per shoe, men’s UK 11): 250g / 8.8oz
Colors: Dark grey / Clay rust / Forest / Orchid
Drop: 0mm

Reasons to buy

+
Good grip in soft conditions
+
Smart (if a little plain) design
+
Good value

Reasons to avoid

-
Outsole compound quite hard

If you’ve ever felt that some of the bigger shoe companies spend too much on product styling, you'll appreciate the Xero Shoes Mesa Trail. They are 'aesthetically functional', but it’s not until they’re on your feet that you'll start to feel what all the excitement is about . Xero has chosen a  foot-shaped last to build these on that will please most runners. The upper is soft and comfortable and the eyelet chain does a great job of securing the mid-foot, while a combination of bonded overlays and a stitched toe bumper toughen up the upper where required.

This barefoot running shoe has no midsole, but there is a smartly specified insole that’s made from a closed-cell foam (which won’t gain weight when wet) and is perforated for weight savings and airflow. Multi-directional 3.5mm lugs provide decent grip over wet grass and soft ground. The rubber compound is not tacky; this can sometimes cause grip issues on hard wet surfaces but should give a longer life to the shoe. For a shoe with no midsole the Mesa Trail will suit a surprisingly broad set of runners.

Read our full Xero Shoes Mesa Trail review

The best barefoot running shoes for drainage

Inov8 Bare-XF barefoot running shoes

The Inov8 Bare-XFs are minimalist but extremely comfortable (Image credit: Pat Kinsella)
The best barefoot running shoes for drainage

Specifications

Gender availability: Men's & women's
Weight (per shoe): 210g / 7.4oz
Stack height: 2.5mm
Drop: 0mm
Colors: Navy / Dark Gray / Black / Gum

Reasons to buy

+
Trail feel
+
Some protection from sharp objects
+
Very comfortable
+
Drain/dry quickly when wet

Reasons to avoid

-
Slippery on mud

Those expecting a slightly more minimal version of Inov8's usual rugged output may be surprised by these barefoot runners. The Inov8 Bare-XFs are slim and lightweight with no midsole, for an authentic amount of trail feel. There's a 6mm 'Boomerang' footbed, which gives a small amount of padding and bounce, plus a 2.5mm sticky rubber outsole, but these are the real barefoot deal.

That outsole is ideal for dry trails, rocks and sealed surfaces, but not for slippery or muddy slopes where you're likely to skid or slide. It also extends slightly up the sides of the shoe, giving some extra protection against sharp objects, and the toe cap will help keep you safe from stubbing.

The Inov8 Bare-XF's uppers are made from a synthetic mesh that does a good job of keeping pebbles out while allowing your feet to breathe, while the cushioned tongue is comfortable and also features a breathable mesh.

Our reviewer was massively impressed by the shoes during weeks of testing around the hills and trails of south-west England. They experienced no rubbing or blisters, and particularly appreciated the wide toe box, finding the whole shoe felt relaxed but secure. The Inov8 Bare-XFs also drained and dried out quickly after the inevitable showers and puddles.

Read our full Inov8 Bare-XF review

The best barefoot running shoes for classic style

Merrell Bare Access XTR barefoot running shoe

(Image credit: Merrell)
The best barefoot running shoes for classic style

Specifications

Gender availability: Men’s & women’s
Weight (per shoe, men’s UK 11): 260g / 9.2oz
Colors: Magma (Deep Red) / Black
Drop: 0mm

Reasons to buy

+
Uncontroversial recommendation
+
Good value
+
Nicer looking than many barefoot shoes

Reasons to avoid

-
Midsole could be livelier
-
Tightly spaced lugs limit mud grip

At first glance the Merrell Bare Access XTR seem to be a distinctly ‘normal’ running shoe, but look a little closer and the shoes' minimal stylings emerge. As an example, you may think from a quick look that there was a heel-to-toe drop on the shoe, but in practise your foot actually sits in the midsole, rather than on it. 

There’s 17mm of stack height which includes a Vibram outer with 3mm lugs for grip. This isn't super sticky but performs well, only sliding around dramatically for our tester in some inappropriately deep snow and sticky mud. The midsole is firm but still provides comfort over rough terrain without eliminating ground-feel completely. The mesh upper is foot-shaped and broad but not too wide.

In our tests, we found the gusseted medium padded tongue helps with comfortable lacing; a good lock down and secure heel lock are easily achieved. Overlays, heel counters and toe bumper features are all subtle but present. The light weight and minimal design of this shoe encourage fast feet, while the midsole adds a level of protection when descending fast.

Read our full Merrell Bare Access XTR review

The best barefoot running shoes for sustainability

VivoBarefoot Primus Trail II FG

The VivoBarefoot Primus Trail II FG is so light and minimal, you'll feel every bump beneath you (Image credit: Vivobarefoot)
The best barefoot running shoes for sustainability

Specifications

Gender availability: Men’s & women’s
Weight (per shoe, men’s UK 11): 285g / 10oz
Colors: Obsidian (Black)
Drop: 0mm

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent trail feel
+
Light
+
Breathe well
+
Made from recycled materials

Reasons to avoid

-
Too minimal for some – you’ll feel everything
-
Wider than some feet require
-
No choice of color

The FG in the name stands for ‘Firm Ground’, but Vivo say the Primus Trail IIs can cope with most sorts of ground conditions – firm, rocky, wet or dry – with the FG sole (with 4mm lugs) enabling multi-terrain traction with a sticky rubber compound for all round grip and durability. These claims really stood up on test, and the shoes inspired confidence on even the most slippery of surfaces. We found the Primus Trail let our feet breathe really well, and the shoes were surprisingly good at keeping water out, but there was some tightness around our reviewer's smaller toes.

The tongue is longer than it needs to be, causing irritation, and not everyone is a fan of the quick-lace system. The shoes seem very durable so far (albeit with a few creases) and the fact that they are made entirely from recycled materials is a huge plus. They’re also easy to transport, being light and easy to squish into a bag or pack.

Read our full VivoBarefoot Primus Trail II FG review

The best barefoot running sandals

Xero Genesis barefoot running shoe

The Xero Genesis is for committed minimalists, putting the bare minimum of material between you and the ground (Image credit: Xero)
The best barefoot running sandals

Specifications

Weight (per shoe, men’s UK 11): 170g / 6oz
Drop: 0mm
Colors: Blue / Black / Green / Red

Reasons to buy

+
True barefoot experience 
+
Lots of trail feel
+
Ultra light

Reasons to avoid

-
Very little protection
-
Not great in wet weather

Donning these huarache-style sandals is about as close as you can get to pure barefoot running, while minimising the risk of cutting your foot open on flint or glass. There's nothing between the soles of your feet and the trails except 5mm of ‘FeelTrue’ rubber, and the sandal is held on with nylon straps (with silicone grip), which go between your toes and around the Achilles strap. People who are confident wearing these minimalist sandals run all sorts of distances (including ultras) in them, across challenging terrain in a variety of conditions. 

Unsurprisingly, the trail feedback is sensational. You don’t get sweaty feet, or blisters. The soles last for years and the string can be replaced or repaired. There are no bonded materials, so everything could conceivably be recycled with ease, and they're suitable for vegans too. You have to be conscious about your foot placement as you run, to avoid injury, but those who espouse barefoot running see this as a positive, as it encourages thoughtful running. When conditions are wet, though, even fans will admit there is no traction between foot and sandal, which is fine if you're on flat ground, but potentially dangerous if it’s steep. You also have to deal with non-believers pointing and being a bit sneery – and if you do get an injury, everyone will get all ‘I told you so…’.

Read our full Xero Genesis review

The best barefoot running shoes for separated toes

Vibram FiveFingers V-Trail 2.0 Trail

The Vibram FiveFingers V-Trail 2.0 is a classic, with separated toes so your feet can spread and grip (Image credit: Vibram)
The best barefoot running shoes for separated toes

Specifications

Gender availability: Men’s & Women’s
Weight (per shoe, men’s UK 11): 221g / 7.8oz
Colors: Blue & Orange / Black & Yellow / Ivy & Black
Drop: 0mm

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight at 221g
+
Well made
+
Excellent grip

Reasons to avoid

-
Can be hard to put on
-
Toe size won't suit everyone

We have to start by acknowledging the 'unusual' look of these shoes. Pretty much the definition of 'love them or hate them' (sorry Marmite), there are both pros and cons to the famous separated toes design. Pros include the natural, almost naked feel given by the toe pockets, as well as the powerful 'toe-off' given on each step when all five toes are able to flex and splay independently. Cons, meanwhile, are mostly the fact that such a skin-hugging design won't fit everyone – our reviewer found that their little toes didn't reach the relevant pockets while his big toes were a tight fit.

Vibram is famous for its outsoles, which don't disappoint here. The sticky MegaGrip outsole works well, except against deep mud, which seems reasonable when they're not marketed as fell shoes. Within the sole, 3D Cocoon tech gives a good balance between allowing ground-feel while protecting you from spikier surfaces. There’s no midsole of-course, so they’re zero drop, light and nimble. Runners in very hilly areas will likely find hard packed or road descents tricky at speed. Overall comfort is impressive and the lacing system cinches up the mid-foot securely.

Read our full Vibram FiveFingers V-Trail 2.0 Trail review

The best barefoot running shoes for wide feet

Softstar Megagrip Primal RunAmoc

The Softstar Megagrip Primal RunAmoc is unusually wide, with a super soft upper and protective outsole (Image credit: Paul Barton)
The best barefoot running shoes for wide feet

Specifications

Weight (per shoe, men’s UK 11): 339g / 12oz
Drop: 0mm
Colors: Azure & navy / Black

Reasons to buy

+
Grippy and protective
+
Hand made in Oregon, USA
+
Foot-shaped and VERY wide

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive
-
Vague feeling heel / lack of lockdown

Although the asking price seems high for a minimalist shoe, as soon as you open the eco-friendly paper wrap that the Softstars arrive in, and breathe in the waft of leather, you can see where your money is going. The leather is sumptuously soft and breathes naturally. The eyelet chain is smartly reinforced to allow for a good mid-foot lockdown and increase longevity – we think the whole shoe will last well if looked after.

The heel is internally padded with more leather, which we found comfortable, but makes it a bit tricky to get a good lockdown. The other unusual design choice is the toe rand bumper, a thin rubber material that feels like a bike inner tube and is tight across the toenails. Softstar has used Vibram’s excellent MegaGrip rubber on the outsole, and we found that the 4mm lugs provide impressive grip over most terrain. The addition of a firm but thin midsole introduces a well judged level of underfoot protection, producing a ride that’s high in natural ground feel and low in painful impacts. Our reviewer found the leather to be very stretchy, so struggled a bit over very technical terrain when the fit felt sloppy.

At 130mm in width, the forefoot is unusually wide, so it's ideal if you normally struggle to get a good fit. If you don’t have wide feet but like the sound of the shoes, there is a narrow fit option that’s worth considering.

Read our full Softstar Megagrip Primal RunAmoc review

The best barefoot running shoes for road feel

VivoBarefoot Primus Lite III barefoot running shoe

The VivoBarefoot Primus Lite III is one of the most minimal barefoot running shoes you can buy (Image credit: Vivo)
The best barefoot running shoes for road feel

Specifications

Gender availability: Men’s & Women’s
Weight (per shoe, men’s UK 11): 258g / 9.1oz
Colors: Obsidian (Black)
Drop: 0mm
Compatibility: Designed for road running and training

Reasons to buy

+
Light
+
Very ‘green’ creds
+
Foot-shaped – your toes should thank you

Reasons to avoid

-
Too minimal for some – you’ll feel everything!
-
Wider than some feet require

VivoBarefoot are known for their 'foot-shaped' shoes, which may leave people asking why all shoes aren’t foot-shaped… It's a good question that should definitely be asked by more wearers of pointy office shoes and other distinctly non-foot-shaped styles. 

If you've ever noticed your toes being pushed around by an upper, try VivoBarefoot and see if the room to breathe improves things. The shape and width give your toes room to splay, becoming more active in the toe-off stage of your gait. Your feet are more part of the shoe’s friction mechanism too, molding around terrain where normal shoes use midsole. This is a powerful and connected sensation but may feel tiring at first as your feet strengthen to this new challenge. Good form is encouraged when wearing these shoes, as heavy heel striking is essentially impossible.

The vegan design and use of recycled materials is good to see, while a tough eyelet chain and solid welded construction should promote longevity, and smartly placed upper overlays should limit damage caused by big toes. These are designed for road rather than trail running, and our tester found they gripped well on tarmac but did mean you felt any errant stones on the path.

Read our full VivoBarefoot Primus Lite III review

The best barefoot running shoes comparison table

Swipe to scroll horizontally
ShoesRRPWeightCompatibility
Altra Superior 4.5£120 (UK)302g / 10.6ozAll trails
Xero Shoes Mesa Trail$130 (US) / £90 (UK)250g / 8.8ozTrails of all kinds
Merrell Bare Access XTR-260g / 9.2ozAll trails
Inov8 Bare-XF$120 (US) / £115 (UK) / €120 (EU)210g / 7.4ozDry weather and sealed-surface barefoot running
VivoBarefoot Primus Trail II FG$160 (US) / £130 (UK)285g / 10ozAll trails
Xero Genesis£40 (UK)170g / 6ozFor the committed minimalist runner, these barely there sandals can be taken on any (lowland) trail
Vibram FiveFingers V-Trail 2.0 Trail$135 (US) / €105 (EU)221g / 7.8ozGreat on all trails, with the exception of deep mud
Softstar Megagrip Primal RunAmoc$185 (US)339g / 12ozZero drop, grippy, very wide forefoot, foot-shaped
VivoBarefoot Primus Lite III$160 (US) / £130 (UK)258g / 9.1ozDesigned for road running and training

How we test the best barefoot running shoes

At Advnture we endeavor to test every product we feature extensively