Best barefoot running shoes

By James Witts

Published: Thursday, 22 December 2022 at 12:00 am

Barefoot running caught the public’s attention in 1960 when Ethiopia’s Abebe Bikila won Olympic marathon gold in Rome running barefoot. In the 1980s, Zola Budd courted headlines for running barefoot on the track.

But the industry that we now know was arguably created in 2009 on publication of Christopher McDougall’s book, Born to Run, who spent time with the secluded tribe called the Tarahumara who were legendary for their ability to run days at a time in flimsy sandals.

Since then, barefoot running’s remained popular with triathletes and runners. Though, technically that moniker is incorrect because barefoot running in the 21st century involves running in run shoes…

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What is a barefoot running shoe?

The difference with traditional run shoes is that barefoot shoes are highly minimalist. The idea behind that is they more accurately reflect your natural running style with barefoot proponents arguing that more cushioned models reduce feel for the ground and change your natural running style.

Why use barefoot running shoes?

This more natural running style, proponents argue, decreases the chances of injury because you allow your feet and lower limbs to grow strong.

The argument’s persuasive, but there’s one big caveat: don’t dispense with your heavier, traditional shoes and leap headlong into minimalist shoes.

Your run style has developed in heavier shoes, so hasn’t developed the strength for barefoot running. But it will get there. You just need to acclimatise…

How to start running in barefoot shoes

Start off by walking in your barefoot shoes and gently stretch your arches and calf muscles. Then run a short distance on a softer surface like your local field.

Practise landing on your midfoot versus your heel, which is more as nature intended and why barefoot runners insist you’re stronger running this way.

When it comes to acclimatising, follow the 10% rule – that means not increasing run mileage in your barefoot run shoes by more than 10% each week. Listen to your body, keep an eye on any stresses and pains, but be meticulous and you’ll soon be running stronger, more efficient and hopefully lessen the chances of injury.

With that in mind, here are five from the most popular brands on the market…

Best barefoot running shoes

Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III

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Vivobarefoot describe its Primus Lite III as a “hero trainer”. We’re not quite sure what that means.

But we do know it’s packed with technology for such a minimalist shoe, its ‘Active’ 4mm outsole designed to be thin enough for heightened proprioception – feeling each step – but thick enough for durability and good grip.

The Primus Lite III’s shape is built to mimic the foot, so it’s wide at the toes before noticeably tapering as you work toward the ankle.

Another plus point is Vivobarefoot’s eco credentials. If the shoes need repairing or you’re wishing for them to be repaired and sold on, simply send to Revivo by Vivobarefoot. It’s the British company’s efforts at cutting down on waste.