The best barefoot boots | runner's World

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The barefoot trend of the last few years seems to be over. But there are still supporters of the barefoot movement among runners and manufacturers alike. And rightly so: many aches and pains that runners have are due to neglected foot muscles. Anyone who walks barefoot – i.e. with barefoot or minimalist shoes – activates muscle groups that are hardly or not at all used during normal walking or running.

Less is more in running shoes

A new study by Leeds Beckett University also suggests that less is better in the current running shoe trend towards fat models. Research found that running shoes with a tapered toe box, arch support, and a forefoot/rearfoot height difference (drop) weakened the foot muscles and altered stride, which could lead to knee and lower leg problems. "Barefoot running shoes can help strengthen the foot muscles and keep the joints flexible, which in turn prevents injuries," says sports scientist and running coach Ben Le Vesconte in the context. But he also warns: You should only use such minimalist shoes from time to time for training - and in your free time. “If you ever want to wear barefoot shoes while running, you should first walk in them for a while. And then you get used to the completely different type of shoe at low speed.”

This is how you prepare for running in barefoot shoes

This is how barefoot walking can only be trained again, because the body of most people with a western lifestyle has meanwhile adapted to the foot-supporting shoe models and needs some time to adapt to get used to the natural running behavior again. In addition to carefully increasing the amount of running in barefoot shoes, you should train your running technique (e.g. with the ABC of running) and make your feet fit for running in barefoot shoes through strength exercises - for example with these three exercises:

1. Heel Rocker: Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Slowly lift the forefoot of both feet at the same time while pushing your hips back. Check back. 20 reps
2. Toe rocker: Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Lift your heels and shift your weight onto your forefoot, balancing on the balls of your feet. Slowly return to the starting position. 20 repetitions
3. Sit squat: Stand with your feet hip-width apart and slightly turn your toes outwards. Then squat down as deeply as possible without lifting your heels. Hold for 20 seconds, 3 repetitions

The current barefoot running shoes in test

Of course, every manufacturer (and runner) has a different understanding of barefoot running - some even reject the term. But what all the shoes that we present below have in common is a more natural walking feeling and behavior. There are models that are more like socks, shoes with a very flexible, thin, hard sole or with a slightly cushioned midsole - or finally shoes that only have a zero bounce (heel and ball of foot are at the same height). Because that is the unifying feature and the reason why one speaks of barefoot shoes: In them, the heel and forefoot are on the same level, the heel is not higher than the forefoot, as is the case with most running shoes. As a rule, the shape of the shoe is also adapted to the natural shape of the foot, so that there is significantly more space, especially in the forefoot area, and the toes are not pressed together.

Vivobarefoot Primus Lite II Bio

Manufacturer

In terms of production, barefoot shoe manufacturer Vivobarefoot focuses on producing as long-lasting and naturally as possible while complying with social and environmental standards, i.e. polluting the environment as little as possible. In order to keep the CO2 footprint in production low, the materials are mostly sourced locally. In addition, water-based glue is used whenever possible. The factories are located in China and Portugal.

The Primus Lite II gives you a very direct feeling of walking barefoot thanks to the only three millimeter thin and flexible sole. Because the sole is puncture-resistant, the foot is still protected from injuries. The mesh upper is permeable to air, and bonded elements around the toe box protect against moisture and small stones. Typical of barefoot shoes is the spacious toe box, which is adapted to the foot and offers plenty of room for the big toe. With a share of over 30% of renewable raw materials, the Primus Lite II Bio is Vivobarefoot's most environmentally friendly shoe to date, using plant fibers, waste products from the corn industry, natural rubber and an algae-based material.

Weight: 150 grams (women, size 37), 180 grams (men, size 42) Drop: 0 millimeters Price: 145 euros

Merrell Vapor Glove 4

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model or men's model

The Vapor Glove is Merrell's most stripped-down running shoe. Only 6.5 millimeters of sole are between foot and ground, there is no midsole here. The Vapor Glove offers a very good feel for the ground, while the Vibram sole provides good grip. In addition, thanks to the thin and flexible sole construction, the foot has almost maximum freedom of movement. The wide toe box is adapted to the natural shape of the foot, the big toe can expand. Incidentally, it is protected by a rubber coating that keeps out twigs, stones and moisture.

Weight: 122 grams (women), 160 grams (men) Drop: 0 millimeters Price: 100 euros

Merrell Trail Glove 5

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model or men's model

The Glove from Merrell is also available in a trail version: The Trail Glove is the off-road variant of the Vapor Glove and offers a little "more shoe". Including the integrated insole, the sole is 11.5 millimeters thick, but the heel and forefoot are also at the same height here. The mesh upper material is reinforced in the lower area around the entire forefoot by bonding, and bonded reinforcements between the sole and lacing in the midfoot area also ensure that the shoe fits well on the foot. The TPU heel cap and a so-called TrailProtect™ Rock-Plate in the sole also offer protection on stony paths.

Weight: 170 grams (women), 196 grams (men) Drop: 0 millimeters Price: 120 euros

Vibram FiveFingers V-Run

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model or men's model

The V-Run complements the Bikila family. Its soft, perforated upper material is breathable and is said to be even quicker drying and more comfortable than models from previous years. The manufacturer recommends the Vibram FiveFingers V-Run for runners who want to transition from a classic running shoe to a minimalist barefoot shoe. The V-Run can be used not only on asphalt, but also on rather loose surfaces such as forest paths or gravel without any problems.

Weight: 106 grams (women, size 38), 133 grams (men, size 43) Drop: 0 millimeters Price: 139.90 euros

Vibram FiveFingers V-Trail 2.0

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model or men's model

The Vibram FiveFingers V-Trail 2.0 offers special traction and a generally pleasant running feeling on trails and forest paths. This is the case on dry as well as on damp or even wet, soft ground. The three-dimensional nylon mesh, which is molded into the rubber sole, provides high protection. In addition, the 3D Cocoon Mesh ensures that the pressure of hard objects is scattered on uneven terrain and is therefore perceived less intensively. The V-Trail 2.0 is also a good choice for steeplechase races.

Weight: 155 grams (women, size 38), 198 grams (men, size 43) Drop: 0 millimeters Price: 139.90 euros

Skinners sock shoes

Manufacturer

Order here: unisex model

If even the minimal shoes presented so far still mean too much material on the foot, you can try this product: The sock shoes from Skinners are short, relatively thick sports socks with a polymer sole. They look like socks that have been dipped in liquid tartan. The sole is just as non-slip and also waterproof. It also protects against sharp edges or very small stones. Larger stones or even gravel can be felt badly. It is therefore pleasant to walk in the socks on smooth, hard surfaces such as asphalt (not too long), well-groomed grand paths or - best of all - on soft forest, sandy or meadow paths. Incidentally, the sock shoes are not designed specifically for running, but also for fitness, water sports (protection from shells, etc.) or camping.

Weight: 80 grams, drop: 0 millimeters, price: 49.90 euros

Joe Nimble NimbleToes Addict

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model or men's model

The Addict is a step up from Joe Nimble's models. The principle of toe freedom is also consistently followed with the Addict: There is currently hardly a comparable running shoe with so much space in the toe area. The manufacturer speaks of its "Functional Footwear" concept because the foot is given the necessary toe freedom. The Addict also has a flat sole construction, heel and forefoot are on the same level (0 mm drop). What is new, however, is that the midsole, which is more voluminous in comparison, consists of a 10 millimeter thick EVA layer. Despite the flat shoe construction, the Addict offers a comfortable, slightly cushioned roll-off behavior. Perhaps the most important effect was formulated by a convinced test runner as follows: "The comfortable rolling behavior of the Addict takes away the fear of runners who have not had any experience with barefoot running shoes or flat soles to try it out." Despite the cushioning layer, the construction of the Addict is extremely impressive flexible. This is mainly due to the outsole, which comes from rubber specialist Michelin. The large, strategically placed flex grooves allow for plenty of freedom of movement. In addition, the sole proved to be extremely non-slip due to its large contact area with the ground and the rubber compound - even on wet ground, by the way. And as a welcome side effect, the sole and the overall construction of the shoe have proven to be extremely robust and durable. "No other test shoe currently has this level of quality," says one test runner. The Addict is recommended not only for ambitious runners, but also for recreational runners. If you feel comfortable with the Addict but want to run on trails and forest paths, you can also take a look at the trail version of the Addict. In addition to better traction, the Addict Trail convinces in direct comparison with a significantly more robust upper material.

Weight: 250 grams, drop: 0 millimeters, price: 179 euros

Vibram FiveFingers Seeya

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model or men's model

With the Seeya, the manufacturer is pursuing the goal of getting even closer to walking barefoot. For this purpose, the use of materials has been reduced compared to other models. The minimal thickness of the caoutchouc sole ensures a reinforced feeling of walking barefoot and high flexibility. The soft, light midsole is responsible for the natural movement. In addition, a particularly breathable surface fabric is used. A quilted insole offers additional protection for the arch of the foot - especially for longer runs. To ensure a snug, yet locked-in fit, the stretchy, seamless upper has an adjustable Velcro strap. The Seeya can not only be used for running, but also, for example, for yoga, Pilates or simply in your free time.

Weight: 136 grams (men) Drop: 0 millimeters Price: 129.90 euros

New Balance Minimus 20v7

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model or men's model

The knit upper of the Minimus 20v7 is made from a nylon-reinforced yarn. This creates a barrier around the foot that also provides lateral support. Furthermore, the air circulation through the monomesh windows should be improved and the asymmetrical collar should offer a natural fit. Meanwhile, the one-piece Vibram outsole ensures reliable traction. The Minimus 20v7 is also innovative thanks to its REVlite midsole, which guarantees special responsiveness and durability and is also made of foam that is around 30 percent lighter than other foams with similar performance. The Minimus 20v7 differs from other barefoot shoes in its drop, which according to the manufacturer is four millimeters.

Weight: 155 grams (men) Drop: 4 millimeters Price: 100 euros

New Balance Minimus Trail 10v1

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model or men's model

Adequate traction and robustness are necessary, especially for demanding trails. The New Balance Minimus Trail 10v1 offers both thanks to its Vibram outsole with flex grooves and its upper made of flexible synthetic/mesh material. In addition, the midfoot wrap ensures the right fit and support in the shoe. Another plus is the low weight of the high-quality performance foam. In addition, the ACTEVA midsole cushioning provides versatile, flexible support.

Weight: 212 grams (men) Drop: 4 millimeters Price: 120 euros

Merrell Bare Access XTR

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model or men's model

The Merrell Bare Access XTR is much closer to a classic running shoe when compared to Merrell's minimalist Glove ranges. Nevertheless, the Bare Access has all the properties that make a barefoot running shoe: the construction that is consistently adapted to the foot anatomy with plenty of space in the forefoot area, the flexible sole and the zero drop. However, the 10 millimeter thick EVA midsole offers cushioning that is very comfortable for this category. Overall, the sole builds up a good 17 millimeters. The mesh upper is taped in the toe area to protect against stones and moisture. Reinforcing elements on the midfoot ensure that the shoe fits securely in this area, while the stabilizing heel cap does the same in the rear foot. Merrell also relies on the good grip of the Vibram outsole for bare access. It runs comfortably on asphalt as well as on trails, where the light lug profile (tread depth 3 mm) provides grip.

Weight: 190 grams (women), 240 grams (men) Drop: 0 millimeters Price: 110 euros

Running trainingRunning technique exercisesImprove your running style with running ABCRead moreStrength training & StretchingTraining for the feetThe best exercises for strong feetread moreThis article may contain links to providers from which RUNNER'S WORLD receives a commission. These links are marked with the following icon:02.08.2021Urs WeberBritta OstTo the start page