Free Your Feet with “Barefoot” Shoes

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Whether you’re an aspiring barefoot runner or just want to get in touch with your own feet, “barefoot” shoes are an excellent option for strengthening your legs and improving tactility. Here, we outline some of the best in minimalist footwear.

There are plenty of articles out there about why, as a trail runner, you should try barefoot shoes. But, if you’re not a runner, should you even bother? Well, sure!

Not Just for Trail Runners

We’ve spoiled our feet with modern shoes. Thick soles and arch support have made our feet soft and weak—we seem to think our feet can’t touch the ground without being injured. Modern footwear encases our feet like armor.

Throughout much of human history, our ancestors wore simple shoes with minimal support, like sandals or leather socks with some extra layering at the sole. They also wore things like kilts, tights, and three-quarter length pants. Why? Because they wanted to show off the impressive calf muscles they developed walking around and not wearing overbuilt shoes.

For us, making the switch to minimal shoes presents a bit of a learning curve. Without the shock absorption of a thick heel, you’re forced to take advantage of your natural shock absorption mechanisms: ankles, toes, and foot muscles, rather than just landing on the heel bone and letting that shock ride up into your knees and back.

But the challenge is the benefit. You’ll use your feet more, make your legs stronger, and absorb the impact where it was meant to go (your muscles), rather than where it tends to be absorbed now (by our shoes, bones, and joints). Wearing barefoot shoes even when you’re walking around town can strengthen your legs. You’ll also feel nimble enough to hop over a candlestick, and every other shoe will feel like a ski boot in comparison.

Everyone is different, though. If you’ve had problems with your feet, consult with someone who has spent seven years at foot school before donning minimalist shoes. You’ll also find out what your dog already knows: pavement’s not as fun to walk on as dirt and grass.

Interested in giving barefoot shoes a try? Here are some of the top contenders.