I Wore 23 Barefoot Shoes…This One’s Best
Barefoot shoes have been a hot topic in the footwear industry for several years now. In this post, we’ll dive into my personal experience with different Barefoot Shoes over three years, shedding light on their features, pros, cons, and their specific usage.
What are Barefoot Shoes?
Barefoot shoes, in essence, are designed to mimic the experience of walking barefoot while still offering protection from the elements.
2 key features that characterize these shoes:
- Thinness and flexibility: This enables easy packing and increased connection to various floor textures when walking around.
- Zero-drop design: Unlike conventional shoes that raise your heel, barefoot shoes maintain an even height from heel to toe.
Opinions vary widely on the benefits and downsides of barefoot shoes. For me, they’ve been a great fit, but it’s crucial to do your own research and consider your individual needs.
My favorite Barefoot Shoes:
The brand that sparked my journey into barefoot shoes was Vivobarefoot. Over the years, I’ve tried several of their styles designed for different seasons and activities. Here’s my take on a few of their models:
- Primus Lite II and III: The standout pair in my collection. They are breathable, compact, and offer excellent ground feel. I initially wore these for workouts but they’ve since become my everyday shoes. However, be mindful of their lack of insulation and water resistance.
- Vivobarefoot Addis: An aesthetically appealing alternative. They lack the breathability of the Primus Lite’s but make up for it in style.
- Vivobarefoot Ra II: Perfect for formal events. These shoes aren’t as breathable as the others, but they make up for it with water resistance and a formal aesthetic.
- Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest Esc: Excellent for harsh weather conditions. With their sturdy grip and rugged look, these boots are both stylish and functional.
2. Feelgrounds
A more recent discovery, Feelgrounds offers a lightweight shoe with excellent breathability and a unique mesh design. They feel somewhat lighter and allow for a more direct connection with the ground than the Vivobarefoot models. The only downside? The white variant picks up dirt quite quickly.
Vibram FiveFingers stand out due to their distinctive design where each toe has its own pocket. They require toe socks and can be a bit tricky to put on, but they do a fantastic job of encouraging natural toe movement.
4. Splay Shoes
These have a very casual, Vans-style look and a very wide toe box. While they may not roll up as much, they have a nice, strong, firm sole. If you’re looking for something more conventional-looking, these might be the shoes for you.
5. Earth Runner Sandals
These sandals are fantastic for summer wear. They’re minimalistic, easy to pack, and have an interesting look. The downside is they do require a bit of effort to put on.
6. Altra Torin 6 Running Shoes
Although not traditional barefoot shoes, Altra’s offer a wide toe box and zero-drop.
Wrapping Up My Barefoot Shoe Journey:
From the versatile range of Vivobarefoot, the lightweight Feelgrounds, and unique Vibram FiveFingers, to the traditional-looking Splay Shoes and the season-friendly options of sandals and boots, each brand has its own merits and shortcomings. Yet, the commonality they share is the fresh experience of walking closer to the earth, simulating the feel of going barefoot. Remember, transitioning to barefoot shoes is a personal choice and one that may require some adaptation. Take your time to adjust and try different brands to find what suits you best. Whether you’re running, traveling, or simply enjoying a casual day out, there’s a pair of barefoot shoes out there for you.
If you would like to purchase Vivobarefoot, use this link: https://tidd.ly/3aCRQbP* (Discount code (10% off): SHERVIN10)
If you would like to purchase Feelgrounds, use this link: https://www.feelgrounds.com/?p=shervin*
If you would like to purchase Splay Shoes, use this link:https://splayshoes.com/?ref=y98a64kw* (Discount code (10% off): SHERVIN)
If you would like to purchase Vibram FiveFingers, use this link:https://vibram.com/?src=ShervinShaikh*
*these are affiliate links.
