If you’re curious about barefoot shoes, we have a complete comparison of the two distinct types: barefoot toe shoes and barefoot shoes with a toe box.
Both offer a minimalist design that allows for a more natural experience. Think of a barefoot shoe acting as a “second skin” for your body. It will enable you to still interact with the earth while keeping your feet protected.
Runners, mountain climbers, and everyday people alike use barefoot shoes all the time. Barefoot shoes aim to maintain the body’s natural position and prevent deformities that are sometimes caused by modern shoe design.
Let’s look at some of the differences between barefoot toe shoes and those with a toe box. After that, I will share my personal journey with you on how I became a barefoot enthusiast.
The Two Types of Barefoot Shoes
The two types of barefoot shoes are barefoot toe shoes and barefoot shoes with a toe box. Both are suitable minimalist shoe types, although some people prefer one style over the other.
Barefoot Toe Shoes
The most well-known brand of this style is the Vibram FiveFinger toe shoes. The shoe is designed so all toes are separate. Another brand is GetFyfs, a minimalist shoe that is extremely thin and translates to more of a barefoot sock than a shoe.
Barefoot Shoes with a Toe Box
Most barefoot shoe brands will have a toe box. This option looks most like everyday footwear where none of the toes are separated, and they are all in the same toe box.
The Benefits of Barefoot Toe Shoes
Are you thinking of buying barefoot toe shoes but you’re undecided? These benefits ought to convince you.
- Develops foot and toe muscles. There are tools and exercises you can learn to train your toes for an overall more muscular foot. This benefit helps with balance and stamina and strengthens the base of your body.
- Restores the foot’s original posture and function.
- Helps maintain balance.
- Enhances the barefoot experience. You want to protect your feet while experiencing the barefoot feeling. Using toe shoes is similar to your natural “naked” form.
- Unique-looking and they make a functional fashion statement. They are also conversation starters and help you recognize people with similar interests.
The Disadvantages of Barefoot Toe Shoes
Although barefoot toe shoes resemble your natural foot, their design that can sometimes have the following disadvantages:
- Sometimes look silly or juvenile.
- Some people feel vulnerable when wearing them as if they might cause injury.
- You become hyper-aware of your toes, which can impact your gait.
- They draw a lot of attention.
- You can only wear specific socks that also have toe compartments (toe socks).
- Takes a minute to put each shoe on your foot. These are not a slide in and go type of shoe.
The Benefits of Barefoot Shoes with a Toe Box
Barefoot shoes with a toe box allow for a natural experience without the funny look. Take a look at the following benefits:
- Some people find them more comfortable than the FiveFinger option.
- Toes that are pressed together can keep warm easier.
- Closer to the regular shoe experience most people are used to.
- More variety in the market for this design.
- Stealth, as most people will not notice that you’re wearing a different type of shoe.
- More friendly for beginners interested in barefoot footwear.
The Disadvantages of Barefoot Shoes with a Toe Box
Do keep in mind that barefoot shoes with a toe box have some disadvantages, including the following:
- A different focus on developing toe muscle strength.
- Admittedly, there’s a gray area that some shoe brands capitalize on. They enter the market with a barefoot shoe that is low-quality or doesn’t qualify as a minimalist barefoot option. Beginners need to be extra careful when purchasing their shoes to make the right selection.
- Less recognizable as a barefoot shoe unless a true barefoot shoe enthusiast spots them.
Which Is Better, Barefoot Toe Shoes or Barefoot Shoes with a Toe Box?
It’s hard to say which is the better option between barefoot toe shoes or barefoot shoes with a toe box because every person is different and has their own foot requirements. Therefore, our opinion is that you should select the barefoot option that feels comfortable to wear and fits into your lifestyle or level of activity.
If you want to focus on toe strength or you want a more natural stance, choose barefoot toe shoes. If you don’t like the look of the toe shoe style and enjoy a more standard pair with minimalist qualities, get one with a wide toe box.
If you want both, you can always look at a wide toe box option and purchase from Correcttoes, which sells a toe-separator that can manually space your toes. Or get a pair of each type!
The bottom line is the best barefoot shoe for you is one that you will wear consistently and feel comfortable in.
If you’re new to the barefoot world, remember that you can always build your way up to trying different options. Deciding between the two types of barefoot shoes depends on your end goal and why you’re interested in barefoot options. If you have medical reasons that might affect how your feet feel in the shoes, it’s best to consult with a medical professional before making the switch.
Can You Wear Barefoot Shoes and Barefoot Toe Shoes Every Day?
Yes, if you are a beginner, you can eventually wear your barefoot shoe every day. The key is to build it up slowly.
Can You Exercise in Barefoot Shoes and Barefoot Toe Shoes?
Lots of barefoot shoe brands make barefoot shoes specifically for exercise and sports. We have written blog posts on the subject and recommend specific shoes for weightlifting, CrossFit, and yoga.
If you’re curious about which barefoot shoe would be right for your sport or activity, you can also check our brand pages website. We have a separate page dedicated to sneaker and sports models. The brands that offer barefoot sneakers or sports shoes have useful information on their unique benefits.
Are There Vegan Barefoot Shoes and Toe Shoes?
Yes, there are! The barefoot shoe industry is a very conscious one, both in terms of personal health and the planet’s health. Therefore, there is a decent range of vegan shoes. We have written a blog post to cover this topic. Check out this blogpost about shoes made of recycled plastic
We also have a complete brand list dedicated to barefoot brands that offer vegan footwear.
Conclusion & My Journey
If you’re curious about barefoot shoes, both options offer a natural feeling that will help with correct posture. It is all about your style and what activity you are choosing them for at the end of the day.
My journey began one day in 2009. I saw one of the personal trainers in my gym walking in Vibram FiveFingers, and I was immediately intrigued.
Logic immediately got through to me. “This makes sense!” was my first thought. I had no medical reason to switch to barefoot shoes; it was purely out of interest and curiosity from that first encounter.
I started with a classic black barefoot toe shoe from Vibram. I was hooked! Soon two more pairs of toe shoes from Vibram followed, and when winter began, I also bought the accompanying toe socks for extra warmth.
In recent years, I have been following the barefoot shoe industry more intensively. I’ve seen developments from other brands that have appealed to me and have expanded my wardrobe to include them. I now have added several kinds of barefoot shoes, including those with a wide toe box.
The same curiosity that drove me to barefoot shoes now makes me curious about the Correcttoes products. I am considering purchasing them and seeing what benefits they provide. Although I have no medical reason to buy them and as the saying goes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”
Alas, my curiosity prevails, and I will be contacting a podiatrist to get professional advice on the matter. Stay tuned for the result of my findings on this blog, and we can continue this journey together.