Barefoot shoes have been proven to be great for weightlifters and health junkies. Their lightweight and exercise focused design make them the ideal choice for health enthusiasts of all sorts. If you’re interested in buying one, then this article is just what you need. Here, I will be reviewing the five best barefoot shoes for weightlifting that you can buy straight from Amazon.
If you don’t want to read the whole article, you can just go for the ‘Vibram FiveFingers KSO Evo’’. With its stylish looks, lightweight and ergonomic design, my top choice is in this list of best barefoot shoes.
Based on budget and other factors, the best barefoot shoe can be different for each individual. So, read through the whole article to find out which one is best for you.
Vibram FiveFingers KSO Evo
If you love running along with extensive weightlifting, then you should get the Vibram FiveFingers KSO Evo. With these on, it’ll almost feel like you’re walking barefoot but not getting any dirt on your foot thanks to its durable and supple soles. It works in both damp and dry conditions thanks to its outsole, which has a zig-zag pattern.
This might be a tremendous barefoot shoe for pro runners and gym trainees, but I wouldn’t recommend it to newbies, especially its lack of protective exterior. So, if you’re new in this barefoot scene, I’d suggest getting something with a bit more protection just in case you’re prone to injuries. The same suggestion goes to all the weightlifters as well.
Features
- 3mm Vibram XS Trek outsole: The outsole provides excellent grip so you won’t have to worry about slipping and falling
- Ultimate minimalist shoe: The design of the KSO Evo takes it a one step further from going barefoot. It has a durable sole, which is also flexible, so you won’t have to worry about getting dirt on your feet, given its minimalist exterior.
Pros
- Flexible
- Durable
- Great traction
Cons
- Extremely minimalist design, so not recommended for beginners.
Vivobarefoot Primus Lite Recycled
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a pro weightlifter or a heavy runner; if you’re a responsible adult, you should always think about the environment. And while doing so, you should also live a lifestyle that accentuates those beliefs of yours.
This is why I recommend the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite II Recycled as it embodies those ideologies. The Primus Lite II is vegan and eco-friendly, and it is also made up of recycled PET plastic. So, you can wear these shoes without thinking of harming the environment or the ecosystem.
Its high-quality foam consists of algae biomass, and it helps in the reduction of petroleum use. Like the other barefoot shoes, the Primus Lite II is very lightweight and extremely breathable, making it the perfect choice for summer.
So, don’t forget to pack these when you go for that fitness session. Weightlifters will have a great time lifting weights while wearing these due to its porous and permeable exterior. And you won’t have to think about leaving any space for them in the bag as they can easily be folded and put anywhere without you having to worry about it taking up much surface.
Features
- Bloom foam: Compared to the EVA foam of other barefoot shoes, synthetic and uses petrochemical, the bloom foam is a more sustainable substitute.
- Recycled PET plastic: Along with the use of other plant-based polymers, this helps to avoid using petroleum during manufacturing
Pros
- High-performance foam
- Hardly takes up space.
- Lightweight and breathable
Cons
- Not ideal for winter
Vivobarefoot Magna Trail
Are you a heavy weightlifter but love going on hikes as well? Then we’ve got you covered. The Vivobarefoot Magna Trail is the best barefoot shoes for not only weightlifting but also hiking. Plus, it’s waterproof! So, you don’t have to worry about getting it wet as these bad boys will stay bone-dry no matter how long it stays underwater.
So, the next time you decide to lift those weights outdoors, you don’t have to worry about ruining your nice pair of Vivobarefoot Magna Trail.
It might be a bit expensive, but it’s worth all the dough. With its ankle socks protecting you from the weather and its upper layer thermal insulation, these barefoot shoes are the best pick for winter.
Features
- Nylon upper: The nylon upper provides water-resistance making it the best shoes for outdoor activities
- Thermal insulation: The Vivobarefoot Magna Trail has a thermal insulation layer in the upper layer and an insole to protect you from the cold. Guess someone’s not getting cold feet in winter.
Pros
- Very stylish
- Waterproof exterior
- Adds further protection in cold weather
- Vegan Friendly
Cons
- A bit expensive
The Merrell Vapor Glove 4 is a trail runner’s dream come true and also essential for weightlifters. Even though Merrell has previously released a small line of barefoot shoes, the Vapor Glove 4 is their most minimalist approach. Its looks might resemble the more conventional shoes out there, but it gets the job done with its flexible exterior.
Merrell Vapor Glove 4
It might not have enough space in the toe region, but it does have M Select Fresh to keep your toes smelling fresh. So, the next time you’re at the gym, lift those weights worry-free as you won’t have to think about having smelly feet.
Features
- Vibram TC5+ Outsole and Barefoot2: The outsole provides excellent traction, andhere are no heel-drops because of the Barefoot2 construction; thus, you will be able to move around in them more freely.
- Cordura and TPU upper: The upper materials are built to last and will withstand long-term wear.
- Cruelty-Free: For all the vegans out there I have fantastic news, starting from the upper to the mesh lining, all the materials are vegan friendly and against animal cruelty.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Flexible
- Vegan-friendly
Cons
- Feet become wet in damp conditions
For our full review click here
Freet Chukka
The Freet Chukka is a casual barefoot shoe that looks almost like regular running shoes. So, if you’re a new barefoot shoe wearer, you won’t have to feel uneasy and insecure when you put them on as they won’t attract a curious crowd. The next time you go out for weightlifting, make sure to pack or wear these as they will surely help avoid gazes from the non-barefoot public.
It consists of a microfiber upper and MultiGrip2 outsole giving it a firm grip on slippery sidewalks and murky potholes. When it comes to price, I’d say that the Freet Chukka is a solid deal.
Features
- MultiGrip2 outsole: The outsole provides excellent traction on both wet and dry pavements
- Versatile: These unisex shoes can be worn on any occasion and during any activities as they look relatively normal compared to a conventional barefoot shoe
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Very comfortable to wear
- Affordable price
Cons
- It might not be ideal for people with narrow feet.
What Are the Benefits of Barefoot Shoes?
Wearing super thick-soled shoes can disorient your body’s natural positioning. Barefoot shoes can regain that former alignment rekindling our body’s senses of posture.
Another strong point is that it’s very safe to use. But you need to keep in mind that the previous statement is for those who’ve been wearing barefoot shoes for a while now. If you’re new in the game, I’d suggest you take it real nice and easy in case you get into any accidents.
This doesn’t mean that you’ll avoid injuries with regular shoes on. What it means is that they will give you more protection while you get used to the barefoot ones. I’d advise you to start walking in those barefoot shoes before running a marathon with your equally enthusiastic barefoot crowd.
Conclusion
Exercising and lifting weights wearing barefoot shoes have been proven to increase muscle coordination. With that being said, a pair of barefoot shoes will be ideal for at home or gym workout as they’re more flexible and breathable.
I hope this article helps you with buying your new barefoot shoes. I’m sure if you’ve gone through my list of Best Barefoot Shoes for Weightlifting, then you will find the one that suits your specific needs.