When hitting the trail for a run, aerodynamics are a primary concern. You want a streamlined profile to increase your running speed. Barefoot running shoes are an ideal solution, as they’re lightweight. These shoes also boast a bendable sole and a spacious toe box for foot flexibility. What are the best barefoot running and trail running shoes?
The best barefoot running shoes are:
- Magical Shoes Explorer 2.0
- Merrell Vapor Glove 4
- Softstar Quick Dry DASH RunAmoc
- Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III
- Feelmax Osma 7
- Vibram KSO
- Vibram V-Run
- Xero HFS
- Merrell Vapor Glove 5
These are the top shoes for trail running:
- Softstar Megagrip Primal RunAmoc
- Vivobarefoot Primus Trail SG
- Vivobarefoot Primus Trail II
- Merrell Trail Glove 6
- Vibram V-Trail 2.0
- New Balance Minimus 10 V1
- Xero Mesa Trail
- Xero Speed Force
In this guide, we’ll review each of these 17 barefoot running shoes, highlighting what makes them such a great option for runners who like to jog on pavement or trails. You won’t want to miss it!
The 9 Top Barefoot Running Shoes
Let’s start by discussing barefoot running shoes, which are intended for jogging on roads such as concrete paths at the park, sidewalks, and even asphalt streets. These 8 selections are the best barefoot running shoes around. They’re available in various styles so there’s something here for you!
Magical Shoes Explorer 2.0
First on our list is Magical Shoes’ Explorer 2.0s, which are the next in line after the original Explorers. These successors are intended for autumn, spring, and summer running. Their uppers are air-mesh fabric for breathability and suede leather for style. A microfiber liner also keeps your feet from getting stinky and sweaty on your runs.
The Magical Rubber soles–a Magical Shoes trademark–are 6.5 millimeters with a zero-drop heel so you feel every step you take as you run. The degree of flexibility in these shoes is so high that you could roll your Explorer 2.0s into a ball and stash them in your running bag!
Merrell Vapor Glove 4
Although we’ll talk about the Merrell Vapor Glove 5 and the Vapor Glove 6 to come, the Vapor Glove 4 is a classic as well. Not only is this barefoot hiking shoe a blog favorite, but lots of people prefer it over its successor, the Vapor Glove 5.
The reason? The latter shoe has slightly less of a barefoot style, yet that style is retained through and through in the Vapor Glove 4. If you’re transitioning from regular running shoes into barefoot running shoes, you should give these a try.
Do check out our full review of the Merrell Vapor Glove 4 here.
Softstar Quick Dry DASH RunAmoc
When shopping for barefoot shoes, you can’t go wrong with RunAmocs. The Quick Dry DASH RunAmocs from Softstar are 100 percent vegan so they’re better for our beautiful planet.
Like the Magical Shoes Explorer 2.0, these RunAmocs have a mesh upper that breathes easily. You can even get these shoes wet, as they’re quick-drying!
A 7U shoe is a mere 4.2 ounces so you can run more aerodynamically in these barefoot shoes. The Quick Dry DASH RunAmocs are outfitted with a rubber toe cap around the front to protect your feet as well as a wide toe box so you’re free to flex and bend your toes. The 5-millimeter, zero-drop Vibram Omniflex sole is made of rubber and promotes awesome groundfeel.
Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III
You’ll see Vivobarefoot a lot on this list, and that’s only because their barefoot shoes are some of the best of the best. The Primus Lite III is a great example of that. The link to the men’s shoe is here and the link to the women’s shoe is here.
These too are 100 percent vegan running shoes. The Active Sole is only 4 millimeters and designed for running in urban spaces and on hard materials like asphalt or concrete. The shape of the Primus Lite III is also worth talking about. Vivobarefoot made these running shoes shaped like your foot, widening them for better stability.
Feelmax Osma 7
Finnish brand Feelmax knocks it out of the park with the Osma 7, the follow-up to the popular barefoot shoe the Osma 6. These eye-catching shoes are made of natural materials that treat our feet and our planet well.
Velukid microfiber promotes foot breathability while the NatuRun Ecorubber outsole comprises vulcanized rubber particles, all of which are recycled. The dual-density sole, when combined with the roomy toe box, makes walking in the Osma 7s a delight. With their quick-lacing system, you can start your runs faster.
Vibram KSO
Some people who get into barefoot running shoes really dislike the Vibram FiveFinger style, as it’s certainly quite distinct. If you don’t mind each toe being cradled within your barefoot shoes, then try the KSO shoes, which stands for Keep Stuff Out due to the shoe’s close fit. The link to the women’s shoe is here and the link to the men’s shoe is here.
The uppers of the KSO shoes are made of Hypalon, polyester, and stretch-polyamide mesh that covers your whole foot. The materials are also resistant to abrasion.
The XS Trek rubber soles with razor siping feature a rubber compound with excellent wet traction and great flexibility. Runners will especially appreciate the hook-and-loop closure of these shoes. No shoelaces mean no tripping risk!
Vibram V-Run
If you want to turn heads during your next marathon, put on a pair of Vibram S-Run barefoot shoes. Here’s the link for the men’s edition and here’s the link for the women’s version.
A polyester microfiber and polyester Lycra stretch mesh upper in single or dual colors keep your feet breathable and stylish at once. The 2.5-millimeter rubber sole of the V-Run is intended for long walks or runs. The compounds in the rubber can withstand very cold temperatures and even high mountain peaks!
Within the 2.2-millimeter insole is an antimicrobial Drilex sockliner so your shoes can resist odors for even longer.
Xero HFS
Another bright and colorful barefoot running shoe for your consideration is the Xero HFS. These lightweight road-running shoes are available for women and men.
These color-blocked shoes are more than just fashionable with their huarache inspiration. They have a sizable toe box for splaying, moving, and bending your toes as you need to when you run.
Let’s talk about the rubber sole, shall we? It’s FeelTrue rubber that’s 5.5 millimeters with a zero-drop sole, or shall we say a Xero-drop sole? The insole, which is only 2 millimeters, is removable so your feet can get even closer to the ground while you run but remain protected the entire time.
Merrell Vapor Glove 5
Our last recommendation for the best barefoot running shoe is the Vapor Glove 5, another pick by Merrell. This sleek-looking shoe has a combination TPU and mesh upper and a stretchable collar so you can easily slip your feet into and out of these shoes. For runners, there’s nothing better!
The Vibram Ecostep sole is made of recycled rubber (30 percent recycled) with 2-millimeter lugs. Above the sole is the foam EVA insole which has a 100-percent recycled top sheet. The laces are completely recycled as well, making this one great pair of vegan-friendly running shoes.
The 8 Best Barefoot Trail Running Shoes
Trail running shoes are not the same as traditional running shoes, something we’re sure you know quite well. The lugs on trail running shoes are soft yet large to provide traction on uneven ground. The following 8 barefoot trail running shoes have the features you need while bringing your feet closer to the ground.
Softstar Megagrip Primal RunAmoc
RunAmocs aren’t only for road running, but trail running as well. At least if you’re wearing the Megagrip Primal RunAmocs, that is. These shoes feature a Vibram Zegama zero-drop rubber sole that’s a mere 6 millimeters.
As the Megagrip name tells you, this grippy sole is intended for terrain, including dry and wet ground. The midsole, which is another 3.5 millimeters, further protects your feet, as does the rubber toe cap.
If you want to run in socks, you can, but you can also wear the Megagrip Primal RunAmocs sockless. The lacing system is expanded in these barefoot running shoes so you can customize the tightness and fit of your shoes. Even the tongue is meant to fit firmly against your foot so it never gets in the way.
Vivobarefoot Primus Trail SG
With a name like Primus Trail SG, you’re right to have high expectations of these barefoot shoes. Since they’re made by Vivobarefoot, they won’t disappoint.
These shoes have a rubber outsole complete with lugs throughout, each of them 5 millimeters. The lugs give you traction even on loose or muddy ground, so go ahead, run off the beaten trail!
Vivobarefoot Primus Trail II
The second pair of Vivobarefoot shoes that we really like for barefoot trail running is the Primus Trail II. You can check out the women’s shoes here and the men’s shoes here.
These vegan shoes come with a Bloom Performance insole that’s produced using recycled algae biomass. Trail runners will love the Primus Trail II’s Firm Ground Sole. It’s 2.5 millimeters with 4-millimeter lugs throughout. The rubber is sticky for traction and grip on firm, rocky, and dry ground and terrain. You even have a great zonal grip thanks to the arch texturing featured in these shoes.
Merrell Trail Glove 6
Merrell didn’t only think of road runners when designing their Trail Glove series of barefoot shoes. The Trail Glove 6 is for trail runners through and through. Take a look at the women’s version here and the men’s version here.
The Vibram EcoStep rubber sole is a bit thicker than the Trail Glove 5s to keep your feet safe when running on uneven and sharp terrain. That rubber is 30 percent recycled.
The BLOOM performance midsole, like the Primus Trail II barefoot shoes, is also repurposed algae biomass. With Merrell Barefoot 2 construction, you can stand and move naturally so you’ll run without pain.
Vibram V-Trail 2.0
If you’re looking for a pair of FiveFinger barefoot shoes as a trail runner, you’ve found them in the V-Trail 2.0. Here’s the link for the men’s version and here’s the link for the women’s shoe.
Toe lamination keeps unwanted seams from splitting around the toes so your shoes are even more durable. The polyester uppers are water-repellant and resistant to wear and tear, more so than other V-Trail barefoot shoes before them.
Innovative 3D Cocoon mesh is woven throughout the outsole to keep your feet free of damage from sticks and rocks. The V-Trail 2.0 also has a Megagrip sole that’s intended for use on dry and wet surfaces alike. You’ll enjoy better foot flexibility and stability thanks to the sole.
New Balance Minimus 10 V1
Here’s a brand that most runners are familiar with: New Balance. Their Minimus 10 V1 barefoot trail running shoes have a redesigned upper that’s more dynamic than ever. Flexible grooves across the shoe help you walk and run with ease. The 4-millimeter drop and streamlined rubber Vibram sole are certainly standouts, as is the midsole from Acteva.
Xero Mesa Trail
A beloved minimalist trail running shoe, the Xero Mesa Trail could be just the barefoot shoe you’re looking for. You can check out the women’s version here and the men’s version here.
Not only does the mesh of the Mesa Trail barefoot shoes promote breathability, but the liner wicks away moisture so your feet stay drier and feel better.
The instep and midfoot protective covering is welded to match the shape of your feet. This shoe’s light sole is augmented with a TrailFoam layer that’s 3 millimeters. With dual chevron treading, your steps can be steady and sure.
Xero Speed Force
Last but certainly not least is another Xero barefoot trail shoe, the Speed Force. The men’s edition is here and the women’s edition is here.
These bright and vivid shoes are quite lightweight. A men’s size 9 weighs 5.8 ounces so you never feel sluggish on your runs.
FeelTrue rubber grips to the ground for traction and support. The sole is also thin, measuring 4.5 millimeters with a zero-drop heel. If you want less material between your feet and the ground, you can remove the 2-millimeter insole.
Oh, and did we mention these barefoot shoes are vegan? That’s another reason to consider them!
Conclusion
Whether road running or trail running, barefoot shoes are the best footwear. The zero-drop heel lets you stand as you would without shoes so you can find a natural running stance and pace that feels good for you. The spacious toe box lets your feet flex while a grippy sole keeps you from slipping so you can beat that running speed record.
Any of the barefoot shoes we reviewed today will help you take your running to new heights!