Best Minimalist Running Shoes For Men
We round up the best barefoot/minimalist running shoes on the market
Barefoot shoes shouldn't be complicated. The approach is, the less the better.
Although there should be fewer features to a barefoot shoe, choosing the best one can be challenging because there are many options in the market today. There are so many manufacturers and models to choose from. Each has its interpretation of what is a barefoot shoe/ sandal, how to make the best shoes for our life, and challenges.
If you wish to read how to evaluate barefoot footwear, check out this article, barefoot footwear guide.
With careful evaluation of different barefoot shoes, we will try to help narrow down your choices.
We search the web for real reviews, seek out experts who have tried the shoes themselves, and we spend hundreds of hours examining and evaluating models and statistics.
In the following article, you can find the best minimalist running shoes for men. These models have received the highest scores by multiple users on multiple websites. We only gather all data and summarize it for readers as a tool to help you purchase your next best footwear.
Hope you enjoy and benefit from it (:
Xero Shoes
Xero Shoes
Xero Shoes
Xero Shoes
Xero Shoes
Xero Shoes
Inov-8
Vivobarefoot
Vivobarefoot
Vibram
Based on 141 reviews
Brand: Xero Shoes
Xero's best-selling do-it-all shoe is now available in soft, durable full-grain leather.
Review Summary:
The Prio All Day has been designed by Xero to be a do-it-all shoe. Many who have worn the pair agree, saying that the Xero Shoes Prio are comfortable, flexible, and stylish. Because of their versatility, many users were able to shift from one activity to the next without changing footwear. All this while allowing the feet to move naturally and freely.
Buying Options
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From 129$ | See deals |
Pros
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Versatile in terms of usage and design
Cons
- Some say the toe box is a bit narrow
- Will take some getting used to for barefoot shoe beginners
- Not very breathable
Based on 510 reviews
Brand: Xero Shoes
The all-new 360º is a lightweight cross-training shoe designed to handle court sports, parkour, CrossFit, and just about anything else that requires quick lateral movement.
Review Summary:
Xeroshoes 360 is a cross-training shoe designed to handle the demands of CrossFit, court sports, and other activities that involve quick lateral movement. With enough room in the toe box, the upper has been reinforced in key areas to tackle the demands of the activities mentioned. It’s considered by many as a good companion to the gym and in an everyday setting.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Vegan-friendly
- Breathable
- Stable
- Durable
Cons
- Acclimation period
- Not ideal for concrete
Based on 9294 reviews
Brand: Xero Shoes
Whether you’re out on a run, trying out a new trail, hitting the gym, or toeing a slackline, you’ll love the Prio’s combination of freedom and protection.
Sizing:
Felt true to size: 85%
Based on 498 user reviews
Felt true to width: 91%
Based on 190 user reviews
Women's Sizing:
Felt true to size: 74%
Based on 201 user reviews
Felt true to width 92%
Based on 95 user reviews
Based on 1167 reviews
Brand: Xero Shoes
Ready to set new personal bests (in speed and comfort)
Sizing:
Felt true to size: 70%
Based on 63 user reviews
Based on 1668 reviews
Brand: Xero Shoes
Ready for adventure
Sizing:
Felt true to size: 78%
Based on 130 user reviews
Felt true to width: 90%
Based on 78 user reviews
Women's Sizing:
Felt true to size: 55%
Based on 51 user reviews
Felt true to width 95%
Based on 63 user reviews
Based on 3836 reviews
Brand: Xero Shoes
Trail-gripping comfort for your off-road adventures
Sizing:
Felt true to size: 76%
Based on 296 user reviews
Felt true to width: 100%
Based on 55 user reviews
Women's Sizing:
Felt true to size: 62%
Based on 112 user reviews
Felt true to width 100%
Based on 53 user reviews
Based on 569 reviews
Brand: Inov-8
Men's Sizing:
Felt true to size: 85%
Based on 79 user reviews
Women's Sizing:
Felt true to size: 74%
Based on 42 user reviews
Felt true to width 89%
Based on 8 user reviews
Based on 405 reviews
Brand: Vivobarefoot
The Primus Lite is Vivobarefoot's lightest and most flexible creation, promising to deliver maximum ground feeling.
Men's Sizing:
Felt true to size: 82%
Based on 17 user reviews
Women's Sizing:
Felt true to size: 100%
Based on 7 user reviews
Review Summary:
The Primus Lite is one of the lightest shoes ever created by Vivobarefoot. All of the components are made up of light, breathable and flexible materials. According to the website, each shoe only weighs about 150g. Sporting a 3mm thin sole and a highly breathable upper, the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite may just deliver the truly barefoot experience many are looking for.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Best breathability
- Good ground feedback
- Stylish and modern despite the limited colorways
Cons
- Pricey
- Some durability issues
Based on 560 reviews
Brand: Vivobarefoot
With improvements made on the quality, the Primus Lite II is a nimble shoe designed to allow wearers to move uninhibitedly.
Men's Sizing:
Felt true to size: 83%
Based on 6 user reviews
Women's Sizing:
Felt true to size: 74%
Based on 31 user reviews
Review Summary:
The Primus Lite II is a vegan-friendly barefoot shoe that’s mainly made up of bio-materials – Vivobarefoot’s effort to reduce the mark each shoe makes on the planet. True to the series, this second iteration of the Primus Lite still feels very lightweight, allowing wearers to move freely and quickly. Despite some reports of sizing, durability, and pricing concerns, the Primus Lite II is a pair most reach for when looking for that close-to-barefoot experience.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Extremely lightweight
- Made with recycled materials
Cons
- Pricey
- Sizing issues
- Takes some getting used to (for beginner barefoot-shoe users)
Based on 2260 reviews
Brand: Vibram
Weight: M43=4.23oz. Sole Spec: • INSOLE: 2mm EVA + Anti-Microbial Drilex Sockliner • MIDSOLE: N/A • RUBBER: 3mm Upper Material: Polyester Fabric
Sizing:
Felt true to size: 62%
Based on 1190 user reviews
Buying Options
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From 94$ | See deals |
