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Best Running shoes

We round up the best 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 homepage new. 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 (:

Based on 41 reviews

Brand: Xero Shoes

An eco-friendly road running shoe made with sustainable materials.

Buying Options

	From 129$	See deals

2. MAGNA FOREST ESC

Brand: Vivobarefoot

ESCape to reconnect to nature and rewild your feet, body and soul. Made with super-natural materials including a Woolmark® knitted collar and a newly-engineered, super tough and flexible Michelin® outsole. Developed for extreme terrains, forests, deserts and jungles. Lightweight for dawn to dusk explorers.

Buying Options

	From 255$	See deals

3. BARE-XF 210 V3

4.5

Based on 122 reviews

Brand: Inov-8

The most stripped back shoe in the range just got better. The BARE-XF 210 V3 is a super lightweight, close to the ground design to ensure the shoe moves freely with the foot in motion.

New & improved super-breathable design
Added durability for 24/7 protection
Close to the ground for the ultimate bare-foot feel

Men's Sizing:

Felt true to size: 88%

Based on 25 user reviews

Felt true to width: 88%

Based on 7 user reviews

Women's Sizing:

Felt true to size: 86%

Based on 7 user reviews

Felt true to width 77%

Based on 10 user reviews

Buying Options

	From 120$	See deals
	From 100$	See deals
	From 120$	See deals
	From 160$	See deals

4. F-LITE 245

4.7

Based on 569 reviews

Brand: Inov-8

Simplicity done right – super lightweight training shoe, perfect for functional fitness and running.

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

Buying Options

	From 135$	See deals
	From 131$	See deals
	From 135$	See deals
	From 138$	See deals

5. Men's Trail Glove 6 Leather

3.5

Based on 1033 reviews

Brand: Merrell

Made out of recycled materials and designed to mimic your own foot shape, the Men's Trail Glove 6 Leather provides a more natural feeling connection to the trail.

Sizing:

Felt true to size: 67%

Based on 94 user reviews

Felt true to width: 100%

Based on 25 user reviews

Review Summary:

Designed to mimic your foot shape and promote natural movement using recycled materials, the Men’s Trail Glove 6 Leather helps you feel more connected to the trail. Several reviews suggest arch support and fit could be improved. As far as trail running shoes go, the Trail Glove 6 is one of the best, although it may not be the best choice for a pavement run.

Buying Options

	From 112$	See deals
	From 106$	See deals
	From 119$	See deals
	From 93$	See deals

Pros

Stylish
Lightweight
Excellent sole protection on a rocky hike

Cons

Toe box is too cramped compared to previous versions
Too narrow
Too much padding
Uncomfortable
Excessive arch support

6. Bare Access XTR

4.3

Based on 1608 reviews

Brand: Merrell

The Merrel Bare Access XTR are zero-drop trail running shoes that are made for those looking for affordable barefoot footwear. Made of lightweight mesh and thin TPU overlays, they offer an adequate barefoot experience for the road and light trails.

Sizing:

Felt true to size: 77%

Based on 74 user reviews

Felt true to width: 88%

Based on 23 user reviews

Women's Sizing:

Felt true to size: 75%

Based on 56 user reviews

Felt true to width 81%

Based on 46 user reviews

Review Summary:

The Merrell Bare Access XTR trail running shoes are a fine choice for those on a budget. These trail shoes don’t only come at an economical price, but they are sensitive and offer a snug ride with a nice ground connection as you head off-road. While they are not the most durable shoes for extra long distances or the toughest mountain terrains, they feel and perform well in areas that don’t need much foot protection.

Buying Options

	From 85$	See deals
	From 99$	See deals
	From 84$	See deals

Pros

The shoes are breathable with a thin mesh upper.
You get a more connected ground feel with the low stack height
It has a zero-drop platform for better stability and proprioception
It comes at an affordable price and great value
The shoes are very lightweight with firm padding

Cons

Not the best traction for slippery surfaces
The shoes aren’t as water repellent as other trail runners
Some complaints that the mesh absorbs water and doesn’t dry quickly

7. Rubato

3.7

Based on 46 reviews

Brand: Merrell

The Merrell Rubato is a lightweight minimalist shoe that comes with extra cushioning to protect your feet from tough terrains and trails. It's made for trail runners who want to feel a ground connection but need good grip and traction.

Review Summary:

The Merrell Rubato is a zero-drop trail running shoe made for long distances, following the principles of minimalist running. It is lightweight and offers extra cushioning to protect your feet on tough trails and intense runs, also coming with FLEXconnect flex-groove midsoles to improve ground connection. Granted, the shoes don’t give users the most barefoot feel, but you get a good balance between protection and durability with minimalist running.

Buying Options

	From 141$	See deals
	From 114$	See deals
	From 139$	See deals
	From 133$	See deals

Pros

Merrell Rubato shoes are very responsive, with soft cushioning.
The shoes are comfortable as their uppers wrap around the feet smoothly with a soft underfoot.
It has a wide toe box, which allows the toes to splay naturally
The soles have a good grip when on wet, muddy, or rocky surfaces

Cons

The toebox may be too spacious if you have narrow feet
Its stack height is high with thicker cushioning, so it isn’t the best for minimalist or barefoot runners

8. Wrapt

4.8

Based on 7 reviews

Brand: Merrell

Featuring the fit of our famous barefoot collection, this versatile hybrid with aggressive rubber sole is designed to mimic the shape of the human foot, keeping it in the position it would be in without shoes.

Buying Options

	From 117$	See deals
	From 113$	See deals

9. Vapor Glove 4

4.4

Based on 2804 reviews

Brand: Merrell

This minimal trainer provides little between you and the ground for maximum freedom and connection underfoot. FEATURES – Cordura® mesh and TPU upper – Traditional lace closure – Hyperlock’ TPU film heel counter for security – M Select’ FRESH antimicrobial agents reduces shoe odor – Breathable mesh lining – Integrated insole – Merrell Barefoot 2

Women's Sizing:

Felt true to size: 80%

Based on 362 user reviews

Buying Options

	From 101$	See deals
	From 86$	See deals
	From 96$	See deals

10. Vapor Glove 3 Luna Leather

4.4

Based on 1093 reviews

Brand: Merrell

Minimal look. Maximum performance. This barefoot shoe has a sock-like feel for a locked-down fit, plus a Vibram® sole with nearly zero ground-to-foot separation. FEATURES – Soft full grain leather upper – Breathable mesh lining – Vibram® TC5+ – Weight: 14oz / 398g

Women's Sizing:

Felt true to size: 81%

Based on 31 user reviews

Buying Options

	From 112$	See deals
	From 100$	See deals
	From 107$	See deals

11. Z-Trail EV

4.5

Based on 639 reviews

Brand: Xero Shoes

The perfect combination of protection, comfort, light weight, natural flexibility, durability, versatility, and affordability.

Men's Sizing:

Felt true to size: 93%

Based on 89 user reviews

Felt true to width: 100%

Based on 52 user reviews

Women's Sizing:

Felt true to size: 81%

Based on 21 user reviews

Felt true to width 100%

Based on 64 user reviews

Review Summary:

Xero’s Z Trail EV is packed with all the right features trail runners and ultralight backpackers want. Several reviews recommend improving the buckle system’s construction. Other than that, the EV sandals by Xero are a good choice to accompany you in warmer weather.

Buying Options

	From 79$	See deals
	From 84$	See deals
	From 79$	See deals

Pros

Comfortable
Lightweight
Versatile

Cons

Slippery footbed
Tendency to slide forward in the straps
Minimal adjustability
Thin sole not suitable for varying terrains

12. Vapor Glove 5

4.3

Based on 214 reviews

Brand: Merrell

The 5th version of our famous barely-there minimalist shoe is designed to mimic the shape of the human foot, keeping it in the position it would be in without shoes. Version 5 features an improved fit and increased abrasion resistance.

Men's Sizing:

Felt true to size: 58%

Based on 26 user reviews

Felt true to width: 100%

Based on 1 user reviews

Women's Sizing:

Felt true to size: 67%

Based on 12 user reviews

Felt true to width 75%

Based on 9.75 user reviews

Review Summary:

Keep a connection to the ground underneath your feet while trail running with the Merrell Vapor Glove 5. These shoes will keep you comfortable during your everyday runs, workouts, and cross-training sessions. Even though it is more suited to seasoned barefoot runners than those just making the switch from conventional running shoes, the Vapor Glove 5 is unbeatably priced for top-notch performance.

Buying Options

	From 79$	See deals
	From 79$	See deals

Pros

Versatile
Fits like glove
Barely noticeable sock-like upper
Easy to put on/take-off

Cons

Not as wide as the previous versions
Lacks ventilation
Less barefoot
Not for trails or evasive terrain

13. Trail Glove 6 Eco

3.7

Based on 560 reviews

Brand: Merrell

The 6th version of our famous minimalist shoe is designed to mimic the shape of the human foot, keeping it in the position it would be in without shoes. Version 6 features an improved fit and increased abrasion resistance.

Men's Sizing:

Felt true to size: 69%

Based on 68 user reviews

Felt true to width: 83%

Based on 13 user reviews

Women's Sizing:

Felt true to size: 53%

Based on 19 user reviews

Felt true to width 80%

Based on 16 user reviews

Review Summary:

Built from recycled materials and tailored to mimic your foot shape, the Merrell Trail Glove 6 Eco helps you feel more connected to the trails. Several users, however, have pointed out that the shoe’s arch support and fit could be improved. Although it may not be the most barefoot of shoes, the Merrell Trail Glove 6 is one of the best minimalism running shoes because of how well it holds up on different terrains.