It might take you two months or two years. It took me six months to fully transition to barefoot shoes. It's equally important to know that everyone is different. If you go on a barefoot run and then slap on your favorite Converse right after, that's OK. For over a year I wore barefoot shoes running, regular shoes for other tasks, and sandals the rest of the time. It's also worth saying that barefoot shoes are not a zero-sum game. Focus the discipline you usually use for distance into not doing distance. If you're somewhere between those poles, it'll still be hard not to overdo it. If you're currently an ultra-marathoner and want to try barefoot shoes, you'll have a hard time holding yourself back. I happened to be getting into running, which worked out nicely because I had to take it slow (I sucked). How you approach barefoot shoes depends on what you're looking to do. You're not just learning, you're also unlearning some ingrained habits. It's going to take a conscious effort on your part, and it can be very difficult.
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To a certain degree, you must relearn how to run and walk. Don't expect to toss them and be able to do the same mileage-whether walking or running-in barefoot shoes. You've probably been wearing padded shoes most of your life. They remain my go-to choice for trail running. "Blisters" is a nice word for the wounds I've received from these shoes, but I liked them so much otherwise that I experimented until I found a solution: I put a piece of moleskin ( $11 for 15 feet) over the area and they're fine. My one gripe is that the heel stitching rubbed me the wrong way. Last winter was one of the wettest on record in my part of the country, and I ran muddy trails in these every day without ever slipping or sliding. If you do any trail running, you'll appreciate the heavier tread and the way the SG gets you through muddy, boggy spots without slipping. These shoes are a bit like mud tires for your bare feet. The closest alternative for men that I've found is the Xero Mesa ($120), which I have not tried, but seems to have a similar sole. Unfortunately, the SG version I recommend is only available for women. Vivobarefoot's Primus Trail shoes come in two flavors, FG and SG, which stand for “firm ground” and “soft ground”. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day. This includes unlimited access to and our print magazine (if you'd like). Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-year subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off).
We've also updated prices and links throughout.
Updated September 2021: We've updated the Merrell Vapor Glove to the latest version, and added the Vivobarefoot Addis, and Freet Tanga. They're as close as you can get to achieving that barefoot sensation without running afoul of "No shirt, no shoes, no service" signs.īe sure to check out our other buying guides, including our Best Running Gear, and Best Snow Gear roundups. In this guide, we've got advice on making the transition from padded shoes to “barefoot shoes” (also known as minimalist or zero-drop shoes), and we've rounded up our favorite shoes. You need to ease into all things barefoot related, and to some degree, you need to relearn how to walk and run. That won't work, and it can lead to injuries. That said, please do not buy a pair of these barely-there shoes and start walking or running the way you always have. Feet were made to stretch, flex, roll, and bend, and letting them do what they evolved to do can reduce impact injuries and provide a host of other benefits. The technology and padding of the modern shoe protect your feet, but protection isn't always what you want. You were born barefoot, and a growing body of evidence suggests you should have stayed that way.
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