10 Best Barefoot Running Shoes For Beginners
Updated on: December 2023
Best Barefoot Running Shoes For Beginners in 2023
Mens Womens Barefoot Gym Walking Trail Running Shoes Beach Hiking Wide Toe Box Water Shoes Aqua Sports Pool Surf Waterfall Climbing Quick Dry Black
ALEADER Minimalist Shoes for Women Barefoot Trail Running Shoes Five Fingers Dark Gray/Aqua 9.5 M US Women
- SIZE GUIDE: For comfortable, please choose one size Bigger
- Five-toe box design running shoes help you feel like you're barefoot for lightweight comfort.Mesh and TPU upper provides lasting flexibility and breathable
- Adjustable hook-and-loop closure at instep for a more secure fit
- Machine washable. Air dry away from sun or heat source
- Specialized sole offers excellent grip properties on both dry and wet terrains while maintaining a higher level of durability, suitable for trekking and multisport as well as all season hiking and travel.
WHITIN Men's Trail Running Shoes Minimalist Barefoot 5 Five Fingers Wide Width Toe Box Gym Workout Fitness Low Zero Drop Male Parkour Road Sport Breathable Beach Black Size 12
- Anatomical shape provides natural comfort.
- Adaptive materials and minimalist construction.
- Zero drop from heel to toe for a natural stride.
- Our vegan friendly footwear uses 0% animal products.
- Note, if between sizes, order next size down.
XIANV Men Women Trail Running Barefoot Shoes Gym Walking Trail Beach Lightweight Hiking Water Shoes Athletic Slip-On Shoes (11.5, Green)
- Soft detachable insole, comfort lining, giving comfortable feeling.
- Unique rubber sole, antislip, wear resistant, shock absorption, protect feet comprehensive.
- Breathable and Lightweight,Smooth Fabrics with fine stretch on uppers.Rubber outsole delivers flexibility and reliable traction on wet surfaces.
- The Trail Running Barefoot Shoes men have slip on design make it easy to take on/off. Lace-up construction offers an adjustable fit.Put on those slip resistant shoes for men and get better sports.You always deserve a healthy life.
- Suitable for running, hiking, walking, training, gym, climbing, camping, cycling, cruise, beach, boating, surfing, sailing, long-haul flight, driving car, trip etc.
Merrell Men's Trail Glove 4 Runner, Molten Lava, 9.5 M US
- Mesh & TPU upper. Vegan friendly
- Trailprotect pad for underfoot protection
- Breathable mesh lining, Vibram TC5 outsole
- Insole: 3mm, 3mm lugs
- Stack heel or toe height is 0.45 inch. Trail protect pad offers underfoot protection
WHITIN Men's Trail Running Shoes Minimalist Barefoot 5 Five Fingers Wide Width Toe Box Gym Workout Fitness Low Zero Drop Male Lightweight Minimus Tennis Flat Comfort Blue Size 9.5
- A wide toe box lets your toes spread and relax.
- Produced using animal free products and processes.
- Removable sockliner (insole) if you want a “more barefoot” feeling.
- True rubber sole provides great protection while still getting the ground feedback.
- Note, if between sizes, order next size down.
Merrell Men's Vapor Glove 3 Sneaker, Black/Silver, 11 M US
- Vibram TC5+
- TrailProtect pad offers underfoot protection
Xero Shoes Z-Trek Minimalist Sandal - Barefoot Hiking, Trail, Running Sport Sandals - Men's
- All the fun, freedom, and benefits of being barefoot, but with the protection and comfort you want in a sport sandal. Xero Shoes come with our 5,000 mile warranty.
- Perfect if you hike, walk, run, jog, work out, Crossfit, yoga, raft, stand up paddle board, kayak, canoe, fly fish, even run ultra-marathons.
- Up to 70% lighter than other sport sandals. Only 5.5mm thick, it's perfect for travel. Flexible enough to roll up and fit in your pack or pocket. Durable enough for wherever the Z-Trek takes you.
- Zero-drop non-elevated heel for natural posture. 5.5mm non-marking FeelTrue sole. Water resistant. Fast-drying. Great grip and traction. Z-style webbing holds securely, yet slides on and off in seconds.
- NOTE: For the best chance of a correct fit, please measure your foot: 1) Place a piece of paper on the floor, against a wall; 2) Step on the paper, your heel against the wall; 3) Mark the paper in line with your longest toe; 4) Measure that length with a ruler; 5) Compare that length to the sizing chart (link, above). To REALLY ensure a correct fit, get printable templates of the exact sizes by contacting the Seller.
Vibram FiveFingers Men's Classic Barefoot Black/Black 42 & Toesock Bundle
Vibram Men's El-x Cross Training Shoe,Black,46 EU/11.5-12 M US
- Cross-training shoe built for barefoot-like experience featuring breathable mesh upper
- PU overlays for durability, Zero Drop
- XS Trek outsole with serrated blade tread pattern
- Designed to be simple, comfortable, easy on, easy off – the EL-X is an ideal shoe for those looking for a true minimalist experience
How to Practice Proper Barefoot Running Technique
Barefoot running is a growing phenomenon among runners. Many have reported less back pain, and stronger tendons as a result of ditching their shoes and going natural. However, this transition cannot happen overnight.
The most important thing when focusing on barefoot running technique is to eliminate any heel strike in your stride. The heel strike is believed to be the culprit for most back and achilles pain among runners. This is the entire reason you wanted to ditch the shoes.
Shoes with extra padding in the heel cause the runner to under-compensate. Since all the cushioning is there, the running stride tends to meet the ground heel first. As a result, all the pressure and force of the stride gets placed on the lower back. Running with a heel strike defeats the purpose of running barefoot at all.
To improve your barefoot running technique and reduce your heel strike, focus on landing on either the balls of your feet or your mid-foot. Think of your foot as a spring; as the ball of your feet reach the ground, gently lower your heel until it touches the ground. As soon as it does, spring it back up again using the balls of your feet. Repeat this barefoot running technique for every stride. This lowers the force of impact dramatically, reducing common back and leg pain.
To further improve your barefoot running technique, you must shorten your stride. This is related to the elimination of the heel strike, as it encourages the use of the mid-foot instead of the heel. By decreasing the length of the stride, and increasing the rate of the stride, you keep your feet underneath your body and can more evenly distribute the weight on your foot.
Normal long distance running tends to encourage the body to lean forward some. Maybe the mind is subconsciously using forward momentum to keep the legs moving. However, this practice can also lead to injury. Proper barefoot running technique demands a straight and upright posture. This way, the feet are less likely to land awkwardly and increase stress.
To prevent the setbacks related to too much too soon, limit barefoot running to less than five minutes per session until you have mastered the barefoot running technique. Most of those who have spent years running with shoes will find running without them to feel unnatural. Take it slow and get used to it before logging big miles. Remember to imagine yourself as light and smooth when running as well.
By incorporating proper barefoot running technique like the suggestions listed above, one could run barefoot with more comfort and less impact on their body.
