Buying barefoot shoes: everything you need to know

What even are barefoot shoes?

Barefoot shoes are not necessarily worn without socks, but even if you do wear socks, it still feels like you are walking barefoot. Thanks to their soles, you can feel the ground through the shoes, but they still protect your feet from sharp stones and other risks of injury.

The main feature of barefoot shoes is the ‘zero drop’. This means that the soles are completely flat, so the balls of your feet and heel are at the same height.

Barefoot shoes are available in a wide range of models. Some look like very thick socks and are good for water sports, for example. Others are made of leather and can become a part of your everyday wardrobe. In some shoes, the toes are separated from each other, while others look like conventional shoes, tending to be slightly wider at the toes.

Benefits of barefoot shoes

Barefoot shoes have a very thin soles and their shape resembles that of a foot – which means your feet are not constricted. This brings many benefits for your feet:

• Promotes natural foot movement

• Protects your feet from sharp objects and heat (e.g. in sand or on tarmac)

• Supports a natural toe position

• Strengthens muscles and joints in the foot

• Improves balance and posture

• Promotes blood circulation

• Can prevent or alleviate foot problems such as flat feet or bunions

• Lightweight and small packing size, making them ideal for travelling

Despite all these benefits, variety is best for your feet, and it also depends on the surface you are walking on and your activity level. On hard surfaces, cushioned shoes may be better for your feet than barefoot shoes. Barefoot shoes, on the other hand, are ideal for walking on natural trails.

Disadvantages of barefoot shoes

Despite their many benefits, barefoot shoes can put too much strain on your feet – especially if you are not used to them and your muscles, ligaments, joints and tendons have not yet adapted to the new but actually more natural distribution of weight.

• The thin soles hardly cushion the impact of walking. If you are used to cushioned shoes, this can be very unusual and can often be painful at first.

• Barefoot shoes are more suitable for warm temperatures, because most models are not insulated.

• Barefoot shoes with separate toes are particularly well known and eye-catching. However, this is only one model; many barefoot shoes look like normal shoes. Choose a model that you like so that you will actually wear them.

• Caution should be exercised if you have any problems with your feet. Especially on flat and hard surfaces, barefoot shoes can damage your feet rather than help. Clarify this with a specialist.

Walking correctly in barefoot shoes

In well-cushioned shoes you strike the ground with your heel first. In barefoot shoes, on the other hand, you land on your midfoot. This is very similar to walking without shoes on.

When you wear barefoot shoes for the first time, give your muscles time to get used to the increased strain. Approximately 1 hour is enough to begin with. However, just wearing barefoot shoes alone does not train your feet. Walking on uneven natural surfaces is best for this.

When you start wearing them, barefoot shoes might cause some muscle aches. This is not a bad thing, and will go away after a few days or weeks. However, if it continues, you should seek help from a specialist.

Tip: roll your feet out using a Blackroll mini. This can relieve tension in your feet.

Buying a barefoot shoes – what to look out for

To ensure that barefoot shoes fit you well, keep the following in mind:

Fit: barefoot shoes enclose the foot but not constrict it. The toes have room to spread. This is particularly important for the rolling motion when walking.

Sole thickness: a thin sole feels the most natural. However, when buying barefoot shoes for the first time, a thicker sole can also help you get used to them.

Material: the shoes should be made from breathable materials.

Activities: think about what you mainly want to wear barefoot shoes for. There are models for hiking, everyday life and running.

Caring for and cleaning barefoot shoes

Depending on the model, the shoes require different care. For barefoot hiking shoes, the same applies to conventional hiking shoes: after each hike, remove dirt and dust using a soft brush, and use warm water and a mild detergent to get rid of stubborn stains. Leave everything to dry thoroughly – do not leave the shoes directly in the sun or on the heater. It’s best to let them air dry.

Barefoot shoes made of leather should be regularly treated with a suitable shoe cream to keep them soft.

Barefoot shoes FAQ