The Best Barefoot Shoes for Walking or Running (2024)

You were born barefoot, and a growing body of evidence suggests you should have stayed that way. The technology and padding of the modern shoe protect your feet, but protection isn't always what you want. 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.

That said, please do not buy a pair of these barely there shoes and start walking or running the way you always have. That won't work, and it can lead to injuries. You need to ease into all things barefoot-related, and to some degree you need to relearn how to walk and run. 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 favorites. They're as close as you can get to achieving that barefoot sensation without running afoul of “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service” signs.

Be sure to check out our other buying guides, including our Best Running Gear and Best Snow Gear roundups.

Updated October 2023: We've added the latest Xero Mesa Trail shoes, a new pair of Fivefingers, and Vivobarefoot's new all-weather models. We've also update prices and links throughout.

Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-year subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com and our print magazine (if you'd like). Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

Do you need a duvet cover? Are top sheets the devil? A WIRED investigation into the contentious, confusing world of bed topping.

Kids only wear diapers for a short time. These super-organized backpacks (plus a stroller organizer) work well past the diaper stage.

The absolute must-have MoonSwatch has arrived, complete with a moon-phase function. Its all-white look is spot-on for NASA fans.

We filled these bags to the brim with our tech, wallets, and water bottles. They held up to the test.

Got milk? From wearables to popular portables, these are the breast pumps we recommend for your nursing era.

These rechargeable and battery-powered models put better oral hygiene within easy reach.

We’ve traveled thousands of miles testing all kinds of luggage. These are our favorite suitcases, backpacks, duffels, and more.

There are many kinds of mothers, but these are our favorite picks for the WIRED mom in your life.