20 Cheap Barefoot Shoes That Look Great (2024)

FAQs

Why are barefoot shoes so expensive? ›

Barefoot shoe brands face unique challenges and costs related to product development and manufacturing that conventional shoemakers do not. These include: Higher labor costs for local or sustainable production and/or handmade products. Higher cost for thinner, more flexible but durable materials.

Comparatively speaking to conventional shoes with thicker bottoms, barefoot shoes provide very little padding. Although this simplicity can help with proprioception and foot strength, it might not be the most comfortable choice for prolonged standing, especially on rough surfaces.

By definition, minimal shoes are supposed to be a step above being barefoot and just below trainers or running shoes. Minimal shoes will typically have a wider toe box to simulate being barefoot by allowing your toes to spread out, but will have a sole that is thin with little to no arch support, and fairly flat.

Once given space to spread out and move freely, feet can change in surprising ways. The most common visible changes are for the toes to spread out and the entire foot to widen and even lengthen.

Because of the lack of heel cushioning, minimalist shoes have been associated with an increased incidence of heel (calcaneal) fractures, especially in high arched, rigid foot types.

Going barefoot leaves your feet vulnerable

Unshod feet, especially in public areas like gyms and pools, run the risk of picking up a fungal infection like athlete's foot or plantar warts. We recommend that you always wear sandals or shower shoes when walking through damp, public areas.

Walking with little to no support as with zero drop shoes on hard surfaces allows our foot to collapse which can lead to a tremendous amount of stress not only to the foot but to the rest of the body.

While most otherwise-healthy individuals can adapt over time to barefoot and minimalist shoes, if you have the following you might consider working with a professional: Ehlers Danlos/severe hypermobility. Rigid musculoskeletal deformities. Any pre-existing chronic foot condition.

Modern shoes have built-in cushioning to help reduce the amount of stress that is directed into the heel; with Barefoot shoes, that lack of cushioning can lead to more significant stress being put onto the muscles & bones within the foot, ankle, knee, hip and sometimes into the spine.

The short answer is: socks are allowed! When they hear the term 'barefoot shoe', lots of people immediately think of conspicuous toe shoes. The 'barefoot' in barefoot shoes has much more to do with the feeling provided by the shoes, which comes as close to barefoot running as is possible while wearing shoes.

What is 0 drop shoe? ›

Zero-drop shoes are flat. Their minimal cushioning keeps the heel and forefoot on the same level. Because they allow more natural movement, zero-drop shoes help strengthen your foot muscles. They may also improve balance, reduce pain, and enhance athletic performance.

Fit tips: The heels and toes of barefoot shoes should fit like a glove. (A snug fit is especially important in the toes of "five-finger" style barefoot shoes in order to prevent chafing.)

Despite their advantages, here are some drawbacks: Requires adaptation and caution. Acclimating your body to minimal shoes takes time and training to avoid injury. Reduced padding also means you'll need to watch out for sharp or hard objects that may hurt the bottoms of your feet while running.

It is not advised to simply remove your supportive or conventional shoes and start running at your usual level in barefoot shoes. The research does suggest that it takes approximately 6-8 weeks to build up the necessary strength in your feet and legs, and to adapt to this new running gait pattern.

The quick answer is yes, but with a few caveats. Whether you're an athlete, someone who walks a lot, or even someone who's seated at a desk for most of the day, barefoot shoes can be a great way to protect your feet for long-term health and mobility.

Some of the Health benefits that Barefoot shoes can provide are improvement of body posture & balance, more significant calories being burnt while exercising, developing a more natural gait and a great degree of movement in the ankle & foot.

The 'barefoot' in barefoot shoes has much more to do with the feeling provided by the shoes, which comes as close to barefoot running as is possible while wearing shoes. Barefoot shoes seek to restrict the foot's natural freedom of movement as little as possible. This is why you'll often hear the term 'minimal shoe'.

Those who go shoeless take shorter, more frequent strides and have stronger feet with fewer foot and toe deformities. And those who don't wear shoes typically have higher arches, too. Going barefoot even helps with balance issues.

Don't go zero to 100

But to keep from over-training and straining these muscles he suggests wearing barefoot shoes for just 1 hour of your day to start. As your muscles adjust, you can increase time spent in barefoot shoes until they are your go-to footwear 100% of the time.