Barefoot running is a quickly growing trend that many people are interested in, but have a lot of questions about. These reviews are meant to help you choose the best pair for your needs based off of what each particular style is best intended for.


Nike Free
After 8 years of research, Nike came up with the “Free” style that is supposed to feel as close to shoeless as possible while still offering some cushion and allowing the feet to perform as they would if they were bare. Some people have mixed feelings about using these for long distances.

Adidas AdiZero
Not boasting any fancy research, this style is built to be light and feel more natural. These are pretty much a regular running shoe just with a bit less cushion, making them lighter and more flexible, getting your feet closer to the ground.

Merrell Trail Glove
This is pretty much exactly what they call it - a glove. It has almost no cushion; it is mainly a rubber sole to protect your feet and some laces to hold it on. This is a good “almost” barefoot option. These are very popular and many people seem to be very happy with them.

Merrell Pace Glove
These are even lighter in construction than the above Trail Glove and are meant for even surfaces that have fewer rocks, roots, bumps and dips. These are also a very popular choice, which people tend to give raving reviews.

Vibram FiveFingers – Bikila, KSO, Sprint, Classic, Flow, KomodoSport, etc.
Vibram was one of the first companies to embrace the culture and has been a leader in sales and popularity since, sporting individually articulated toes. Vibram FiveFingers have various styles to choose from to cover you in whatever sport or activity you are doing sans footwear.

Saucony Kinvara
These are more of a traditional running shoe that has been pared down to be incredibly light and flexible for a more natural style. They are a good compromise between traditional and minimalistic, and if anything, would be a good transition pair if your end goal was to be running completely barefoot.

New Balance Minimus Road
This is also more of a traditional style that is light and flexible. They have tried to make it simpler in design but it is still very much a trends towards a more traditional edition. This is definitely not the most minimalistic choice, but may be a good transitioning pair.

New Balance Minimus Trail
Actually lighter then the Minimus Road pair, this is closer to a true barefoot shoe. Very light weight with only minimal cushioning, this is a great option for those who want to be as close to barefoot running as possible but still like the idea of a extra protection.


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