12 Best Barefoot Hiking Shoes And Boots(2023 Review Guide)

Being a traveler you always look for the best barefoot hiking shoes! Don’t you? We know while you walk on the sloppy mountains or the sea beaches, you need a pair of durable barefoot hiking shoes that also give you comfort! Right?

It is an important decision to choose the best barefoot hiking shoes for yourself. You will find N number of barefoot hiking shoes on the market. But, which one is perfect to go with?

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It’s confusing to choose the best barefoot shoes. But in this article, we’ve catered to the best-reviewed barefoot hiking boots that you can buy for your next journey. These shoes are not only durable but also give comfort to its user.

If you are in a hurry, check out our quick recommendation. SAGUARO Minimalist Hiking Shoes are super lightweight, flexible, and comfortable. The rubber sole gives a superior grip and protects your toe from any unforeseen injuries.

Before you jump into the list of best barefoot hiking shoes for men and women, let’s tell you some facts which would be helpful for you.

What is a barefoot hiking shoe?

Barefoot shoes are nothing but minimalistic footwear made for hiking and trekking. These shoes come in very lightweight, don’t have heels and it is always addressed as zero drops. Barefoot hiking shoes are flexible, softer, and have wider front toes.

Benefits of Barefoot Hiking Shoes

Barefoot shoes are not like your regular shoes. You can simply distinguish between a normal shoe and a barefoot hiking shoe. These shoes have zero drops which means it has a very thin bottom sole. It is more flexible, have a wide front, and can be twisted in any direction. So when you travel on the sloppy mountain it gives you a tight grip.

What are the disadvantages of barefoot hiking boots?

As we are habituated to wear traditional footwear which usually comes with a thick sole that protects us from a lot of sharp things many barefoot shoes offer zero-drop soles that make the bottom sole so thin. Sometimes this thin sole is unable to protect our feet. People may suffer from blisters as these shoes have thin layers. But gradually this will go away.

Buying Guide to Purchase Good Barefoot Hiking Shoes

Few things you may look for while purchasing barefoot hiking shoes.

Breathable material: Make sure the shoes must have a breathable upper material so that you can feel free.

Comfort: Check the comfortability according to your experience.

Stability: Make sure the shoe’s material must be durable so that you don’t need to worry while traveling.

Fit: Keep this vital point in mind your shoe must be a good fit else you might lose your grip in hilly areas.

Let’s check this list of the best barefoot hiking shoes for men and women.

1. Xero Shoes Men’s Xcursion

• Weight: 12 ounces
• Waterproof: Yes.
• Purpose: Hiking and trekking.

The Xcursion is one of the best minimalistic shoes for hiking. The is not a regular barefoot hiking shoe but one that gives you a feeling of connection to the earth beneath your feet. Xcursion barefoot shoes give you a feeling of the earth beneath your feet while protecting you from getting scratched, wet and cold.

Features/Pros:

The Xcursion is one of the best minimalistic footwear you can buy for your next hiking trip. This comes with many noticeable features. Before you place the order check the list of features you can get.

Lightweight: A standard 9 size weighs just 12 ounces which is pretty light.

Toe cap: These light-weight barefoot hiking shoes are specially designed with a protective front toe cap that allows you to hike the mountains freely.

Wider toe box: Compared to other hiking shoes, Xcursion shoes have a wider front that gives your toe space and comfort.

Zero drop heel: Keeping the concept of “Zero drop hiking shoes” Xcursion manufactures the exact Zero drop heel that allows you to feel the soil under the feet.

Traction: Xcursion provides a “dual-chevron” that gives its user an impressive tight grip.

Cons: The only disadvantage you might feel is the waterproof system.

We expect a barefoot hiking shoe supposed to be waterproof, and Xcursion features the same waterproof technology but in hot weather, your feet may get wet from sweat. This is the only disadvantage you may feel.

2. Merrell Men’s Moab 2 Vent

• Weight: 2 lbs. 0 oz
• Waterproof: Yes, this shoe is waterproof.
• Purpose: Hiking, trekking, and casual
• Materials: Synthetic mesh, TrailFoam, cushion.

The Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator features a lot of options at a reasonable price. This might be one of the best hiking shoes for you. This Merrell footwear has got a great list of reviews because of its durable sole and tight grip.

Features/Pros:

Suede Leather: Merrell uses suede leather which is a great long-lasting fiber making this hiking boot out of the box.

Air mesh: Breathability is not a concern because in this footwear you will get an air mesh upper case that allows air to come inside the shoe.

Protective rubber toe cap:  Protective rubber toe cap in this shoe will protect your feet from hard rocks.

Vibram TC5-plus sole: Vibram TV5 sole is highly durable, that allows you to move anywhere without care of the sole’s condition.

Cons: With every great value, some disadvantages come hand in hand. The sole is hard in this barefoot hiking boot. Merrell uses some hard material to manufacture these tough shoes these may have unimpressive breathability.

3. Xero Shoes Men’s TerraFlex

• Weight: 8.2 ounces
• Waterproof: Partially.
• Purpose: Hiking and trekking.
• Materials: Xero uses vegan-friendly materials.

The Xero Terraflex is a ‘lightweight barefoot hiking shoe that can benefit your hiking or trekking experience in multiple ways. It’s a very light, minimal, and flexible hiking shoe that will allow you to move anywhere without any hindrance. Xero highly believes in the concept of vegan thus they don’t use any animal products.

This is one of the best vegan barefoot shoes for men that you can avail on Amazon, let’s see the description first.

Feature/Pros:

Rubber sole: Xero Teraflex uses a soft and durable rubber sole that gives you comfort and relaxation at the same time.

Lightweight: These barefoot hiking shoes are the best lightweight barefoot shoes for men and women.

Non-elevated Heel: The Xero Drop sole features a non-elevated heel. This is perfect for the low-to-the-ground posture, balance, and agility.

Breathable mesh: The upper material is made of breathable mesh that allows air to come in the toe box and makes you feel comfortable.

Vegan Friendly: To make these barefoot shoes they didn’t use any animal materials.

Natural flexibility: Naturally Xero Teraflex is super flexible. You can move, twist bend your ankle and toe in any direction.

Adjustable strap system: In these lightweight barefoot shoes the strap system is easily adjustable.

Toe Bumper: The front part has a toe bumper. This is an extra advantage for those who go to the mountains regularly.

Cons: This product may have a lot of advantages but some amazon customers are not happy with the quality of the materials. If you purchase these barefoot shoes make sure to check all the other qualities and disadvantages of this product.

4. WITHIN Men’s Cross-Trainer

• Weight: 590 gm
• Waterproof: Yes.
• Purpose: Hiking and trekking.
• Materials: Vegan-friendly materials.

If you guys are looking for a pair of shoes for running or trekking then this shoe could be the ultimate choice for you. WITHIN CrossFit shoe features zero-drop shoe technology, which is great, especially during a tricky workout. This has a long-term favorable impact on your posture and helps you avoid problems like back or shoulder pain.

Feature/Pros:

Construction: WITHIN men’s cross trainer is made of long-lasting material.

Style: The style is unique compared to other barefoot hiking shoes.

Comfortable: These shoes are quite comfortable to put on because it has a wide toe compartment.

Reasonable Price: These barefoot hiking shoes are quite cheap and reasonable.

Flat Zero-Drop Sole: This allows the feet to be in a neutral position, which promotes good posture and reduces joint tension.

Flexible and thin sole: WITHIN Cross Trainer is flexible that allows you to move anywhere while you can twist and stretch the shoes in any direction.

Accurate Sizes: You will get the exact size whatever you see on the website while purchasing.

As of now, customers have given good reviews and feedback on these barefoot hiking shoes. So you can go for it without thinking twice about it.

5. Vivo barefoot Tracker Hi Fg

• Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Waterproof: Yes.
• Purpose: Hiking and trekking.
• Materials: Hydrophobic non-absorbent

Vivo barefoot Hiking shoes are one of the best barefoot hiking shoes for women. Its look is stylized while giving long durability. Trekkers love these boots because of their style and comfortability. Thermal protection technology makes these shoes the best barefoot shoes in the market.

So by the next time when you are about to go for a trek, don’t forget to put this on your camping packing list.

Feature/Pros:

Leather sole: If your concern is durability then you can go with the Vivobarefoot tracker as it comes with a great leather sole.

Water Proof: This is a fully waterproof hiking shoe and the best barefoot waterproof hiking shoes for your next trip.

Firm Grounded Sole: This shoe has a firm sole but is not thick which is pretty good.

These shoes are made for women who love trekking. One of the best trekking shoes that you can buy for the next trip.

But before you place your order check other pros and cons so that you will have a better idea. Although this shoe has been gaining incredible response from a lot of women outside there since its first appearance in the market few customers have some issues with its hard sole.

6. Xero Shoes Men’s DayLite Hiker Fusion Boot

• Weight: 12.4 oz each
• Waterproof: Yes.
• Purpose: Hiking and trekking.
• Materials: Synthetic mesh, TrailFoam, FeelTrue rubber

Xero Shoes Men’s DayLite Hiker Fusion Boot is the best lightweight shoe for your next trip. This is not just lightweight but also comes with a variety of techniques that can connect you with the earth’s surface.

Features/Pros:

Although these barefoot hiking shoes are lightweight and minimalist but packed with a lot of features such as breathability, and waterproofness. Let’s look at its features.

Minimalist: This makes you feel so light and comfortable while protecting yourself from the rocks and other objects that may hurt your toe.

Fully waterproof: These minimalistic barefoot shoes are fully waterproof thus, they will not let your feet wet.

Reinforced toecaps: Specially designed toe caps will protect you from hard stones and rocks.

Built-in gaiter hooks: Easily attached gaiter hooks will give you another level of shoe-wearing experience.

Lightweight: These minimalist barefoot hiking shoes for men are so lightweight that you will not feel the extra load on your feet.

Color variations: Daylight hiker fusion comes in black and pecan colors which are suitable with your hiking attires.

Cons: If you are seeking a comfortable shoe and your feet size is between two numbers then it might be a painful thing. As the toe box is not wider compared to other minimalist barefoot boots, this may not be durable because of this.

7. Oranginer Men’s Barefoot Shoes

• Weight: 10 ounces
• Waterproof: Yes.
• Purpose: Walking, hiking, and trekking.
• Materials:  Synthetic mesh

Oranginer is a unique barefoot shoe for many reasons. The special feature is that the barefoot style makes you feel as if there’s no extra load on your feet.

This lightweight feature helps you work, roam, or walk around. The toe box is wider than other barefoot shoes. These ultra-slick shoes offer the benefit of 12 months warranty period.

Our members found these Barefoot shoes very comfortable while he went hiking to colorado Springs. You can opt for these dynamic barefoot shoes too.

Features/Pros:

Wide Toe Box Design: You can naturally spread your toe without any hindrance in a wide toe box.

Barefoot: You’ll feel barefoot even after put on these pair of shoes. It is so thin that you can feel the earth beneath your feet.

Flexible and lightweight: Oranginer barefoot shoes are so flexible that you can bend them, twist them in any direction and it remains the same.

Warranty: This pair of cheap barefoot shoescome with 12 month warranty period.

Allows various activities: Oranginer barefoot shoes are not made for a particular activity, you can do jogging, running, trekking, and hiking too.

No-tie lace: With a no-tie lace system these barefoot shoes are easy to put on and take off.

Cushion sole: A thin layer of sole is there under the sole. This will give you comfort while walking.

These barefoot shoes almost have zero negative feedback but sometimes people face size issues so keep an eye on that while purchasing this cheap bare shoe.

Read Also:

• 14 Best Hiking Shoes and Boots For Flat Feet
• 15 Best Budget Waterproof Hiking Boots

8. ALTRA Men’s AL0A4VQE Lone Peak 5 Trail Running Shoe

• Weight: 11.1 oz
• Waterproof: No.
• Purpose: Walking, hiking, and trekking.
• Materials:  Quick-Dry Air Mesh

People who love trail love ALTRA barefoot shoes because this company is best for trail shoes. If you love to run or you’re an athlete then you must have these pair of shoes. No wonder ALTRA is one of the best shoes manufacturer that designs shoes for various trails.

These barefoot shoes will ensure your safe and agile movement as it features rock protection, comfortable finger movements, and many more.

Features/Pros

Light Weight: A standard 9 size shoe weighs 11.1 oz which is around 318 gm.

Special Rubber Sole: ALTRA EGO is the brand new light-weight sole that is capable of twisting 360 degrees around.

Well Balanced: ALTRA Shoes features a zero-drop facility that makes the shoes flat from the bottom.

Stay Dry: The quick-dry mesh has been used to manufacture these shoes as a result your feet will remain dry after long use.

Rock Protection: Specially designed front toe will protect your finger from rock and stones.

Low-grip: In wetlands and slippery surfaces these shoes don’t work well.

9. Adidas outdoor Men’s Terrex Skychaser Lt GTX Walking Shoe

• Weight: 15 ounces.
• Waterproof:  Yes.
• Purpose: Walking, hiking, and trekking( best for athletes )
• Materials:  Quick-Dry Air Mesh synthetic.

Adidas is a renowned brand around the globe. Adidas Outdoor Men’s Terrex Skychaser Shoe has gained popularity among athletes because of its tight grip and waterproof sole. If you often go for a morning walk or gym then this barefoot shoe can be an ideal companion for you.

Adidas puts a lot of features in this barefoot. With the tight grip, this has become an ideal daily usage shoe. Adidas has used synthetic mesh that allows air to come in so that your fingers will not get wet from sweat. This is one of the best minimalist footwear for men in the market.

Features/Pros:

Rubber sole: For better comfort, during the long run Adidas uses rubber to manufacture it.

Ultracushion: It has an ultra cushion interior that will boost energy while you go for a run.

GORE-TEX Waterproof: Adidas Has used GORE-TEX Waterproof technology that will protect your feet from the water.

Versatile fit: Whether you go for a long trek or you go for a morning walk, it is easier and more energetic to put on Adidas outdoor Men’s Terrex at any time.

Cons: Although the manufacturer is Adidas and it has a global identity but this pair of shoes have got some bad reviews. Some of the users say it has size issues while others faced problems with cracked soles.

Recommended Read: 14 Best Microspikes For Hiking and Backpacking

10. SOBASO Water Shoes

• Weight: 1.25 Pounds.
• Waterproof: Waterproof.
• Purpose: Rafting, kayaking, boat surfing ( best for sea beaches)
• Materials: Quick-Dry and comfy Air Mesh synthetic.

As the name suggests this pair of shoes are specially designed to use in water or wetlands. SOBASO Water shoes are the best minimal barefoot hiking shoes for women. It is a quite cheap and long-lasting barefoot shoe in the market.

The best part about these shoes is the quick-drying technology. As SOBASO uses a synthetic air mesh material on the upper part, it gets dry easily. If you’re the one whose fingers and toes get wet from sweat all the time regardless of the weather, then this might be the one-point solution for you.

I love this because when I was exploring the hiking trails in Lake Tahoe it made me comfortable by giving me a tight grip in a wet area. Let’s check the product details.

Features/Pros:

Comfortable and Quick Dry: SOBASO uses a foam-based and quick-dry material to manufacture these minimalist barefoot shoes.

Easy to Put on and Takeoff: Unique elastic laces are easy to tight and don’t make you bother to tie shoes again and again.

Multi-purpose: You can use these shoes in any situation like trekking, walking on the sand, roaming around the jungle, or maybe in the gym.

Reasonable: This is one of the best barefoot walking shoes at a minimum cost on the internet you get.

24*7 Customers Service: SOBASO promises hindrance-free customer service to resolve customer issues.

As of now, customers do not have any bad feedback on these shoes. If you’re looking for a shoe that can be used in water game activities then SOBASO is the best option you can have.

11. New Balance Women’s FuelCore Nergize V1 Sneaker

• Weight: 1 pound.
• Waterproof: Yes.
• Purpose: Rafting, kayaking, boat surfing (best for sea beaches).
• Materials: Quick-Dry and comfy Air Mesh synthetic.

New Balance FuelCore Nergize lifestyle shoe is one of the best barefoot walking shoes that you can get for your morning walk. This pair of shoes are ideal for people who are health conscious prefer morning walks or yoga activities. These barefoot shoes have a dynamic modern design that features a stylized look on the top.

Nobody likes extra load while walking or doing exercises that is why New Balance Women’s Shoes uses a lightweight material in the midsole.

Features/Pros:

Light-weight: New Balance FuelCore Nergize lifestyle weighs very light and doesn’t put extra load on your feet.

Slick Design: These shoes have a slick and dynamic design that allows users hassle-free movement.

Midsole cushioning: New Balance FuelCore Nergize shoes have a cushion in the middle sole section.

50% air mesh synthetic: 50% mesh makes these shoes lightweight and allows air to come inside the toe section.

This excellent piece has great reviews from customers but a few of them are not happy. Some people do have issues with the sole section of the shoes.

12. Joomra Women’s Minimalist Trail Running Barefoot Shoes

• Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Waterproof: Fully waterproof.
• Purpose: Trekking, climbing, hiking ( best for climbing)
• Materials:  Rubber sole, Air Mesh synthetic.

Joomra is one of the best shoe brands outside there for women. This has been preferred by millions of women around the globe for hiking. Whether you’re inside the gym or outside the gym or maybe you’re trekking on terrain, Joomra Women’s Minimalist Trail Running Shoe is an excellent choice. The specially moduled midsole section gives a strong grip during lateral movement and climbing.

Compared to traditional barefoot hiking shoes these are the best light-weight barefoot shoes you can get at a minimal price. These are the best lightweight barefoot shoes for hiking

Features/Pros:

Rubber outsole: The rubber sole gives the user optimal grip and balance in terrain or sloppy mountain areas.

Breathable: Integrated upper sole with air mesh top give space thus your fingers can move inside the shoe and will not cause the sweat in the toe.

Zero Drop Heal: These barefoot minimalist shoes feature Zero Drop Heal so that you can feel the earth connection.

Wide Toe Box: Joomra Women’s Minimalist Trail Running Barefoot Shoes have a wide toe box so that you feel comfortable if you have a wider toe.

These are the best barefoot hiking shoes for women you can buy and the interesting part is that these shoes do not have any bad reviews on any platform.

If you’re looking for the best barefoot trekking shoes in the online market then this article has got you covered all of them. And each shoe has its distinctive quality and is preferred by men and women. So choose the best pair of minimal barefoot hiking shoes from the above list, and be ready for the next adventure.

Read Other Hiking Gear Reviews:

• 15 Most Affordable Value for Money Hiking Boots Review
• 16 Best and Cheap Traveling Backpacks
• 10 Portable Water Filter for Travel & Hiking
• 14 Lightweight Winter Jackets for Hiking for Men and Women
• 11 Best Hiking Shorts for Men and Women: Buyer’s Guide
• 12 Best Camping Griddles For Every Budget with Buying Guide

FAQs – Best Barefoot Hiking Shoes