10 Best Barefoot Shoes UK 2022 | Merell, Vivo and More

If you're in the market for some barefoot sandals, then these babies from the well-known outdoors brand Merrell are perfect. They're ultra-lightweight, weighing a measly 147 g, and super compact, making them ideal for those who like trekking both at home and abroad. 

Furthermore, due to the nature of sandals, you won't have to worry about a smaller toe box. However, some buyers have found that the shoes aren't as comfortable as one might wish, making them a little annoying if you need to use them frequently. 

If you're looking for something a bit more stylish than the average barefoot shoe, this trail running pair from Whitin are an excellent pick. Looking more like your average trainer with a tonne of different colours, it'll be easy to find a pair that matches your style!

These shoes are manufactured for trail running, however, many buyers use them for other workouts, such as strength training or martial arts, and find they work just as well. That said, some have found the construction around the heel to be a little fragile, so it's probably best not to slip these on. 

With over a whopping 7,000, mainly positive, reviews on Amazon, it's safe to say that these are somewhat of an online cult classic. They're built much like you would expect from a trail trainer - speed laces, flexible but cosy upper materials and a nice wide toe box. 

Moreover, the company also provide an insole. This is unusual for a barefoot shoe, as this minimises the contact with the ground, but it does make them suitable for longer runs. Of course, you can always remove the insole if you'd prefer. 

The Vapor Glove Luna 3 from Merrell are a unique, one-of-a-kind build in the world of barefoot shoes. Their outer is made from leather, making them more akin to hiking rather than running, however, they do have the classic material underneath, with a Vibram sole. 

They sport traditional laces and come in a lovely ultramarine blue colour. We wouldn't recommend any marine activities but these are a great option if you're willing to work within their boundaries. However, if you'd prefer something a little more flexible, then this might not be the best bet. 

The Escalante 2.5 is a fan favourite among Altra lovers. The outer material has a sock-like fit, as well as being completely breathable, comfortable and lightweight. Below that, the soles offer a soft, responsive base that is sure to improve overall performance. 

Sadly, the shoes do have an issue with being a little flimsy making them not quite as robust or long-lasting as some of the other options. It could see you needing to replace them sooner than you'd possibly want! 

These New Balances have a slightly weird construction. On the one hand, they're soft and cosy like a pair of socks, on the other, they feel robust and thick enough to protect you against any tough ground. Plus, these shoes contain an antimicrobial treatment, which will help keep the stink down!

Additionally, the shoes have a grippy Vibram soleplate, ensuring you'll stay anchored to the ground regardless of the weather or terrain. They are on the expensive side, but if you're committed to wearing shoes that are as natural as they can be, then these are an excellent long-term option to go for. 

While many barefoot shoes are for wearing in nature, this pair from Inov-8 works just as well on man-made surfaces. One of the best features of these shoes is the materials that offer improved breathability, which ensures your feet remain cool, dry and, most importantly, comfortable while you work out.

They have a zero-drop design, meaning there is no difference in height between heel and toe, and interestingly, these shoes also have a range of toe box options grading from the narrowest at 1 to the widest at 5. Plus, many folks comment on their sturdiness, meaning they should stick with you for a while!

This unique offering from Vivobarefoot Primus Traill II comes in two different options, FG and SG, which stand for firm ground and soft ground. Here, we've opted for the FG, but the best pair for you will depend on the type of terrain you prefer to explore, 

The biggest difference between the two styles is the FG don't have such deep lugs, meaning they're a little more versatile between road and trail. On the other hand, the SG will be much better suited to getting you out of bogs and mud. 

Weighing in at a measly 95 g per shoe, these are by far the lightest option in our ranking. Therefore, if you're looking to shave off as much weight from your run or hike as possible, then these should be high on your list of options. 

Another factor we like is that these shoes are built without any animal products, which makes them available to everyone. The sandals come with EVA soles that are a little more flexible than Vibram and traditional rubber, providing a comfier fit. 

We're sure that whenever you mention barefoot shoes, the response is often "oh! Those gloves for your feet" or something similar. What many people don't know is that they're likely referencing the Vibram FiveFinger Classic. While there are many competitors nowadays, these are still the most popular, and at one point, accounted for 2% of all running shoe sales!

Many barefoot enthusiasts swear by these and have been wearing them since they were released. They are a learning curve, especially because of the separated toes, which supposedly allows you to have better contact with the ground. They're not for everyone, but we believe every barefooter should give them a try!