How to choose barefoot shoes

Activités de plein air, Course à pied, Trekking, Guides d'achat by Varuste.net / Toimisto-Jorma, 23.8.2024

The main advantage of barefoot shoes is that they help correct the misalignment of toes caused by conventional narrow shoes and restore a more natural, wider position for the feet. This helps achieve better balance, enhance the function of foot muscles, and improve overall foot health. In barefoot shoes, the toes have room to spread out while walking and running.

Walking in narrow shoes has shaped our toes into an incorrect position, causing the big toe to turn excessively inward. This results in inefficient power generation through the big toe. Conditions like bunions can also be a consequence of various foot misalignments.

In barefoot shoes, the muscles of the feet can strengthen. This may have surprising effects on the entire body's posture, improving alignment and reducing back strain.

Choosing the right size

Selecting the right size is one of the most important factors when choosing barefoot shoes. The shoes should have enough space in both width and length. In properly fitting shoes, the step rolls naturally and comfortably without squeezing the sides, yet they should fit snugly enough to provide adequate support. Choose a shoe that feels comfortable right from the start.

As a rough guideline for length, there should be about one centimeter of empty space between the tips of the toes and the front of the shoe for adult shoes. However, depending on the situation, 0.5 to 2 centimeters of empty space may be appropriate.

A shoe that is too large can be identified by the need to pay extra attention to lifting the foot while walking, and the feet moving excessively inside the shoe, causing it to slip at the heel or instep. This can lead to blisters, step errors, or even tripping.

If the shoe feels too tight despite having the right amount of empty space in the front, or if a shoe that feels right in width is too large in the front, consider looking for a wider model. Barefoot shoes should not squeeze the little or big toe from the sides.

Fitting

It is advisable to try on the shoes before making a purchase decision. Although manufacturers' size charts provide good guidance, there is always brand and model-specific variation. You can, for example, wear the shoes indoors for a while to feel the fit.

Consider the socks you plan to wear with the shoes. It is important to try on the shoes with the thickness of socks you intend to use. If you plan to brave cold weather with barefoot shoes, you need to allow space for thicker socks and possibly thermal insoles.

It is best to try on shoes in the evening or afternoon, as feet tend to swell throughout the day.

Choosing the right model for the right purpose

There are many different models of barefoot shoes for various purposes. Models designed for hard surfaces like asphalt often have a smooth and slightly thinner sole for precise ground feel. Models designed for trails and varied terrain have a rougher and thicker tread pattern to improve grip and protect the foot from uneven ground.

Barefoot shoes are also available with mid-height shafts for hiking and trekking, as well as models with waterproof membranes for rainy conditions.

Below are some popular models from our selection of VivoBarefoot shoes: