title: Best Barefoot Shoes for Running or Walking (2026) | WIRED
author: Scott Gilbertson
contenttype: article
publication: WIRED
published: 2026-03-18T11:30:00+00:00
sourceurl: https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-barefoot-shoes/
word_count: 265
You were born barefoot, and in a perfect world you'd stay that way. You'd stroll through the fields like a hobbit, barefoot, toes splayed, foot flexing and stretching naturally. Unfortunately, the minute you hit the pavement in the city, you'd be one sad hobbit. That's where barefoot shoes come in.The best barefoot shoes have wide toe boxes, minimal soles, and plenty of flex to let your feet stretch, roll, and bend the way nature intended, but without exposing your bare sole to the perils of modern cities. They're as close as you can get to achieving that barefoot sensation without running afoul of “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service” signs.The best barefoot footwear is … your bare feet. There is no need to run out and buy your first pair of barefoot shoes just to get started. Instead, start by walking around barefoot. See if a nearby park has some small stretch of grass you can explore barefoot. Don't walk far—10 paces is enough—but as you walk, pay attention to your feet. Focus on how much of your foot is actually in contact with the ground. If you're like most people, this can be a mind-blowing experience.Be sure to also check out WIRED’s guides to the Best Merino Wool, Best Rain Jackets, Best Daypacks, Best Backpacking Tents, and all the rest of WIRED's outdoor coverage.Updated April 2026: We've completely revamped our guide with a new top pick, as well as some new shoes like Vivobarefoot's Tracker Leather AT and the Xero Prio. We've removed a few sold-out shoes and also updated prices and links throughout.