Merrell has a few barefoot shoes in its range now, and this edition of the Vapor Glove is one of its most minimalist models. They use a Vibram TC5+ Outsole and has a ‘Barefoot 2’ construction with zero heel drop to bring about more natural movement patterns. The shape is somewhat conventional compared to the options from Vivobarefoot and Vibram on this list, especially in the toe box area. There’s not as much room for toe splay, so they can feel snug compared to a typical pare of barefoot shoes. Wide toe box: Toe boxes on regular shoes cram the toes into a tight space that does not match the actual shape of our feet. As we get older, our naturally splayed toes become cramped and curled by the mechanical forces being applied to them (by shoes). Over time, barefoot shoes may be able to restore your toe splay. Top teams, world champions and olympic medallists use MBT for training and testify the positive impact on their training and performance. Despite the added protection, they maintain a minimalist construction throughout the uppers, with breathable mesh fabric. For someone who wants a go-anywhere adventuring trainer but doesn’t want to compromise their barefoot experience, these shoes are a perfect choice. They’re also environmentally friendly, constructed from vegan-friendly recycled materials and Bloom Performance algae insoles. As an added eco-bonus, they are recyclable again after use through the Revivo programme.

Tikki Shoes is a brand that caters to everyone, from infants taking their first steps to adults in need of comfortable and stylish footwear. They offer some of the softest and well-made shoes for first steps, amazing slippers for kids and adults, and now, barefoot sneakers for adults that combine quality and affordability. These sneakers are made of leather, vegan mesh material, or recycled cotton, and are available in many different styles.

MBT for Medical & Therapy

Once your body and brain adjust to barefoot movement, you can start stepping things up a bit. And there’s no need to worry about getting a bit of glass in your foot, as barefoot shoe companies ensure that the minimalist soles are puncture-resistant. Key features – Sizes available: UK6-14 (men’s), UK3-9 (women’s); Colours available: 5 (men’s), 6 (women’s) (some sizes may be unavailable in some colours); Other key details: Lightweight, vegan, 100-day trial Most of their styles are sneakers made from synthetic materials. All of their shoes have flexible soles that bend in all directions. However, some of their models (for both kids and adults) have insoles with a raised heel. If you’re new to barefoot shoes, keep them in during the transition period. But we recommend replacing them with thin, zero drop insoles once you’ve transitioned well to barefoot shoes. The same goes for your kids! Certainly not. And not all barefoot shoes look like foot-gloves either, although that style of shoe features on this list. Anyone can benefit from wearing barefoot shoes, and there are many styles geared towards city living as well as outdoor fitness pursuits. How does the sizing work for barefoot shoes? Key features – Sizes available: UK6-14 (men’s); UK3-9 (women’s); Colours available: 4 (men’s), 5 (women’s) (some colours may be unavailable in some sizes); Other key details: Rugged sole, 100-day trial

Has a thermal insole with built-in temperature-regulating technology that absorbs, stores and releases heatIt fits best to narrow to medium wide feet, low to average instep and can accomodate different ankles and calves. The sizing is the same as with other vivobarefoot models. In essence Masai Barefoot Technology (MBT) is a redesign of shoes thatcause the user to have to balance while they walk.

Xero Shoes is a well-established barefoot shoe brand that offers a wide variety of shoes for all occasions, including some affordable options. Keep an eye out for their regular sales to snag a great deal on a pair. Do you walk less than you stand still, and you still want the comfort that MBT has to offer because you have a standing profession, for instance behind the counter or in at a production line in a factory, then the MBT index Activate will meet your requirements. Naturally, if you have a medically diagnosed foot condition, such as flat-foot or a fallen arch, or have had any kind of foot surgery, you should consult a medical professional before proceeding with the transition to wearing barefoot shoes. How long does it take to transition to barefoot shoes? For instance, my feet measure 26.3/10 cm, and I wear size 43 or 44 in Saguaro shoes (my “usual” size in barefoot shoes is 42).