Barefoot sports shoes: a comparison test

A clear, easy-to-follow test of barefoot sports shoes. Which model will suit your feet best – and the sport that keeps you moving every step of the way?

Choosing sports footwear that fits perfectly, supports you under load, doesn’t rub your heel or around your ankles, and still feels comfortable isn’t exactly easy. That’s why we tested all the 2023 barefoot models on our own feet and described them in detail for you.

Barefoot sports shoes come in a range of styles – from super-soft models that feel like slippers and are better suited to yoga or other gentler activities, right through to more structured shoes with a trail outsole that will support you even during demanding off-road training.

As you’ll notice with the models we tested, it’s absolutely essential to choose the right size so the shoe fits brilliantly and you feel comfortable. Then you can really put them through their paces in training or in races. So we put our heads (and feet) together and prepared a comparison test of all the sports shoes you’ll find with us.

Let’s take a look at the differences between the brands and models and pick the ones that deserve a place on the (imaginary) winners’ podium.

How did we test the sports shoes?

All models were tried on by Lucka, who manages the e-shop at naBOSo. You can see how each model fit her in the photos and read her notes in the descriptions.

Lucka’s foot measurements

• Right foot length: 240 mm
• Left foot length: 242 mm
• Width: 100 mm (right and left)
• Foot type: descending toes, slightly dominant big toes, average heel, higher instep
• Preference: extra toe allowance, roomier fit, very flexible and thin sole

Tested models

XERO SHOES HFS

• a wide choice of colours in women’s and men’s sizes
• the upper is made from breathable, lightweight and soft mesh
• fits medium to wider feet
• thanks to the removable insole, you can easily adjust the space in the shoe or the cushioning for training
• a thin, flexible sole also works well for light trails

Lucka tested size 39

• removable insole
• plenty of room for toes
• fits well without the insole, nicely wide
• I’d appreciate a thinner material
• sole: moderately flexible ★★✰

XERO SHOES MESA TRAIL

• a wide choice of colours in women’s and men’s sizes
• 5.5 mm flexible outsole with tread that’s suitable for trails too
• the upper is made from breathable, lightweight and soft mesh
• fits medium to wider feet
• thanks to the removable insole, you can easily adjust the space in the shoe or the cushioning on landing
• not particularly suitable for tarmac and flat, hard surfaces

Lucka tested size 39

• beautifully light and wide
• I prefer a thinner sole ★✰✰
• fits well without the insole and I have a nice allowance
• I’d appreciate a thinner upper material

XERO SHOES 360

• a model designed for the gym and indoor sports
• stabilises the foot, so you can handle quick movements and lateral lunges
• durable yet breathable material
• fits medium to wider feet
• wide toe box, with space above the toes too
• heavier and more robust than other XERO SHOES

Lucka tested size 39

• moderately flexible sole ★★✰
• nice space for toes
• the upper is pleasantly thin and light, apart from the firmer heel and toe
• the sole is less flexible than on the HFS model

XERO SHOES ZELEN

• the shoe is made from recycled and biodegradable materials
• fits medium to wider feet
• specifically designed for running on hard surfaces
• removable insole for cushioning on landing
• wide toe box and plenty of room for toes

Lucka tested size 39

• moderately flexible sole ★★✰
• plenty of room for toes
• fits well without the insole, nicely wide
• personally, I prefer a thinner upper material

If you’re looking for shoes for sport, also try the versatile new XERO SHOES PRIO NEO, or the XERO SHOES FORZA RUNNER, which is designed specifically for running on hard surfaces.

GROUNDIES ACTIVE

• recycled and vegan materials
• fits medium to narrower feet
• the TrueSense® sole is non-slip and abrasion-resistant
• removable insole for cushioning on landing
• a design you can wear for sport and in the city

Lucka tested size 39

• moderately flexible sole ★★✰
• they look great on the foot – for me, the nicest design
• they’re too narrow for me; I’d appreciate more space

LEGUANO AKTIV

• super-light and ultra-comfortable all-round shoes for sport and the city
• high-quality workmanship and materials
• better suited to medium to narrower feet, with less space in the toe box
• machine washable on a gentle cycle at 30 °C
• very comfortable patented leguano sole
• the shoe is very soft and adaptable, it doesn’t restrict or stabilise the foot anywhere

Lucka tested size 40

• amazingly flexible, soft sole ★★★
• incredibly comfortable and soft
• a thicker upper material than, for example, the leguano beat model
• because the material is so soft, they don’t hold the heel as well when running; I’d take them for walking and more relaxed activities

LEGUANO SPINWYN

• comfortable shoes for sport and the city
• fits medium to narrower feet, with a narrower toe box
• machine washable on a gentle cycle at 30 °C
• thanks to the soft, adaptable material, they don’t restrict the foot anywhere
• very comfortable patented leguano sole

Lucka tested size 40

• amazingly flexible, soft sole ★★★
• pleasantly padded material and lining
• fits well on the foot and is beautifully flexible overall

LEGUANO BEAT

• thanks to the ankle-height cut they stay securely on the foot
• very comfortable patented leguano sole
• super-light, adaptable material, though it can feel warm in summer
• a versatile look – you can wear them for sport and in the city
• high-quality workmanship and materials
• fits medium to narrower feet, with less space in the toe box
• machine washable on a gentle cycle at 30 °C

Lucka tested size 40

• amazingly flexible, soft sole ★★★
• fits perfectly on the foot
• pleasant material, super-light
• a bit too narrow in the toe box for me – I prefer more room for toes

LEGUANO GO

• comfortable shoes for sport and the city
• available in low-cut and ankle-height versions
• fits medium to narrower feet, with a narrower toe box
• machine washable on a gentle cycle at 30 °C
• thanks to the soft, adaptable material, they don’t restrict or stabilise the foot anywhere
• very comfortable patented leguano sole

Lucka tested size 40

• amazingly flexible, soft sole ★★★
• a slightly stiffer and thicker material compared to other leguano models
• nice allowance, but they don’t hold the foot as securely
• a bit too narrow for me and with less toe space than I’d like

SALTIC OUTDOOR FLAT

• ethically made with 100% handcrafting in the Czech Republic
• fits wide feet
• the Vibram sole and rubber rand are ideal for trails
• equipped with the SALTI-TEX functional membrane
• a shoe bag is included in the package

Lucka tested size 39

• minimally flexible sole ★✰✰
• beautifully wide toe box and overall fit
• firmer overall, especially the heel and toe – ideal for trails

MERRELL VAPOR GLOVE 5

• lightweight, breathable material with antibacterial protection against unpleasant odours
• the shoes fit medium to narrower feet, and the shape wraps the foot nicely
• anyone who cares about the planet will appreciate that the shoe is partly made from recycled material

Lucka tested size 38,5

• light, pleasant material
• fits well on the foot, but they’re a bit narrow for me
• sole: moderately flexible ★★✰

MERRELL VAPOR GLOVE 3 LUNA

• versatile shoes you can wear in the city, in nature and for sport
• durable upper made from suede
• practical rubber rand protects the toe of the shoe
• men’s and women’s versions in several lovely colours
• arch support and a fit that hugs the foot
• better suited to narrower and medium-width feet, ideal for people who want a more stabilised feel

 Lucka tested size 39

• the sole is moderately flexible ★★✰
• too narrow for me, but they do hold well on the foot
• the leather used is a bit stiff on first wear

MERRELL TRAIL GLOVE 7

• trail outsole and increased foot protection for moving in demanding terrain
• lightweight, breathable material with antibacterial protection helps prevent unpleasant odours
• the shoes have arch support and a reinforced heel
• better suited to medium-width to narrower feet

Lucka tested size 38.5

• the sole is too stiff for me ★✰✰
• pleasantly soft material
• they’re too narrow for me, but they do hold well on the foot

A pleasantly soft material and better flexibility than most other models from this brand can be found in MERRELL VAPOR GLOVE 6.

SKINNERS 2.0

• lightweight, packable, flexible “sock shoes”
• thin removable perforated insole for better cushioning on landing
• suitable for a wide range of activities and environments – for the city, outdoors and water sports
• thanks to the sock-like cut and material, they adapt beautifully to the foot
• a blend of natural and synthetic fibres for good moisture wicking
• durable 3 mm sole lasts hundreds of kilometres
• machine washable on a gentle cycle at 30 °C, ideally inside out and in a mesh laundry bag

Lucka tested size 38–39

• the sole is very thin and flexible, and doesn’t slip ★★★
• the sock shoes hug the foot and stay in place
• Skinners are beautifully lightweight
• they fit brilliantly without the insole; with the insole I feel a bit of pressure on the arch

Head out in your new sports shoes

When choosing sports shoes, what matters most is which activities you’ll be doing and what type of surface you’ll be on. It’s also important to consider your previous experience with barefoot shoes. You’ll choose different shoes for the gym, for running on hard surfaces, or for trails – and it makes a difference whether you’re buying your first barefoot pair or getting ready for your fifth marathon.

If you’re just starting out with barefoot shoes, try MERRELL models. They’re more structured with mild arch support, so they’ll sit nicely on your foot, while still allowing your feet to gradually get used to moving “barefoot”.

A great middle ground is XERO SHOES, where you can easily adjust both the feel underfoot and the space inside the shoe using the removable foam insole – and choose a specific model based on your activity and surface.

For more relaxed activities – and for experienced barefoot fans looking for maximum connection with the ground – we can wholeheartedly recommend shoes from LEGUANO.

If you want to be completely sure about your choice, pop into one of the naBOSo shops and get advice from our experienced staff. At the Poděbradská shop you can even try the shoes out in action on a running treadmill – and then it’s up to you which model wins your feet over.

Where your next steps might take you:

• CrossFit & barefoot: connecting natural movement
• The running showdown: barefoot versus traditional sports shoes
• INTERVIEW: Xero Shoes founder Steven Sashen: I made my first barefoot shoes for myself