Top Barefoot Shoe Brands for Natural Movement Enthusiasts

As the trend of minimalist footwear continues to rise, barefoot shoes have gained popularity for their ability to offer a more natural walking experience. Advocates of barefoot shoes praise them for promoting better posture, strengthening foot muscles, and improving overall foot health. Whether you're an avid runner, a hiking enthusiast, or someone simply looking for daily comfort, choosing the right brand is crucial to enjoying these benefits. Below, we've compiled a list of the best brands for barefoot shoes that cater to various needs and preferences.

Illustration of barefoot shoes

Best brands of barefoot shoes in 2025

Vivobarefoot

Vivobarefoot is a leading brand in the barefoot shoes market, known for its high-quality, minimalist footwear that promotes natural foot movement. The company saw a significant increase in sales, with a 36% rise to PS49.4 million in the 2021-2022 financial year, and a further 29% increase to PS40.349 million in the first half of the 2022-2023 financial year. Vivobarefoot's products, such as the Magna Lite SG, are praised for their excellent ground feel, breathability, and flexibility, making them ideal for warm weather hikes and those seeking a true barefoot experience. The brand also focuses on sustainability, with initiatives like the ReVivo platform, which refurbished over 29,000 pairs of shoes and recycled 14,000 pairs in collaboration with footwear recycling companies. Vivobarefoot's commitment to regenerative business practices and customer satisfaction has contributed to its strong market presence. For more information, visit their official website.

Xero Shoes

Xero Shoes is a leading brand in the barefoot shoes market, known for its barefoot-inspired comfort and natural fit. The company has experienced remarkable growth, reporting a compound annual growth rate of 283% between 2018 and 2021, with net revenue increasing from $8.7 million to $33.6 million during that period. In 2023, Xero Shoes ranked No. 203 on the Financial Times' list of the Americas' Fastest Growing Companies and also ranked No. 2,817 on Inc's 5,000 "Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America" list, with a three-year revenue growth of 180%. Xero Shoes offers a wide range of products, including sandals, sneakers, and boots, all designed to provide a natural feel and motion. The company's success is further highlighted by its inclusion in prestigious growth rankings and its expanding customer base across 97 countries.

Merrell

Merrell is a leading brand in the barefoot shoes market, known for its high-performance and comfortable footwear. Established in 1981, Merrell has evolved into a global leader in outdoor active footwear, with a significant presence in the minimalist shoe segment. The brand, now a subsidiary of Wolverine World Wide since 1997, offers popular collections like the Trail Glove and Vapor Glove, which are favored by runners and hikers for their natural, zero-drop experience. In 2023, Merrell's total revenue reached $676 million, highlighting its strong market presence. With a commitment to quality, styling, and comfort, Merrell continues to empower outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. Explore their minimalist shoes for more details on their offerings.

Lems Shoes

Lems Shoes is a standout producer of barefoot shoes, known for their wide, roomy toe boxes, zero-drop soles, and lightweight, flexible designs. Founded in 2011, Lems has been a pioneer in the minimalist shoe market, offering a range of styles that cater to various activities, from casual wear to hiking and athletic pursuits. Their shoes, such as the Primal 2 and Primal 3, feature air-injection rubber soles with a stack height of 8mm to 10mm, providing a comfortable transition for those new to minimalist footwear. Lems boasts a competitive position in the market, with a high conversion rate of 2.50-3.00% and an average order value of $150-175. For more detailed information, visit their official website.

Altra

Altra is a prominent brand in the barefoot shoes market, known for its commitment to natural foot movement and comfort. The brand is part of the broader trend that sees the barefoot shoes market valued at USD 560.8 million in 2024 and projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% until 2031. Altra's products cater to a diverse customer base, including runners and hikers, with a focus on minimalist design that aids in the natural growth of feet, especially among children. In 2024, North America, where Altra has a strong presence, is expected to account for 38.7% of the global barefoot shoes market share. The brand's emphasis on health benefits and comfort aligns with the growing consumer preference for minimalist footwear.

Feelgrounds

Feelgrounds is a notable brand in the barefoot shoes market, recognized for its high-quality, minimalist footwear that provides a lifelike walking and running experience. The brand is appreciated for its lightweight, zero-drop shoes with a thin 5mm sole, allowing for maximum sensory feedback from the ground. Feelgrounds' models, such as the Originals, feature a wide toe box and breathable fabrics, making them ideal for users with sweaty feet. Despite being a relatively new and small company, Feelgrounds has made significant efforts to reduce costs and make their products more accessible. The brand's commitment to comfort and natural foot movement has garnered a loyal customer base. For a detailed review, explore the Feelgrounds review.

Wildling Shoes

Wildling Shoes is a leading brand in the barefoot shoes market, known for its eco-friendly and health-oriented approach. Founded in 2015 by Anna and Ran, the brand focuses on creating minimalist shoes that strengthen foot muscles and promote natural movement, using natural materials like cotton, hemp, and cork. Wildling shoes feature a unique, thin, and flexible sole, typically 2.5-3.5 mm thick, which enhances foot articulation and mindfulness while walking. The brand is committed to sustainability, minimizing the use of plastic and opting for recycled materials when necessary. With a growing market, the global barefoot shoes sector, which includes brands like Wildling, is expected to reach USD 945.4 million by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2024. For more information on their innovative footwear, check out Wildling Shoes: Everything You Need to Know About Barefoot Shoes.

Softstar Shoes

Softstar Shoes is a renowned brand in the barefoot shoes market, known for its commitment to crafting healthy, sustainable footwear. Founded in 1985, Softstar has evolved from a children's shoe company to also cater to the adult market, driven by customer demand. The company manufactures over 24,000 pairs of shoes annually, with 95% of its business coming from global e-commerce. Softstar's shoes feature a zero heel-to-toe drop, a wider toe box, and flexible soles, promoting natural foot movement and improved proprioception. The brand is also distinguished by its environmentally sustainable practices and local manufacturing in the United States.

Joe Nimble

Joe Nimble is a pioneering brand in the barefoot shoe market, founded on the principle of toe freedom that enhances foot stability and natural movement. Sebastian Baer, the founder, drew inspiration from his father's realization in the early 1980s that shoes should mirror the natural shape of the foot. With over 35 years of expertise, Joe Nimble shoes are designed to provide uncompromising toe freedom, using innovative features like the 2mm Vibram Sole for accurate ground feel and nmblFoam(r) midsole foam. This design philosophy has been scientifically supported by collaborations with experts like Lee Saxby, focusing on the biomechanics of natural foot function. Joe Nimble shoes are now sold globally, helping millions of users avoid foot-related issues. For more details, visit their official website.

Vibram FiveFingers

Vibram FiveFingers is a leading brand in the barefoot shoes market, known for its minimalist and natural footwear design. The global FiveFingers Shoe market was valued at USD 9 million in 2022 and is forecasted to grow to USD 12 million by 2029 with a CAGR of 4.6%. Vibram FiveFingers saw significant growth, with sales doubling to approximately $100 million in 2011, although the growth pace has slowed due to increased competition and inventory adjustments. The brand is popular for its use in outdoor activities, training, and fitness, and is distributed through specialty stores rather than big-box retailers. Vibram FiveFingers is available in over 60 countries and has a strong presence in North America, with expanding markets in Canada, the Caribbean, and Central America. For more insights on the market and trends, you can explore the detailed analysis on the FiveFingers Shoe market.