Barefoot Shoes: The 5 Qualities of a Good Pair

 

The barefoot shoe movement has grown steadily over the last decade, and as it has done so, the market for these shoes has exploded. While this is a good thing for consumers, it can be overwhelming when trying to choose which shoe to buy! In order to make your decision easier, this article will list the top five qualities of good wide barefoot shoes so, you know what to look out for when shopping!

They Must be Minimal:

For those who are new to the barefoot/minimalist shoe scene, it can be tough to understand the difference between barefoot shoes and regular running shoes. Regular running shoes typically have thick soles that absorb shock, making them heavy and difficult to wear for extended periods of time. Minimalist and barefoot shoes, on the other hand, provide protection from injury by distributing weight evenly across the foot.

They Must have a Toe Box:

A good pair of wide barefoot shoes must have a wide toe box that provides plenty of space for toes to move around. If the toes are crammed together, then blisters will form, and any exercise can become painful. Shoes that offer plenty of space for your toes are not only more comfortable but also give you the opportunity to work on balance and foot strength without being distracted by discomfort.

They Must be Lightweight:

Lightweight shoes allow you to feel the ground and move more naturally. A good barefoot shoe should be comfortable, not too tight or loose. The shoe should also be flexible enough that it doesn't restrict movement in any way and is flexible on different surfaces like pavement, grass, dirt, and sand.

They Must have Good Traction:

A barefoot shoe needs to have good traction. This is vital for keeping your feet from slipping, and when you're running, you'll need all the traction you can get. Some shoes will have great traction on one side and little or none on the other. This can be frustrating if you're not prepared and should be avoided.

They Must Have Low Heel-To-Toe Drop:

Barefoot zero drop shoes will have little to no heel-to-toe drop. One of the ways to measure this is by standing on one foot and seeing how much your ankle bends. If your ankle bends a lot, then you'll want to try on shoes with less heel-to-toe drop.

With the growing popularity of minimalist barefoot running shoes, people are turning to them in the hopes that they’ll reduce joint pain and strengthen their arches and ankles. But not all barefoot shoes offer the same benefits, so it’s important to make sure you’re choosing one that will be truly beneficial for your body.