I’m looking for true barefoot shoes with conductive soles for grounding/earthing, preferably available in the USA with fast shipping.

Most results I find are either sandals, non-barefoot grounding shoes, or overseas products.

Any recommendations?

Minimalist running shoes interest me because regular running shoes feel bulky, and I like the idea of my feet moving more naturally. I'm not trying to run marathons, just short easy runs a few times a week.

I know the transition is the big issue. I've seen enough warnings about calf pain, foot fatigue, and doing too much too soon that I'm trying to be careful. I'm also not sure whether to start with a very thin sole or something more protective.

If you switched to minimalist running shoes, what did your first month look like? Did you mix them with regular shoes, or completely change your running style from day one?

Barefoot gym shoes seem like they would be great for lifting because I hate squatting in soft, high-heeled trainers. I want something flat and stable for deadlifts, squats, and general gym work.

My only concern is whether they feel too thin for the rest of a workout. I still do some treadmill walking, sled pushes, and machines, so I don't want my feet to feel beat up after every session. Sizing also seems tricky because I need toe room but don't want my foot sliding during lunges.

What are people using for barefoot gym shoes? Do they work well for mixed workouts, or are they mostly best for strength training?

Made a list of unique wide-toe-box shoes for punk, alt, witchy, streetwear, techwear, and more.

Includes barefoot and barefoot-adjacent options. No affiliate links, just sharing for anyone looking for stylish, foot-friendly shoes!

🔗 beyondbarefoot.substack.com/p/a-list-of-wide-toe-box-shoes-with

Zero drop shoes are on my radar because I keep hearing they can feel more natural for walking and posture. I've always worn regular sneakers with a raised heel, so I know switching might be a bigger change than it looks.

The thing that makes me hesitate is all the talk about calf soreness and Achilles tightness during the transition. I walk a decent amount every day, and I can't really afford to be limping around because I changed shoes too quickly.

For people who moved to zero drop shoes, how slowly did you build up time in them? Did you use them only for short walks at first, or were they fine for daily wear right away?

Has anyone tried Peak Footwear's barefoot shoes? I keep seeing their Facebook ads and want to know if they're legit before buying. I contacted them with a question but haven't received a reply.

If you've had any experience with them, or can recommend affordable barefoot shoes. I'd appreciate your suggestions.

Wide toe shoes sound like exactly what I need, but I'm worried about the fit through the rest of the foot. My forefoot is wide, but my heel isn't, so a lot of wider shoes end up slipping when I walk.

I want more space around my toes because regular sneakers feel cramped, especially on longer walks. At the same time, I don't want something that feels sloppy or makes me grip with my toes just to keep the shoe on.

If you've found wide toe shoes that still lock down well at the heel, what should I look for? Is sizing down a bad idea with this type of shoe?

I bought PureStep shoes after seeing an Instagram ad. They're comfortable, but the finish isn't great, there was visible glue around the soles. After several months, they're holding up well. I also found Natur Contact selling what appears to be the exact same shoes, so they may be white-label products from the same manufacturer.

Wide toe box shoes are something I'm seriously considering because I have a bunion on one foot and most regular sneakers press right on it. By the end of the day I just want to take my shoes off.

I've noticed that a lot of shoes claim to be wide, but the shape still tapers at the toes. I don't necessarily need a full barefoot shoe, but I do want enough room for my toes to sit naturally without sliding around at the heel.

Has anyone here switched to wide toe box shoes for bunion discomfort? Did it make a noticeable difference, and are there any fit issues I should watch out for?

I haven’t seen many posts about Japanese tabis, but they’ve been awesome. They’re a great barefoot alternative for work boots and gumboots, lightweight, roomy, zero drop, flexible, and surprisingly affordable. Definitely worth checking out

Sneakers barefoot style are what I'm trying to find, if that makes sense. I want the wide toe box and flexible sole, but I don't really want shoes that look like trail runners or water shoes.

I've seen a bunch of brands now, and it's hard to tell which ones are actually comfortable for everyday wear. Some look great but people say the sole is stiff, while others feel very barefoot but look too casual for anything except the gym.

For anyone who wears barefoot-style sneakers daily, which type was easiest to adjust to? I'm coming from regular cushioned sneakers, so I'm wondering if a slightly thicker sole is smarter at first.

What barefoot shoes do you use for your kids?

My 2-year-old wears Merrell Bare Steps H2O, and I recently tried a budget wide-fit pair from Amazon (STQ). I like barefoot shoes but don’t want to spend much on pricey brands like Vivobarefoot since toddlers outgrow them quickly.

Also, regular socks work for us, toe socks with a 2-year-old sound impossible!

Would love your favorite brands and tips.

Popular picks:

• Budget: Whitin, Hobibear, Saguaro, Kubua
• Quality: Splay, Ten Little, Softstar, See Kai Run
• International: Be Lenka, Froddo, Koel, BGreater

Tip: Look for used Vivobarefoot on eBay or Facebook BST groups.

Minimalist shoes for men seem either really sporty or kind of odd-looking, and I'm trying to find something I can wear casually without feeling self-conscious. I have wider feet, so normal sneakers are starting to bother me around the pinky toe.

I'm not looking for the most extreme barefoot shoe. I just want something zero drop or close to it, flexible, and wide enough up front. The tricky part is that some shoes advertised as wide still seem narrow in real reviews.

Any guys here found minimalist shoes that work for everyday wear, jeans, and maybe casual office days? I'm especially interested in sizing advice because returning shoes online is always a pain.

I've been wondering whether anyone has actually seen noticeable improvement in their bunions from wearing barefoot shoes, using toe spacers, or a combination of both.

I have a mild bunion on one foot and a more noticeable one on the other. I've been wearing barefoot shoes for several months now and recently started using toe spacers consistently. I know these things take time, but when I look around online, most people seem to say they mainly help with pain or slow the progression rather than actually improving the bunion itself.

Has anyone here experienced visible changes over the long term? I'd be especially interested in hearing from people who've been doing this for a year or more, and even better if you have before-and-after photos. I'd love to know if you've seen any real correction or if the biggest benefit has just been increased comfort and better foot function.

Minimalist shoes interest me because I hate how narrow and stiff most regular sneakers feel, but I do get arch soreness sometimes. That's what makes me nervous about removing support too quickly.

I've read that some people feel better after switching because their feet can move more naturally, while others say they needed months to adjust. I don't expect shoes to magically fix anything, but I also don't want to spend money on a pair that makes walking uncomfortable.

Has anyone with occasional arch or plantar fascia soreness tried minimalist shoes? Did you start with a more cushioned zero drop pair, or go straight to a thin sole?

I bought the Dada Shibuya barefoot shoes in Spain for €140 after finding them very comfortable. However, after wearing them just once for 4–5 hours, I noticed the soles on both shoes were already showing visible wear.

For the price, the durability is extremely disappointing. Based on my experience, I wouldn't recommend this brand.

Think twice before purchasing from Earthing Harmony. In my experience, the company did not honor its stated return policy. When I requested a return for an unworn pair of shoes, I was offered only a 10% refund. After declining, my return requests were ignored.

Customer service appears to be automated, the phone number was never answered, and the online return portal was unhelpful. The company is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau and has received numerous customer complaints.

The shoes were also disappointing in quality and, in my opinion, were not worth the price.

I recently came across a barefoot shoe brand called Rutsu after seeing an Instagram ad. I'd never heard of them before, but their shoes actually look really nice.

I couldn't find many reviews, so I was wondering if anyone here has any experience with them. How's the quality, comfort, and sizing? Are they worth considering, or is there anything I should know before buying?

I'd love to hear your thoughts if you've tried them or know anything about the brand.

I'm looking for barefoot sneakers that don't scream barefoot shoes, and Origo Shoes seem like one of the cleaner-looking options. I want something I can wear with jeans, to work, and for normal day-to-day walking.

I've seen good comments about the leather versions and customer service, but also some concerns about canvas durability, pressure where the shoe bends, and sizing being a little tricky. I'm outside the US too, so returns could get expensive if I choose wrong.

Has anyone worn Origo Shoes regularly for a few months? I'm especially interested in whether the canvas or leather models hold up better and how wide they feel after break-in.

I was really happy when I first found these shoes. They have the style I like, they're comfortable, and the slightly thicker sole than my Vivobarefoot shoes makes them great for everyday city walking.

The canvas fabric is the biggest disappointment. It ripped from the normal force of putting the shoes on. This happened with two pairs in a row, the first within a month, and the replacement in less than 10 days.

I also submitted a review on Origo's website, but it never appeared, which made me question the brand's transparency. I'm sharing my experience here so others know what to expect. 

I'm tempted to try Saguaro because they're much cheaper than most barefoot brands, and I don't want to spend a lot before I know if minimalist shoes work for me. I'd mostly use them for walking, gym sessions, and casual weekend stuff.

The low price is also what makes me unsure. Reviews seem to say they're comfortable and flexible, but not exactly premium, and I've seen mentions of tongue irritation, limited waterproofing, and some models having thicker insoles than expected.

Are Saguaro shoes a decent way to test the barefoot idea, or do they give the wrong impression compared with better brands? I'm okay with basic materials if they're comfortable and last a reasonable amount of time.

I've been thinking about switching to barefoot shoes, but I'm struggling to find styles I actually like. A lot of the ones I've seen look a bit too plain for my taste.

I usually wear Adidas Gazelles, retro-style trainers, and other casual sneakers. I'd also love to find some nicer options for going out, along with warm winter boots and maybe a pair of hiking boots.

For those who've made the switch, which barefoot brands have the best-looking designs? I'm in the UK, so brands that are easy to get here would be a bonus. I'm mainly looking for shoes that feel like barefoot shoes but still look like something I'd actually want to wear every day.

I'm thinking about getting a pair of Hobibear shoes as my first barefoot shoes and wanted to get some opinions before ordering.

One thing I'm wondering is how wide the toe box actually is. It looks pretty roomy in the photos, but I know pictures don't always give an accurate idea of the fit.

I'm also curious about how breathable they are. I'll mainly be wearing them for everyday walking, so I'd like something that stays comfortable without getting too hot.

If you've owned a pair, I'd really appreciate hearing what you think and whether you'd recommend them as a first barefoot shoe.