1. ZemGear Terra Split Toe Shoes

While others of the best barefoot running shoes focus on separating all five toes, these split toe shoes enhance the foot’s natural grip by isolating the big toe from the other four. They’re made to provide maximum traction for running on all terrains, and they slip on like a sock.

2. Merrell Dash Road Running Shoes

In my own humble opinion, these are the very best barefoot running shoes, a perfect blend of both worlds, the natural barefoot shoe with the support Merrells are famous for. They feature “minimalist” construction with a 4mm mid-sole and toe bumpers, and they’re water repellant, protecting your feet, but still giving you that “connected” feel while you run. Buy these at the Merrell store, or at REI.

3. Vivo Barefoot Breatho Trail Running Shoes

Trail running can be dangerous, with hidden pokey objects (like sticks and rocks and glass) lurking in unexpected places. These trail running shoes take that into consideration, earning them a spot on my list of the best barefoot shoes. They’re rugged but still minimalist, tough in all the right places, but still provide a barefoot experience.

4. Vibram FiveFingers Spyridon LS Trail Running Shoes

These trail running shoes are so revolutionary, so different than traditional running shoes, that the maker recommends adding them to your routine slowly, so your body can adjust. The design, which separates each toe, is supposed to provide more stability and traction for trail runs, while providing safety and comfort with toe bumpers and an aggressive tread.

5. Vibram FiveFingers KomodoSport LS Multi-sport Shoes

But what if you’re not a trail or road runner, but you still want the best barefoot shoes for your cross-training workout? Then these are the barefoot shoes for you. The soles aren’t as thick as the trail running shoes, but they still offer the comfort and protection a cross-trainer would need.

6. Vibram FiveFingers Jaya Multi-sport Shoes

These multi-sport shoes offer sole “pods,” rather than an all-over sole, providing a unique barefoot experience. They’re pulled on like socks, with individual toe slots for better stability and balance, but like other barefoot shoes, it’s best to add them to your workout gradually. These may look weird, but they're considered one of the best barefoot shoes!

7. Vibram FiveFingers Sprint Multi-sport Shoes

Wow, these look like the most “barefoot” of all these best barefoot running shoes. They’re a light-weight, machine washable Mary Jane design, with odd sizing measurements. It’s best to try these on in person, for a perfect fit, rather than buying them online.

I still haven’t tried a pair of these barefoot shoes (sadly, I have pronation issues that make barefoot shoes impossible), but I hope to someday. In the meantime, I love seeing other runners using them… they look so comfortable and natural! If you’ve tried them, which of these do you think are the best barefoot shoes, and why? Or is there another brand or type you like better?

Top Image Source: oprah.com