Are Barefoot Shoes Worth it?

I bought my first pair of barefoot shoes around two years ago, I was excited but still sceptical.

I’ve worked in plenty of outdoor retail shops in my time, like Decathlon, Blacks and Millets – so in echoing their jargon, my understanding of good footware was based around arch support, padding and insoles. From this perspective, barefoot shoes don’t appear too desireable.

My first pair of barefoot shoes

Through Instagram, I started to get exposed to the idea of barefoot shoes. As I started looking into them more, I was more curious about the benefits they can have. Instead of feeling sceptical because of their lack of arch support and padding, I became more curious about their impact on stronger feet, better posture and natural movement.

Cam and I both took the plunge together, and we ordered our first pair of barefoot shoes. We decided to go with Vivobarefoot, as it was the brand I had seen the most about. For me, it was a pair of their trail running shoes (here’s a link to their current most similar pair). Cam went for a pair of their more casual hiking shoes, like this.

The verdict? We both loved them – but it was an easier transition for me.

I’m quite an outdoor child anyway, I often walk barefoot and have my shoes off as much as possible, so that transition period from normal shoes to barefoot shoes didn’t really have any major impact on me. Perhaps it’s also because I also tend to do barefoot activities like yoga.

Cam, however, found it more of an adjustment. He needed time to get used to them and had to take breaks between wearing them. After a couple of weeks, however, he got on with them perfectly.

Were the results from barefoot shoes noticeable?

We both noticed results in different ways.

Cam has always struggled with corns on his feet, and perhaps the biggest impact barefoot shoes had for him are that they completely cleared them up. He no longer has any uncomfortable foot issues, and for him, that alone makes the shoes totally worth it.

For me, I think there’s a few different results. The most noticeable physical change is the spread of my feet. My toes are more spread out and my feet have a more natural shape. I guess this can only be considered a good thing, because it’s my body falling into a more natural alignment.

I do also notice a difference when hiking though. As a very naturally clumsy human, I am often rather unsteady on trails. With the change to barefoot shoes I definitely feel a greater steadiness and confidence on my feet. Barefoot shoes allow you to feel the ground beneath you, which definitely helps. They’re also said to improve your balance and centre of gravity, which is perhaps another reason here. I can’t be certain.

What do we wear today?

We have, for the large part, stuck with barefoot shoes. I don’t see this ever changing! The only pair of shoes I have that aren’t barefoot are my running trainers, as I haven’t quite got along with barefoot shoes for running (my poor knees).

Costs & Investment

Vivobarefoot is a pretty expensive brand (compared to ‘normal’ shoes). I’d say they’re worth it, because our pairs have comfortably lasted over a year each time, with pretty much daily wear. Vivo do also offer a recyling & repair service too.

However, if the cost is too much for you, there are some lower cost versions available.

Cam has tried a few Amazon pairs for work, as he didn’t want to trash his vivos. They definitely give you the same benefits, but the grip and general build is definitely a weaker quality and they simply don’t last as long. However, it could be a great option to dip your toe into that barefoot water.