Are you looking for the best naturalists guide to barefoot running shoes? With the right pair of shoes, runners can experience the freedom of running barefoot on any terrain. Barefoot running has proven to have a range of benefits from increased speed, better agility, and improved balance. However, the wrong pair of shoes can leave you feeling tired, sore and prone to injury. Here you will find the best barefoot running shoes for naturalists, whether you are a veteran or first-time runner. Each shoe is designed to provide the best protection and performance for running outdoors. We’ll review the features, fit, and performance of each shoe and provide a comprehensive guide to help you make the best decision for your next run.
Best Naturalists Guide Barefoot Running Shoes
| Rank | Product Name | Score |
|---|---|---|
|
1
 |
Merrell Men’s Vapor Glove 3 Trail Runner
|
9. 7
|
|
2
 |
Vibram Fivefingers KSO Water Shoes
|
9. 5
|
|
3
 |
Merrell Men’s Bare Access 4 Trail Running Shoe
|
9. 1
|
|
4
 |
Vibram Men’s V-Run Running Shoe
|
8. 8
|
|
5
 |
Merrell Women’s Pace Glove 3 Trail Running Shoe
|
8. 6
|
|
6
 |
Mizuno Women’s Wave Universe 5 Running Shoe
|
8. 2
|
|
7
 |
Topo Athletic ST2 Running Shoe – Men’s Grey/Black 12
|
8. 0
|
|
8
 |
Saucony Men’s Kinvara 9 Running Shoe
|
7 .7
|
|
9
 |
On Running Mens Cloud X Water/Blues Running Shoe – 9
|
7. 4
|
|
10
 |
Xero Shoes Prio – Minimalist Barefoot Trail and Road Running Shoe – Fitness
|
7. 2
|
1. Merrell Men’s Vapor Glove 3 Trail Runner
The Merrell Men’s Vapor Glove 3 Trail Runner is an excellent choice for those seeking a lightweight and fast performance shoe that is perfect for running on trails. The mesh and synthetic upper helps keep your feet cool and comfortable while the M-Select Grip outsoles provide superior traction and durability. The midsoles are full of supportive foam cushioning that provides great underfoot comfort and support. The Vapor Glove 3 is an amazing trail running shoe that is lightweight, flexible and offers great support, cushioning and traction. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a reliable and comfortable trail running shoe.
- Breathable mesh upper with TPU overlays for added durability
- Vibram® MegaGrip® outsole for superior traction on wet and dry terrain
- M Select FRESH antimicrobial agents for odor control
- M Bound midsole for shock absorption and response
- M Select MOVE foot frame for natural flex
- Zero Drop design promotes a more natural foot strike
- Vegan-friendly construction
2. Vibram Fivefingers KSO Water Shoes
I recently purchased a pair of Vibram Fivefingers KSO Water Shoes and I am really happy with them. I wear them for a variety of activities like running, kayaking and just everyday walking. I love the fit and feel of them, they are so comfortable and lightweight. The grip on the sole is also really good, it allows me to have great traction on wet surfaces. I especially love the fact that they’re water-resistant, so I don’t have to worry about getting my feet wet. They also look great and I’ve gotten a lot of compliments on them. All in all, I think these are a great pair of shoes for anyone looking for an affordable and stylish way to stay active. Highly recommended!
- Vibram XS Trek Outsole for superior grip on wet surfaces
- Proprietary Drainage System to quickly evacuate water
- Ultra-lightweight upper fabric and flexible sole for natural foot movement
- Durable, high-traction, Vibram Megagrip outsole for superior wet/dry traction
- Soft, breathable inner fabric to keep feet dry
- Adjustable hook-and-loop closure for a secure fit
3. Merrell Men’s Bare Access 4 Trail Running Shoe
I recently bought the Merrell Men’s Bare Access 4 Trail Running Shoe and I’m glad I did. The first thing I noticed was the lightweight design and the flexible sole. I was pleasantly surprised by the level of cushioning and support I got from the shoe. The tread is great for rugged trails and the grip really gives you confidence when running on any terrain. I also like that the shoe is breathable, keeping my feet dry and comfortable when running. Overall, I’m really impressed with this shoe and would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a lightweight, comfortable, and supportive trail running shoe.
- Synthetic and mesh upper for a lightweight and breathable fit
- Barefoot construction for a close to the ground feel
- M Select GRIP outsole for durable, highly slip-resistant stability
- M Select FRESH antimicrobial agents to reduce shoe odor
- Merrell air cushion in the heel to absorb shock and add stability
- Insole cushioning for a comfortable fit
- TrailProtect pad for underfoot protection
4. Vibram Men’s V-Run Running Shoe
I recently purchased the Vibram Mens V-Run Running Shoe and I could not be happier with my purchase. These shoes are incredibly comfortable and lightweight so running is a breeze. The rubber sole provides a great grip on any terrain and the cushioning makes long distance runs a pleasure. Overall, these shoes have exceeded my expectations and I highly recommend them to any avid runner.
- Synthetic and Mesh upper for breathability and support
- Vibram Megagrip outsole for maximum traction on wet and dry surfaces
- Innovative Vibram V-Run midsole for cushioning and energy return
- Lightweight and flexible construction for a more natural feel
- Integrated lacing system for a secure and custom fit
5. Merrell Women’s Pace Glove 3 Trail Running Shoe
I recently purchased the Merrell Women’s Pace Glove 3 Trail Running Shoe and I could not be more pleased. They are extremely comfortable and provide great support. The design of the shoe is very stylish and the colors are great. I love how lightweight they are, making them perfect for trail running. The grip on the bottom of the shoe is great for traction, even on wet and slippery surfaces. The cushioning is excellent, providing plenty of support for my feet. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with my purchase of the Merrell Women’s Pace Glove 3 Trail Running Shoe and would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a comfortable, supportive, and stylish trail running shoe.
- Breathable mesh upper
- Synthetic overlays
- Protective toe cap
- Lace-up closure
- M Select GRIP outsole provides durable traction on wet and dry surfaces
6. Mizuno Women’s Wave Universe 5 Running Shoe
I recently purchased the Mizuno Women’s Wave Universe 5 Running Shoe and I am really pleased with it. The shoe is extremely comfortable, lightweight and breathable, making it the perfect choice for running. The cushioning is amazing and the traction is great, allowing for a smooth and secure ride. I have had these shoes for a few weeks now and have already done a few long runs with them and have been impressed with their performance. I would highly recommend these shoes to anyone looking for a great running shoe. They are definitely worth the money!
- Cushioned Midsole – Mizuno’s Wave Universe 5 running shoe is designed with a soft, cushioned midsole for superior comfort and a smooth ride.
- Breathable Mesh Upper – The upper of the shoe is constructed with a breathable mesh material that helps keep your feet cool and comfortable.
- Lightweight – The Wave Universe 5 is lightweight and designed to help you feel like you’re running on air.
- Responsive Feel – Mizuno’s Wave technology provides an incredibly responsive feel that helps you maintain your stride.
- Durable Outsole – The outsole of the shoe is designed to be durable and provide traction on a variety of surfaces.
- Stylish Design – The Wave Universe 5 has a sleek, stylish design that looks great on or off the track.
7. Topo Athletic ST2 Running Shoe – Men’s Grey/Black 12
I recently purchased the Topo Athletic ST2 Running Shoe – Men’s Grey/Black 12 and I am very pleased with my purchase. The shoes are extremely comfortable and lightweight yet still provide great support. The cushioning in the heel and forefoot provide a great amount of rebound for running. I also love the fit of the shoe, as it is true to size and does not slip or slide around when running. The shoe also looks great, with the grey and black design providing a nice contrast. Overall, I would highly recommend the Topo Athletic ST2 Running Shoe – Men’s Grey/Black 12 to anyone looking for a comfortable and supportive running shoe.
- Lightweight mesh upper for breathability
- Micro-mesh inner sock for flexibility
- Meta-Flex technology for enhanced forefoot and toe box flex
- Dual-density EVA midsole cushioning and stability
- TPU-welded midsole for support
- Full rubber outsole for increased durability
- Heel-to-toe drop of 4mm
- Available in Men’s Grey/Black colorway in size 12
8. Saucony Men’s Kinvara 9 Running Shoe
The Saucony Men’s Kinvara 9 Running Shoe is an amazing shoe for running. It is lightweight and comfortable, and it provides plenty of cushion and stability for the runner. The fit is snug without being too tight, and the sole is flexible but supportive. I have been using this shoe for several months now, and it has held up really well. The lacing system is easy to adjust, and the upper material is breathable and lightweight. The color selection is great, and I like that there are plenty of options to choose from. Overall, I highly recommend this running shoe for anyone who wants a lightweight, comfortable, and reliable shoe.
- Lightweight, breathable mesh upper for a comfortable fit
- FlexFilm overlays add support without adding weight
- EVA+ midsole provides resilient cushioning
- Heel Grid system absorbs shock and creates an incredibly smooth transition
- Innovative TRI-FLEX outsole design to help deliver optimal traction and flexibility
- XT-900 Carbon Rubber outsole for durability and enhanced grip
- Updated midsole geometry provides improved cushioning and energy return
- Updated toe box design offers a more comfortable fit
9. On Running Mens Cloud X Water/Blues Running Shoe – 9
I just got the On Running Mens Cloud X Water/Blues Running Shoe – 9 and I am absolutely in love with them! I was in need of a new running shoe and this one has exceeded my expectations. The shoes feel lightweight and comfortable while providing great support. I especially appreciate the cushioning in the sole which absorbs shock and prevents my feet from getting tired. The traction on the sole also helps me keep my footing when running in wet or slippery conditions. The styling is simple and sleek too. All in all, I highly recommend this running shoe for anyone looking for a great pair of comfortable and reliable shoes for running!
- Breathable, lightweight mesh upper
- Zero-Gravity foam cushioning for maximum comfort
- Lightweight and responsive Speedboard technology
- Flexible, rubberized CloudTec® pods
- Water-repellent upper
- Bold, vibrant colors
- Padded insole and tongue
- Lace-up closure
- Durable rubber outsole
10. Xero Shoes Prio – Minimalist Barefoot Trail and Road Running Shoe – Fitness
The Xero Shoes Prio is a great minimalist barefoot trail and road running shoe. It has a lightweight, breathable mesh upper that allows your feet to move naturally, helping you to maintain balance and stability. The sole is made with a proprietary rubber compound that provides superior grip and traction on any surface. The sole also has a 4mm heel-toe drop for a natural, low-impact running experience. The Prio is designed with a wide toe box to allow for natural splay, giving your feet the freedom to move without restriction. It is also designed with an elastic heel loop to keep the shoe in place during active movement. Overall, I would highly recommend the Xero Shoes Prio to anyone looking for a minimalist, lightweight trail and road running shoe.
- Zero-drop sole design provides a natural, low-impact running experience.
- Lightweight and breathable mesh upper offers superior flexibility, comfort and ventilation.
- Removable insole provides an added layer of cushioning, support and stability.
- Responsive Vibram rubber outsole ensures superior traction on both wet and dry surfaces.
- Metatarsal ridge in the midsole allows for a better fit and improved foot stability.
- Sleek and modern design looks great in both casual and performance settings.
- Highly durable construction ensures these shoes will last for many miles.
- Athletic lacing system provides a secure fit.
- Protective toe cap increases durability.
- Vegan and cruelty-free.
