Occasionally, a trend creates so much hype that everyone’s jumping onto it. This time it’s the barefoot shoe. Thanks to TikTok, the barefoot trend has sparked content creators aspiring to take their wellness routines back to basics.

They’re shouting from the rooftops about how barefoot shoes have transformed their lives. But what does science say about the phenomenon and is the trend worth the hype?

People who live in high heels aren’t prone to walk in “flats.” Many fashionistas would gasp at the thought of wearing barefoot shoes. However, these “fugly” shoes have come a long way in design and style.

We’ll discuss the topic further below…

What are Barefoot Shoes?

Indy100 describes the footwear as shoes designed to closely mimic the sensation of being barefoot.

Closer to the Ground

The health benefits of walking barefoot are also known as “grounding” or “earthing”. Many studies done over the years have found that being connected to nature starts with standing with your feet firmly on the ground.

Psychologist Susan Albers tells Cleveland Clinic that grounding has increased in popularity because of its positive impact on your physical and mental health. And here’s where barefoot shoes take precedence. The minimalist design allows the wearer to move unencumbered.

Brands are answering the call for more variety and choices. Some have created entire sneaker ranges dedicated to the trend. Barefoot sneakers’ full collection includes ultra-flexible soles, enhanced comfort and a spacious toe box.

Probable Benefits of Barefoot Shoes

The barefoot shoe market exploded from $582.29 million in 2023 to $611.46 million this year, says GlobeNewswire.

Key factors influencing the sector are growing awareness of foot health and the rising popularity of functional fitness wear.

Consumers are no longer taking products at face value; they’re researching trends and educating themselves on the true benefits of specific items.

Despite the higher-than-normal price tag associated with barefoot shoes, customers are willing to gamble on them.

Ultimate Comfort

Podiatrist and ankle wellness specialist Alissa Kuizinas tells Shape the biggest advantage of barefoot shoes and sneakers is that your feet move exactly as they would if you were barefoot. You walk with flat heels, allowing your toes to spread and splay, Kuizinas explains.

Rutsu advises that a decent barefoot sneaker is designed with a zero-drop heel, wide toe box and flat, flexible sole. These features culminate in ultimate comfort.

Previous studies have also found that flat, zero-drop shoes showed improved efficiency in marathon runners. During a randomized trial, runners had more rearfoot strikes in traditional shoes (87%) compared with minimalist shoes (67%). They also increased foot strength.

Are They Worth the Hype?

Competitive marathon runner Carliegh Ferrante put the barefoot sneaker to the test. She slipped her feet into a pair for a month and immediately felt more comfortable.

The connection to the ground gave her a serious mental health boost. Her posture and balance improved. Ferrante’s one piece of advice though is that barefoot shoes take some getting used to. It took a few wears to acclimatize.

Long-Term Issues with Traditional Sneakers

Quadruple board-certified physician Dr Raj Dasgupta tells Bustle that traditional sneakers are too narrow with lots of padding on the soles. These can cause issues in the long term.

Thick, chunky soles may be on trend, but your feet are too far off the ground, resulting in weakened foot muscles. A raised heel can do just as much damage by messing with your posture, causing knee, hip and back pain.

Dr Dasgupta adds that barefoot shoes are especially recommended for people who suffer from foot pain, have bunions, or their toes feel cramped in regular shoes.

Types of Barefoot Shoes

Choosing the right shoe starts with barefoot training, experts say. However, the complicated terms can be daunting for first-time buyers.  Stack height, zero drops, toe splay. What does it all mean?

Traditional shoes demand sifting through just as much information, but Outdoor Life says barefoot shoes do away with the technicalities of underfoot cushioning and heel boosts. This means you can focus primarily on fit.

If the Shoe Fits

There are various barefoot designs; the noticeable difference is how they conform to your foot. Customers should be aware of the following factors when fitting on a new shoe:

  • Comfort
  • Length
  • Width
  • Toe slope
  • Stretch

Foot Shape Deformities

London-based functional podiatrist Rina Harris believes barefoot shoes should be the norm and not the exception. Her experience with foot pain led her to purchase her first pair of barefoot sneakers.

Within six months, the pain had eased and her feet strengthened. Following several studies, Harris advocates for barefoot shoes and recommends them to her clients.

Citing ongoing research by a Swedish company, she found a significant link between footwear usage and foot shape deformities.

Participants who mostly wore shoes or closed-toe sandals had higher Hallux Valgus Angles (HVA) than those who were mostly barefoot or wore open-toe sandals.

In her opinion, these factors highlight the influence of footwear on toe alignment and overall foot health.

The Sustainable Choice

Many brands are aiming to get their customers to feel grounded again. They are manufacturing shoes that listen to our body movements.

Adopting sustainable business plans doesn’t only stop at using recyclable and sustainable materials. Brands are striving for regenerative practices, from manufacturing to supply chains to waste management.

A circular economy is taking shape in the footwear sector, meaning all materials are reused. But challenges remain. How to make shoes that are long-lasting with minimal impact on the planet?

Final Thoughts

Before shoes existed, our ancestors pranced around the valley looking for the next food source.

Even some of the best long-distance runners won medals and accolades running bare feet. Zola Budd ran about 5,000 feet in the blistering cold to clinch the UK Championships. She accomplished the win wearing no shoes.

Besides the hype and what TikTokers say, there must be some truth to the talk about barefoot shoes. Science and research point to the many benefits of walking closer to the ground.

A shoe developed with comfort and improved foot health in mind gets a gold star in our books. It’s worth a try. And who knows? You might even like them.