Why Barefoot Shoes Have A Cult Following

Watch as we evaluate why barefoot shoes are so popular and if they’re worth purchasing. Even if they’re as healthy and sustainable as they claim to be… PLEASE don’t buy the ones with the little toes, okay?

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Script: Bénédicte Herbout
Editor: Alexander McGinnis
Animator: Zachary Kastrukoff
Project Manager: Lurana McClure Rodríguez
Host: Levi Hildebrand

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[FutureProofTV]

BONUS video! We made this one before knowing we'd get to 10k subscribers before the end of our first month as a channel... how crazy is that?? 🤯 THANK YOU for all the love you've been showing Future Proof so far, there's so much more to come!

[vaiduliuke]

I started wearing barefoot shoes because of health reasons. I had some problems with my knees (ligaments) for quite a while now, and unlike with my regular shoes, my knees do not bother me as much if I'm wearing barefoot shoes. Takes some getting used to, but I'm starting to see why people like them so much. The biggest downside is that they are quite expensive, especially if you are looking for winter shoes.

[ailz]

I'm disabled and have mobility issues. Barefoot shoes help me to walk. I'm 67 and can now walk further and with better balance. They've got me out of my wheelchair much more often.

[Anna-pddc]

Not sure how you reached the conclusion that most barefoot shoe wearers are in it for the look. I'd say most people I've seen talk about switching to barefoot shoes to reduce pain that they had in conventional shoes.

[JacksonHoulihan]

The biggest difference I've noticed about my minimalist shoes is the wider toe box that doesn't smash my toes together and what caused my bunion to form from years of wearing narrow shoes. If they made regular shoes that were wider at the toes instead of making them pointy then I'd probably switch back.

[manfrombc]

I bought a pair of these 5 toe shoes when I was in high school for PE for three reasons:
- They give awesome support for lateral movement (comes up a lot in PE of course), you really feel grounded
-The shoes look hilarious
-But most importantly, my PE teacher hated them

Side benefit is that they are unbelievably comfy. Like wearing gloves on your feet.

[FowShowFB]

I bought a pair of these specifically for using in water. The lakes around my area are extremely rocky and I wanted something that would protect my feet but also give me grip on the rocky bottom of the lake. Sure I get made fun of a bit by my buddies but as soon as I let them try them out they instantly change their mind and go buy a pair themselves. So these are a win in my book!

[SamsaraRevolves]

I've had absolutely zero blisters, knee, shin or achilles injury since shifting from modern to five fingers over 15 years ago. Who cares if the shoes are ugly. Feeling the ground and moving in the most conservative and efficient movement is more ideal than looking stylish and getting free propulsion from springy padding.

[Makuma-Matata]

I'm old and switched to barefoot shoes for none of his stated reasons. I tried them because I was tired of my feet hurting all the time, it worked for me. Also helped with my back, hip and knee pain, will never go back!

[juliusk.]

A reason often overlooked when talking about barefoot shoes is comfort! I have relatively wide, but short feet. It's much easier to find a fitting and comfortable barefoot shoe for me, than finding a regular shoe.

[stephenknapp]

Seeing mostly Xero, Vivo and Vibrams mentioned, just wanted to shout-out Wildlings.
I definitely like barefoot/minimalist shoes for just about everything at this point, especially hiking. Being able to really feel the ground makes me feel more stable and confident in my foot placement on rocky, uneven and loose terrain. Never had an issue with slipping. Plus the lack of ankle support has helped me strengthen my ankles and allows a better range of motion which makes navigating over rocks a lot easier.

[FulltimeHafling]

I'm currently in the process of changing all my footwear to barefoot shoes. Since my first pair I just hate wearing anything but my barefoot shoes. Not feeling your toes being cramped and them actually being able to take the space they naturally are supposed to have just feels sooo comfy.
Also the sensory feedback you get from having a thinner sole and walking and running more on the front foot just feels so much better than slamming that big fat raised heel in the ground every time you take a step.
To me it just makes more sense and feels more natural.

I am truly convinced everyone should give barefoot shoes a try.
There's so many brands and styles to choose from these days that you really can totally ignore the toe shoes! :p
although them being my first pair and I still find them to be the most comfortable, they also don't seem like they'll last me much longer, they aren't really repairable, making them the least sustainable compared to the others I have tried and fitted and seen reviewed.

Next time maybe don't put as much focus on the toe shoes, it almost seemed like there are barely any other options. (There truly are a lot of options these days!)
Otherwise, keep the videos coming, living the new channel as much as the old one!

[retrokittydesign]

I’m an overweight, mostly sedentary gamer. I’ve been wearing barefoot shoes since Born to Run was published. My husband is a runner so had the book. The arguments in the book seemed logical, so I gave Vibram 5 fingers a try. They were some of the only barefoot options available then. Before then I was wearing motion control hiking sneakers due to an overpronation problem that was causing knee pain. My knee pain was gone a week after the switch and I never looked back. Sometimes if I have to wear regular shoes for dressing up or boots for rain protection the knee pain returns.

[alexvainio]

This social aspect is a good point! I bought my first Vibram shoes last year but they actually broke down after a couple of months, and I got my money back. Additionally they weren't the correct shape for my feet (neither are any normal shoes though). Still, I find barefoot shoes nice for reasons besides social indentity or possible health benefits; for example the sensory input is quite different and I purely enjoy feeling the different textures as I go about my day.

[sbtraining]

Having stronger feet has been known to lead to more stability and strength not only through the ankle, but through the hip as well. The foot is such a huge sensory organ as a personal trainer ive seen hundreds of clients with "plantar fascitis" go from clunky hokas, to minimal shoes with zero pain over time. And they're all the more resilient now! Its not just a fad its about your bodies health!

[keshhan]

If these barefoot shoes are really beneficial then it's absolutely absurd and childish to let the minor issue of appearance prevent you from wearing shoes that might help your feet.

[DanBanan]

It's probably true that those preferring barefoot shoes are overall more passionate about their shoes than "regular" people. I can only speak for myself, but I think it's because it just feels right. All movement I do with the lower part of my body seems more controlled, nimble and efficient after transitioning to barefoot shoes. This is both due to strengthening of calves, ankles and feet, but also because the shoes themselves give more movement and control. It's great, it feels wonderful, and that makes me passionate about it.

[bethkeenan]

Having that tactile relationship with the ground and relying more on the front of your foot for balance makes it a lot easier to avoid something stupid happening to your ankle.

[acf]

But there is no studies at all that shows that ”normal” shoes are good either… there is only studies about how ”normal” shoes are bad lol

[jeanzhang]

I grew up wearing mostly "minimalist" shoes like Feiyue, cause they were cheap. Since 5th grade I started wearing real sneakers more and more. My parents kept on telling me that I walk with bad posture and I can't get that out of me. I switched back to minimalist/barefoot shoes (mostly thanks to zero drop), I no longer have a posture problem in a few weeks.