What's a Barefoot Shoe and Do You Need One?

"A barefoot sneaker is made to feel—you guessed it—like your feet are bare. This means you're engaging more of the muscles in your feet and legs when you walk, and this can be really great for some people."

"Though, if you have foot ailments of any kind, like plantar fasciitis, a barefoot sneaker is probably not for you. Do not come for us, Instagram health bros."

"The best barefoot shoe is a glove for your foot. You need a shoe that suits the shape of your foot, whether you have a sloped toe angle, a longer second toe, or fairly even toes across."

"The whole point is for the shoe to fit your foot and not the other way around. Though it takes some trial and error, these are the best barefoot shoes we've found that fit most people."

Barefoot sneakers are designed to mimic the feeling of being barefoot, encouraging the use of foot and leg muscles. This can strengthen ankles, knees, and improve posture. However, individuals with foot conditions like plantar fasciitis should avoid them. The ideal barefoot shoe should fit the unique shape of each foot, accommodating variations in toe angle, length, width, and arch height. Finding the right fit may require some experimentation, but there are options available that cater to most foot shapes.

Read at Esquire