Super comfy and easy to wear, they really are ‘like walking on marshmallows’
A touch of old age coupled with a love of cycling led my feet to feel like they were falling apart. After many months of dealing with the pain of plantar fasciitis I had tried numerous remedies – the tennis ball under the foot, specialist insoles and various types of pain relief.
When a friend of mine suggested that a pair of funky looking ‘barefoot’ shoes could help, I audibly scoffed. But turns out I was wrong and the minimalist design was just what my aching feet needed.
Barefoot shoes are designed to mimic the natural shape and movement of the human foot—like being barefoot, but with protection from the ground. Costing around £36 from Amazon, I felt purchasing a pair was a reasonable investment for pain-free feet.
‘I compared Superdrug’s £8 lip butter with £23 Summer Fridays and the budget buy wins
‘I wore this £44 Boden shirt and five different strangers stopped me to compliment it’
Painful plantar can be caused by putting too much stress on your feet, like standing or walking a lot, wearing unsupportive shoes or just being unlucky enough to have flat feet, high arches or tight calves. Barefoot shoes are believed to help with plantar fasciitis by strengthening foot muscles and encouraging natural movement, which can help reduce strain on the plantar fascia over time.
Of course, I’m no medical expert, but for me personally, I did find they helped. In a striking black and white colourway paired with a bright orange sole, I took absolute pleasure in wearing them with my middle-aged mum athleisure outfits.
I purchased my barefoot shoes from Amazon. Lightweight on the feet, breathable and super comfy, I wore them for dog walks, beach days, school runs and more.
The wide toe box prevents the front of the foot from feeling all scrunched up and the soles are surprisingly grippy. While it feels a little odd to be able to ‘feel’ the floor beneath your feet to begin with, I got used to it quickly and now heavier soles feel slow and cumbersome.
Given the minimalist design, I was surprised by how durable they were. I’d still be wearing them today if not for the fact that my dog finally had her way with one shoe and ripped it to tatters. My feet feel hard done by now, and I have had to shove them back into my Crocs, so I’ve ordered myself a new pair of Barefoot shoes.
Still available to buy here, they come in a range of colours in sizes from 3.5 to 12. I’ll be buying the same as I had before, but there are lots of others available.
Vivofoot, for example, make high quality barefoot shoes for runners, hikers and daily wearers. Pick of the bunch is the Primus Lite 3.5 Womens Shoe – a training ‘all-rounder’ that starts from £130.
Amazon also has other makes to choose from, including the Merrell Vapor Glove 6 from £59.99 and the Vibram Herren V-Aqua shoes with separate toes from £75.
If you are looking for that barefoot feeling during the summer months, shoppers recommend the Bivouac Sandals from Decathlon. The rubber soled sandals offer barefoot-style benefits from £21.99.
Barefoot shoes are a phenomenon that not many people talk about, but since I discovered them, I have certainly been sharing the love. It’s not just me that’s a fan. With 251 reviews on Amazon, the Barefoot Shoes have received an overall rating of 4.2 out of five stars.
One buyer said: “My first foray into the barefoot world and I love these! I’ve worn them on every conceivable surface and yes, gravel,etc. is noticeable but I feel my posture is better and my (arthritic) knees less sore since wearing these. Easy to wash, removable insoles, sturdy construction, very light and easily adjustable. Great grip when needed.”
A second delighted customer added: “Ridiculously great and comfy, very well priced for the quality, i live in mine. There is plenty of room if you want to put an inner sole in, just to make them even more comfortable if you have feet issues. They don’t look big once on, lightweight but feel really good, super grip too.”
Another customer who purchased them for work, said: “Very lightweight, comfortable and your feet breath as well as allowing your feet to spread as swelling does occur when doing a long shift on your feet. No pain or aching when I’ve done my shift! Brilliant footwear.”
Sadly not everyone was quite so impressed. One disappointed buyer left a three-star review that said: “Bought my usual size but these came up large (about an inch too long) have used the elastic laces to keep secure so have still been able to wear. After a month the insoles started to separate / again not a problem these often happens in shoes just have to realign each time I put them on.”
A buyer who, like me, thinks they are fab, added: “These are superb trainers, exceptionally comfortable to wear and have a great grip to them. They are true to size fit wise and are like walking on marshmallows when on. Well worth the price tag, easy 5 star review.”
