5 Amazing Barefoot Shoes with Arch Support - EWF (2024)

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Are you looking for the best barefoot shoes with arch support? Over the years, more and more people are warming up to the idea of walking in barefoot shoes.

These shoes simply imitate being as close to the ground as possible and they mimic what it would be like to walk barefoot.

The reason why these shoes have been growing in popularity is because of the numerous benefit that walking barefoot has.

5 Amazing Barefoot Shoes with Arch Support - EWF (1)

In times past, people walked barefoot and this meant that they could grasp the ground beneath them more firmly. Babies are encouraged to walk without shoes when they are first finding their feet.

5 Amazing Barefoot Shoes with Arch Support

ImageNameWhat we LikeURL
5 Amazing Barefoot Shoes with Arch Support - EWF (2)5 Amazing Barefoot Shoes with Arch Support - EWF (3)
Vivobarefoot Men's Tracker FG100% leatherHydro -guard liningOff-road lugRegulates heatStrong lace hooks.5 Amazing Barefoot Shoes with Arch Support - EWF (4)
5 Amazing Barefoot Shoes with Arch Support - EWF (5)5 Amazing Barefoot Shoes with Arch Support - EWF (6)
Vivobarefoot Gobi IIMinimalistRemovable thermal insolesLightweight.Durable.100% Leather.5 Amazing Barefoot Shoes with Arch Support - EWF (7)
5 Amazing Barefoot Shoes with Arch Support - EWF (8)
Be Lenka WinterHigh qualityWater-resistantUltra-flexibleGreat insulationThin sole.5 Amazing Barefoot Shoes with Arch Support - EWF (9)
5 Amazing Barefoot Shoes with Arch Support - EWF (10)5 Amazing Barefoot Shoes with Arch Support - EWF (11)
Merrell Women's Vapor Glove 2Good gripLugged soleFoot protectionComfortableTPU material.5 Amazing Barefoot Shoes with Arch Support - EWF (12)
5 Amazing Barefoot Shoes with Arch Support - EWF (13)5 Amazing Barefoot Shoes with Arch Support - EWF (14)
Xero Shoes DenverLightweightComfortableWeather-friendlyHealthySimple.5 Amazing Barefoot Shoes with Arch Support - EWF (15)

This is because our feet collect necessary information from our feet and send that up to the brain so that we can react accordingly. When you wear shoes, this feedback is hampered.

One of the things that a lot of people miss on the barefoot and minimalist shoes is arch support.

Having a minimalist or barefoot-style means that you are going for shoes with the least amount of material between your foot and the ground. But sometimes, in some ranges, this also means that the shoe will have no arch support.

For some, this is a deal-breaker. However, there are options for barefoot shoes with arch support. Taking the step to start wearing barefoot shoes, means you are allowing your feet to be natural and do what they need to do.

A shoe with good arch support, helps you maintain balance, and also reduces muscle strain. In this article, we take a look at the best barefoot shoes with arch support.

In a Hurry

Do you need a quick guide to buying the best barefoot shoes with arch support? There are a few things you will need to consider.

Most barefoot shoes come with no arch support, but its not all of them you can get barefoot shoes with arch support.

However, if you need extra arch support you can get shoes or special insoles that can help you get the comfort you need.

One of the most important things you will need to ascertain is how your foot is shaped and if you need to have arch support at all. Once you have established this you can start looking around for the best insoles for your barefoot shoes.

Our Top Pick

5 Amazing Barefoot Shoes with Arch Support - EWF (16)

We have done our research and found our favorite pick to be the Be Lenka Winter. These shoes are stylish, high-tech shoes that are also great in cold weather. They are made of water-resistant leather, which prevents the formation of water splashes on the shoe. They are also lined with merino wool which insulates the shoe well. They have a wide toebox design which allows for a barefoot-like movement. These shoes have zero toe spring, they are thin and flexible, and they have zero heel elevation.

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Round Up of the Barefoot Shoes with Arch Support

Vivobarefoot Men’s Tracker FG

5 Amazing Barefoot Shoes with Arch Support - EWF (18)5 Amazing Barefoot Shoes with Arch Support - EWF (19)
5 Amazing Barefoot Shoes with Arch Support - EWF (20)

The Vivobarefoot Men’s Tracker FG is very comfortable to wear on any type of terrain. You will not feel the rocky surface when you have the shoes on. If you want to feel the difference, you may have to put on standard shoes on a rocky surface, change the shoes and compare the experiences. It is made up of 100% leather that is thick and of high quality. The thickness makes it impossible for sharp objects to pierce through the material.

The lace hooks are also strong. There is a light waterproofing material that can get rid of minimal water. However, it will not survive heavy rains. There is glue that connects the soles on the boots, but it does not last long. The fact that they have a wide toe box makes them comfortable. However, the shape looks funny to some users. The quality construction of the boot cannot be doubted, but with time it starts wearing off.

The thermal insoles are quite impressive when it comes to regulating heat. The boot is good for both summer and winter. Chances are very high that during summer, they become hot due to the padding that is around the ankle and on top of this shoe. When they are new, you feel the stiffness, but with time, that will disappear. I recommend tough socks so that they match the quality of the shoe.

Pros

  • 100% leather
  • Hydro -guard lining
  • Off-road lug
  • Regulates heat
  • Strong lace hooks.

Cons

  • Not waterproof.

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Vivobarefoot Gobi II

5 Amazing Barefoot Shoes with Arch Support - EWF (21)5 Amazing Barefoot Shoes with Arch Support - EWF (22)
5 Amazing Barefoot Shoes with Arch Support - EWF (23)

What makes it highly durable is the fact that it is made up of 100% leather. The leather is soft, which makes them comfortable and flexible. You can even shrink them as you pack them for camping. However, the quality of the leather tends to vary from one pair of shoes to the other. It is rich in style and comfort.

What makes them great in style is the fact that they can even be worn for fashion. They are highly compatible with casual wear. You feel more relaxed when you are wearing them. You do not feel more weight the moment you put them on. They are lightweight. What also makes them comfortable is the fact that the toe box is big. There is enough room for your toes to move around.

The build quality is impressive. The boot has rubber soles that are thin, solid, and hard. This makes them durable enough not to get worn and torn in a short space of time. They give you a perfect experience as you step on the ground. As you spend more time wearing the boots, they do not lose shape. The sole tends to make some noise as you move around. This comes with time.

Pros

  • Simple
  • Removable thermal insoles
  • Lightweight.
  • Durable.
  • 100% Leather.

Cons

  • The quality of leather varies from one pair of shoes to the other.

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Be Lenka Winter

5 Amazing Barefoot Shoes with Arch Support - EWF (24)
5 Amazing Barefoot Shoes with Arch Support - EWF (25)

The Be Lenka Winter Shoes are made up of leather. They are made with the cold weather in mind. When it comes to winter, leather material gives extra protection, comfort, breathability, and durability to the shoes. The leather material protects the shoes from water. It is water-resistant, quick to dry, and easy to clean. The winter shoe is quite flexible. You will not have your feet or leg strain. You can walk a long distance filled with comfort.

A wool lining complements the leather material as it gives you extra warmth. The wool lining gives you enough padding that protects your feet from getting sore. It allows breathability and overheating as it keeps you warm. The protective membrane that comes with the wool lining ensures that you are comfortable, warm, and dry throughout the day. The sole is slim, which makes the winter shoe light. You can easily and smoothly move around in the snow without the thick sore getting stuck.

Although the sore is not very thick, your fur is still under protection from water and snow. You can even add beeswax for extra waterproofing without any problems. I advise you to keep them dry not to have a negative impression of the shoe. When you are wearing the boots, you do not feel the heaviness you get from other standard shoes. As much as the sore protects the user from some unfavorable terrains, you still feel the texture of the surface you are walking over. The toe box gives your feet an allowance of free movement to the toes. The shoe has zero heel elevation, and this contributes to comfort.

Pros

  • High quality
  • Water-resistant
  • Ultra-flexible
  • Great insulation
  • Thin sole.

Cons

  • It can be uncomfortable on rocky surfaces.

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Merrell Women’s Vapor Glove 2

5 Amazing Barefoot Shoes with Arch Support - EWF (26)5 Amazing Barefoot Shoes with Arch Support - EWF (27)
5 Amazing Barefoot Shoes with Arch Support - EWF (28)

When it comes to a trail running shoe, there are numerous factors to consider that make it impressive. These include good grip, lugged soles, and foot protection. The shoe was made with the trail runner in mind as it comes with the bare-foot style in a mesh. The mesh material gives the shoe breathability. No matter the distance that you are going to cover, all the sweat is dealt away with.

You will not experience wet shoes out of sweat. They will not become slippery, which causes discomfort, and you might even slip your feet out. The TPU material that comes on the Merrell trailing shoe makes sure that the outsole is very lightweight. This makes it last longer and easy to use since the shoe’s weight will not compromise your performance. Chances are very slim that your shoes will split quickly if they ever get in contact with any chemical or oil.

The traditional lace closure gives you the allowance to make your shoes tight. You can adjust them until you feel both secure and comfortable. There is great cushioning that can hardly be noticed or felt. The fact that the shoe does not have a heel-to-toe drop makes it more comfortable. Your foot feels so comfortable that it will not have a high-heel that will strain the heel. I advise that you wash the shoe in cold water so that the mesh material will not be affected. It has to stay intact and in shape.

Pros

  • Good grip
  • Lugged sole
  • Foot protection
  • Comfortable
  • TPU material.

Cons

  • The mesh gets holes with time.

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Xero Shoes Denver

5 Amazing Barefoot Shoes with Arch Support - EWF (29)5 Amazing Barefoot Shoes with Arch Support - EWF (30)
5 Amazing Barefoot Shoes with Arch Support - EWF (31)

What makes the Xero Shoes Denver shoe unique is that it feels like your natural feet when you are walking. What makes this possible is the 5mm FeelTrue rubber sole that makes you safely feel the surface. It protects your feet from any harsh terrain. It is so flexible that it allows your feet to bend and flex in any way.

The wide toe box allows your feet to move freely without being tightly closed inside the shoe. The heel is not elevated, which gives you the freedom for a great posture. Your stability is ensured as you maneuver smoothly. Your feet are given the freedom to be flexible and comfortable as you hit the road. The flannel lining also gives you sufficient comfort. The shoe is water-resistant. It has a lining that keeps you warm.

What makes the shoe weather-friendly is that it keeps you warm in winter and keeps you dry on a rainy day. It is not only the lining that keeps you warm but also the heat-reflecting insole. However, the insole tends to move backward as you move around. This causes discomfort to the user. The fact that it is not made up of any animal skin makes it healthy. Some users react or have certain allergies associated with animals. In this case, you are safe.

Pros

  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable
  • Weather-friendly
  • Healthy
  • Simple.

Cons

  • The heat-reflecting insoles move backward in the shoe as you walk.

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Buyer’s Guide

Is arch support necessary in shoes?

foot pain is quite a common occurrence because we use our feet every day. Most foot conditions can be treated with arch support. It helps reduce foot pain and also makes walking and standing much more comfortable.

Arch supports in shoes help distribute pressure across your body and align your body. They give stability and balance.

Arch supports are a great source for balance and support and they can also improve your posture and balance which in turn can help lessen foot pain and problems that come with the imbalance and lack of proper support.

Using artificial arch supports may be necessary if you have any foot ailment, and they can help relieve pain or prevent further damage to the foot.

Another advantage that arch supports have, is that they lessen or prevent pain in the foot.

They also help protect your arches from collapsing. Once thy collapse, often the plantar fasciitis stretches out which could lead to painful foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis.

Is walking barefoot good for your feet?

Our feet have everything they need to balance and stabilize our bodies. Walking barefoot restores our natural walking pattern, which on its own is pretty perfect.

Mankind began wearing shoes to protect the feet. However, this did not negate the benefits of walking barefoot.

Walking barefoot gives you better control of your foot position when it strikes the ground. t improves balance, proprioception as well as body awareness.

It also encourages better foot mechanics, which can lead to improved mechanics of the hips, knees, and core.

Walking barefoot will also help maintain an appropriate range of motion in your foot and ankle joints as well as adequate strength and stability in your muscles and ligaments.

You also get relief from shoes that don’t quite fit and cause bunions and hammertoes or other deformities. Walking barefoot also promotes stronger leg muscles that support the lower back region.

Can orthotics hurt your feet?

Orthotics can be very useful and they are made to help your feet rather than hurt them. However, it is important to always make sure that you wear the right prescription.

Just like with spectacles, if you wear a wrong prescription you could do more harm than good to your eyes. If improperly prescribed, orthotics can cause pain and discomfort.

Why are feet arched?

The arches shape is designed similarly to a spring and it bears the weight of the body and absorbs the shock that is produced with locomotion.

The flexibility of the foot is what makes it possible to have everyday functions such as walking.

How do you massage a foot arch?

To massage the arch of your foot, you will want to sit in a chair, cross the injured foot over your other leg. Put your fingers over the base of the toes of your injured foot and pull towards your shin until you feel the arch of your foot stretch.

Now massage the bottom of your foot, moving from the heel toward your toes. Keep this up for about 3 to 5 minutes. Start gently. Press harder on the bottom of your foot as you become able to tolerate more pressure.

Conclusion

Walking in barefoot shoes is great and has numerous advantages. However, if you are someone who needs arch support, then don’t just grab any minimalist or barefoot shoe.

Some shoes provide the arch support that you need. We have reviewed the top picks on the market, and we hope that this helps you find the best fit for you and your lifestyle. Happy shopping!

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Hi there. This is Clare. Dave and I manage this site. We are outdoor enthusiasts. Most of the content is about products that we love using or have researched.

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5 Amazing Barefoot Shoes with Arch Support - EWF (34)

5 Amazing Barefoot Shoes with Arch Support - EWF (2024)

FAQs

Do any barefoot shoes have arch support? ›

Barefoot shoes push back against the notion that all feet need to be supported. They do not have arch support because they are designed to let your feet move freely and naturally. In fact, arch support removes the opportunity for your feet to support themselves, which can actually weaken the intrinsic foot muscles.

Why are podiatrists against barefoot shoes? ›

Because of the lack of heel cushioning, minimalist shoes have been associated with an increased incidence of heel (calcaneal) fractures, especially in high arched, rigid foot types.

Do chiropractors recommend barefoot shoes? ›

My favorite shoe type to recommend is a minimalist or “barefoot” shoe because it meets all of these requirements: flexible sole, wide toe box, and zero drop.

Are barefoot shoes actually good for your feet? ›

Strengthening the intrinsic muscles, tendons, and ligaments within the foot: modern footwear has made the intrinsic muscles in our feet less active, especially during running. Running with barefoot shoes can help to engage those inactive muscles, tendons & ligaments to assist in performance.

Is it better to wear barefoot shoes or arch support for flat feet? ›

Exercising will help, but the most important thing is to give your foot the space it needs to move freely. That's why barefoot shoes can be more effective than orthopedic insoles, which only passively support the foot. Read below to find out why.

Who should avoid barefoot shoes? ›

Who Shouldn't Wear Barefoot Shoes?
  • Ehlers Danlos/severe hypermobility.
  • Rigid musculoskeletal deformities.
  • Any pre-existing chronic foot condition.
  • Peripheral neuropathy.

Do orthopedists recommend barefoot shoes? ›

Although advancements in running shoe technology during the last 40 years has not reduced injuries, a literature review published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons suggests that running “barefoot” in shoes with minimal cushioning may help alter the strides and landing patterns of runners ...

Do barefoot shoes cause plantar fasciitis? ›

Another study, by the University of Delaware and Harvard Medical School, found that increasing barefoot activity makes arches stronger and higher. By promoting proper foot mechanics and strengthening your foot muscles, barefoot shoes can help alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis and prevent future flare-ups.

Are barefoot shoes good for bad knees? ›

Shock Absorption: Because minimalist footwear lacks cushioning, the body must rely on its own natural shock-absorbing abilities, such as bending the knees in response to contact. This mechanism more effectively distributes pressures, potentially reducing undue stress on the knee joint.

Can you wear barefoot shoes everyday? ›

The quick answer is yes, but with a few caveats. Whether you're an athlete, someone who walks a lot, or even someone who's seated at a desk for most of the day, barefoot shoes can be a great way to protect your feet for long-term health and mobility.

Is walking barefoot good for your spine? ›

In the quest for preventing back pain, many spine specialists recommend supportive shoes and reducing the time spent walking around barefoot. Once you realize the effect unsupported feet have on your gait, movement and posture, you may be willing to forego a little foot freedom for a healthier back!

What shoes do foot doctors recommend? ›

Cushion Neutral
  • HOKA. Bondi. Stinson. Speedgoat.
  • Saucony. Ride.
  • TOPO. Ultrafly 5mm drop.
  • New Balance. 890. 990. 1080.
  • Mizuno. Wave Rider. Wave Creation.
  • Nike. Pegasus. Vomero. React Infinity Flyknit.

Are you supposed to wear socks with barefoot shoes? ›

Alright, let's cut to the chase: Generally, it's best not to wear socks with barefoot shoes unless it's cold or uncomfortable. While you might think it's a no-brainer, it's actually a topic that divides the barefoot shoe community.

Why do podiatrists not like zero drop shoes? ›

Walking with little to no support as with zero drop shoes on hard surfaces allows our foot to collapse which can lead to a tremendous amount of stress not only to the foot but to the rest of the body.

Do zero drop shoes have arch support? ›

The best zero drop shoes promote a more natural stride, have better ankle support, and can help strengthen your feet by making your arches work harder (due to their lack of arch support).

Are barefoot shoes good for plantar fasciitis? ›

Another study, by the University of Delaware and Harvard Medical School, found that increasing barefoot activity makes arches stronger and higher. By promoting proper foot mechanics and strengthening your foot muscles, barefoot shoes can help alleviate the symptoms of plantar fasciitis and prevent future flare-ups.

Does walking barefoot improve foot arch? ›

Walking barefoot

The first (and easiest) exercise to add to your routine is wandering around barefoot. Whether you're at home or at the beach, take off your shoes or slippers and just walk. It's a great way to strengthen your feet, ankles, and lower legs and retrain your arches.

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