It is often said that you should invest in a good pair of shoes and good mattresses because you spend most of your time in them. Forget the mattress; let us talk about what a good pair of shoes can do to your overall wellbeing. If you have tried on a pair of minimalist shoes then you can relate to the goodness that I am talking about.
Minimalist shoes, or barefoot shoes as popularly known, have gained the attention of most people owing to their versatility. The fact that they strengthen your feet with every single step that you make is a very huge advantage for you. One of the most important elements of a good pair of minimalist pair of shoes is that it offers you the much-desired comfort as you walk around all day.
Not every minimalist casual shoe will appeal to you, which is why I went searching for what you will find to be absolutely appealing and befitting to your everyday movement needs.
Let’s dive right into the list of the best minimalist everyday shoes:
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Best Minimalist Everyday Shoes
Prio
A lot of travelers when traveling end up filling up their suitcase with many different shoes. And the good thing about Prio is that you can use it on trail hiking and you can wear it to party or work that same day. So it’s going to work in a lot of different contexts.
Owing to the fact that it is a 7.6-ounce shoe, it happens to be one of the lightest shoes in the minimalist shoe category.
My other favorite aspect of these shoes is that they have various color options. Who doesn’t like extra options to choose from anyway?
Another detail that is almost hard not to notice is the lacing system that is identical to what you see in huarache sandals. The laces hold your foot in place, in a low-to-the-ground position that works to give you the balance you need as you tread on any type of surface.
Get the look: Men’s Prio || Women’s Prio
Chukka Canvas
These are some of the best everyday shoes to walk around in. They feature a 9mm outsole which is made of air-injection rubber. I would, in particular, applaud the manufacturers of these shoes for the excellent natural foot design that easily accommodates the large toe. The toe box is big enough to let every single toe in and to have them relax as you go about your daily activities.
Made of organic canvas, a fully recycled lining, 100% vegan-friendly and fully recycled laces, this is the most environmentally friendly shoe. Even better, these shoes are durable enough for the outdoors and handsome enough for a night on the town.
Get the look: Men’s Chuckka Canvas || Women’s Chuckka Canvas
Inov-8 Bare XF 210 V2 – Barefoot Minimalist Shoes
The Bare-XF 210 V2 is built to bring your foot closer to the ground to give you a more natural walking feel. This is one of the key things that you most likely looking for in any minimalist shoe. The deal gets better with the natural adaptative fit that is offered by these shoes. If you get the right size of these shoes, you will be guaranteed the much-needed ease of movement that comes from having perfectly fitting shoes that are also very lightweight.
The materials used to make these shoes offer breathability. Smelly feet are deal-breakers and will make you lose more than just your self-esteem. The Bare-XF 210 V2 shoes are here to help you avoid such situations.
I, also, cannot fail to mention that these shoes are best known for their flexibility. The entire shoe is manufactured using Meta-flex technology, which allows for the natural flexing of your forefoot. You do not have to wait until get home to take off your shoes to relieve your toes off the pressure with these shoes.
On the same note, you will benefit a great deal from the adapter web cradle lacing system that is meant to hold your feet in a secure position. You will find this feature quite beneficial in the way your shoes move easily with your foot. With most shoes that do not have this feature, you are likely to feel your shoes slipping off with every step that you take.
Get the look: Inov-8 Bare XF 210 V2 – Barefoot Minimalist Shoes
Merrell Men’s Vapor Glove 3 Luna Leather Sneaker
Here is another perfect minimalist everyday shoes that is made of 100% genuine leather. Simply put, I am talking about a minimal look with maximum performance. To begin with, the black leather upper makes these shoes suitable for the office work environment. This comes as a very perfect solution to all those who would like to be walking around in comfortable shoes, without having to sneak in neon running shoes to the office.
The one thing I think the manufacturers did an excellent job with is the creation of the sock-like design, which gives you a perfect locked-down fit. If your description involves moving around a lot, then the last thing you will be worrying about is your shoes slipping off if you are wearing the Merrell Men’s Vapor Glove 3 Luna Leather Sneaker. The manufacturer’s meticulousness in the manufacture of shoes is also evident in the manner in which they include the soft full-grain leather upper, which gives your foot the right molding.
These minimalist everyday shoes also have a Vibram TC5+ sole that absorbs any unnecessary tension to enable you to move around without straining your feet. This coupled up with the tail protect pad fitted on these shoes always does an excellent job at offering protection for your underfoot.
Get the look: Merrell Men’s Vapor Glove 3 Luna Leather Sneaker
Primus Knit Wool
This new product from Vivobarefoot is a great choice for those who encourage natural movement and close-to-the-ground action.
The shoe has a stylish design and flexible, lightweight construction that allows you to wear it for a variety of purposes. It has a very slim sole and a near non-existent heel-toe drop, making it a comfortable shoe for daily activities. Plus, the toe box is very roomy, giving you plenty of room for toe separation.
The shoe features a 3mm insole which can be removed if you want to get even more feedback from the ground.
The Primus Knit Wool is good for running and training but not for trail running as its toe box is not only wide but long. However, I’m not sure I’d use these shoes to run through thick mud. The leather is just pretty for that and there’s no waterproofing to speak of.
All in all, the Primus Knit Wool is marketed as an urban shoe so that’s precisely what you should expect. This shoe is primarily for times when you’re not working out, but everything you do in-between. For those that want to go all-in on minimalist shoes as a lifestyle choice, this shoe is an awesome choice.
Get the look: Women’s Primus Knit Wool
Opanka Womens
Are you ready to take your minimalist shoes into your everyday routines? Then you need Opanka Womens.
The Opanka impressed us very much with their easy slip-on style. Best for barefoot living, the Opanka shoes have a leather upper. The leather top of the shoe will also mold to your feet with wear.
The Opanka Shoes are made from leather and canvas. They are ready for all kinds of exercise. You can also wear them in everyday life, like work or special events. Opanka Shoes also have a very wide toe box, so your foot gets the best splay area possible.
Get the look: Opanka Womens
Oswego – High Performance Casual Comfort
Like other minimalist everyday shoes, Xero simulates the barefoot experience with their thin FeelTrue rubber sole. The sole is only 4.5 mm thick and protects your feet while letting you “feel the world”. You can also remove the optional 2mm insole when your mood says “more barefoot feel, please.”
The inside has a wide toe box, so even wide feet can let their toes spread out. The sole isn’t elevated, which encourages your foot to strike the ground with the midsole. This improves your posture and reduces the impact on your joints.
These shoes feature an impressive huarache sandal-inspired heel that gives them an edge at uniqueness. They also have instep straps that hold your foot securely – with or without socks.
Furthermore, the whole shoe is vegan and vegetarian-friendly, which is something that would augur well with most people. These slip-on shoes come in a variety of fabrics and colors. These ones are Loden, Vintage Violet, and Charcoal.
Get the look: Men’s Oswego shoes || Women’s Oswego shoes
Phoenix Knit – Women’s Casual Flat
The next is Phoenix Knit from Xeroshoes that is designed to deliver natural performance and improve overall foot strength and mobility. The slip-on model is great for casual events or summertime.
Made for work and play, the Phoenix Knit is light and breathable. As one of the lightest on the market (At just 5 ounces each for a size 6), they have a breathable knit upper. This assures you of top quality and durability.
The shoes are made from animal and eco-friendly materials which ensure sustainable practices. The sole is a honeycomb pattern for gripping on everyday surfaces.
Unlike other barefoot shoes, the Phoenix Knit is perforated on the top to give your feet some ventilation.
This is also a good shoe for transitioning to everyday minimalist wear. The Phoenix Knit has a removable 2mm insole that you can take off to get more feedback from the ground.
Get the look: Phoenix Knit
Geo Court
If you are someone who likes minimalist everyday shoes with a simple and stylish design, Geo Court shoes should be at the top of your list.
They’re men’s everyday barefoot shoes which are designed for premium comfort. These shoes feature leather in their design and construction. Plus, They’re constructed on a signature 3mm barefoot outsole but this is hardly noticeable.
One of the nicer things about this insole is a bio-based Bloom EVA insole. It molds to your feet over time, improving the comfort level of the Geo Court Eco. The texture of the leather is polished, so you can also wear these to work.
The sole is ultra-thin, puncture-resistant, and has some light grips for a better tread. The shoes let you walk in style with a total barefoot movement. Vivobarefoot suggests that you can take these shoes out every day, or use them for work.
When it comes to design, this shoe has a minimal yet distant design. The shoe has a premium leather lining and the same hallmarks of other Vivobarefoot shoes. The shoelaces are made from organic cotton that tighten the midsole and heel. If you’re easing into a full-time minimalist shoe life, these straps will give you more control over the fit.
Get the look: Men’s Geo Court || Women’s Geo Court
Aptos
To begin with, you can wear these slip-ons for casual occasions, when traveling, for running and fitness. This versatility is made possible by the presence of the hemp canvas upper.
The shoes have a grippy 5.5mm FeelTrue® rubber sole and a removable 2mm insole. Such a sole only gives you a natural feel as you walk on any type of surface, and you do not have to struggle with posture or balance since it is all flat.
If you’re not used to a minimalist style shoe, you’re definitely going to want to get used to the thinner shoe before you have these shoes on at all times. Again, you can really feel the ground. The sole is very thin. So, no surprises there.
Get the look: Men’s Aptos || Women’s Aptos
Speed Force
What is more minimalist than Speed Force shoes? The convenience that Speed Force shoes offer is quite unbeatable. Xero claims this is their lightest and closest-to-barefoot performance shoe. The barefoot-inspired design is meant to give you a natural fit. This is also enhanced by the presence of a wide toe box that gives room for all toes.
The non-elevated heel that is low to the ground is designed that way to allow you to have the right posture when you stand or you walk around. They also facilitate the right balance and agility. These shoes feel super comfortable and flexible enough to allow your foot to bend as you walk around naturally.
Breathability is also taken care of with the inclusion of the mesh upper. It is held in place by a silky smooth wicking lining that gives you a real barefoot-feeling. The end result is that you end looking cool, and having happy feet.
This naturally durable pair of shoes are vegan-friendly and serves those who wear them for quite a long period. The FeelTrue rubber soles on these shoes usually have a 5,000-mile warranty from the manufacturer, so you can only begin to imagine the length of time these shoes will serve you.
Get the look: Men’s Speed Force || Women’s Speed Force
Primal 2
How does a 6.9-ounce shoe feel on your foot? Super comfortable! This is exactly what the Primal 2 shoes aims to achieve. This shoe is perfect for jogging and as everyday wear to work.
This model of walk shoes also features a 3.5mm removable moisture wicking PU insole that presents optimal sensory feedback for your feet. This is the reason these shoes are suitable for different terrains and occasions.
What’s more? These shoes are made of a breathable, mesh upper. This upper is made with support and stretch zones that effectively hold your foot in place. The inclusion of these zones also assures responsive foot control.
There are various color options available for you to choose from such as: brown, eclipse, black, slate, olive, cloud.
Get the look: Men’s Primal 2 || Women’s Primal 2
In conclusion
Having the right minimalist everyday shoes on your feet can help them grow as they should be and can enhance your movement significantly. The list presented above is a collection of some of the best shoes of this kind that you can come across. All the best in choosing your new perfect minimalist shoes.
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Image credit: Xeroshoes, Vivobarefoot
