Should we all be wearing barefoot shoes? I put 15 pairs to the test – here are my favourites

They’re the divisive footwear that many swear by, but which barefoot shoes are comfy enough for running and hiking? Our writer spent three months finding out

• Trail running essentials (and what to skip)

As fitness trends go, barefoot shoes have been around long enough to rule them out as a fad. However, for the uninitiated, what is a “barefoot” shoe?

They’re a minimalist type of footwear that mimics being barefoot. They have a thin sole, a wide toe box and greater flexibility than traditional shoes. Another key feature is the zero-drop sole, which means there’s no change in the height of the shoe from the heel to the toe.

Best barefoot shoes overall:
Vivobarefoot Primus Trail Knit FG

Best budget barefoot shoes:
Saguaro Free I