Barefoot-ish trainers that don’t look hideous

[Moodershewrote]

Have figured out that my very cushioned comfy trainers are actually making my foot pain (poss plantar fasciitis) worse and need to start wearing flatter trainers for walking. I’ve been using an old pair of Nike Free Run’s for a few years ago. As they are quite flat, but they are pretty worn and need to get something new.

Love the idea of barefoot trainers, but my god they all look pretty awful, like a Merrell advert from 2003!

Can anyone recommend flat-ish, with sort of cushioning, trainers to use for holidays / walking etc? Can’t be deck shoes like Vans etc as they also cause issues due to narrowness.

Thanks😊

If you want minimal cushioning as well as zero drop I'd take a look at Xero shoes - they have a range of styles for everyday use, road running and trail running or hiking.

If you're OK with a bit more cushioning look at Topo or Altra. Topo (which I think are more wearable) specialise in low- (<=5mm) and zero-drop and are available via Northernrunner and their own website (and probably other specialist running shops). I've used Northernrunner and they answered queries via email and the returns process was smooth. Bricks and mortar stores in Newcastle, Leeds and Manchester. Altra specialise in zero-drop trainers and has the advantage of being available via Sportsshoes .

All these brands have wide toe boxes.

Thank you, I will take a look at these🙏

I have some Vivobarefoots which don’t look too bad for hiking / gym etc

I also have some Aro Joaneta trainers which have a very minimal sole and I can walk miles in them and think they look nice for normal casual wear

I’ve been wearing Vivo barefoot for years, but have recently bought from Saguaro , which have been very impressed with- wide, comfortable, and nice looking for barefoots!

Similar to PP I first started using Vivos years ago and still gave a few pairs, but my last pair were Saguaro and I’m very happy with them. Look a bit more like ‘normal’ shoes as well.

I love Vibram five fingers. But they aren’t for everyone!

Innov8 Roadfly Zero are not hideous, they're quite expensive though. Or New Balance Minimus.

I have a different foot issue and have to wear zero heel drop and wide toe box shoes and find topo and Altra good for exercising but think they are pretty ugly - I’ve been wearing flux adapt runner which seems to be ok for my feet and slightly less ugly than my exercise trainers

Thanks people! I will check these out this afternoon 😊

I wear Vivobarefoot and Freet. If you choose wisely, you can get smart options from both (Freet slightly cheaper than Vivo, but comparable in comfort and longevity).

I have plain black vivo barefoot. They don’t really get noticed .

Thanks everyone :)

Hobibear and Splay both do barefoot trainers that look ‘normal’