Barefoot shoes are a footwear concept that has been steadily growing in popularity amongst exercise and wellbeing circles, and now it’s gone mainstream. What are barefoot shoes? The term describes footwear that has been specifically designed to give a closer experience to walking barefoot. Thinner soles, better suited to natural foot movement, a lack of cushioning, heels or arch support encourages the foot’s intrinsic muscles to strengthen and work naturally.
Barefoot shoes are also wider than average footwear to accommodate the natural shape of the foot, which is part of what sets them apart from ‘fashion’ specific shoes. The wider fit allows your toes to spread naturally, and not be confined to the taper of the shoe, promoting natural alignment, which is one of the main arguments as to why barefoot shoes can be good for you.
Still relatively niche, barefoot shoes can be a little more expensive than high street styles, with a mid-range pair, about £70-£100, up to around £200 from leading barefoot shoe brands like Vivobarefoot. So, when I came across Zara’s suede barefoot trainers for just £35.99 online, I knew I’d found a gem. If you’ve wanted to try the barefoot trainer trend, this is the most accessible way to do it.
Article continues below
Shop Zara’s New Barefoot Trainers
Zara
Suede Barefoot Trainers
And womanandhome.com Homes ecommerce editor, Laura Honey is a barefoot shoe fan, and extremely excited about the cost-effective Zara options.
“I didn’t realise how much my normal footwear was crushing my feet until I switched to barefoot shoes six years ago. The wider toe box feels like having slippers on, which means I never feel the need to get my shoes off so that my feet can “breathe” or “relax”. It’s a really freeing and gentle style of shoe, which is why they’re often perceived as the healthy choice of footwear.
“You also actually get a very different walking experience. The thin soles mean that you really feel the ground beneath your feet – bumps and all – which, in my opinion, makes you less likely to stumble and trip. I used to snag the soles of my shoes on ledges in the pavement and on steps, but in my barefoot shoes, I feel really stable and confident: how you would feel if you were walking bare foot, hence the name.
“I’ve already popped a pair of the Zara ones in my basket. Other brands start at least three or four times the price for barefoot shoes. Now that Zara’s in the market, I can start making some serious savings.”
Shop More Barefoot Trainers From Zara
Zara
Contrast Barefoot Trainers
With the same wide, functional toecap, minimum height difference between the heel and the front, and flexible, rubberised sole as all of Zara’s barefoot trainers, this pair have a trendy, retro-inspired look and are made in a versatile, neutral brown.
Zara
Mesh Barefoot Trainers
Mesh cutouts add a playful, textural detail to these barefoot trainers, with there being plenty of fun to be had when it comes to sock choices here. Lean into a sleek neutral look with simple socks, or add pops of colour and pattern.
Zara
Barefoot Combined Leather Trainers
A sleek, low-profile design gives these barefoot trainers a subtle look, with their neutral colourway making them perfectly versatile while a mix of materials add textural interest to the style.
According to Zara, the trainers feature ‘barefoot features’ and offer ‘a more natural stride thanks to their wide and functional toecap, allowing free foot movement.’ This is evident in their aesthetic, with the wide-sitting and rounded toe giving them a striking look. But it’s still very subtle, with the shoes easily mistaken for any classic plimpsole-like trainers, especially thanks to their rubber sole, which Zara says is ‘flexible’ and helps to create the ‘minimal height difference between the heel and the front,’ which categorises the shoe as being barefoot-friendly.
Besides being an affordable option for barefoot shoes, these trainers are made from 100% leather, and the neutral hue is as versatile as any of the best white trainers. Plus, with their slim, low-profile silhouette, they even inadvertently play into trainer trends for 2026, too.
Thinking of trying barefoot shoes? Laura has this advice, “My one word of warning would be to transition gently over to barefoot shoes. Modern shoe designs protect and manipulate the way we walk so much that when you’re walking in barefoots, you’ll notice that you slam your heel into the ground or tilt your foot inwards. All brands usually recommend walking in them for 20-30% of the time in your first week and then building up to full-time wear, so that your walking style can reset back to a more natural, healthy gait. For me, barefoot shoes feel like I’m looking after my body and my feet. They’re genuinely a feel-good shoe.”