Best Barefoot Shoes for Soccer Players to Buy in 2024
As a huge advocate for barefoot soccer training I’ve been in search of the best barefoot shoes for soccer players for years now. As a soccer player it should be no surprise that taking care of your feet is one of the most important things you can do for your overall performance on the field and recovery off it.
As a player myself as well as a coach, personal trainer, and graduate of kinesiology Rehab: Science, I can confidently say having full-functioning feet is essential for maximizing your balance, agility, power, and ball control.
One of the best ways to start regaining full foot function and taking better care of your feet is by wearing the right footwear on and off the field. On the field you want to be wearing cleats that offer a snug, secure fit, but that allow your feet to move naturally while still providing the traction and protection needed for the demands of the game.
Off the field you want to be wearing a flat shoe with no raised heel, no extra cushions, and a wider toe box than conventional shoes, to give your toes the freedom to spread naturally. These types of shoes, barefoot or minimalist shoes, encourage a natural gait pattern and strengthen the intrinsic muscles of the feet.
In this guide I will go over the best barefoot shoes for soccer players that are actually worth your money, as well as explain their many benefits and how they differ from conventional shoes.
Best Barefoot Shoes for Soccer Players
Best Overall Barefoot Shoe: Vivobarefoot Men’s Sneaker
One of my personal favorites, the Vivobarefoot Men’s sneakers are some of the highest quality barefoot shoes on the market that offer the widest toe box and a glove-like fit. These are perfect for wearing off the field because they provide you with comfort and a natural barefoot feel that will make your feet feel great after spending time training in your soccer cleats.
Second Best Overall Barefoot Shoes: Xero Shoes
Another one of my personal favorite brands of Barefoot shoes are Xero Shoes which provide an excellent balance of minimalist design and support. With a focus on a wide toe box, a flat sole, and a lightweight construction, these shoes are perfect for casual wear and for exercise.
Best Minimalist Shoe: New Balance Minimus
New Balance Minimus
$67.19 – 104.82
The new balance minimus are not completely barefoot style shoes, but they are minimalist shoes and a great way to begin your transition from conventional shoes to barefoot shoes. Known for its zero-drop design and breathable upper, the New Balance Minimus is a go-to choice for those looking to maintain natural foot movement without compromising on a modern-style and functionality.
Best Hiking Barefoot shoes: Vivobarefoot Primus Trail Runners
VIVOBAREFOOT Primus Trail Runner
$137-155
If you are a player who likes to go on hikes a lot and wants a barefoot style shoe, the Vivobarefoot Primus Trail Runners are the best in its category.
Best Budget Friendly Barefoot Shoes: Merell Men’s vapor Glove
Merell Men’s Vapor Glove
$88.44
If you are a player on a budget, but you’re still interested in a barefoot experience, then the Merell Men’s Vapor Glove is the choice for you. This is the most budget-friendly option on this list that doesn’t compromise on the benefits of wearing barefoot shoes
Benefits of Spending time Barefoot
Spending time barefoot has many benefits, far beyond what you may be thinking, including:
- Strengthens your feet, more specifically, the plantar fascia, which is your base of support
- Encourages a more natural walking pattern
- Can help you become more athletic and resistant to injuries
- If you are barefoot on natural land you get the benefits of grounding therapy and you are exposed to Native EMFs, such as the Schumann resonance, or Earth’s heartbeat, which will both help to improve your mitochondrial function
Benefits of Wearing Barefoot Shoes
Although it is recommended to spend as much time as you can barefoot, that is not always possible, which is why it is important to wear barefoot style shoes when you have to wear shoes. Modern conventional shoes are made without your foot function and natural walking mechanics in mind which is why they have a lot of cushion, a narrow toe box, a raised heel, a bunch of arch support, and added features to make the shoes look so technologically advanced.
But, doesn’t it make more sense to wear something such as barefoot shoes that allows your feet to move the way nature intended them to? This is why there are many barefoot enthusiasts that swear by the benefits of wearing barefoot shoes such as:
Promotes Natural Walking Patterns:
Barefoot shoes promote a more natural walking pattern that can improve foot strength, biomechanics, and overall performance. A raised heel mimics what the foot is supposed to be doing naturally inside the shoe without assistance and overtime relying on the raised heel and cushion of the shoes may desensitize your feet, arch, and toes.
More Toe Box Width than Conventional Shoes:
Barefoot shoes give you more space and allow your toes to splay naturally, making it easier to actually feel the ground beneath your feet. A wide toe box shoe with a drop sole allows the foot to work more like it was actually designed to.
Reduces the risk of injuries:
Spending time wearing barefoot shoes can also help decrease the risk of injury, since it helps strengthen your feet in ways they don’t usually get engaged in and it promotes a more natural walking pattern.
Made of High-Quality Materials:
Barefoot shoes are also made of out breathable materials which help address issues like sweaty feet and they are also very versatile and can be used in a variety of ways, such as casual wear or for exercise.
Understanding Barefoot Shoes and its Role in Sports Performance
Barefoot shoes should only be worn outside of soccer training, in the form of barefoot casual wear shoes or barefoot training shoes. This means I only recommend wearing barefoot shoes off the field, for better foot health, and using regular soccer cleats when playing the beautiful game.
Certain companies, such as Natur Athletics, have created the first pair of minimalist cleats, which sound interesting, but I don’t think they will work. Also, another company called Dagda Barefoot is currently developing their own barefoot cleat.
Although I personally have not tried them yet, the reason minimalist cleats will probably not work is because when you play soccer you actually need the snug fit of soccer cleats to be able to move fast and freely in any direction. When you are playing soccer, your feet and toes don’t have to be splayed because you need to be applying fascial tension to the foot when wearing cleats, which requires retracting the toes, having the arch engaged, and locking the ankle.
This is why if you have wide feet, or if you feel that your soccer cleats are too tight, it is best to wear wide soccer cleats, ideally made out of leather, because the natural materials will mold to the shape of your foot. Most barefoot cleats that are specifically designed for soccer on grass look to bulky and streamline fit that soccer cleats require.
Summary
For soccer players looking to maximize their foot health, barefoot shoes offer many benefits off the field by encouraging natural foot movement, improving balance, and strengthening the feet in many ways. On the field, however, traditional cleats are recommended due to their snug fit, which is key for the agility and control needed on the soccer field.
In this guide I went over the best rated barefoot shoe options as well as explained the benefits of spending time barefoot, the benefits of wearing barefoot shoes, and I also explained the role of barefoot shoes in soccer performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I begin improving my soccer skills right now?
To begin improving your soccer skills right now, use the tips on this post to take care of your feet as well as check out our post on the best soccer training drills. If you are looking to accelerate your progress, contact us or sign an interest form for our private training program.
What are the best shoes to wear for playing soccer?
The best shoes, or cleats, to wear when playing soccer are cleats that give you excellent traction and feel comfortable. In my opinion the best shoes are wide soccer shoes made out of soft leather such as the Nike Tiempo Legend.
Is it easy to play soccer barefoot?
No, playing soccer barefoot is not as easy as it looks. Playing barefoot on grass is doable for most people, but being able to play on concrete and hard surfaces is a different story.
What features to look for in a barefoot shoe?
These are the main features to look for in a barefoot shoe.
- Zero drop / flat design
- Thin sole
- Wide toe box
- Made of high quality materials
