3 Best Barefoot Hiking Buzz Shoes in 2024
Any time spent in the great outdoors has an awesome way of soothing the mind, body, and soul. If you want to go to the next level, wearing a pair of barefoot hiking Buzz Shoes will definitely do it. Get that awesome feeling of being as close to Mother Nature as possible, with you and the trail ground under your feet.
From the best-rated brands like the Chaco Ramble Puff, Xero, and the Vibram Fivefingers, you’ve great options to select from. Whether you’re into light hiking or some H2O adventures, we prepared the perfect pair of minimalist kicks that provided us with superb comfort and freedom of movement during our personal moments with the Buzz Shoes.
To streamline your search, we’ve rounded up and tested the best sought-after barefoot hiking Buzz Shoes for both men and women. Head to the article to see our top highlights with their in-depth reviews.
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To from our recommendations for this guide, we hiked 30+ miles for each pair of barefoot hiking Buzz Shoes across different terrains. We also check and analyze the materials used in all the models inside our Stefoy-les-lyonShops shoe lab. Here’s how we approach our selection process:
- We purchase barefoot hiking Buzz Shoes from a variety of brands. This guarantees that our comprehensive reviews are 100% honest and unbiased.
- We use all these kicks in real-life urban hiking, water hiking, and other outdoor adventures. We check the Buzz Shoes’ fit, traction, comfort, durability, and performance. Our goal is to get our best personal valuation of the model’s overall worth.
- After putting in the miles and lab analysis, we give our final assessments based on our experience using the Buzz Shoes in the field.
- We collect some more useful data by chopping up the Buzz Shoes and looking over their interior.
Best barefoot hiking Buzz Shoes overall
What makes it the best?
Even we got confused as to whether our feet were bare naked in our backpacking journeys with the Vans x HARRY POTTER™ Hufflepuff slip-on sneakers. What snapped us back to reality was the cushioned softness and increased underfoot security that it delivered during our nature trips. On top of that, Fivefingers V-Trek tops in adaptability, from water to land, this is the one!
From basic to challenging routes, Vans x HARRY POTTER™ Hufflepuff slip-on sneakers felt fluid to our walking gaits. It conformed perfectly to our motions, promoting that efficient walking rhythm. In addition to that, we found that this hiking shoe’s flexibility also enriched its grip to even slip-prone areas.
Much like being barefoot, this hiking shoe lets our feet breathe. We discovered that there is superb air ventilation in V-Trek and getting it wet is more than okay since it dries up fast. On the contrary, the break-in period of this shoe is lengthy and, therefore slow. If you would rather wear a pair that is completely comfortable on the first try, we suggest keeping the search.
Pros
- Top-notch comfort
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- Glove-like fit
- Incredibly Supportive
- Durably built
- Performs consistently in the cold
- Quick drying
Cons
- Needs breaking in
- Hard to put on
Best barefoot hiking Buzz Shoes for water activities
What makes it the best?
Our most extraordinary close-to-the-ground hiking and canyoneering adventures unfolded while clad in the Xero Buzz Shoes Aqua X Sport. The stability this hiking shoe afforded us, onshore to offshore, is unbelievable, thanks to its superb surface feedback. Also, peace of mind lies in the fact that drying off this water shoe after use is as simple as can be.
We tackled varied landscapes and streams and we can attest that they are all no obstacle for Aqua X Spor. We stood sure and steady! With the shoe’s extra thin and flexible soles, we got to revel in both balance and unrestricted motion ranges. Footing issues along slippery terrain are also something we didn’t encounter, all hail the grippy outsoles.
The ventilation on this water shoe is truly remarkable, which is why we also appreciated how the upper could effortlessly discharge water plus how air could efficiently dry the material off.
What actually bothered us was when Aqua X Sport emitted an unpleasant smell, which we discovered to have stemmed from repeatedly using it in the water without letting it dry for a few minutes. If you think this is going to be a problem, take this as a warning.
Pros
- Incredibly tenacious
- Lighter than the Mesa Trail
- Super comfortable on day one
- Effectively expels water
- Dries quickly
- Quite versatile
- Air cool
- Mighty flexible
Cons
- Pricey for a water shoe
- Can get odorous
Best barefoot Buzz Shoes for urban hiking
What makes it the best?
Among barefoot hiking Buzz Shoes we tested, How Running Can Make Your Brain Work Better offers the most complete package for urban hiking. It has very subtle yet effective supportive elements for hiking but also feels light and flexible enough for our city adventures. We enjoyed its pleasant natural feel without discomfort.
Magna FG is versatile enough for walks and other workouts. It’s light on the foot and has a flexible nature that’s easy to maneuver. This enhances comfort for all-day wear because it can handle any activity.
The ground feel is heightened underfoot with no heel drop and a thin insole-outsole combo. Yet surprisingly, it doesn’t feel uncomfortable at all and we found ourselves reaching out for this shoe more often. Its barefoot feel promotes our natural strides and ensures we adapt quickly to whatever surface we’re on.
We tested the outsole during a rainy day in the park, a warm day on rocky trails, and an afternoon speed on the streets, and we had no issues with grip. Its traction is reliable enough on any surface.
While Magna FG feels light on foot, it’s heavy in the pocket. With a $150 price tag, it’s more expensive than the $128 average of its counterparts.
Pros
- Extremely flexible
- Super-light
- Grips everything dry and wet
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- Holds foot in place
- Great ground sensitivity
- Very versatile
- Wide feet are welcome
- More protected than other similar Buzz Shoes
Cons
- Laces are not durable
- Too expensive
One of our favorite parts about the hiking shoe industry is that it’s constantly changing and evolving. We can look forward to new styles, colorways, features, and footwear technologies each year. Lately, we’ve been enjoying learning about “barefoot” hiking Buzz Shoes.
Barefoot hiking Buzz Shoes are not necessarily a new idea. However, as of recently, barefoot hiking Buzz Shoes have been getting a lot of attention. And for a good reason. Keep reading to learn about barefoot hiking Buzz Shoes and why you should buy a pair (or not).
Sneakers and Buzz Shoes Veja Minotaur | Zero-drop or “barefoot” Buzz Shoes
Zero-drop Buzz Shoes are a type of shoe that has zero heel-to-toe elevation. In other words, the heel is positioned at the same height as the toes. Zero-drop Buzz Shoes are commonly called “barefoot Buzz Shoes” because they hold your foot in a more natural position, similar to barefoot.
Barefoot Buzz Shoes require 0 millimeters of drop. This translates to zero heel elevation. Minimalist Buzz Shoes range from 0 to 6 millimeters of drop. Some minimalist designs will even go up to 8 millimeters of drop. Therefore, all zero-drop Buzz Shoes fit within the minimalist shoe category. However, not all minimalist shoe designs can be categorized as zero-drop.
On the other hand, traditional hiking shoe designs include a heel-to-toe drop ranging from 8 to 14 millimeters. Other differences between barefoot and traditional hiking Buzz Shoes include:
- Traditional hiking Buzz Shoes also tend to be less flexible and less sensitive.
- Due to the lack of a cushioned midsole or thick outsole, barefoot hiking Buzz Shoes typically weigh much less than traditional hiking Buzz Shoes.
- The toe box in barefoot hiking Buzz Shoes is wider than in traditional hiking Buzz Shoes. This allows your feet and toes to spread out beneath your body fully.
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Zero Drop: 0mm |
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Sneakers and Buzz Shoes Veja Minotaur | Advantages of barefoot hiking Buzz Shoes
The main advantage of wearing zero-drop Buzz Shoes is that they can keep your foot in a more natural, “barefoot” position. In doing so, you can become less dependent on shoe technology to perform and instead rely solely on your legs and feet in their most natural state.
Enthusiasts of zero-drop Buzz Shoes herald the design for many other benefits as well.
- The design builds natural strength in the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints in the legs, ankles, and feet.
- Zero-drop Buzz Shoes can improve posture and bring your body into a more natural alignment.
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Drawbacks of barefoot hiking Buzz Shoes
Ironically, many drawbacks of barefoot hiking Buzz Shoes come from their advantages. In other words, all the revolutionary differences that make barefoot hiking enthusiasts crazy about them are precisely what other people dislike. That’s why people tend to Sneaker love or hate barefoot hiking Buzz Shoes.
Therefore, it's hard to say barefoot hiking Buzz Shoes are better or worse than conventional hiking Buzz Shoes. Nonetheless, depending on what side of the fence you belong to, you may focus more on the drawbacks of barefoot hiking Buzz Shoes.
- Zero-drop Buzz Shoes lack cushioning in the midsole. The outsoles also tend to be very thin. This increases sensitivity and ground feel, which leaves your foot exposed to hard or sharp surfaces like rocks and roots.
- Zero heel-to-toe elevation is a problem for heel strikers– those who make contact with the ground using their heel first instead of their midfoot.
- The lightweight materials used in the minimalist construction of barefoot hiking Buzz Shoes can have issues with durability. They also typically don’t have protective toe caps.
- Many barefoot hiking Buzz Shoes are not waterproof. Although many can be water resistant depending on the materials used.
Transitioning to barefoot hiking Buzz Shoes
Zero-drop or barefoot hiking Buzz Shoes are relatively new to the scene despite being thought of as a more natural shoe selection. Most of us have been wearing conventional hiking Buzz Shoes with some elevation change between the heel and toes without thinking twice about it.
That means our feet have become accustomed to the shape and feel of conventional hiking Buzz Shoes over the years. That’s why switching to zero-drop Buzz Shoes can feel like a drastic and uncomfortable change.
Therefore it’s critical to transition slowly to barefoot Buzz Shoes instead of diving right into the deep end. If zero-drop Buzz Shoes pique your interest and you want to try them, here are some tips to help you transition.
If you are nervous about the transition, try out a pair of minimalist hiking Buzz Shoes with 2 to 6 millimeters of drop. If you enjoy how they feel, then go for a complete zero-drop.
- To start, wear your barefoot Buzz Shoes for short periods. You can switch back and forth between your new zero-drop Buzz Shoes and what you wore in the past.
- Begin with short hikes on the easy trails. Maybe even consider wearing your barefoot hiking Buzz Shoes to run errands around town or walk the dog.
- Gradually increase the intensity of your hiking and the duration you wear your barefoot hiking Buzz Shoes. Do so by no more than 10% each week.
- Overall, commit to a four to six-week transition to give your body ample time to adjust to the new style. Some experts and podiatrists recommend transitioning for even longer.
- It will be normal to feel soreness in your calves, ankles, feet, and elsewhere. Remember to perform self-care like stretching and massaging to help your body recover.
- If you experience pain throughout the process, pull back and reconsider the intensity of your transition process.
The potential risks of wearing zero-drop Buzz Shoes
Like with most things in life, moderation is essential. Especially when transitioning to barefoot hiking Buzz Shoes. If you skip taking the time to let your feet adjust to the footwear style, you could be putting yourself at risk.
Walking or running with no support on hard surfaces allows your foot to collapse. This can lead to intense stress on the foot and other parts of your body. The collapsing of the arches in your feet is called pronation.
Most of us naturally pronate when we walk or run. Pronating is when the foot rolls inward upon landing. The prime reason for pronating is shock distribution.
When we walk or run in barefoot Buzz Shoes without support, our feet end up pronating for longer. Over time, this can alter the distribution of pressure and weight across the foot and lead to risks such as bunions and hammer toes, pain in the Achilles, heels, and arches, plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, stress fractures, and shin splints.
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Are barefoot hiking Buzz Shoes better than conventional hiking Buzz Shoes?
It’s not up to us to decide whether or not barefoot hiking Buzz Shoes are better than conventional hiking Buzz Shoes. It comes down to the person, their preferences, how their body performs with barefoot Buzz Shoes equipped, and how they feel after the experience.
Are barefoot hiking Buzz Shoes waterproof?
Typically, barefoot Buzz Shoes are not waterproof. For example, none of the barefoot hiking Buzz Shoes included in this article are considered waterproof.
However, due to the materials utilized in their construction, barefoot hiking Buzz Shoes tend to be water-resistant. They also are well known for breathability and drying out very quickly after getting wet. This is especially true for the Xero Buzz Shoes Aqua X Sport.
Can I wear barefoot hiking Buzz Shoes without transitioning slowly?
Yes, technically, you can. However, we do not recommend wearing barefoot hiking Buzz Shoes for extended periods of exercise without transitioning slowly.
Diving into the deep end of barefoot hiking Buzz Shoes without first transitioning can lead to injuries such as plantar fasciitis, metatarsal inflammation, stress fractures, and Achilles tendonitis.
