Barefoot shoes are not only suitable for summer. Even in winter, you can keep your feet healthy and happy with barefoot shoes. But which materials are best for this and what should you look out for when buying barefoot shoes? This article will tell you everything you need to know.
I am a big fan of barefoot shoes and have already tried out many different models. You can watch some of them on my You Tube channel. But I have to admit that I was often disappointed by how uncomfortable some barefoot shoes feel in winter. My feet were either too cold or too warm, and I had the feeling that they couldn’t breathe properly. That’s why I went in search of the perfect barefoot shoes for the cold season – and I found them! At the end of this article, I’ll tell you which brand convinced me and why.
But before I tell you my secret, I’d like to share my most important criteria for choosing barefoot shoes in winter:
Enough room for the toes: This is the be-all and end-all of a barefoot shoe. The toes should be able to move freely without touching the material. This is not only more comfortable, but also healthier. Shoes that are too tight can lead to foot problems such as hallux valgus, a painful misalignment of the big toe. Soft and flexible soles that still keep you warm: That may sound contradictory, but it is possible. Most barefoot shoes have very thin soles, which enhance the barefoot feeling but also let the cold through. The solution is thermal or lambskin insoles, which warm the feet without being too thick. The soles should also be waterproof to prevent moisture from penetrating the shoe. Natural movement without restrictions: That is the purpose of barefoot shoes. They should allow us to walk and run in the way that is best for our bodies. For this we need shoes that don’t restrict our ankles or dictate our movement patterns. Whether we prefer to touch down on the heel, the ball of the foot or the midfoot depends on many factors, such as our posture, our pace or our mood. If you want to learn more about how to find your natural gait, check out my videos and my free course on my You Tube channel. Breathable and soft materials: this is not only important for comfort, but also for hygiene. Nobody likes sweaty feet, which can lead to athlete’s foot or other skin problems. That’s why you should choose barefoot shoes made from natural materials that allow your feet to breathe. Leather is a classic example that has been used for thousands of years. It is waterproof when greased and adapts to the shape of the foot. If you prefer vegan materials, there are also alternatives such as linen, hemp, cotton or cork. Cork is particularly interesting because it is obtained from the bark of cork oaks, which regenerates after peeling. So, now you know my criteria for the perfect barefoot shoes in winter. And now comes the exciting question: Which brand convinced me? Drum roll, please…
They are different: Freet and Lukshoes. And for at home the Woolies from Tarasoles.
They meet all my criteria and look great too. They have a large selection of models, colors and materials, and they are also affordable. I like to wear them in fall and winter, and my feet are always happy.
I hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful. If you want to learn more about barefoot shoes and healthy walking, subscribe to my You Tube channel and sign up for my online courses.