OutdoorGearLab

While running can certainly beat up your shoes, often strength training can be even more demanding on your feet. That's why it is so important to build athleticism from the ground up, starting with your feet. The Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3 is a gym-specific trainer with the capacity to crossover as a running shoe &mdash; once you build up strength in your feet. Unlike other models we tested, a supremely padded upper is designed to provide stability and protection to stand up to even the most rigorous training sessions. While the upper may be padded for extra comfort, the 210 V3 has an unbelievably low stack height of merely 1.5mm with the insole removed. The even platform of the zero-drop outsole, combined with the dual-layer mesh toe box, provides you with a stable, low-profile shoe that aims to help you improve your performance in weight lifting.
Unlike other barefoot models we tested, the 210 V3 does not shy away from adding extra material to the upper to improve comfort and durability, even if it negatively affects its weight and barefoot feel. Distinguishing features, like TPU-reinforced quarter panels and a padded tongue, improve gym-specific performance and are worth the weight sacrifice. While they excel in the gym, the completely smooth, lugless outsoles decrease versatility as a running shoe &mdash; and can even lose traction when the gym floor is dirty. But for those who already own a dedicated running shoe, we couldn't suggest a better barefoot option for indoor strength training.

Running can certainly beat up your shoes, but strength training can be even more demanding on your feet. That's why it is so important to build athleticism from the ground up, starting with your feet. The Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3 is a gym-specific trainer with the capacity to crossover as a running shoe &mdash; once you build up strength in your feet. Unlike other models we tested, a supremely padded upper is designed to provide stability and protection to stand up to even the most rigorous training sessions. While the upper may be padded for extra comfort, the 210 V3 has an unbelievably low stack height of merely 1.5mm with the insole removed. The even platform of the zero-drop outsole, combined with the dual-layer mesh toe box, provides you with a stable, low-profile shoe that aims to help you improve your performance in weight lifting.
Unlike other barefoot models we tested, the 210 V3 does not shy away from adding extra material to the upper to improve comfort and durability, even if it negatively affects its weight and barefoot feel. Distinguishing features, like TPU-reinforced quarter panels and a padded tongue, improve gym-specific performance and are worth the weight sacrifice. While they excel in the gym, the completely smooth, lugless outsoles decrease versatility as a running shoe &mdash; and can even lose traction when the gym floor is dirty. But for those who already own a dedicated running shoe, we couldn't suggest a better barefoot option for indoor strength training.
Read more: Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3 review

Best for Most

walmart

amazon.com

bazaarvoice

Wirecutter

These canvas shoes have an understated shape and a subtle texture. They pair well with almost any outfit, and their rounder toe box can make your feet look more petite, compared with other canvas pairs we like.

Budget Pick

yotpo

In terms of style and grace, the Merrell Vapor Glove 5 continues to help define the barefoot category. This shoe represents the best value of any pair we tested, offering up superior natural feel without sacrificing any of its integrity in design. In fact, the latest iteration only seeks to improve upon its past success. The outsole has been completely updated in a way that benefits the even profile of this low-rise shoe but still maintains a super-thin, 6.5mm stack height which keeps your soles right against the ground. The redesigned upper features a stretch collar for improved fit, comfort, and agility. Tipping the scales at just under 12-ounces per pair, the Vapor Glove holds true to its name: a nearly-there, sock-like shoe that only seeks to highlight the natural ability of your own two feet.
Some with higher arches may find that the new stretch collar is a bit constricting, but many fans of the line claim that the new style of upper is one of the best yet. We tend to agree with the latter, as the updated construction offers a snug, stable fit without reducing mobility. While the upper gives this shoe greater versatility between road running and the gym, the homogeneous lugs of the redesigned sole offer less traction for trail runners. The intense ground-feel will likely only appeal to hardcore, barefoot runners and should not be taken lightly by those without experience with this running style. But if you are looking to build a foundation from your feet up,  the Vapor Glove 5 continues to set a high bar for barefoot shoes.

In terms of style and grace, the Merrell Vapor Glove 5 continues to help define the barefoot category. This shoe represents the best value of any pair we tested, offering up superior natural feel without sacrificing any of its integrity in design. In fact, the latest iteration only seeks to improve upon its past success. The outsole has been completely updated in a way that benefits the even profile of this low-rise shoe but still maintains a super-thin, 6.5mm stack height which keeps your soles right against the ground. The redesigned upper features a stretch collar for improved fit, comfort, and agility. Tipping the scales at just under 12 ounces per pair, the Vapor Glove holds true to its name: a nearly-there, sock-like shoe that only seeks to highlight the natural ability of your own two feet.
Some with higher arches may find that the new stretch collar is a bit constricting, but many fans of the line claim that the new style of upper is one of the best yet. We tend to agree with the latter, as the updated construction offers a snug, stable fit without reducing mobility. While the upper gives this shoe greater versatility between road running and the gym, the homogeneous lugs of the redesigned sole offer less traction for trail runners. The intense ground-feel will likely only appeal to hardcore, barefoot runners and should not be taken lightly by those without experience with this running style. But if you are looking to build a foundation from your feet up,  the Vapor Glove 5 continues to set a high bar for barefoot shoes.
Read more: Merrell Vapor Glove 5 review

The Merrell Vapor Glove 5 is the solution for barefoot enthusiasts who aren't into the toe-separated design of some minimalist shoes. The Vapor Glove feels like an extremely durable running sock. We love the minimalist features: the low weight, the supple zero-drop sole, soft uppers, secure lacing, and wider toe box. On-trail performance mixed with a barefoot feel are perfected in this "shoe."
The 6.5mm stack height of the Vapor Glove is minimal, so rough trails can be a bit harsh in these low-profile gloves. That said, If you've trained your foot strength and can adapt your technique and speed, you can certainly venture well off-road in these trail runners. Overall these are a pleasing, minimalist pair of shoes that will help you keep your strong feet very strong and your wallet just a wee bit fuller.
Read more: Merrell Vapor Glove 5 review

shopify

A tried-and-true shoe with a chunky silhouette and a long history both on the court and on the street. Though large and heavy, they’re comfortable and a statement piece.

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