Wearing super-light shoes can make you powerful as your connection to Earth grows with each step. Barefoot-inspired shoes fit this bill for nearly any use, whether on the trail, on the treadmill, on sandy shores or in your bedroom. Versatility and comfort are critical nowadays, so you need the best barefoot shoes for digital nomads.
Here are eight excellent options from Xero Shoes.
- HFS II
- Speed Force II
- Ridgeway
- Z-Trail EV
- Kona
- Mika
- Prio
- Pagosa
1. HFS II
Imagine going for a run and attending a birthday dinner afterward. You don’t have much time to change or room for extra clothes, so you need a versatile shoe for both occasions. Fortunately, the HFS II has your back with comfort and style.
Xero Shoes upgraded the original HFS to produce an even more stylish sneaker for your lifestyle. The HFS II weighs only 8.3 ounces and is easy to run in due to its outsole inspired by tire treads. Plus, the top-tier comfort makes it one of the premier barefoot shoes for digital nomads.
How can the HFS II feel super light but remain comfortable on your feet? The shoe equips a BareFoamTM layer to protect your feet and make your journeys easier.
2. Speed Force II
When high performance is necessary, you need the Speed Force II. This super-light shoe mimics the barefoot experience for your workout, morning commute and any other task you need to get done. At just 6.5 ounces per shoe, the Speed Force II is what you need for style, breathability and durability.
Xero Shoes co-founder Steven Sashen designed the shoe with a Nike developer. He says it’s his preferred sneaker for training and racing. The Speed Force II joins other Xero Shoes with its wider toe box and non-elevated heel to aid your posture.
3. Ridgeway
Hitting the trail means you need maximum durability from the shoe and protection for your feet. Mud, rocks, dirt and more tax your boots and make them wear quickly, leaving you vulnerable to the terrain. You need hiking boots you can wear on your mountain adventures and at the restaurant for a friendly rendezvous.
Xero Shoes presents retro-inspired Ridgeway, one of many barefoot hiking boots for men and women. . These shoes are waterproof and ready for the trail with their rugged construction and creative design. The 13-ounce boots are lighter than most running shoes you’ll find on the market, yet their comfort and functionality make them ideal for your trail-running needs.
4. Z-Trail EV
Sometimes, the temperature gets too warm for tennis shoes. Your socks are necessary for comfort and protection, but the scorching ground makes you wish you had something lighter. Sandals are often too flimsy for athletic use, so how can you find a happy medium? The Z-Trail EV combines the versatility and durability of sandals for everyday use.
While you might not associate sandals with hiking, the Z-Trail EV is ideal for the trail. The FeelLiteTM sole and the TrailFoamTM team up to provide traction, comfort and flexibility with your shoes. Each sandal weighs about 5.4 ounces, giving you the super-light feeling beneath your feet. Plus, the Z-Trail EV eliminates 70% of the unnecessary materials you typically see in sports sandals. These shoes utilize nylon sourced from recycled water bottles in their webbing, making them soft and quick-drying. You’ll enhance your comfort on the trail and support the planet with eco-conscious sports sandals.
5. Kona
Finding versatile shoes for casual wear is essential, as you need mobility when traveling from one place to the next. The Kona satisfies your flexibility needs as one of the best barefoot shoes for digital nomads. Pick up a pair for the beach, work or whatever your day calls for. This shoe reminds you of Hawaii’s Kona Beach and stays cool with its moccasin-inspired construction.
The Kona is a solid shoe option for men because it blends into your desired style. Business casual meetings, friendly hangouts and dancing are only some of the occasions this shoe is appropriate for. The Kona provides flexibility thanks to the removable insole. The FeelTrueTM outsole protects your feet while feeling barely there as you stroll.
6. Mika
Freezing temperatures typically mean getting your snow boots from the closet. While practical, your shoes could lack in the style department or make you feel sluggish. Mika turns the tide by providing comfort, warmth and style in one boot.
Heavy-duty boots could weigh multiple pounds and make walking in the snow feel arduous. However, the Mika only checks in at 12.3 ounces per boot, making each winter stroll much more manageable. These boots feel like they’re barely there, but the heat-reflecting warming insole and interior lining warm your feet. Plus, you get a water-repellant canvas for mitigating the cold precipitation on your path.
The Mika from Xero Shoes is an excellent shoe choice for women because of its practicality and style. Its pink and black styles suit numerous winter occasions wherever you go.
7. Prio
While finding comfort in your shoes is one battle, getting the same for your kids can be even more challenging. Children’s feet are still growing, so they need flexibility and ergonomic design to ensure they can walk around school, the playground and your home without trouble. Some parents opt for barefoot shoes because research suggests children reap benefits from them.
The kids’ version of the Prio makes shoes easier for your children, featuring a wide toe box and a natural fit. This shoe for children has more space between the lugs and a thinner sole to increase flexibility while protecting their feet from the ground. Plus, the shoe uses inspiration from huarache sandals with straps to prevent slipping on their heels. Your kids can use these shoes for playtime, running, climbing and other fun activities.
8. Pagosa
Cold mornings require a warm cup of joe and a comfortable pair of slippers. How can you combine comfort and functionality with slip-on shoes? The Pagosa’s faux wool warms your feet while providing flexibility through its collapsible heel. Step on the heel to make it a slipper, or slide your feet in to mimic a regular shoe. The Pagosa from Xero Shoes makes walking easy, whether around the house, the campsite or wherever your nomadic adventures take you.
Comfort is key for the Pagosa, as its cozy feeling is unforgettable. The softness is ideal for older adults who desire increased comfort from their shoes but don’t want to go barefoot. A 2020 BMC Geriatrics research article suggests minimalist shoes could provide a suitable transition between shoes and barefoot for older adults.
Finding the Best Barefoot Shoes for Digital Nomads
Shoe functionality is critical for the modern digital nomad. You need footwear to support your adventures on the beach, in the living room or at the office. Xero Shoes emphasize versatility with innovative style and design, ensuring you can take them from one scene to another. These eight barefoot shoes for digital nomads demonstrate flexibility without compromising comfort.
The content of this post does not constitute and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions or concerns you may have about your health or a medical condition.
Beth is the Managing Editor at Body+Mind and a lover of all things health and wellness. She is a well-respected writer in the personal wellness space and shares knowledge on a variety of topics related to nutrition, fitness, holistic health and disease prevention. In her spare time, Beth enjoys cooking healthy recipes and trying out new fitness trends.
