Trainers

Starting a new fitness routine, we test and compare barefoot gym shoes from Merrell, Freet, Xero, and Vivobarefoot for strength training in 2026, exploring which styles offer the best stability, ground feel, and fit.

Looking for barefoot shoes that capture the classic Converse style without sacrificing foot health? In this guide, we share the best minimalist Converse alternatives — including top picks from Peerko, Bohempia, Be Lenka, and Realfoot. These barefoot sneakers offer wide toe boxes, zero-drop soles, and flexible comfort for natural movement, all while keeping your summer style on point.

Ready to ditch bulky shoes and move the way nature intended? This guide to Xero Barefoot Trainers breaks down everything you need to know about Xero’s minimalist shoes for running, walking, and workouts. We’ll cover why people love training in Xero Shoes, what sets their barefoot design apart, and how to pick the perfect pair for your movement style. Whether you're hitting the gym, the trail, or just living life foot-first — this guide has you covered.

We have invited long term customer and passionate barefoot advocate Anna Fox to review some trainers for us. We are delighted to copy her review here in this blog post.

"For this comparison review I thought it would be interesting to have shoes quite distinct from each other. Although the Realfoot are more of a shoe than a trainer, I wanted to try shoes/trainers that were also suitable for off road and practical for my lifestyle. I decided to have a look at the Be Lenka Barebarics, Realfoot and Xeo and see how they faired up against each other."

We were recently tasked with the opportunity to road-test a pair of our new Merrell kid’s trainers. Here is how we got on!