Best Budget Barefoot Running Shoes Under $100 (2025)

Ever felt like barefoot running shoes are getting ridiculously expensive? You’re not alone.

When I see Vivobarefoot pushing $200 for their latest models and even mainstream brands creeping up past $150, it blocks many of us from getting into the barefoot scene. At the same time, there are reasons why we’re seeing these higher prices. I want to share my alternatives.

For some of us, budget matters as much as toe box width. And here’s the thing: you don’t need to spend a fortune to get quality barefoot running shoes that’ll serve you well. I’ve been testing budget options for years, and some of my favorite daily drivers cost less than what most people spend on their monthly coffee habit.

Affiliate Disclosure: By clicking through the links on this page and purchasing the products, you’ll be helping me out. This is done because I receive a kickback from the sellers at no extra cost to you! Thank you so much for supporting us!

Starting your barefoot journey shouldn’t require a second mortgage. When you’re transitioning from traditional running shoes, you’re already taking a leap of faith. Dropping $180 on a pair of shoes you’re not sure will work for you? That’s asking a lot.

I always tell people new to barefoot running: start with something inexpensive, figure out what you like, and then invest if you want to. There’s no shame in the budget game. In fact, some of these sub-$100 options have outlasted their premium counterparts in my rotation.

Plus, let’s be honest—if you’re anything like me and rotate through multiple pairs, having affordable options means you can actually build that rotation without your partner questioning your financial sanity.

Xero Shoes Prio (~$90)

The Xero Prio is probably the best all-around bargain in barefoot running right now. At just under $90, you’re getting a shoe that comes with something most budget options don’t: confidence. That 5000-mile sole warranty isn’t just marketing fluff—this is the one Xero Shoes model outsole that can live up to that promise.

The Prio hits that sweet spot of being minimal enough for barefoot purists (5mm stack with a removable 3.5mm insole) while still being approachable for newcomers. The toe box is wide, but not mega wide. At 8.7 ounces, they’re not the lightest option, but for the price point, you can’t complain.

It’s not my favorite pair of Xero Shoes, but it’s really hard to beat considering the price point. They’ve been selling the model for years, and they’ve enabled many people to transition into barefoot shoes.

Check the Xero website for sales—they regularly run promotions.

Merrell Vapor Glove 6 ($100, often less on sale)

For maximum ground feel on a budget, the Vapor Glove 6 is your ticket. At exactly $100 retail (but frequently on sale for $60-80), this is as close to barefoot as you’ll get without actually being barefoot.

With just 6mm of stack height and weighing in at 5.22 ounces, these disappear on your feet. I use mine primarily for barefoot training and gym work, where lightweight flexibility really shines.

Here’s the catch, though—and I need to be straight with you—durability isn’t the Vapor Glove’s strong suit. Where the Xero Prio might last you years, the Vapor Glove 6 tends to show wear after 300-500 miles, especially if you’re a forefoot striker like me. The upper can develop holes, and the outsole wears through at pressure points.

But at $60-80 on sale, even if you only get 400 miles out of them, that’s still incredible value for a true barefoot experience. Just don’t expect them to be your only pair, and definitely grab them when Merrell runs their frequent 30-40% off sales.

Freet Feldom 2 (~$100 with discount code BRR10)

Technically pushing our budget at $110, but with the BRR10 code bringing it to ~$99, the Freet Feldom earns its spot here—especially if you have wide feet. This UK brand doesn’t get the attention it deserves in the US, but they’re doing something special for the wide-footed among us.

The Feldom is around 7.5mm in stack height and weighs 9.17 ounces, but the extra weight comes from the trail features it offers. With an outsole that’ll grip in the mud and the wet grass, this is the one you’ll want for wet hiking and running conditions.

These work brilliantly as an all-rounder—I’ve used them for everything from grocery runs to 10-mile road runs. The build quality punches above the price point, with a durable upper that’s handled wet conditions better than the Vapor Glove ever could.

The only downside? This shoe will not fit every foot. The deep and wide profile means those with narrow feet will struggle.

Here’s what most reviews won’t tell you: timing your purchase can save you 30-40% on already budget-friendly shoes. I’ve never paid full price for a Merrell, and you shouldn’t either.

Merrell runs major sales during:

• Labor Day (up to 40% off)
• Black Friday/Cyber Monday
• End of season clearances
• Random mid-month promotions

I often check on Amazon for Vapor Glove offers throughout the year.

Xero Shoes takes a different approach—they don’t do traditional coupon codes, but they often run quarterly sales with DEEP discounts. I always send out notifications on my newsletter, so you never miss one.

Freet occasionally runs deeper discounts than the standard 10% BRR10 code. You’ll usually see the deals on older models, which work just as well!

What you don’t get at this price point. You’re not getting the buttery-soft leather of a Vivobarefoot Primus Lite. You won’t get the style points of a Wildling. The materials are more synthetic, less premium.

But after years of running in everything from $40 clearance specials to $200 premium barefoot shoes: your form matters more than your footwear. A runner with good technique in Xero Prios will outperform someone with poor form in the fanciest Vivobarefoots every single time.

Getting the size right matters even more when you’re budget shopping—returns eat into your savings. Here’s my quick sizing guide for each model:

Xero Prio: True to size for most, but if you’re between sizes or have particularly wide feet, size up. The removable insole gives you some adjustability.

Merrell Vapor Glove 6: Runs narrow and small. I recommend going a half size up from your normal size, full size if you have wide feet. Even then, these won’t work for truly wide feet—sorry, but that’s the reality.

Freet Feldom: True to size with generous width. These are designed for wide feet, so if you have narrow feet, they might feel sloppy. Check their sizing guide carefully—UK sizing can be confusing.

You don’t need to spend $150+ to run barefoot. These three options—the versatile Xero Prio, the ultra-minimal Merrell Vapor Glove 6, and the wide-foot-friendly Freet Feldom—prove that budget barefoot shoes can deliver the goods.

My advice? Start with the Xero Prio if you want one shoe to do everything. Grab the Vapor Glove 6 on sale if you want maximum ground feel for training. Go with the Freet Feldom for those trail needs and a wide fit.

And remember—the best barefoot shoe is the one you’ll actually wear. At these prices, you can afford to experiment and find what works for your feet without breaking the bank.

Want more details on any of these shoes? Check out my full reviews of the Xero Prio, Merrell Vapor Glove 6, and Freet Feldom for the complete breakdown.