Looking for the perfect lightweight barefoot running shoe? In this post, I review three top picks that offer speed, flexibility, and a true barefoot experience ...
Looking to boost your speed while staying true to barefoot running? Finding the right lightweight barefoot running shoe can make all the difference.
Today, I’m investigating the perfect blend of lightweight minimalism and speed – whether you’re pounding the pavement on roads or trails or feeling the rush of the wind between your toes in sandals.
Why lightweight shoes?
Research has shown that lighter shoes can significantly improve running performance . For instance, studies indicate that for every 100 grams added to a shoe, running economy decreases by approximately 1%, which translates to slower race times and increased energy expenditure. [reference]
Now, I’m not convinced this makes such a difference when comparing barefoot shoes, especially considering we only see differences in the range of ~50g. But there’s a distinct “weightlessness” feeling with lighter shoes that is hard to beat!
Merrell Vapor Glove 6
Type : Road (light trails)
Width : narrow
Stack height : 6mm
Weight : 5.22 oz/ 148g for men’s US9
Super lightweight, flexible and fun! Read the full Review
I’m not going to lie; I wasn’t expecting to like this shoe. I’d heard about the Merrell “arch support,” which put me off in the past. Now, I’ve ended up with these shoes in my full rotation! Can you believe it?
The Merrell Vapor Glove 6 is a super minimal, flexible shoe with a narrow but forgiving upper. It is advertised as a trail shoe, but this model belongs on the road or very smooth trails. The Vibram outsole brings a bit of squish (don’t worry, that doesn’t mean cushion), which may not be the longest-lasting shoe, but at the right price, it’s a great choice.
The Merrell Vapor Glove 6 is a minimal, flexible shoe that delivers a lightweight feel. With a stack height of 6mm, you’re super close to the ground, and the shoe is ultimately flexible. If you want the shoe to get out of the way and your feet to do the work, this could be one for you.
Check Amazon for current pricing.
Xero Shoes Speed Force II
Type : Road
Width : semi-wide
Stack height : 4.5mm
Weight : 6.5oz / 184g for men’s US9
My go-to barefoot road shoe. Read the full Review
The Speed Force II is a minimalist running shoe that prioritizes speed while staying true to a barefoot feel. With its 4.5mm thin outsole, the shoe provides a close-to-ground experience, making it ideal for runners looking to maintain a natural running form. The fit is deep and accommodating, although the toe box may feel narrow for some. For most people, ordering half a size up will ensure a more comfortable fit and prevent toe squishing.
The feel of the Speed Force II is unmatched in terms of a barefoot experience. Its flexibility allows the shoe to move in all directions, enabling natural foot movement throughout the gait cycle. The lightweight upper molds to the foot for a secure fit, while the minimal rubber sole provides excellent ground feedback, making it perfect for barefoot running practice on roads or flat surfaces. If you want a road running shoe that delivers a true barefoot experience, the Speed Force II is a fantastic choice.
Find them on Amazon or direct from Xero Shoes.
Xero Shoes Mesa Summit
Type : Trail
Stack height : 12mm
Weight : 285-290g (Xero Shoes lists 278g / 9.8 oz for men’s US9)
My shorter distance trail option. Read the full Review
The Mesa Summit is the update to the Mesa Trail II, which is now retired, and it’s not a lightweight shoe. At 285-290g I’m a little disappointed. I know this is a trail shoe and it’s more protective, which is good, but light shoes win out pretty much every time for me, and this is starting to feel a little heavy. The fit is a traditional Xero Shoes fit: the toe box is not the widest on the barefoot market and it rounds off a little on the big toe side, so I go a half size up. If your middle toe is your longest, you would likely go true to size. For wider toe splays, look at other brands like Freet.
I like the Freet Feldom 2 for that. It has ample big toe space, and the midfoot width is what makes Freet unique. It’s lighter than the Mesa Summit at 8.9 oz (252g), and it remains a favorite do-it-all trail shoe for me.
The Mesa Summit is more protective, and heavier. There’s now a rock plate running through it, and I did feel there was more protection underfoot. It’s still flexible, though not as flexible as the Mesa Trail II. The chevron lugs are very grippy. I’ve run it on wet rocks and in really sloppy mud, and it does fairly decently in all, not perfect in any, so I can take this one shoe anywhere I go.
Find them on Amazon or direct from Xero Shoes.
The Wild Card: Running Sandals
If you want a true lightweight feel, remove most of the shoe! 🙂 That’s right—sandals could be the answer! Technically, you could just go barefoot, but you’re best off having something underfoot if you want that little protection. Most sandal brands, like Xero Shoes, Earth Runners, Panta, and others, have a super minimal version that can weigh as little as 100g!
The hardest thing is getting the right fit.
I find sandals with a toe post—an attachment between the big and second toe—fit the best. This design stops the sandal from slipping side to side, but it can take a while to get used to the feeling.
My advice is to constantly make adjustments throughout the first few weeks. During that time, you learn what feels good and what feels horrible. It takes time, but once you dial them in, it’s pretty cool!
Conclusion
Many lightweight barefoot shoe options exist, but I advise optimizing for the conditions and fit rather than weight. Lightweight options are great for speed and agility, but sometimes you need more protection, especially on trails. And if your toes are squished in a shoe, it may be lightweight, but you’re risking your foot health in the long run.
- Find a shoe that fits your foot. If you’re looking for a great fit, you may be interested in my data-driven shoe-width blog post.
- Match the shoe to your conditions—are you on the road or the trail? Is the trail muddy or dry? Are there lots of sharp rocks, or is it technical?
- Finally, optimize for weight – There may only be few options left now, but now you can consider optimizing for weight! 🙂
Have you tried any of these shoes? I’d love to hear about your experiences—drop a comment below and let me know which lightweight barefoot running shoe helps you fly!
Where to Buy
Merrell Vapor Glove 6
Xero Shoes Speed Force II
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