13 Disadvantages of Barefoot Shoes: Truth or Myth?

2) Barefoot shoes are for the great outdoors, not for the city. 

When you’re in the woods or out on a meadow, barefoot walking is easier because the soft ground cushions your footsteps. But that doesn’t mean you can’t walk barefoot in the city. You just have to learn how to walk in a healthy way. 

Want to learn how to do it? Check out our free ebook Step by Step to Healthy Walking. 

Tip: If you’re a barefoot beginner just starting out, choose a pair of shoes from the Ahinsa Comfort line. They are specially designed with a unique insole (insert) that absorbs shock and protects your feet.

Verdict: This disadvantage of barefoot shoes is partially a myth. Walking in the city in barefoot shoes may be uncomfortable if you have established bad movement patterns. We recommend training healthy walking or choosing shoes from the Comfort collection, which provide double cushioning for your steps.

In the woods, in the city, or on the way to work. You can wear healthy shoes anywhere.

3) Barefoot shoes are harder to choose.

A friend recommended extremely comfortable shoes, but they don’t fit you at all. Why?

In barefoot shoes, your foot can fully expand, stretch, and contract for the first time. That’s a good thing! But it may also be the first time you realize that not every shoe fits you. When your foot is squeezed into conventional shoes, you don’t have enough space to notice.

That’s why it’s so important to measure your feet accurately, choose the size based on the manufacturer’s size chart, and allow for extra room.

Verdict: This disadvantage of barefoot shoes is true. They really are harder to choose—but only because they allow your feet to recognize the difference between a well-fitting and poorly fitting shoe.

Tip: Check out the guide on how to measure your feet.

4) Barefoot shoes have soles that are too thin.

The main point of healthy footwear isn’t just about having a thin sole, but enough space for natural movement. 

Classic shoes don’t respect the natural shape of your feet, restricting them and preventing a healthy gait. If you wear the same type of shoes with just a thin sole, you won’t be giving your body any extra relief. That’s why real barefoot shoes are both roomy and flexible. 

Reading tip: What are barefoot shoes? And are they right for YOU?

“Ahinsa shoes provide generous space for the front of the foot, which is essential for the proper toe alignment that helps determine the entire body’s posture.” 

MUDR. Hana Bořecká, doctor

Toe space is more important than a thin sole. 

The sole of barefoot shoes is not “too thin.” It is precisely as thick and flexible as needed to allow you to feel the ground beneath you. There are even barefoot shoes with thicker soles, like winter boots or trekking sneakers.

Verdict: This disadvantage of barefoot shoes is a myth.

5) I’ll slip more in barefoot shoes because of their thin soles. 

We can’t speak for all manufacturers, but Ahinsa shoes have undergone rigorous testing that prove they don’t slip — even when worn on wet surfaces. And it’s something we hear our customers love all the time. 

Our shoes allow your feet to function naturally and “grip” the surface beneath them, similar to the way a rock climber takes hold of a rock as they climb. The result is that you feel more confident with every step you take than you would wearing traditional shoes.  

“The barefoot Ahinsa shoes tested meet all the requirements for a slip-resistant outsole on both dry and wet surfaces.”

Results from the ITC (Institute for testing and certification)

Verdict: This disadvantage is a myth. In fact, good grip is one of the advantages of barefoot shoes.  

6) Barefoot outsoles don’t last long. 

Again, this myth really depends on the manufacturer and the materials used. Our outsoles are made from the German material Lifo+, which is extremely resistant to abrasion. As a result, our outsoles last longer and won’t wear down fast. 

Verdict: This disadvantage is a myth.

7) Barefoot shoes are expensive. 

Yes, quality barefoot shoes will set you back more than a cheap pair. But let us tell you why they’re worth it. 

• You’re investing in shoes that were designed by physiotherapists.
• You know that in these shoes, you will walk healthily. 
• You can be certain that these shoes last for a long time. 
• You’ll be wearing shoes that were produced ethically. 

You should also consider the cost per wear. Cheap shoes might not cost much, but you’ll probably throw them away after a few months. By comparison, Ahinsa shoes will last you for millions of steps. In the end, you’ll actually end up paying less per wear than a lower quality model. By the way, this is one of the principles of slow fashion

“I got my second pair of Ahinsa shoes this year. I’m just as thrilled as I was with the first, and I’ll probably be buying a third pair soon. I’ve been wearing my first ones since March, and they still look brand new. I walked 10 km in my second winter pair on Sunday, and it was great. They fit me perfectly!” 

L.Chylíková, Ahinsa shoes customer

Healthy, high quality, ethical shoes are worth it.

Verdict: This disadvantage of barefoot shoes is partially true. Barefoot shoes are generally more expensive at purchase. However, high-quality ones end up being cheaper when the cost is calculated per wear.

8) I’ll look weird in barefoot shoes.

It’s ironic, isn’t it? Shoes that are healthy for our bodies appear ugly and stupid to us. Luckily, barefoot shoe design today is miles ahead of what it used to be. You can find elegant dress shoes, men’s dress shoes, stylish sneakers, or even a beautiful pair of tall boots. 

Just look at the people around you — more and more of them are choosing to wear shoes that are both healthy and have great style. Healthy walking is in.

Verdict: This disadvantage of barefoot shoes is a myth.

Do you still think healthy shoes look weird?

9) Barefoot shoes will cure all my health problems. 

Barefoot shoes aren’t a silver bullet. They are a tool that enables you to walk healthily, but you can’t learn how to do it just by wearing them. Lucky for you, it’s easy to learn how to walk naturally. You can learn how by reading our ebook (download it for free here). 

Barefoot shoes give you the opportunity to get used to healthy walking and return to it. And healthy walking is the best exercise for flat feet, bunions, or misaligned ankles.

Verdict: This disadvantage of barefoot shoes is true. No shoes alone will cure your issues.

10) Barefoot walking isn’t for me: I have flat feet. 

It’s actually the complete opposite! Exercises from your orthopedic specialist aren’t the only thing that can help treat your flat feet. The most effective way is healthy walking. In order to do this, you need enough room for your toes, which you can only get from wearing real barefoot shoes.  

Your specialist may also have prescribed special shoe inserts. While these help, they won’t help cure your flat feet. They can only passively support your arches as you walk. In contrast, barefoot shoes naturally engage your feet and actively strengthen them. 

Reading tip: You may not actually have flat feet. Physiotherapist Lukáš Klimpera explains how to find out for sure in this article.

Verdict: This disadvantage of barefoot shoes is a myth.

11) My feet will hurt in barefoot shoes. 

Not if you learn to walk healthily. Don’t have any experience with natural walking? Start off with shoes from our Comfort line first. They come with a unique insole (insert) or a cushioned outsole that protects your heels against harsh impacts. 

Healthy barefoot walking is different from the type of walking we do in conventional footwear, which restricts the natural movement of our feet. You engage different muscles and move differently. As a result, your feet have to get used to going barefoot. That’s why it’s best to start slow to avoid injuring yourself and ending up with sore feet.

Verdict: This disadvantage of barefoot shoes is partially a myth. Pain may occur if you don’t walk correctly.

Healthy walking doesn't hurt. Try it.

12) Barefoot shoes aren’t suitable for sport.

You’re right, they’re not. But only if you don’t walk or run in a healthy way. It’s simple to learn how with our ebook Step by Step to Healthy Walking or check out our recent article How to start running barefoot. 

Once you can walk correctly, barefoot shoes will be ideal for any activity.

Take running barefoot, for example. When you run you need to use the full power of your natural bounce while softly absorbing shock. The bounce of your stride comes from your toes, which are completely restricted and inactive in regular running shoes. Barefoot shoes give your feet space so you can run with ease. Your toes will also have more flexibility to cushion against impacts as you move. 

Verdict: This disadvantage of barefoot shoes is a myth. On the contrary, barefoot shoes offer many benefits for athletes.

Tip: Read Barefoot and Performance: Ditch Your Shoes and Unlock Your Potential.

Barefoot shoes are ideal for sport as long as you have a healthy stride.

13) For outdoor activities, I need ankle support and a thick sole, which barefoot shoes don’t provide.

Hiking boots actually make you move like you’re wearing a cast. Your feet can’t feel the ground or react to the terrain. In barefoot shoes, your feet get a lot more information. They understand what’s going on underneath them and can adapt accordingly. They can even react better if you twist your ankle and activate the correct muscles to protect you from injury. 

But before you head off up the mountain in your barefoot shoes, make sure you’re comfortable walking in your daily environment. Once you get the hang of a natural stride, you’ll be ready to take on a more challenging hike. 

“Good toe support also means a well-secured ankle. This isn’t possible when your toes are cramped inside of a shoe,” says renowned physiotherapist Clara Lewitová.

Tip: Read The Best Hiking Shoes? Definitely Not Heavy Boots!

Verdict: This disadvantage is a myth. Greater stability on rough terrain is actually an advantage of barefoot shoes.

The Most Common "Disadvantages" of Barefoot Shoes – What’s the Truth?

1. They make your feet cold. MYTH
2. They are only suitable for nature, not cities. MYTH
3. They are harder to choose. TRUE
4. They have soles that are too thin. MYTH
5. They are slippery. MYTH (depends on the manufacturer)
6. Barefoot soles don’t last. MYTH (depends on the manufacturer)
7. They are expensive. MYTH
8. I look silly in them. MYTH
9. They won’t cure my foot problems. TRUE
10. They are not suitable for flat feet. MYTH
11. My feet will hurt in them. MYTH (if you walk correctly)
12. They are not suitable for sports. MYTH
13. I need ankle support and a thick sole for hiking. MYTH

Don’t believe the myths. Wear healthy shoes. 

Put on shoes that were designed and recommended by physiotherapists. Wear Ahinsa shoes. 

Did you know that your feet function as naturally in Ahinsa shoes as they do without them? Research from Masaryk University found that your stride is as healthy as a bare foot when you wear Ahinsa shoes. And if you don’t believe us or the research, check out real experiences from our customers. 

Pick out your healthy shoes