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The 5 best breathable barefoot shoes 2025

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Written by Alexander Friedmann - Published 3 days ago

Summer is here, and as temperatures rise, so does the need for comfortable and breathable footwear.

This year we've tested barefoot shoes and selected the best ones that not only keep your feet cool and dry, but also offer ultimate comfort and style.

Whether for everyday use, sporting activities or elegant occasions - we have found the perfect barefoot shoes for every need.

Hot summer? See why barefoot shoes are the best choice.

Barefoot shoes are becoming increasingly popular as they promote natural foot movement and offer numerous health benefits. Thanks to their lightweight and flexible materials, they are particularly suitable for the hot summer months.

In this article, we present the 5 best breathable barefoot shoes of 2025 that impress with their outstanding quality and innovative designs.

Read which breathable barefoot shoes stood out in the categories ‘Best Overall’, ‘Best Premium Shoe’, ‘Best Lightweight Materials’, ‘Best Cushioning’ and ‘Most Stylish Shoes’.

Discover how we tested these shoes and why they are our top recommendations for this summer. Immerse yourself in the world of barefoot shoes and find the perfect pair to suit your needs and keep your feet happy.

How do we conduct our tests?

We attach great importance to carefully testing barefoot shoes in order to offer you a comprehensive and honest evaluation.

Our experts invest a lot of time in research and performance tests to analyse each model down to the smallest detail. Our approach includes the following steps:

1. Careful wearing of each model: We wear each pair of barefoot shoes over a longer period of time and in different situations. Whether it's a walk to the supermarket, a date or other everyday activities, we make sure that the shoes are put through their paces. This enables us to give a well-founded assessment in terms of fit, comfort and durability.

2. Tests in our laboratory: In addition to the everyday tests, we also subject the barefoot shoes to a series of laboratory tests. We analyse their performance and feel in detail. We disassemble the shoes to gather as much information as possible about their components and provide you with a comprehensive picture of their quality and characteristics.

keep your feet cool & dry

1. Best breathable barefoot shoes overall

Purestep Explorer

The Purestep Explorer stands out as the best breathable barefoot shoe. Made from lightweight and airy materials, it ensures that your feet stay cool and dry even on the hottest days.

The shoe offers the perfect balance between comfort and breathability, with enough cushioning to provide a comfortable barefoot feel without restricting natural foot movement.

This shoe is designed for everyday use. It has a non-slip sole for improved stability and a wide toe area that allows a natural toe splay, which improves balance and reduces pressure on the feet.

Whether running errands or enjoying a relaxing outing, the Purestep Explorer offers exceptional breathability and comfort, making it the best choice for breathable barefoot footwear.

Advantages:

Excellent breathability

Lightweight and comfortable

Sufficient cushioning for a natural barefoot feel

Non-slip sole for added stability

Wide toe area for natural toe splay

Durable and versatile for various activities

Disadvantages:

May not provide enough insulation for colder weather

Design may not be suitable for everyone

Requires an adjustment period for newcomers to barefoot running

2. Best breathable premium barefoot shoes

Purestep Motion

The Purestep Motion impresses as the best premium barefoot shoe with its combination of luxury and functionality. Made from first-class materials, it ensures excellent breathability to keep your feet cool even on hot days. The elegant design and high-quality finish make it ideal for style-conscious wearers.

In addition to its stylish appearance, the Purestep Motion offers essential functions for optimum comfort and health of your feet. The cushioned sole offers excellent cushioning, while the non-slip sole provides additional stability.

This shoe is the perfect choice for those looking for elegance and practical features in a breathable premium barefoot shoe.

Advantages:

High-quality, breathable materials

Luxurious and elegant design

Excellent cushioning for maximum comfort

Non-slip sole for added safety

Ideal for formal and informal occasions

Disadvantages:

Higher price compared to standard barefoot shoes

May require an adjustment period for new wearers

3. Best barefoot shoes made from lightweight materials

Purestep Pro

The Purestep Pro stands out with its featherweight construction, which is ideal for sporting activities. Made from ultra-lightweight, breathable materials, this shoe allows maximum freedom of movement and keeps your feet cool and dry even during intense training.

The minimalist design provides an unrivalled barefoot feel without compromising on performance.

Despite the reduced cushioning, the Purestep Pro still offers enough comfort for long periods of wear. The flexible sole supports natural movement and promotes better foot alignment.

With its outstanding breathability and light weight, the Purestep Pro is the ideal choice for those who lead an active lifestyle without compromising on comfort.

Advantages:

Ultralight and breathable

Ideal for sporting activities and intensive training

Flexible design promotes natural movement

Keeps feet cool and dry

Minimalist, modern design

Disadvantages:

Less cushioning compared to other models

May not be sufficient for very cold conditions

Adjustment phase required for optimal comfort

4. Breathable barefoot shoes with the best cushioning

Purestep Hike

The Purestep Hike is the ideal choice for nature and hiking enthusiasts. It offers excellent cushioning that protects your feet on uneven and hard terrain. The breathable materials ensure that your feet stay cool and dry, even on long hikes.

The shoe offers an optimal balance between protection and barefoot feel, so you can enjoy the outdoors to the fullest.

This shoe is slightly heavier than other models, but offers additional protection and support. The robust sole ensures stability and safety on all surfaces, while the wide toe box and flexible sole support natural foot movement.

The Purestep Hike combines the comfort and benefits of barefoot shoes with the necessary robustness for outdoor adventures.

Advantages:

Excellent cushioning for uneven terrain

Breathable and keeps feet cool and dry

Robust sole offers stability and protection

Supports natural foot movement

Ideal for hiking and outdoor activities

Disadvantages:

Slightly heavier than other models

Not ideal for very cold conditions

Adjustment phase required for optimal comfort

5. Most stylish breathable barefoot shoes

Purestep Native

The Purestep Native combines the classic look of a sneaker with the health benefits of barefoot shoes. These shoes are ideal for anyone who doesn't want to compromise on style but still wants to enjoy the natural movement and comfort of a barefoot shoe.

The elegant design makes them versatile, while the improved cushioning provides additional comfort.

With the Purestep Native, you will experience a shorter break-in period than with other barefoot shoes, making it ideal for beginners.

The shoes offer a wide toe box and a flexible sole that support the natural movement of the foot. At the same time, the breathable construction ensures that your feet stay cool and dry all day long.

Advantages:

Stylish design that looks like a normal sneaker

Improved cushioning for added comfort

Shorter break-in time

Breathable and keeps feet cool

Supports natural foot movement

Disadvantages:

May not be suitable for extreme outdoor activities

Does not offer the same robustness as specialised hiking boots

May be unsuitable for very cold conditions

keep your feet cool & dry

Over 250,000+ satisfied customers are already walking in their barefoot shoes!

Over 250,000+ satisfied customers enjoy wearing our barefoot shoes because they have experienced first-hand the benefits of the shoes' superior support, promotion of healthy foot alignment, cloud-like comfort and exceptional breathability.

The only thing you have to do is try it out and test it for yourself. Who knows, maybe this is the one small decision that will significantly improve your life?

98%

of customers noticed a dramatic reduction in back pain

99%

praised the comfort and breathability of the barefoot shoes, especially in hot summers

97%

of users have already noticed an improvement in posture in the first week

94%

felt a noticeable increase in their walking distance

5/5 Rating

‘I can hardly believe how much these barefoot shoes have changed my life! After years of foot and back pain, I felt instant relief when I put them on. The wide toe box and zero heel soles are incredibly comfortable and support a natural posture. Thanks to the excellent breathability, my feet always stay fresh. I can now go for long walks without any discomfort. These shoes are a real blessing!’

Elizabeth B.

5/5 Rating

‘As an older woman with chronic back pain, I never thought that shoes could make such a difference. Since wearing these barefoot shoes, my pain has reduced considerably. The arch support and non-slip soles give me the confidence to walk safely. Even on hot days, my feet stay nice and cool. I recommend them to anyone looking for a solution to foot and back problems.’

Margaret T.

5/5 Rating

‘These barefoot shoes are fantastic! As someone who travels a lot and often suffers from back pain, I immediately felt the benefits. The lightness and flexibility of these shoes are perfect for my active lifestyle. The air circulation in these shoes is excellent, especially on warm days. My posture has improved and I feel more comfortable overall. Absolutely recommendable!’

Harold F.

Conclusion

Conventional shoes can cause back pain due to a lack of support and unnatural foot alignment. Barefoot shoes, on the other hand, promote foot health, posture and general well-being. Thanks to their excellent breathability, they are particularly ideal in summer as they keep feet cool and dry.

Orthopaedists and experts recommend barefoot shoes due to their positive effects. Over 250,000 satisfied customers confirm the benefits of these shoes. Make a small decision that can make a big difference and experience the comfort and health benefits of barefoot shoes for yourself.

Purestep Summer Collection

Up to 60% Discount

250.000+ Customers

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Frequently asked questions

Can barefoot shoes be worn every day?

Yes, barefoot shoes offer unique health benefits when worn daily and long-term. They promote natural foot movement and improve overall foot health.

Are barefoot shoes suitable for people with foot problems?

Yes, they are suitable for people with various foot problems such as plantar fasciitis or hallux valgus. The design supports the natural alignment of the foot and reduces pressure on problem areas.

Will I find barefoot shoes comfortable?

Barefoot shoes are made from high-quality, natural materials that are free from allergens and artificial substances. Their design ensures a comfortable fit and many find them more comfortable than conventional shoes.

How long does it take to realise the benefits of barefoot shoes?

With regular wear, most people notice the benefits within a few weeks. Improved balance, reduced foot pain and better posture are common results. Continued wear enhances these benefits and promotes overall foot and back health.

How does the money-back guarantee work?

You can shop with confidence. If you're not satisfied with your barefoot shoes, we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. Simply contact us at info@purestep.co.uk

Any other questions?

If you have not found the answer to your question in the FAQs above, you can find more information on our FAQ page.

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Reduces foot pain and misalignments

Ideal for hiking and everyday use

Recommended by orthopaedists

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