Best Barefoot Lifting Shoes: Are They Good for Strength Training and Weightlifting?

Let’s get things clear from the very beginning — the battle between conventional and minimalist lifting shoes has an obvious winner. A typical pair comes with a heel lift to let your feet perform a wider range of motion without difficulty. In our practice, squats, cleans, and snatches won’t turn out well with limitations like stiff footwear with extra straps, laces, and a narrow toe box.

Is it worth compromising on your foot and ankle mobility for the heel-lift feature? Our answer is definite — these minimalist options will help you achieve way more.

Can You Wear Barefoot Shoes for Weightlifting?

If you are searching for a silent hero to make your lifts more powerful and stable, don’t overlook the footwear you choose. You can get the most out of your body when your feet are perfectly aligned — that’s where minimalist shoes come in.

Here are key indicators that the models you are interested in are natural:

• Zero-drop — walking in such footwear will be an effective foot-strengthening and muscle-building exercise. However, in our hands-on experience, their efficiency also lies in a wider range of movements available to your feet. Once you get used to them, they will be a nice instrument to reduce pain and discomfort in the knees, ankles, and hips.
• Wide toe box — the last thing you will want to feel when doing lifts is your foot being quizzed by a shoe. Barefoot lifting shoes stand out with wide and extra wide toe box designs for any man or woman. A natural toe splay positively influences your overall stability, body posture, and overall comfort.
• No arch support — on the one hand, this feature is advertised as one to reduce or eliminate painful sensations when walking or running. On the other hand, it doesn’t allow for proper weight distribution on your feet. That’s why your feet are more prone to Achilles tendon and ankle problems, as well as injuries.
• Maximum flexibility — opting for stiff and robust shoes isn’t the most safety-friendly choice you can make when going to the gym. Such models will decrease your foot stability a lot, as well as weaken your foot function in the long run. Taking into account the amount of pressure athletes face when completing lifts, it is a must to ensure maximum foot mobility. You can actually roll up barefoot lifting shoes easily — no threat to their tear and wear resistance. This feature empowers you to maintain control over your movement rather than being dictated by your footwear.

Minimalist lifting shoes are a perfect medium between training barefoot and wearing shoes with arch support, overly cushioned insoles, or platforms.

What Barefoot Lifting Shoes Will Work for My Needs?

Not all minimalist footwear is crafted equally. In this guide, we would like to demonstrate how exclusive brands differ from one another and assist in personalizing your shopping strategy. Keep on reading to explore the palette of zero-drop and wide-toe-box shoes perfect for different workout settings.

1. Xero Shoes HFS II

Pros:

• Available in a wide range of sizes, from 6.5 US to 15 US
• Zero-drop and lightweight, i.e., 8.3 ounces per shoe
• Tailored styling, with six bright and colorful options to choose from
• Slip-resistant

Cons:

• Not waterproof
• Pricier than other shoes for lifting on the list

Its zero-drop platform is that stable medium for various lifts you’ve been looking for. I enjoy its foot-to-ground connection. Without cushioning, it naturally strengthens my foot muscles and helps me move freely and safely from exercise to exercise. The mesh upper is breathable, so I don’t have to worry about any unpleasant smell once I kick these sneakers off.

→ Read my full Xero Shoes HFS II review here! ←

2. Saguaro Vitality III

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Pros:

• A true-to-size fit with several sizes to consider
• Non-slip efficiency and maximum reliability on various terrains
• A wide toe box for improved ground feel
• A stylish five-finger design

Cons:

• They may fit a little narrower than desired

Saguaro Vitality III is a wonderful choice for those who spend a lot of time on foot. I’ve had them for around a year already, and they are still good to go and hold up for at least a few more seasons. However, you should be prepared for how they actually fit — not the best case of extra room for your toes.

→ Read my full Saguaro Vitality III review here! ←

3. Xero Shoes Mesa Trail WP

Pros:

• Low-to-the-ground shoe construction for natural motion and agility
• 5,000-mile sole warranty
• Thousands of five-star reviews from the brand’s clients
• Non-elevated heels and wide-toe boxes
• Patented FeelTrue soles for maximum sensory feedback
• The Shoe Finder Quiz to identify your ideal pair of barefoot lifting shoes

Cons:

• You may come across fake websites
• Complicated return and exchange terms

We are about to show why Xero Shoes’ minimalist designs are so effective. However, first, our team would like to express our gratitude to the company for its fast shipping times and low prices. Compared to typical platform shoes suggested for powerlifting and similar training sessions, we are confident that Xero Shoes’ professional offerings will serve you much better:

• Having your toes spread is a huge advantage. It allows for enhanced grip with better stability, body posture, and movement control.
• Your brain will feel the surface you are standing on, and that’s where barefoot magic comes in. With these shoes, athletes can develop their strength and muscular control. You pay more attention to how your feet interact with the ground and access a bigger range of movements.
• Xero Shoes for weightlifting are designed to help you reduce the pressure on your body, especially on your ankles and knees. In turn, you minimize the risk of injuries and make this experience safer.

Available in a huge range of sizes, from 6 US to 15 US on average, they will ensure you can feel every move and bend of your foot and achieve superior performance levels. Flexible soles, lightweight mesh designs, and breathable materials — here are some more reasons to opt for products from Xero Shoes. You will find solutions designed for ladies and gentlemen specifically, which is another bonus.

Top models:

• Forza Trainer for men — with a Velcro strap to ensure a reliable fit
• Mesa Trail WP — if you are seeking more multifunctional variants for gym and outdoor wear, this pair of waterproof trail runners is a luxurious offer
• Prio — a beginner-friendly choice with the freedom of movement and a mind-blowing selection of available styles and colors

→ Read my full Xero Shoes Mesa Trail WP review here! ←

4. WHITIN Minimalist Sneakers

Pros:

• Excellent entry-level barefoot lifting shoes
• Cost-efficient choices for different types of training, including casual runs, recreational lifting, and CrossFit
• Low maintenance with machine-wash-friendly efficacy
• Available in multiple colors

Cons:

• The wear and tear resistance is less impressive compared to competitors
• Outsoles may produce weird sounds and squeak on some floors
• These won’t work for people with extra-wide feet
• These models aren’t as lightweight as other products on the list (largely because of their rubber outsoles)

Whitin won’t impress you with advanced protection features or waterproof qualities in the toe-box area. On the contrary, it is a pretty standard solution in the minimalist footwear market. The reason why we’ve decided to include this brand in our rating is simple — it produces efficient, comfortable, durable, and affordable products for men and women to try their skills in advanced training types without threatening their foot health.

They will work for different gym grounds. Thanks to abrasion-resistant and non-slip rubber soles, they won’t restrict your movement while not letting you get your feet injured. Besides, Whitin collections are remarkable when it comes to outdoor activities — feel free to test them on muddy trails too. Thin outsoles, zero drop, and a wide toe box form the minimalist style of this manufacturer.

Top models:

• WHITIN Men’s Wide Minimalist Barefoot Sneakers — natural comfort at an affordable price, which will guarantee proper body balance and posture

→ Read my full WHITIN Sneakers review here! ←

5. Xero Shoes Xcursion Fusion

Pros:

• Lightweight boots for men — 13.7 ounces
• Multifunctional shoes for camping, hiking, etc.
• Durable and reinforced for added protection, e.g., a unique toe cap
• Abrasion- and slip-resistant

Cons:

• Its ground feel isn’t at the in-market peak, in comparison with other models, due to a 10mm FeelTrue® sole

I can’t say that this pair is a do-it-all solution, but it works for lifting-oriented enthusiasts. It didn’t feel restrictive right out of the box, but a little break-in period will make them even more comfy. I truly appreciate how this model elevates my ankle mobility without issues like blisters or cramped toes.

→ Read my full Xcursion Fusion review here! ←

6. Saguaro Wish I

Pros:

• Minimalist and lightweight, 263 grams
• Affordable, at less than $44 when discounted
• A decent ground feel with a 6-millimeter outsole
• With a durable and breathable upper, made of mesh and suede cowhide

Cons:

• There were cases when the finish on the shoe wasn’t perfect, with visible glue spots

While I am not sure whether they are sturdy enough for heavy lifting, other types of exercises can become a piece of cake. These sneakers are lightweight and don’t compromise grip. With added balance, due to its wide-toe-boxed design, this pair shines when it comes to affordable athletic footwear with barefoot comfort.

→ Read my full Saguaro Wish I review here! ←

7. Saguaro Active IV

Pros:

• Slip-resistant, suitable for rough pavement and other rugged terrains
• A minimalist design with a wide-toe box for everyday wear
• Lightweight and zero-drop
• With a quick-release closure for easy fit adjustment

Cons:

• Non-waterproof

The model’s zero-drop and 4-millimeter sole allow for a flat and stable base, which supports confident and natural movement. Besides, given how its wide-toe box promotes a natural toe splay, its grip also comes hand in hand with excellent ground contact — exactly what you need for deadlifts, squats, or other exercises in the gym.

→ Read my full Saguaro Active IV review here! ←

8. BALLOP Corso

Pros:

• A great barefoot feel
• Excellent grip and traction
• A wide-toe box design
• Natural thermal isolation for multiseasonal efficiency
• Machine-wash-friendly

Cons:

• Given that its material composition is 60% sheep’s wool, they might be too warm for long training sessions

One of the key benefits of the model is its ultra-thin sole, which is accompanied by the non-slip rubber outsole. Altogether, these features transit exquisitely into the gym training environment. On smooth floors, these showcase nice stability and help me keep my proper posture every time I visit my local gym. On the other hand, its structure isn’t rigid, so I would stay away from exercises that require extra ankle support.

→ Read my full BALLOP Corso review here! ←

Wrap It Up: Are Barefoot Lifting Shoes Worth It?

There are several reasons to say ‘yes’ to minimalist footwear suitable for powerlifting and other activities in the gym. Not only do they help address safety and foot health concerns properly, but they also allow for increased foot strength, ankle mobility, and overall stability.

Training in barefoot shoes has a positive effect on the condition of your foot and the entire musculoskeletal system. I also recommend doing special exercises to strengthen your feet.

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It won’t cost you a lot to test a pair of such shoes in practice. With the brands highlighted in this guide, you will be able to adjust your choice to your training goals and personal preferences literally in an instant. These shoes won’t let you sacrifice foot strength and stability while ensuring you are prioritizing proper technique as well.

Can you see yourself wearing a pair of natural shoes with splay socks in the gym? Have you already experienced its benefits? Let us know in the comments below! No matter what, the maximum grip on different surfaces and the extreme versatility such models offer will come in handy.