👉This is post 1/11 of our series of Golden Toe Awards 2023 announcements.
Welcome to the first instalment of the Golden Toe Awards 2023 results, where the community votes and celebrates the finest in the world of barefoot shoes and minimalist footwear.
The global barefoot shoe community had their say on the best barefoot road running shoes out their and we're thrilled to present the winners of the 🏃 Best Barefoot Road Running Shoes category.
And the Winners Are...
🥇 HFS by Xero Shoes - Rating: 9.84
🥈 Speed Force by Xero Shoes - Rating: 9.67
🥉 Flex by Freet - Rating: 9.41
Why They Won - Community Feedback
We've sorted through all the community feedback and reviews on the winning shoes and organised it to help you understand more about why this shoe is so loved by the community.
🥇 HFS by Xero Shoes - Rating: 9.84
Design and Fit:
- Perfect barefoot running shoe
- Slightly wider toe box desired
- Super lightweight and breathable
- Well-made, durable, and stylish
- Rare size availability
- More color options desired
- Minimalistic design desired
Comfort and Performance:
- Versatile for various activities
- Provides proper running form and reduces pain
- Wide toe box and comfortable fit
- Thin sole for better ground feel
- Good traction and grip
- Adjustable straps for customizable fit
- Comfortable, cool, and flexible
Specific Requests and Improvements:
- Trail outsole option desired
- Mesh repairability concern
- Standardized sizing desired
- More durability desired
- Better non-slip sole for wet conditions
- Improved color options and graphics
- Better international shipping availability
Customer Feedback and Experiences:
- Great for walking and everyday wear
- Reduced back pain and improved alignment
- Ideal for gym workouts and drumming
- Best minimalist shoe with superior ground feel
- Positive feedback on comfort and fit
- Life-changing shoes with great service from staff
Overall Value and Price:
- Excellent value for the price
- Affordable and versatile option
- Value for money
- Good price for comfortable road running shoe
Get the Xero HFS ->
🥈 Speed Force by Xero Shoes - Rating: 9.67
Design and Fit:
- Fits like a comfy pair of gloves
- Strapping system in the heel provides a tight fit without scrunching the toes
- Lightweight and flexible
- Glove-like feel on the foot
- Perfect lacing set up
- Toe box could be larger
- More color options requested
Comfort and Performance:
- Makes injured toes feel safe and secure
- Provides cushioning without sacrificing ground feel
- Cozy and feels like wearing just a sock
- Durable soles
- Suitable for activities like teaching yoga/cardio and taekwondo
- Can be worn all day by personal trainers
- Perfect for road running and marathon training
Specific Requests and Improvements:
- Larger toe box
Customer Feedback and Experiences:
- "Best shoe purchase!"
- "The best barefoot shoe all around."
- "Minimalist shoe at its best and lightest."
- "On my second pair."
- "Could run a marathon with them."
- "Essentially, a perfect glove for your foot."
- "This is the best road running shoe that I've tried."
Overall Value and Price:
- Provides great value for the price.
Get the Xero Speed Force ->
🥉 Flex by Freet - Rating: 9.41
Design and Fit:
- Wide and very flexible
- Allows toes to move freely
- Provides a barefoot-like experience
Comfort and Performance:
- Allows for smooth running
- Provides better performance compared to other brands and models
- Feels as free as running barefoot
Specific Requests and Improvements:
- None mentioned in the feedback
Customer Feedback and Experiences:
- Users are highly satisfied with the flexibility and freedom provided by the shoe
- Appreciation for the improved running experience compared to other brands
- Comparison with running barefoot, noting the difference in ground feeling
Overall Value and Price:
- No specific mention of the price
- High value placed on the barefoot experience and flexibility provided by the shoe
Get the Freet Flex ->
What's Next?
This is post #1 of our series of Golden Toe Awards 2023 announcements. Stay tuned as we continue to unveil winners in other categories. Next up, we'll be spotlighting the exceptional performers in the Best Barefoot Trail Shoe category. Don't miss out on discovering the shoes that are redefining trail running.
A huge shoutout and gratitude to the brands that have made the Golden Toe Awards even more special with their contributions to our epic giveaway: Barebarics, Be Lenka, Cool East Market, Deliberate Life Designs, Earthing Moccasins, Feelgrounds, Freet, Fullsoul Runningpad, Geniale Sandals, Iguaneye, Kyrgies, PaperKrane, Shapen Barefoot, The Last Shoe Maker, Tomar Creation, Xero Shoes, and Zlatush.
Let's continue to make our community a thriving hub for the best in footwear.
See The Winners Of Other Categories
🏃 Best Barefoot Road Running Shoe ->
🏔️ Best Barefoot Trail Shoe ->
🥾 Best Barefoot Hiking Boots ->
🥶 Best Winter Barefoot Shoe/Boot ->
🏋️ Best Gym/Training Barefoot Shoe ->