How can you choose the best barefoot vegan road running shoes if there are so many models and brands to choose from? If you’re an avid vegan who likes to practice barefoot running, these are your best options in terms of performance, style, price, and durability. Plus, they’re all completely cruelty-free and they’re also suitable for regular road running as well as trail running, so they really can help you transition into going completely vegan while also enjoying the benefits of barefoot exercise!
1) Inov-8 Men's F-Lite 235 V2
The F-Lite 235 is a popular choice for female runners looking to maximize speed. It’s lightweight, flexible and boasts a zero drop. If you're looking to get into barefoot running, Inov-8's starter minimalist shoe is a great place to start because it allows you to feel like you're not wearing shoes at all! It has a high-traction outsole that grips in wet or dry conditions so you don't slip, even if it rains mid run.
2) Nike Air Zoom Wildhorse 4
First released in 2017, these great-looking women’s running shoes are a must-have if you’re looking to build your collection of barefoot-vegan road running shoes. It comes with an air-sole and is built from synthetic leather and mesh materials. The lacing system is laser engineered which adds to its stability. It weighs about 4.6 ounces (size 6). By far, it has more positive reviews on Amazon than any other shoe I researched for my list.
There are several platforms which are helpful to get these type of informations free, and you could always visit Happy Barefoot for genuine reviews.
3) Earth Runner Bare Flex Boot
These barefoot vegan road running shoes are made by a company with a mission: to make an Earth-friendly, zero waste and cruelty-free footwear. The Earth Runner Bares Flex Boot is an ultra-flexible shoe made with only non-toxic and vegan materials. They weigh about 5 ounces and provide great ground feel—it almost feels like you are running barefoot. And they have a cool look that’s pretty stylish, too!
4) Saucony Freedom ISO 2
The Saucony Freedom ISO 2 is our top pick because it is an all-around great choice for women runners looking to maximize their speed and efficiency. This running shoe offers excellent stability, cushioning, and traction thanks to its well-balanced midsole design. The outsole features multi-directional lugs that grip well on a variety of surfaces, so you can easily run on paved roads, dirt trails, and more.
5) Nike Free RN Distance IV
The Nike Free RN Distance IV running shoe is a great vegan shoe for road running and races. It’s lightweight, cushioned and offers support and stability. The four-way stretch mesh upper with synthetic overlays keeps your foot cool while a foam outsole with improved traction and flexibility keeps you on track. Price: $90-$110 (depending on retailer)
6) On CloudRunner Neutral
These women’s neutral running shoes are great for beginning barefoot runners or anyone looking to try out a minimal, zero-drop shoe. They’re also vegan, environmentally friendly and free of synthetic materials. These shoes have been made by a veteran in women’s neutral running shoes — and their quality is unparalleled among other brands. There’s nothing not to love about these: quality, comfort, durability and value all rolled into one! And did we mention they come in eight colors?
7) Hoka One One Challenger ATR 3
The One One Challenger ATR 3 from Hoka One One is a good option if you are looking for a lightweight yet durable women’s road running shoe that is also affordable. It has enough cushioning and flexibility to help avoid injuries but can still give you that minimalist feel so often associated with barefoot running. The shoe will not weigh you down with each step as it has one of the lightest footprints in its category – weighing only 6.9 ounces.
8) Brooks PureFlow 7
If you want a barefoot shoe but don’t want to be restricted by what models are out there, then consider these women’s Brooks PureFlow 7 running shoes. They are built with soft and durable materials, making them great for longer runs. They are not as high-performance as other models on our list, but they will keep your feet protected from impact shock with every step. The outsole also has special grooves that allow air to flow in and out freely.