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Our Origin Story

Barefoot Travel was born out of a passion for exploration and a desire to make wanderlust accessible to everyone. Our founder, an avid traveler, found solace in the shores of Hawaii, the rich tapestry of European culture, and the tranquil beauty of the Pacific islands. However, navigating the intricacies of planning, finding the right information, and crafting memorable experiences proved challenging. Recognizing the need for a trusted, knowledgeable travel partner, Barefoot Travel was envisioned as a bridge between dreams and destinations.

Our Philosophy

"Travel Beyond the Ordinary." That's our mantra at Barefoot Travel. We believe that travel is not just about visiting a place, but immersing oneself in its essence. Every location has its soul, its stories, and its secrets. Our mission is to unlock these for our clients, offering them more than just a trip, but a journey of a lifetime. We approach travel with a blend of meticulous planning and spontaneity, ensuring that each adventure is unique, personalized, and leaves an indelible mark on the heart.

Why Choose Barefoot Travel

In an era where information is abundant but often overwhelming, Barefoot Travel stands as a beacon of clarity and expertise. Our team consists of seasoned travelers, local experts, and passionate wanderers, each bringing their insights and experiences to the table. We prioritize authentic experiences over touristy clichés, handpicking each recommendation based on its quality, uniqueness, and alignment with our clients' aspirations. By choosing Barefoot Travel, you're not just opting for a service, but a partner who's as invested in your journey as you are.

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Women in Wine: Jennifer Wall, Barefoot Winemaker

Jennifer Wall is a native Californian, mother of three and one of the world’s most-awarded winemakers. She’s been with Barefoot for over 20 years, and crafts what just be might America’s most recognized wine label (I know it’s certainly one that I see everywhere!) Over the years, Jen has gone from crafting just four wines to more than 30 for Barefoot’s growing collection. Whether she’s working on Barefoot Bubbly or Barefoot Refresh, putting the finishing touches on her latest red blend for Barefoot Cellars or coming up with ideas for new wines like Barefoot Fusion, Jen draws on her innate curiosity and creativity to help keep things interesting . Check out what she has to say about winemaking below!

To get us started, I’d love if you could tell us a little about yourself – what do you do, where you work, any other details you’d like to share? 

I’ve been the Winemaker for Barefoot Wines since 1995. My goal is to make fun, food-friendly wines that people can afford to enjoy on an everyday basis. I am relentlessly dedicated to spreading the Barefoot message. Our motto at Barefoot is, “Let’s Get Barefoot!” We have a fun, colorful look and feel and our memorable icon reminds consumers that you don’t have to wait for a special occasion to open a bottle of Barefoot.

What attracted you to the wine business initially? How did you get started as a winemaker? 

I grew up in California’s great Central Valley, which is very focused on agriculture and farming. I earned a degree in Biology from the University of California at Santa Cruz, which I followed with a winemaking harvest internship in Sonoma County. I discovered that winemaking was truly my inspiration and what I wanted to do. I took enology classes at night and got real-world, practical knowledge by working in wine cellars and enology labs. When I joined Barefoot in 1995, I found the perfect place to make varietally correct, fruit-forward wines that everyone can enjoy.  

Can you tell us more about what it’s like to be a winemaker? What does a typical day in your life look like? 

It’s hard to say if I really have a typical day, because every day brings something different and new. As a winemaker, there’s a lot of planning, tasting and blending that goes into the finished wines. You get out to the vineyards and see how the grapes are coming along on the vine. I also love to get out to different cities and regions to meet our distributor partners and retailers who sell Barefoot. I also love meeting our foot fans~ those people who enjoy drinking Barefoot. One of my favorite things to do is to pair Barefoot wines with food, it’s like putting the pieces of a puzzle together every time we work with a new chef. Each day brings news adventures and opportunities to get Barefoot and have a good time. 

You participate in Barefoot’s longstanding commitment to “local love” with charities across the country. Could you tell us more about this? 

Philanthropy is at the core of what Barefoot is all about. We’ve been putting the “fun” in fundraising for more than 25 years, partnering with and supporting a wide variety of community charities across the U.S. 

Essentially, we want to make the world a better, more inclusive place where people are celebrated for being exactly who they are. That’s why we’ve supported the LGBTQ+ community since 1988 and why we continue the commitment by bringing our Barefoot Rainbow Route lounge to Pride events across the country every year. 

We want all our Barefoot consumers to be able express themselves, freely, authentically and unapologetically. With our Project Purple Light, we are spotlighting our multicultural fans and giving them the space to celebrate who they are. Our first Project Purple Light focused on Black Women as Art, crowd sourcing their photos and videos for a live and digital art gallery. 

Barefoot has also collaborated with AdoptAPet.com for pet adoption drives, because our furry friends are equally important to us. 

I personally get out and pour my wines at many local events such as Catwalk for the Cure, Bingo for a Cause, and so many more! 

What is one piece of advice you could tell your younger self or for other women wanting to get into the wine business? 

Don’t wait! Jump in, feet first. There’s more than enough room for women in the wine business. Also, speak up and speak your truth. People will listen when you work hard, are passionate and care. 

What’s your go-to wine at the moment?

One of the most wonderful things about Barefoot is that we have a large portfolio of still and sparkling wines, spritzers and seltzers. I like to say that we have something for everyone! 

Right now, I’m very excited about the newest member of the family, the recently launched Barefoot Hard Seltzer cans. These Hard Seltzers are refreshing, wine-based seltzers made with natural flavor blends, like peach & nectarine or cherry & cranberry.

At home, I always have a bottle of Bubbly in the refrigerator in case someone stops by or if there is something to celebrate- for example if American Idol or The Masked Singer is on! 

As we inch toward spring, I love to pair Barefoot Chardonnay and our other still wines with locally grown vegetables and homecooked meals. 

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Traveling with People I Want to Punch in the Throat: Barefoot Passengers, Armrest Hoggers, and Other Traveling Troublemakers Paperback – December 30, 2020

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• Part of series People I Want to Punch in the Throat
• Print length 212 pages
• Language English
• Publication date December 30, 2020
• Dimensions 5 x 0.48 x 8 inches
• ISBN-10 1944123180
• ISBN-13 978-1944123185
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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ PIWTPITT.com (December 30, 2020)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 212 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1944123180
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1944123185
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8.5 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 0.48 x 8 inches
• #1,270 in Humor Essays (Books)
• #1,885 in Travelogues & Travel Essays

About the author

Jen Mann is the hilarious New York Times best-selling author of People I Want to Punch in the Throat: Competitive Crafters, Drop-Off Despots, and Other Suburban Scourges, as well as many other collections of hilarious stories. Her books are inspired by her immensely popular blog People I Want to Punch in the Throat. Her viral blog posts inspire many of her books, including Midlife Bites: Anyone Else Falling Apart, Or Is It Just Me? which was nominated for a Goodreads Choice Award.

Jen lives in Kansas with the Hubs and her two children, Gomer and Adolpha - no, those aren't their real names, their real names are actually worse.

Find Jen and join her 1 million + fans: https://linktr.ee/JenMann

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Expert Interview: Jen Stevens on Travel Writing

• by The Barefoot Writer

Europe on $0 a Day

Today, we speak with Jen Stevens, executive editor for expat and travel bible International Living , who can often be found with her toes in the sand and fingers on the laptop as a travel writer.

Jen explains the reality of working as travel writer, what editors are looking for these days, and how to get started. It can be a hard niche to break into… unless you have someone on the inside like Jen helping you out.

The Barefoot Writer: Hi, Jen. Great to talk to you. Let me get right into it.

So … many of our readers love to travel. And travel writing has always just seemed like the most romantic job in the world. But the truth can sometimes be totally unglamorous – like when a famous celebrity is shown without makeup and Photoshop.

TBW: So is travel writing all it’s cracked up to be?

Jennifer Stevens : You know, it really is romantic.

I’ve been all over the world and I have gotten to lots of those destinations for free. Plus, you really experience a place in a different way as a travel writer. You have this excuse to ask questions, meet people, and to get yourself into places you wouldn’t necessarily get into as a tourist.

TBW: I’m intrigued. Give me an example of a trip you were able to take as a travel writer.

JS : A few years ago, I took the family to Roatan, Honduras, an island in the Caribbean. The first week, I ran around a little bit, interviewed a few people, got to tour some amazing houses to gather details for some of the pieces I would write. But it wasn’t exactly hard labor. I ended each afternoon on the beach, cocktail in hand.

The second week was all family time – sandcastles, snorkeling. We ate lots of lobster and fresh fish.

And I made enough selling my stories to cover our airfare and most of our stay. I think in the end we were around $300 out of pocket. Not bad for a two-week family vacation on a Caribbean beach.

JS : We had a great time. And essentially we spent two weeks on this gorgeous swath of white sand beach for what lots of folks would pay for a day at Disneyland.

TBW: So what exactly do travel writing assign- ments look like? Are there different types of “work? Are you writing mainly articles? Short? Long?

“The faster you “look” like a pro, the better. And the easiest way to do it is with these short pieces.”

JS: In the old days, there was a bigger market for longer, more “literary” articles. But readers’ attention spans are shorter today. And magazines, with fewer ads, have fewer corresponding editorial pages. As a result, editors are more often looking for short-and-sweet pieces. That’s the best way to break in. Start small.

These short pieces are actually very easy to write once you understand the trick. You can’t describe Paris in a paragraph and a half, of course. So in- stead, you narrow your scope. Write about a great little restaurant you found in the first arrondissement or recommend a specific tour you took. It can be just 200-500 words. A few paragraphs. That’ll be much easier to sell than a longer piece. And, as it happens, easier to write, too.

TBW: Okay. Short nuggets. Got it. But don’t you get less money for short articles?

JS : Well, that depends. First, consider that these short-and-sweet pieces can be fun to write. And they’re a lot faster to write than a long, narrative story is. So you can write more of them – and have more to sell, then – faster.

I think it’s important – especially when you’re just starting out – to get a few “clips” or sample articles under your belt. That’s how you build your credibility and set yourself up for the great perks travel writers can enjoy. The faster you “look” like a pro, the better. And the easiest way to do it is with these short pieces. Plus … you get a real feeling of accomplishment when a published article has your name on it.

TBW: So what about the money?

JS : The pay for travel articles varies widely. A short piece might earn you $75 or $100. That’s not a lot. But then again, it might take you just half an hour to write.

And remember, some of the compensation with travel writing comes not in the cash you earn, but in the perks you can enjoy.

Now, having said that, sometimes travel writing can pay very well – up to $1 a word or even more. To give you an example, I’ve done several stories for an airline magazine. One of them – a short piece of 6 paragraphs (304 words) about a day trip readers could take up into the mountains from Colorado Springs – paid me $300. But then I sold the editor photos to go with it. (My husband takes great pictures.) She was so pleased with the “package” that she paid an additional $800 for the photos and laid the piece out on a beautiful two-page spread. So we earned a total of $1,100 on that. A piece I wrote in under an hour about a hike we took with our kids one weekend.

TBW: That does sound pretty good.

JS : Travel writing is about lifestyle. If I can sell enough to cover the cost of a trip, or even just cover maybe the cost of my airfare, then that’s a pretty good deal as far as I’m concerned.

TBW: And now … let’s talk about those perks you mentioned. What can you get?

JS : Let me give you some examples.

One woman who has taken my travel writing course, Sandra Kennedy, has seen her articles published in magazines around the world. She was invited to try out a beach resort in Mexico for free. And she spent about a month in Ecuador, traveling around. The whole thing was covered.

Another gentleman who took my course, Roy Stevenson, has had more than 550 articles published in over 160 different magazines, newspapers, and online publications. He’s a real pro today. And he’s expert at parlaying that status into amazing perks. This month, he’s taking a two-week, self- guided “press trip” to southeast Alaska, and in June he took a free, four-day wine cruise through the San Juan Islands on a schooner. He’s stayed at dozens of plush resorts, boutique hotels, and B&Bs around the U.S and visited dozens of fascinating museums and castles around the world … all of it on the house.

TBW: I love it. But how does it work?

JS : Here’s the thing: an organization, a hotel, a tour operator, airline, anybody … they can take out an ad and hope that people will respond and use their services.

But another thing they can do is hope to get good press. If Conde Nast Traveler mentions this little hotel, you as a reader might say, “Hey, this place sounds great. I should go there.” There’s a certain credibility that comes with somebody’s recommendation.

And so the hotels, airlines, resorts, tourist boards, and even, sometimes, the economic-development arms in countries will invite writers to come and experience a place for free in hopes that they’ll write about it.

For example, a few years back, when we were hosting our annual travel writer workshop in New York, one of our attendees went out to a museum during the lunch break. At the workshop that morning, we had just talked about getting perks.

So she was at this museum and got a VIP tour for free. She came back and said, “Sorry I’m late, but what you said totally works. I just went and did it.”

She lives in New York. And now she is on that museum’s press list. So every time they have a new opening or some cool thing is going on at the museum, she gets invited to come for free.

TBW: That’s awesome. It’s almost like you’re a celebrity. So we’ve talked about the fun stuff. But what are the chances of getting hired? How much demand is there really for travel writing?

JS: There is actually a great demand for travel writers who understand what editors are looking for. It’s important to spend some time looking at specific publications to get a concrete sense for what you might be able to write for a certain section or department.

TBW: What else?

JS : When I started in this business, we didn’t have the Internet. Today, you’ve got print magazines and newspapers, but you also have websites that correspond with those print publications. And they’re posting tons of content online. Plus, there are many publications that are online only. They are all looking for content. And when you can produce that content, not only can you get paid, but it’s also your ticket to the free stuff.

TBW: Okay, so how does a newbie – someone with no experience or portfolio – break into the industry?

JS : First off, you don’t have to travel to be a travel writer. And it’s actually a really good way to get started, writing about places you know close to home.

TBW: I’m confused. You don’t have travel to be a travel writer?

JS : Right. A lot of publications like to have someone local write about a place because they figure you’re going to know things that the average person passing through might not. And that’s true. You know where you go to have dinner, and you know those little insider, neighborhoody places that aren’t necessarily on the tourists’ strip, and so you can really capitalize on that.

You go out, bring a camera, snap a few pictures, write up a little blurb, sell it, and now all of a sudden, you’ve got an article. You didn’t have to put any money out to do it. You get some practice. And you start gathering those “clips,” as I said before, which give you the credibility you need to land those great perks.

TBW: Okay, good. So once I have a list of publications and websites I want to write for, how do I get their attention?

JS : First, follow the writer’s guidelines. These are usually posted on a publication’s website. They will tell you exactly what the editors are looking for as far as submissions go – what they want to see and how they want to see it, and where and how you should send in your article idea. (HINT: Do exactly what they say. You would be shocked, shocked and horrified, at how few writers actually pay attention to the writer’s guidelines.)

If you do nothing but follow the directions, you’ll put your story in the top 50 percent of what editors are getting in the door.

TBW: So you’ve gotten a foot in the door. How do you make sure your piece gets picked?

JS : To get editors to pay attention to your material, make sure that you have an idea that is very specific. Like I said, they are not interested in your article about Paris. But they would love to hear about the best crepe place in the first arrondissement . That, you can sell. Narrow scope, specific idea, geared directly at a publication’s readership. That’s the key.

TBW: Got it. Any last words?

JS : If you’re looking for a way to fund your travels … get VIP treatment wherever you go … take more and better vacations than you could ever normally justify, then put travel writing into your bag of tricks.

It’s fun. You don’t need any special qualifications beyond a willingness to be opinionated and an interest in seeing new places and meeting new people.

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Celebrating One Year of Adventure: The Barefoot Travel Trailer

The Barefoot joined the nuCamp family in December of 2022, debuting in the captivating color seaglass. To celebrate its first anniversary, nuCamp unveiled a brand-new dazzling addition to its palette — pearl pink.

The new color was revealed for the first time at the Florida RV SuperShow in January. To further commemorate the one-year milestone, nuCamp invited Cathy Chamberlain and Ben Matthews, the original minds behind this unique travel trailer, to join their team in Florida. Cathy and Ben met with news outlets and shared the vision behind the Barefoot and the story of its creation.

Creating the Barefoot

The Barefoot is the brainchild of Cathy Chamberlain, who hails from the United Kingdom. Cathy is an outdoors enthusiast and loves camping along the coast and at music festivals. Ten years ago, a particularly wet weekend tent camping was the catalyst that prompted her to start thinking of transitioning to RV camping.

“I just couldn’t find something that I liked,” Cathy explained. “I wanted something that had all the home comforts that I’d just feel comfortable in and proud to own and use. I had the random idea that I would design and build one myself.”

Cathy envisioned a curved camper and knew fiberglass would be the perfect medium to bring her vision to life. After talking with several fiberglass companies, Cathy connected with Ben, who specialized in fiberglass sidecars and motorcycles.

“We never dreamed of making a caravan,” Ben shared. “It’s just not what we do. … We liked the idea, and we thought, ‘why not?’”

Cathy and Ben debuted the first Barefoot at a small RV show in the UK. With its unique shape and design, Cathy said she was terrified it wouldn’t be received well. However, it was evident they had struck a chord within the market.

“When you create something brand new and unique, you just don’t know, do you,” Cathy said. “It became very clear very quickly that it evoked a lot of interest and demand and lovely comments in the UK and overseas as well.”

Partnering with nuCamp

The Barefoot gained traction and interest after being featured on BBC World News. nuCamp entered the scene after a mutual connection, Bruce Bannister, started the dialogue between the companies. Cathy and Ben brought one of their models to Salt Lake City for nuCamp representatives and dealers to view and gauge market reaction.

After receiving positive feedback and interest, Barefoot Caravans and nuCamp established their partnership.

“It’s like a dream come true,” Cathy said. “When you create something from scratch and then suddenly, you’re taking it to America — It’s a really unusual thing to happen. Lots of things come from America to the UK and the rest of the world, but for it to go the other way is quite unusual.”

With the rising interest in American RVers, finding a partner in the US made the most sense, Ben explained. Shipping a caravan overseas wasn’t cost-effective or timely. He added they have found nuCamp to be an excellent partner.

The first step to bringing the Barefoot to the North American market was Americanizing the shell and layout of the camper. Driving lanes are opposite in the UK, so the door was moved to the passenger side, and the interior layout was mirrored to fit the new door position. Other changes were made to match the American RV market, including adding air conditioning and ensuring everything met federal regulations.

Ben said figuring out the new layout was the most challenging part of bringing the Barefoot to the US, especially when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in the midst of design and engineering.

“What they’ve produced is absolutely fantastic,” Ben said of the completed US Barefoot Travel Trailer. “The quality is amazing,” Cathy added with a smile. “We’re really happy with it.”

Looking ahead

nuCamp CEO Scott Hubble said it’s hard to believe it’s been more than four years since the decision was made to partner with Barefoot Caravans.

Throughout those four years, nuCamp has found Barefoot Caravans to be a strong partner who shares the company’s core values.

“When we discovered that Cathy and Ben shared the same passion for creating exceptional outdoor experiences, we knew this was a partnership that was meant to happen,” Scott recalled. “Cathy and Ben are not only amazing partners, but people as well. Their kindness, creativity, understanding, and support has been instrumental in propelling the success of the Barefoot.”

It was a long and challenging journey to bring the Barefoot to North America as nuCamp navigated challenges brought on by the pandemic, including supply chain shortages.

Since production began one year ago, the Barefoot has created a massive buzz at RV shows and across social media platforms, Scott commented. Several Barefoot TikToks have gone viral, generating more than 2 million views.

Like its predecessor, the pearl pink Barefoot received positive feedback at the Florida RV SuperShow. This color variation features a cream-colored interior with a light, minimalist design, giving the trailer a sophisticated and elegant feel.

The pearl pink Barefoot is now available on dealer lots alongside the original seaglass. With its retro graphic and chic curvy fiberglass shell, the Barefoot is destined to steal the spotlight at any campground.

“The Barefoot has captivated enthusiasts with its distinctive design, creative use of space, and high-quality construction,” Scott said. “We continue to receive amazing feedback on the Barefoot, which drives our commitment to elevating the product to even greater heights in 2024.”

One response to “ Celebrating One Year of Adventure: The Barefoot Travel Trailer ”

Nice caravan ❤️

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A few years ago, it seemed like every big shoe company had some version of a "barefoot shoe," most of which have long gone the way of the dodo. Look down at the starting line of any given race today, and you'll see as many beefy, cushioned cruisers as ever. But a handful of stalwart companies are still making low-profile footwear that allows you to feel the earth beneath your feet and respond to it, rather than protecting you from it. And every day, someone new puts a pair on and experiences a lasting "aha" moment.

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• Best Overall Barefoot Shoes: Xero Shoes 360 - Men | Xero Shoes 360 - Women
• Best Barefoot Gym Shoes: Inov8 Bare XF 210 V3 - Men | Inov8 Bare XF 210 V3 - Women
• Best Barefoot Hiking Shoes: Xero Shoes Scrambler Mid - Men   | Xero Shoes Scrambler Mid - Women
• Best Barefoot Trail Shoes: Vivobarefoot Primus Trail Weather - Men | Vivobarefoot Primus Trail Weather - Women
• Best Slip-On Barefoot Shoes: Vivobarefoot Opanka Leather Shoes - Men | Vivobarefoot Opanka Leather Shoes - Women
• Best Budget Barefoot Shoes: Merrell Vapor Glove 5 - Men | Merrell Vapor Glove 5 - Women
• Best Barefoot Running Shoes: Altra Superior 5 - Men | Altra Superior 5 - Women
• Best Casual Barefoot Shoes: Astral Loyak - Men | Astral Loyak - Women
• Best Barefoot Water Shoes: Astral Brewer Boat Shoe - Men | Astral Brewess Boat Shoe - Women
• Best Barefoot Shoes for Walking: Altra Solstice - Men | Altra Solstice - Women

Of course, what constitutes the best barefoot shoe can be quite personal, and quite specific to your favorite activities. If you're a diehard lifter, for instance, the  best hiking shoes  or  hiking boots  won't do much for your workouts. So for this guide, here's the arbitrary line of what "barefoot" means:

• "Zero-drop," meaning the heel isn't elevated above the forefoot
• Minimal cushioning underfoot and a "stack height" (measurement from ground to foot) of no more than 25 millimeters, and preferably far less
• Foot-shaped design with a relatively wide toe-box

Sure, it's possible that none of these choices are the perfect fit for your perfect Cinderella foot. But they're the ones that are likely to check the greatest number of boxes for the greatest number of people. Slip one on and see what all the fuss is about!

Why Trust Us?

ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.

Best Overall Barefoot Shoes - Xero Shoes 360

• Weight: 9.2 oz. (M9)
• Stack height: 8mm
• Materials: Rubber sole, mesh upper with rubber grip ribs

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At first glance, the 360 from Colorado-based Xero Shoes can pass for a pair of old-school cross-trainers. But this is a modern, well-designed shoe with care put into every detail. It's flat and foot-shaped, but with a fantastic grip on the soles and reinforced sides for lateral stability. Unlike early barefoot offerings that were well-designed but destined to fall apart quickly, the 360 is tough enough to stand up to all-around, full-throttle living.

This could be your favorite gym shoe right out of the box, but it's equally at home for daily wear, walking, and all manner of sports. It might be just the shoe to convince you that barefoot shoes are, in fact, real shoes —and ones that are really worth wearing day in and day out.

What We Like

• Serious grip and athletic sole pattern
• Enhanced lateral stability
• Great for a wide range of activities and sports
• Not as likely to earn you "clown shoe" comments as some

What We Don't Like

• Tend to be squeaky
• Beginners might find it too much, too soon

BUY: Xero Shoes 360 - Men

BUY: Xero Shoes 360 - Women

Best Barefoot Gym Shoes - Inov-8 Bare XF 210

• Weight: 7.4 oz.
• Stack height: 4.5mm
• Materials: Rubber outsole, mesh upper

United Kingdom-based Inov-8 has long been a favorite of CrossFitters and other gym-based hard-training types, in addition to making tough-as-nails trail shoes. The Bare XF is their minimal training shoe that equally complements heavy lifting, sprints, and everything in between. It's light and flexible enough to feel like an extension of your lower body, but with sticky outsoles and lateral stability to enhance strength, balance, and body awareness when moving fast in three dimensions.

• Very light and breathable
• Great for deadlifts
• Toe and side reinforcement for rope climbs
• Very thin sole: 4.5mm
• Too narrow for some feet
• Insole can be a slippery bugger

BUY: Inov8 Bare XF 210 V3 - Men

BUY: Inov8 Bare XF 210 V3 - Women

Best Barefoot Hiking Shoes - Xero Shoes Scrambler Mid

• Weight:  11.3 oz. (M9)
• Stack height:  7 mm
• Materials: Michelin Fiber Lite® sole, TrailFoam™, mesh upper, two-layer toe cap, welded sidewalls

For this new ultra-light hiking boot, Xero Shoes collaborated with Michelin on the soles, and the tire manufacturer's influence is immediately noticeable.  We tested the Scrambler Mid for days in the back country and can tell you that theyvare grippier and toothier than any "barefoot shoes" I've worn on both wet and dry dirt and rock, with a nearly perfect balance of just enough protection and flexibility.  At just 11.3 oz. for men's size 9, the Scrambler Mid  comes in at about half the weight of most hiking boots, and lighter than some company's running shoes.  This is a shoe that has the chance to change your idea of what mountain travel feels like forever.

After 4 days on rock, root, water, and mud covered trails, my feet remained dry and blister-free.  With a 50 lb. pack on my back, I anticipated foot fatigue as I'm more accustomed to non-barefoot hiking boots with much thicker stacks.  But I found that the thin but tough soles actually massaged my feet as I walked over rough terrain.  The uppers were so breathable which kept sweat in check.  But this also wasn't great the few times my feet dipped into water above the waterproof side walls and toe cap as the liner is only "moisture wicking."  Water quickly soaked into my hiking socks.  So if you're looking for a waterproof barefoot hiking shoe, this may not be the pick for you.  

• Great for ultralight backpacking and camping
• Super comfortable
• Easy to pull on and off even with thick hiking socks
• No waterproof option
• Insoles can shift

BUY: Xero Shoes Scrambler Mid - Men

BUY: Xero Shoes Scrambler Mid - Women

Best Barefoot Trail Shoes - Vivobarefoot Primus Trail

• Weight: 8.2 oz. (M9)
• Materials: Recycled rubber outsole, mesh textile upper

United Kingdom-based Vivobarefoot was one of the first companies to lean fully into barefoot shoes, and they continue to make innovative models for outdoor sports and hiking. The latest iteration of the Primus Trail line combines a tough-lugged outsole (which is also great for golf, FYI) with a lightweight, form-fitting upper and a focus on sustainable and vegan materials.

My children, who have worn several Vivobarefoot models, call them "ninja shoes." That captures their appeal perfectly. Even if you're not a badass on the trails, you feel ready to be one.

• Well-constructed, with a tough and toothy sole
• Comes in mesh and all-weather varieties, as well as a kids version
• Also comes in fitness and casual wear Primus Lite
• Stitching and uppers aren't always as durable as the soles
• Many different models can be confusing

BUY: Vivobarefoot Primus Trail Weather - Men

BUY: Vivobarefoot Primus Trail Weather - Women

Best Slip-On Barefoot Shoes - Vivobarefoot Opanka

• Weight: Unlisted
• Stack height: 7mm
• Materials: Rubber outsole, Portuguese leather upper

Every barefoot aficionado has their own little black book of shoes they've loved and lost. I pine for a certain pair of brown leather Vivobarefoot slip-ons from the aughts, but the company's newer casual offerings, like the handmade leather Opanka, hit the same sweet spot of comfort while being formal enough for meetings/weddings/cocktail bars with dress codes.

Yeah, there's a time and a place for laces. But once you know the simple pleasure of a pair of slip-ons like these, they have a way of simply ending up on your feet.

• No lacing, no tying
• Perfect to slip into, Mr. Rogers-esque, at end of day
• As light and flexible as it gets
• Big price for a tiny speck of a shoe
• Men's color options have "old man in socks and shorts" vibe

BUY: Vivobarefoot Opanka Leather Shoes - Men

BUY: Vivobarefoot Opanka Leather Shoes - Women

Best Budget Barefoot Shoes - Merrell Vapor Glove 5

• Weight: 10 oz.
• Stack height: 6.5mm
• Materials: Vibram ecostep rubber, mesh and polyurethane upper

While well-known for burly hiking boots, Merrell was also an early barefoot adopter and has continued to iterate on its popular Vapor Glove and Trail Glove lines. The Vapor Glove 5 is the best so far, with more durable upper materials, improved sole texture, and less of a floppy feel than previous models.

Sizing can be a struggle with Merrells, and some never found a goldilocks pair for their feet. But just as many slip into a pair of Gloves and never look back.

• Glove-like fit with excellent grip
• Unobtrusive design and color scheme
• Half the price of many barefoot shoes
• Sizing between generations inconsistent
• On the narrow and snug side

BUY: Merrell Vapor Glove 5 - Men

BUY: Merrell Vapor Glove 5 - Women

Best Barefoot Running Shoes - Altra Superior 5

• Weight: 8.8 oz. (M9)
• Stack height: 21 mm
• Materials: Rubber sole, mesh upper, removable polyurethane rock plate

Altra makes a wide variety of foot-shaped, flat-soled footwear, including a few models with serious padding. The Superior is among their most minimal offerings, a lightweight trail running shoe that works just as well as a road running shoe, comfy everyday kicks, and a first barefoot shoe.

Altra maintains one of the most devoted followings in the minimalist market, but for years, their durability was questionable. Their newer models are up to the challenge of putting in serious miles.

• Hits a "barefoot-esque but still shoe-like" sweet spot
• Posh and silky upper, always in cool colors
• More durable than previous models
• As light as more minimal shoes
• Too cushioned for some, not enough for others
• Sizing with Altras is rarely easy

BUY: Altra Superior 5 - Men

BUY: Altra Superior 5 - Women

Best Casual Barefoot Shoes - Astral Loyak

• Weight: 7.5 oz. (M9)
• Stack height: 11 mm
• Materials: Siped G.15 rubber outsole, hydrophobic canvas upper, stretch mesh tongue

North Carolina-based Astral Designs was initially more of a specialist in kayaking and watersports, but has expanded in recent years into hiking and lifestyle gear. The canvas Loyak owes some of its style and functionality (drainage holes, moisture-resistance grip) to the water, but it's also tough to beat as a stylish do-everything shoe.

Maybe because these have their roots on river trips, they are also surprisingly tough and long-lasting, especially considering how light and flexible they are. In a pinch, you could also go for a run and/or lift in them (within reason).

• Grip is strong in dry and wet conditions
• Seriously light and flexible
• Can be a water or boat shoe if needed
• Not as wide as some barefoot options
• Sizing can be tricky

BUY: Astral Loyak - Men

BUY: Astral Loyak - Women

Best Barefoot Water Shoes - Astral Brewer

• Weight: 9.3 oz.
• Stack height: 17 mm

The Brewer and Brewess are Astral's river-rat-revered, award-winning water shoes for men and women. Sure, you can wear them in your landlubber life, but where they really shine is on wet rock, walking across riverbeds, or in mixed terrain where you need quick drainage.

They're tough enough to last multiple seasons, but more importantly, are also soft enough to make blisters and hotspots things of the past. This is a well-designed tool for specific conditions, and also for enjoying a beer after you pull into port.

• Crazy grip on wet rocks
• Drain like a champ
• Tough and durable overall, but gentle on skin
• Can get seriously stinky
• For some of us, the only water shoes are sandals

BUY: Astral Brewer Boat Shoe - Men

BUY: Astral Brewess Boat Shoe - Women

Best Barefoot Shoes for Walking - Altra Solstice XT2

• Weight: 8.4 oz.
• Stack height: 23mm

Any barefoot shoe can be a great walking shoe, but the Altra Solstice is a particularly solid fit for someone who prioritizes walking as their primary form of fitness or commuting. It's also a likely fit for nurses, food service staff, and anyone who puts in long hours on their feet. The traction is as good as any shoe out there, the upper is luxurious and form-fitting, and the feeling of the "cushioning" underfoot is firm, but still substantial enough that it will bear the brunt rather than your tootsies having to.

• Great for high-impact or racquet sports
• Upper fits foot well for lateral stability
• Up to the challenge of long days on feet
• Not the most stylish appearance
• Burlier and thicker than other "barefoot" options

BUY: Altra Solstice - Men

BUY: Altra Solstice - Women

What to Look for in Barefoot Shoes

The most important priority to keep in mind is that a barefoot shoe feels like it fits your foot. Nobody else's! Online barefoot pundits tend to talk in hyperbole, but ultimately, this is about feeling good, helping you do the things you love, and building up your body's weak links.

Ask questions, try on multiple models and sizes, and keep an exploratory state of mind. Five years from now, you might be wearing a very different barefoot shoe than your first one. That's OK!

Sizing between brands in barefoot shoes can be inconsistent. Luckily, online comments usually give insight into how a particular model "runs." Try on models in person if you can, and don't be afraid to utilize a company's return policy!

Time spent obsessing over shoe weight is usually wasted time. All of the models in our guide are lightweight enough that they'll feel like nothing at all compared to a traditional hiking boot or shoe. That said, descriptors like "barefoot" and "minimalist" might make you think that lighter is always better, but that's not the case. When you're starting out, don't be afraid to go with something a little tougher, like a hiking model.

If you plan on wearing your barefoot shoes without socks or in hot weather, it’s worth prioritizing a breathable upper made of mesh or a similar material. Looking for winter warmth? Something lined and waterproof, like the  Xero Shoes Alpine boot, is a better choice.

Barefoot shoes come in a wide range of sole styles, from thin, flat rubber for casual wear to deep-lugged hiking treads. Pick a sole that matches up with the activity you'll be using the shoes for most, and read all the buyer comments and reviews you can to see which shoes last!

FAQs About Barefoot Shoes

Are barefoot shoes good for everyday use.

Everyday casual use is probably the best way to wear barefoot shoes! This will help you to build up neglected muscles and proprioception (body awareness) in your feet and lower legs. When you wear a sport-specific shoe like basketball sneakers, climbing shoes, or heel-elevated shoes for squatting, you'll still experience benefits from all the hours you spent in your minimalists!

How often should I wear barefoot shoes?

When you're just starting out wearing barefoot shoes, wearing them all the time might make for sore calves and feet as you build up the neglected muscles in your lower legs. For this reason, many experts recommend wearing them for no more than a few hours a day at first. But the benefits of barefoot are incremental and will compound over time, so aim to increase your exposure. With time, you can build up to wearing them all day long.

How tight should barefoot shoes be?

You don't want to feel like you're swimming in a pair of barefoot shoes—especially if you're going to do a lot of walking or exercising in them. But if you feel crammed into them, they're no better than a traditional so-called "foot coffin." Start with a shoe that's snug and stable across the top of the foot, and wide but not wiiiiide in the toe box. Take the time to find your fit, and don't be afraid to make mistakes.

Should socks be worn with barefoot shoes?

Whether or not you wear socks with barefoot shoes is a personal choice. Some people prefer to have as little as possible between them and the ground. Others find going sockless to be sweaty, uncomfortable, and likely to make shoes prematurely stinky. Try it both ways and see what works for you.

BREAKING: Trump trial kicks off with hearing to determine whether former president violated gag order

Trump's trial may not be the political win he's betting on

A tale of two presidents

The hush money trial of former President Donald Trump kicked off this week with several days of jury selection. We don’t know yet how this proceeding will impact the presidential campaign, and I wouldn’t assume the optics will tilt in Trump’s favor. But if the next several weeks of the trial look anything like this first (and I suspect they will), I think Trump may be in some trouble.

On the one hand, Trump is now going to be cooped up in a Manhattan courtroom for multiple weeks, forced to sit eye-to-eye with the people who will ultimately decide his fate. He was observed seeming to nod off — or at least, close his eyes —  on day one of the trial, and describe the trial as “an assault” on the country outside the courtroom. Will his political base love these unhinged rants? Sure. But will everyone else? I’m skeptical. 

Meanwhile in Washington, America watched President Joe Biden leading an international coalition from the Situation Room as Iranian drones launched an ultimately unsuccessful attack on Israel .  Biden also visited his hometown of Scranton, talked with steelworkers in Pittsburgh, and made a campaign stop in Philadelphia, where he was endorsed by 15 members of the Kennedy family. 

Over the next six weeks, the first criminal trial of a former president will consume a great deal of oxygen. But that split screen may not be the political win the Trump team is betting on.

A story you should be following: Gov. Newsom’s “Right to Travel” campaign

I sat down with California Gov. Gavin Newsom for an exclusive interview breaking down the state of the 2024 presidential race, Trump’s criminal trial and his own efforts to combat threats to abortion access.

Newsom recently launched the “Right to Travel” campaign , which aims to bring awareness to state laws that criminalize anyone who travels to receive an abortion. Newsom is working on new legislation that will help Arizona doctors quickly become authorized to practice reproductive care in California.

As a part of that push, he is launching a new ad on Sunday that will run in Alabama about the impact of a new bill working its way through the state legislature. Alabama state law already bans all abortions, unless the mother’s life is seriously threatened. A new bill introduced in the Alabama House would make it a misdemeanor for someone to aid a minor in accessing an abortion without notifying their parent or guardian. 

Tune in on Sunday at 12 p.m. ET for a first look at the ad, and my full conversation with Governor Newsom.  

Someone you should know : Matthew Colangelo

As we head toward the second week of Trump’s criminal trial in New York, it’s worth paying attention to the New York prosecutors faced with the unprecedented task of trying a case against a former president. 

As senior counsel to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg , Matthew Colangelo is leading the prosecution . Notably, this will not be his first experience investigating Trump. 

Colangelo aided New York Attorney General Letitia James in both the civil inquiry into Trump and the investigation into the Trump Foundation, which led to the charity’s dissolution in 2018. He also previously served as a senior official at the Justice Department. 

He’s also no stranger to the former president’s ire. In a press conference last month , Trump highlighted Colangelo’s prior work with the DOJ in an evidence-free attempt to link Bragg’s investigation to the Biden administration.  

Colangelo’s knowledge into what makes Trump tick makes him an invaluable asset for the Manhattan DA’s seven-person team of prosecutors. He’s certainly someone to keep an eye on.

Gary Grumbach’s weekend routine

NBC Field Producer Gary Grumbach spent this week reporting inside of Trump’s Manhattan courtroom, providing important reporting on jury selection in real time. You can follow Gary on X, @GaryGrumbach. 

What show are you bingeing right now? 

Does former President Trump’s hush money trial count? That’s what I’ll be spending the foreseeable future watching, and reporting on from inside the courthouse for NBC News. 

For fun, I just finished "The Bear," and now I can’t go to restaurants without wondering if that’s how things are really working back there! I do also always love a "West Wing" rewatch. 

What’s the last book you read? 

Alex Trebek’s “The Answer Is.” It was a funny, sentimental memoir filled poignant thoughts and life lessons, written during the final years of the TV icon’s life. 

I also love supporting the books of my fellow NBC colleagues — Ryan Reilly’s “Sedition Hunters” provides a fascinating, deeply reported look at how the FBI found — and the Department of Justice prosecuted — hundreds of Jan. 6 defendants. 

What time do you wake up on the weekends? 

I often fill in for our White House and Capitol Hill teams on the weekends — so if I’m working, I’ll be up to make sure I catch the morning shows and read in on the day’s headlines. If I’m off, still early enough to make sure I can grab a bacon egg and cheese from my favorite neighborhood spot without having to wait in line! 

How do you take your coffee? 

Orange, and in juice form. Who needs caffeine!

Jen Psaki is the host of "Inside with Jen Psaki" airing Sundays at 12 p.m. ET and Mondays at 8 p.m. EST. She is the former White House press secretary for President Joe Biden.