I switched to barefoot shoes when I began weight training. Sometimes, the ugliest shoes are the most comfortable.

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While on maternity leave last year, I decided to learn how to weight lift. Twice a week I would take my son to a parent-baby gym class. He played with his toys, while I picked up a barbell.

One of the most important things I learnt about safe weightlifting is that your feet need to be planted firmly on the ground, as if you're barefoot. So when I asked my local moms' Whatsapp group for the best barefoot shoe recommendations, and the answer was unanimous: Try Vivobarefoot, and you'll never look back.

Training "barefoot" took some getting used to

To me, barefoot shoes conjure up an image of those weird-looking Vibram Five Finger shoes, with individual toes which look like gloves for feet. When my fitness-obsessed friend started wearing them about 15 years ago, I teased him endlessly.

But barefoot shoes have come leaps and bounds since then. The Vivobarefoot Primus Lite IV is light, slimline and actually quite subtle in appearance. My black pair are barely distinguishable from my other sneakers. When I wear them to the gym, I feel light on my feet, and I feel firmly on the ground when I'm lifting a heavy barbell.

My feet are quite wide in the toe box, and I often have to size up in shoes to get a comfortable fit. The great thing about Vivobarefoot is that the toe box is already wide and flat, so I they fit me true-to-size with enough room to spread out my toes.

They can help you strengthen your foot muscles and improve balance

According to a study conducted by Vivobarefoot, people who wore its barefoot shoes for a six month period saw their foot strength improve by 60%. I've definitely found them to help my sense of balance. My feet and my legs feel stronger, and they've also helped my posture — which thanks to a long-term desk job and five years of picking up small children, is less than perfect.

I enjoyed wearing my Vivobarefoot shoes to the gym so much that I soon started wearing them out and about. Before I knew it, I was wearing them on the school drop-off, out shopping, and even to work.

They're not my most stylish shoes, but I've worn them continuously for six months

I'm quite fashion conscious, and although I probably wouldn't wear these bare-legged with a mini skirt in the summer, I have no issues wearing them casually. They're kind of nerdy looking — and nowhere near as trendy as No Bull — but for me, the health benefits outweigh their aesthetic value.

Starting at about $150 dollars a pair, Vivobarefoot are well-priced for the barefoot shoe category. If you're not bothered about getting the latest model, you can often pick up a pair from a previous collection during sales, too. You're also doing your body some good by wearing them, which has to count for something.

FAQs on barefoot shoes

What are barefoot shoes?

Barefoot shoes have thin, flexible soles, minimal cushioning, zero heel-to-toe drop, and wide toe boxes that allow your toes to splay naturally. This recreates the sensation of walking barefoot by engaging the nerve endings on your feet.

What does "zero-drop" mean?

Zero-drop means there's no height difference between the heel and the forefoot of the shoe. This keeps your foot level with the ground.

What are the benefits of barefoot shoes?

The design can help strengthen foot muscles and ankles over time, promoting better balance and a more natural stride. I also like them because my feet are wider in the toe box, and they make me feel more grounded than heavily cushioned sneakers.

Can barefoot shoes help with plantar fasciitis?

It depends. You may find that the more you strengthen your foot muscles, the less pain you feel. Others may find their symptoms aggravated by the lack of cushioning. See our guide to the best shoes for plantar fasciitis for our top tested picks.

The bottom line

If you have wide feet, are serious about weight training, or you want to work on your posture and strength, Vivobarefoot are a great value barefoot shoe option. They might not be the most stylish footwear, but your body will thank you for wearing them.