{"id":3478,"date":"2026-08-31T12:05:53","date_gmt":"2026-08-31T10:05:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/berfet.com\/mita-paljasjalkakengat-ovat-taydellinen-opas\/"},"modified":"2026-09-02T13:03:00","modified_gmt":"2026-09-02T11:03:00","slug":"what-are-barefoot-shoes-the-complete-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/groundstepshoes.com\/en\/what-are-barefoot-shoes-the-complete-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are Barefoot Shoes? The Complete Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Barefoot shoes are footwear designed to let your feet move more naturally while still providing protection from the ground.<\/strong> Unlike conventional shoes, they typically combine a wide toe box, a thin and flexible sole, a flat or zero-drop platform, and minimal structural support.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The idea is simple: instead of shaping and controlling the foot, the shoe interferes with its movement as little as practical.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That does not mean walking around with nothing on your feet. Barefoot shoes still protect against rough surfaces, dirt and everyday wear. The difference is in what happens inside the shoe: your toes have room to spread, your heel and forefoot sit at approximately the same height, and the sole is designed to bend with your foot.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This guide explains what barefoot shoes are, how they work, what makes a shoe genuinely barefoot-style, and what to consider if you are thinking about trying them.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Makes a Shoe a Barefoot Shoe?<\/h2><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is no single feature that defines barefoot footwear. Instead, barefoot shoes usually share several design principles.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. A wide toe box<\/h3><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Look down at a bare foot and you will notice that it does not naturally taper to a narrow point. The toes spread outward from the ball of the foot.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Barefoot shoes are shaped with this in mind. Their toe boxes are generally wider and more foot-shaped than those of conventional shoes, giving the toes space to spread rather than pushing them together.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is one of the most immediately noticeable differences for many people trying barefoot footwear for the first time.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Zero drop<\/h3><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Zero drop<\/strong> means that the heel and forefoot are positioned at approximately the same height inside the shoe.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many conventional shoes raise the heel above the front of the foot. Sometimes the difference is obvious, as with formal shoes or high heels. In other shoes, the raised heel is built into the sole and is much less visible.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A zero-drop shoe removes this intentional height difference and places the foot on a flatter platform.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. A thin sole<\/h3><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Barefoot shoes usually have less material between your foot and the ground than heavily cushioned conventional footwear.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A thinner sole can provide more sensory feedback from the surface beneath your feet. You may notice changes in texture, slope and terrain that would be difficult to feel through a thick sole.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sole still serves an important purpose: protecting the foot from direct contact with the ground.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How thin it needs to be depends on the shoe and its intended use. Barefoot footwear does not have to mean the thinnest possible sole.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. A flexible sole<\/h3><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A barefoot shoe should generally move with your foot rather than acting like a rigid platform underneath it.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sole should be able to flex as you walk. Many barefoot shoes can also twist considerably compared with conventional footwear.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Flexibility matters because the human foot itself is flexible. A highly rigid shoe limits some of that movement, while a flexible shoe allows more of it to occur naturally.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Minimal structural support<\/h3><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Barefoot shoes typically avoid features intended to strongly control the position or movement of the foot.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That may mean less arch structure, fewer stiff stabilising elements and less rigid construction overall.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This does not mean that every barefoot shoe feels identical. Materials, sole thickness, upper construction and intended use can all change how a shoe feels.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Do Barefoot Shoes Work?<\/h2><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are wondering <strong>how barefoot shoes work<\/strong>, the answer is almost the opposite of how we normally describe footwear technology.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is relatively little for the shoe to \u201cdo\u201d.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The basic principle is to provide enough shoe to protect the foot while reducing features that unnecessarily restrict its movement.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A typical barefoot shoe therefore aims to:<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>give the toes room to spread,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>keep the heel and forefoot at a similar height,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>allow the sole to bend with the foot,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>provide greater ground feedback than heavily cushioned footwear, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>protect the foot from the surface underneath it.<\/li>\n<\/ul><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is why the term <strong>minimalist footwear<\/strong> is sometimes associated with barefoot shoes. However, \u201cminimalist\u201d is a broad description and not every shoe marketed as minimalist necessarily has all the characteristics people expect from barefoot footwear.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are Barefoot Shoes the Same as Walking Barefoot?<\/h2><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Barefoot shoes imitate <em>some<\/em> aspects of being barefoot, but they do not reproduce it completely.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you are actually barefoot, there is no material between your skin and the ground. You receive direct sensory feedback, and your foot is not restricted by an upper or sole.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Barefoot shoes introduce a protective layer. Even a very thin and flexible sole changes the interaction between your foot and the surface.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A more accurate barefoot shoe meaning is therefore:<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Footwear designed to provide ground protection while allowing a greater degree of natural foot movement than conventional footwear.<\/strong><\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They are still shoes. They simply take a more minimal approach to what a shoe needs to do.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Barefoot Shoes vs Conventional Shoes<\/h2><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The easiest way to understand barefoot footwear is to compare its typical design with conventional shoes.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout mce-item-table\"><thead><tr><th>Feature<\/th><th>Barefoot shoes<\/th><th>Many conventional shoes<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Toe box<\/td><td>Wide and foot-shaped<\/td><td>Often tapered<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Heel-to-toe drop<\/td><td>Usually zero or very low<\/td><td>Often raised at the heel<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sole<\/td><td>Relatively thin<\/td><td>Often thicker and cushioned<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Flexibility<\/td><td>High<\/td><td>Varies, often more rigid<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Ground feedback<\/td><td>Generally greater<\/td><td>Generally reduced by cushioning<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Structural support<\/td><td>Minimal<\/td><td>Varies from moderate to substantial<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are general differences rather than strict rules. Conventional footwear varies enormously, and barefoot shoes also range from extremely minimal designs to more substantial models intended for demanding conditions.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Wear Barefoot Shoes?<\/h2><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">People choose barefoot footwear for different reasons.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For some, the biggest attraction is simply <strong>space<\/strong>. A wide toe box can feel very different after years of wearing shoes that taper towards the front.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Others prefer the feeling of a flexible shoe that follows the movement of the foot instead of resisting it. Some enjoy being able to feel the terrain beneath them more clearly.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Barefoot shoes can also appeal to people who prefer simple footwear without thick cushioning, raised heels or rigid support structures.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In practical terms, common reasons for choosing barefoot shoes include:<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>more room for the toes,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a flat, zero-drop platform,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>greater flexibility,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>increased ground feedback,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>less bulky footwear, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>a preference for footwear that allows natural foot movement.<\/li>\n<\/ul><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are characteristics of the footwear rather than promises of medical benefits. Individual experiences vary, and barefoot shoes should not be considered a treatment for foot, joint or musculoskeletal conditions.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do Barefoot Shoes Feel Different?<\/h2><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Usually, yes \u2014 and sometimes considerably.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are accustomed to thick cushioning, a raised heel and a relatively rigid sole, barefoot shoes can initially feel unusually flat and close to the ground.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may also become more aware of the surface beneath your feet. Pavement, gravel, grass and forest paths can all feel noticeably different through a thin sole.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The extra toe space can be another major change. A correctly fitting barefoot shoe may look wider at the front than the footwear you are used to.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That width is intentional. The aim is not to make the entire shoe loose, but to provide enough room at the front for the toes.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do You Need to Transition to Barefoot Shoes Gradually?<\/h2><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For many people, a gradual approach is sensible.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Changing from heavily cushioned or supportive footwear to minimal, flexible and zero-drop shoes changes the conditions in which your feet and lower legs are working. Going immediately from conventional footwear to wearing barefoot shoes all day \u2014 especially for long walks or running \u2014 may be more change than you are accustomed to.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A practical approach is to start with shorter periods and increase use according to comfort.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pay attention to how your feet and legs respond rather than following an arbitrary timetable. Mild awareness of muscles working differently is not the same as persistent or increasing pain.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have an existing foot problem, previous injury, significant pain, reduced sensation or another condition that may affect footwear choices, seek advice from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can You Use Barefoot Shoes Every Day?<\/h2><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Barefoot shoes are available for many everyday situations, so they do not have to be reserved for exercise or outdoor activities.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether they suit you for all-day use depends on personal preference, your activities, the surfaces you spend time on and how accustomed you are to minimal footwear.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is also no requirement to wear barefoot shoes exclusively. Footwear is a practical choice, and different situations can call for different shoes.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are Barefoot Shoes Only for Walking and Running?<\/h2><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. The design principles can be applied to many types of footwear.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The important question is not whether a shoe looks sporty. Instead, look at its construction:<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Is there enough space for your toes?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Is the shoe flat or zero drop?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Can the sole flex with your foot?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Is the sole relatively thin?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Does the shoe avoid unnecessary rigid structures?<\/li>\n<\/ul><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Those characteristics tell you much more about a shoe than its appearance alone.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Should Barefoot Shoes Fit?<\/h2><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Barefoot shoes should provide enough room for the foot to move without allowing the shoe to slide around excessively.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pay particular attention to the toe box. Your toes should not be squeezed together, and there should be enough room in front of them for comfortable movement.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the same time, simply buying an oversized shoe is not the same as choosing a properly fitting wide shoe. Fit also depends on foot length, width, volume and the shape of the shoe.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For beginners, checking actual foot measurements against the sizing information for the specific footwear is generally more useful than relying entirely on your usual shoe size.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who Are Barefoot Shoes For?<\/h2><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Barefoot footwear is not limited to athletes, experienced runners or people already accustomed to walking barefoot.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It can be considered by anyone interested in footwear that prioritises toe space, flexibility, zero drop and ground feedback.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a beginner, there is no need to make the change into a complicated project. Understanding the basic principles and choosing shoes that fit your feet and intended use are more important than trying to find the most extreme minimalist shoe available.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Choose Your First Pair of Barefoot Shoes<\/h2><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are new to barefoot footwear, start with what you actually need the shoes for.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An everyday shoe has different practical requirements from footwear intended for trails, winter conditions or other specialised uses.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then check the fundamentals:<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Toe space:<\/strong> Make sure the shape and width suit your feet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Zero drop:<\/strong> Check that the shoe does not intentionally elevate the heel.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Flexibility:<\/strong> Look for a sole that can move with the foot.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sole thickness:<\/strong> Consider how much ground feedback and protection you want.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fit:<\/strong> Use actual measurements where possible instead of assuming your usual size will be identical.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Purpose:<\/strong> Choose footwear appropriate for where and how you plan to use it.<\/li>\n<\/ol><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is no prize for choosing the thinnest or most minimal shoe. A useful barefoot shoe is one that combines barefoot design principles with the protection and practicality you need.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Basic Idea Behind Barefoot Footwear<\/h2><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, <strong>what are barefoot shoes?<\/strong><\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At their core, they are shoes designed around a straightforward idea: <strong>give the foot room to move while providing the protection needed from footwear.<\/strong><\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A wide toe box gives the toes space. Zero drop removes intentional heel elevation. A thin, flexible sole keeps the shoe responsive to both the foot and the ground. Minimal structure reduces unnecessary restriction.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You do not need to be a barefoot-running enthusiast to appreciate those qualities. For many people, barefoot footwear is simply another way of thinking about everyday shoes \u2014 starting with the shape and movement of the foot rather than asking the foot to adapt to the shape of the shoe.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If that approach sounds right for you, you can explore <strong>GroundStep&#8217;s range of barefoot shoes<\/strong> and compare different options for your everyday needs.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions About Barefoot Shoes<\/h2><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does barefoot shoe mean?<\/h3><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A barefoot shoe is designed to provide protection while allowing the foot to move relatively naturally. Typical features include a wide toe box, zero drop, a thin sole, high flexibility and minimal structural support.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What makes a shoe barefoot?<\/h3><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No single feature makes a shoe barefoot. Look for the combination of a foot-shaped toe box, flat or zero-drop construction, a flexible and relatively thin sole, and minimal restrictive structure.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do you wear socks with barefoot shoes?<\/h3><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can. Barefoot shoes do not have to be worn with bare feet. Whether you wear socks depends on comfort, weather and personal preference. Make sure your socks do not restrict your toes if toe freedom is important to you.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are barefoot shoes suitable for beginners?<\/h3><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They can be. Beginners may prefer to introduce significantly more minimal footwear gradually, particularly if they are accustomed to highly cushioned or supportive shoes.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are barefoot shoes the same as minimalist shoes?<\/h3><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The terms overlap, but they are not necessarily identical. \u201cMinimalist\u201d can describe many types of reduced or lightweight footwear. When evaluating a shoe, it is more useful to look at specific characteristics such as toe-box shape, heel-to-toe drop, sole thickness and flexibility.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are barefoot shoes good for your feet?<\/h3><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is no universal answer that applies to everyone. Barefoot shoes allow more toe space and foot movement than many conventional designs, but individual needs differ. They should not be treated as a medical solution, and anyone with significant foot problems or relevant health conditions should seek appropriate professional advice.<\/p><p>\n<\/p><p>\n\n<\/p><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p><p>\n<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Barefoot shoes are footwear designed to let your feet move more naturally while still providing protection from the ground. Unlike conventional shoes, they typically combine a wide toe box, a thin and flexible sole, a flat or zero-drop platform, and minimal structural support. The idea is simple: instead of shaping and controlling the foot, the [&#8230;]\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3495,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3478","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Are Barefoot Shoes? The Complete Guide - GroundStep<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What are barefoot shoes and how do they work? 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