Shoe & Footgear Reviews: Gym Shoe Reviews

Altra running and walking shoes are foot-healthy athletic footwear that encourage your feet to function the way nature intended. Featuring a healthy-foot-shaped toe box, these shoes allow your toes to spread and splay naturally, reducing the risk of common foot issues like bunions or blisters. The zero-drop platform—where your heel and forefoot are on a level plane—encourages a more natural midfoot or forefoot strike, which can alleviate pressure on your... Read more

The Astral Loyak may just be the hybrid champion of the minimalist footwear field. Marketed—and highly touted—as a water shoe, the impressive Loyak is as functional on land as it is on a boat, SUP, or rocky creek bed. With its foot-healthy design features and its ultra-sticky Flex Grip outsole, the Astral Loyak promotes exceptional balance, stability, and foot function on all manner of terrain, surfaces, and grades. The hydrophobic... Read more

Among functional footwear, the Lems Primal 2 is a true standout. Hailed for its foot-friendly design, comfort, and overall attractiveness, the Primal 2 has stood the test of time and continues to be one of the most popular minimalist shoe models in the Natural Footgear community. Lightweight, foldable, and easily packable, this travel-ready shoe has also become a favorite of folks on the move who want a truly multifaceted option... Read more

The Lems Primal 3 is a paragon of minimalist design, a comfortable and accommodating home for a wide variety of foot shapes and sizes, and the next-generation version of its illustrious antecedent, the Primal 2. This uncompromising minimalist everyday shoe celebrates the inherent beauty and integrity of the human foot and permits it to function in a natural way, free of the encumbrances and attempted augmentations that are so prevalent... Read more

The Lems Primal Eco shoe represents the perfect fusion of minimalist design, comfort, and sustainability for those seeking a natural approach to footwear. Crafted with the conscious consumer in mind, the Primal Eco's upper incorporates up to 50 percent recycled materials, making it not only a versatile and lightweight option but also a responsible choice for the planet. With a wide toe box that allows for natural toe splay and... Read more

After testing the Lems Primal Pursuit over a range of conditions, climates, and activities, we’ve been impressed by its incredible versatility and its ability to handle everything we've thrown at it. Sporting a durable design and a foot-friendly environment, this shoe is thoughtfully constructed and out-of-the-box-ready for your next adventure. With the Primal Pursuit, Lems has managed to create an exceptionally lightweight shoe that you hardly notice until you put... Read more

After over a decade of success with the Primal 2, Lems has now introduced a new iteration—a whole new model, really—to complement their beloved, zero-drop staple: The Primal Zen! With a similar yet modernized look, the Primal Zen is a reimagined Primal 2, equipped with a bit more cushioning and a slightly wider toe box. The flexible injection-blown rubber (IBR) outsole is ideal for a wide range of activities, and... Read more

Vibram FiveFingers shoes stand at the intersection of innovation and functionality, offering a truly distinctive experience for those who seek a more natural, barefoot-like feel without sacrificing performance. With their individual toe sleeves and ultra-minimalist design, these shoes allow for an unparalleled sense of foot freedom and flexibility, encouraging your body to move as it was meant to. Whether you're an avid runner, a dedicated hiker, or simply someone looking... Read more

Founded in 2009 as a small, boutique company manufacturing DIY sandals, Xero Shoes has since become an industry staple in the minimalist footwear market, producing a wide variety of ready-made sandals and closed-toe shoes and boots in both the athletic and casual footwear spheres. With the thoughtfully designed HFS, Xero has shown how attention to detail can improve barefoot-style running and athletic shoes, providing an option for both competitive and... Read more

The Xero Kelso is a foot-health-positive minimalist shoe that seamlessly blends sporty style with formidable function. Known for their ultraminimalist approach to footwear, Xero has, in the Kelso, created a court-style hybrid that’s equally at home in the gym as it is at the coffee shop. With a combination suede and full-grain leather upper, the Xero Kelso sports an attractive look that most users will find compelling. A 6 mm... Read more

The Xero Prio has long been a favorite among minimalist footwear enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of comfort, durability, and versatility. Designed for those who crave a more natural connection to the ground without sacrificing performance, the Prio—one of Xero’s signature offerings—stands out in a crowded marketplace of athletic shoes. Whether you’re hitting the trails, training at the gym, or simply going about your day-to-day routine, this foot-friendly shoe promises... Read more