Barefoot shoes, with their wide toe boxes, zero-drop design, and minimalist soles, have been growing rapidly in popularity over the last decade. More and more people are discovering the benefits of wearing footwear that allows your feet to move and function as nature intended. If you have a friend or family member who loves their barefoot shoes, finding them the perfect gift can be fun and meaningful. From books and accessories to customized footwear and sensory mats, there are all kinds of great gift ideas to choose from. Read on for an extensive guide on gifts for the barefoot shoe enthusiast in your life!
This guide covers a wide variety of gift ideas at different price points for people who enjoy barefoot shoes and natural movement. It explores gifts like educational books and resources, do-it-yourself sandal kits, foot care accessories, custom and commercial barefoot shoes, shoe care products, textured mats and insoles, classes and experiences related to movement, homemade DIY barefoot gifts, seasonal gift ideas, gifts for serious enthusiasts, and other miscellaneous gift suggestions. With thorough details and descriptions for each type of gift, you’re sure to find thoughtful ideas to delight the barefoot shoe lover in your life.
Books and Resources
Books and educational resources make fantastic gifts for people curious about barefoot shoes and the benefits of letting your feet move naturally. Here are some top book recommendations:
“The Story of the Human Body” by Daniel Lieberman
This book by Harvard professor Daniel Lieberman examines how the human body evolved and adapted over millions of years. It helps explain how the modern lifestyle clashes in certain ways with our anatomy, including when it comes to shoe choices. The science-backed information fascinates many barefoot shoe enthusiasts. Cost: Around $10-$20
“Born to Run” by Christopher McDougall
This hugely popular book introduced many readers to barefoot running. It explores the Tarahumara tribe in Mexico known for running extraordinary distances barefoot, as well as barefoot running advocates and research. The engaging storytelling makes movement science accessible. Cost: Around $10-$15
“Whole Body Barefoot” by Katy Bowman
For the barefoot enthusiast looking to take their practice further, Katy Bowman’s book explores how barefooting helps nourish your whole body through increased sensory input, foot strength, and reduced injury risk. Bowman goes beyond just footwear to examine overall natural movement. Cost: Around $20
In addition to books, consider gifting DVD programs, online courses, membership sites, or subscriptions related to barefoot living and natural movement as well.
DIY Sandals and Insoles
If the barefoot shoe lover on your gift list enjoys making their gear, consider supplies for making DIY sandals or insoles. These unique gifts let them put their personal touch into creating supportive, healthy footwear.
DIY Sandal-Making Kit
A homemade sandal kit includes all the pieces and detailed instructions for sewing your leather sandals customized to your feet. The process allows creativity in designing the straps and picking colors while learning about proper barefoot shoe design. Cost: $40-$100 depending on materials
Insoles ($20-$50)
Replaceable insoles let people customize the inside of any shoe to be more minimalist and barefoot friendly. Some options made of cork, leather, suede, or foam promote healthful foot strengthening. Brands to check out: Earth Runners, Lems, Luna Sandals
Proprioceptive Insoles ($50)
These insoles have tactile bumps and grooves to activate your foot’s sensory nerves for better stability, posture, and movement control. The concept comes from “propioceptive neuromuscular facilitation” physical therapy techniques.
NorthSole Insoles for comfort
Using wool and microfiber, Northsoles adapt to the temperature and shape of your feet. The brand offers DIY customizable modular insoles at affordable prices.
Sheepskin Insoles for warmth
For keeping bare feet warm in colder weather, sheepskin insoles provide plush comfort and insulation. The wool wicks moisture and allows air circulation. Pair with slippers or winter boots.
Foot Care and Accessories
Give the gift of some “sole” pampering! Foot care accessories help keep feet healthy and relaxed in between barefoot shoe wearing.
Foot Massage Balls ($5-$10)
Affordable rubber massage balls allow the release of tight foot muscles almost anywhere by rolling underfoot to target pressure points. They come in sizes for precision pressure or wider tension relief.
Toe Socks ($10-$20)
Toe socks individualize spaces for each toe to splay naturally without constriction. Many barefoot fans wear them instead of regular socks for comfort. Materials like merino wool also regulate temperature.
Rox Mat ($12)
This textured mat both massages and strengthens feet through varied textures like wood beads, river rocks, and mini acupressure bumps. Just taking off shoes for a few minutes a day conditions skin and foot muscles.
Yoga Tune-Up Balls ($12-)
These balls constructed of durable polymer have convenient tie straps for accessing hard-to-reach foot muscles. Roll on the balls before or after activity to alleviate pain or fatigue. Custom kits target foot care or all-over body relief.
Barefoot Shoes and Slippers
Of course one of the most practical and beloved gifts for barefoot shoe enthusiasts is…more barefoot shoes! With many brands and styles available, choose based on factors like sizing/fit needs, intended activity, climate, aesthetics, and price point.
Barefoot shoes (various brands and styles)
Popular models tailored specifically to barefoot principles include:
- Flexible casual options: Vivobarefoot, Lems, Vibram, XeroShoes
- Running/athletic shoes: Merrell vapor gloves, XeroShoes, Luna sandals
- Winter boots: Softstar, Feelgrounds, Lems boulder boots, Vivobarefoot Arctic Grip
Cost varies by brand and style generally from $50 to $150+.
Custom Barefoot Shoes
For the ultimate gift, consider custom made barefoot shoes tailored precisely to someone’s feet. While pricier, customization allows personal artistry and corrections for any foot issues. Check companies like:
- Unshoes (casual/dress)
- Carets (casual/dress)
- Custom LuLa sandals (sport/casual)
Cost ranges from $160-$500+ depending on leather and modifications
Slippers (e.g., Softstar Shoes, Fitkicks Kozikicks, Tikki Indoor, Manitobah, Chilote)
Cozy house slippers without restricting sides or heels make wonderful gifts to pamper barefoot loving friends and family. Leather styles mold comfortably while woven fabric options breathe air to feet. Cost varies from $25-$100
Shoe Care Products
Help your gift recipient care for and extend the life of their well-loved minimalist barefoot shoes with conditioning and protective sprays.
Carbon Pro – Shoe protectant
This non-toxic weatherproofing spray shields shoes from salt, sludge, and moisture damage while maintaining breathability and flexibility of materials. Cost: Around $15
Biodegradable cleansing bars, antimicrobial copper insoles, and deodorizers make great small add-on items as well.
Sensory Mats and Textured Flooring
Give the sensory delight of interesting textures underfoot without even changing footwear. Textured mats and insole materials provide physical and mental stimulation through varied pressure points and input to foot nerve receptors and reflexology zones.
Sensory Path
Interlocking mats build a custom barefoot trail pattern across a room with solid pressure point nodules alternating between flexible grids. The engaging surface makes movement more fun and awakening. Cost around $70+ depending on size
Textured Floor Mats
Softer textured mats come in styles like:
- Faux grass woven mats
- Recycled rubber pressed mats
- Acupressure bump mats
- River rock non-slip mats
They provide pleasant sensory variation underfoot in specific areas. Cost $25-$100 depending on material and size
Classes and Experiences
Gift a class package or bodywork session to let a barefoot enthusiast enhance their movement practice while learning and engaging with community.
Class pass at a studio for Yoga, Pilates, etc.
Many movement studios focus on foot and overall body alignment from the ground up, which appeals to fans of barefoot shoes. Check out specialty studios in your area offering practices like yoga, Pilates, Gyrotonic, martial arts, dance, and more. Cost varies based on location and number of sessions
Massage gift voucher
Treat them to expert massage therapy focusing on feet, legs, and locomotion muscles impacted by choice of footwear. Sessions promote circulation and whole body relaxation. Cost varies by location and duration
Homemade DIY Barefoot Gifts
Adding personal touches with handmade gifts makes your present more heartfelt and custom to the individual. Get creative with homemade barefoot shoe accessories.
Personalized socks
Decorate a pair of toe socks or low no-show socks with fabric paints, puffy paint, embroidery, fabric markers, iron-on patches, or tie dye. Design patterns and artwork unique to the individual.
Toe spacers
Knit, crochet, or sew small sleeves or tubes to slide between toes overnight preventing cramping. Pick bright, fun colors and fabrics like wool.
Seasonal and Holiday Gifts
Incorporate barefoot footwear into festive gifts suited to winter holidays or gifting occasions.
Ice Walkers
These attachable rugged tractionspikes fasten securely over barefoot shoe soles using integrated cords and an ankle strap system. They prevent slips on snow and ice during winter walks. Cost around $65
Shoe Dryer
Help barefoot shoes avoid funky odors and maintain shape by inserting expandable shoe trees after each wear. The cedar wood absorbs moisture and resists bacteria buildup.
BAREFU Dots
Decorate shoes and feet for celebrations with these hypoallergenic waterproof dot art stickers in multicolor packs. Create patterns on strappy sandals or the tops of feet for a cute accent. Cost around $10
Gifts for the Serious Barefoot Enthusiast
For the dedicated barefooter who seems to have it all, we recommend:
Whole Body Barefoot (book)
Backed by 20 years of research and personal experience, this book by Katy Bowman gives a thorough examination of why barefoot activity bolsters whole body health. It takes a deep dive into why minimalist biomechanics matter beyond just toes. Cost around $20
Additionally, you could gift a custom consultation focused on developing an individualized barefoot training plan, gait analysis, or assessment of posture and movement habits by a specialist. Sessions range from $100-$500 depending on depth and supplements like video recording. It makes for an unforgettable experience.
Miscellaneous
Round out your gift ideas for the barefoot shoe lover with these small trinkets:
Tikki Slippers
Tikki makes wonderfully cozy leather slippers without restrictive sides, allowing toes to splay and flex naturally. Pick from fun animal prints and solids for unique indoor relaxation footwear. Cost $48+
Also consider barefoot-themed socks and t-shirts, decals for shoes/water bottles/laptops, barefoot shoe keychains, and nominal donations to nonprofits that provide shoes to underserved communities across the globe.
With this extensive guide’s wealth of specific and innovative gift ideas spanning interests, budgets and occasions, you can confidently select a meaningful present for the barefoot shoe devotee in your world. Watch their face light up when they unwrap your thoughtful gift specially chosen just for them!
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