Have you ever come across the term barefoot footwear? It's a big trend that stems from the idea that conventional footwear prevents our feet from their natural function because it gives them too much support. Barefoot shoes therefore only have a very thin sole, which acts as a protective function and prevents people from, for example, cutting themselves on sharp stones, but at the same time allows the feet to engage all the muscles present and to walk exactly as is natural for humans.
To make the difficult choice easier, we have prepared a ranking of the best barefoot shoes for athletes. You'll find shoes suitable for the gym or the gym, but runners or hikers will also find their own. When comparing shoes, we looked primarily at the quality of the materials usedtheir usability, their compliance with barefoot standards and, of course, their price.
10 best barefoot
| Ranking | Image | Product | Main advantages | Price | Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |
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Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III MS L Molten Lava | Women's shoes, Mesh upper, Sports shoes | Best price More information | |
| 2. |
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Barefoot sneakers Merrell - Vapor Glove 5 | Men's shoes, Mesh upper, Sports shoes suitable for hiking | Best price More information | |
| 3. |
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Vivobarefoot Primus Trail II FG M | Men's shoes, Synthetic upper, Suitable for city and off-road | Best price More information | |
| 4. |
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Leguano Spinwyn Black | Unisex shoes, Polyester upper, Sports shoes | Best price More information | |
| 5. |
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Skinners 2.0 | Unisex shoes, Synthetic and natural fibre uppers, Suitable for sports but also for off-road use | Best price More information | |
| 6. |
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Xero shoes HFS | Men's shoes, Synthetic upper, Suitable for sports and hiking | Best price More information | |
| 7. |
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Merrell Trail Glove 6 Highrise | Women's shoes, Synthetic upper, Especially suitable for outdoor activities | Best price More information | |
| 8. |
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Freet Flex | Unisex shoes, Breathable mesh upper, Suitable for city and outdoor walking | Best price More information | |
| 9. |
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Xero shoes 360° | Women's shoes, Synthetic upper, Suitable for indoor and outdoor sports activities | Best price More information | |
| 10. |
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Vivobarefoot Primus Trail Knit FG M | Men's shoes, Synthetic upper, Quick-release lacing system | Best price More information |
Detailed analysis of the best barefoot shoes
The Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III took the first place in our ranking. This model impressed us mainly because of its minimal weight, quality workmanship, use of recycled materials and stylish design. It should be noted that these are women's shoes, so men will have to reach for a different model.
Pros:
- High quality workmanship
- Use of recycled plastic
- Breathable material
- Minimal weight
- Perfect for any indoor sports activities
Disadvantages:
- Higher price
About the Manufacturer:
If you've been looking for quality barefoot shoes in the past, you may have already come across the Vivobarefoot brand. In fact, its history dates back to the early 2000s when Galahad Clark, the brand's founder, got excited about the idea of barefoot shoes, which was suggested to him by his friend and famous tennis player Tim Brennan. The latter was known to train barefoot and one day presented Galahad with his own model of barefoot shoes. A lot of time has passed since then and today Vivobarefoot is one of the biggest barefoot shoe retailers on the market.
Key features of the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III:
- Made from recycled plastic
- Extra breathable
- 3mm puncture-resistant outsole
- Vegan
- Extremely flexible outsole
- Ample room in the toe box
As mentioned in the introduction, one of the main advantages of these shoes is the top-notch workmanship. The manufacturer has bet on eco-friendly materials, which may be reflected in the final price, but for many people it will still be a big plus. The Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III is primarily suited for indoors, however, if it is dry outside, it will serve well for outdoor sports activities as well. The perfect breathability is also a huge advantage, which you will appreciate especially in summer.
Final assessment:
The Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III are a great choice for almost all kinds of sports. You can run in them without any problem, go to the gym, go for a walk, the possibilities are simply countless. But the quality workmanship and the use of eco-friendly materials are of course reflected in the price. It's a little higher than most of the other shoes in our ranking, but given the quality of the workmanship, the resulting value for money is still extremely good. So, if you're looking for a really good quality sports shoe for the summer months or for summer spaces, the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III will be a great choice for you.
The next place was taken by the Merrell Vapor Glove 5 sneakers, which will be of particular interest to men this time. Once again, we appreciate the quality of workmanship, excellent breathability and the...the use of eco-friendly materials, versatile use and decent design.
Pros:
- Quality workmanship
- Very good price
- Also suitable for outdoor activities
- Material eliminates unpleasant odours
- Extremely lightweight
Disadvantages:
- Not quite suitable for wider feet
About the Manufacturer:
The American brand Merrell is well known to anyone who has ever looked for quality hiking shoes. This manufacturer doesn't just focus on barefoot shoes, but makes hiking shoes of all kinds. The brand, which started out by making hiking boots based on cowboy boots, is now one of the most respected manufacturers in the hiking footwear market.
Key features of the Merrell Vapor Glove 5:
- Mesh upper
- Breathable lining
- Anatomical shape
- Extremely flexible outsole
- 30% recycled rubber
- Uses M-select FRESH technology
The Merrell Vapor Glove 5 is made from truly high quality materials to ensure maximum comfort. An example is the M-select FRESH technology, which contains naturally occurring microbes that can eliminate unpleasant odours. All this without the use of harmful chemicals that would burden the environment. The boots are perfectly breathable and lightweight, yet durable enough to be worn on tough terrain. The thin sole ensures protection from sharp objects without restricting the natural function of the feet.
Final assessment:
If you're looking for a quality outdoor barefoot shoe, the Merrell Vapor Glove 5 is the obvious choice. The advanced technologies used in the manufacturing process are a big draw.that protect your feet from injury or unpleasant odours. You would be hard pressed to find such a well-made shoe at a similar price. In fact, compared to the competition, the Merrell Vapor Glove 5 comes out exceptionally well in terms of price, which is why it earns an excellent rating from us.
One more model from Vivobarefoot found its place in our ranking. Specifically, the Vivobarefoot Primus Trail II shoes, which are especially suitable for the terrain, but reliably for walking around town or training indoors. It should be noted that in this case, these are men's shoes.
Advantages:
- Quality materials
- Very lightweight and suitable for sports
- Suitable for more challenging terrain
- Spacious toe cap
- Extremely flexible sole
Disadvantages:
- High price
Key features of the Vivobarefoot Primus Trail II:
- 3 mm high tread outsole
- Quick-release lacing system
- Breathable and lightweight material
- Synthetic upper
- Suitable for running and indoor sports
- Waterproof fibres
The Vivobarefoot Primus Trail II is a great choice for athletes who prefer running on more challenging terrain. Thanks to the patterned outsole, these shoes ensure sufficient grip on the surface, but at the same time retain the characteristics of classic barefoot shoes. However, that doesn't mean that these shoes aren't suitable for indoor sports. You can easily wear them to the gym or even to the gym. The quick-release system is also a great advantage.
Final assessment:
Probably the only disadvantage that can be criticized with this model of shoes is the high price. It is the second most expensive shoe in the entire ranking, which of course plays a big role in the overall rating. But to be completely fair, we have to admit that the higher price is completely justified in this case. The materials used guarantee great wearing comfort and also promise a pretty long life. We must also appreciate the special sole, which you will appreciate above allm when running (or hiking) in difficult and wet terrain.
Next in our ranking were the Leguano Spinwyn unisex shoes. These will serve you especially well in the gym or in the weight room, but the highthe manufacturer says you can enjoy them on the tarmac too. The special feature of these shoes is a special patented sole with an anti-slip pattern. This provides stability especially in the gym, but it doesn't hurt on any surface.
Advantages:
- Vegan shoes
- Breathable material
- Anatomically shaped toe
- Very comfortable
- Versatile use
Disadvantages:
- High price
About the Manufacturer:
The Leguano shoe brand carries a reputation for German quality. Production in our western neighbour has been going on since 2009, but the brand only came to the Czech Republic in 2015. In addition to barefoot shoes for sports, the manufacturer offers shoes for virtually every occasion. Therefore, in the repertoire of the Leguano brand you will also find comfortable walking shoes or insulated shoes for winter.
Key features of the Leguano Spinwyn Black:
- Unisex vegan footwear
- Handmade in Germany
- Anatomically shaped toe for maximum comfort
- Flexible non-slip sole
- Breathable and adaptable material
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
The Leguano Spinwyn shoes catch the eye above all with their atypical sole with a distinctive bubble pattern. This ensures sufficient grip indoors, which you will appreciate for a large number of sports. But the patented Lifolit outsole is also beneficial outdoors, especially on wet surfaces. Overall, the shoes are very comfortable and provide ample support during sports, while still letting your feet function at their best.
Final assessment:
The Leguano Spinwyn is a high-quality athletic shoe that will serve you well in almost any sporting activity. They're lightweight and breathable, so you often won't even know you're wearing them at all. So in terms of functionality or materials, there's really nothing to complain about. The price of the Leguano Spinwyn is a bit worse than most of its competitors. It is therefore questionable whether the resulting price/quality ratio is really that good. If you play sports regularly and are looking for a really good quality barefoot shoe, this investment might make sense for you. However, if you only play sports from time to time, more for fun, cheaper shoes will serve you well enough.
The next place was taken by the Skinners Comfort 2.0 sock boots. These differ from the rest of the competition in many ways. At first glance, they look more like socks than shoes. However, they have a durable sole that protects feet from injury and can withstand hundreds of miles of walking.
Advantages:
- Maximum foot comfort
- Very competitive price
- Suitable for the gym but also, for example, for hiking
- Perfect fit on any foot
- Quickly wicking material
Disadvantages:
- The look is really more like socks, which may not suit everyone
About the manufacturer:
Skinners are made right here in the Czech Republic and then go to stores all over the world. The story of this brand began when a friend of the founder started hiking in the mountains wearing only socks because his feet were hurting from traditional shoes. Petr Procházka then made the first prototype using basic sewing tools. Today, the latest technologies are used to produce Skinners, which provide sufficient protection for feet even in difficult terrain.
Key features of Skinners Comfort 2.0:
- Unisex barefoot shoes
- Versatile use
- Very well packable
- Removable insole
- Ultra-durable 3 mm thick outsole
- Machine washable
Skinners are truly unique shoes that definitely catch the eye at first glance. These shoes really do look like socks, but still provide ample protection for the feet thanks to the durable sole. For this reason, you don't have to be afraid to go out in them, even on more challenging terrain. Skinners really ensure maximum foot involvement in every step, as they provide no unwanted support. Their great advantage is easy maintenance - you can easily wash Skinners at 30˚ in the washing machine.
Final assessment:
I definitely don't think Skinners are suitable for everyone. Especially if you're just switching to barefoot shoes, you may find it uncomfortable to go out in basically just socks. In terms of functionality, however, it's hard to fault them. They may therefore be suitable for the gym, for example, where walking in socks is not particularly unusual. A huge advantage of Skinners is their low price, which you will appreciate no matter how you plan to use them. Plus, they're extremely portable, so there's no problem rolling them up and stashing them pretty much anywhere.
For enthusiastic runners, the Xero shoes HFS running shoes will definitely be interesting. The abbreviation HFS stands for high flexi sole, which can be translated into English as a very flexible sole. These shoes are characterized by very high quality workmanship, taking into account the needs of runners. This makes them a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable running shoe. Xero shoes HFS josu men's shoes, but the Xero shoes brand also offers women's alternatives.
Pros:
- Tailored for runners
- Non-slip sole
- Distinctive reflective elements
- 5mm outsole
- Extremely comfortable
Disadvantages:
- Higher price
About the Manufacturer:
The American brand Xero shoes is dedicated to manufacturing and selling barefoot footwear for all occasions. Its story goes back to when the company's founder decided to return to sprinting after a very long hiatus. However, conventional shoes no longer suited him and after some time he started running barefoot. After some time, he started making his own sandals and today his brand sells barefoot shoes all over the world.
Key features of Xero shoes HFS:
- Suitable mainly for running and hiking
- Very flexible shape
- Soft and comfortable material
- Non-slip sole with a thickness of 5 mm
- Distinctive reflective elements
- Synthetic upper
As mentioned in the introduction, these shoes are tailor-made for runners. This makes them extremely light, comfortable and features a non-slip sole. As a result, they ensure maximum comfort when running any distance. You can choose from several colours, which is definitely a big plus.
Final assessment:
If you are looking for a quality barefoot running shoe, the Xero shoes HFS will definitely serve you more than well. Their main drawback is their relatively high price, which can be a problem for some. However, in terms of functionality and materials used, we have nothing to complain about in this case either. The shoes are lightweight and extremely comfortable, so you will have no problem running even longer distances in them. At the same time, they are strong enough to sprint shorter distances in.
The Merrell brand earned one more spot in our ranking. Specifically, it is the Merrell Trail Glove 6 Highrise, which is a model of sports shoes designed for women. As the name suggests, these shoes are also suitable for rough terrain. They have a slightly thicker sole than most barefoot shoes, but thanks to this, they provide the necessary protection for the feet.
Benefits:
- Suitable for even the toughest terrain
- Stylish design
- Flexible sole
- Convenient price
- Very durable shoes
Disadvantages:
- Slightly tapered on the toe side and overall more suitable for narrower feet
Key features of the Merrell Trail Glove 6 Highrise:
- Breathable synthetic upper
- Durable rubber outsole
- Zero drop
- Solid sole under the heel
- Overall durable shoe
- Narrower fit
For really challenging terrain, one needs shoes that really reliably protect the feet from possible injury. The Merrell Trail Glove 6 Highrise fulfils this function perfectly. The durable outsole protects the feet even in the most demanding terrain and is also slip-resistant even on wet surfaces. The shoes are very breathable and made of durable material. First-class comfort is a matter of course.
Final assessment:
In terms of value for money, the Merrell Trail Glove 6 Highrise performs extremely well. The price is really good, despite the fact that they are made from high-quality materials using the latest technology. The only drawback is the rather narrow profile, making these shoes more suitable for narrower feet.
The next place in our ranking was taken by Freet shoes, specifically the Flex model. Freet is short for "freedom for feet". The main advantages of this shoe include low price, quality workmanship and versatility. Freet Flex are suitable for both men and women.
Advantages:
- Grippy sole
- Removable OrthoLite insole without arch support
- Anatomical shape
- Low price
Disadvantages:
- There are better quality and more durable options
About the brand:
Freedom for feet (Freet for short) is dedicated to the manufacture and sale of quality barefoot footwear. The brand hails from the UK and has been manufacturing shoes since 2011. Since then, it has grown quite significantly and now sells barefoot shoes pretty much all over the world. The company takes the environment into consideration when manufacturing its prodoctos and therefore uses only eco-friendly materials.
Key features of the Freet Flex:
- Unisex vegan footwear
- Breathable mesh upper
- Antibacterial and quick-drying material
- Removable OrthoLite insole
- Anatomical shape (also suitable for wide feet)
- Suitable for city and countryside
The Freet Flex is a shoe you can use pretty much anywhere. They're suitable for the gym or the gym, but they'll also easily serve you outdoors for a walk or a run. They have a very simple design and breathable material, so you can stay in them for longer without any problem. The use of antibacterial material is also an advantage. For a longer stay in the open air, it is advisable to impregnate the shoes.
Final assessment:
The Freet Flex shoes will be appreciated by anyone looking for reliable barefoot shoes at a reasonable price. The low price is one of the key advantages of this product. Honestly, there are better quality versions of sports barefoot shoes, but thethe low price is also in this case the final price-quality ratio is absolutely perfect. That is why we can highly recommend the Freet Flex.
The Xero shoes brand also earned a total of two places in our ranking. This time we couldn't leave out a model with a very original name: Xero shoes 360°. The idea behind this name comes from the fact that these shoes are made to jump in all directions during the most demanding crossfit workout.
Benefits:
- Very lightweight and comfortable
- Suitable for very intense workouts
- Minimalist design
- Great sole grip
Disadvantages:
- Higher price
Key features of the Xero shoes 360°:
- Synthetic upper
- 5 mm thick sole with excellent grip
- Anatomical shape
- Made for wider feet
- Removable insole
- Flexible material
Xero shoes 360° are shoes made for athletes who are no strangers to really intense training. They're made to withstand violent movements, but at the same time don't take away much needed freedom from the feet. They are highly breathable and lightweight, which is very important for regular training. A great advantage is also the grippy sole, which will keep you in everysupport in every step and you won't have to worry about slipping on the floor when you move quickly.
Final assessment:
If you're looking for shoes for CrossFit or even circuit training at the gym, the Xero shoes 360° is the perfect shoe for you. The only negative I see is the slightly higher price. But it's true that if you train frequently and intensively, it's more worth investing in quality shoes that will last a long time. Another big plus of the Xero shoes 360° is the minimalist design and the choice of many colours.
Another pair of shoes from Vivobarefoot closes our ranking. Specifically, it is the Vivobarefoot Primus Trail Knit, which, like other models of this brand, are characterized above all by first-class quality. They are suitable for indoors and also for outdoor sports activities. Of particular note is the quick-release lacing system, which guarantees increased comfort.
Advantages:
- Quick-release system
- High-quality workmanship
- Stylish design
- Made from recycled materials
Disadvantages:
- Pretty high price
Key features of the Vivobarefoot Primus Trail Knit:
- Multi-terrain outsole
- Vegan shoes
- More suitable for narrower feet
- Roomy in the toe box
- 100% barefoot specifications
- 3 mm thick sole + 3 mm pattern on the sole
The Primus Trail Knit is a model that you definitely won't get lost with on any terrain, but will serve you very well in the gym too. A great advantage is the quick-lacing system, which you will appreciate especially when you need to put on shoes quickly. The material from which the shoes are made is extremely breathable, so you don't have to worry about wearing them for a long time. Of course, the extremely flexible sole protects your feet from injury, but does not interfere with their natural functions.
Final assessment:
The Vivobarefoot Primus Trail Knit is a shoe from the higher price range. This is of course reflected in the materials used and their overall quality, but it doesn't change the fact that their purchase price is really high. Therefore, it mainly depends on how often and how intensively you play sports, or if the shoes are really made for rough terrain. However, if you decide to invest in the Vivobarefoot Primus Trail Knit, you will definitely not be disappointed.
What is barefoot footwear?
Barefoot shoes are becoming more and more popular today. But what does one actually imagine under this term? The name barefoot comes from the English words "bare" and "foot", which translated means "barefoot". This name is therefore very apt, because the purpose of barefoot shoes is to give the feet the same conditions as they would have when walking barefoot. Barefoot footwear is therefore characterised by very thin soles, minimal support for the foot, an anatomically shaped toe and the absence of a raised heel or toe. Barefoot footwear therefore protects the feet from injury, but at the same time does not detract from their functional properties.
Are there any advantages to wearing barefoot shoes?
Arguments supporting the wearing of barefoot shoes are based primarily on the fact that it is more natural for the foot to be in direct contact with the ground. They are, after all, directly adapted to it. However, wearing conventional shoes weakens the muscles in the feet, as the soles replace their function. Moreover, modern shoes are made to support the arch of the foot, which is of course more comfortable, but it further eliminates any involvement of the muscles in the feet. Barefoot shoes represent a compromise between classic shoes that protect the feet from mechanical injury and also perform a design function (walking barefoot to workwork may not always be met with understanding), but allow the feet to engage fully in each step, activating all the muscles that would otherwise be neglected.
But not everything is green
Of course, we can also find some negatives in barefoot footwear. The first is, of course, the reduced protection from injury. People started wearing shoes for a reason. Running around barefoot everywhere logically carries the risk of getting injured easily. Just stepping wrong on a sharp rock, a spike stick or, in urban conditions, an accidental shard of glass. Barefoot shoes do have soles, so they can protect you to a certain extent, but you can hardly talk about the same protection that normal shoes offer. The benefits of wearing traditional shoes are especially apparent in winter, when the thick soles effectively insulate your feet from the cold ground. If you've ever tried going out in the winter in boots with very thin soles, you've probably soon felt the great effect that the thickness of the sole presents.
What activities are barefoot shoes suitable for?
You may like barefoot shoes, but you're not tempted to wear them on all occasions. So let's take a look at the most common activities where barefoot shoes can come in handy.
Walking
One of the most natural movements for the human body comes first, of course. Walking is an activity that humans come into contact with on a daily basis. Although it may not seem like it, even simple walking can increase your daily caloric and thus help you lose weight (read more in our article on the best activities for weight loss). Barefoot shoes can be used for a casual walk to the store or even for longer walks in the countryside. Due to the relatively low-impact nature of this activity, this is a great way to get used to barefoot shoes.
Running
Like walking, running is a completely natural form of exercise for the body. In this case, however, the differences between traditional running shoes and barefoot shoes become much more apparent. Many people do not know the correct running technique and do not step on their feet properly. When wearing barefoot shoes, this becomes fully apparent and can result in uncomfortable pain. In fact, if you step on the heel when running, you will feel each step much more than in regular shoes. But some research suggests that using barefoot shoes will force runners to improve their running technique.
Exercise in the gym
The issue of choosing the ideal shoes for the gym troubles many people. In fact, for some exercises, the footwear chosen can play quite a crucial role. Examples include the squat or deadlift, where inappropriate sole thickness or incline can cause quite a few problems. For this reason, quite a few athletes prefer to take their shoes off and train barefoot for these exercises. In this case, using barefoot shoes is therefore quite intuitive. You can find out more about the advantages and disadvantages of using barefoot shoes in the gym in our article How to choose the right shoes for the gym?
Style and functionality in one
For quite a long time barefoot shoes were perceived as something rather strange and unusual. Manufacturers focused primarily on the functional side and design was secondary. With their growing popularity, however, this has understandably changed. Today you can find barefoot shoes suitable for every occasion. Whether you're hitting the gym, going to work, going for a long hike, a walk in the city or anywhere else, you'll have no problem finding barefoot shoes that fit the occasion. Most retailers offer stylish shoes suitable for more formal events, winter insulated boots, or an outdoor option made from quality materials that can be worn on the most demanding trails. The choice today is almost limitless.
Difference in price
A very important aspect when choosing shoes is of course their price. In this regard, it is a bit difficult to compare the price tags of regular and barefoot shoes, because the price range of shoes is really huge. Someone can walk around in a pair of sneakers for a few hundred, while another can spend several thousand for one pair. But the truth remains that barefoot shoes usually belong to the cheapest category. So for someone, this may mean that they have to pay quite a bit more for this type of shoe. On the other hand, the question is whether quality barefoot shoes can be compared to sneakers costing a few hundred. After all, one has to pay more for a good quality standard shoe.
How to switch to barefoot shoes?
As has been pointed out several times, barefoot shoes do not forgive a person as much as standard shoes. Every misstep is felt much more through the thin sole. Therefore, switching to barefoot shoes can be quite uncomfortable at first. Fortunately, there are many exercises that can help you with it. In particular, it's worth working on foot mobility and engaging your toes as you walk. You're very likely to have sore muscles in your feet, so it's a good idea to get a pair ofa massage ball, for example, to help relieve the strain on your muscles.In the end, though, what will help the most is wearing barefoot shoes regularly and your feet will get used to them over time.
But wearing barefoot shoes doesn't mean you can never wear normal shoes again. It's perfectly understandable that in some situations barefoot shoes just don't fit. But that's okay. But of course, if you only wear regular shoes for a long time, you may find that your feet hurt when you wear barefoot shoes again. But these problems should go away much faster this time.
Do you have any questions about barefoot shoes? Feel free to drop us a line in the comments and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Sources
- RUDOLFOVÁ, Marcela. Wearing barefoot shoes from the point of view of physiotherapy and orthopaedics [online]. České Budějovice, 2020 [cit. 2023-02-16]. Available from: https://theses.cz/id/tq7wlx/. Bachelor thesis. University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences. Thesis supervisor Mgr. Martina Hartmanová.
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Walking Barefoot: Benefits, Potential Dangers, How to Do It Prope. Healthline: Medical information and health advice you can trust [online]. Copyright © 2005 [cited 16.02.2023]. Available from: https: //www.healthline.com/health/walking-barefoot