What Is the Difference Between Barefoot Shoes, Minimalist Shoes, and Natural Footwear?

Natural footwear (sometimes called “functional footwear”) is an umbrella term that generally refers to all shoes that let your feet move naturally. “Natural footwear” can range from an ultra-minimal sandal to a thick cushioned sneaker – but at a minimum natural footwear is zero drop (no heel elevation) and has an anatomical foot shape. Minimalist and Barefoot are terms often used to describe shoes that meet those same minimum requirements plus have a thin flexible sole. For more detailed info, read this article on the Benefits of Barefoot Shoes.