AIRHAS Women’s Barefoot Shoes Review – A Budget-Friendly Option with Limitations

Affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3BBsSu7
Price: £39 with free delivery in the UK

I came across the AIRHAS Women’s Barefoot Shoes on Amazon, advertised as minimalist shoes, and at £39 with free delivery, I decided to give them a try. With a keen interest in barefoot shoes, I’m always on the lookout for affordable options, so these piqued my curiosity. They promise a wide toe box, a zero-drop sole, flexibility, and two wearing modes, making them seem ideal for gym, walking, running, and cross-training.

First Impressions

When the shoes arrived, I was impressed by the vibrant colour. However, my initial excitement was quickly tempered by the narrow appearance of the shoe. Unfortunately, despite being marketed as having a moderate wide toe box, they appear very tapered at the front, especially around the 4th and 5th toes. If you have a square-shaped foot or prefer a more generous fit around the toes, like I do, this could be a problem.

At first glance, I could tell that the shoes would be too narrow for my 9.8 cm wide feet. I have 24.2 cm long feet, which places me at the wider end of most barefoot shoe brands, and I could feel the shoes bulge when I put them on. They are also low-volume shoes, meaning there isn’t much space for thicker feet, which could make them uncomfortable for those with higher insteps or broader midfoot areas.

The Insole Dilemma

One thing that immediately stood out was the thick foam insole that comes with the shoes. It’s about 4mm thick and surprisingly firm, which means it doesn’t compress much underfoot. For those accustomed to a barefoot feel, this could be off-putting, as the insole takes away a lot of ground contact and increases the overall volume of the shoe.

That said, removing the insole completely changes the game. With the insole removed, there’s a noticeable increase in room inside the shoe, and even my wider right foot fits in more comfortably. It makes a significant difference, especially if you have wider feet like mine. However, with the insole out, you lose some of the cushioning, and the shoe becomes a bit too firm for activities that require shock absorption, like running or heavy gym sessions. The outsole feels quite hard and stiff without the extra padding, so this might limit their use for some people.

Comparison to Vivobarefoot

One of the first things I noticed when trying these on is how similar the shape is to Vivobarefoot shoes. The tapered toe box and long, narrow fit reminded me of Vivobarefoot’s more traditional models, so if you’ve worn those and like their fit, the AIRHAS shoes might be a reasonable budget alternative. However, the quality is not on par with Vivobarefoot. The outsole feels cheap, and there’s a distinct lack of the shock absorption you’d find in higher-end barefoot shoes. Vivobarefoot’s soles, made from natural rubber, are soft and absorb impact well, whereas the AIRHAS shoes feel quite rigid, which may not hold up well in more active environments or over time.

Performance & Fit

While the shoes claim to offer flexibility and ground feel, I found that to be true only after removing the insoles. With the insole still in, the shoe feels rather bulky and stiff, reducing the natural movement that barefoot shoes aim to provide.

If you’re someone with narrow feet or a low-volume foot type, these might be more comfortable for you. The length sizing was surprisingly good—I went for a UK 5.5, and it was spot on for my foot length, so I would recommend going with your usual size for length. However, if you have wider feet or prefer a more natural splay, these may not be the best option. The narrow and tapered shape, especially at the pinky toe, may cause discomfort during prolonged use, and it could be a dealbreaker if you’re used to truly wide barefoot shoes like those from brands like Wildling or Freet.

Who Are They For?

I would recommend these shoes to someone who loves the look and fit of Vivobarefoot but isn’t ready to pay the premium price. At £39, these are a budget-friendly option for casual wear, especially if you’re not planning on heavy or long-term use. If you have narrow feet and are looking for a minimalist shoe with the zero-drop sole and lightweight feel, these could work well for you, particularly for indoor activities or light walking.

However, if you’re someone with a wider foot or need a shoe that provides solid shock absorption for running or gym workouts, you might want to invest in a higher-quality pair. The AIRHAS shoes feel like they might not last very long under intense use, and the rigid outsole could cause discomfort over time, especially if you need flexibility and ground feedback for more active movements.

Final Thoughts

In summary, AIRHAS Women’s Barefoot Shoes are a budget-friendly option that might suit narrow-footed individuals or casual barefoot enthusiasts. They won’t compete with higher-end barefoot shoes in terms of quality or performance, but they do offer a basic minimalist experience at an accessible price point. For £39, they’re a decent introduction to the barefoot world, but I wouldn’t recommend them for serious barefoot runners or gym-goers due to their narrow fit, hard sole, and lack of durability. The colour choice is also really good.

If you’re looking for a more budget-conscious alternative to Vivobarefoot, these might be worth a try, but they definitely come with limitations—especially for wider-footed people or those seeking long-term, intensive use. If you’re intrigued, here’s the affiliate link to check them out.

Brit👣