Barefoot shoes

Sorry not answering your question but I’m interested in this too, I suffer with Planters Facilities and wondered if they would have enough support or make it worse.

Purestep brand
Bought us both some Purestep boots in the BOGOF offer, in the hope that walking on frosty pavements (we live on a very steep hill) and snowy fields would be safer and would make DH steadier on his feet. (It didn’t.)

They are waterproof so snowy fields didn’t mean wet feet,
but
the soles are so thin that unless you’ve ordered a size bigger, there’s no room for thicker socks so your feet are cold.
They do sell/offer insoles, but doesn't that defeat the object of their claim that the thin sole
Offers just enough protection while still allowing you to stay connected to the terrain

Mollygo

Purestep brand
Bought us both some Purestep boots in the BOGOF offer, in the hope that walking on frosty pavements (we live on a very steep hill) and snowy fields would be safer and would make DH steadier on his feet. (It didn’t.)

They are waterproof so snowy fields didn’t mean wet feet,
but
the soles are so thin that unless you’ve ordered a size bigger, there’s no room for thicker socks so your feet are cold.
They do sell/offer insoles, but doesn't that defeat the object of their claim that the thin sole
^Offers just enough protection while still allowing you to stay connected to the terrain^

Sounds like they are only good in warm dry weather. My DH isn’t good on his feet and needs a cushioned thick sole so that doesn’t sound as if it will work. I prefer Skechers which have cushioned soles. Can’t imagine having such thin soles that you can feel the ground through them on rough terrain, and some pavements can be pretty rough.
Will be a no from me.

I have two pairs of barefoot shoes from different suppliers. I have a pair of Ice Unicorn shoes for summer and a pair of Hobibear shoes which are more like trainers and have slightly cushioned insoles. I can walk for miles in both pairs.
These are the Hobibear shoes I bought.

Hobibear I’d be happier walking long distances in those you show, MiniMoon.

They definitely look to have thicker soles than Purestep, but then that defeats the claim that a thinner sole keeps you more in touch with the ground so more stable.

The telling phrase when looking at barefoot shoes to improve foot strength is this.
provided the transition is very slow

How many people buy new shoes recommended to help your posture, improve foot strength etc. and slowly transition into wearing them instead of wearing them every day straight away?

Podiatrists have mixed views on barefoot shoes. Many caution against them because removing support and cushioning abruptly can lead to overuse injuries like Achilles tendinopathy and stress fractures. However, some specialists recognize their benefits for strengthening foot muscles and improving natural gait, provided the transition is very slow. .