Why Are They Called “Barefoot Shoes”?

You’re absolutely right.

Being in bare feet is not the same as being in shoes.  We’re the first to admit it.

Barefoot is ideal. But it’s not always practical.

The term “barefoot shoes” came about to describe footwear that gives you as much of a “barefoot feel” as possible, that lets your feet bend and move and flex naturally and gives you as much ground feel as possible.

The idea is that for times when you can’t be without shoes, you’re getting the next best thing to, well, being without shoes.