AIRHAS Knit Barefoot Shoe Review: Not Bad for Costing Less Than $40

Have you noticed that barefoot shoes tend to be pretty pricey despite having fewer materials? I always find this funny. That said, I do enjoy the premium brands, though, and spend a lot on models from companies like Vivobarefoot, but alas…that’s just my addiction.

If you don’t want to spend $100s on your barefoot shoes then you’ve likely looked into shoes like the AIRHAS model. The AIRHAS Knit Barefoot shoe from Amazon cost me $40, and in my opinion, is a potential game-changer for beginners in the budget barefoot market.

For this shoe, I made a point to test them for daily wear, lifting, and cross-training because I wanted to assess how they do compared to more expensive barefoot shoes. They’re good, don’t get me wrong, but there are lapses with their performance, which I’ll explain below.

Who Should Buy This Shoe?

• Barefoot Beginners on a Budget: As someone who’s guided countless lifters and athletes to better barefoot shoes, I can confidently say this shoe offers an excellent entry point at $40 without sacrificing essential barefoot shoe characteristics.
• Sockless Wear Enthusiasts: The breathable knit upper works exceptionally well for those who prefer training without socks. I’ve tested these in various temperatures, and they maintain good comfort and breathability throughout.
• Strength/Hypertrophy-Focused Athletes: If you’re primarily strength training and doing general gym work (hypertrophy sessions), these shoes provide the stability and ground feel you need without the crazy price tag.

Who Shouldn’t Buy This Shoe?

• Wide/Flat Foot Athletes: After multiple comparisons, I’ve found the pointed toe box and aggressive medial sidewall can make these pretty uncomfortable for 3E+ width feet or very flat arches. For a wider shoe that costs around $100 and works great for training, explore shoes like:
  • WHITIN Barefoot Shoe
  • Be Lenka Velocity
  • Notorious Lift Radix,
  • AVANCUS Apex Power
• Power-Focused Athletes: If you’re regularly maxing out cleans or doing intense plyometrics, the knit upper’s limited security won’t provide the stability you need.
• Distance Runners: Based on my interval testing experience, these shoes lack the forefoot stability and overall security needed for dedicated running performance.

Sizing and Fit Recommendations

Recommendations for Narrow Feet

• Removable Insole: Yes
• True-to-Size: The upper provides a decent lock-down for narrow feet without any lateral movement.
• The knit upper conforms well to create a sock-like fit that prevents sliding.

Recommendations for Medium Width Feet

• The neutral arch support and moderate toe box width accommodate medium feet well.
• The bootie-style construction breaks in nicely for comfortable all-day wear.

Recommendations for Wide Feet

• Suitable for feet up to 2E width with some stretching of the knit upper.
• Consider alternative options if you require significant toe splay room.
• Size these similar to Vivobarefoot shoes, though expect slightly more pronounced arch support.

Performance Assessment

Great for Strength and Hypertrophy Sessions

•  The zero-drop platform creates an exceptionally stable base, particularly beneficial during deadlifts and squats where ground feel is crucial. Pulling 455 lbs plus in these was a breeze, and it was nice taking the insole out for these sessions.
• Static strength movements feel good in these, and the upper is secure enough for things like leg press, bench press, and lunges.
• The removable insole system offers valuable versatility, allowing lifters to customize their level of ground connection based on the movement pattern.
• Power movements reveal the shoe’s limitations regarding its upper security. I found that the knit upper struggled to provide adequate containment during explosive lifts, but this is pretty normal for knits.

Middle of the Road Cross-Training Performance

• The boot construction offers solid ankle support once broken in, surpassing my initial expectations for a budget-friendly option. I like the padding inside the heel, too.
• The synthetic toe overlay is nice for boosting durability and security when being explosive. Without it, I think the knit would be way tougher to work out in with these.
• Lateral stability becomes compromised during aggressive side-to-side movements, particularly noticeable in my fast-paced athletic and circuit training.
• Basic plyometric movements feel secure in these, though advanced variations expose the shoe’s structural limitations. For example, jump rope and box jumps felt fine, but broad jumps and skater strides were hit or miss.

Not Great for Running, Decent for Walking

• I didn’t run in these due to not liking how they felt and the upper construction. You could use them for short runs if you want to, and they feel similar to the Primus Lite Knit, but with a bit more laxity.
• For daily wear, these have great breathability and have been comfortable for all-day wear scenarios where I’m running errands or on my feet all day.
• Easy slip-on functionality makes them convenient for daily use. I don’t love having to re-lace my shoes every time I put them. Yes, I’m lazy — so I appreciate the slip-on yet secure construction.
• It took me about a week to break these in to make them super comfortable when going sockless for daily wear. The tongue isn’t too bad for what it’s worth.

Construction Details

Outsole

• Features a full rubber construction with a 360-degree wrap design that provides excellent ground grip.
• The triangle tread pattern offers reliable traction across various gym surfaces while maintaining a low profile.

Midsole

• Zero-drop platform promotes natural foot positioning and movement patterns.
• Minimal cushioning design allows for excellent ground feel while maintaining protection.

Upper

• Knit construction provides excellent breathability with strategic synthetic overlays for durability.
• Five-eyelet lacing system combined with boot construction offers adjustable security.

Insole

• Removable design allows customization of ground feel and fit preference.
• Features finished internal construction for comfortable barefoot wear.

Most Common YouTube Questions, Answered

Is the AIRHAS Knit Barefoot Shoe True to Size?

The AIRHAS Knit Barefoot shoe should run true to size for narrow, medium, and slightly wider foot widths. I recommend staying with your regular training shoe size with the AIRHAS Knit model.

How Do AIRHAS Knit Barefoot Shoes Compare to Vivobarefoot?

Having tested both, I can say the AIRHAS Knit offers about 70% of the performance at roughly 30% of the cost. While Vivobarefoot shoes generally provide stronger gym performance, the AIRHAS Knit delivers impressive value for basic training needs. The main differences lie in the upper construction quality and overall durability.

Can You Run in AIRHAS Knit Barefoot Shoes?

While you technically can run in these shoes, I don’t recommend them for dedicated running training. They’re better suited for short distance runs or casual wear. If you need a barefoot shoe specifically for running, I’d recommend investing in a dedicated barefoot running shoe like the Xero Shoes HFS or Zelen.

How Long Do AIRHAS Knit Barefoot Shoes Last?

I’ve found these shoes to typically last 8-12 months with regular gym use (3-4 sessions per week). The knit upper maintains its shape well, but the outsole may show wear signs around the forefoot area after consistent use. For the $40 price point, this represents reasonable durability.

Can You Wear AIRHAS Knit Barefoot Shoes Without Socks?

Yes, these shoes work well without socks once broken in. The knit upper is breathable and the internal construction is smooth enough for sockless wear. However, I recommend wearing socks during the first 1-2 weeks to help break in the boot construction and prevent any potential discomfort.

What’s the Break-in Period for AIRHAS Knit Barefoot Shoes?

Based on my testing, expect a 1-to 2-week break-in period for optimal comfort. The boot construction and tongue area need time to conform to your foot shape. I recommend wearing them for shorter sessions initially, gradually increasing duration as the materials adapt to your foot movement patterns.

How Do You Clean AIRHAS Knit Barefoot Shoes?

Based on my maintenance experience, these shoes are best cleaned with a soft brush and mild soap solution. The knit material responds well to gentle cleaning. If you’re feeling frisky, you can try them in the washing machine. Just make sure you run it on delicate!

Are AIRHAS Knit Barefoot Shoes Good for CrossFit?

While these shoes can handle basic CrossFit movements, I wouldn’t recommend them for high-intensity WODs. The knit upper lacks the lateral stability needed for cleans and snatches, and the construction isn’t optimized for rope climbs or highly dynamic exercises.

Final Remarks: Would I Buy Again?

I would.

While they’re not my “all of the time” go-to barefoot shoe, they definitely serve a valuable purpose in the market. At $40, they offer solid value for those entering the barefoot shoe space or needing a reliable daily trainer.

The construction quality surpasses what you’d expect at this price point, and they handle general training well. However, as someone who’s tested countless barefoot shoes, I can’t ignore their limitations. The lateral stability isn’t quite there for intense training, and the toe box might be restrictive for some users.

But let’s be real – at this price point, they’re not trying to compete with premium options. For beginners or those wanting a solid barefoot shoe for general training and daily wear, these shoes deliver excellent value.

Just understand their limitations, and you’ll likely be quite satisfied with what they offer for the price. If you have additional questions, drop a comment below!