Men's Spring Barefoot Shoes (78)

Mild afternoons, cold mornings, wet sidewalks. Lighter than winter boots but still closed and water-repellent, with room for your toes and a sole that bends.

Weather that changes by the hour

Spring rarely gives you one kind of day. A cold morning turns into a mild afternoon, a dry week ends in three days of rain, and the ground stays wet long after the air warms up.

That is the job of the transitional pair: light enough for the sun, closed and treated enough for the puddles. Look for a breathable upper that still blocks wind, a water-repellent finish for wet ground, and enough tread for soft footing. Insulation is what you drop — a winter boot in April is simply too warm.

What works in spring

Lightweight sneakers are the default, and Rebound, Echo and Core cover most spring days. For rain and muddy paths, Trailwalker 2.0 or Trailtech handle wet ground without feeling heavy.

When mornings are still cold, ankle boots and high tops keep your ankles covered. As the weather settles, summer shoes and sandals take over.

The easiest season to switch

Spring is the best time to start wearing barefoot shoes. The ground is dry enough for longer walks, the weather gets you outside, and you are not asking your feet to adapt in the middle of winter when every walk is short and cold.

Start with an hour or two a day, alternate with your usual shoes and build up over a few weeks. By summer your feet will be ready for sandals rather than surprised by them.