If you’ve been in the barefoot shoe world for any amount of time, you’ve probably heard the buzz — the Barefoot Shoe Expo 2026 is happening this May in Chicago, and it’s shaping up to be the biggest barefoot footwear event ever. I’m Riley Kane, and after six years of running exclusively barefoot, I can tell you that having an event like this — where you can try on dozens of brands, attend expert-led workshops, and geek out with fellow foot nerds — is something I would have killed for when I was starting out.
Whether you’re a seasoned minimalist runner or you just bought your first pair of wide toe-box shoes, this guide covers everything you need to plan your trip to the Barefoot Shoe Expo 2026.
Dates, Location, and Ticket Info
The Barefoot Shoe Expo 2026 takes place May 16–17, 2026, at the Schaumburg Convention Center (1551 Thoreau Dr N, Schaumburg, IL 60173), just outside Chicago. The venue is easily accessible from O’Hare International Airport, with plenty of hotels, restaurants, and entertainment nearby.
Hours:
- Saturday, May 16: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday, May 17: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tickets:
- Single-day general admission: $15
- Multi-day pass: $20 (the obvious move if you can swing both days)
- Children 12 and under: Free
Every general admission ticket comes with $5-off vouchers to use at participating exhibitor booths, access to all 50+ exhibitor booths, and entry to the free workshop sessions. That’s a lot of value for the price of a decent lunch. Grab your tickets at the official Barefoot Shoe Expo website before they sell out.
What Brands and Vendors Will Be There?
This is where things get exciting. The 2026 expo is expected to feature over 50 exhibitor booths, making it the largest gathering of barefoot and minimalist footwear brands under one roof. Confirmed exhibitors and sponsors include:
- Vivobarefoot — The OG of modern barefoot shoes
- Xero Shoes — Known for versatile, affordable minimalist options
- Be Lenka — European-made barefoot shoes with serious style
- Altra Running — Zero-drop running shoes for every distance
- Vibram — The folks who put five-fingered shoes on the map
- Earth Runners — Minimalist adventure sandals
- Wildling Shoes — Sustainable barefoot footwear from Germany
- Naboso — Foot health and sensory technology products
- The Foot Collective — Foot health education and tools
- Anya’s Shop — Curated barefoot shoe retailer
Plus dozens more. The event is organized by Anya of Anya’s Reviews, who has become one of the most trusted voices in barefoot footwear. If she’s curating the vendor list, you know the quality bar is high.
One of the best parts? Many vendors offer event-only pricing and promotions, so this is genuinely one of the best opportunities to try shoes on in person and grab deals you won’t find online.
Free Workshops and Expert Sessions
Beyond the vendor hall, the expo features 10 free workshops led by some of the most respected names in foot health and natural movement. These are included with your general admission ticket on a first-come, first-served basis. Here’s a taste of what’s on the Saturday schedule:
- “Head to Foot” with Jae Gruenke (The Balanced Runner) — Improve your posture to reduce plantar and Achilles stress (11:00 AM)
- “From the Ground Up: A Movement Exploration” with Dr. Jen Perez (Gait Happens) — 11:40 AM
- “Balance Training: The Secret to Happy Feet & Healthy Aging” with Jim Dooner (The Foot Collective) — 12:20 PM
- “Find Your Foot Type” with Dr. Emily Splichal (Naboso) — What your feet reveal about how you move (1:00 PM)
- Katy Bowman (Nutritious Movement) — 2:20 PM (topic TBA — but anything from Katy is a must-attend)
- “Barefoot Performance from the Ground Up” with Sean Haber & Jon Carrabino — 3:00 PM
- “Fascia, Foot Health, and Barefoot Shoes” with Ian Ray (Stretch2Go) — 4:20 PM
Sunday features a mix of repeat sessions and new presenters. There are also premium workshops — longer, more intimate sessions with capped attendance. These require a separate ticket on top of general admission, but if you want a deeper dive into topics like balance training with The Foot Collective, they’re well worth it.
Honestly, the workshop lineup alone is worth the trip. Getting live instruction from people like Dr. Emily Splichal and Katy Bowman? That’s conference-level education for a fraction of the price.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of the Expo
I’ve been to enough running expos and gear events to know that a little planning goes a long way. Here’s how to make the most of your Barefoot Shoe Expo 2026 experience:
1. Go Both Days If You Can
The $20 multi-day pass is only $5 more than a single day. Use Saturday to explore, try things on, and attend workshops. Come back Sunday with a clear head to make your purchases. Trust me — your wallet will thank you for sleeping on decisions.
2. Wear Your Current Barefoot Shoes
You’ll be on your feet all day on hard convention center floors. Wear broken-in barefoot shoes that you’re comfortable standing in for hours. I’d recommend something with a bit of ground feel — like the Xero Shoes HFS II or Vivobarefoot Primus Lite. You want to be able to slip them on and off easily when trying new shoes.
3. Bring the Right Socks (or No Socks)
If you plan on trying shoes, bring a thin pair of Injinji toe socks or your preferred barefoot-friendly socks. Some vendors may have try-on socks available, but don’t count on it. And if you’re a no-sock person, embrace it — you’re among your people here.
4. Set a Budget
With event-only pricing and 50+ booths of gorgeous minimalist footwear, it’s very easy to overspend. Decide beforehand what you’re shopping for — a new trail runner? Everyday casual shoes? A pair of dress barefoot shoes for work? Having a target will keep you focused.
5. Arrive Early for Workshops
Free workshops are first-come, first-served. The big-name sessions (Katy Bowman, Dr. Splichal, The Foot Collective) will fill up fast. Show up 10–15 minutes early to grab a spot.
6. Bring a Daypack
You’re going to end up carrying shoe boxes, swag, and who knows what else. A lightweight packable daypack will save your arms and keep your hands free for trying on shoes.
7. Book Your Hotel Near the Venue
Schaumburg has tons of hotel options near the convention center and close to O’Hare Airport. Book early — the area fills up with events and the expo crowd has grown significantly year over year.
Why I’m Excited About This One
I’ll be honest: when I started barefoot running six years ago, the community was tiny. Finding shoes meant ordering three pairs online, keeping one, and returning two. There was no place to try things on, no experts to talk to in person, and certainly no expo with 50 vendors and free workshops.
The fact that the Barefoot Shoe Expo has grown to this scale tells you something about where the movement is headed. More people are ditching restrictive footwear. More brands are entering the space. And events like this make the transition easier for everyone — whether you’re trying to find your first zero-drop shoe or you’re comparing trail runners for your next ultra.
The 2026 expo is the biggest one yet. If you’re anywhere near Chicago in May, I’d strongly recommend making the trip. Even if you don’t buy a single pair of shoes, the workshops and community alone are worth it.
See you there — I’ll be the one in the well-worn Earth Runners asking too many questions at every booth.
Grab your tickets at barefootshoeexpo.com before they sell out.