The theory behind wearing barefoot shoes is that they simulate being barefoot, ultimately helping you to strengthen the muscles in your feet.

I've experimented with everything from minimalist shoes, maximulist shoes, barefoot shoes and everything in between. In my experience, barefoot shoes actually made my flatfootedness worse . Not only that, this started to effect my knees. Instead of strengthening the muscles in your feet, what I have found is that shoes in general form your feet into the shape of the shoe. This part they got right. The problem is that a flat shoe shapes your foot into a flat foot.

You can experiment at home by putting on your flat Van slip on style shoes and wearing them for an hour. Take them off and then stand on the floor barefoot.

Now, do the same thing with a pair of arch supported, bouncy running shoes from Brooks/Asics/Nike etc. Take them off and then stand on the floor in barefoot. Your arch now favors the shape of a running shoe.

It's the same concept as wearing braces.

Based on my experience, the best shoe possible would actually be something with a wide toe box, but also a strong, high arch supported sole/insole