Minimalist Running Shoe Review Unpackaging Merrell Men’s Trail Glove 4 Runner #MinimalistRunner
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The good news is, these “zero drop” shoes aren’t just for runners. There’s a whole movement afoot (pun intended), that has made minimalist shoes available across sports and activities—even for casual wear during the day. Check out these 10 great minimalist athletic shoes for men.While still supremely light at 6.8 ounces for the men’s version, the shoe does offer a bit more support at the midsole, which Inov-8 touts for its 10% improved shock absorption and 15% better.The Topo Athletic ST-2 are great minimalist running shoes for those who aren’t used to minimalist running or who want a low-profile shoe with just a little extra padding.
If you’re transitioning into minimalist running, definitely give these minimal running shoes a look. Read more. Flexibility.
These athletic minimalist shoes offer a 4mm drop and Vibram outsoles, helpful for keeping balance and grip during box jumps, heavy squats, and deadlifts. Whether you are doing circuit training, HIIT, lifting, or just running, this shoe was built for forward and lateral support.0 10 Best Minimalist Running Shoes 2020. Ready to get as close to nature as possible when you run? Good!
All you need is a great minimalist running shoe.. In our guide below, we’ll help you find the best minimalist running shoes and give you a few tips that will help you understand what to look for as you compare and contrast brands.These minimalist running shoes for men are very light and give a runner that feeling of running on bare feet. For instance, the men’s size 10 weighs 4.9 oz.
They can be easily folded up for packing in small areas while travelling or hill climbing.If you are just looking to dip your toes into the world of minimalist running, or are a hardened competitor wanting to cut down on some of the bulk of your current trail runner, the Minimus Trail 10v1 is a shoe that offers serious potential across the board. With a higher stack height than almost all of the other shoes in this review, a slight 4mm drop, and a midsole, this shoe offers a much.2 days ago · 10 Best Running Shoes in Men’s Sizes Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph.D., R.N., CRNA — Written by Ashley Marcin on July 23, 2020 How we chose.
All of their shoes satisfy the criteria above. They carry the only great option for men’s dress shoes I’ve seen. I also love their kids dress shoes, sneakers, and women’s flats.
For littles, their Ultra kids’ shoes are great. Pros: Many great options for dress shoes, athletic shoes, and casual shoes. Cons: Pricier than traditional shoes.
The shoes you wear for CrossFit should give you support and stability for lifts, but also flexibility for jumps and sprints. These 12 pairs check all the boxes.The 10 Best Workout Shirts For Men. Now that you’ve found the perfect foundation for your in-gym look, head over to our guide on the best workout shirts for men, where we outline the qualities you should be looking for in your next athletically-inclined torso piece.
Buy Now: Lems Shoes Men’s Primal 2. You do not have to sacrifice comfort in going to work. With these 10 best barefoot shoes for work, you will never have to worry about comfort and convenience anymore. These shoes are all designed to give you an easier time and.WEIGHT Weight carried on your feet zaps about 5 times more energy than weight carried on your back.
So swapping a 3-pound pair of boots for a 1-pound pair of running shoes is the energy-saving equivalent of removing around 10 pounds from your backpack.The Best Running Shoes for Men. the foam meets a lean mesh upper and minimalist rubber outsole for a true go-fast shoe that also provides some firm cushioning for longer distances.Running in minimalist shoes takes getting used to. Don’t expect to ditch your old running sneakers entirely the moment you get a new pair.
It’s better to gradually incorporate new minimalist shoes into your routine. Some people start by running in minimalist shoes once.
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101 comments
Yes i have and own DYI xero shoes and the new trail xero shoes they are the best on the market if your into real foot control and movement xero shoes are the way
3 Day Functional Training: https://guerrillazen.com/functional-training-plan
Get your Xero Shoes: https://xeroshoes.com/go/guerrillazen
Whitin are affordable, a good Chinese Knock off shoe, on Amazon, don’t know about the expensive brands there outside my budget.
What working standing walking on concrete. Can you wear min shoes?
Merrel’s Vapor Glove 4 3D are the best minimalist shoes I’ve ever owned… Also, I’m letting you know in advanced, get a full size below your regular Nike/Adidas size
The best and the most inexpensive barefoot shoes would be the decathlon scuba walking shoes or whatever they are called. They offer good fit, great breathability and also have a very low heel. So, it makes a perfect minimalist running shoe
Minimalist and barefoot, good setup for injury. However some Hoka shoes are ridiculously clown style. Somewhere in the middle for long miles. Sacouny make good long trainers. Good video. I agree
What other brands have you compared to, and did you receive your xero shoes for free?
No it is not the best minimalist shoe….in terms of construction it feels like a cheap Chinese shoes with terrible shoe fit….the best ones are Skinner’s followed by Vibram vapour glove or Vivo barefoot…. please stop pushing products to your YouTube viewers!
But why did you not actually talk about the “best minimalist shoes”?
Thanks allot! Have you tried the Wildling shoes? Seems interesting to me..
I’ve fall in love with vibram 5 fingers. And I am working towards replacing trafitional socks with injini toe socks.
Xero doesn’t make boots they make high tops. You walk your butt into the woods to go hiking off trail where I live in their high tops and you’ll pick a deadly case of snake bite on your unprotected leg
I love barefoot running and minimalistic shoes. Done quite a few miles having nothing under my foot. I feel it improved my running stride significantly, but that is that. Comming now from a knee injury, i must say, i see now minimalistic running as a form of training, it helps with your inner core musles and such, but I would be careful going too long or too hard in them. Nice and easy is what it is all about.
I love merrills trail gloves specifically 1,2 and 4. So much so, i have about 12 different pairs plus a new pair on order the mens parkway emboss. I love my merrills.
Summary:
1. Stack heights determines how much sole is in a shoe (millimeter)
2. Shoe will affect strides and gaits and foot strike
3. Shoe option depends on your weight, past injuries (if any), and your running surface
4. Minimalist vs Maximalist is depending on you. Be careful. Too much of anything is bad for you, be moderate.
Except for love. There cannot be too much love. Love your channel!
When you say “rubber” what you are actually talking about is plastic same is true for car tyres plastic is everywhere
You said there are many good brands and then referenced only xero shoes. What else would you recommend?
Holy moly I learned so much about feet that I never knew good to know info
I transitioned into minimalist shoes after suffering from Morton’s Neuroma for 10 years, eventually I realised that I didn`t have a foot problem I had a shoe problem. Several years on I now only wear minimalist shoes and wear them in the gym, golf course, out on the hills and just about town.
For anyone who has deformed toes I recommend a product called “Correct Toes”, which helps the toes reset into their correct positions. My preferred shoe manufacturer is Vivobarefoot, who have a shoe for just about any activity.
So much to say. First of all, I think that stack height is the least important attribute of a minimalist approach to running. I think that toebox width and rear foot to fore foot drop are much more important. Why? A low drop keeps you from developing lower back problems from compensating for the tilt a high heel causes. It is also helpful in taking advantage of the natural spring you get from the Achilles’ tendon. Toebox width is most important in my view. I’ve been running almost exclusively in Altra, Merrell barefoot and some varieties of Skechers for years. A natural toe spread makes for the most stable platform and allows my foot muscles to do what they need to do. I understand the point about how our feet are, I would say, crippled by a lifetime in confining, overbuilt shoes, but I see that as no reason not to rebuild our foot function. With a gradual approach, this is completely possible. One thing I’ll say is that more important than stack height, is flexibility of the sole (obviously outsole, but midsole contributes to this). A sole that is firm, but flexes in the places where the foot naturally bends, will contribute to better foot function overall.
Who designed these, they look like bowling shoes. And you can tell by the pattern on the sole that it’ll wear down before 100 miles
I prefer a more cushioned shoe. At 44yo I currently use the NP Turbo and Adidas supernova. I suffer a lot from runners knee and def want more cushion on longer or faster days.
I have a pair of Xero running shoes, as well as a pair of Vivo Barefoot and Merrell Vapor Glove. I like the Merrell the most. The Xero just fit wierd… too tight up the front, floppy on the sides. I tried the next half size up and it was huge. So their sizing is not true to size, so I don’t wear them anymore.
I just downloaded your workout split. I have some arthritis at an early age and I used to enjoying lifting but am now severely reduced in my ability. Your plan looks like it will be a good fit for me. Looking forward to giving day one a shot today
Which shoes are these? I’m not seeing them on their website
Tip from a shoe store employee: please dont ask us about the stack heights. We (I) don’t have time to remember all of those
What a coincidence! I’ve been running regularly for the last… probably 8-9 years now, and last week was my first time buying a maximalist shoe. It is the skechers gorun maxroad 3 ultra (I hate it when shoe companies come up with these long names for a shoe).
All this time my concern about maximalist shoes is exactly like what you said, seth! They are usually too comfortable and too soft, I worry that they will spoil my feet, make them lazy, do not build strength, and hide my weaknesses because they feel comfortable however I ran (at least from multiple tests in the stores all this time). in addition, they are heavy and clunky. However recently I realize that I do need these maximalist shoes at least for recovery, long slow runs, running in low heart rate zone, etc. You see, trying to keep my heart rate low in long runs in a typical training shoe sometimes hard when your feet starts to feel the pounding from the ground, especially on concrete surfaces.
I’m glad I pick the skechers. For a start, they are NOT as soft as hoka. quite firm, actually, so you can still build strength and keep the momentum of running, avoiding the softness that makes your strides lazy. Second, they are 4mm drop and is quite flexible in the forefoot (not as rigid as most hokas), so the best way to run in it is still by midfoot strike. They’re not really feel good when I heelstrike. This way I’m still ‘warned’ to watch my form. They feel best in slow-moderate pace. So perfect for recovery and slow running.
Lastly, they are still light. 8,6oz for a size 9, so still in the same weight class of a lot of typical trainer.
Ok, I don’t want to sound like advertising this shoe too much.
After a week, I feel like the benefit of max shoes is for particular purposes. Recovery, slow-long runs, and avoid too much stress for your feet in your training cycle. Their benefit is that your feet will still feel fresh after your run, because they are protecting you from the poundings of the ground. Use them in rotation with your regular trainer and fast shoes, and you’ll see the benefit. But I wouldn’t advise to have max shoe as your ONLY running shoe.
just my two cents..
Who makes shoes in size 14 extra wide? This is the problem I run into
Hi man, great contents, thanks for providing this.. can you provide more information on how to have better posture and healthier joints from doing normal life activities without doing exercises, like just from everyday normal activities.
I was researching this yesterday…a video from you today, awesome!
Toe socks are great for helping your toes to spread out and feel natural (and also helps with keeping them dry). Where I live, you also take your shoes off when you get home and that helps keep your foot mobile. Only problem is they are expensive.
I’ve always been partial to Merrells and the New Balance Minimus, but thank you for educating on the effects of improper shoes ��. I hope your foot is better.
Are those running shoes from Adidas, Nike etc not running shoes?
I transitioned to minimal shoes a couple of years ago. I’ve been wearing Tadeevo, and I’m ordering some new shoes today. After breakfast, I look forward to watching your video.
Ooh merch! Love it! Got to get some.
Great to see that most people responding have a balanced perspective and see the value of barefoot for foot strength. Not sure if many have mentioned form?
Personally I’m pretty much 100% minimalist, most I’ll wear are the Altra Escalante Racer which isn’t really minimalist, but it gives the feet a rest.
Started taking barefoot seriously a year ago and the biggest benefit I could say is that running form benefits greatly. I’m sure you’ve all hear lots of anecdotes but for me I stopped getting shin splints and started recovering a lot better from workouts. I’d still do intense and long sessions in Altras, but some easy and recovery days barefoot.
I know it’s not for everyone and as someone mentioned it takes some work to overcome a lifetime of weak feet etc, but I’d argue that the benefits are there for everyone if some to some degree. I personally believe only running in thick or stiff shoes will result in weaker feet and degeneration of form. That’s if you do it 100% of the time.
Everyone should do what’s right for them, but don’t dismiss it out of hand, a balanced approach is very valuable.
BTW just for kicks https://youtu.be/erorsuyJKiQ
Thanks for the detailed explanation of barefoot shoe benefits. I got my first barefoot shoes last fall. It’s taken a long time to adjust (actually I’m still adjusting) but I absolutely love it and will never go back!!! I have a question about the particular pair you’re wearing: How much leather is on them?
I was a good runner in younger days then later Shin splints stopped my running, then 10 years of competitive cycling only cause I couldn’t run however I tried Vibram 5 fingers 3 years ago and now I m running 65-80km a week did my first half marathon 1:47 and second 1:28 and aiming for 1:19 this year and I am 43 therefore for me I love minimalist shoes
Run in cushioned, zoom fly 3 and just ordered Bondi 6……walk in minimalist, like Sanuk. P.s. I only run around our lake 1.7 miles 6 of 7 days & I’m 59. P.ss about 10 years ago I got back into running and the barefoot craze was in so I ran in the lightest, least cushioned shoes I could find, usually some kind of racing shoe. I also had the toe shoes for walking around the lake. 2 knee surgeries later and thanks to you tube I know better.
Could someone explain or detail what kind of gait cycle or biomechanics would not be good for shoes with more cushion? I recently bought a pair of Hoka Rincon. After a couple of runs I started to get ITB pain on my right leg. Not sure if the pain is completely unrelated or if I should ditch the shoes for a different pair.
There’s no evidence supported shoes prevent injuries so I don’t understand the running community biased against minimalist or barefoot running. If we’re being honest, supported shoes increase risk of injury. Train yourself to run without support.
Hi, to answer one question below about the size I had to get a half size lager than usual.
However the big disappointment for me is the ventilation or actually the lack of it. I feel like walking with a plastic bag on my feet.
Is it ok for a long distance runner to use minimal shoes like the vanish r
i think most of us have been raised to walk jog and run on shoes, which means we have developed a non-effecient feet to work without any protection, that tells us as a runner we should develop better our tools (feet) before demand bigger task from them, as running long distance, its sad but true! we need to learn how to walk before run, and then we can wear whatever we want, need or have to.
I’ve always fell into the Maximalist stack-height. However recently I purchased a Nike fly 3. I was excited about the stack height but I did not like it after I ran in them for a week. I felt there was no drop for my feet, and there was too much support for my arch. I did not even use an insole. I have a medium to low arch and stack height with Nike zoom fly 3 felt like an over kill for my arch.
Can you do a review on the New Balance 890v7 because I don’t see many on YouTube
New runner here. Went from ASICS Gel Nimbus to Hoka Bondi 6…..what a HUGE change. Both are well cushioned (Hoka just a tad better) but that’s the only similarity. I think a key point is just learning how to run more efficiently in each particular shoe. If you change your class of shoe you will most certainly need to make small changes with your strike, gate and pace.
i’ve been watching your videos and it seems that every video i watch, you are injured. hehehehe. sorry. i didnt mean to laugh, but you seem to get injured a lot. why is that?
I fully agree with you Seth. I used hokas during my last preparation for a marathon. While my knees suffered much less as I was covered longer and longer distances, the maximalist design concealed some of my flaws in my foot strike that ended up surfacing. I would use very thick midsole just on easy days and long distance runs, but not for tempo or intervals. To me, the sweet spot consists of a shoe that is somewhere in between or combining a maximalist style pair of shoes with a more average midsole.
Why not both and every shade in between?
My shoes:
Long runsHoka Clifton 6 (high stack)
Short and paceHoka Rincon (high and snappy)
Tempo and thresholdReebok Run Fast (medium/ low)
TrailHoka Torrent (medium/ high and snappy)
Road raceHoka Evo Racer (medium and snappy)
Hi Seth, I am currently suffering from patellar tendinitis or runners knee from what I have been told. Could you recommend any shoes whilst I work through this injury through physical therapy etc. Any assistance appreciated. Thanks!
I do all of my road running in Merrell Vapor Gloves and my trail runs (including ultras) in Merrell Trail Gloves. My calves, arches and particularly my soles are so much stronger after the switch that I can’t ever imagine going back to anything taller than a 8mm stack on the road and 12mm on the trails as it just feels too numb, too sloppy and too slow. Theres no connection, no feedback in Hokas and the like. I simply just can’t feel what my feet are doing and this has in the past, lead to a greater risk of rolling an ankle because I’m no longer paying as much attention to foot placement.
Running minimalist forces you into developing an efficient, safe running style that in my experience ends up protecting you from injury rather than causing it. You do however have to initially weather through about 3-6 months whilst your feet, calves and achilles are strengthening.
For cool downs or warmups for a workout I like jogging barefoot on grass/ turf. I wouldn’t do a workout barefoot though
I buy whatever shoe is on the rack at the thrift store.
Got all different kinds. Min and max.
And got all my shoes for the past 2500 miles for under $100
Out of all the shoe brands, New Balance quietly has like the largest range in their product base. Most people only know them for dad shoes.
It seems that the science (Lieberman out of Harvard) has supported learning with protection but not supportive shoes. This will build muscles. Observing the fastest marathon runners, they are not using minimalist shoes. Is that because of $, performance or both? I’m a long time minimalist runner, definitely not a pro. My form feels like it will keep me healthy later in life bu5 only time will tell.
Just providing feedback for others to use as they may I just got back into running this year after many years off, I’ve always stayed active just never did races over the last 10 years. I’m 30 years old now and just finished my first half marathon over the weekend and I read a lot about zerodrop/minimalist shoes and added benefits from using them at the beginning of my training. That being said, I was training in the Brooks Cascadia 12 or 13 (10mm drop) trail shoe before I decided to take the plunge and bought the Merrell Trailglove 5 (0mm drop + minimalist shoe) and I slowly transitioned. Started out by just alternating days and using the Merrells on easy days (my mileage was low) and I was mainly running on trails/crushed gravel for most of my runs. I think the biggest thing people miss is that you can’t just change to minimalist shoes without slowly transitioning to allow muscles/tendons a chance to strengthen naturally. Some things I experienced were increased tightness after runs in my Achilles and lower calves which I addressed by rolling frequently and stretching often. Eventually my body built up enough and that went away and my runs were normal.
Overall, I used the Merrell shoes from May July for all my training + my half marathon without issue (the half was on a rail-trail of cinders/crushed stone). Like everything in running, I think it’s 100% personal preference and dependent on the person and goals/ what you are training for etc. as you mentioned in the video.
Awesome channel Seth!!” So on the minimalist front… have a look at “Older yet Faster” they prescribe a long transition to minimal running using Xero shoes or similar. Essentially to remain injury free its about running and landing on the whole of your foot and it landing directly under your hips avoiding heel striking and also forefoot landing which essentially acts as a break. However as a Trail runner going over gnarly rocks and debris this might not be so possible.
I am hurt right now due to fad shoe. I am definitely going to the Hokkas.
Do these barefoot East Africans train on hard asphalt and cement? No, they run on dirt trails. If you’re running on asphalt and concrete you need an increased stack height to absorb the impact.
Variation is the key for me, Zoom Fly Flyknit, Adios 4, Fastwitch 8, Scott supertrac RC for trail. I would like to try the Hoka Carbon X at some point. I also have an altra for recovery runs.
Just got my first pair of Hoka Bondi 5 two weeks ago and have been wearing them daily at work where I’m on feet at all day long with my job, averaging about 3.5 miles. Brand new for only $94 as runnerswarehouse has them on sale as they ramp up the latest Bondi 6. After decades of wearing Nikes, Brooks, Saucony, Brooks, etc., the Bondi 5 is my first ever maximalist shoe, and I am very happy and can definitely feel the extra cushioning and stability. I must admit I was shocked when I opened the box and discovered how very stiff the shoe is, literally no flex when pushing heel and toe of shoe together with hands. Folks, this is a rocker shoe and is meant to be stiff, but the stiffness does no at all hamper the pillowy feel. The shoe is very stable because of its oversized footprint/bottom sole. The foot sits inside in a depressed footbed or cradle, so no worry about turning ankle.
Long story short I agree with Seth pretty much completely. I think you have to know specific genetics and someones entire life history to decide if they can handle minimalist shoes, the barefoot argunents are sound when talking about humans in general but most of us arent living like our ancestors at all. I walk barefoot a lot but I run in all sorts of trainers, 10mm drop NBs, 4mm sauconys, variation is good. I like a good barefoot cooldown after a track workout too. But unless youve been barefoot your entire life I dont think minimalist running shoes are the move for everyday training either. Lifes too short to be injured in the end so just do what works for you!
great video, thanks for info! btw, what type of sweatshirt is that?
i would not determine whether a shoe is minimalist or maximalist solely based on stack height. fellrnr.com has a pretty useful categorization of running shoes and he defines maximalist shoes (like most hoka models) as very similar to minimalist shoes, with the only diference being stack height. the two categories share two characteristics though: little or no drop from the heel to the forefoot and very flexible soles. by this definition the nike vaporfly models don’t fall into the maximalist category because they have stiff soles with significant drops.
Hey Seth! I’m an ultrarunner. My advice is Luna Sandals for dayly trainer. They really strenghten your feet but you have to go slow at firs and only 20–30 min. I don’t like superminimalist shoes like Fivefingers but Lunas have some nice sole. I can go even to trails with my Luna Mono 2.0, in fact I can go in any surface in them.
Sandals are not shoes – your foot is free and it feels good. I’ve tested minimalist shoes like Merrel and Fivefingers but they don’t work like sandals do. Your feet can’t work trapped in shoe. Sandals let your feet move more freely and take care of cushioning. But in shoes I prefare good cushioning like Nike. In races I still use racers. I do trailrunning so Salomon shoes work for me. After Lunas real shoes feel super soft witch is good when you are running 100 miles.
So my idea is: strenghten your feet with barefootlike running (Luna Sandals) and use protective shoes in ultra races. Luna Sandals also protect me from injuries and overtraining. In Lunas I feel my feet better: are they sore, is there some pain? If your feet are not okay, you can’t run in sandals but you can run in normal trainers, specially in Hokas. Cushioning can make us feel better than we actually are. Cushioning is not protection.
There has been some recent interest in walking in minimalist shoes for runners, as it seems to provide a good amount of strengthening of the foot. The research ( https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30113521) did not find any difference between performing a foot strengthening execise program (5d/wk) and a regiment of walking (increasing steps every day) in minimalist shoes (similar muscle strength and size in the foot seen after 8 weeks). I am guessing, as the abstract doesn’t say about what they mean by minimalist, but I am guessing 3mm or less stack height.
Vivobarefoot also make minimalist runningshoes.
Honestly, I can’t see how anyone runs on rocks, roots, and hard asphalt in stuff like the Merrell Trail Gloves or the 5 fingers. The only time I dabble in minimalist shoes is in track and xc races with my spikes. Other than that, I usually go with with midweight options that range from my Altra Superior 4s, which border on minimalist, to my Ultraboosts. I just picked up some Adidas Supernovas yesterday from Marshalls for $35, which are my first true maximalist shoes.
I think as long as you run with proper form you can run with whatever shoe you like
I am not fully against maximalist or minimalist. For engineered surfaces, concrete, pavement I don’t want to take the beatings of a minimalist shoe. When I turned up my mileage from 35 miles a week to peaking at 90, I started to use maximalist shoes there is a lot of miles on roads in those 90. I do think some use of minimalist shoes can help, even one is different. I would suggest no doing a hard turn from one to the other, just slowly build and ease in to it.
I definitely lean more to the minimalist side but know I should do more of my slow easier miles in a slightly more cushioned shoes. I walk everywhere in a pair of xero sandals and i love them. They were really hard to adjust to and I even developed some injuries early on but sticking with them ive found my feet to be so much stronger now. And I need some more trail running shoes as well. Currently only have a pair of the altra escalantes which i love but would love more variation if I could afford it.
Why would you go barefoot in the outdoors? Seems like a great way to pick up a injury.
I just switched to Hoka Elevon myself. I like them, but it’s taking a bit of time to transition to a 5mm drop.
I ran my first half marathon in Xero sandals today (93 mins). 4mm of plastic on the bottom of my feet. First time racing in them for me and I ran a bit slower because of it. I usually run my easy runs in them and do workouts in running shoes. I have increased my cadence from 174 to 195 in today’s race. Also was a serious heel striker and now have a forefoot strike. It’s taken me 4 years to get used to them and I only run on pavement. I also have thinker ankle because of them. As with everything slowly is the key.
I would love to get minimalist shoes, yet I am fearful that with all the walking I do I will wear a hole in the bottom of my shoes. Anyoe else have this problem?
Just because we’re ‘raised’ in running shoes in the west, doesn’t mean that biologically we should be wearing them. Running shoes were only invented very recently. And the problems caused by barefoot shoes in our culture is usually caused by people not realising that they have to learn to walk in them before they can run in them. There’s so many muscles and bones and joints etc in our feet that never get used while inside a shoe. You have to start off slowly and build up gradually. Make sure you’re doing foot, ankle, knee and hip stretches and strengthening exercises. Vibram 5 fingers are incredible to run in. So much more natural. Especially if you switch between them and a regular running shoe. You really notice how much regular shoes push your hips out of alignment. And you really notice your feet and your toes and it’s just so eye opening. Edit I personally would never not wear some kind of protection on the bottom of my feet. Risk of standing on glass etc it’s an unnecessary risk imo. Especially when barefoot shoes give a barefoot feel but have puncture proof soles. So… Why take the risk.
Do you have a source confirming that the prevalence of plantar fasciitis has to do with what you call “rubber coffins”?
there is a craze now sweeping parts of Malaysia where they run in sandals called Ysandals..maybe some of you have heard it..wonder what your opinion on sandals..
My take on this is: You won’t learn good form in modern shoes, however you will get injured without them doing big mileage. So learn good form without shoes when you’re young, and protect them with shoes later in your life to manage the big mileage needed for competitive running.
I’ve been wearing zero drop in everyday for like 5 years now (merrells, vibrams, vivobarefoot, and bespoke leather shoes) but I’d never do my mileage in them.
Agreee, Vaporflys’ heel stack height is 32mm and Hoka Cliftons’ is 28mm, so in some sense Vaporflys are “maximalist”
Completely agree. Love walking and doing short distances in somewhat minimal shoes like the Kinvara, but I do my long runs in Hokas. Couple points to further the discussion: drop and Nike Free. I haven’t run in Nike Free but it’s an interesting part of the minimalist running phenomenon. Curious as to what you think about shoe flexibility. As for drop, a lot of Nikes that I love including the Pegasus Turbo have such an aggressive drop, and I really think it encourages heel strike. Great vid Seth! Hoping for your speedy recovery.
There’s probably alot to be said for how flexible the sole is, perhaps in some shoes more so than stack height. If you run in very rigid support shoes, regardless of stack its not going to allow your foot muscles to work properly.
I’m enjoying the plusher shoes these days, legs seem to stay fresher for longer.
Next% and zoomfly and VaporFly are max cushion shoes. So there’s that.
Away from running in shoes, I think flip flops, with the single thong in-between the 1st and 2nd toe, is the way to go to keep feet strong. Scott brand flip flops are imo some of the best. I’ve done hiking and all types of walking in them for 20+ years. They are very stable on the foot and provide great traction, and they let your foot spread out side to side which really helps keep all the little muscles in the feet strong.
I think road surface is the major issue. Kenyans can get away with running around barefoot on dirt roads and grass. They are not pounding hard pavement barefoot, though. Same with other east Africans, I’m sure. In the US, unless you live in a really rural area, we are in a midst of a concrete jungle. Hence, not a good idea to run around barefoot or even in minimalist shoes. Personally I only use minimalist shoes as a flat for race day, or if running on soft surfaces.
Midsole!
You know I’m all about the midsole. In particular in the area of the forefoot. So many great shoes just have nothing under there so I can’t wear em. I switched to Hoka’s after a plantar plate tear and this old boy has not regretted for a second. Clifton one reissue for tempo/ threshold Bondi B reissue and the Bondi 6 for long road runs and recovery. I use the Clifton 5 as my walk around shoe. I use the NB Beacon for track workouts and full throttle work. BUT I’m getting myself the Carbon X and the rockets for racing.
You make some good and valid points. I run in hoka clifton 5 and the Altra Olympus 3 for easy days, long runs and rehab situation like I am at the moment. I run in the Saucony kinvara 10 for shorter or workout days. I am barefoot around the house all the time, and I have to wear steel toed work boots all day for work. I think the cushion and impact protection has more to do with it than stack height. Don’t get me wrong stack height has a lot to do with too, but I can run a 20km run in a hoka Hupana which has the same stack height as a Kinvara 10 and my feet feel good after the run, but in the kinvara 10 in the same exact run my feet feel beaten up afterwards. So my argument or point is this, stap two bricks to your feet and run with them and you would still have the stack height but not the impact protection. I raise this point in relation to the Saucony Kinvara range for 3 to 10, and even the nike zoom elite range to some degree. The cushion of the shoes have change from each model and have change the distance I can use these shoes for. Early kinvara’s 3 to 6 I could run 20km in them ok, but the 7 to 10 left my feet beaten up. The stack height and heel drop haven’t change only the materials composition. Food for thought.
Broke my leg right above ankle. Was pretty bad break. Had 2 surgeries and was in a cast/boot for 6 months. Had to completely rebuild muscles in foot and leg. I did foot strengthening work every day for 2 years and still do it 4-5 days a week. Anyway I Run mainly in Hoka maximalist shoes as they give me a little extra support but I will occasionally run in ‘racing flats’ but I think more so than the shoes you run in I think the more you want to run the more and more time you need to spend time strengthening your body. Not just lifting heavy weights but using resistance bands and working stabilizer muscles.
Great video. Also, just ordered my shirt����������������
QD: I personally enjouy running in medium to moderate cushioned shoes. As I age, my calves and feet appreciate the extra cushion. Note, I’m on my feet all day, so that may also contribute to me liking a little something something under my foot lol.
I like the Nike Free line, it’s sort of minimalist. I’ve been doing my easy 30 min recovery runs in them, on grass. Otherwise I train in a ‘mediumist’ shoe. I’m not really sure maximalist shoes are great for anybody with problamatic biomechanics like knee or ankle issues, but that is just a gut feeling.
You can run barefoot for sure. For indoor sports you need shoes, bec of changing direction put shit load pressure to bones.
There are just so many variables. I truly enjoy running in lower stack, lower drop but alas this 200 pound, 50 year old body can only handle this so much. I’m still new enough to running (18 months) that I’m trying to figure out my sweet spot for different runs and best shoes for me.
Whenever I had some kind of injury, it happened during training in a minimalist shoe.
I feel this debate may be more partisan than US Politics. The bottom line is, all of us have different physiology, running forms and running frequencies. No to mention running surfaces. Too much of anything is never a good thing. Try both because they both have benefits. They each have things that will help your form and correct things before they get out of hand. The whole debate really falls on running form and improving that to help avoid injury. As long as you continue to work on your form to make it more efficient and less shocking to your body, the better and longer you will be able to run injury free.
You forgot to mention the best minimalist running shoe….Vivobarefoot. This is unforgivable! If I could only have one shoe give me the Vivobarefoot I am now wearing them at home at work and going out in the evenings. All day everyday just running in Nike on 5km and 10
30 to 40 miles on the treadmill with minimalist without injury the last 2 years but on concrete, heck no.
The best shoe is the one you developed on you feet. once you do that you never have to think about running shoes or running form. It has taken me a year but I got to the point where I can do all my runs unshod. You can do it but you have to be smart about it. to much too soon will get you injured.
Barefoot inspired running shoes improved my running and helped cure my Achilles tendinitis. I use Zero dropped shoes like Altra, merrell and vibram fivefingers. I vary the stack height according to how my body feels. I find Five fingers great for easy runs as they require so little effort to run in; being so light. If I’m going off road altra or merrell which have a higher stack height to stop those stones bruising my feet, which have hardened over the years I’ve worn minimalist shoes and skipped barefoot (up to 30 mins)
I’m a big guy and I love the Altra Lone Peaks, had several, but now have been trail running with Altra Olympus 3s, really cushioned, miles just fly by.
I wore dolly shoes for years which are very thin bottomed flats and are pretty close to walking barefoot. I have neverending problems with the bottoms of my feet burning and getting sore now unless I wear a really soft cushioned running shoe.
Honestly, I think the majority of runners would agree with you Seth. The “midfield” thinkers that use both when feeling the need to, and see advantages in A or B will usually remain fairly silent. Defenders of “only A” or “only B” are exceptions that use their voice because they feel the need to convince people for some unknown reason. And because they use their voice they seem large in numbers.
Same with the vegan movement. It is “against”. It is not A or B, it is a question of using A and B in the right setting, at the right time, because of your own life and background… Like eating bacon for breakfast and a light salad before hitting the bed. Nice video Seth!