I can’t remember a “craze” that’s taken off quite as fast as barefoot living/running and minimalist shoes.
Then again, that may just be because I’m neck-deep in it day in and day out…
With what seems like every shoe manufacturer in the market (and more springing up every day), the term “minimalist shoe” is getting tossed about without regard as to whether or not a shoe even fits the label.
Okay, so what really is a minimalist shoe? Here’s a few things to look for:
Thin and flexible sole
Heel Drop
Zero heel drop, but not really minimalist
This one’s touchy. Easily the most cannibalized term by shoe manufacturers to market their products as “minimalist” without actually being minimalist to the uninitiated.
Here’s where it gets tricky.
The New Balance Minimus collection has been greatly accepted in barefoot/minimalist circles as a great shoe, especially with the new models coming out soon. But here’s the thing: it’s got a 4mm heel drop. Will you notice? Probably not.
via birthdayshoes.com
“Okay, so what? Zero drop isn’t necessarily a good thing, and [a little] isn’t bad either. Why does this matter anyway?”
In a word: Form.
If there’s a pronounced heel on your shoe, you’re going to use it (i.e. the heel-strike). And that just leads down a bad road. (I won’t preach at you about that here. Read just about any other post on barefoot/minimalist running and you’ll get plenty of that). Use some common sense, and you’ll be fine. If it looks like it has a high heel, it probably does. Try it on. You’ll notice right away.
Wide Toe-box (or preferably, separate toe compartments)
Smashing your toes in a narrow space doesn’t allow them splay out for proper grip and balance. Having a wide toe box, and better yet for us FiveFingers lovers, separate toe compartments allows for all of this. Bottom line, squished toes just don’t perform like they’re supposed to. Don’t let your shoes get in the way of your feet.
Whether it’s FiveFingers, huaraches, or something I haven’t even heard of yet, you can’t go wrong with a good pair of minimalist shoes. Your feet (and body) will thank you for it. I know mine does.
These are just some basics on minimalist footwear. What other features do you look for that I didn’t include?
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One feature that you left out is, the “minimalist shoe” must be designed to be worn without socks. Stitching in the wrong spot, on the inside of a shoe will rub and cause blisters so it must be designed with the barefoot person in mind.
Good call.
I love these new Dr. Scholls Fast Flats…they look like business casual work shoes and are pretty darn minimalistic in a place where my Five Fingers are not acceptable. http://www.drscholls.com/drscholls/forher.jsp
Love the articles man…and my Vibrams, but what do you think about Zem Gear shoes? I bought a pair and they have become more like a pair of slippers.
http://www.zemgear.com/Beach_Shoes_Apparel_Home.html
I’ve got a pair. I don’t care for them. The soles feel cheap, and they hotspot my feet. But, that just may be because I’ve got wider feet.
I think my expectations were a little high for the Zemgear, though. If you use them as a beach shoe like they were intended, they probably work just fine. I need a shoe that’s a little more multi-purpose.
I’ve seen those. I bet they work great in a pinch.
Hey Corey,
What are the brown and tan shoes in the first pic?
Sorry, meant to have a link with that photo. Those are from http://www.stemfootwear.com. I’m really thinking about getting a pair for casual wear.
Thanks! I might have to consider those for casual, too. I could get away with those in the office.