MINIMAL
VIBRAM FIVEFINGERS
The benefits of running barefoot have long been supported by scientific research, coaches, and athletes who’ve offered ample evidence that training without shoes allows you to run faster and further with fewer injuries. Motion studies demonstrate that when running barefoot, one naturally lands on the forefoot, directly below your center of gravity. This results in optimum balance, increased stability, less impact, and greater propulsion; plus it delivers sensory feedback that allows runners to make immediate corrections in their form. When used with a specific training regime, the Vibram FiveFingers may help strengthen feet and lower legs as they combine the sensation of barefoot running with the protection and sure-footed grip of a Vibram sole.
Vibram FiveFingers Bikila LS
Vibram FiveFingers Komodo Sport
Vibram FiveFingers Trek Sport
Vibram FiveFingers Bikila
Vibram FiveFingers KSO TREK
Vibram FiveFingers KSO
Vibram FiveFingers Sprint
Vibram FiveFingers Classic
Saucony Hattori
Saucony's most minimal and lightweight shoe ever, the Hattori is literally an extension of your foot. Unlike other very minimal shoes, the Hattori’s mitten-like toe box gives your toes room to naturally arch, grip and push off. To further leverage natural toe movement, the sole features a visible flex groove in back of the toes and in front of the metatarsals. The sculpted foam of the sole also includes strategically placed impact cushioning and delivers a slight piston effect without ever compromising natural motion.
Somnio Nada
Somnio's Nada is a supplemental training shoe that is meant for strengthening, tuning and stretching. The extremely lightweight Nada is designed for a runner who wants to incorporate barefoot methodology into their routine.
New Balance Minimus Road
New Balance Minimus is a whole new approach to athletic footwear, inspired by Good Form Running and designed to be worn with or without socks. The Minimus Road running shoe is engineered for use on pavement and other varied running surfaces. A low profile midsole and a mere 4mm drop from heel to toe, as little as a third of that of a traditional running shoe, gives the runner that “barefoot” ride.
NIKE FREE RUN+ 2
The Nike Free Run+ 2 is designed to be more flexible than previous incarnations. The Free Run+ 2 not only strength-trains your legs and feet by imitating barefoot movement, it maximizes cushioning and multi-surface traction. Designed with a full bootie, the Free Run+ 2 gives you a customized fit and barefoot-like feel during your run. The lightweight mesh upper features minimal seaming, offering comfort and encouraging toes to flex and grip naturally while engaging muscles normally neglected in traditional footwear. The asymmetrical lacing system helps reduce pressure over the top ridge of the foot. To get your feet even more involved during your run, the Free Run has deep rearfoot flex grooves for enhanced flexibility and stability plus wider flex grooves across the forefoot for muscle activation and a more barefoot-like experience. If you're ready for the benefits of barefoot training but require a shoe with a more plush feel than others, check out the Free Run+ 2.
NEUTRAL
ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 13
The GEL-Nimbus 13 has dropped 3/4 of an ounce, thanks to the new super light, super durable AHAR outsole material. The full-length Guidance Line gives the shoe a smooth transition through the gait cycle, and promotes a more efficient toe-off position. Otherwise the new Nimbus maintains its top-of-the-line cushioning shoe reputation with a plush, cushioned platform feel, along with a stable ride; providing the ultimate cushioned ride for the neutral to under-pronating runner.
STABILITY
adidas SUPERNOVA ADAPT
An updated version of the ever popular Supernova Classic , the Supernova Adapt offers a similar fit and feel to it's predecessor. The midsole's adiPRENE+ forefoot and adiPRENE heel insert will be familiar to those who have run in the Supernova Classic in the past. Also carried-over is the lightweight and cushy blown rubber outsole. However, new for the Adapt is the FOREMOTION midsole; This freely moving heel system helps with motion control as it adapts to the ground at impact to ensure a smooth and stable ride.
MOTION CONTROL
BROOKS ADDICTION 9
The Brooks Addiction 9 stays true to it heritage and continues in the tradition of catering to the excessive over-pronator. Over the years, the Addiction has been a favorite of those who require a combination of cushioning and reinforced medial stability. The shoe’s broad Linear Platform and Progressive Diagonal Rollbar provides sturdy stability by supporting low arches and keeping over-pronation under control. The current Addiction features BioMoGo, the world's first-ever biodegradable midsole for running shoes. Like it’s predecessors, the Addiction 9 delivers the perfect blend of support and performance.
TRAIL
New Balance Minimus Trail
To quote New Balance, the Minimus Trail is "A light and right approach to the minimalist running experience." The objective is to deliver a "closer to barefoot" ride. The Minimus has a mere 4mm drop from heel height to toe height, this low profile midsole provides a more natural foot position than traditional shoes. To further minimize distance from foot to ground, this shoe has no sock liner, minimal outsoles, and is engineered to encourage a midfoot strike. The result: The runner will find an enhanced ground feel. The upper's barefoot-compatible interior has fewer seams, which can be a possible source of irritation, and a highly breathable mesh material. Lastly, the wider forefoot in the Minimus allows the foot to expand naturally on impact.
New Balance 101
This low-profile, ultra-lightweight trail racer is made for the neutral gait. The New Balance 101 features a puncture-resistant toe material and ROCK STOP embedded into the forefoot to protect the feet from sharp rocks and debris on the trail. New this year is the upper's added lateral support for a more secure fit; and EVA heel collar which cushions the Achilles. The result is an extremely lightweight and minimalistic trail shoe.