While still fairly light at 7.3 ounces for a men’s size 9, the Speed Trainer-that’s the “ST”-puts a 16mm midsole between your foot and the ground and uses an internal support skeleton with a few light overlays for a bit more structure through the upper. These kicks work for running, agility training, weight lifting, and more unlike the third version, this model incorporates an Ortholite footbed that softens the step-in feel without adding too much cushioning. Topo’s stripped-back ST-4 may be minimal in design, but it hits the maximum in versatility. Midsole feels slightly stiffer than the ST-3 model.Like many experiences we have on the run, it is highly individual. That said, many runners have also benefitted immensely from the barefoot approach and have found its methods revitalizing, both physically and mentally. Overzealous new minimalists jumped into the craze quickly-ditching their supportive shoes-and many actually saw their injuries (and aches and pains) increase. While strengthening muscles in the feet can be very beneficial to runners, logging high barefoot mileage without a slow buildup proved a risky way to do it. Closest To The Real Thing: Luna Sandals Leadville TrailĪs it spread to a wider audience, the minimalist running movement had some mixed results.Best Road-to-Trail: Xero Shoes Mesa Trail.The Original “Toe Shoe”: Vibram V-Trail 2.0.Barefoot With Grip: Softstar Primal RunAmoc.Best For Cross-Training: Altra Solstice XT 2.Best For Barefoot Beginners: Merrell Trail Glove 6.Best For Road Racing: Altra Escalante Racer.Breathable, Hydrophobic Mesh: Arc’teryx Norvan SL 2.

(After all, the practice seemed to work for the impressive Tarahumara tribes that covered hundreds of injury-free miles in wafer-thin sandals.) Minimalism sought to reconnect runners with that organic barefoot experience-one that would ultimately improve our form with the hope that the PRs would soon follow. With stronger accessory muscles in the foot, injury rates were expected to drop and running efficiency would improve. The idea is that less cushioning and support from your kicks means you’ll engage your feet more, and strengthen the muscle fibers that get neglected when you’re all laced up. Minimalism was born from the simple “less shoe, more you” premise. Based on our testing, we stand by these current recommendations as the best available options in minimalist and barefoot running footwear. Editor’s Note: We reviewed and updated our shoe selections below on May 23, 2022.

Minimalist running shoes