Minimilist Shoes?

[kcinnick]

Anyone have a recommendation for a good Minimalist shoe? They have so many different ones out there it is unreal. The Reebok version looks good, but are expensive and never on sale. (Always excluded from the coupons). I don't mind a 0 drop, I am pretty sure my skate shoes have a 0 drop and I don't wear shoes unless I have to, so I am use to being barefoot,but I have never exercised barefoot. Lets not lie, I have not exercised since I broke my hand right after Gustav. Anyway, I would like some sole, some cushion, I don't want the true barefoot shoe, more of a minimalist shoe or what some call a in between shoe. Preferably something not so friggin ugly I can only wear it to the torture sessions my wife scheduled for the next 6 months. I am debating on going with skate shoes or cross trainers for the intro day, but for starting class I would like something suitable.

 

[Booseman]

Nike Free Run.

Had them and they are very comfortable. They do wear out fast but they give plenty of cushion and protection until you are ready to go to the Vibram five finger shoes (awesome).

 

[Bgaron]

Definitely the Nike Free. I've had mine for a year and a half and they are still very comfortable. Got mine on sale for about $70. I lift weights in them every day and run every now and then. Probably the most comfortable shoes I've ever had.

 

[Cochise]

These are my Reebok realflex running shoes. I have never had a better running shoe. I do want to get a pair of Nike free too, though. I don't think these are true minimalist shoes, more of an inbetween IMO.

If you normally buy your shoes with a little extra room like I do, you'll want to buy your minimalist shoes a half size smaller than you are used to because of how much they stretch and flex.

 

[c10seven]

New Balance minimus ( MT 20& MX 20), any of the INOV 8 F-Lite line( poke around online you can find sales on them, running warehouse is one place), as you said the reebok nano, Merrell also make minimalist shoes and are supposed to be fantastic. I have a pair of reebok your flex but I honestly don't know if they make them any more, I got them at the tanger reebok store, but they are staring to hurt my feet so I will be replacing them.

 

[InterstateGuns]

Merrell Barefoot Run Bare Access

 

[NOLASHOOTER]

They are on sale here.

http://www.botachtactical.com/newbamt.html

 

[Gringo Loco]

Brooks Pure Cadence are really nice.

 

[Hattrick 22]

I have a pair of Adidas trial tr3 I think and they are pretty comfortable and last awhile I usually go threw shoes quick because I am rough on them. They sell them at academy for 49ish.

 

[USMC-Deano]

I rock Vibram Five Fingers Bikila LS. I freakin' love them. I know you said more of a middle of the road type of minimalist shoe, so they do make a model that has a pretty thick sole in comparison. About twice as thick as what I have in mine.

http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/products/Five-Fingers-Speed-Mens.htm

Real laces and they look like a normal shoe, minus the individual toe pockets.

 

[kcinnick]

Ya'll just confirmed my problem, way too many shoes! I thought I found what I wanted,NB the MT100 or MT101 but they stopped making them. Why can't they just make some NB classics with 4mm or less drop. Oh well going to figure out what I am less likely to hurt myself in tomorrow, skate shoes or regular shoes. Pretty sure the skate shoes have 0 drop, but lots of side padding and stiff, but have a good Feel.

 

[Tulse Luper]

Chuck Taylor All Star

 

[spanky]

Ya'll just confirmed my problem, way too many shoes! I thought I found what I wanted,NB the MT100 or MT101 but they stopped making them. Why can't they just make some NB classics with 4mm or less drop. Oh well going to figure out what I am less likely to hurt myself in tomorrow, skate shoes or regular shoes. Pretty sure the skate shoes have 0 drop, but lots of side padding and stiff, but have a good Feel.

inov8s are great.

 

[kcinnick]

inov8s are great.

Dude, how any pairs of shoes do you have, I watched your videos and you are always in something different. Is there a good place around BR to see a bunch a different shoes or am I going to have to actually go "Shopping".

 

[daxt79]

Just bought a pair of Merrell Trail Gloves. They are very comfortable.

 

[Btl_Rkt_Sci]

Are you looking for something with zero drop, or enough cushion that if you get tired but want to keep running you can handle heel-strikes? Do you want something you wear with or without socks? Do you want something that has enough tread to take cross-country/trail running if you like?

Big things are:

Toe box, make sure its got ample room for the ball of your foot to spread out when you land but is still tight on your midfoot and heel
If you decide to run without socks, check out the inside of the shoes for seams and materials used...blisters are a pain in the ass

Like daxt79, my favrorites so far are the Merrell trail gloves. They are extremely comfortable barefooted, have a huge toe box but fit great, they have enough thread for trail running if you want a change of scenery, and based on Merrell's history in durable shoes I'm expecting the construction to outlast the soles on them.

 

[tmfaulk]

I use the New Balance Minimus as well... Similar to NOLASHOOTER, but I use the MO10BKs; great multi-sport shoe for road or light trail.
I have done a good but if research on the thought of an "in-between" between minimalist and more structured shoe for mostly road running. For what I've seen, SPANKY is correct with the inov-8s; go with the road x-233s... If you want to stay with New Balance, go with the Minimus Zero Road... I haven't bought either yet but I'm working really hard to decide which ones I want.

 

[Angus007]

hmm I think Brooks PureFlow is the best one. They are available on all big stores. I like this brand because of its shoes performance and flexibility. I hope it will be a good experience for you too. You should check them once on any sports shoes store.

 

[robbynola]

1

 

[chad]

+eleventy. I have been wearing a pair of trail gloves for a couple months and refuse to wear my boots, etc unless I have to. I'm as flat footed as a duck so most shoes bother me when walking or standing for an extended period. The Merrell Trail gloves don't bother me at all and are by far the most comfortable thing I've ever worn on my feet.

I got some Merrell Trail Gloves a few months ago too. They are great shoes.