Although not a new term, but minimalism has been a phenomenal trend all around the globe and it has become a well received concept in the fitness world as well. In the training shoes market, this trend has been widely accepted by athletes and runners who think their feet require no external support and just the best minimalist training shoes will do the job.
For those who believe that our feet have the ability to perform multiple lateral movements on its own without any support, then a minimalist shoe will be a great choice for them.
But different minimalist shoe has different features, which have been discussed in detail in the following section.
Buying the Minimalist
Minimalist shoes does not carry too much cushion or hefty soles, they come with just the right amount of support that keeps your feet protected and allows it to be flexible enough for workouts or trainings.
Before choosing which shoe to buy for your trainings, take a look into what feature minimalist shoes come with.
Know the types shoes
Without knowing how minimalist shoes function, it will be difficult for you to choose the right shoe that’ll assist with your trainings. You can pick shoes according to your feet type and the intensity of your trainings following the features that are provided below for your better understanding.
Heel-to-toe Drop
Shoes with this feature are designed to have a balanced support system from the toe to the heel of the feet which facilitates stability while in motion. This feature in minimalist shoes gives the body proper posture.
Flexible Last
While taking swift turns or changing position during trainings, our feet tend to bend or twist in every direction. The midsole of the shoe is kept stiff so that these fast movements do not cause any harm to your feet.
Wide Toe Box
Shoes with a wider toe space allows the feet to move freely. Since minimalist shoes are made to cling to your feet, it usually has a wider toe box so that the toes do not stay stiff together, and make lateral movements painful.
Right Amount of Thickness
Minimalist shoes are meant to have a thinner finish to have a ground feel. But they are thick in places that receive pressure while running or having intense trainings.
Image | Product | Features | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | New Balance Minimus 20 V7 Trainer | 100% synthetic Has a rubber sole The upper is made of nylon yarn that makes the shoe flexible for keeping foot movements natural It contains a Vibram outsole which allows the feet to grip on surfaces during trainings The midsole is made of REVlite cushioning system which makes the shoe lightweight and comfortable These shoes come with a mesh window that adds breathability and provides a natural fit | $$ | |
 | Inov-8 Men's F-Lite 235 V2 | Has a synthetic sole Contains large toe space for natural easy movement of the feet Suitable for high intensity trainings The upper portion is made of synthetic mesh that makes the shoe flexible and adds ventilation The laces are made of Met-Cradle technology which allows the feet to sit snug and secure | $$ | |
 | Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 | Has a lightweight and natural fit with extra room for toes and better breathability Made using a Meta flex technology and Adapterweb lacing system which keeps your feet safe and secure and allows natural movement of the feet Suitable for climbing due to its Italian blown rubber sole which also makes the shoe durable | $$ | |
 | New Balance Men's Minimus 40 V1 | Has a synthetic sole The midsole is made of REVlite foam that cushions the feet from the arch The upper is made of a no sew mesh material so the shoe does not get damaged from twisting or frequent use | $$ | |
 | On Running Sneaker Cloud X | It is built with a Zero Gravity foam that provides a soft landing Has a synthetic rubber sole along with textile lining with makes the insole soft The EVA foam cushioning allows high intensity workouts | $$ | |
 | Vibram Five Fingers V-Aqua | The insole contains silicone prints that gives a secure fit Made of Megagrip Vibram Rubber for a proper grip Contains a perforated upper for ventilation | $$ | |
 | Vibram Five Fingers V-Train | Has toe articulations that provide a good balance and grip Suitable for heavy trainings and made with durable materials | $$$ |
1. New Balance Minimus 20 V7 Trainer
he New Balance Minimus 20 v7 has a minimalist construction with the right amount of cushioning that makes the shoe comfortable and lightweight as well. It helps you to maintain your natural stance while training and does not weigh you down. These shoes are suitable for both heavy workouts and daily wear.
PROS
CONS
2. Inov-8 Men's F-Lite 235 V2
This minimalist training shoe is often chosen by athletes for its lightweight, comfortable and flexible fit. The Inov-8 F-Lite is light enough for daily use and also for cardio workouts, and also sturdy enough for weightlifting and climbing exercise.
PROS
CONS
3. Inov-8 Bare-XF 210
Weight trainers often appreciate a shoe with enough toe space so they can move flexibly. The Inov-8 Bare-XF provides just the features trainers look for, with a rubber outsole that helps them grip on any surface without slipping or losing balance.
PROS
CONS
4. New Balance Men's Minimus 40 V1
The New Balance Minimus 40V1 is built of lightweight organic material which makes it a soft and comfortable training shoe. It does not have a heavy heel or a hefty outsole, but it is quite sturdy enough even after its minimalist design and is used for climbing, weightlifting and also marathons.
PROS
CONS
5. On Running Sneaker Cloud X
f you are looking for a running shoe without having to worry about its heavy construction weighing you down while going on quick jog or training, then the On Cloud X will be the perfect choice for you. It is built with a cushioning system for comfortable movement but it is made sure that the extra cushion all over the insole is made with a lightweight material. If you are planning for long hour trainings or hiking, then On Cloud X will come in handy for you.
PROS
CONS
6. Vibram Five Fingers V-Aqua
The Vibram Five Fingers has the most minimalist unique design among the list, which is a comfortable wear both in dry and wet weather. The five separate toe fingers make it convenient for daily use.
PROS
CONS
7. Vibram FiveFingers V-Train
The Vibram FiveFingers V-Train with its toe articulations makes it a lightweight and comfortable shoe that can be used for longer periods. It makes the lateral movement easier and allows the feet to breathe and stay dry.
PROS
CONS
Most minimalist shoes have almost similar characteristics and function the same way, but there is a long list of brands that contains well designed training shoes, making it tough to choose the right shoe according to your need. There are thin padded lightweight minimalist shoes like Vibram shoes and also a bit heavier shoes like the Sneaker Cloud X.
If you are new to purchasing a minimalist shoe, you can look into all the features that have been discussed in detail in this article, and choose one that suits and fits you heel and arch type. We hope the details provided in this article will come of help when you decide to pick the best minimalist training shoes for your trainings.
You can also look at best cross fit shoes for running as well.