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For decades people have been accustomed to running and doing heavy walking with a great deal of padding on their feet. It has been instilled in the minds of the people that thick padding will prevent any injury to the feet and legs. Recently however, this belief has been challenged by the emergence of growing proofs on the benefits of minimalist running shoes. The fascination of people on this particular subject matter was perchance been amplified by the Best Selling novel of Runner McDougall’s Born to Run. In his book, he was able to vividly picture the culture of Mexico’s Tarahumara Indians who are able to cover hundreds of miles running swiftly wearing only thin sandals.

Minimalist Running: an overview

Since the world began our ancestors had walked and ran either barefooted or clad only with thin sandals made from dead animal’s skin. Even when they hunted and ran after their prey they practically wore nothing on the soles of their feet. Yet they were as quick and agile as the Tahumara Indians are. With the advent of sneakers however, people have stopped running with barely clad feet. Running and walking now requires encasing our feet in heavily padded shoes which are supposed to prevent injury. With the wearing of stiff sneakers however, people’s gait had also changed. This new gait that people developed from wearing inflexible shoes makes them prone to injury when it comes to running.

The concept behind minimalist running rests on the revolutionary idea that “less shoe is better” as manifested perhaps by the Tahumara Indians. It is the belief of the enthusiasts of minimalist running shoes that running practically barefoot or with just minimal feet covering actually benefits our feet, as well as our bodies health-wise.

Benefits of using Minimalist Running Shoes

You may wonder how would be your wearing shoes that have very thin soles that you would seem to be practically walking barefoot, would benefit your well-being. More so when you opt to wear those bizarre-looking toe shoes that would definitely make heads turn? Specifically minimalist running will yield the following:

1. Since minimalist running shoes have diminutive top covering, a smaller amount of arch support and little to no heel-to-toe drop, it facilitates the shift to a fore or mid-foot landing, instead of the heel which is most often than not very painful.

2. Minimalist running shoes are lightweight, flexible and have a roomy toe box which permits your toes to spread upon landing thus developing a more effective step and shorter running pace which reduces the effect of impact.

3. By running on minimalist running shoes, your feet’s muscles are actually strengthened and your figure is enhanced through as your body get used to it.

Wearing minimalist running shoes has actually its perks which are scientifically proven. Studies revealed that by aiding you to imitate the gait of a barefooted runner who lightly lands on his mid or forefoot, minimalist running shoes will help you enhanced your physical running form, hypothetically diminish injuries and makes you run effectively and quicker.

The ultimate goal of minimalist running

The decision to opt for minimalist shoes is something personal and it is made in consideration for the varying needs of each individual. Each person has his own preference and needs relative to his running style that should be taken into consideration when choosing the right footwear. Moreover, shifting to minimalist running shoes takes time and effort before you can truly settle in such kind of footwear. Some particular risks should also be considered when transitioning from your high heeled running shoes to the barely-there minimalist shoes. Hasty transitioning might pose long-term injuries rather than benefits. Hence, it is wisely advised to make the transition gradually and with care, to maximize the benefits of minimalist shoes.

But what is really the ultimate goal of running almost barefoot? Some people are transitioning to minimalist footwear because it is the current trend and some others feel that it will do some good to their feet. Minimalist footwear’s ultimate goal is to give you the means to an end. An end to the years of wearing cushioned and heeled shoes, which help develop the kind of gait and running form you are now sporting. These barely-there shoes are meant to help people develop their form by letting their legs and feet work the way they are meant to. The goal therefore is to imitate how you would walk or run if you are barefoot. That is to say you will get to run with a faster rhythm, shorter step and with a mid-foot/forefoot step strike. If you want to know how a heel-first strike impacts the feet and legs, which may lead to injury, you need to see this video.

Top-5 minimalist Shoes

There are numerous transition shoes and minimalist shoes in the market today. However there are products that possess an edge over other shoes. I have compiled the top 5 minimalist running shoes in the market based on how it is faring in customer reviews. However, this list is randomly listing the top shoes, in no particular order.

1. 

   Saucony Men's Hattori AW Running Shoe

   Saucony Men’s Hattori AW Running Shoe – This is the perhaps the best that Saucony has come up with, as far as minimalist footwear is concern. Saucony is one of the most dependable trademarks when it comes to running shoes. With a price range of $61.95 to $90.00, it is quite inexpensive compared to other brands. This minimalist running shoe is a hit with runners who like its lightweight structure, rubber sole, synthetic upper mesh, overlays made of soft suede and soft-shell forefoot. Like most of Saucony’s shoes, Hattori is a product of creative engineering system which allows the wearer to focus on the activity, instead of the equipment. It also makes use of Grid, one of Saucony’s innovative concept that based stability and cushioning system on the sole of the shoes. Hattori is an all-weather minimalist running shoes that protects the feet from both wet and humidity to enable the runner to run optimally even under poor weather conditions.
2. 

   New Balance Men's MT20v1 Trail Minimus Shoe

   New Balance Men’s MT20v1 Trail Minimus shoes – With a price range of $99.95 to $109.95, it sports a VIBRAM outsole, an ACTEVA midsole and a uniquely lightweight frame, which makes it highly recommended for trail running. Its antimicrobial footbed makes it one of the most foot-friendly shoes considering the circumstances that it shall be worn. With its synthetic mesh upper, it makes for very ventilated and cool footwear for trail running. This type of shoe has a snug fit, hence it is advisable to purchase a half-inch larger than your usual size if you intend to wear it with socks. Trail Minimus is an extreme minimalist shoe hence wearing it for running should be done gradually if you are just starting the transition to minimalist footwear from your conventional shoes.
3. 

   Merrell Men's Trail Glove Barefoot Running

   Merrell Men’s Trail Glove Barefoot Running – with a price range of $87 to $114.95 its synthetic mesh upper and a microfiber footbed with antimicrobial ensures that your feet is protected from odor. It features a 1mm forefoot shock absorber plate that ensures your feet get protected as well as maintain its flexibility. The shoes durability is guaranteed with the fused rubber toe bumper while rear foot sling that is made of leather enhances stability.
4. 

   VivoBarefoot Men's Evo II Running Shoe

   VivoBarefoot Evo II Running Shoe – With a price range of $99.90 to $174.98 it is more costly than most running shoes. However, you are paying for an ultra thin puncture resistant sole, a Press EVA insole which combined with the 4.00 sole keeps your shoes at low profile. It sports a zero drop from heel to toe and an anatomic toe box that lets your feet behave the way they are mean to when running barefoot.
5. 

   Vibram Five Fingers KSO Trek

   Vibram Five Fingers KSO – This extreme minimalist running shoes feature an abrasion-resistant stretch nylon and mesh upper that fits your entire feet like a glove. It has a Vibram rubber sole and EVA insole for ground grip and comfort.

What are the best minimalistic shoes for…?

Here is a chart showing the best five brands of shoes with their top product based on categories indicated: