My Minimalist Running Shoes

When buying shoes for a woman, you don’t go to a man’s section for footwear to find the most suitable for her. Although it might seem they are structured genetically the same, there is a big difference between men and women’s feet, especially when it comes to shoe needs. Some people might say that women’s feet are just smaller version of a man’s and they could just as easily wear each shoe when the right size fits. However, the difference between men and women’s feet lies much more than what meets the eye. It is important to consider these differences especially when it comes to manufacturing the right footwear for each one. Furthermore, this consideration is also exigent for people to know and understand so that they will be able to make informed choices when buying the right shoes for them.

Shape, size and texture

The male foot is longer and bigger in all quantifiable sizes to that of a female. However, just like many things here on Earth, there is some form of overlapping of features between men and women. In this case, a minority number of women possess masculine feet while a small number of men have feminine-like feet. Women’s feet are generally daintier than men’s. Men’s feet have denser muscle and their skin is much rougher than women’s. This is brought about by hormones. Since females have lesser and finer body hair, their follicles are much tinier and thus, less prominent. This lends to women’s smoother and finer skin texture all over, including that of the feet. Generally, women’s feet are shape sexier and daintier than men’s feet, no matter what angle you look at it.

Flexibility and suppleness

Another difference between men and women’s feet is that there is less cartilage in between of the women’s feet. Coupled with the general flexibility of a woman’s foot, the female foot is therefore more flexible than a man’s feet. That is why a woman can bend her feet further than most males can, by 45 degrees. You can see this ability well manifested when women dances ballet or wear very high-heeled shoes. No matter the clamor of equality of the sexes, the fact remains that men and women’ bodies are for different intentions. Men’s appendages are longer and denser, to help them with their role of hunters in the beginning of man’s existence in this world. No matter how much a woman trains like a man, she will never achieve the density of muscles as men do.

Other physical manifestation of foot differences

Other than comparing the length, width and shape of shoes for men and women, there are other not so obvious features that manifest the difference between men and women’s feet. For instance, you can tell the vast difference of the foot of the opposite sex when you look closely at the lateral side of the toe, the ball of the foot and the arch. Women have narrower heel and has higher instep than men’s feet.

Shoe requirements for each gender

Shoe lasts for females should not only be a slim down version of those of male’s shoes. For a given size of shoe, females need slimmer shoes with slighter instep elevation as compared to men’s shoes. Women’s feet are not comparable to men with smaller feet. The anatomy of feet as examined by various researchers yield data, which reiterate the differences between men and women’s feet. Women need shoes that can support their higher arches and calves, broader ankles and calves. Since they have a closer to the ground ankles, they need shoes that provide as much feature.  Women also need narrower shoes to accommodate for their tinier foot figure. That is why you will find large shoe manufacturers; especially the minimalist advocates segregate their product line for men and women.  Vibram’s FiveFingers, VivoBarefoot, New Balance Minimus, and Merrell are offering different minimalist shoes for men and women. They have a particular line of style, color, and design that exceptionally fits women only. Large-scale companies have conducted studies on the difference between men and women’s feet. However, they are keeping the results to themselves for fear of being beaten in the game.

Photos by: bark and mickeysucks

Are you looking for the best minimalist running shoes for men? Why opt for these rather odd-looking shoes which can sometimes have designs that border on the spectacular? What attributes do these shoes posses as to give up decent-looking contemporary shoes?

The truth about running on well-padded shoes

Men have worn well-padded bulky shoes for years when walking, running, exercising and going about their daily chores to protect his feet. Unknowingly, these had led to diminished foot and leg strength. In trying to protect the sole of the feet, men have developed the unique gait brought about by the design of shoes that men have manufactured throughout the years which unfortunately helped in a variety of ways in the development of weakened tendons and foot muscles. There are medical evidences which point out that there are more injuries sustained related to running with the shoes on as compared to running barefoot. Moreover, evidence suggests that less energy is utilize when you run our walk barefoot.

Minimalist shoes as deterrent to foot injuries

If you are just starting out with running barefoot, you would do well not to make it drastically, to avoid foot injury. It is well-recommended to start slow by either taking your shoes off and start walking or running around your house and nearby areas which have different terrains or using a transition shoes which will introduce you slowly to the sensation of walking barefoot without exposing yourself to the risk associated with walking unprotected in unfamiliar terrain. The best minimalist running shoes for men at this point is something like the shoes made by ViVo Barefoot. They have numerous design and colors which are great for the transition period. They also showcase barefoot running and trail shoes which takes you to the highest level of minimalist running. Made from eco-friendly materials and processes, this brand is intent on giving sustainability and comfort to the wearer.

You would actually feel like you are wearing nothing on your feet as you go about your daily tasks. What’s more advantageous about this brand is the fact that they have the appropriate design for the particular endeavour you are undertaking. While other brands have remained focused on running and trail minimalist shoes. Vivo Barefoot has branched out to other areas and now provides minimalist shoes for work and formal occasions.

Reap the benefits of the best minimalist shoe

This is a good thing considering that we spend almost half our time either at work or doing other chores, attending gatherings which require us to wear formal shoes which might altogether negate the good effects, which barefoot running shoes are trying to advocate. The best minimalist running shoes for men should be something that would meet the needs of the wearer. Should you feel conscious about wearing the indented toe shoes from Vivo barefoot during formal occasions or when you are at work. You might want to try the Terra Plana design minimalist shoes which can easily pass the test for formal occasions while providing the necessary comfort.

The best minimalist running shoes for men should be something that are durable, light  yet fashionable enough to be worn daily and to almost everywhere you might want to go without looking ridiculous and a fashion-victim. Since men’s feet are shaped much sturdier than women, they need shoes that should be sturdy yet light enough to feel like next to nothing.

The fitting of your feet for a traditional sneaker is much distinct from that for a barefoot or minimalist shoe. This is specifically true for Vibram’s five fingers shoes. This is perhaps because of the unusual design of the shoe which accommodates each toe with a separate toe box. With such a design, it is therefore essential that each of your toes will comfortably and securely fit into the corresponding toe box.

The unwarranted space which is usually present at the toe area when you buy conventional running shoes should not be adhered anymore when it comes to barefoot shoes. Since you would be walking or running as if barefoot, it is just exigent that your barefoot shoe will snugly fit each of your feet to fully maximize the experience of minimalist running. It should fit your feet as if you are not wearing any shoes at all.

Unisex Shoes

Nowadays, almost all products in the market today have a section for UNISEX usage and that includes even shoes. Although gender-categorized, conventional shoes are also available for use by either men or women (unisex). This means that both men and women can wear such shoes without eliciting any strange glances from people when going out wearing them. There is not really much distinction for men’s and women’s running footwear like the sneakers and other rubber shoes for other sports activities. However, will this same question holds true when it comes to “barely there” shoes? What are the differences between women’s and men’s barefoot shoes? Is there really any distinction between them?

Vibram's Komodo Sport Minimalist Shoes for Men

Vibram's Komodo Sport Minimalist Shoes for Women

Basic Difference in Men’s And Women’s Shoes

Basically, there is no difference between women’s and men’s shoes since sizes and colors are even interchangeable for both genders without much difference. However, when it comes to the Vibrant’s five fingers “barely there” shoes, the main peculiarity between men’s and women’s shoes lies in the width and length of the men’s shoe models. Men’s barefoot shoes are much longer and wider than the women’s. If you can not fit into the smallest men’s model therefore, you can just easily pick a women’s smallest model. However, width differences would not be really much of a problem since Vibrant’s Five fingers are made of stretchable fabrics and can thus accommodate comfortably even up to eee sizes.

Vibram FiveFingers Komodosport. Got a thing for pink?

Barefoot shoes like Vibram’s five fingers for men’s are available at sizes 40 to 47 sizes while women’s sizes are in the range of 37 to 42 sizes. Should you have sizes that fits within such range, you can just make a pick in either men’s or women’s sizes. There is no prohibition if you’re a woman who wants to buy a man’s fit barefoot shoes or the other way around. However, if you have feet where one is much bigger than the other, you would have a problem buying a pair of snug fit barefoot shoes for your feet. It would be best for you to purchase the size that fits your bigger feet and make some manual adjustments for the pair that has an excess space. You see, Vibram’s does not cater to dissimilar feet sizes or any disfigured toes.

 

Featured photo by Iain Ashford at Flickr