#Minimalist trail running shoes how to

However, transitioning to barefoot running shoes can take time and should be done gradually to allow your feet and legs to adjust to the new running style. That’s because barefoot trail running shoes allow your feet to move more naturally and strengthen the muscles in your feet and lower legs. Compared to a heel-striking gait, minimalist running shoes can reduce the risk of certain injuries, such as plantar fasciitis and shin splints, by encouraging a forefoot or midfoot strike rather than a heel strike. Are barefoot shoes good for running?īarefoot shoes are great for running – but it takes practice. They might also have no drop at all (“zero-drop” or “balanced cushion” shoes), which means that your heel and forefoot are at the same level as they are when you’re barefoot. On top of that, barefoot trail running shoes usually have less than an 8-millimeter drop. The best minimalist running shoes have a wide toe box that allows your toes to splay and move freely. The thin, flexible sole allows your feet to feel the ground beneath them. They provide traction, protection, comfort, and breathability. What are barefoot running shoes?īarefoot running shoes have a very thin sole, minimal padding, and a flexible design that allows your feet to move more naturally. The list below includes top-rated minimalist running shoes that are nimble, lightweight, and flexible enough to keep you grounded all while offering great protection and superior grip. Luckily, there’s an array of barefoot trail running shoes designed to promote natural movement in the foot while strengthening the muscles for natural stability. They must be extremely well made and able to withstand constant wear and tear.Īnd last but not least, especially in the case of barefoot sandals for running, the shoe must offer locked-in stability to perform in wet and slippery conditions. Second, minimalist running shoes must be sturdy and durable enough to put up with whatever the trail throws at you. And it’s no surprise that the best barefoot running shoes must check off all the boxes before we lace up and go.įirst and foremost, barefoot running shoes and running sandals should protect your feet from sharp objects (rocks or metal debris) on the road while also letting you connect to the terrain beneath your feet. The tread also is not aggressive and for me was slipping on rocks.There’s a barefoot running shoe for everyone, no matter if you are an avid hiker, city sprinter, or serious trail runner. It for sure is not a beefy foot protecting shoe. The fabric around the heel is a very thin canvass type material that does not fit snuggly and feels like you can step out of or have mud suck it off your foot. The best way to describe it is they built a pretty good shoe but forgot to finish the upper around your foot and heel.

#Minimalist trail running shoes how to

It took a couple tries until I figured out how to lace them to give me the right fit.”Īrch: Flat | Gait: Overpronator | Footstrike: Midfoot The one feature that I did not like at first was the fit in the heel area. I am very happy that these shoes can be worn on almost any trail type and condition and feel comfortable and give me control. I was very pleased with the fit, support, and control the Pure Grit 8 provided. I wore them for a half marathon trail race, which also included water crossings, rocks, roads, and mud. I found them to give me just enough support and most importantly a comfortable fit on a variety of trail terrains and conditions. “The PureGrit 8 turned out to be my go-to shoe for training and racing. Trevor Raab Wear Tester FeedbackĪrch: Medium | Gait: Neutral | Footstrike: Heel Though the thin tongue and heel collar effectively keeps cinder and gravel from getting inside your shoe, the overall effect seems to make the shoe less stable, almost “unfinished,” as one tester described.Ī toe protector hinders getting stubbed toes on treacherous trails (men’s shown). Another thing to note is the elimination of an extra eyelet, an omission we’ve observed in models from other brands. The PureGrit seems to run long, so we recommend trying on half a size down.

All of the above configures a minimalistic shoe for runners who want a more simplified, lightweight trainer when they hit the trails. The rubber that wraps around the toe box protects your digits, and the Ariaprene tongue and thin heel collar provide a second-skin fit over your foot and around your ankle, keeping trail debris from creeping inside. The splayed and hexagonal lug pattern on the rubber outsole, for instance, effectively grips rocky surfaces and loose mud. Take a closer look, however, and you’ll see the shoe’s look is equal parts aesthetic and function. With a woven knit upper that looks office-casual appropriate, the PureGrit doesn’t quite resemble a shoe that’s meant for traversing rugged terrain. Play icon The triangle icon that indicates to play