Recommended Shoes

A perfect shoe is one that should protect the skin from lacerations and cold, while minimizing the interface between the foot and the ground. The better the shoe is at replicating a bare foot situation, the greater its neurophysiological response: an essential protective mechanism in the human body.


In other words, the less the shoe interferes with the foot's natural mechanism, the more the foot will solidify and the greater it will perform to attenuate the forces of impact brought on by racing dynamics. Moreover, the majority of stability and absorption technology are redundant; they are without scientific basis and are especially ineffective in reducing the impact on the skeleton, natural pronation and the incidence of injuries! It is essential when changing your shoes that you do it very gradually in order to aid the mechanical change and the requirements on the muscles of the foot and calf to adapt progressively. Moving towards a shoe less absorbent and more delicate like a racing flat shoes or a minimalist shoes can be done just a few months.


The three main qualities of running shoes are:

  • Dynamism (Do the absorbent qualities of the shoe create a loss of energy and stability?)
  • Flexibility (Does the stiffness of the shoe place additional restraint on the foot’s natural motion?)
  • Lightness (Do the weight and size of the shoe interfere with the proprioceptive qualities of the foot?)

Discover what The Running Clinic thinks about each shoe by comparing the (+) or (-) elements.

  • 9 + : Ultra-minimalist / 7 + : Minimalist / 5 + : Semi-minimalist / 3 + : Intermediate / 3 - : Intermediate / 5 - : Semi-maximalist / 7 - : Maximalist / 9 - : Ultra-maximalist

Recommended Shoes

Minimalist  Shoes

Minimalist  Shoes

This section presents so-called ‘minimalist’ shoes, some of which are truly minimalist and cause biomechanical behaviors that mimic barefoot running, others marketed as minimalist because of some particular qualities (highly flexible, lightweight, with a low heel-toe drop, etc.) Transitioning to one of the more reduced shoes from this section will require some time and care. In other words, the greater your change in shoe, the greater your need for progression.

Huarache

Xero Shoes
Huarache
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness
Evoskin

Inov8
Evoskin
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness

TRC Rating: 94%

As minimalist as footwear can get! Adaptation to the lacing system a little difficult. Not made for speed training as the sole tends to slip under the strong push effort; however, sensation highly recommended and very minimalistic price. Sole thickness: 2mm. Based on Tarahumara Huaraches sandals.

TRC rating: 94%

Made of silicon, half the price of VFF, better foot snuggling and ground feeling. Not as breathable and less protection against ground's cutting objects. Removable foot straps.

For more information:
Natural Running Center

Split toe Low

Zemgear
Split toe Low
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness
Kuusaa

Feelmax
Kuusaa
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness

TRC Rating: 93%

Available in "high cut" version that wears over the ankle.

For more information:
Natural Running Center

TRC Rating: 93%

Weighs less than 3,5 oz. Very flexible. Made to be worn sockless.

Amphibian

Sockwa
Amphibian
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness
Niesa

Feelmax
Niesa
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness

TRC Rating 93%

Real time minimalist shoe, but one thing: the foot tends to slip inside the shoe. 2mm thick

TRC Rating: 92%

3,2 oz. Not made for wide feet. Uncomfortable in long term.

Premium

Leguano
Premium
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness
Five Fingers Seeya

Vibram
Five Fingers Seeya
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness

TRC Rating: 91%

Weight of 5,5 ounces, this shoe/sock is built to have good barefoot sensations with protection against hazardous surfaces.

TRC Rating: 90%

The lighest of the VFF with 4,8 oz. Similar to the Bikila but with less structure (better feeling) and also more breathable mesh.

Drive

Kigo
Drive
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness
Achilles

Vivo Barefoot
Achilles
Men

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness

TRC Rating: 90%

4,5 oz. , 2mm outsole from heel to toes (0 differential). Breathability?
Careful with progression...

For more information:
Natural Running Center

TRC Rating: 89%

A modern "Huaraches" sandal with the same support elements and foot ties. Very flexible, 6,5 oz. and a very thin sole: 3mm all lenght. A few comments read about the uncomfortable separation of the big toe. Only 3 sizes: Small/Medium/Large

For more information:
Natural Running Center

Osma

Feelmax
Osma
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness
Ultra

Terra plana Vivo Barefoot
Ultra
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness

TRC Rating: 88%

Very minimalist. Very comfortable. Not enough durable.

TRC Rating 88%

The light Vivo Barefoot: 4 oz. Made with the same material than Crocs sandals with an inside removable sock/mesh (if removed, bad feeling with skin contact and moisture)

For more information:
Natural Running Center
Runblogger

Minimus Hi-Rez

New Balance
Minimus Hi-Rez
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness
Vapor Glove

Merrell
Vapor Glove
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness

Spring 2013
TRC Rating: 87%

Weighs 3.8 oz. 8mm stack, 0 drop. Anatomic last

Spring 2013
TRC Rating: 87%

The most minimalist from Merrell. Weighs 5 oz. Stack height of 6mm overall (0 drop). Maximum flexibility. Vibram outsole.

Five fingers KSO

Vibram
Five fingers KSO
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness
Five Fingers Bikila

Vibram
Five Fingers Bikila
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness

TRC Rating: 87%

Close to barefoot. Be carefull progressing with. Only if you are used to this type of footwear. Good for light cross-country runs.

For more information:
Natural Running Center
Runblogger

TRC Rating: 86%

Bikila Model is tougher, better durability (ex: reinforced toe box), better grip, but thicker outsole and still very tough to put on.


For more information:
Natural Running Center
Runblogger

Nilch

Teva
Nilch
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness
Nada

Somnio
Nada
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness

TRC Rating 86%

Lace-less shoe (comfort while running??). 8mm thick, 0 differential. Wide toe box.

For more information: Natural Running Center

TRC Rating: 86%

A minimalist racer. Very light: 3,5 oz. (size 8 woman, but still very light!!!). 0 Drop. 6mm outsole. Wide toe-box
UNFORTUNATELY NOT IN PRODUCTION ANYMORE...

For more information:
Natural Running Center

Origins

Stem
Origins
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness
Adams

Altra
Adams
Men

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness

TRC Rating: 86%

Exceptionnal comfort, ground feeling and flexibility. Forefoot is wide and adaptable to any foot shape. Eco-friendly conception

For more information: Natural Running Center

TRC Rating 86%

Zero drop. Offered with a choice of 2 insoles: flat 3 mm or shaped 5mm. The outsole's design reconstitutes the natural map of the foot's motion.

For more information: Natural Running Center

komodoSport

Vibram
komodoSport
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness
Bare X-lite 150

Inov8
Bare X-lite 150
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness

TRC Rating: 85%

Stiffer than the Bikila. Heavier too: 7,1 oz.

For more information: Natural Running Center
Runblogger

TRC Rating: 85%

7 mm midsole with 0 mm differential. From the new road line of Inov8. Interesting feature: tongueless, which gives a good fitting feeling. 5,3 oz

For more information:
Natural Running Center

Adipur

Adidas
Adipur
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness
Shel

Kigo
Shel
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness

TRC Rating: 85%

New toe shoe from Adidas. Will be marketed as a training shoe more than a running shoe. Designed to reinforce posture and balance: same goal than Sketchers Shape-ups, MBT... but being the total opposite shoe!

TRC Rating 85%

Durable and comfortable. Heel slightly higher than forefoot. Increased dynamism if insole is removed.

For more information: Natural Running Center

Zilch

Teva
Zilch
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness
Minimus MR00

New Balance
Minimus MR00
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness

TRC Rating 84%

Running sandals, 0 differential. Small comfort problem if your big toe is not the right size...(see picture)

For more information: Natural Running Center

TRC Rating: 82%

Minimus Zero Drop line. 0 drop. Wide toe box. Flexible and dynamic Vibram outsole (allows a good ground sensation and a toe-off with minimal delay)

For more information:
Runblogger
Natural Running Center

The Original

Luna Sandals
The Original
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness
Samson

Altra
Samson
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness

TRC Rating: 83%

The Huarache type sandals (from Northern Mexican's Tarahumara first nations) would be the closest to barefoot it can be. Leaves the foot as free as possible. Takes a few tests to be adapted...

TRC Rating 82%

The "Adam" model but with laces for a better fit.

For more information: Natural Running Center

True Glove

Merrell
True Glove
Men

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness
Hattori

Saucony
Hattori
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness

TRC Rating: 82%

Comparable to the Trail Glove but a bit lighter (5,9 oz vs. 6,2 oz.) No insole. 0 Heel-ball drop.

For more information:
Natural Running Center

TRC Rating: 82%

The most minimalist from Saucony. 4,4 onces, angle 0 degré. 15mm stack

For more informations: Runblogger
Natural Running Center

Trail glove

Merrell
Trail glove
Men

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness
Neo

Terra plana Vivo Barefoot
Neo
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness

TRC Rating 82%

Minimalist from Merrell. Very light shoe with no removable innersole.
Female version named "Pace Glove".

For more information: Runblogger
Natural Running Center

TRC Rating: 82%

More comfortable version of the EVO. Heavier

For more information: Natural Running Center

Breatho Trail

Vivo Barefoot
Breatho Trail
Men

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness
Lithe Glove

Merrell
Lithe Glove
Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness

TRC Rating 82%

Very comfortable. Made to accomodate wide feet and wide toe box. 0 drop. Very thin midsole but the shoe is on the limit of the definition of "minimalist" because of its weight just over 9 oz.

For more information: Natural Running Center

TRC Rating 81%

Women version of the Sonic Glove

For more information: Natural Running Center

Sonic Glove

Merrell
Sonic Glove
Men

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness
RT

Topo Athletic
RT
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness

TRC Rating 81%

Water resistant version of the Trail Glove. 0,3 oz heavier.

For more information: Natural Running Center

2013
TRC Rating: 81%

From the same creator than the Vibram Five Fingers, shoe with split big toe, 0 drop, 15mm height at the heel (including 3mm insole), weighs 6 ounces.

Road Glove

Merrell
Road Glove
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness
Pure Drift

Brooks
Pure Drift
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness

TRC Rating: 81%

Weight: 6,8 oz. Many right minimalist criterias like: light, zero drop, wide toe box, flexible, well ventilated, flat sole.

For more information: Natural Running Center
Runblogger

January 2013
TRC Rating: 81%

The most minimalist from Brooks's Pure series. Anatomic last, 14mm at the heel + 4mm drop with insole. 0 drop and 8mm overall with insole taken off. Wide toe box.

EVO

Terra plana Vivo Barefoot
EVO
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness
Base

Skora
Base
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness

TRC Rating 80%

Another "barefoot" or "minimalist" shoe. Expensive. Ecological. Very comfortable.


For more information: Natural Running Center
Runblogger

TRC Rating: 79%

Zero drop, 9mm thick + 4mm insole, No counter-heel

For more information: Natural Running Center

Speedster

Joe Nimble
Speedster
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness
Minimus MT10

NewBalance
Minimus MT10
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness

TRC Rating: 79%

Close to the ground feeling. Weight a little high for a shoe this type (9 ounces).

TRC Rating 77%

A very minimalist shoe, comfortable, durable with a good grip.

For more information: Natural Running Center
Runblogger

One

Altra
One
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness
MV2

Newton
MV2
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness

TRC Rating: 77%
2013

Stack height: 18mm. Zero drop. 7,3 ounces.

TRC Rating: 77%

0 drop "racer". Slightly cushionned. Runs high (about 1 size higher). Narrow toe box.

For more information: Natural Running Center
Runblogger

Lite 1.3

Ecco Biom
Lite 1.3
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness
Intuiton

Altra
Intuiton
Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness

TRC Rating: 77%

Anatomical fit. Very flexible. Heavy for a minimalist shoe.

TRC Rating: 68%

Altra Instinct's female version.

For more information: Natural Running Center

Instinct 1.5

Altra
Instinct 1.5
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness
Instinct

Altra
Instinct
Men

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness

TRC Rating: 77%

16mm stack height. 0 drop. extra wide toe box.

TRC Rating: 74%

20mm cushioning from toes to heel. A good shoe to get in order to improve good form running. A little heavy for a minimalist shoe...

For more information: Natural Running Center
Runblogger

Provision

Altra
Provision
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness
Skele-Toes

Fila
Skele-Toes
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness

TRC Rating: 74%

Transition shoe from Altra. Built upon the "Instinct"'s base, this one has a firmer sole.

For more info: Natural Running Center

TRC Rating: 74%

Not as flexible as VFF's. Not as breathable either. The 2 small toes are sewed together. Not a "zero drop" but unknown differential... Good economical alternative vs. VFF but the barefoot feeling is not as good.

Shucoon

Cushe
Shucoon
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness
Tivano

GlaGla
Tivano
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness

TRC Rating: 74%

Eco shoe. laces free. 20mm stack , 0 drop. Wide toe box.

For more information: Natural Running Center

TRC Rating: 71%

Very breathable. Stack height of 20mm at the heel with a 5mm drop. Lack of flexibility.

Volleys shoes

Dunlop
Volleys shoes
Men or Women

Dynamism
Flexibility
Lightness

TRC Rating: 68%

0 drop, very flexible, super comfortable. Perfect for the daily life... and why not to run! This shoe was born even before the infamous "Tiger" from ASICS. (60's)

The ratings and reviews of the shoes described above are fully borne by their analyst Blaise Dubois, Lee-Manuel Gagnon and collaborators. The analysis process has NOT been influenced by shoe companies. The comments are personal views and opinions.

Suno Industries
© 2008-2013 The Running Clinic™ | All rights reserved