The Barefoot Running Book - Jason Robillard [16]
• Flat, thin, flexible sole—This is the most important aspect of any minimalist shoe. The heel must be the same thickness as the forefoot area. A raised heel will alter your gait making it nearly impossible to run as if you were barefoot while a thin sole allows for greater “ground feel,” or the ability of the tactile sensory cells in the sole of your feet to feel the terrain under foot. The flexible sole allows the foot to move more or less unencumbered.
• Wide toe box—This allows the toes to splay, or spread out, when your foot kisses the ground. This physical sensation is part of a complex neural reflex that seems to facilitate good running form. Research on this concept is in its infancy.
• Lightweight, flexible upper—Of the three qualities, this is least important. Oddly, most “traditional” shoe manufacturers seem to place more importance on the upper than the sole or toe box. Still, a lightweight flexible upper will allow the shoe to move with your foot.
The market for minimalist shoes is rapidly expanding as both new and older shoe manufacturers rush to meet the demands of our growing ranks. The following companies produce shoes I would recommend:
• Terra Plana VivoBarefoot® (www.terraplana.com)—In 2004, Terra Plana became pioneers of the barefoot movement by launching its first minimalist shoe collection with a mission to make footwear that offers all the health benefits of being barefoot with the protection of shoes. Today, as the research to support barefoot health grows, so does the collection. They now offer a total lifestyle solution for the whole family. Their goal is not only to spread the word and forward the barefoot movement, but also to educate how to transition properly. They understand that the body is a biomechanical masterpiece with the foot as its showpiece. No heel, no midsole, no arch support, no gimmicks, VivoBarefoot works with the body not against it—allowing the foot to be as millions of years of evolution intended … barefoot. All VivoBarefoot products are eco-friendly and sustainable. They use recycled, locally-sourced materials in efficient production processes at independently monitored factories. Priding themselves on being good for the body and kind to the environment.
• Vibram® (http://vibram.com)—Vibram’s Five Fingers line is the most popular minimalist shoe line. I used a “KSO” model when running a 100-miler. Their “Trek” model remains one of my favorites. Vibram also understands what constitutes good minimalist shoes. I would highly recommend any shoe from their line.
• Feelmax® (http://feelmax.com)—Feelmax is a company based in Finland. I do not personally have a lot of experience with their shoes, but they are among the favorites of barefoot runners.
• Soft Star® (www.softstarshoes.com)—Soft Star is a small company that produces moccasins. They recently developed a running moccasin called the “RunAmoc.” The concept behind the moccasin is precisely what I would define as the ideal minimalist shoe.
• Kigo® (www.kigofootwear.com)—Kigo footwear is stylish, eco-friendly minimalist footwear for barefoot athletics and everyday wear. The kigo team strives to provide comfortable shoes that are stylish enough for everyday wear, sturdy enough for athletics and constructed to be as good for the earth as for the body. Each kigo shoe is thoughtfully and responsibly constructed of lightweight eco-friendly materials, including removable EVA insoles, breathable, stain/water resistant uppers and flexible, high-density rubber outsoles.
• Invisible Shoe® (www.invisibleshoe.com)—Invisible Shoe produces custom-made huarache running sandals. They also sell kits that allow you to make your own. Huaraches are one of my personal favorite minimalist running shoes. I use Invisible Shoe exclusively for huaraches.
• Sockwa® (www.sockwa.com)