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Minimalist Shoes
Minimalist Shoes
I own all three versions of Bedrock’s sandals as they’ve grown their brand and their Cairns/current models are phenomenal.
I own and routinely wear Merrill Trail Gloves 3s. They’re a great shoe too. The 4s look even better And feel even better, even though I’ve just done a test fit.
I own and routinely wear all leather Lems boulder boots. It may be a factor that I wear 48s, but the toe box looks a bit clunky and Frankenstein’s Monster’s boots, but they are comfortable as all get out. Another guy I know is on his third pair. He wears his daily for work and gets a solid two years out of each of the previous pairs. Of daily wear, on his feet for a full shift.
Run a Lems Mariner drop and I’m in For them too.
I own and routinely wear Merrill Trail Gloves 3s. They’re a great shoe too. The 4s look even better And feel even better, even though I’ve just done a test fit.
I own and routinely wear all leather Lems boulder boots. It may be a factor that I wear 48s, but the toe box looks a bit clunky and Frankenstein’s Monster’s boots, but they are comfortable as all get out. Another guy I know is on his third pair. He wears his daily for work and gets a solid two years out of each of the previous pairs. Of daily wear, on his feet for a full shift.
Run a Lems Mariner drop and I’m in For them too.
Trey_h
I’ve also gone through three pair of NB Minimus 10v3s. They’re ok, but not durable enough to provide longevity at their price point. I’m not buying them again.. I’ll stick with the Merrill a Trail Gloves, or potentially try some Altra Trail Peaks, likely the 2.0, or 2.5. Without my orthotics, the 3.5s felt too squishy when I did a test fit.
For those interested in more fashionable minimalist shoes, a lot of Campers are pretty minimalist with the insole removed. Not all insoles are easily removable (some are glued in, though I've usually had some luck with perseverance) and some are very thick which causes the fit to be sloppy when they're removed.
Caveats are:
Not all Campers have zero drop, though you can usually tell by looking at them.
Some Campers have a wider toebox than others
Benefits: Doesn't look like a running shoe or sock with a sole Well made.
Benefits: Doesn't look like a running shoe or sock with a sole Well made.
I have ipari Hana shoes by xero shoes.worn them basically everyday since January and I love them so much! However you can feel anything under your feet, even a tiny dime.
256
I own a pair of Lems Primal 2s and I absolutely love them! I wear them for everything in the warm weather, be it casual events with friends, working, or exercise. They have a good classic sneaker look to them that allows them to fill a lot of roles.
I wouldn't really be interested in another pair, but I would love the possibility to get a pair of their minimalist hiking boots, the Lems Boulder Boot! They are made with the same minimalist philosophy as all of Lems' shoes, but they are more rugged in nature, and would lend better to trail running and hiking, as the primal 2s will let in tons of dirt and sand if you wear them somewhere dirty for long.
I invite the Massdrop community to check out the world of minimalist footwear, and I'll answer any questions people have!
I wouldn't really be interested in another pair, but I would love the possibility to get a pair of their minimalist hiking boots, the Lems Boulder Boot! They are made with the same minimalist philosophy as all of Lems' shoes, but they are more rugged in nature, and would lend better to trail running and hiking, as the primal 2s will let in tons of dirt and sand if you wear them somewhere dirty for long.
I invite the Massdrop community to check out the world of minimalist footwear, and I'll answer any questions people have!
Cookster997
I have a pair of primal one and 2. I love them too. I ran a 1/2 marathon in my first set of primals!
Do any of these come in size 16 though? I can't find any company that produces minimalist shoes anywhere near my size.
1387
None that I know of, but I've never looked into it. I don't have size 16 feet.
Heefty
They really suck, I'll tell you that :p
Big feet ain't fun.
Big feet ain't fun.
I am all about minimalist shoes. Been wearing them for 4 years. Two versions of Merrell, one version of New Balance Minimus, and now I'm wearing some more trail-running-oriented shoes from North Face. I have never heard of this brand, but I am willing to try them out if folks say they are good.
I want to see vibram soles, and in a style that works in casual settings as well as outdoor use.
I want to see vibram soles, and in a style that works in casual settings as well as outdoor use.
15
One thing worth noting: if you have high arches, minimal shoes will not be fun for any serious activity.
1387
andkon
That's because your feet aren't strong enough to support your arches since they've always had arch supports and contoured shoes to keep them from having to work. The root cause of the pain in the transition to minimalist is getting your feet strong enough to do the work you're asking of them.
Yep, basically they are like going barefoot with some protection against cuts/scrapes. Usually best to ease yourself into them with pack loads, as the stabilization work goes into your ankle/knee muscles and ligaments. A better solution than relying on squishy shoes in the long run, but need to get your joints in shape.
I use minimalist shoes for overnight backpacking, on hard rocks, at elevation, etc.
I use minimalist shoes for overnight backpacking, on hard rocks, at elevation, etc.
1387
That with the addition of minimal cushion would be how minimalist shoes are defined.
37
Heefty
Glad to know I wasn't off the mark. I've been rocking a pair of Lems Nine2Fives, and am really enjoying them, but was looking for a more "active" style shoe. I didn't know about Topo and kind of really want that Sante now, haha.
1387
Solecs
I love Topo shoes. I have been using an older generation of Topo (ST) shoes this year and can honest say that they are the best designed shoe I've ever had on. I could go on and on about them, but it's really better for people to try them out. I've tried a few other brands and been disappointed by most as far as longevity.
I've been running minimalist for a few years now. I will never go back. It's a painful transition from "traditional" running shoes but in my experience well worth it. bmath is right on the money with the "easy ... into them" advice. In my experience the muscles that you haven't been using with "traditional" running shoes are the hard part rather than the joints.
I've been running minimalist for a few years now. I will never go back. It's a painful transition from "traditional" running shoes but in my experience well worth it. bmath is right on the money with the "easy ... into them" advice. In my experience the muscles that you haven't been using with "traditional" running shoes are the hard part rather than the joints.
37
So "minimalist" is what I think these are called. The main ideas are they have a flat sole, are wider at the toes, and are overall lighter and more flexible.
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