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Barefoot running, particularly its dangers and benefits, is one of the hotly debated topics in the fitness world and athletic arena.
Propelled by the idea that runners should run as naturally as possible so as to naturally develop their strength and stride without being dependent on shoes that provide support, stability, motion control, and protective cushioning, the interest, demand and preference for minimalist footwear, that’s recommended for runners who want to ease into barefoot running, have been rising significantly. Unlike stability and motion control shoes that, to some extent and as some would argue, alter the natural movement of your feet, and change your stride, minimalist running shoes are designed to provide minimal protection and high sensitivity to the ground without influencing the way you run. This is why they should be part of your search to find the best running shoes.
Now, assuming you want to try barefoot style of running, it’s always advisable to gradually and slowly ease into it so as to manage risks of possible injuries from potential hazards and impact. Nonetheless, those should not keep you from fully discovering and enjoying its benefits. So do read on to know about the basic types of minimalist running shoes and for some practical care tips.
The Two Basic Types of Minimalist Shoes
- Barefoot Running Shoes
With soles providing bare minimum protection, “barefoot running shoes” offer high sensitivity so you can run as if you’re running barefoot and practically feel the ground. There are some that feature very little cushioning but most have no heel pad cushioning at all and only provide a very thin layer of just about 3-4mm between your feet and the ground. While traditional running shoes have 10-12 mm heel-toe drop, barefoot running shoes feature zero heel-toe drop encouraging midfoot or forefoot strike.
Most runners with high arches didn’t need too much time to break-in the shoes while those with flat feet are likely to experience some challenges in it, especially during weight-bearing exercises.
- Minimalist Running Shoes
Extremely lightweight and with a heel-toe drop of 4-8 mm, minimalist running shoes provide little to zero arch support. As a hybrid product, minimalist running shoes provide little of the cushioning of traditional running shoes, and the flexibility and sensitivity that barefoot running shoes are able to offer. Stability posting may be offered to minimalist runners who exhibit overpronation as they transition to barefoot mode.
Quick Tips
- Your minimalist running shoes should fit your heels and toes like a glove to enhance your grip and balance.
- You may opt to wear them with or without socks. Socks can help keep odor away and your feet warm and also protect you from blisters.
- Some pairs come with strap closures while some feature a lace system so you can quickly get the shoes on or off your feet. The latter seems to be a better option for runners with high arches.
- Most barefoot and minimalist running shoes are machine-washable but it’s advisable to refer to the information page for proper shoe care.
