Tough and sensitive, now that's impressive. In the end, we realized that these shoes are more about the lifestyle they inspire rather than the strict performance of the product. The winner in this category is the extremely lightweight and minimal pair of FiveFingers KSO EVO. Barefoot shoes are more of a niche purchase for most folks, it's true, but it's always smart to think about the full scope of the activities you plan to undertake. These shoes need to hold up to a variety of terrain types and a whole lot of footsteps. It could take a number of miles for your feet to adjust to this new pared-down version. For runners, think about carrying a pound of weight on your feet and how many strides you make in an hour-long run. Minimalist shoes are preferred by some runners because they have qualities that are unavailable in typical running shoes, such as a purer running experience and supporting ankle strength. Many barefoot running experts recommend starting your barefoot running career by running completely barefoot. All trademarks property of their respective owners We've bought and tested over 25 unique women's barefoot shoes for the past 8 years, with 2022's top 9 models in this review. Got feedback? For hikers and backpackers, we have long known that adding one pound of weight to your feet in the form of heavy footwear is equivalent to having added anywhere between 6 and 10 pounds of weight to your backpack. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. These are an excellent pair of shoes for the dedicated barefooter who sometimes may want something between their skin and the ground. Meaning, we pushed these barefoot shoes slightly outside of the box when testing, thoroughly discussed throughout each article. The 6.5mm stack height of the Vapor Glove is minimal, so rough trails can be a bit harsh in these low-profile gloves. The main error was a lack of adequate foot strength from years of cushioned footwear and shoes that disrupt the natural movements of the toes and feet. The trail-friendly pad in the forefoot and the Vibram outsole provide great grip, traction, and support, even on rough terrain or wet conditions. These are a very reliable go-to and quickly filled the niche of our "daily driver" running shoe. 2022 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. The category name is pretty ironic, so we set our standards pretty high. We recommend these the most for fair weather, but they're up for surprisingly challenging terrain so long as your feet are adequately trained to handle it, as running in minimalist footwear can take some time to adjust to. All of this is to say that the weight adds up, especially over time. With so many footwear options to choose from, and so much passion and dogma circulating alongside anecdote and science, we hope this review will help you find the right shoes for you! For most, the value of a product relates directly to how well it performs in the activities you love. New Balance does offer returns within 45 days of purchase, however, they do require the shoes to be in new condition. While not the very cheapest, shoes from Xero are also a fantastic way to get a top-tier shoe for a more reasonable price point. The standout shoe for a reliable go-to was the Xero Shoes HFS, so good it even got an award for versatility. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. In the end, this was time well spent. Check out our findings below, and have fun out there! 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Read our, New Balance Minimus 10v1 Women's Running Shoes at Amazon, Skechers Performance Women's Go Run Ride 6 Running Shoes at Amazon, Merrell Womens Pace Glove Trail Running Shoes at Amazon, Merrell Bare Access Arc 4 Trail Running Shoes at Amazon, Merrell Vapor Glove 2 Barefoot Trail Running Shoe at Amazon, Best Overall: Before we even started testing for this review, we spent months training our feet and examining our running mechanics to ensure we were durable enough to set out on months of testing minimalist and barefoot-inspired footwear. Discover more about the small businesses partnering with Amazon and Amazons commitment to empowering them. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. This can vary in time, depending on how much you run. The main goal of barefoot shoes or minimal footwear is to allow your foot to feel the ground. Durability is a big component of value too. It is essential to consider that while they score high in this review, it is because they are as true to barefoot as we could find in a shoe. If going barefoot or with minimal footwear is appropriate, be sure to make the transition slowly and progressively. These shoes are expensive and you don't want your investment to go to waste if the shoe is not comfortable. If you're not sure a barefoot shoe is what you're after, we've also tested dedicated trail running and road running shoes for women, as well as other types of footwear for hiking, climbing, and more. Don't go out on a long run for the first time with them, or you risk injury. Although it seems counterintuitive, minimalist running shoes can often cost more than standard running shoes. Merrell Vapor Glove 2 Barefoot Trail Running Shoe, What to Look for in a Minimalist Running Shoe, The Best Minimalist Running Shoes for Men, According to a Running Coach, The 6 Best Barefoot Running Shoes for Men, The Best Expert-Approved Trail Running Shoes, Tested on Dozens of Runs, The 7 Best Cushioned Running Shoes for Women, The Best Trail Running Shoes, According to a Certified Running Coach, The Best Men's Running Shoes for Every Type of Foot, The Best Womens Running Shoes, According to a Running Coach, The 13 Best Marathon Shoes of 2022, According to a Running Coach, The 8 Best Stability Running Shoes for Men of 2022, The Best Budget Running Shoe Options, Endorsed by a Running Coach, The 7 Best CrossFit Shoes for Men of 2022, 10 Best Gym Shoes for Men, Tested and Reviewed by Experts, The 7 Best Cushioned Running Shoes for Men of 2022, The Best Women's Walking Shoes, Tested By a Personal Trainer, The Best Walking Shoes for Men That a Personal Trainer Recommends. Known for its comfort, the Vapor Glove from Merrell is a solid minimalist womens running shoe thats a great option for cross-training, hiking, trail running, or even just walking around. The result is a review full of robustly field-tested shoes and our critical perspectives on each one. Our testers enjoyed every moment in these shoes, and we think you will, too. Speeding along the trails in the Speed Force. The minimalist footwear category is not one to be taken lightly even if the footwear is, in fact, very light. Because it's made with lightweight materials, this shoe isn't as durable or weather-resistant as other models out there. Seven Lakes Basin, Olympic National Park. However, some companies have approached this issue by increasing the quality of the materials used. These shoes also have a zero-drop heel, promoting a more natural style of running and a very minimalist experience. It is a bit heavier and bulkier than some of our favorites, but we think this is overall an excellent minimalist shoe for a great price. For this reason, it is ideal for these shoes to be very lightweight and compact in case you want to carry them in your hands, a small fanny pack, or a running backpack. If you're shopping on a budget, you can't go wrong with the Sketchers Performance Women's Go Run Ride 6 Running Shoes. If you're interested in buying this shoe, it may be best to try them in-store before purchasing. While we love gear, we don't like for it to accumulate, so we appreciate versatility. As outdoor enthusiasts, we can be pretty hard on gear, so we want to know that things are well made before investing our hard-earned cash in yet another pair of running shoes. Shoes with canvas fabrics can be machine washed with cold water and air dried. Vibram's iconic FiveFinger shoes have long defined minimalist and "barefoot" footwear. Other studies have researched how much more energy is lost because of the weight on our feet. So ensure that the store where you purchase minimalist running shoes offers a reasonable return policy, such as a 30-day return even if you've worn them. Sun X, Lam W-K, Zhang X, Wang J, Fu W. Systematic review of the role of footwear constructions in running biomechanics: implications for running-related injury and performance.J Sports Sci Med. No ads. Trying to find the limits of our minimal footwear adventures proved an exciting and increasingly difficult task! You tend to walk differently than you run; most people walk heel to toe and use more of the bottom of their feet than the quick foot turnover that happens in running. And the confusingly named Vibram FiveFingers KSO (not the EVO version) has a unique feature for traction on wet surfaces: a sole design that opens up narrow slits when bent. Her career depends upon it. Price and other details may vary based on product size and color. Overlooking the Moscow River, Moscow, Russia. Consider checking in with your doctor to be sure you're aware of the possible risks, but also keep in mind the benefits and all the health and fitness gains you can make if you take a progressive and mindful approach. Low price meets a consistent and well-rounded performance for a truly good buy. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Here are the best minimalist running shoe options on the market for women, according to a running coach. In our effort to design the most rigorous and thorough tests, we ended up transforming our own performance. GearLab is reader-supported. Its perfect for someone who likes to take long walks or spends a lot of time on her feet. Like other Merrell shoes, theyre treated with an odor-reducing solution. We also learned that as much as we like to have just a straightforward gear solution, it is wise to have a few running shoes. Users love the shoes lightweight feel and responsiveness, as well as its comfort and durability. This model is extremely lightweight, with a soft sole that allows you to feel the ground easily underfoot. You can then spray or rub this solution directly on the shoe. You should look for running shoes with little-to-no flared heel for a better running/walking shoe. If you have a specific use in mind, it might be easier to assess the value of a shoe. Our bare feet do well to stick to various surfaces, largely because the toes can flex and grab at the ground, and the soft skin and pads can mold to the surface. The Vapor Glove 5 is durable for off road use. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. You could find they are worth every penny. It is imperative to strengthen your feet diligently before launching out on a run in your new pair of kicks. Set? It features a snug but comfortable fit, so if you have a wide foot or prefer to wear very thick socks, you may want to consider ordering the mens version of the shoe. Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Christine Many Luff is a personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach. The KSO EVO features an excellent, low profile sole that allows water to drain and therefore handles wet terrain well, but also navigates loose and dusty terrain with relative ease mainly because you are really close to the ground, well balanced, and your feet can flex and grab through the ultra-thin soles. One of the more unique shoes in this review is the Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3, with its grippy sides designed specifically for climbing ropes. These shoes need to let our feet do their thing with minimal inhibition. They could also be a good training tool for those transitioning to more and more miles in minimal footwear or to being fully barefoot. As such, we expected to see a trade-off in the durability department due to lighter materials and thinner soles. The Xero HFS are a very competitive newcomer to this review. We spent time running, walking, and hiking on all types of surfaces from flat asphalt to soft trails, gravel, and rocky trails. The Speed Force meets all the criteria of what we're looking for in a minimalist shoe and takes the cake as our favorite shoe overall. Be sure not to wear new shoes, especially minimalist shoes, for the first time on race day. Altras ZeroDrop (meaning no elevation difference between forefoot and heel) and its FootShape toe box allow for a more natural foot position for increased stability and proper form. For trail-centric shoes, we hiked off-road and even off-trail in dry, dusty conditions as well as wet and slippery places. Shop products from small business brands sold in Amazons store. It's important to note that we spent a lot of time actually barefoot to prepare our feet for minimalist footwear. Top subscription boxes right to your door, 1996-2022, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Verywell Fit's content is for informational and educational purposes only. The Speed Force have great traction on the court, track, road, and trails. The horror stories are real when these types of shoes first appeared on the scene, people launched out on their usual runs and ran right into injury. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Covid-19 and your health. The shoes premium foam support and a midfoot wrap help keep your foot stable and comfortable. It does feature some minimal cushioning, providing a little extra protection and comfort, and allowing for walking or running on hard surfaces and longer distances. You'll also find high-quality upper materials, as well as thoughtful, streamlined designs and quality manufacturing. We can tell that a lot of passion and expertise went into the design of these shoes. The 6 Best Minimalist Running Shoes for Women. Mile after mile, each pair of shoes was thoroughly vetted and put to the test against the rest of the group. Merrell Access Arc 4 Trail Running Shoe's, Best for Cross-Training: For each shoe, we assessed Natural Feel, Weight, Traction, Versatility, and Durability. We love the minimalist features: the low weight, the supple zero-drop sole, soft uppers, secure lacing, and wider toe box. They also have a molded heel counter and inner support strap for stable and secure fit. The supple upper materials make it easy to flex and spread your toes, giving them barefoot-like freedom for the days you can't run around unshod. We encourage you to pick up a good book or find a good coach or mentor. We took these shoes out for many activities to see how well they would perform in different scenarios. No sponsored content. Testing minimalist and barefoot-inspired footwear was a great adventure. The outsoles grippy lugs are spaced so that none are placed under the arch, which allows your feet to flex more naturally for increased comfort. It might be a shift in lifestyle, minor for some, major for others we found it to be well worth it. Being close to the ground also dramatically improves balance and reduces the amount of material between your feet and the ground which can shift, squish, or otherwise throw off your sense of place. We tested each shoe in the environment it was designed for that is to say, we did not unfairly knock down a road running shoe for poor performance on the trail. The shoes will feel quite different than the raised heel and cushioned lining you're used to in other running shoes. The shoes are also treated with M Select Fresh to prevent sweat and moisture from causing shoe odor. We weighed each pair of shoes on our own scale to double-check the manufacturer's specs. Christine Luff has been with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society'sTeam in Training(TNT) running team in New York City for more than 15 years, coaching thousands of runners who participate in races across the country, including the New York City Marathon. You also need to feel a high level of comfort with your running shoes, especially if you put in high mileage. Overall, we are impressed with the durability of these shoes and the variety of ways they prove to be durable while feeling soft and supple on our feet. Out for a day of testing in the SoftStar DASH RunAmoc. Sometimes going out for a run is really more about stopping to enjoy the wildflowers. We hope this review has helped you gain insight into how to carefully and thoughtfully approach the task of transitioning to minimal footwear or to going barefoot entirely. Ready? We've updated our Privacy Policy, which will go in to effect on September 1, 2022. Some studies have even indicated that footwear can impede our balance. During winters, she leads avalanche education courses for backcountry skiers and climbers AIARE, and in the summers, she guides clients on alpine climbs and expeditions. The Merrell Womens Pace Glove trail running shoe offers excellent ground feel for a true minimalist running experience, while still providing the protection your feet need when you take your running off-road. Footwear is not a trivial expense, so we assess the versatility of each shoe vs. the price. productslearn more about With a wide forefoot and large Vibram hexagonal treads on the outsole, the Minimus provides outstanding traction and grip, even on ascents and descents. On-trail performance mixed with a barefoot feel are perfected in this "shoe.". Our favorite "closest-to-barefoot" model in this review will likely come as no surprise: the Vibram FiveFingers KSO EVO. Searching for your next trail running shoe? our process. For spot cleaning, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests mixing water with 70% alcohol. Prepping for this review involved a couple of things: strengthening our feet and assembling our testing metrics. However, as enthusiastic adventurers with critical minds, we also wanted to see how far we could push the boundaries of some of our tested shoes. They are simple, easy to put on and take off, and well suited to most terrain we want to go running in. Get out there, find your best footwear, and have fun! The moment we latch on to any dogma or another expert's absolutes, that's when we verge on injury. How much weight are you lifting over the course of that run? 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When training for a marathon, you should switch your shoes about halfway through your program. With excellent traction and support, its extremely versatile and can be used for walking, running on roads or trails, hiking, cross-training, obstacle course racing, and more. For this metric, we assessed each shoe based upon what terrain it is designed for. Consisting of an entirely leather upper, it still maintains an impressively low weight due to the simplicity of the design. The only nuance here was how balanced the weight felt on our feet. That said, many barefoot enthusiasts do report having a quiver of shoes, and we agree with this approach it is wise to vary your footwear and match it to the terrain. The Merrell Vapor Glove 5 is the solution for barefoot enthusiasts who aren't into the toe-separated design of some minimalist shoes. They even look like bare feet! Altra Running Womens Lone Peak running shoes are ready for any kind of weather or terrain you want to tackle. The Xero Speed Force is a very lightweight performance shoe that we reached for any time it was appropriate. She is also an active member of the American Mountain Guides Association. When trying on a shoe, place your thumb at the top of the shoe and make sure it leaves a half to a full thumb's width of space at the top of your foot. The StoneGuard offers flexible protection from rocks and other trail debris, and the TrailClaw outsole combines uphill and downhill lug traction for any kind of rough trail conditions. These shoes have no heightened heel, little-to-no padding, thin soles, versatile and bendable materials, and don't have much arch support, making them comparable to running barefoot. First and foremost, we learned that this is a sport that depends on each athlete listening intently and respectfully to their bodies. Runners who get shin splints or stiffness often need a higher level of cushioning, and minimalist running shoes might not work for you. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. If you want a well-rounded minimalist shoe, the New Balance Women's MT10V1 Minimus Trail Running Shoe checks all the boxes for superior comfort, traction, flexibility, ground feel, foot protection, and durability. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. That said, if you've been training and toughening your feet, you'll hardly notice you're wearing shoes when you put these on, except that you'll feel more comfortable walking into public restrooms or through scruffy, less-hygienic terrain of all sorts. Are you looking for a specialist shoe or more of an all-rounder? But once you have done so, we are pretty sure you'll be hooked. They are fun for a variety of workouts, from speed work on the track to long runs on your favorite dirt trails. And finally, we researched each shoe to get to know its specifications for stack height (the thickness of the sole) and general sole characteristics. And then we were off. You can wear running shoes for walking, although you should skip minimalist shoes when walking if you are prone to any foot injuries (as you could need extra cushioning). Use the thumb test to check running shoe fit. It did not seem right to give a sticky rubber trail shoes a better score than an urban trainer for its improved performance on hiking trails. Through our training, and plenty of trial-and-error, we grew to understand the role of footwear in our running program and ultimately felt humbled by it all. The Vapor Glove 5 is a not-too-close second. So, this also means that they might not be your first choice for rugged terrain or sharp and rough surfaces. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, How to Choose Barefoot or Minimalist Shoes for Women. One common treatment is to implement top-of-the-line soles from Vibram into the design. If we are going to call this a "barefoot shoe" review, we want to know just how "bare" our feet feel when wearing these shoes. If you can, test your shoe for up to 15 miles to see if you encounter any blistering or bleeding. This allows you to try them out without worrying about losing your investment. How can we improve GearLab? Because we know men's and women's styles are designed differently, we test men's barefoot shoes in a separate comprehensive review. For that reason, we like shoes that perform well for a variety of tasks, over several terrain types, and through several seasons. There is a lot of hype around the barefoot shoe industry and also a lot of horror stories. The American Heart Association says you should switch your shoes every 350 to 500 miles. And we like to spend time on our feet outdoors so this category was an easy one: less weight equals a higher score. If you are prone to injury, especially plantar fasciitis or shin splints, you should slowly incorporate minimalist shoes into your running habit. These shoes feature Skechers GOimpulse Sensors on the outsole that provide flexibility and feedback for a responsive, more natural running experience. Overall these are a pleasing, minimalist pair of shoes that will help you keep your strong feet very strong and your wallet just a wee bit fuller. At the end of months of training and testing, we are delighted to report stronger feet and more fun overall while running. Barefoot Ken Bob's is a good place to start. Whether youre hiking or trail running, youll love the comfort and protection you get from these shoes. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. This shoe gets an award for versatility thanks to its ability to tackle various terrain and hold up well. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. But we've also learned that this is an ongoing process and one that requires diligent and consistent training. It took us down many paths we didn't anticipate literally and figuratively. Above all, it is essential to figure out what works for you. This allows you to mix things up and vary the amount of strain you put on your feet daily. You also might not like the feel of them once you try them. We think this is awesome if also a bit "nichey." And we must admit that the weight of the Softstar Adult DASH RunAmoc surprised us. That said, If you've trained your foot strength and can adapt your technique and speed, you can certainly venture well off-road in these trail runners. It's not always butterflies and roses when we go out for a run barefoot or in minimalist footwear. We assigned focused field and "lab" tests to each metric to make our testing as consistent and thorough as possible. The Vibrams let you do both at the same time by picking the flowers and bringing them along between your toes. Merrell Womens Pace Glove Trail Running Shoes, Best for Walking: With similar features and performance of some higher-priced minimalist shoes, the Skechers Performance Women's Go Run running shoes are an excellent value for your money. Runners love that these shoes are comfortable right out of the box and dont need a break-in period. If you love going barefoot but decide to don shoes, traction will likely be a major consideration. The Speed Force from Xero Shoes, a strong performer across all of our testing metrics. The winners of this category are, not surprisingly, also overall winners in this review.