ith such a plethora of different shoe brands and a wealth of information on different running styles it can be overwhelming trying to pick out your running shoes. We have compiled this list with the relevant information you need to make sure that you are getting the right shoe for you.
Inov-8 X-Lite 155
Considered by many to be a performance shoe for the already well developed minimalist runner, the X-Lite 155's are incredibly light and offer a good level of proprioception. Many of the criticism's around this shoe are to do with it's relatively low life (they are only expected to last 300 miles) although the TaC Team shoes have been put through more than that and are still in superb condition.
Inov-8 shoes generally fit 1/2 to a full size smaller than your true size and so getting a proper fitting would be strongly recommended as well as developing your barefoot running style before making the move. When you are ready though, these shoes are very responsive and are an excellent shoe for finding a PB. If minimalist running is a new concept to you then you can read a little more around the subject here (needs link) before you make a decision.
Vibram Seeya
A shoe for the barefoot enthusiast. Vibram are particularly well known for their five finger, separated toe, shoes that turn many a head and can sometimes elicit strong reactions from people. The shoes are designed to give you as close to the real barefoot running experience as possible while still offering protection from debris.
The shoes require an experienced barefoot running style as they offer zero support to the ankles or heels meaning that the non experienced barefoot runner will either learn the style very quickly or will experience a lot of pain from these shoes; You can read more about barefoot running here (needs link). They are very quick, light and offer incredible proprioception. Fit is essential and it may take a little while to get used to the toe compartments making these shoes the Marmite of the running world, you will either love them, or hate them.
Cost: £100-115
Asics Gel Nimbus 14
Asics have been a leading running shoe manufacturer for years and they continue to produce excellent shoes. The Gel Nimbus 14 continues their line of fully supported shoes designed to provide comfort and protection for runners.
The shoe is designed for a heel to toe runner over all manner of distances. A great shoe for the beginner or for those who aren't looking too closely at their running technique and are worried about comfort than performance.
Cost: £110-130
Mizuno Wave Rider 16
Designed for the Neutral runner, you can find out if you are a neutral runner here (needs link), the Mizuno Wave Rider 16 is the shoe for the heel striker who doesn't need support. A heel to toe technique without over pronating would be the style that finds success in this shoe.
Extra flexibility in the shoe allows for a smooth and efficient transition from heel to toe that provides comfort for the runner and combined with the cushioned sole these shoes will provide great comfort mile after mile. A great shoe for the heel striker that is still wanting a good performance.
Cost: £75-100
Nike Flyknit
A shoe for the minimalist runner that is looking for performance and niche. The shoes are very expensive considering their low manufacturing costs. What can't be denied however is the lightness of the shoes and the comfort that they offer, a great shoe for minimalist runners but the price tag may be enough to warrant a different shoe.
Cost: £100-140
Saucony Hattori
The Hattori is a super-lightweight, neutral running shoe and is acclaimed to be Saucony's lightest general purpose running shoe, ever!
It Features a unique 'mitten' like toe box allowing your toes to naturally arch, grip and push off; which in turn will give you more power and comfort. The Saucony team designed the shoe to further leverage natural toe movement through the use of a visible flex groove in back of the toes and in front of the metatarsals as well as introducing a sculpted foam sole and strategically placed impact cushioning, the Hattori delivers a slight piston effect without ever compromising natural motion.
Cost: £40-80
Saucony PowerGrid Hurricane 14
If you're looking for smooth landing and highly supportive shoe, don't look elsewhere! This is one of the top of the range support shoe from Saucony and it will give you what you need. This new Hurricane 14 takes premium stability and cushioning to another level with PowerGrid, Sauc-Fit, IBR+ and a more efficient transition through the gait cycle.
The shoe also includes features such as Impact interface, SRC impact zone and HRC strobel board for a smooth, comfy landing and take-off as well as shock absorption.
Not only that, additional benefits include XT-900 Rubber outsole which offers exceptional traction properties without sacrificing durability.
Cost: £70-115
Merrell Road Glove 2
Another pair of barefoot running shoes that have an incredibly light, low profile design to give you a natural connection with the terrain. This stimulates the feet, strengthens the core and posture and helping improve agility, balance and a higher sense of control.
The Vibram outsole has a lug pattern that provides stability in all conditions, with no lugs under the arch so your foot flexes more naturally for greater comfort. The rubber compound provides traction on both wet and dry surfaces.
Aegis is an antimicrobial treatment to block odour. It uses polymer spikes that rupture the cell walls of odour-producing microbes. Unlike chemicals that can wear down, this will not run out.
Cost: £80-90
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 13
The Brooks men's Adrenaline GTS 13 road running shoe gives a smooth, flexible ride all in one supportive package. A moderate level of support combats over-pronation to create an even, stable heel-to-toe ride, while grooves in the forefoot provide a surprisingly flexible toe off. The durable outsole resists wear on the road, making this shoe perfect for high mileage and every day training.
Adidas adiZero Adios 2
Although described as a neutral shoe, the characteristics of the Adios 2 could also make it the perfect minimalist model: low heel drop; stripped back yet cushioned; responsive; and durable. The shoe is light without being the lightest, provides comfort without being the most comfortable and offers good grip, but won't glue you to the ground.
A great transitioning shoe for those slowly adapting to minimalist running or for a runner who wants good performance but also likes some comfort in their run.
Cost: £70-90
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