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37 Minimalist Running Shoes

From Vibram FiveFingers to Sock-Like Sneakers

— July 26, 2013 — Lifestyle
Minimalist running shoes are quickly becoming the standard when it comes to athletic footwear. Not only do they look incredibly distinct, but they are also quite beneficial for your body. The idea is to provide a barefoot type feel that avoids heel striking while at the same time providing the protection needed for running on the cluttered city streets.

These minimalist running shoes help to strengthen the muscles in the calf and can help prevent common running injuries like shin splits or stress fractures. Runners will have to ease themselves into the practice of minimalist running due to the previous reliance on heavily cushioned shoes. Whether it's the 'Vibram FiveFinger' shoes that sport a separate spot for each toe, or a pair of Nike 'Free' kicks, each style comes with different designs for varying levels of experience. It's important to note that minimalist running shoes are not meant for walking due to the different gait of both activities.
6.6
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
36
Featherweight Sports Sneaks
Featherweight Sports Sneaks
adizero Rush Debuts With Commercial Celebrating High School Sports
<
35
Green-Thumbed Sneakers
Green-Thumbed Sneakers
The Nike GS Football Boot is Composed of Ultra Slick Recycled Materials
<
34
Barefoot-Simulating Soccer Footware
Barefoot-Simulating Soccer Footware
The Nike 'Hypervenom' Shoes Provide a Nude Feel on the Field
<
33
Shoeless Jogger Charts
Shoeless Jogger Charts
The 'Barefoot Running Revolution' Infographic Shows a Cultural Movement
<
32
Sleek Skin-Like Footwear
Sleek Skin-Like Footwear
The Merrell Vapor Glove Shoe Conforms for Maximum Comfort and Flexibility
<
31
Webbed Element-Inspired Kicks
Webbed Element-Inspired Kicks
Get Noticed and Get Fit in the Puma BioWeb Elite Sneakers
<
30
Injury-Preventing Footwear
Injury-Preventing Footwear
The Sensoria Socks Ensures People Distribute Weight Properly on Feet
<
29
Social Media Marathons
Social Media Marathons
The Nike Japan Run Like Me Project Gets a Fan to Run for Facebook Likes
<
28
Armored Shoe Substitutes
Armored Shoe Substitutes
The Swiss Protection Socks Make it Safe to Go Shoeless
<
27
Sneaker-Free Running
Sneaker-Free Running
Researchers Advocate Nixing Sneaks to Prevent Injury
<
26
Shape-Shifting Athletic Shoes
Shape-Shifting Athletic Shoes
The Reebok Realflex U-FORM+ Reconfigures Itself to Fit Your Foot
<
25
Weightloss Shoes
Weightloss Shoes
Chung Shi Footwear
<
24
Vibrant Lightweight Kicks
Vibrant Lightweight Kicks
The Nike 'Flyknit Lunar1+' Sneaker Collection is Cushioned
<
23
Bionic Futurist Footwear
Bionic Futurist Footwear
SKORA Sneakers Take Advantage of Human Anatomy
<
22
Wicked Webbed Runners
Wicked Webbed Runners
Nike Lunarspider LT+ 2 Combines Slick Designs with High Performance
<
21
Sand Sport Sneakers
Sand Sport Sneakers
4Beach Soccer Shoes Make Coastal Kicking Comfortable for the Feet
<
20
Flawless Foot-Hugging Runners
Flawless Foot-Hugging Runners
The Under Armour SpeedForm Fits Like a Bra for Your Feet
<
19
Skin-Like Sneakers
Skin-Like Sneakers
The Evoskin Silicone Shoe by Inov-8 is Akin to Running Barefoot
<
18
Ground-Sensitive Footwear
Ground-Sensitive Footwear
The Nike Free Hyperfeel Does Away With Extra Padding on the Sole
<
17
Cushy Lightweight Kicks
Cushy Lightweight Kicks
The Reebok RealFlex Running Shoes Support Your Every Move
<
16
Barefoot Booties
Barefoot Booties
Nike EMEA Footstickers Let You Feel the Movement
<
15
Agile Footwear
Agile Footwear
<
14
Weblike Footwear Fasteners
Weblike Footwear Fasteners
The Smartfit Shoe Concept Can Be Tied Securely with a Single Cord
<
13
Barefoot Simulators
Barefoot Simulators
Vibram's Fivefingers Shoes Keep Climbers on Their Toes
<
12
Bulletproof Running Shoes
Bulletproof Running Shoes
The Hermes X Cross Trainer is Made Out of Kevlar
<
11
Offbeat Toe Shoes
Offbeat Toe Shoes
The Globe Sneaker Boasts Improved Circulation, Hygiene and Dexterity
<
10
Sleek Steel Shoes
Sleek Steel Shoes
Medieval Meets Modern Function in These Chainmail Shoes
<
9
Recyclable Barefoot Trainers
Recyclable Barefoot Trainers
Crosskix Put a Strong Focus on Function, Fitness and Comfort
<
8
Split-Toe Warrior Trainers
Split-Toe Warrior Trainers
The ZemGear 360 Ninja Runners Bring Comfort & High Performance
<
7
Cool Coordinated Triathlete Clothing
Cool Coordinated Triathlete Clothing
The Nike Trois Collection Strives for Seamless Design
<
6
Floral Sporty Sneakers
Floral Sporty Sneakers
These Nike x Liberty of London Shoes are Garden-Inspired
<
5
Barefoot Shoes
Barefoot Shoes
Five Fingers Shoes Let Toes Feel Free Without the Worry
<
4
Split-Toe Yoga Footwear
Split-Toe Yoga Footwear
Nike Free Gym Ensures Comfort During Mind-Body Workouts
<
3
Lunar Running Shoes
Lunar Running Shoes
The Nike Zvezdochka by Marc Newson is Inspired by Space
<
2
Sock-Like Sneakers
Sock-Like Sneakers
The Nike Free Flyknit Grips the Foot Like a Sock
<
1
Finger Trap-Inspired Sneakers
Finger Trap-Inspired Sneakers
These Bright Nike Running Shoes Emulate a Chinese Finger Trap
<