Why opt for saucony minimalist shoes?

There are several brands of barefoot footwear in the market today which all feature benefits of the best minimalist shoes. Choosing from these products can be quite confusing if you do not know what to look for when choosing a running or workout shoe. When you go to a store or visit an online store, you would get overwhelm with the myriad of shoe display. Selecting from the display would take effort especially since they look almost alike.  To help you find the right footwear, you can turn to manufacturers who have already made their indelible mark in the industry of footwear. Companies which are known for their high quality footwear can be depended on to continually produce equally high quality shoes or even better ones. Makers of the barefoot shoe wear like Saucony minimalist shoes are one of the leading footwear in the industry today that you can truly depend on. Mostly made from lightweight materials from its upper down to its outsole, you are assured of seemingly next-to-nothing footwear that will help you improve your workout and form.

Features of a Saucony shoes

There are several minimalist shoes out there in the market today but what sets Saucony minimalist shoes apart from the other barefoot shoes is the fact that it is more than just a barefoot shoe. All Saucony minimalist shoes feel like they are extensions of your feet! They make you feel like as if you are wearing no shoes at all, yet you are being provided with the optimal protection and cushion that you need, during runs. Another reason is that Saucony shoes are made from lightweight, breathable upper mesh that lets you enjoy your runs without feeling all so sweaty and restricted that your feet literally drips with moisture. Far from it, your feet will be encased in the most innovative shoes in the market today, courtesy of manufacturers who have the well-being of wearers like you in mind, when they designed these shoes.

Top Saucony barefoot shoes

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  Saucony Women’s Hattori Running Shoe

  1. Saucony Women’s Hattori – unique footwear for women that feels so natural to wear that it is like an extension of your feet. Your toes are free to move to have better grip due to its toe box that fits your toes like a glove. Its outsole is fitted with an innovative feature that helps absorb impact as well as provide minimal cushion that helps the runner to have that springy step, without compromising the feet’s natural ability to balance. With its zero drop toe-to-heels, you will be able to mimic barefoot running with that extra protection provided by its XT900 compound and compression molded EVA midsole that helps strengthen your foot strike and reduces over or under pronation.

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  Saucony Men’s Grid Flex Running Shoe

  2. Saucony Men’s Grid Flex Running Shoe – possessing the Saucony’s trademark lightweight upper mesh and rubber sole, this running footwear for men is meant for rigorous training and rough terrain. It is incorporated with HRC Strobel board to provide extra cushioning while its XT 900 carbon rubber outsole provides optimal traction and resilience for off road running. Its midsole are infused with an invisible grid system that helps your heel to stabilize even under the roughest terrain.

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  Saucony Men’s Grid Ignition 2 Running Shoe

  3. Saucony Men’s grid ignition to running shoe – with this shoe on your feet, you are meant to run long distance in ultra comfort and style. Its breathable upper mesh that provides comfort during runs and its removable nylon lining insole ensures that you will have a comfortable ride throughout your run. It has also an invisible grid system as well as an XT-600 carbon rubber sole that helps provide cushion for the heel as well as traction.

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  Saucony Men’s Grid Cohesion 4 Running Shoe

  4. Saucony Men’s Grid cohesion for running shoe – possessing the breathable upper mesh and cushioning system that all Saucony shoes have, this footwear is the choice when it comes to running on long distance. It has lightweight structure that helps the feeling of running with an extended feet rather shoes on your feet. One of the best Saucony minimalist shoes ever produce, you will have a very memorable and beneficial running experience with this footwear.

The downside to improper footwear

You work out to develop your muscles. When you are not geared properly such as cushiony, heeled shoes, chances are, you will not be able to weight lift efficiently. When this happens, there are repercussions to your body as well as to your performance, which you may not have been aware of.

1. Without proper grip and balance provided by the kind of minimalist shoes for weightlifting designed by dependable brands in the industry today, you will not be able to properly target the muscles you are trying to develop or work out. This means slow results, which could be frustrating for some people.
2. When you workout  and your feet that supports your whole weight is not properly encase in a shoe that helps maximize its potential, you are exposing yourself to great danger. You could get permanently disabled when you lift weights without proper technique, which could only be done when you are well-balance and firmly grounded on your feet.
3. Wearing traditional shoes which are usually padded will require your feet to spend extra force to help keep your balance. Undue stress to your muscles and ligaments could reduce your performance level and might even cause you permanent damage. Your ligaments and tendons could get sprain or torn due to the exerted effort of lifting heavy weights without proper balance and technique.

Improve your performance by wearing minimalist shoes for weightlifting

Have you ever tried lifting heavy weight barefooted? If you have, you must have observed that your feet are flat on the ground, your toes splayed for a firmer grip and balance. This natural movement of the feet is mimics when you are wearing minimalist shoes for weightlifting. Such shoes have zero-drop from heel to toe, wider toe box that allows your toe freer movement while providing minimal protection from the roughness of the ground with its highly innovative insole and outsole that are usually made from anti-microbial materials. These features allow the feet to “breathe” without accumulating too much moisture that causes odor and discomfort.  These types of shoes are neutral enough to be allowed in gyms and it actually readies you should you want to try barefoot running. Just by using minimalist shoes for weightlifting, you will find that you will be able to lift more heavy weights in just a couple of months. Your form is enhanced and your muscles strengthen in no time.

Top picks for barefoot shoes for weightlifting

If you do not own yet any minimalist workout shoes, here is my list for the best minimalist shoes for weightlifting in the market today to choose from, to help you find the most appropriate footwear for you.

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  Adidas Power Perfect Weightlifting shoe

  1. Adidas Power Perfect weightlifting shoe – it has reinforced straps over the laces to give you that snug fit. Its reinforced flat rubble outsole is appropriate to use inside gyms. Its whole structure is geared towards helping weightlifters to enhance their performance and make them stronger.
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  Otomix Shoes OM6666 Versa Pro Trainer

  2. Otomix Men’s versa pro trainer sneakers – made of leather that has a futuristic look and possessing all the features that minimalist shoes have.
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  VS Hybrid XT

  3. VS Hybrid XT – its polyester upper mesh provides comfort to the wearer.  A shoe that is suitable for all types of workouts or trainings, it boasts of an elastic speed lace system for easy sliding in and out of the shoe.
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  Adidas Adipower Weightlift Shoe

  4. Adidas Adipower Weightlift shoe – another innovate footwear from Adidas that gives the wearer the benefits of minimalist shoes for weightlifting.

Why choose Nike minimalist shoes?

Experts discovered that running barefoot or with minimal feet covering actually strengthens the feet and legs. Furthermore, since the soles of the feet and toes are in full contact with the ground, balance and agility is also enhance.  The sensors on the soles of the feet gives signals to the brain as it touches the ground and the brain sends back the correct signal to the feet enabling it to appropriately act according to the terrain it trod on.  Nike has been known to produce high quality footwear since time immemorial. When minimalist footwear started to emerge in the market, Nike also joined the trend and produced its own Nike minimalist running shoes that can withstand the fierce competition.

Cutting edge of Nike over other brands

What Nike has that the other brands of barefoot shoes have none?

• First of all, Nike has the track record of producing high quality products that are comfortable and chic.
• Affordable price.
• All the benefits of minimalist running shoes for almost all types of activities such as walking, running, trail running, workouts and even dress shoes.

Features of Nike minimalist shoes

Nike minimalist running shoes are popular amongst runners who like its lightweight and glove-fit design. Its flexible but durable outsoles are ultra thin but mostly made from anti-puncture material to protect the feet on rocky and rough terrain. Most of Nike’s shoes are design in such a way that enhances a natural foot strike to enable the feet and legs to grow stronger.

Having that sturdy outsole that can protect the feet from rocks and other pointed objects is important for most runners and would-be barefoot runners. Some people might be open to the idea of running almost barefooted however the thought of exposing one’s self to the merciless rough objects that can hurt the feet, dampen the spirit of these wannabes. Nike ensures that the feet will be protected while enjoying the benefits of Nike minimalist running shoes.

Top Nike footwear in the market today

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  Nike Womens Free TR Fit 2 Running Shoe Purple

  1. Nike women’s free TR Fit 2 Running shoe purple – its seamless construction and polyester air mesh material for its upper ensures a comfortable fit that lessens any abrasion and irritation while wearing such shoes. The wearer will experience enhance balance due to its flexible neoprene heel counter. It is lightweight hence it is also highly recommended for your gym workouts as well as for trail running. With its no-sew technology, you can wear TR Fit 2 in running without wearing socks since there are no seams that usually instigate the abrasion. Your feet will feel comfortable, dry and fresh with this shoes since its materials are infuse with anti-bacterial elements.

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  Nike Free Trainer Fit

  2. Nike Free Trainer Fit – this is another Nike minimalist running shoes which makes any owner proud and comfortable. With its polyester and no-sew structure with breathable upper mesh, it affords the wearer comfortable fit and a freer range of motion. Trail and long distance runner would love its rubber pods at its heel that provides the multi-directional traction which works on almost all surfaces.

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  Nike Free TR 2 Cross-Training Shoes

  3. Nike Free TR2 Cross-training shoes – it features the trademark Nike no-sew technology which makes the shoes less abrasive. Its breathable upper mesh ensures that your feet will feel comfortable, dry and fresh even after hours of running. You would feel the comfort and flexibility provided by its deep flex grooves at its outsole. With just a few weeks of wearing this shoes, you will find your gait more stable and your balance more enhance since its design strives to correct the deformation of your feet caused by many years of wearing traditional shoes.

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  Nike Women's 'Lunarfly' Running Shoe

  4. Nike Women’s ‘Lunarfly” running shoe–women will love this lightweight shoe with its polyester and no-sew construction. Women who want to have a larger toe box would find it in this shoes. With its seamless construction, you will find that your feet will incur less blister and abrasions.

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  Nike Free Walk+ (Men's)

  5. Nike Free walk for men – possessing all the plus features of a Nike minimalist running shoes, every runner would love this shoe with its flex grooves and soft, flexible midsole.

There are several other Nike minimalist running shoes in the market today. Finding the right one would depend on your needs and your intended use for such shoes.

Why go for minimalist shoes for wide feet?

Just imagine if you have wide feet and you encase it in a shoe that have small, pointed toe box, which cramps the feet? If all your toes and bunch up together tightly to enable it to fit within the restrictive toe box, you would have difficulty feeling the ground and balance yourself. With a wider toe box your feet will be able to breath and be able to have that grip without cramping it. With barefoot shoes for wide feet, you will be able to replicate that barefoot feel where toes are splayed and the soles are in full contact with the ground without restrictions. Wearing this kind of footwear is just like running barefoot with the essential covering against the rough ground and potential dangers of uncontrolled environment. Opting for minimalist shoes for wide feet would also develop your muscles and ligaments the right way, promoting better health and a more natural gait. When you run with unrestricted toes and heel, you will be able to run faster and with steadier gait than when wearing traditional shoes.

What are the advantages of minimalist shoes with wide feet?

1. Your toes will be able to move without restriction allowing the muscles and ligaments to move naturally, which will ultimately strengthens the feet.
2. The pressure on the balls of your feet will also be lessen as the toes will help absorb the impact of your feet as it hits the ground, allowing the runner to develop better balance and improve agility.
3. Shoes for wide feet will enable the wearer to stimulate his foot from heel to toes naturally, without restrictions, replicating that barefoot feel where the foot is technically free to move about, enabling its hundreds of tendons, ligaments and muscles to “breathe” in its natural state.

Top selection for minimalist wide feet footwear

There are myriad of minimalist shoes for wide feet in the market today. Not all products however offer the same benefits and comfort when it comes to utilizing this footwear. To help you find the top picks according to product reviews and client feedbacks, here is my top list for such footwear.

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  Adidas adiPURE Trainer Shoes

  Adidas adiPURE trainer shoes – its upper will fit your feet like a second skin and since it is made from breathable, soft material, it allows your feet unrestricted movement from heel to toes. You will feel comfortable even on long distance running since its inlay is made of ortholite sockliner that will facilitate cushiony protection as well as defense against microbes and moisture. With its adiPure tooling midsole, your feet will be able to react quickly as its sensors will be able to detect the terrain as it makes contact with the ground. This reaction imitates the natural movement of barefoot running, which results to enhanced muscle stimulation and increase efficiency in your workout. You can use this footwear both on rough and slippery terrain since its outsole is design for greater traction and sturdiness.

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  Vibram FiveFingers Komodo LS Sport Shoes

  Vibram FiveFingers komodo LS Sport shoes – its seamless, no sew construction assures you of lesser abrasions and friction as you run. This extreme minimalist shoe for wide feet is excellent to use wherever you want to train since it has great traction, grip and offers optimal protection for your feet. With its new lacing system and wider tongue opening, you can easily adjust the tightness of its upper to conform to the shape of your feet as well as easier entry-exit of your feet. Its toes are reinforced with PU dotting to protect your toes better.

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  SKORA Men's BASE Running Shoe

  Skora Men’s Base Running shoe – it will fit your feet like a sock with its stretchable upper mesh with nylon made x-strap. To replicate the natural movement of the feet when barefooted, this shoe is design with zero-drop from heel to toe with its outsole made a little curvy and some flex furrows. It offers you maximum comfort with its ample toe box and adjustable heel strap. It is a lightweight shoe made for men, who want to reap the benefits of minimalist shoes for wide feet people while maximizing their training sessions. With its zero-drop heel to toe, you will definitely be able to run unhindered by over cushiony padding such as found in traditional shoes.

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  FILA Skele-toes Voltage Women's Running Shoes

  FILA Skele-toes voltage women’s running shoes – this is rather a new innovative design which FILA came up with. It fused the two smallest toes to allow the wearer to put on the shoe with ease.  Its lightweight, upper airmesh and minimal outsole provides comfort and better performance. Its bungee lace lock and heel-pull tab ensures that you will have a comfort fit and easy sliding into the shoe every time you wear it.

Minimalist shoes for wide feet are not only limited to adults. Although children have naturally slender foot, which grows to its adult form as time goes by. However, there are children with naturally wide feet and they too will benefit much if they are to wear children’s minimalist shoes such as produced by Merrell, Vibram’s, New Balance and Fila Skele.

FiveFingers Jaya Shoe - Women

Unique design

The Vibram Fivefingers got a very unique design which will definitely look incongruous anywhere you go. You just have to take one look at it to know that it’s one of a kind footwear. Its toe box caters to individual toe box for each toes, just like a hand glove. Vibram is actually design to fit your feet like a feet glove, with very thin soles and zero-drop heels. It may look strange on your feet, but with its attractive colors and very comfortable fit that allows the wearer to have that personal interaction with the ground, Vibram Fivefingers is definitely the ultimate choice in minimalist footwear. Wearing this kind of shoes for the first time may give you some little pains and discomfort, especially if you are new to minimalist running footwear but as time goes on, you will find that you will develop a more natural gait and a more comfortable running experience.

Why opt for Vibram fivefingers?

For all the strangeness and rather unusual design of Vibram’s, it definitely proves to be one of the best minimalist footwear in the market today. You will ultimately reap the known several benefits of vibram fivefingers as you continue to wear it during your workouts and other casual activities. It is said that Vibram is one of the ultimate minimalist footwear existing in the market today, hence learning to adapt to wearing such footwear means you will be able to experience the maximum benefits that barefoot shoes can give.

The benefits of vibram fivefingers

Since Vibram’s have zero-drop heel, you will experience a simulation of running truly barefooted. Hence, receptors in the soles of your feet are activated sending crucial information to the brain at real time. Hence, the brain sends back proper signal to the feet to adjust to the kind of terrain that the feet is trekking. This way, the body is able to improve its agility and balance.

One of the benefits of Vibram fivefingers is that it offers the potential to develop the strength of muscles where it is most needed. Wearing Vibram’s invigorates the muscles of the lower legs and feet, helping it become stronger and preventing future injury to the feet.

The separate toe box of Vibram’s allows the feet to freely move. Wearing this type of shoes would feel like walking barefoot, allowing your feet to move naturally with toes splayed comfortably as it strikes the ground. It also helps disseminate the body weight across the foot bed, which in turn helps the alignment of the spine and improvement of the future.

There are other benefits of vibram fivefingers that you will discover as you go along wearing such shoes in your athletic and non-athletic activities.

Top picks of Vibram products

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  Vibram FiveFingers Bilika LS Womens Athletic Shoes 2012

  1. Vibram FiveFingers Bilika LS Women’s Athletic shoes 2012 – women will love this rubber shoes with provide great traction and with a perfect fit that follows the natural contour of your feet. It utilizes dri-lex for its insole and a quick lace system that are well-suited for feet with higher instep.

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  Bikila LS Shoe - Men's by Vibram Fivefingers

  2. Bikila LS Shoe – Men’s by Vibram Fivefingers – manufactured with runners in mind, this machine washable footwear has a stretch polyaminde with TPU toe caps in its upper to protect the feet. Its dri-lex lining will help keep your feet odor-free and dry. Its breathable upper mesh provides maximum comfort that is one of the topmost considerations, if you are running long distance. It also features a 3M reflective surface that will help you be visible to others when running on low-light environment.

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  Vibram Fivefingers Spyridon LS Womens Hiking Shoes

  3. Vibram Fivefingers Spyridon LS Womens hiking shoes – if you are looking for the right hiking shoes that would make your feet stronger and healthier, this is one of the topmost choice. You will find your feet getting sturdier and all your foot ailments gone for good within a few months of wearing this Vibram shoes. This shoe can be machine wash but should be dried manually. You just have to gradually into this kind of shoes however to be able to reap all the benefits or else you will risk hurting yourself should you opt for a quick jump-off with this barefoot shoe. One should bear in mind that the benefits of vibram fivefingers might backfire if you don’t know how to transition to minimalist shoes after wearing traditional shoes for the longest time.

Due to years of wearing cramped shoes that boxed in my toes and compressed my bones, my bones got deform in the process making them weak and prone to injuries.  Such well-padded footwear has trained my feet to be overly dependent on the cushions, which actually hampers the natural state of things. Our feet are actually designed to stand on its own, without the benefits of any footwear. We had been born into this world fully equipped to survive without further need to enhance anything, and that includes our very own feet. It has been designed to withstand supporting our bodies in walking and running barefoot.

Of course, we do have to consider the outside factors such as the terrain and the weather, which can affect that capacity to survive on its own. However, generally speaking, our bodies have been genetically designed to function at its maximum capacity without further assistance from other factors. This capacity has been proven by our forefathers who have run the face of this Earth barefooted for thousands of years. If not for anything else, running barefoot seems to have given them stronger leg muscles and feet.

The challenge of running barefoot

We can probably stand without any fuss running barefoot under a controlled environment such as inside our own yard, in a gym or controlled running field. However, when we talk about trail running or running barefoot in  long distance through uncontrolled terrain, that could be quite risky, that is altogether another story. Only a few, those who have the stamina to run barefoot through these unfamiliar thus dangerous terrain, would dare to take up the challenge of running barefoot. For us who had trod on grounds with much protection from padded shoes would not be able to withstand such rigors which may only be taken up by a select few.  From reading various resources, I have learned that the risk of barefoot running is greater for neophytes or for those who have not the stamina for such rigorous undertaking. Although the endeavor would be difficult, it would not be impossible to hurdle, given the courage and determination. First however, I need to learn how to build up my running stamina barefoot style.

Why build up running stamina first before undertaking minimalist running?

If you are someone who likes to make shortcuts, well this is one of those undertaking that you should never take shortcuts of. Doing so will not only be dangerous but might maim you for life, if you are not careful. Why build up our stamina to run barefoot?  First of all, when we take up barefoot running, we shed the traditional shoes which are well-cushioned and which we believe protects our feet from the shock every time our sole strikes the ground. Running barefoot leaves our feet to the mercy of the direct impact with the ground with only a thin sole in between to help absorb the impact. In minimalist running, the shock absorbing now rests on our very own feet and if it has not gain enough sturdiness throughout the years of wearing padded shoes, then you will probably suffer with the transition. That is why, it has always been recommended to make a slow but sure transition to minimalist running. The goal of this is to allow our feet to build up the strength needed to withstand the rigors of barefoot running.

Learning how to build up my running stamina barefoot style would be a slow and meticulous process that is much I know. I have read somewhere that for the likes of me, I could start by walking barefoot in my own yard, feeling the grassy or the sandy feel of the ground beneath me. Perhaps, I could do this from 3 to 5 minutes a day, until I have developed enough strength in the soles of my feet to withstand walking on rougher and harder grounds. I would be the lone judge of this since I alone know what my body is telling me as I try to develop my stamina for this kind of concept. I would have to do this until such time I am able to withstand running on hard ground for some minutes without wincing. It is to be expected that I would get blisters and scratches the first few weeks of that transitioning. However, I also know that with time, my feet will be able to grow stronger, skin of my soles thicker and muscles sturdier as time goes by. As I apply the lessons learn in how to build  up my running stamina barefoot, I would probably be able to transition to barefoot running in no time, without much hassle.

How to build up the barefoot running stamina?

The only way I can learn how to build up my running stamina barefoot style is through application and practice. This means, if I want to strengthen my feet to enable it to endure the rigors of barefoot running, I must start adhering to the concept of minimalism. This adherence should not only be limited to every rigorous activities I engage in but should also extend to the other areas of my life as well, such as going to work and attending other routine activities. If I want to build up my stamina, I need to do several things for my feet and for myself.

• Engage in regular physical and mental exercise that will help you energize your life. Exercising the mind also help you set up goals, achieve them and analyzing your accomplishments in order to do better the next time. You should set up a regular training plan, which are achievable, to which you will adhere.
• Strengthen my feet by walking barefoot around the house then extending to the yard, nearby parks, beaches and familiar grounds. This undertaking does not only help us build our strength but also enhance the efficiency of our other organs in the body such as the lungs and heart, which ultimately will redound to our overall health benefit.
• Aspire to do better each time but do not overdo it. Listen to what your body tells you. If your muscles are screaming with pain and fatigue then you must have probably overdone it. Never disregard what your body tells you. However, if the walking or the workout is becoming easier for you, push more past your limits up to the extent that you can endure. This is an exigent factor to developing your stamina.
• Engage in other forms of exercise or workout that you enjoy such as biking, swimming or playing active sports. Although this might have no bearing to learning how to build up my running stamina barefoot, it will help build up my overall strength.
• When you are all ready for barefoot running, your body will be able to tell you that. Learning how to build up my running stamina barefoot style will help you determine if you are now ready or not yet.

Photo by: NexusJay

Why opt for minimalist dress shoes?

Much has been said about the benefits of minimalist footwear in the field of walking, running, trail hiking and other active sports. However, except for the walking, people only usually engage in these activities for some part of their time.  Except for full-time athletes who do these activities routinely, most of us who has to work full time just have to schedule these workouts in between our hectic schedule.  Why not opt for a minimalist dress shoes therefore, which you can wear for most of your activities during the day, including that of reporting to the office, wearing the footwear that would provide you the most benefits in the long run?  If we had been used to wearing well-padded, cushioned shoes, only making some little time to wear minimalist running footwear would make it difficult for us to transition to the minimalist concept in shoe wear. It would be better if we can wear a minimalist shoe that we can wear throughout the day, without looking incongruous. We know that some of the extreme minimalist footwear would simply be out of place with your formal suit or dress. Hence, the need to find a minimalist dress shoe that would give you the much needed benefits as well as still look good with your attire.

The benefits of minimalist shoes

Transitioning to the minimalist concept when you had been used to the traditional footwear would take some time and effort, if you want to reap the benefits of the concept. It is a slow process that you need to adhere to if you do not want to hurt yourself instead. Yes, getting on to the minimalist footwear without much preparation can probably harm your feet.  You would be able to reap its maximum benefits if you take it slow but surely. If you cannot make a full time effort to do this because you are busy with other endeavors, it would be better to wear minimalist dress shoes which you can wear to just about any other semi-formal to formal gatherings and functions.

Where to find minimalist dress shoe?

The truth is, only a few manufacturers have ventured to produce formal yet chic minimalist dress shoes, that provides the comfort and benefits you can usually reap from wearing your minimalist running shoes. The minimalist concept has not been easily accepted by people, considering the thousands of years of believing that a well-padded shoes will protect the feet more than a thin-soled shoe can. However, it is just a matter of finding the right fit for your particular needs. Manufacturers like Terra Plana, Vivo barefoot and Zenger ninja low have produced minimalist dress shoes which offer the benefits of minimalist running shoes while still looking dressy enough for more formal activities. Here are some top picks for the best minimalist dress shoes nowadays in the market.

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  Terra Plana Men's Dharma Black Shoes

  1. Terra Plana Men’s Dharma Black shoes –its chrome leather upper which is made from vegan eco material, its ultra thin sole, flexible structure, neutral black color and easily slip on features makes it a very good choice for office wear and other semi-formal affairs. You can even use it for walking and running when the day is done. This is the perfect choice for that casual yet chic look while enjoying the benefits of the minimalist concept in footwear. Wearing this minimalist dress shoes assure you of germ-free feet since its upper is made of antibacterial material. Even though it has an ultra thin sole, it can protect your feet from punctures since it is made of puncture resistant material.
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  Vivobarefoot Men's Ra Lace-up Shoe

  2. Vivobarefoot Men’s Ra Lace-up shoe is made of leather upper with manmade sole that measures 3mm. It utilizes dry-lex lining hence your feet is protected from the usual smell caused by bacteria. This lace-up shoe is highly recommended for your casual activities as well as for office get-up. You can enjoy the benefits of the best minimalist dress shoes even while engaging in light and formal activities such as in your work area and some night out fun.
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  Merrell Men's Edge Glove Barefoot Sneakers

  3. Merrell Men’s Edge Glove Barefoot sneakers are very comfortable leather with cow suede upper minimalist dress shoes which you can wear to almost any occasion you have in mind. It affords you the benefits of the barefoot experience while giving you the much needed protection. Experience the minimalist concept anywhere you go with these barefoot sneakers for that ultimate comfort and stability.

Picking the best kids minimalist footwear

Whether it is for running or engaging in other active activities, children should be made to wear minimalist running shoes to start them on the barefoot concept. We have heard of the various benefits that we can reap from the minimalist concept in footwear. If we instill this concept in kids and start them early on, they would have sturdier legs and feet in the long run. Eliminating the presence of high-heeled and well-padded shoes, which cushioned the feet so much that they will end up weak and prone to injury, is therefore a must to protect the feet of children. Hence, manufacturers have released the smaller version of minimalist shoes for adults that are in the market today. These companies are targeting the younger generation to wear kids minimalist running shoes to start them early on the road to greater health.

Why instill minimalist running concept in children?

As you may have observed, children who are used to running barefooted in a relatively secure and safe environment have developed sturdier and resilient feet than those who constantly wear thick padded running shoes. Our forebears ran barefooted in the face of this Earth without any major deformities as discovered by experts through thousand years old skeletons unearthed. They were able to run swiftly even while barefooted then. Our children today can imitate such practice while they are still young and their feet are still malleable to prevent any future deformities brought on by cramped and ill-fitting shoes. Instilling the minimalist concept and letting our children wear the specially manufactured kids minimalist running shoes will afford them the most benefits, without having to go through the difficulty of transition that most adults undergo when shifting to minimalist concept.

How to pick the best minimalist running shoes for kids

You should do well to remember that a child’s foot is not a smaller version of a grown up’s foot. During a child’s formative years, his foot is broadest across the toes. Before an adult foot acquired the bones of its foot, it used to be just cartilage when he was just a kid. Hence, if a kid wears ill-fitting shoes, his foot cartilage will get deform and the succeeding bones will take on the distorted shape. Many of the foot problems experience by adults are results from inflexible and too rigid shoes they wear when they were younger. A child’s foot full mature when he reaches the age between 18 to 21. Thus, wearing the wrong footwear before this age could greatly contribute to the harm you may bestow on your foot. Hence, it is exigent to pick the best kids minimalist running shoes that allow enough space for the child to grow his feet naturally, until the cartilage mature into stronger bones.

Features to look for in the best minimalist footwear for kids

There are several manufacturers who have released their own version of kids minimalist running shoes in the market. Picking the right one could be tricky if you are face with several options, if you are not familiar with what you should look for in the best shoe. To help you out, here are some features that you should look for in a kids minimalist shoes.

• Low ground profile, preferably flat – shoes should facilitate easy engaging in activities such as running, walking, jumping and climbing. To boost the lateral movement, the shoes should have zero-drop from heel to forefoot.
• Made of malleable and smooth materials – this is to allow the foot to move naturally. Toe joints should bend easily to replicate the takeoff of the arch.
• Upper material – it should be soft and breathable to allow the feet to be properly ventilated.
• Mega-thin soles to allow the feet to have that intimate bonding with the ground every time the foot strikes it, which in turn facilitates the feet’s natural capacity to soap up ground forces.
• Broad enough to box – this is to allow the natural splay of the toes. The toes stabilize the arch, which naturally supports the feet. The toes can only successfully do this when they are straight and are align with the metatarsals. They are compromised when they get boxed in due to cramped toe box, which are features found mostly in traditional shoes.
• Less traction – although this could be beneficial to adults, traction on kids minimalist running shoes can produce more heat in the foot and hinder his running performance.
• Single midsole – this protects the feet from hard and rocky surfaces such as concrete and trail while still allowing the natural debauchery of ground reactive forces.

Top picks of kids minimalist shoes

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  Merrell Trail Glove Kids

  Merrell Trail Glove Kids – It possess all the features that you should look for in the most appropriate children’s’ running shoes and more. It has a soft and synthetic leather upper with a rubber protective toe bumper. Outfitted with a vibram outsole and a compressed molded EVA midsole, it is the perfect kids minimalist running shoe for your child who is fond of running. With its antimicrobial solution infused in its permanently installed microfiber insole, you can be sure that your kid’s shoes are always fresh and clean.

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  Fila Skele-Toes EZ Slide Shoe

  Fila Skele-toes EZ slide shoe – made from fabric and synthetic, it provides soft comfort to the sensitive skin on children’s feet. Its Velcro straps enable you to customize the fit while its bungee cord allows easy entry and exit of the foot. Its rubber sole, four way- stretch 2 ply nylon and rubber outsole ensures that kids will have a comfortable running with such shoes whole day long.

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  Vibram Fivefingers Kid's KSO

  Vibram Fivefingers KSO pink/purple/blk kids – it is made of breathable upper mesh that is resistant to abrasion, to protect the sensitive skin of children. Its hassle-free single hook and loop closure ensures a no-fuss wear and a secure fit. It provides maximum barefoot feel with its very thin outsole. This is perhaps the best pick amongst the top products for kids minimalist running shoes in the market today.

Why opt for minimalist running?

Minimalist running has many benefits when done appropriately. However, these benefits are not the same for every runner. Hence, there are runners who find minimalist running beneficial while others see only negative effects of minimalist shoes in their training. Minimalist running can have various positive effects depending on which areas of running you want to employ the minimalist concept. If you opt for minimalist shoes, you would find your running style dramatically enhanced while preventing the usual running injuries. If you opt to adopt minimalism in your running attire, you would probably save a lot of money while enjoying the benefits that it will provide you as a runner.

What does minimalist concept means?

Minimalist running is about getting down to the basic essentials. It is base on the concept that less is more and that running as simple is possible is more beneficial. From developing a better running performance to the long-term health benefits on the feet and legs, these are just a few of the benefits you can reap from minimalist running.

Although, you might need to invest in good, branded minimalist running shoes, the benefits you will reap from it will save you money in the end. With so much good things about minimalist running, are there any negative effects of minimalist shoes?

Negative effects of minimalist shoes

Notwithstanding the many benefits that you can reap from wearing minimalist shoes, we need to recognize that there are negative effects of minimalist shoes. These effects however depend on how you accept the changes of minimalism in your running session and how you take to such concept. Minimalist shoes will help you correct the gait you have learned to adopt by wearing well-cushioned traditional shoes. It will also help strengthen the muscles of your feet and legs as time goes on. However, taking to minimalist running in an instant will yield negative effects of minimalist shoes wearing. If you had been so used to wearing well-padded shoes, you need to adapt slowly to the changes of wearing minimalist shoes. You cannot just wear one and hop into a race without expecting any negative effects of minimalist shoes on your feet. You need to undergo a transition stage where you adjust to the extreme changes of the minimalist concept in running.

Your feet had been weaken from wearing cushioned and well-padded shoes, hence when you jump right out of it and into the low-heeled, zero-drop shoes without proper preparation, you would probably suffer negative effects of minimalist shoes usage.  The transition time depends on the stamina of the person and the capacity of his feet to endure the rigors of minimalist running. He also needs to wear transition shoes that will help him make the transition without much difficulty. These shoes are design with some features of the minimalist shoes and some of the traditional shoes, to help the person get the feel of minimalism.

Negative Health Effects

If the body is unable to adapt to the transition well, especially for older adults, negative side effects of minimalist shoes might manifests. Older adults can have difficulty maintaining the proper posture and balance required in minimalist running. When a person trains too soon wearing minimalist footwear, there is a danger that the sole of the foot will get inflame and Achilles tendonitis will set in. There are other serious problems, which can arise from using minimalist shoes too soon, without proper preparation and transition. The negative effects of minimalist shoes would then far outweigh whatever benefits that minimalist running is suppose to give to runners. Thus, transitioning to minimalist footwear should be a step-by- step process to reduce the negative effects of minimalist shoes.

Top picks of Transition shoes for minimalist running

There are extreme minimalist shoes and there are transitions shoes, which help you adjust to the rigors of minimalist running. These shoes are low-heeled to zero-drop sole, which will help you, get use to the feel of the ground and to the lesser cushioned footwear.

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  New Balance Women's WT100 Trail Shoe

  1. New Balance women’s WT100 Trail Shoe – its lightweight and compact structure makes it a good choice for women who want to try minimalist running. It is also flexible and has no cushioning which lets you experience the feel of the ground beneath your feet. It features a protective flexible layer, ROCK STOP, which protects the feet from rocks and shock. It is also made of Acteva, which makes it more durable than your traditional shoes and it has a puncture resistant toe material.
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  ASICS GEL-Hyper Speed 4 Running Shoe

  2. ASICS GEL-Hyper Speed 4 Running Shoe – perhaps its best feature is its being extremely lightweight and its low cost. It has airy uppers and exceptional forefoot cushioning which do not hinder its being lightweight.
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  Ecco Men's Biom A 2.1 Running Shoe

  3. Ecco Men’s Biom A 2.1 Running shoe – a durable yet lightweight shoe that hugs your feet for that perfect fit. Its midsoles, which had been injected with polyurethane, are medium cushion to your feet. It has minimalist upper design with a very low profile outsole that lets you feel the ground beneath your soles. It allows you to feel a more natural running experience to maximize your performance in running.

Always bear in mind that you can prevent the negative effects of minimalist shoes with proper preparation and transition to minimalist running. One thing that would help you transition smoothly is to choose the most comfortable and appropriate transition minimalist shoes for your particular needs.

How much you should drink?

There is no uniform recommended amount of water for all runners to drink since each runner’s need varies from one runner to another. However, experts recommend that to prevent under hydrating yourself you should drink yourself to thirst. This means that you should drink when you are thirsty. Under hydrating is a condition, which can lead to dehydration while over hydrating, can lead to hyponatremia, in which there is low blood salt count due to too much fluid retention.

How fast you run and how much distance you cover in relation to your overall sweat rate also affects your fluid requirements. Experts say that a runner with a normal pace needs to drink 4 to 6 ounces of fluids for every 20 minutes of running. While for a runner, who runs 8 minutes per mile should drink about 6 to 8 ounces every 20 minutes. For longer running time, runners are advises to carry energy drink aside from the running hydration packs they carry. The sports drinks will restore electrolytes and sodium lost through perspiration.

How to ensure that you get adequate fluid?

You do not want to hamper your running with unnecessary belts and gadgets, if you want to make good in your performance. However, if you do not want the hassle of stopping at water stations for hydrating yourself, you need to carry your own fluid to ensure that you get your fluid intake. Either you can opt to carry water bottles or one of the hydration packs in the market for this. If you are running a race, you can do away with your water belts or hydration packs since there would surely be water stops for the runners. However, if you are just working out, chances are there would be no water stations at your chosen running area. Hence, you really need to carry your own running hydration packs to hydrate yourself.

Why opt for hydration pack over water bottles?

If you want to have a hassle-free yet hydrating run, you need hydration packs more than water bottles. You can do away with slowing or stopping to reach for your water bottle to get a sip, if you opt for hydration packs. Since, water is within easy reach and if you can make the sip tube stay in place, you can get your sip without effort and without even slowing down in your running.

How to choose your rehydration pack?

Choosing your hydration pack should depend on the kind of activity you will engage in. If you were a trail runner, you would want to choose a minimalist or waist hydration pack, which can carry up to one liter of fluid. Back packers and climbers would probably want to opt for packs that can carry 2 to 3 liters of fluid while mountain bikers will probably opt for large pack with 2 to 3 liters reservoir and some cargo capacity.

Features of the best hydration packs

If you want to optimize your running, you do not want to hamper it with hydration packs that slide down your arms or bounce back at your back. You need to choose a pack with a good fit and with durable sip tubes and valves to ensure that they stay in place, even at your most arduous run. You also need to consider the body frame of the runner when selecting the best running hydration packs to carry. There are several models and designs in the market for the appropriate body frame.

You also need to look into the kind of bite valves that the packs have. Usually, you only need to apply moderate tooth pressure to get the water flowing. Since most people tend to bite too hard, these valves wear down easily. Experts say that bit valves with on/off switch will ensure that there would be no leakage. You need to consider the pack with a clip to ensure that the sip tube is always in place, to effortlessly sip water while running.

Top three picks of hydration pack

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  Geigerrig G1 1200 Hydration Pack

  1. Geigerrig G1 1200 Hydration pack – one of the most innovative hydration packs in the market today with an ergonomic fit, safety shoulder strap, adjustable tube configuration and waterproof compartment for your personal items.

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  Camelbak Octane XCT Hydration Pack

  2. Camelbak Octane XCT hydration pack – If you are running on long distance trails without water stations on the way, camelback octane is a good choice with its 100 ounces reservoir capacity. Its insulated reservoir pocket ensures that you will only get to drink cool water during your run.

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  Nathan Elite 2V Plus Dual 22-Ounce Cradled Hydration Waist Pack with Cargo Pocket

  3. Nathan Elite 2V plus Dual 22-Ounce Cradled hydration waist pack with cargo pocket – is the coolest running hydration packs that you can wear at your waist. With its lightweight structure, which fit snugly at the waist without hampering your running performance?