Shoe Advice

shadowsspy

Barefooters
Dec 3, 2017
5
4
3
27
So I want to go to minimalist shoes but I dont know what to choose I live in canada where we get all 4 seasons in a range of temps so I cant go barefoot sadly but I have narrowed my shoe choices down to these but i still no dont know what to choose.
Im not too sure about the merrells the price is nice though but a few people in my backpacking group have used them for hiking successfully but i dont hike right now so that doesnt apply.

www.merrell.com/US/en/trail-glove-4/29192W.html?ref=trail%20gloves&dwvar_29192W_color=J09668#reviews


http://www.merrell.com/US/en/vapor-glove-3/29194W.html?ref=Vapor Glove&dwvar_29194W_color=J09676#q=Vapor+Glove&start=1

Vibram I want to start running currently we have no snow except on the trails and very warm winter temps and i could use them in the winter since they are insulated but they are very pricey

ca.vibram.com/shop/fivefingers/women/outdoor/trek-ascent-insulated/W53.html?dwvar_W53_color=Black%20%2F%20Purple

Altra I have heard loads of good stuff about lone peaks 3.0 and the fact that i can buy a gaiter for them or buy the mid means i wouldnt have to wear heavy snow boots and could use the same pair of shoes year round.
https://www.altrarunning.com/women/lone-peak-3-neoshell-mid Also kinda pricey

https://www.altrarunning.com/women/lone-peak-30 The only problems is they are out of stock in my size no matter the color
 
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I'll let the others make recommendations, Spy. I just wanted to say welcome and point you to the Canada Chapter if you're interested (Chapters link above). :coldfeet:
 
My favorite by far is the Vapor Glove. Best ground feel, most comfortable. They run a touch large. Trail Gloves are much more protective and might be better if your feet aren't strong yet. They run true to size. Even though they have more tread, they aren't as good when it gets slippery due to poor ground feel. Fivefingers tend to be really cold because of the separate toe pockets - think thin gloves vs mittens. They can't have much insulation around the toes where you really need it because there isn't room. The Altras are minimal in name only, they're so thick that you're isolated from the ground. If that ground is forty below, that might be a good thing. :) Another option that I use is sandals. Luna and Bedrock make some nice ones with tread on. A pair of wool Tabi socks and sandals can be very warm. I made three different pairs of socks, thin, medium, and thick and dense, and the dense one I can't wear if the temp is above 0F because my feet will sweat too much. You want the tread on for snow and know that they aren't the best in loose snow or slush as both will get between the sock and sandal, creating a slippery layer. I even have a pair of sandals that have 25 sheet metal screws in the bottom of each for ice. Those things are amazing and the looks I get are hilarious.
 
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My favorite by far is the Vapor Glove. Best ground feel, most comfortable. They run a touch large. Trail Gloves are much more protective and might be better if your feet aren't strong yet. They run true to size. Even though they have more tread, they aren't as good when it gets slippery due to poor ground feel. Fivefingers tend to be really cold because of the separate toe pockets - think thin gloves vs mittens. They can't have much insulation around the toes where you really need it because there isn't room. The Altras are minimal in name only, they're so thick that you're isolated from the ground. If that ground is forty below, that might be a good thing. :) Another option that I use is sandals. Luna and Bedrock make some nice ones with tread on. A pair of wool Tabi socks and sandals can be very warm. I made three different pairs of socks, thin, medium, and thick and dense, and the dense one I can't wear if the temp is above 0F because my feet will sweat too much. You want the tread on for snow and know that they aren't the best in loose snow or slush as both will get between the sock and sandal, creating a slippery layer. I even have a pair of sandals that have 25 sheet metal screws in the bottom of each for ice. Those things are amazing and the looks I get are hilarious.

Thanks so much for the great reply i think five fingers would work amazing for me in the summer but i mainly use my sandals from walmart. I think i would go with Altras mid or altra/gaiter for winter although i like the looks of the vapour glove and the price is better for me too idk lol.
 
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Fellow Canuck here! After many years of trying different things on my feet in the winter, I've come to this. Minimalist anything in the middle of a dark, arse snappin cold Canadian winter suck! The thin sole will make your feet freeze unless you buy a size 18 EEEEE and wear about 6 pairs of socks! I currently use Altra Superior 2.0's. The ones you mention will work too. They are not minimalist by any means, but they are zero drop and have a thick sole and which will keep your piggies nice and warm! Unfortunately the price is high! Where in Canada are you? I'm in Alberta and Gord's in Calgary has them as does Fast Trax in Edmonton.
 
Fellow Canuck here! After many years of trying different things on my feet in the winter, I've come to this. Minimalist anything in the middle of a dark, arse snappin cold Canadian winter suck! The thin sole will make your feet freeze unless you buy a size 18 EEEEE and wear about 6 pairs of socks! I currently use Altra Superior 2.0's. The ones you mention will work too. They are not minimalist by any means, but they are zero drop and have a thick sole and which will keep your piggies nice and warm! Unfortunately the price is high! Where in Canada are you? I'm in Alberta and Gord's in Calgary has them as does Fast Trax in Edmonton.

Good to know thanks and im also in alberta hello neighbor lol
 
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Been running minimalist for about 5 years now in the Montreal area...wearing Nordic Grip spikes on minimalist shoes sucks since the little backing discs dig into your soles. So, I would run with reebok trail runners (minimal drop) as an option in the winter, but recently they felt too restrictive so I tired VBF Primus Trail and they were awful. Exchanged those for some Merrell Vapor Glove 3 and they work quite well with the Nordic Spikes except when I hit patches of pavement at which point it's somewhat uncomfortable...
http://nordicgrip.com/product/running/
I wear compression running socks and my feel don't get cold unless it's below -20C...
Happy winter running!