As a minimalist shoe wearer (and an occasional barefoot on the grass runner) have completed 3 marathons in asics hyperspeed 6 twice and saucony endorphin 1. I can't seem to find many others out there in the UK so just wondered if there might be something else out there that fit the minimalist option and I know this would be the right place to ask. Most places I search recommend stuff like hoka! I know right... (and my not so minimalist asics)...
Your best minimalist shoes that you'd recommend for a marathon
- Thread starter Tom Dukes
- Start date
Welcome, Tom! C'mon guys, I told Tom you guys would respond with good recommendations here. Please chime in.
I don't run, so I apologize in advance if my recommendation doesn't come from someone in the know...
Having said that, I use a pair of Paleo Barefoot Anterra chainmail shoes to go hiking on very rough or dangerous terrain, and to walk in and on stuff I can't see or feel for whatever reason.
They're made in Germany by a very nice and helpful man not too far from my place. While very expensive, they're excellent value: you almost feel as if you're walking barefoot in them (I'd compare it to true barefooting, but with the tactile sensor knob turned halfway down, if that makes sense), but sharp and dangerous objects can't penetrate them. And I know a few barefoot runners who swear by them.
Best of all, if you use them up, you can send them back for re-soling - i.e. the used up chainmail underneath the sole area is cut away and replaced - at a much lower cost than new shoes.
Finally, you can roll them up in your pocket (large pocket, admittedly) and carry them around if you need them for any reason, and stay barefoot the rest of the time.
Having said that, I use a pair of Paleo Barefoot Anterra chainmail shoes to go hiking on very rough or dangerous terrain, and to walk in and on stuff I can't see or feel for whatever reason.
They're made in Germany by a very nice and helpful man not too far from my place. While very expensive, they're excellent value: you almost feel as if you're walking barefoot in them (I'd compare it to true barefooting, but with the tactile sensor knob turned halfway down, if that makes sense), but sharp and dangerous objects can't penetrate them. And I know a few barefoot runners who swear by them.
Best of all, if you use them up, you can send them back for re-soling - i.e. the used up chainmail underneath the sole area is cut away and replaced - at a much lower cost than new shoes.
Finally, you can roll them up in your pocket (large pocket, admittedly) and carry them around if you need them for any reason, and stay barefoot the rest of the time.
I guess I'll expand on my earlier comment. If you can run in sandals, huaraches are probably the lightest and most comfortable option. The problem with sandals is that you need clean form, a bit of scuffing or twisting can really add up to a problem over 26 miles. As you tire, if your form breaks a bit, you can also start having problems. Next step up would be a truly minimal shoe, I like the Merrell Vapor Glove, but there are others and you really want to wear whatever fits you the best. The problem with both sandals and truly minimal shoes is that they offer no support while protecting the feet enough to allow poor form. Poor form will abuse your feet, and 26 miles of abuse is a lot. Next step up is shoes that offer some support, and I would again go for comfort over style or opinion. You want to have done some long runs in whatever shoe you're going to race.
I see the "occasionally run barefoot on grass" comment as a huge red flag. I don't think that anyone should run in minimal shoes if they can't run barefoot comfortably on pavement. There's too much risk of injury. Smooth concrete should be more comfortable than grass. It's like running on butter. If it's not, you need to fix that before shopping for shoes. As a wet finger in the air, I wouldn't dream of wearing minimal shoes for a marathon unless I could easily do ten miles of pavement without any shoes at all ...
I see the "occasionally run barefoot on grass" comment as a huge red flag. I don't think that anyone should run in minimal shoes if they can't run barefoot comfortably on pavement. There's too much risk of injury. Smooth concrete should be more comfortable than grass. It's like running on butter. If it's not, you need to fix that before shopping for shoes. As a wet finger in the air, I wouldn't dream of wearing minimal shoes for a marathon unless I could easily do ten miles of pavement without any shoes at all ...
Hi. New here so be gentle with me. Went minimalist about 4 years ago following a ski injury. The insides of my kneecaps are far too worn and the specialist advised against running.
I have since run 3 marathons very slowly. The first 2 were in lunar sandals and this year in vibram five fingers. As long as you have done some mileage in whatever you plan on wearing your feet, legs and back will all respond well. Not brave enough to go 100% barefoot yet.
I have since run 3 marathons very slowly. The first 2 were in lunar sandals and this year in vibram five fingers. As long as you have done some mileage in whatever you plan on wearing your feet, legs and back will all respond well. Not brave enough to go 100% barefoot yet.
Welcome, Andy! Glad you found us. I just put up a new minimalist running shoe from Xero Shoes called the Speed Force in our October Giveaway Contest. You can find this contest in the Gear & Footwear forum. Please feel free to post for your chance to win a pair.
