running shoes for the not quite barefoot runner?

December 22, 2015 8:40 AM

Almost-barefoot-running-shoe help needed! I'm looking for a barefoot style running shoe that has a sole that is NOT so thin that I feel every pebble (ouch!) and DOESN'T let sand in. ANYTHING come to mind?

AGH! I've been searching and searching and not finding running shoes :-(

What I'm looking for in a running shoe -
- light
- zero drop
- flexible sole
- roomy toe box
- little to none arch support (and no motion control or stability shoes. and little to none shock absorbing insoles)
BUT
- sole thick enough to protect me from pebbles and pavement
- no breathable mesh that lets sand in
EXTRA POINTS
- water resistant
- has an equivalent kid shoe (my workaround for getting cheaper shoes)

Everything I've looked at either has soles that are TOO thin (barefootwear), are not flexible (Altra) or has a larger than zero drop (traditional shoes). PLEASE tell me I've missed something (I'm so desperate I'll compromise on the sand)! THANKS!

posted by mirileh to Health & Fitness (21 answers total)

Merrell had a pace glove a few years ago where the upper is neoprene and zipped: it is GREAT and I can still find them on eBay. Brooks makes a good low drop shoe (pure connect) that I wear now, since the new Merrells hurt the tops of my feet now for some reason.
posted by sorrygottago at 8:46 AM on December 22, 2015

Try Altra - their shoes are zero drop (or most are anyway) and they are very cushy and soft.

Some models also have a removable rock plate if you are doing trail work. Mine also have a thingy on the back that you can hook an ankle gaiter to.

I have mostly been wearing mine for around town since I possible tore some cartilage about 7 weeks ago. But I have run on trails and road with them and they are GREAT!

(EDIT: I was interrupted halfway through this question and saw what you said about Altras - sorry to gunk up your question!)
posted by absences at 8:47 AM on December 22, 2015

Soft Star Shoes have the Dash and RunAmoc shoes that are pretty excellent. The link is to the Design Your Own where you can choose the sole you want: 2mm Street or 5mm Trail. My toddler loves his versions of the Child Rambler, the Phoenix boot and the Child Sandal. (Bonus, made in the USA)
posted by jillithd at 8:49 AM on December 22, 2015

I am surprised you thought the Altras were not flexible. Mine are super flexible but we are of course different people!

The Brooks are a 4mm drop but they are great also. I run in these primarily.
posted by absences at 8:50 AM on December 22, 2015

This New Balance Minimus has a thin plate in the sole at the ball of the foot to prevent rock pokes (especially if youb are a forefoot runner). I LOVE them and have gone through several pairs. The plate does not affect flexibility at all. The drop is 4 mm I think? The mesh is pretty fine, so water can get out but hopefully sand can't get in.
posted by Brittanie at 8:56 AM on December 22, 2015 [2 favorites]

Response by poster: Those of you who find Altra flexible, which model are you using?

I should have mentioned I've been running with Merrel's Pace Glove (the kid version) and I feel every pebble (and not in a good free spirit way...).
posted by mirileh at 8:56 AM on December 22, 2015

Here's the zero drop selection at the Running Warehouse -- I'd imagine that, perhaps, some of the Merrell Vapor Gloves (though maybe too thin-soled?) or the New Balance Minimus might fit the bill? Also, and not on this list, INOV8's are very minimal, yet with real soles. (Though I'm currently on a bit of a hiatus, I run in INOV8's and like them a lot).
posted by AwkwardPause at 8:58 AM on December 22, 2015

women's superior 2.0
posted by absences at 9:00 AM on December 22, 2015

Have you considered looking at traditional cross country racing flats/spikes?

These shoes are built to be very minimalist. Flexible, lightweight, minimal to zero heel drop, minimal to zero support. I still use to this day Kilkenny XC3's that I first discovered when I ran cross country. They're only an ounce or two heavier than a Vibrams running shoe, and it's got no more than a 4mm drop, if at that. I bought two pairs a while back for just ~$20 each.
posted by Dalby at 9:09 AM on December 22, 2015 [3 favorites]

I'm in love with Skora. I met the guy who started the company at a pre-marathon expo, and I've been wearing Skora Forms ever since, for everything from errands to walking to running to biking. They meet all your criteria and they last forever.
posted by bearwife at 9:09 AM on December 22, 2015

I'll N'th Altra - They're the goto for zero drop and roomy toebox. I also think they seem quite flexible, but I've only run in torins - maybe one of the more max cushioned models like the olympus are less flexible. With the many models of Altra, have you checked them all, or just looked at one and written them all off? I'll note that the original Torin's if you can find them feel crappy around the ankles - I really have to crank the laces to not feel sloppy and then my tendons in my anterior ankle area feel sore if I don't ice later. The 1.5's felt awesome but I retired mine after 1300km. The insoles have minimal arch support, but I've not had issue running with the insoles removed. Some of the older models of Altra even came with multiple insoles; one with arch support and flat, "strengthening" insoles. The uppers are thick enough to protect from sand.

I'll also bring up Topo, I was pleasantly surprised to run across these. The mi-fli lite have a minimal drop, I think 4mm. The outsole is better on light trails than the altra road shoes are, and the upper sheds heat. This however might be a downside for you re: sand. I take them on trails and get them mudded up and haven't noticed a problem with particles getting in when I run, but I definitely don't do a lot of sand. The insole provides some arch support but they're removable and feel fine to run in without the insoles.
posted by nobeagle at 9:15 AM on December 22, 2015

I suppose you're too advanced a runner to use water shoes? I bought kid's (I also have little feet) water shoes at Walmart of all places, with a vaguely toe-shoe shaped toebox, and I use them for exercising. (I don't run much because I am a lump, but if/when I do I favor the barefoot style, and I use them to be able to feel the ground better when doing bodyweight exercises.) The ones I have are mesh at the top only, in a sort of mary jane-style structure with a velcro strap. The soles are thick enough to protect from small rocks, but no support or height in them, and I think you wouldn't get much sand in them through that top mesh. I can't find them online, but you could paw around someplace like Walmart and find something suitable I expect. I've also had decent luck with knock-off Converse-style shoes or old-school Keds.

Of course, if you're a serious runner, these are probably not even close to being enough for you, but I thought it was worth a shot.
posted by dust.wind.dude at 10:56 AM on December 22, 2015

I wear Inov-8 F-Lite 235s, which I think meet your criteria! They're definitely thicker-soled than the Merrell Pace gloves, but still very minimal.
posted by pril at 11:38 AM on December 22, 2015

The Altra Instinct 1.5 is very light and flexible but it does have the breathable mesh.
posted by zinon at 11:55 AM on December 22, 2015

Have you considered the Saucony Kinvara? It has a 4mm drop, but is very light and flexible. Although it does have breathable mesh.
posted by barnoley at 5:22 PM on December 22, 2015

I wear Newton Distance iv - they fit the bill except having a 2mm drop so not quite zero.
posted by intensitymultiply at 6:09 PM on December 22, 2015

Response by poster: Thanks everyone! It's back to the fitting room for me (probably try more Altra models).
posted by mirileh at 1:46 AM on December 23, 2015

You definitely should look at the Skora Form. bearwife turned me on to them, and now I have two pairs (and eyeing a third). The form has a great toe box, and is zero drop. And the sole is sturdy enough that they offer some good protections, especially if you leave the inserts in. (Some of their other models, like the Phase might have too-thin soles.) Plus they're really cool looking. The only downside is that they are quite expensive.
posted by slogger at 7:06 AM on December 23, 2015

Response by poster: I'd love to try Skora but I can't afford them. I should have mentioned I'm on a low budget (which is why I'm going to try these).
posted by mirileh at 12:48 AM on December 24, 2015

Factor in that you won't ever have to buy another running shoe. That makes Skoras a lot more affordable. They are one of the few things in life worth saving up to get. Also they periodically have sales. Just haunt the website and you'll see them.
posted by bearwife at 11:35 AM on December 24, 2015

Factor in that you won't ever have to buy another running shoe.

I'm confused by this? Won't the soles eventually wear thin?
posted by mmascolino at 10:02 AM on December 26, 2015