Topo Athletic‘s latest addition to its gym collection is a functional fitness training shoe named Santé (pronounced Sahn-tay, meaning “health” in French). With an adjustable Boa closure system and durable mesh upper, the Santé is tough enough for functional fitness, strength training or HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training). A flexible outsole with lateral stabilizers allow…
Category: Shoe Reviews
LEMs Shoes Nine2five Version 2 is here!
The new LEMs Shoes Nine2five Version 2 has landed – in the long awaited Black and also in a refreshed Coffee & Cream. We reviewed the initial version of the Nine2five Coffee & Cream last year and also showed you how to take care of the leather. Everything that we have written about the NIne2five…
Newton Running EnergyNR Shoe Review
Over the past few years, Newton Running has earned itself a strong following among runners who pursue running efficiency and injury prevention. With the Newton ENERGYNR, the company seeks to bring even more runners into the fold with a brand-new design that showcases its key design principles in a more accessible package. This model features…
Strike Movement Interval Cross Trainer Review
STR/KE MVMNT (Strike Movement) is a new athletic brand out of Vancouver (Canada) that joined the cross fit category and launched The Interval, a shoe meant for all activities. The Interval is a midfoot strike trainer that outperforms its competitors while retaining a classic wearable aesthetic. By sweating the details and eliminating anything that was…
New Balance Minimus HI-REZ Review
New Balance is adding to its barefoot-inspired Minimus collection with the introduction of the innovative HI-REZ road shoe. This shoe is designed for the minimal runner looking for the latest cutting edge product to enhance a hyper-real sensory running experience. The new Minimus HI-REZ construction delivers a completely different experience for the runner by allowing…
Montrail FluidFlex
Trail running equipment specialist Montrail is continuing its minimalist direction with the Montrail FluidFlex (minimal, 4mm drop), part of the new Fluid line that also include the FluidFeel (neutral, 8mm drop) and the FluidBalance (stability, 10mm drop). With a 4mm offset (15 mm heel, 11 mm forefoot), articulated midsole and toothy microlug outsole, the FluidFlex…
Merrell Proterra Sport Multi-Hike Review
Merrell Proterra is a brand new multi-hike collection that innovates with an agile approach to a traditional hiking product. The design combines Merrell’s heritage performance with Merrell Barefoot experiences for fast, breathable and durable hiking shoes and boots. Proterra is built on a 4mm platform and has been demonstrated to improve a person’s stability through…
Your Guide To Merrell M-Connect Collection
Transitioning with the latest Merrell Barefoot running shoes Merrell is launching their new M-Connect series of running shoes this month. It is a complete collection featuring running, training, and hiking shoes in addition to running apparel. This article will cover the road running shoes. We will have subsequent posts covering the new Proterra hiking shoes,…
New Balance Minimus Road & Trail v2 Updates
New Balance is launching updates to its existing Minimus style – the original Minimus Road (MR10/WR10) and Minimus Trail (MT10/WT10), which we wear tested and reviewed over two years ago. New Balance Minimus 10v2 Designed for the minimal road runner who requires the perfect balance of protection and proprioception, the Minimus 10v2 is the result…
Vibram Five Fingers Lontra & Speed XC
Two new models from Vibram Five Fingers (VFF) that are released for winter (wet and cold) runners are reviewed here: VFF Speed XC and VFF Lontra. Vibram Lontra The all-new Lontra makes cold weather running in minimalist footwear a breeze. A multi-layer laminate upper with fully taped seams provides insulation and water resistance. The micro-pile…
Barefoot B.E.R.B.S.: A barefoot-style golf shoe with spikes
[jbox color=”green” title=”From the Desk of Robert Yen“] Minimalist Shoes Wear Tester – Golf Robert is a second-generation native of Phoenix, Arizona. When not practicing law, he can usually be found playing–as he has for the past 44 years–one of the nearly 300 golf courses in and around the Phoenix metropolitan area. Robert Yen’s reviews [/jbox]…
Barefooters Classic Shoe Review
Barefooters are shoes designed to make you feel great. Anatomically engineered for an au natural, barefoot feel, these made-in-Italy shoes are made from shock absorbing, flexible, and antimicrobial CorksiLite; an all-natural blend of cork and silicone. This one-of-a-kind material allows for a seamless design that coddles your feet in breathable comfort. Say hello to blister-free,…
Brooks Running Pure Drift Review
Experience the next thing to naked feet with the hyper-light Pure Drift. That is how Brooks Running describes the latest addition to the Pure Project collection of minimal shoes, the Pure Drift. The Pure Drift is the lightest shoe in their collection and is designed to ‘further amps up the runner’s connection with the ground…
Altra Zero Drop Superior Review
With a removable StoneGuard system and CheckerTrail sticky rubber outsole, The Superior trail shoe is Altra Zero Drop‘s latest offering. The Superior is designed to give incredible protection and stability on loose dirt and rocks – you can tackle the toughest trails with this rugged shoe. The Altra Superior lightweight trail shoe offers a zero…
TESHUB Twitch and 5T Sleeve Review
TESHUB (Oakland, CA) is led by former professional baseball player Samuel Taylor. Taylor played nine years with the California Angels and Cincinnati Reds. His career was cut short due to continuous injuries to his foot, ankle, and patella. Taylor recognized the critical importance of athletes maintaining their short term and long term health and…
Mizuno EVO Levitas Review
Mizuno is launching two different zero drop shoes next year focused on midfoot striking and connecting with the ground. Their new EVO collection, consisting of the Cursoris and Levitas, is a brand-new line designed from the ground up for the midfoot runner. According to Mizuno Footwear Director, Rod Foley, “EVO is tailored to optimize your…
Born 2 Run Road Review
The Born To Run (B2R) movement began with Eric Swartz (Ironman triathlete, runner, entrepreneur) who had suffered multiple injuries while training and kept him away from the sports he loved. When Swartz read Christopher McDougall’s best-selling book, Born to Run, he realized the cause of his injuries and he wanted to make it right. So,…
GoLite Footwear TR63 Review
Take to the trail confidently in the new GoLite TR63 trail shoe. Engineered for the varying demands of single-track trail running, this pull-on men’s outdoor running shoe features a breathable mesh and stretch nylon upper with a four-guide lacing system to ensure a glove-like fit. The Zero Drop construction keeps you low to the ground…
Sneak Peek: Primal Professional
Updated: 1/16/2014 ORDER your pair now at The Primal Professional and Minimalist Shoe. We’ve been staying in touch with Mountain from The Primal Professional and he has been keeping us abreast of the latest developments. Their first product, a conservative leather Oxford is almost here – tentatively set for launch early 2013. From the latest prototype…
TRUE Linkswear Sensei review
This review is written from the runner’s point of view. For a golfer’s point of view, please read Robert’s TRUE Sensei review. Two years ago, I reviewed the TRUE Linkswear Tour golf shoe – it was the inaugural version of TRUE Linkswear barefoot-platform golf shoe. Even back then, Rob Rigg, President of TRUE Linkswear, already…
How to run a marathon in less than four hours . . . in a golf shoe?
[jbox color=”green” title=”From the Desk of Robert Yen“] Minimalist Shoes Wear Tester – Golf Robert is a second-generation native of Phoenix, Arizona. When not practicing law, he can usually be found playing–as he has for the past 44 years–one of the nearly 300 golf courses in and around the Phoenix metropolitan area. Robert Yen’s reviews [/jbox]…
Vibram Five Fingers SeeYa LS Shoe Review
We’ve recently reviewed the Vibram Five Fingers SeeYa and now Vibram has launched the laced version, VFF SeeYa LS. The SeeYa LS delivers the versatility of a traditional running sneaker while keeping you connected to the ground. The updated, technically styled upper features a padded tongue and micro-suede overlay ensuring a snug yet comfortable fit….
VIVOBAREFOOT Ra Review
For a limited time only, EVERY model from the VIVOBAREFOOT web site is available for 20% OFF!!! Grab your VIVOBAREFOOT shoes now with this discount code: MINIMALISTRUNNER20 VIVOBAREFOOT Ra has been the best selling lifestyle shoe for those looking for a zero drop shoe with a wide toe box. I finally got around to testing a pair for myself as…
Skechers GObionic Shoe Review
Skechers continues its expansion into the performance market with Skechers GObionic, a revolutionary zero-drop minimalist lightweight running shoe featuring an intuitive bio-inspired design. Skechers GObionic was developed by the SKECHERS Advanced Concepts Team through a unique engineering process where nature and inspired organic design drive innovations. Skechers listened to feedback from runners and worked directly…