Behind Minimalist Shoes

Minimalist running -- what is that and why? Many believe that barefoot running is healthier for your feet, knees, back, and even posture. It it said to also reduce the risk of chronic injuries, notably repetitive stress injuries due to the impact of heel striking in traditional padded running shoes. I hate running, so what does these shoes have to do with you or me?

Merrell describes it best through these graphics. A traditional shoe has an 8-12mm Drop, which means your heel is elevated (see far right image). Naturally, our feet have a 0mm Drop, which is what makes their Barefoot shoe a barefoot shoe.

When we run (or walk), the 8-12mm Drop in traditional shoes cause us to step heel first (pictured below on the left). Have you ever walked heel-first when barefoot? It hurts. Even with padding in shoes, it's not good for your body. When you strike heel first, it basically causes a resonating vibration from your heel bone up to your knees and back. Whereas when we are barefoot or wearing a minimalist shoe, we're landing more on the forefront of our foot, which acts more as a "spring" to cushion that impact on our knees and back. 

In this video, Nike designer, Mark Miner, shares behind the design for the Nike Free Run+ line.

As I've talked to more and more people about the zero-drop footwear movement, many of them say that all they wear now are zero-drop shoes. Some even have gone to the extent of taking their previous shoes to repair shops and having them manipulate the heel to best mimic a 0mm heel drop. As the VP of Men's Product Development for Merrell, Hy Rosario, said in an interview with Eastbay, this is not just a fad. The minimalist movement is here to stay for quite some time. So, expect to see more and more lifestyle-oriented minimalist shoes in the next couple of years, other than just these athletic shoes:

I plan to give the zero-drop shoes a chance this summer. I am yet to decide which pair I would like, but I look forward to trying them out myself, other than just custom-designing on them:

Adrienne just got back from a 2-week excursion in Spain and the only shoes she took with her were two different styles of Merrell Barefoot shoes: the Pace Glove and the Serene Glove. Her review was that she loved them. She felt very connected to the ground and said her body felt great while walking through cities, in ancient castles, and up mountain sides.

What are your feelings on this new technology, yet caveman'ish form of footwear? Will you go minimalist?

UPDATE: UnderArmour recently released their version of a minimalist running shoe. Check out its review on Hypebeast.