Comparative review: The joy of running barefoot. Compare minimalist trail running shoes
written by Outdoor Gearzine Editorial Department
Watching children play in the park reminds me that humans are creatures that walk barefoot.
It has been a long time since the birth of so-called minimalist runners, who pursue running as close to barefoot as possible. They try to run faster and further by stripping down the protection of their feet to the bare minimum and maximizing the functions of their feet, which humans are naturally endowed with. This allows you to train your body more correctly, practice ideal form, enjoy nature more, and have a deeper dialogue with nature than when you run in regular shoes. On the other hand, if you suddenly jump, there is a risk of injury or fatigue, and it is not a world where everyone can jump right away. In any case, there is no doubt that it is an exciting world that teaches us new and unprecedented values of the act of running.
There are several types of running shoes that allow you to enjoy the feeling of being barefoot, from barefoot shoes that have little cushioning like tabi socks to zero-drop shoes that have a certain amount of cushioning but have a small height difference between the forefoot and heel. Although there are shoes, we will refer to them collectively as "minimalist shoes." These types of running shoes are becoming increasingly popular for trail running. In Japan, ALTRA, inov-8, New Balance, Merrell, Zero Shoes Vibram, which is known for its five-finger shoes , and each has a core fan base. are doing.
All have thin soles, small drop (the difference in height between the heel and toe of the shoe), and minimal protection and cushioning. This time, we compared minimalist running shoes from well-known brands to brands that have just arrived in Japan.
table of contents
About the minimalist trail running shoes that were compared and tested
We selected models with drop sizes ranging from 0mm to 4mm, which allow you to run as if you were barefoot and make it easier to feel the road surface, as well as models that are minimal but highly functional.
- Topo Athletic Terraventure 2
- ALTRA SUPERIOR 4
- Vibram FiveFingers V-Trail 2.0
- New Balance MT10 GD
testing environment
In order to make comparisons under various road conditions, we tested a wide variety of road surfaces including hard roads, trails, grass, and mud. Test fields include Tanzawa and trails in natural parks. We evaluated the following points after actually driving on rocky terrain, downhill roads, and hard paved roads.
- Comfort: We examined factors such as comfortable wooden shape, fit and tightness of toe box and foot head, and breathability.
- Sensitivity: Determine how to maintain the sensitivity of the soles of your feet, feel the ground directly, and experience natural contact similar to bare feet.
- Cushioning property: Determine the shock absorption when landing and the recoil force when kicking off.
- Grip: Judge how hard it is to slip when braking when landing, and whether you can hold your ground when kicking off.
- Protection: I rated this minimalist shoe because the upper and outsole are thin and the lightweight model stands out.
- Weight: Rather than simply saying it's lightweight, we also consider the structure of the midsole, etc., and consider how heavy it feels when actually running.
Test results & spec comparison table
Click here if you have trouble seeing the table on the lightweight display for smartphones.
| Overall score | AAA | A.A. | AAA | A.A. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| item |  Topo Athletic Terraventure 2 |  ALTRA SUPERIOR 4 |  Vibram FiveFingers V-Trail 2.0 |  New Balance MT10 GD |
| Here is◎ |
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| This is △ |
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| Amenity | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Accuracy that feels like bare feet | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Cushioning | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Grip power | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| protection | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ |
| weight | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| spec | ||||
| Actual weight (g/one leg) | 307 (27cm) | 240 (27cm) | 194 (26cm) | 208 (27cm) |
| Stack height (Heel/Forefoot)mm | 25/22 | 21/21 | 5/5 | 15 /11 |
| Drop (mm) | 3 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
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Impressions of each model
Topo Athletic Terraventure 2
Here is◎
- Comfortable and breathable upper
- Flexible and cushioned sole
This is △
- Too bulky to be called minimalist shoes
Topo Athletic , a shoe manufacturer just founded in 2013, has arrived in Japan for the first time this season. The founder is Tony Post, who is also the origin of the brand name. He is the person who developed the Vibram FiveFingers at Vibram USA I chose the Terraventure 2 from Topo as my trail running shoe
The overall design of the shoes has a unified feel and gives a good impression. Official weight is 306g (M9). When I put my feet in, I found that the toe box was designed as a spacious "ROOMY TOE BOX" and was spacious and comfortable. the ALTRA mentioned below , but this one is characterized by the use of ``Lightweight breathable materials'', a material that emphasizes ventilation and weight reduction, for the upper, making it more difficult to feel stuffy. The insole uses Ortholite, which has excellent breathability and shock absorption, but it feels much weaker than that of regular running shoes.
In terms of running sensation, although I can feel a slight sensation in the soles of my feet, the cushioning is better than I expected, and it is extremely comfortable. The midsole uses a ``Rock protection plate'' with a built-in ``ESS Rock Plate'' which is highly flexible and made of fiber resin, providing high comfort and stability. The drop is also 3mm, making it suitable for beginners who are not confident in their leg strength. The outsole is "Vibram XS Trek", which has a good balance of softness and grip, grips the trail firmly without slipping, and supports my running. However, in this comparison, it cannot be denied that the barefoot feeling (delicate feel of the soles of the feet) is lacking. Some people may feel a little unsatisfied when considering it as a minimalist shoe. In any case, even people with weak legs can safely try this pair as an introduction to forefoot running.
Wide toe box. The upper is made of mesh material that allows for good ventilation.
The outsole is "Vibram XS Trek". The lugs are placed throughout, and the grip is sure to catch the trail.
Even though they are minimalist, the soles are thick and the cushioning is firm.
ALTRA SUPERIOR 4
Here is◎
- Comfortable fit and freedom of footing
- Balance between cushioning and delicacy
This is △
- Wide toe box allows your foot to move easily inside the shoe
- Grip power
SUPERIOR 4 is an entry from ALTRA which is popular for its zero-drop structure that puts less strain on your legs and lower back This is a long-awaited full model change for the same model, which seems to have an established reputation as a complete shoe with no parts left to remove.
First, when you put your feet on it, you can tell that it is indeed perfect, and it feels exceptionally comfortable when you wear it. The shoe is flexible overall and feels like it sticks to your foot, yet the toe box is spacious and feels supple to the skin, just like ALTRA There is plenty of room in the height of the upper (around the thumb), and the material also stretches for a high degree of freedom. However, some people (feet?) may feel that the fit is insufficient. Even though the heel cup is thin and flexible, it feels like it stays firmly in place. The foot bed has a soft feel and high shock absorption, and comes with a plate called Stone Guard as a standard option, which can be used to prevent it from being pushed up from the ground if necessary.
When I actually ran on roads and trails, I got the impression that the midsole has a lot of elasticity, and the sole of my foot sinks in when I land on the ground. I wonder if this is due to the influence of the new material "QUANTI" introduced in the new model. The thickness of the sole is 21mm, including the toe and heel, which is on the thick side, but the outsole has shallow lugs, which suppresses the impact when landing, and the unevenness of the road surface is transmitted to the sole of the foot, giving a feeling of being barefoot. You can taste it quite a bit.
However, the outsole, which combines the ``MAXTRAC'' grip, which has a sticky feel that grips the ground, was unfortunately the most slippery in this comparison, and its relative grip was low. However, its versatility, which can be used in a wide range of situations from road to trail, cannot be overlooked. This trail running shoe is perfect for short to mid-range runners who are new to minimalist shoes and want to enjoy both road and trail.
The outsole incorporates "MAXTRAC". The arrangement of lugs that use different types of hard and soft lugs is very effective on rough roads!
The curling tongue has no extra unevenness and provides a very high fit.
A wide toe box that fits the Japanese foot shape. I was concerned about the slightly high upper (especially the thumb). I want a better fit.
Vibram FiveFingers V-Trail 2.0
Here is◎
- Exquisite fit
- Delicate barefoot sensation
- Outsole that sticks even on wet roads
This is △
- Shock absorption power
- protection
From Vibram FiveFingers which is known for its five-fingered shoes the V-Trail 2.0, (an evolved model of the previous V-Trail. In fact, I've been using it since the previous model, Spyridon ). Of course, the feeling you put your foot in is completely different from the other three pairs. The other three pairs basically feel tight where the laces are tightened, but with the Vibram, when you tighten the laces, it feels like they tighten evenly from the toes to the instep and around the heel. It's difficult to convey in words, but you can experience a different level of fit.
As expected, it is quite susceptible to strong thrusts and impacts from the ground. It's enough to make you think this is real Barefoot. Unlike roads, trails have many dangerous protrusions such as slopes and rocks, and depending on how you place your feet, you can accumulate damage, so you'll probably need to get used to it. It is true that a considerable amount of experience is required to master it. Although the protection of the toe area has been strengthened compared to the previous model, it is still not safe from impact when hitting roots or rocks.
However, for runners who have overcome that hurdle, I don't think there are any shoes that are fun and rewarding to wear. This is because the unique barefoot feel makes it easy to take delicate steps, and the Vibram Mega Grip outsole provides outstanding braking and traction. Despite the outsole's shallow and soft lugs, it provides excellent grip even on slippery surfaces such as wet rocks and dirt. It goes without saying that the fit, including between the fingers, is important, and the size selection must be done carefully. When landing on a descent, you are basically expected to land on your forefoot, but I think it would be good to have some reinforcement in the heel of the outsole, just in case.
Overall, these are the perfect trail running shoes for practicing barefoot running, giving you the natural sensation of being barefoot, but vividly for better or for worse. You can enjoy the ultimate barefoot sensation on the road or on the trail. the Vibram FiveFingers require a certain amount of leg strength and familiarity . It would be best to get used to them by wearing them on a regular basis first, and then try road or trail running.
"Vibram Mega Grip" provides stable grip even on slippery roads.
The difference in the feeling of contact with the ground is obvious when you try them on at the same time.
New Balance MT10 GD
Here is◎
- Minimal cushion protection while feeling barefoot
This is △
- Half-hearted feeling among barefoot types
I chose the MT10 GD , a re-debut of the trail running shoe released in 2012, from New Balance , a sneaker brand that is well known in Japan MT means Minimus Trail. As the name suggests, despite being a trail running shoe, the concept is to strip down the functionality to the bare minimum. As expected from NB, the face and coloring are by far the coolest of the bunch. This has nothing to do with the evaluation, but I don't feel any discomfort even if I wear it everyday.
The actual weight is 208g (27cm for one leg), which is surprisingly light. The upper is made of stretchy mesh material and has good breathability. The overall feel is flexible, but the belt-like fabric that stretches across the instep at the base of the toes tightens the forefoot, making it feel a little cramped. If the string is tightened even a little, a considerable amount of pressure will be felt directly to the scalp. In the first place, the manufacturer recommends choosing a slightly larger size, but you need to be careful when choosing the size and fitting the shoes.
When I actually ran, the upper and sole, which have been cut as much as possible, definitely gave me the feeling of running barefoot, and at the same time, it felt more cushioned than the Vibram, making it a truly comfortable barefoot running experience. A feeling of being. In fact, the design has been calculated to make it easier to forefoot naturally, including the band that felt tight at the top, and the ride itself is comfortable. The round lugs placed throughout the Vibram outsole provide a versatile grip that can be used on both roads and trails, making it very smooth to walk on, but it can be a bit unsettling in wet conditions. Although the sole was designed to be 1cm thick, the grip was a little disappointing on downhill trails and other trails where there is a strong rebound from the ground, and it placed a heavy burden on the feet.
Although it is a Vibram outsole, it is weak in wet conditions. I also want shock absorption.
The band-like fabric that runs along the side supports the forefoot running style, but it feels a little delicate against the skin and feels tight.
summary
Minimalist running shoes that eliminate excessive cushioning and protection.
It is true that for the average runner, it is easier to run with a sole that has firm cushioning, stability, and grip. Additionally, the lack of drop (or zero) means that it is difficult to get the feeling of rolling forward from the heel to the toe, so minimalist shoes cannot be easily recommended to everyone. I feel like it.
However, the desire to get closer to nature while enjoying the feeling of being barefoot in the mountains is something that everyone has thought about at least once when it comes to running in the mountains and fields, so it's hard to suppress that curiosity and passion. It would be a shame to put it away.
As shown in this review, fortunately in this day and age there are many ways to enjoy minimalist driving. You can start with Terraventure 2 or SUPERIOR 4, which offer the comfort and functionality of running barefoot, try MT10 GD or FiveFingers V-Trail 2.0 You can do that too. Please use this review as a reference when choosing one, depending on your purpose and level.
