Comparison Review: The joy of running barefoot. Comparing minimalist trail running shoes

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Topo Athletic , Vibram , Minimalist Shoes , New Balance , ALTRA , Comparison , Trail Running

Written by Outdoor Gearzine Editorial Department

Watching children playing in the park reminds me that humans are creatures that walk barefoot

So-called minimalist runners, who pursue running as close to barefoot as possible, have been around for some time. They strip their feet down to the bare minimum, aiming to run faster and farther by maximizing only the natural function of the feet. This allows them to train their bodies more properly, practice ideal form, enjoy nature more, and have a deeper connection with it than running in regular shoes. However, jumping into this trend carries the risk of injury and fatigue, so it's not a world that everyone can jump into right away. Regardless, it's undoubtedly an exciting world that teaches us new and unprecedented values in the act of running

There are several types of running shoes that allow you to enjoy the feeling of being barefoot, ranging from so-called barefoot shoes that have almost no cushioning like tabi socks, to zero-drop shoes that have a certain amount of cushioning but have a small difference in height between the forefoot and heel. Here, we will refer to these shoes collectively as "minimalist shoes." Such running shoes are becoming more common in trail running as well. In Japan, ALTRA, inov-8, New Balance, Merrell, Zero Shoes Vibram known for their five-finger shoes, have released minimalist shoes for off-road running, and each has its own dedicated fan base.

All of these shoes feature 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 trail running shoes from well-known brands and brands that have just arrived in Japan

table of contents

Comparative test of minimalist trail running shoes
- Test environment
Test Results & Spec Comparison Table
Impressions of each model
summary

Comparative test of minimalist trail running shoes

The drop ranges from 0mm to 4mm, and we selected models that allow you to run barefoot and easily feel the road surface, as well as models that are minimal but still have excellent functionality

Topo Athletic Terraventure 2
ALTRA SUPERIOR 4
Vibram FiveFingers V-Trail 2.0
New Balance MT10 GD

Test environment

To compare the bikes on a variety of road conditions, we tested them on a wide variety of surfaces, including hard roads, trails, grass, and mud. The test fields included trails in Tanzawa and natural parks. We actually rode them on rocky terrain, downhill, and hard paved roads, and evaluated the following points

Comfort: We consider a comfortable last, fit and tightness of the toe box and foot head, breathability, etc
Sensitivity: Determines how sensitive the soles of your feet are to maintain, how directly you feel the ground, and how natural the contact is, just like being barefoot
Cushioning: Measures the shock absorption when landing and the recoil force when kicking off
Grip: Determines how unlikely it is to slip when braking upon landing and how well you can brace yourself when pushing off
Protection: This shoe was evaluated because it is a minimalist shoe with a thin upper and outsole, and lightweight models stand out
Weight: Rather than simply saying it's lightweight, we also took into account the structure of the midsole and other parts, and considered the weight when actually running

Test Results & Spec Comparison Table

If you find it difficult to see the table on the lightweight display for smartphones, click here.

Overall score	AAA	AA	AAA	AA
item	Topo Athletic Terraventure 2	ALTRA SUPERIOR 4	Vibram FiveFingers V-Trail 2.0	New Balance MT10 GD
Here is ◎	Comfortable and breathable upper Flexible and cushioned sole	Comfortable fit and freedom of movement A balance of cushioning and delicacy	Perfect fit Delicate barefoot sensation Outsole that grips wet surfaces	Barefoot feel with minimal cushioning and protection
Here is △	Too bulky to be called minimalist shoes	Wide toe box allows for easy movement of the foot inside the shoe Grip	shock absorption protection	A half-baked feeling among barefoot styles
Comfort	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆
Barefoot-like precision	★★☆☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★★	★★★☆☆
Cushioning	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★☆☆☆☆	★★☆☆☆
Grip	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★★	★★★★☆
protection	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★☆☆☆☆	★★☆☆☆
weight	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆	★★★★☆
Specifications
Actual weight (g/foot)	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
Midsole	- EVA midsole	Quantic	none	Acteva
Outsole	Vibram XS Trek	DuraTrade outsole Trail Crow	Vibram Megagrip	Vibram

Impressions of each model

Topo Athletic Terraventure 2

TOPO TERRAVENTURE 2 Trail Running Shoes, 5002041

created by Rinker

TOPO

Here is ◎

Comfortable and breathable upper
Flexible and cushioned sole

Here is △

Too bulky to be called minimalist shoes

Topo Athletic , a shoe manufacturer founded in 2013, has arrived in Japan for the first time this season. The founder is Tony Post, from whom the brand is named. He was also Vibram FiveFingers , and the shoes he has produced as a result of thorough research into the act of running are sure to perform well. We chose the Terraventure 2 Topo as a trail running shoe

The overall shoe has a unified design that I really like. The official weight is 306g (M9). When I tried them on, I found the wide "ROOMY TOE BOX" design to be roomy and comfortable. the ALTRA , but this one features "Lightweight breathable materials" for the upper, which emphasizes breathability and lightweight design, making it less stuffy. The insole is made of "Ortholite," which is highly breathable and shock-absorbing, but it feels much weaker than that of regular running shoes.

In terms of running sensation, the cushioning was better than expected, even though I could feel a slight sensation under my feet, making them incredibly comfortable. The midsole features a "Rock Protection Plate" with a highly flexible "ESS Rock Plate" made of fiber resin, providing excellent comfort and stability. The 3mm drop is also friendly for beginners who are not confident in their leg strength. The outsole is "Vibram XS Trek," which offers a good balance of softness and grip, providing a relatively slip-free grip on the trail and boosting my running. However, it cannot be denied that the barefoot feel (delicate sensation under the feet) is lacking compared to other shoes in this comparison. Some may find it a little lacking as a minimalist shoe. In any case, even those with weaker legs can safely try this shoe as an introduction to forefoot running

Wide toe box. Mesh upper for good ventilation

The outsole is "Vibram XS Trek." The lugs are placed all over the shoe, providing excellent grip on the trail

Although it is a minimalist style, the sole is thick and the cushioning is firm

ALTRA SUPERIOR 4

ALTRA SUPERIOR 4.0 Men's US10.0 (28.0cm) Gray: Lime

created by Rinker

ALTRA

Here is ◎

Comfortable fit and freedom of movement
A balance of cushioning and delicacy

Here is △

Wide toe box allows for easy movement of the foot inside the shoe
Grip

ALTRA for its zero-drop construction that reduces strain on the feet and hips, the SUPERIOR 4. This model, which has been praised as a complete shoe with no further refinements, is finally getting a full model change...

First, when you put your foot in, it's true that they are said to be perfected, and the comfort when you wear them is exceptional. The overall flexibility is there, and it feels like the shoe is sticking to your foot, yet ALTRA . The upper (around the big toe) is high enough, and the material is stretchy, allowing for a high degree of freedom. However, some people (feet?) may feel that the fit is not quite right. The heel cup is thin and flexible, yet it feels like it holds you in place firmly. The footbed has a soft feel and high shock absorption, and comes with a stone guard plate as a standard option, which can be inserted to prevent impacts from the ground if necessary.

When actually running on roads and trails, the midsole has a strong elasticity, and the sole of the foot seems to sink in just the right amount when landing. This may be due to the new "QUANTI" material introduced in the new model. The sole is 21mm thick at the toe and heel, which is on the thicker side of this model, but the lugs on the outsole are shallow, which reduces the impact when landing while still transmitting the unevenness of the road to the sole of the foot, giving a decent barefoot feel

However, the outsole, which combines the "MAXTRAC" grip, which has a sticky grip that grips the ground, was unfortunately the most slippery in this comparison, with relatively low grip. However, its versatility, which can be used on a wide range of surfaces from road to trail, cannot be overlooked. It can be said that this is the perfect trail running shoe for short to intermediate runners who are new to minimalist shoes and want to enjoy both road and trail running

The outsole incorporates "MAXTRAC." The lug arrangement, which uses different hardness and softness, is very effective on rough roads!

The wrap-around shoe tongue has no unnecessary bumps and provides an extremely high level of fit

The wide toe box is perfect for Japanese feet. I was concerned about the slightly high upper (especially the big toe). I wish it had a slightly better fit

Vibram FiveFingers V-Trail 2.0

Vibram FiveFingers Men's V-Trail 2.0 M Five-Toe Trail Running Shoes, Ivy/Black/Khaki [19M7602 SS19]

created by Rinker

Vibram FiveFingers

¥25,913 (as of 2026/02/04 18:56:02, according to Amazon - details)

Here is ◎

Perfect fit
Delicate barefoot sensation
Outsole that grips wet surfaces

Here is △

shock absorption
protection

From Vibram FiveFingers known for their five-finger shoes the V-Trail 2.0, (an evolved model of the previous V-Trail. In fact, the Spyridon , the model before that). The feeling when you put your feet in is, of course, completely different from the other three pairs. With the other three pairs, to put it bluntly, the feeling is that the laces basically tighten where you fasten them, but with the Vibram shoes, when you fasten the laces, they tighten evenly from your toes to the entire instep and heel. It's hard to put into words, but you can experience a fit that is on another level.

As expected, the boots are extremely susceptible to shocks and impacts from the ground. It's enough to make you wonder if you're really barefoot. Unlike road shoes, trails are full of dangerous protrusions such as slopes and rocks, so depending on how you place your feet, damage can accumulate, so you'll need to get used to how you walk. It's clear that it takes a lot of experience to master the boots. Although the protection in the toe area has been strengthened compared to the previous model, it's still not completely safe when hitting roots or rocks

However, for runners who have overcome that hurdle, there are shoes that are both enjoyable and rewarding to wear. This is due to the unique barefoot feel that allows for delicate steps, and the Vibram Megagrip outsole's outstanding braking and traction. Despite the shallow, soft lugs on the outsole, they provide excellent grip even on slippery surfaces like wet rocks and dirt. It goes without saying that proper fit, including between the toes, is important, and careful sizing is essential. While the shoe is designed for forefoot landings when descending, I think it would be a good idea to reinforce the heel area of the outsole just in case

Overall, these trail running shoes offer a natural, barefoot feel that's both good and bad, and are the perfect choice for barefoot running. You can enjoy the ultimate barefoot feeling on both roads and trails. However, the five-finger Vibram FiveFingers shoes . It's best to wear them as regular shoes first, before moving on to road or trail running.

Vibram Megagrip provides stable grip even on slippery surfaces

The difference in the feeling of contact with the ground is immediately obvious when you try them on at the same time

New Balance MT10 GD

New Balance MT10 Minimus Trail Running Shoes (Current Model), Men's, Gray (GD), Size 28 cm, 2E

created by Rinker

New Balance

Here is ◎

Barefoot feel with minimal cushioning and protection

Here is △

A half-baked feeling among barefoot styles

the MT10 GD , a re-release of trail running shoes originally released in 2012 by New Balance , a sneaker brand well-known in Japan. MT stands for Minimus Trail. As the name suggests, it is a trail running shoe that incorporates the concept of stripping down functionality to a bare minimum. As you'd expect from NB, the design and coloring are outstandingly cool among the shoes in this collection. While this has nothing to do with the review, it feels completely natural to wear on a daily basis.

The actual weight is 208g (one size 27cm shoe), which is quite light. The upper is made of a stretchy mesh material, which provides good breathability. Although the shoes are generally flexible, the belt-like fabric stretched across the instep at the base of the toes tightens the forefoot, which can feel a bit tight. If you tighten the laces even a little, you will feel a significant amount of pressure directly on your skin. While the manufacturer recommends choosing a size slightly larger, careful consideration is needed when choosing the size and fitting the shoes

When I actually ran in them, the extremely shortened upper and sole definitely gave me the feeling of running barefoot, while also providing a more moderate cushioning than Vibram, making it truly a comfortable barefoot running experience. The design, including the band that I mentioned earlier as feeling tight, is calculated to allow for a natural forefoot shift, making the run itself comfortable. The round lugs distributed throughout the Vibram outsole provide versatile grip for both road and trail, making for a very smooth ride, but I'm a bit concerned about wet conditions. Although the sole is designed to be 1cm thick, the grip was somewhat lacking on trails with strong ground rebound, such as downhill, and it put a lot of strain on the feet

Although it has a Vibram outsole, it is weak in wet conditions. I would like it to have more shock absorption

The horizontal band-like fabric supports forefoot running, but also provides a slightly delicate feeling of pressure against the skin

summary

A minimalist trail running shoe that eliminates excessive cushioning and protection

It's true that for the average runner, a sole with firm cushioning, stability, and grip is easier to run in. Also, a low (or even zero) drop means it's difficult to get the rolling sensation of pushing off forward from heel to toe, so I don't think minimalist shoes should be recommended to everyone

However, the desire to get closer to nature and experience the sensation of being barefoot in the mountains is something that everyone has thought about at least once when it comes to running in the fields and mountains, and it would be a shame to suppress that curiosity and passion

As this review has shown, fortunately, there are now many different ways to enjoy minimalist riding. You can start with the Terraventure 2 or SUPERIOR 4 the MT10 GD or FiveFingers V-Trail 2.0 in check. Please use this review as a reference to choose the bike that best suits your goals and level.