There is no way to get stronger feet unless you allow your feet to work independently. The only way to do that is to go barefoot, but the next best alternative is wearing barefoot-like shoes, also known as minimalist shoes, which enables you to use your forefoot strike as efficiently as possible when you run.
Remember, your feet can be strengthened at any point in time, that’s why you should take advantage of barefoot shoes, especially if you want to move away from heel strike running and become a forefoot runner.
Vibram FiveFingers
Vibram Five Fingers is the pioneer in the fast-growing category of minimalist shoes, and is one of the most recognizable shoes because of their individual toe sockets, which gives more leverage to your toes so they can do their part in keeping you balanced while providing more surface to spread impact on.
The FiveFingers are a better option to going barefoot because of the paper-thin, completely flat and fully flexible sole that delivers a massive dose of ground-feel, forcing you to rise up on your forefoot when you run, while providing confident landings on uneven, treacherous terrain.
All in all, the ‘toe shoes’ are incredibly multipurpose, being effective for water sports, OCR races, any gym workout, climbing, cycling, pretty much all of the above! You can learn more about the Vibram FiveFingers here!
Vivobarefoot
One of the other biggest names in the minimalist shoe industry is Vivobarefoot which is known for its iconic upscale style for casual to formal wear, but the shoe is also incredibly versatile and is ideally suited for anything up to the marathon race distance!
What makes these shoes so appealing is for one, the wide toe-box, allowing the foot to spread at the metatarsals and toes. For another, the paper-thin, flat sole encourages a natural stride by enhancing a forefoot strike landing.
Even better, because of the super light, feathery feel of the shoe, runners may prefer it for a fast running shoe, but its also a shoe that works for everyone, not just road runners. The shoe performs well for walking, hiking or running on dirt surfaces. Here’s more from Vivobarefoot!
XeroShoes
Xero Shoes is an instant hit in the minimalist community, and you won’t be disappointed either because these shoes get all the minimalist basics right at a budget-friendly price point! Even better that Xero Shoes is backed by a 5,000 mile sole warranty!
Like a true minimalist shoe, XeroShoes are wide and flat, but have a tad more underfoot cushioning than the FiveFingers and Vivobarefoot. However, the extra underfoot protection does not detract from the feel of the ground. The sole is actually very nimble and thin enough to fully feel your forefoot strike, helping keep your forefoot strike in line, while shielding the foot from harm.
XeroShoes also makes athletic sandals that are a fan-favourite because they are nothing but lightweight elements that are fairly evenly matched with the comfort of feeling barefoot. You can check them out here!
Lems Shoes
Lems makes a barefoot running shoe called the Primal 2 which is a beefier barefoot shoe, but has a peppy feel that’ll spur you to drop your pace, especially on very technical trails as the sole is armed with full rock-protection and softer rubber to improve cushioning. These shoes really help smooth out the roughness feeling of harsh, beat up, cracked roads, but still provides one of the lowest-to-the-ground rides.
Despite the extra protection and comfort, the sole fully bends, flexes and swiftly moves with your foot with a fast feel that can really help you conquer gnarly, uneven terrain.
Like the sole, the Primal 2’s uppers overlays are just as solid and delivers good durability without added weight and provides plenty of wiggle room in the toe-box to promote the natural movement of the toes.
Overall, the Primals 2 is perfect for long runs on any terrain and has a good amount of ground feel that encourages forward leaning and a high cadence forefoot running style. Check them out here!
Merrell
Merrell is another barefoot shoe brand that makes functional footwear full of excellent durability and protective qualities that are also markedly barefoot-worthy!
The Merrell barefoot shoe lineup are excellent for rugged, technical trails, but these are actually well-balanced crossover shoes that’ll take you from the trails to the roads without missing a step.
Despite combining moderate cushioning and stone protection, Merrell barefoot shoes offers plenty of reliable ground feedback to have a corrective effect on enhancing your forefoot running form. Learn more about what Merrell has to offer here!
TSLA Barefoot Shoes
TSLA barefoot running shoes are a literal carbon copy of the Merrell Trail Glove, and one of the best differences are TSLA is WAY more reasonably priced! Other differences include the TSLA is more insulated and better-suited for colder weather.
TSLA is also armed with more durable underfoot protection that exceeds at handling more mileage and faster, harder efforts. Like the Merrell Trail Glove, the TSLA’s upper is also just as vibrantly colourful, and overall fun to wear! So, if you’re on a tight budget, check them out here!
Inov8 Minimalist Shoes
Inov8 makes flexible and flat, incredibly thin and sleek minimalist shoes with a little more padding than most Vivobarefoot shoes, but still supplies a good amount of sensory input flow that actively encourages good running form. Most Inov8s are great for running on multi-surfaces and are especially optimized for cross-fit and obstacle course races. Find out more here about how Inov8 can add value to your training and performance.
Asics
Asics doesn’t really have a strong presence in the minimalist market, but they do offer two barefoot-like shoes that will definitely meet your minimalist needs! The first one is the Piranha which offers reliable ground-feel as well as a fluid, fully flexible architecture that’s configured to help bring out the best in your forefoot running form. Secondly, we have the GEL-Fortius TR which is a CrossFit and OCR-specific minimalist shoe that’s armed with the right amount of protection and natural feedback.
Mizuno
Mizuno is incredibly well-known for designing heel striker running shoes, but soon after Born to Run, Mizuno designed a few minimalistic running shoes, the Wave Universe and the Wave EVO Letivas to help meet the comforting and mechanical needs of forefoot runners. Both shoes have significantly less cushioning, a lower profile and impressive flexibility and durability, helping you better evaluate your forefoot running mechanical efforts.
Nike
Sadly, Nike only produced one barefoot-inspired running shoe, and its NOT the Nike Free! It happens to be the Free 1.0 Cross Bionic, which will help you produce good mechanical behaviors associated with the sensory factors illuminated by the paper-thin, flexible and light outsole.
Skora Shoes
Want a more warmer barefoot running shoe for the winter? Skora makes most of their shoes with the upper made of goat leather, which is very thermal for the feet. Skora’s are always wide, having a D-width toe box. Most of their shoes are aslo made with a thicker outsole that is incredibly, so they would be great for endurance runs.
If you are looking for the perfect barefoot shoe for forefoot running, check out my barefoot shoe reviews, to help you choose the best shoe. I also have a YouTube channel where I give a more in-depth, full-range analysis of barefoot-inspired running shoes I feel are most suitable for forefoot running.
If you’d like, you can support Run Forefoot and help keep it going strong by making a donation in any amount of your choosing: https://www.paypal.me/RunForefoot
Or, you can also support Run Forefoot by shopping at the following, and be sure to bookmark the links:
Xero Shoes: http://bit.ly/2UIR9YK
Lems Shoes: http://bit.ly/2YZwe1r
Zappos: https://goo.gl/J1CeAd
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2yvQvT4
Bretta Riches
BSc Neurobiology; MSc Biomechanics candidate, ultra minimalist runner & founder of RunForefoot. I was a heel striker, always injured. I was inspired by the great Tirunesh Dibaba to try forefoot running. Now, I'm injury free. This is why I launched Run Forefoot, to advocate the health & performance benefits of forefoot running and to raise awareness on the dangers of heel striking, because the world needs to know.
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I run a lot of intervals on a treadmill which I have set to 1 degree incline. I’m wondering about whether an incline is advisable. Also, my gym where the treadmill is won’t allow barefoot running so I wear minimalist shoes such as the Asics Piranha, New Balance MRC5000 or a similar racing flat. I get lots of leg muscle soreness but I think I’m adapting. BTW, I’m 72 years old and have been running for 58 years. Thanks for your great videos and website.
Just found this blog good stuff iv been using vibramw ane vivios for 7 years now all the time not just for running. Thanks for your tips and list of minimal footware. Im always on the hunt for the perfect shoes.
I run several times a week on a treadmill and recently invested in a foot pod which shoes I’m a 100 percent heel strike runner. Is there a pair of shoes you’d recommend to help me correct this? Thanks for a really useful website.
Stephen – Run barefoot. If that’s not allowed, wear socks. Your body will naturally adapt to running and striking in a non-painful way.
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