It is important to have shoes that can be worn for hours without constricting the feet or squeezing the toes. Durability and protection are also crucial, especially if you are on your feet all day or have many tasks that require a lot of walking.

Some swear by heavily cushioned sports shoes, while others opt for ballet flats, flip-flops, or boots. But what about minimalist shoes, also known as barefoot shoes?

Barefoot shoes, which are lightweight and minimally cushioned, have gained a following among athletes who are enthusiastic about natural movement. However, more and more people are wearing minimalist shoes in everyday life.

Fans of minimalist shoes appreciate their lightness and wide toe box, which prevents the toes from being squeezed together all day. Proponents of conventional shoes, on the other hand, argue that minimalist shoes do not provide enough stability and support.

Below we will explore whether minimalist shoes are ideal for everyday use and how they compare to normal shoes in terms of performance, comfort, and style.

Weight

As mentioned earlier, minimalist shoes are very lightweight. To be considered minimalist footwear, the shoes should not weigh more than 300 grams.

Normal footwear is much heavier, as average men’s shoes can weigh between 500 and 1,000 grams, while typical women’s shoes weigh between 400 and 900 grams.

Is weight important? The answer is yes. A study published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology shows that people who walk in heavy shoes consume more energy, causing the wearer to tire more quickly. Additionally, heavy footwear can strain joints and stretch ligaments, ultimately leading to pain and tension.

Heel-Toe Drop

The term „heel-toe drop“ refers to the height difference between the heel and forefoot in a shoe. Stack height, on the other hand, is the amount of shoe material between the foot and the ground.

Normal running shoes have a stack height of 9 to 29 mm and a heel-toe drop of 8 to 12 mm. Minimalist shoes, on the other hand, have far less cushioning than regular shoes and a low stack height, which ranges from 3 to 10 mm. The heel-toe drop is 0 mm.

With minimalist shoes, the feet are closer to the ground, allowing the wearer to have improved proprioception or body awareness. Proprioception plays an important role in maintaining balance, stability, and support. Additionally, wearing shoes with little to no heel-toe drop promotes better posture and can improve foot health by helping to strengthen the muscles of the feet and ankles.

Durability and Protection

Normal shoes like sneakers, ballet flats, and boots typically have thick soles made of foam rubber, carbon rubber, or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. These materials vary in durability but provide protection against impacts and hazards like stones and glass. However, the downside of thick soles is the additional weight they add to the shoes. Moreover, excessive cushioning in the soles can increase the risk of injury by increasing impact load and leg stiffness.

Minimalist shoes, on the other hand, typically have thin, lightweight soles. They provide just enough cushioning to ensure comfort and protect the wearer from hazards.

The durability of minimalist shoes depends on their construction and materials used. However, it can be said that many manufacturers place great emphasis on quality and longevity. However, more and more cheap suppliers are entering the market, aligning themselves more with the fast-fashion trend, where it is less about quality and more about quantity.

Comfort

Minimalist or barefoot shoes have a wide toe box that gives the toes enough room to spread. This ensures comfort, even after long walks.

Normal sneakers are also available in wide sizes. However, they often require a lot of break-in time before they can be worn comfortably.

Other popular everyday shoes like ballet flats and boots often have toe boxes that are pointed and too narrow. The tight toe box can squeeze the toes and cause discomfort, which may adversely affect foot health.

Comfort or Style? Both with Barefoot Shoes

A common misconception about barefoot shoes is that they all look like toe shoes. But that’s far from the truth. Shoe specialists like ZAQQ, Belenka, or Groundies offer a wide range of shoe styles in various materials.

Conclusion

Minimalist shoes offer an excellent alternative to conventional shoes by providing lightness, comfort, and support for the feet. Their ergonomic design can help improve posture and strengthen foot muscles. Whether for everyday wear or athletic activities, minimalist shoes offer both style and functionality and are an eco-friendly choice for conscious buyers.