Minimalist Shoes: Are YOU right for them?

We have been fairly supportive of recommending quasi-minimalist shoes for our store customers over the past year.  I define a quasi-minimalist shoe as one that has some, but not, all elements of a minimalist shoe.  Elements of a minimalist shoe are a wide toe box, minimal cushioning, and a low heel to toe offset.

Examples of quasi-minimalist shoes are the Newton Isaac, Saucony Mirage, the soon-to-arrive Brooks Pure Project shoes, and New Balance Minimus.  Full minimalist shoes would be Vibram Five Fingers.  We recommend quasi minimalist shoes for our runners because they are a transitional step toward minimalism without quite the risk of putting someone in a minimalist shoe (we hope).

We are learning that even quasi-minimalist shoes don't work for everyone though.  We are seeing that people with very inflexible calves/achilles tendons do not tolerate the lowered heel very well and often come back to swap for a traditional shoe.

So we are now doing three tests on customers who want to try a minimalist or quasi-minimalist shoe:

1) Assess heel cord length.  Should be able to easily go beyond 90 degrees flexion at the ankle.
2) Assess big toe mobility.  Should be able to get to 30 degrees or more of extension at the big toe.
3) Assess single leg balance.  Should be able to easily balance 30-60 seconds with no wavering.  We instruct customer who buy a minimalist shoe to work up to 2 minutes with their eyes closed and no wavering on each leg.

The demands of running closer to barefoot require greater strength and flexibility of the foot and lower legs.  If you are considering a more minimal shoe that you are already in, make sure you can pass these three tests.  If not, then get to work!