Continuing where we left served by the 'Best Minimalist Running Shoes: Road Running', we've compiled our listing of the best minimalist athletic shoes for trail running. They are minimal trail athletic shoes designed specifically for moderate to technical terrains. Some of the trail shoes with less aggressive lugs on the outsole can also be used for road running.
Most minimal trail shoes do not have a lot of protection for your feet when running technical trails in order to keep the shoe lightweight, flexible, and also have a thin outsole so you can feel the ground. The list below of minimalist trail athletic shoes are suggested for non-technical trails so use with caution when running on more aggressive trails.
Altra Instinct (Intuition for ladies)
Introducing the very first shoe to truly marry the form-improving advantages of a minimalist shoe with the comfort, cushioning and support of a traditional running footwear. The Zero Drop platform and innovative foot-shaped design interact to help runners maintain proper running technique and lower joint impact while freeing their toes to help alleviate foot pain. Trust your instincts and go through the world's first fully cushioned, foot-shaped, Zero Drop running shoe!
New Balance MT110 (WT110 for women)
An update towards the award-winning New Balance MT 101, the New Balance 110 Trail, a minimalistic trail runner, offers many of the same features and benefits that made its predecessor successful, together with a thin Rock Stop plate within the outsole that protects feet from punctures and disperses shock without sacrificing the natural running feel. The MT 110 is now built on the same natural running last (NL1) used in the first generation from the Asics Minimus collection.
VIVOBAREFOOT Breatho Trail
The Breatho Trail is VIVOBAREFOOT's latest product built to tackle the most aggressive trails yet made with lightweight breathability for the ultimate barefoot experience. The outsole, measuring in at 2.5mm thick with 4.5mm multi-directional lugs, is made to maximize surface contact for superior barefoot traction providing the protection that you need while still offering proprioception for skillful, natural movement. The zigzag, lace-lock structure is made to keep your foot secure while the anatomical toe box and zero-drop profile allow your toes to splay and the foot to flex.
Asics Minimus Zero Trail
The Minimus Zero Trail is a flyweight trail running shoe built with only what is essential on and under the foot. The brand new Vibram T-Lite outsole was designed after analyzing the damage patterns on used MT10s. The designer methodically reviewed the damage on each lug across a large number of used shoes nike hypervenom phantom. The results dictated the less-is-more inspired lug placement on the Trail Zero. The initial webbed midsole (Acteva) pattern is built to create small, cushioning pods that may move independently.
Merrell Trail Glove (Pace Glove for women)
Less is certainly more exploring with Merrell Vibram-soled Trail Glove natural adventure shoe. All of the protection your feet need from rocks and roots, as well as an ultra-lightweight upper having a synthetic leather foot sling for stability fits like a glove. Microfiber and breathable air mesh upper with contrasting overlays. Fused rubber toe bumper provides durability and versatile plate in the forefoot protects the foot from stone bruises. Compression molded EVA cushioned midsole keeps you connected to the terrain.
Vibram Five Fingers Spyridon LS
The Spyridon LS is supposed to provide the perfect balance of foot feel and protection on rugged surfaces. The shoe includes a 3.5mm Vibram rubber sole that gives impact defense against stones and debris, while better allowing proper barefoot dynamics. The aggressive tread design delivers sure-footed grip everywhere. The molded nylon mesh within the midsole provides a rock block effect by lessening the impact. This is actually the equivalent of a rock plate in a traditional trail shoe. The Spyridon LS rock block doesn't prevent the shoe chaussure de foot magista from being super flexible and enables maximum proprioception for the trail runner.