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  • Heel to toe drop
    -0.1 mm - 5.2 mm
    -0.1 mm 5.2 mm
  • Width / Fit
    91.2 mm - 96.5 mm
    91.2 mm 96.5 mm
  • Toebox width
    72 mm - 89 mm
    72 mm 89 mm
  • Release date
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    66 - 91
    66 91
  • Energy return
    49% - 63%
    49% 63%
  • Shock absorption
    23 SA - 77 SA
    23 SA 77 SA
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    7 mm - 20 mm
    7 mm 20 mm
  • Price
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    0.6 mm - 1.5 mm
    0.6 mm 1.5 mm
  • Toebox durability
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    3.2N - 4N
    3.2N 4N
  • Arch Type
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    5.6 oz - 9.8 oz
    5.6 oz 9.8 oz
  • Forefoot stack
    7 mm - 19 mm
    7 mm 19 mm
  • Color
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  • Toebox height
    28 mm - 39 mm
    28 mm 39 mm
  • Deals
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    0.27 - 0.35
    0.27 0.35
  • Trail terrain
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  • Lug depth
    2.5 mm - 3.8 mm
    2.5 mm 3.8 mm
  • Difference in midsole softness in cold
    19% - 44%
    19% 44%

Minimalist running shoe reviews

10 shoes reviewed

  • Minimalist

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  1. Xero Shoes Prio
    91
    Superb
    Xero Shoes Prio
    Any color
    Xero Shoes Prio - Steel Gray (PSMSTG)
    Xero Shoes Prio - Black / White (PRMBLW)
    Xero Shoes Prio - Black (PRMBLK)
    Xero Shoes Prio - Lunar (PRMLNR)
    Xero Shoes Prio - Brown (PRMFNRK)
    $90 $50
    Save 44%
    See on REI
  2. Merrell Vapor Glove 6
    87
    Great
    Merrell Vapor Glove 6
    Any color
    Merrell Vapor Glove 6 - Black (J06771)
    Merrell Vapor Glove 6 - Khaki/Coyote (J068145)
    Merrell Vapor Glove 6 - Olive (J067665)
    Merrell Vapor Glove 6 - White Black (J500631)
    Merrell Vapor Glove 6 - Grey (J067667)
    $90 $65
    Save 28%
    See on Zappos
  3. Xero Shoes HFS II
    85
    Good
    Xero Shoes HFS II
    Any color
    Xero Shoes HFS II - White (HSWWHTE)
    Xero Shoes HFS II - Black / Asphalt (HSMBKAP)
    Xero Shoes HFS II - Blue (HSMIOQI)
    Xero Shoes HFS II - Lunar Rock / Alloy (HSMLKAY)
    Xero Shoes HFS II - Vintage Indigo/Red Ochre (HSMVIRO)
    $120 $63
    Save 48%
    See on Amazon
  4. Merrell Trail Glove 7
    83
    Good
    Merrell Trail Glove 7
    $120 $77
    Save 36%
    See on Amazon
  5. New Balance Minimus Trail
    75
    Bad
    New Balance Minimus Trail
    $120 $99
    Save 18%
    See on Zappos
  6. Xero Shoes Scrambler Low
    88
    Great
    Xero Shoes Scrambler Low
    $150 $120
    Save 20%
    See on REI
  7. Xero Shoes Speed Force II
    89
    Great
    Xero Shoes Speed Force II
    $110 $88
    Save 20%
    See on Xero Shoes
  8. New Balance MT10
    87
    Great
    New Balance MT10
    $130
    See on eBay
  9. Xero Shoes Mesa Trail WP
    66
    Bad
    Xero Shoes Mesa Trail WP
    $135
    See on Amazon
  10. Altra Escalante Racer
    90
    Superb
    Altra Escalante Racer

    Out of stock in all 36 shops

Overall review lists

Best guides

If you want running shoes that have the tech stripped down to let you run free, we've reviewed shoes that are up your alley. Our minimalist running shoe reviews discuss every aspect of how the shoe runs, so you can make sure that it's a picture-perfect match for you. We review all kinds of minimalist running shoes, whether you're looking for something for roads or trails, easy or training day pairs, or even medium or wide-foot friendly pairs.