5 Best Minimalist Training Shoes in 2023
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Why trust us
A great alternative to cross trainers is minimalist training shoes. This uncluttered Spartan-like style of training kicks is a growing niche in the footwear market. They have great appeal to people who want their shoes to be light, flexible, and with just a dollop of cushioning.
If going back to the basics is the theme of your fitness journey this time around, then a new pair of minimalist exercise shoes is the perfect fit for you. From the Inov-8 and Vibram FiveFingers to the New Balance Minimus series, we offer you several great options to choose from.
To save you time and zero in on the most suitable pair for your needs, we’ve reviewed and tested minimalist training shoes. We have noted every little detail we could from our own experience and observation to make sure that our reviews are complete, with no ifs and buts. Check out our favorite highlights.
Best minimalist training shoes overall
Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 v3
87
Great!
What makes it the best?
As simple and minimal as its looks may be, the Bare-XF 210 v3 is a great option for workouts that don't involve a lot of jumping. It is a minimalist cross-training shoe that works excellently as a barefoot lifting shoe. Past its few flaws, this pair is a charmer in both form and function.
Pros
- Feels like being barefoot
- Planted for lifting
- Highly abrasion-resistant
- Featherweight
- Breathable
- Tacky grip
- Good-looking
Cons
- Upper lacks support
- A bit pricey
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Free shipping
$75
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$100
Holabird Sports
Free shipping
$125
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$125
Best minimalist cross-training shoes
Inov-8 F-Lite 230
88
Great!
What makes it the best?
Elated with the refreshed version of the Inov-8 F-Lite 230, long-term and new customers alike lauded the shoe's performance and minimalist vibe. However, concerns came up about the shoe's inadequate sole stability. The trainer, nonetheless, excelled at everything as a quality CrossFit footwear despite the issues.
Pros
- Outstanding cross-training functionality
- Minimalist feel
- True to size
- Comfortable out of the box
- Grippy outsole
Cons
- Unstable sole
- Inconsistent shoestring length
Today's best price
Unisex
Any color
Amazon
Free shipping
$50
Outland USA
Free shipping
$100
Zappos
Running Warehouse
Best minimalist training shoes for crossfit
New Balance Minimus TR
79
Good!
What makes it the best?
The New Balance Minimus TR is a great minimalist shoe that provides just the right protection for the foot during indoor workouts. Whether you are into agility exercises or stable weightlifting, this shoe has you covered. It doesn't budge easily. It does not tear easily, either. That this shoe looks good is indeed already the icing on the cake.
Pros
- Feels really minimal and light
- Good for agility training
- Flexible materials
- Stable construction
- Highly breathable
- Reliably grippy
- Stylish
- Lasts long
Cons
- Needs to be broken in
- For the gym only
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Joes New Balance Outlet
$80
Holabird Sports
Free shipping
$90
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$120
New Balance
Free shipping & returns
$120
Road Runner Sports
Free shipping
$130
Best minimalist gym shoes
Vibram FiveFingers V-Aqua
87
Great!
What makes it the best?
Its impressive outdoor performance, day-to-day wear comfort, and lightweight nature are some of the characteristics that wearers loved about the Vibram FiveFingers V-Aqua. On the contrary, those unfamiliar with Vibram that caught the wrong size were displeased with the purchase. Despite the grievances, it earned a spot among highly recommended outdoor and indoor footgear.
Pros
- Relieves foot problems
- Perfect sizing
- Outstanding outsole grip
- Dries quickly
- Lightweight
- Awesome ground feel
Cons
- Durability issues
- Lacks traction
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Prime & free shipping
$66
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$95
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$95
Running Warehouse
Best Vibram FiveFingers minimalist training shoes
Vibram FiveFingers V-Train 2.0
83
Good!
What makes it the best?
Welcomed warmly for its comfort, support, stability, and adequate airflow, the Vibram FiveFingers V-Train 2.0 delighted many gym workout enthusiasts. Also, it doesn't fall short of aesthetics and style which many find very appealing. On the flip side, wearers found the shoe to be lacking in durability. But despite that, this offering from Vibram managed to tick most of the boxes of a well-rounded gym companion.
Pros
- Comfortable in-shoe padding
- Sufficient support
- Stylish
- Great stability
- Enhanced fit
- Reliable traction
- Breathable
Cons
- Durability issues
- Lacks color options
Today's best price
Men
Women
Any color
Amazon
Free shipping
$90
Zappos
Free shipping & returns
$130
Moosejaw
Free shipping
$130
Running Warehouse
Comparison of the 5 best minimalist training shoes
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How we test training shoes
To select our best picks, each pair of minimalist shoes is thoroughly tested in the gym. We determine the shoes’ real-world feel and performance by using them in a wide range of training regimens, which include strength training, aerobic sessions, and other workout routines
Our approach includes doing the following:
- Purchase the minimalist training shoes from our own pocket. We don’t accept sponsorship to keep our reviews 100% bias-free.
- Put in 10-20 hours of training exercises in the gym using a particular model. We use them tirelessly to fully gauge what each shoe is capable of in different circumstances.
- We also examine the materials used in the shoes inside our RunRepeat shoe testing lab. This involves slicing the shoes in half. Also, we measure the various parameters of the shoes using our tools and devices.
- Submit our final assessments to be included in our in-depth reviews. We identify the ones that really offer great value in different categories.
