Shoes best for trail, off road, mountains and other unstable surfaces. See the best trail shoes.
Good to know
As long as you stick to the road or path, and if you want just one running shoe, buy a road running shoe.
Pace
If you are new to running, go with daily running shoes. They are best suited for moderate paces and are cushioned enough for any distance.
Speed training shoes are lighter and better for shorter distances and faster paces. Competiton running shoes help you reach peak performance on a race day.
Brand
Arch support
Neutral / cushion / high arch
Shoes for runners who do not need any additional arch support (Around 50% of runners). Best for people with normal, high or medium high arches. See the best neutral shoes.
Stability / overpronation / normal arch
Shoes for runners who need mild to moderate arch support (Around 45% of runners). Best for runners with a low arch. See the best stability shoes.
Motion control / severe overpronation / flat feet
Shoes for runners who needs a lot of arch support. Best for runners with flat feet. See the best motion control shoes.
Good to know
- Rule of thumb: If in doubt, buy neutral shoes to avoid injuries.
- More about arch support in this video.
- Find your arch type by following steps from this video.
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Runners trust the global shoe brand, Merrell, when it comes to outdoor performance footwear, since its collection of shoes rank high in over 100, 00 shoe reviews. Professional runners love the protection and performance they get from Merrell minimalist shoes, while casual runners start going natural with these. If you need a pair of minimalist trainers for your trail and track adventures, consider Merrell.
What makes a pair of Merrell minimalist shoes versatile?
Best Merrell minimalist running shoes- November 2019
Minimalist shoes are either designed for the road or trail. Minimalist road shoes provide greater contact with the ground, but you can expect better shock attenuation and responsive cushioning to ensure a stable ride. On the other hand, minimalist trail shoes have more bulk in the midsole and outsole to protect the underfoot from debris and impact forces. However, trail runners can expect more ground contact and a high level of traction.
Versatility is present in some of the best Merrell minimalist shoes. These pairs could be used in mixed trail and track runs. Minimalist shoes have also fared well in performance training, speed workouts, racing, cross training, sports and casual wear.
Runners can expect a lighter platform and lower heel to toe drops from the best Merrell minimalist shoes. There will be fewer features in every pair, but protection, comfort and responsiveness are still guaranteed for better performance on the track or trail.
Those who want to pursue a natural running movement should try out the best Merrell minimalist shoes before investing in barefoot trainers. Cushioning in minimalist shoes is only present to provide protection, but the soles could already have a natural feel on the ground. In addition, using minimalist shoes improves the soles’ response and flexibility on varied terrain.
What are the defining features of the best Merrell minimalist shoes?
Heel to toe drop. The best Merrell minimalist shoes have varying heel to toe drops. According to measurements, these fall between zero drop profiles to 6 mm. Higher than that would already be considered as a neutral shoe, a more cushioned platform than minimalist trainers. If you are starting out on minimalist running, choosing higher drops is recommended. You still need cushioning to get used to the ground contact and flexibility. However, if you have been doing minimalist runs for months and felt comfortable in low drops, you can use a zero drop platform. Your level of running experience should dictate the right heel to toe differential for you.
Weight. Minimalist shoes are lightweight because of fewer technologies in their technical build. However, if you want to do well in speed workouts and racing, select the best Merrell minimalist shoes that weight lesser than 200 grams. The lightweight platform will not drag you down on the trail or track so you can improve your speed record eventually. However, if you still want cushioning in your minimalist shoes, consider race shoes from Merrell.
Flexibility. Minimalist shoes will encourage natural flexing for runners, which is why you need to prioritize a flexible platform. Flexibility would allow you to pursue a natural running movement and keep your foot comfortable during the heel to toe transition. The best Merrell minimalist shoes will provide a great balance of flexibility and support, thanks to technologies like the Uni-Fly midsole and Omni-Fit lacing system.