minimalist shoes?

[origami_itto]

I am not too keen on the concept though making shoes to match the contour of the feet should be as "efficient"(function, stability, allowing the feet to breathe, etc) as possible!
Minimalist suggest a "less than approach" for its own sake and I have seen a few models where one does not need to bend, stretch, tie, etc to position the shoes and that seems like a mistake pointing to
laziness and not allowing the body to go through its normal stages of motion meaning muscle would be greatetly impact as there is no challenge to the body.

I'm pretty sure if you put your mind to it you could gain back through your workout what you are losing in not bending over to tie your shoe. YMMV

[everything]

for really efficient laziness, elastic laces are quite nice. can either be tied like normal or can be little silicone inserts. or something in between. every shoe becomes basically a slip-on.

[fisherman]

I started using Xero shoes a little while back. I really dig how they fit and feel. I've always been an Addidas guy, but these feel great.

https://xeroshoes.com/shop/activity/per ... /prio-men/

[everything]

excellent but super long video

[Dmitri]

I started using Xero shoes a little while back. I really dig how they fit and feel. I've always been an Addidas guy, but these feel great.

https://xeroshoes.com/shop/activity/per ... /prio-men/

When I can't wear the sandals for some reason (e.g. hiking in cold and wet conditions), Xero shoes - I got Prios too - are hands down the best ones out there!

[origami_itto]

I still push in Merrell Trail Gloves, but I've given up the birkenstocks in favor of Crocs for daily wear. FITE ME!

[everything]

xeros were too high volume, too narrow for me (the material for the high volume makes the width ok on top of the foot, but the underfoot platform just isn't wide enough). otherwise amazingly comfortable. as my feet return to "normal" and less "foot bound" shapes, they seem to need even more width. Even Crocs are a tiny bit narrow.

[wiesiek]

I use Vibram`s "fivefingers" from time their appearance.
I even have a pair done years ago from a kangaroo leather,` cause bought them too small, so they looks brand new
As a long term user I have some draw back arguments :
- poor (too delicate ), to easy for thorn penetration fabric btw., the toes. Can be really nasty in the rough terrain
- CANNOT buy it in a " waterproof style", what looks like, company shitting on northern hemisphere customers.
They had one model >Lontra< If I remember right, but no aval., long lime,
- overall, quality and design went down thru the past years.
However,
something changed year ago,and their model with >natural canabis" top, reminds mi quality from beginning lines.
Anyway I use them outdoor all summer in dry conditions.

and we have a next chapter:
THE socks...
shortly; never buy Italian design hi-tech super duper socks,
uncomfortable, usless shit.

[everything]

i don't do any "real" hiking so am not familiar with the requirements, but the jim green african ranger barefoot shoe might be good for the rough terrain


i'm too "normie" and "fashionable" (not really) for the five fingers style.

toe socks are nice under wide toe box shoes, though.

[wiesiek]

"injinji" - yes , best >5< sosks brand.

btv
I`ve noticed strange tendency on "shoes market" - leather nicely done shoes are much chipper and comfy, than a new "fancy srancy" Adidas or another leading brands.

[Giles]

excellent but super long video

Yes, nice video. I didn't even find it 'super long', in the sense that he kept my attention pretty well. All the main points have already been made in this thread before, unless I'm overlooking something, but he brings it all together very nicely.

[everything]

Yes he did a great job. Kept my attention the whole time, too.

We humans are funny. We will pay for fancy Adidas (that scrunch the toes and feet) if someone famous or “other people” who seem fashionable wear them.

I just ordered injinji socks after wiesiek gave a thumbs up.

[wiesiek]

>bamboo socks< also are worth of mentioning.
Done from bamboo`s fibers, - feet feel very comfy
the "-" side - sockets are too short)(small

[everything]

I got some "high tech" polyester/nylon/lycra versions from injinji today. quite nice, but will have to try bamboo as it's "natural" and very sustainable and seems to have good properties for fabric.

[wiesiek]

injinji has the thick "winter" version,
made of wool - very good