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{{DISPLAYTITLE:Minimax - Minimum Drop, Maximum Cushioning Maximalist Shoes (Hoka, Altra, etc.)}}Maximalist shoes typically have far more cushioning than a traditional running shoe, as well as typically having far less height difference between the front and back of the sole (the drop). This category of shoes was started by [[Hoka Shoe Review|Hoka]] and followed by several others, especially Altra. Only the [[Altra Olympus]] (The early maximalist shoes started off with sole thicknesses of 40-45mm, and they used much softer foam to create a lesser extent the [[Altra Paradigm]]) matches the Hokas for their oversized soles made of extra soft foamunique style. There are These issues often appear to have a number much thicker sole than they actually possess, as of other shoes the midsole tends to wrap around the heel creating the illusion that come close, and Iit've put them under the 'Minimax Transitional' categorys actually 10 to 15 mm thicker. * The best shoe in As of this category is the [[Altra Olympus]]has matured, capturing the best lines have tended to blur as less extreme shoes become part of the Hoka maximalist range. Traditional shoe companies have sometimes attempted to mimic this maximalist approach , but often fail to use soft enough foam resulting in an overly large and cumbersome shoe.=The Pros and improving Cons of Maximalist Shoes=When runners of first to try on ita maximalist shoe they are often surprised by the comfort and softness of the ride.This initial comfort is extremely appealing, but there are a number of caveats that you should be aware of:* The # [[Hoka BondiThe Science of Running Shoes]] has greater indicates that a maximalist shoe probably doesn't reduce impact over a shoe with little or no cushioning . There is even some evidence that a massively cushioned shoe might even increase impact forces. This is counterintuitive, but might be due to the way a runners mind and protectionbody adapts to softer cushioning. To complicate matters, but the relationship between injury and impact is heaver and pricyunclear at best, possibly because there are various ways of measuring the impact.* Skechers has made a valiant attempt with their # A little bit of cushioning can improve your [[Skechers GOrun UltraRunning Economy]], producing but further increases in cushioning don't produce any benefit.# The thickness of the sole can create a Hoka platform like shoe effect that increases the likelihood of twisting and ankle. Many maximalist shoes attempt to compensate for less this problem by having a midsole that spreads out wider than half the pricefoot. Its major problem is Unfortunately this can create a "snowshoe effect" so that runners who land on the outside edge of the foot a subject to greater twisting forces.=Why Buy a Maximalist Shoe?=Given the dropdownsides of maximalist shoes, as the heel is much higher than the forefoot.obvious and reasonable question becomes "why would anybody buy one?" * [[Adidas Energy Boost]]'''Comfort'''. This is built like The initial comfort of a traditional maximalist shoeis hard to deny, but my experience over many miles of running is that your mind and body adapt to the new midsole material makes it seem much better cushioned cushioning so that after a few miles the relative comfort is a surprisingly similar.* '''Injury prevention'''. If you're worried about an injury and are trying to reduce the impact of running, then I'd expecturge you to be cautious before adopting a maximalist shoe. * The While the initial comfort of a maximalist shoe is greater than the initial comfort of something a little thinner, I don't believe that this difference lasts for more than a mile or two. Running barefoot or in a truly minimalist shoe like the [[Mizuno CursorisMerrell Vapor Glove]] is soft, light and seems faster than most other shoes in this categorycan be difficult to adapt to, but has less protection and longevityonce you have a modest amount of cushioning you have reasonable comfort. * The I find the difference between a modestly cushioned shoe like the [[Altra TorinAsics Gel Hyper Speed]] is zero drop, and has more cushioning than a minimalist maximalist Hoka to be quite small after I've got use to each. The level of impact on your body may actually be higher in the maximalist shoe.* '''Ultrarunning'''. Many ultrarunners prefer a maximalist shoe, but and I found that my body appreciates the extra cushioning as of the foam is quite firmmiles build up.* The My first Ultra in a Hoka was the [[Saucony Virrata2012 Hinson Lake 24 Hour]] is nearly as good as where I ran 50 miles in Nike Frees, then another 73 miles in the Torin, but cheaperHokas. * New Balance Fresh Foam 980 has less I swapped at the 50 mile mark because of my feet will be coming "footsore" and the Hokas really reduced the pain. Since then I've mostly run ultramarathons in a drop than a traditional maximalist shoe, but it's too firm to be considered a Minimax shoeand I found that my feet generally do much better.