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If you want to get as close to barefoot as you can, these are some good options.
=== Vibram FiveFingers (VFF) ===
The VFF range of shoes are very popular Primal Minimalist Running shoes. They are a thin sole combined with just enough material to hold them to your foot. Each toe has a separate pocket, hence the name FiveFingers. VFF are close to barefoot running.
VFFs were created for boating, not running, but they have become hugely popular. In fact, it can be hard to get some of the VFF shoes as demand outstrips supply. I would recommend either the KSO (Keep Stuff Out) or the KSO Treks. The Trek version has a leather upper and a thicker sole.
It's been known for a long time that running barefoot is more efficient than running with shoes. It's been assumed that this is because of the weight of the shoes, but a recent study has shown running in FiveFingers is more efficient than traditional running shoes [1]<ref name="VFF"/>.
=== Feelmax ===
I have not used Feelmax shoes, but they have a very good reputation in primal minimalist runners. Feelmax shoes have a very thin (1mm, 0.04 inch) sole made of a Kevlar composite. This sole is very flexible and provides great feel. It also provides very good puncture resistance, which protects the foot. The shoes are also very light at about 4 oz.[http://www.feelmax.com/index.php?lang=en http://www.feelmax.com/index.php?lang=en][http://barefootted.com/2009/01/running-in-seattle-with-feelmax-shoes.html http://barefootted.com/2009/01/running-in-seattle-with-feelmax-shoes.html]
=== Huarache Racing Sandals ===
Some people have been running in moccasins, especially in colder weather.
== Options for near-Primal minimalist footwear (minimalistic) ==
If you want a bit more protection, then consider these options.
=== Nike Free ===
Nike Free are running shoes that are light weight, with very flexible soles. The Nike Free is a great minimalist running shoe and a half way house to Primal minimalist running. There is no outer sole (the hard rubber that meets the road), just a robust midsole (the cushioning part). The midsole then has deep groves cut into it to allow the shoe to flex more than is possible with a traditional shoe. There are lots of different models of Nike Free. These shoes have a number that indicates how flexible they are. The idea is that 10.0 would be a traditional shoe and 1.0 would be barefoot. I would recommend using the Free 3.0. I have been running in Nike Free for about 5 years and I believe they have helped me stay injury free in that time.
The biggest downside of the Nike Free from a Primal minimalist running standpoint is that it has a heel that is higher than forefoot. (Most shoes have 12mm high forefoot and 22mm high heel.) I take a knife and cut the heal down so it is roughly level with the forefoot. The Nike Free is ideal for this as it does not have a separate outsole. The midsole (the cushioning bit) is designed to be tough enough to withstand contact with the ground. It is relatively easy to cut the heel of the Nike Free away to produce a flat shoe. I find this is much closer to barefoot than the unmodified Free.
See [http://web.archive.org/web/20071213160847/http://www.american-trackandfield.com/features/nikefreereview04.html http://web.archive.org/web/20071213160847/http://www.american-trackandfield.com/features/nikefreereview04.html]
== Run Barefoot ==
Running barefoot is different to Primal minimalist running, but both fit under the general concept of 'natural running'. There are advantages and disadvantages to barefoot running. The biggest advantage is that it is cheap and easy. It is a great way of finding out what it's like to run without traditional shoes.
== A shoe to avoid - The Newton ==
Newton shoes focus on forefoot running by adding extra height to the forefoot of the shoe. I purchased a pair thinking they would move me closer to barefoot running. The result of the high forefoot is an unstable shoe. What I found was the Newton takes a bad idea (the traditional running shoe) and makes it worse. I hated running in the Newton shoes, but I think they are a valuable lesson. Natural running requires a minimalist shoe, not a more complex one. You can get a better alternative to the Newton just by hacking the sole off an old pair of running shoes. I would not recommend these shoes. I would advise you to avoid these shoes.
==Further Reading==
* http://www.feelmax.com/index.php?lang=en http://www.feelmax.com/index.php?lang=en
* http://barefootted.com/2009/01/running-in-seattle-with-feelmax-shoes.html
* The best video looking at barefoot and traditional running shoes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jrnj-7YKZE&feature=player_embedded The Barefoot Professor: by Nature Video]
* A video of a persistence hunt [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wI-9RJi0Qo "Persistence Hunting" video by the BBC on youtube.com
==See Also==
* [[Are your running shoes injuring you]]?
* [[The Journey to Minimalist Running]]
* [[Toughening Feet]]
==References==