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→Options for near-minimalist footwear
=== Nike Free ===
Nike Free are running shoes that are light weight, with very flexible soles. Even without modification, the Nike Free is a good minimalist running shoe and a half way house to 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.
=== Saucony Hattori ===
This is a zero drop, 4.4 oz minimalist shoe that looks like one of the best options to hit the market so far.
=== [http://www.runningwarehouse.com/descpageMRS-MUNIVS3.html Mizuno Wave Universe] ===
The Mizuno Wave Universe is a racing flat that is surprisingly comfortable. I ran in these before I discovered the Nike Free and got on well with them.
Inov-8 produce a wide range of minimalist trail shoes. Of particular note are their [http://www.inov-8.com/Products-Detail.asp?PG=PG1&L=27&P=5050973118 X-Talon 190] for muddy conditions and their [http://www.inov-8.com/Products-Detail.asp?PG=PG1&L=27&P=5050973125 F-Lite 195] for rocky conditions. I’ve used a number of Inov-8 shoes and I would highly recommend them.
===[http://www.newbalance.com/nb-minimus/ New Balance Minimus]===
This is a minimal trail shoe from New Balance that has created a lot of interest in the minimalist running community. It was designed with the help of ultrarunner [http://antonkrupicka.blogspot.com/ Anton Krupicka]. A good review is available at http://barefootrunninguniversity.com/2010/11/17/new-balance-minimus-trail-review/ There is a street version of the minimus that is actually less minimal than the trail version and is a little disappointing. However, the 'lifestyle' minimus that is not designed for running looks like it might be the best of the three!
=== Canvas Sneakers ===
Some people have got on well with Converse style canvas sneakers. Cheap and easy to find. Note: this is not the same as cheap running shoes. These canvas sneakers have very little sole.
== Run Barefoot ==
Running barefoot is different to 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.