New Balance is making it clearer than ever that they listen to their customers. Inspired by feedback from their hardcore running base (including me), New Balance has released a whole new line just for forefoot running. As many of you know, the end of my favorite shoe of all time was hard on me, however it appears New Balance has replaced it with something even more impressive. Their goal is to combine the best shoe technology with the newest barefoot running innovations. Of course, the best source of barefoot running technology is Vibram. Taking a similar path as the Merrell shoe featured recently, the Minimus line features soles made by Vibram. This provides a light-
weight base and provides a great feel underfoot.
The Minimus line is growing quickly with new models. You can select between the road or trail version with the latter providing the extra traction to get you through the dirt. I suggest starting out with MT20 (for men)/WT20 (for women) line. These have cut the drop from heel to forefoot to only 4mm. For those who have a bit more experience with forefoot running, you may want to wait until March 2012 for the Minimus Zero to be released. This will be even lighter and feature zero drop from heel to forefoot.
Whether you decide to try these shoes or not, we can at least sit back and appreciate the fact that these companies are listening to their customers.
Check them out on Zappos:
Men’s: New Balance – MT20 (Grey/Red) – Footwear
Women’s: New Balance – WT20 (Grey) – Footwear
Since this website tends to focus on all of the new developments in forefoot running, I wanted to take a step back and highlight a shoe that pioneered the minimalist shoe movement. Saucony has always been a company for runners and has developed many innovations over the years for forefoot runners. The Bullet was developed in 1985 specifically for field and track athletes. Today, Saucony is producing a replica of this original shoe for casual wear and light athletic activity. This is one shoe I have featured that might favor form over function, however it remains a great minimalist shoe. What it might lack in new technology, it makes up for in style. So would I suggest these shoes for your next half marathon? No. But I’m pretty sure you’re not running all the time and these would make a great shoe for everyday activities. I’m told retro never goes out of style. Check these out on Zappos:
The shoe options for forefoot runners has truly exploded over the past couple of years and today we are seeing the most innovative products for our running style. Merrell, known for their great trail running shoes have teamed up with Vibram, famous for their Five Finger barefoot running shoes to make the Trail Glove. This is one of the most unique shoes featured on this site and will surely encourage copycats to follow. The partnership between Merrell and Vibram combines the knowledge of both companies to create a lightweight, but supportive shoe for a unique trail-running experience. However, this shoe is not only for trails and can be used as an everyday trainer. Other forefoot runners have commented on the durability of the shoe. This is due to the reinforced forefoot sole that not only protects your feet but also increases the durability. Read the other great reviews at Zappos:
Men’s:
Merrell – Barefoot Trail Glove (Smoke/Adventure Yellow) – Footwear
Women’s:
Merrell – Barefoot Pace Glove (Ice) – Footwear
A common problem among many forefoot runners is trying to find a light-weight shoe that accommodates a wide foot. The racing flats featured on this site offer a great option however they often feature narrow forefoot areas. Further, many newly converted forefoot runners find that their foot actually widens as they transform their running style. These people might find it more comfortable to run in wider shoes until their foot stabilizes.
Luckily, New Balance has always been a company to provide options for runners with wider feet. The RX507 is available in medium width or wide width (size EE) which is quite unusual for racing flats. The shoe itself is perfect for forefoot running. It has a low profile, is light weight and has a reinforced forefoot area. Because it was designed for cross country athletes, durability is emphasized with a great rubber sole. Also the competitive version of the shoe comes with spikes so be sure you’re getting the spikeless version if you’re mostly doing road running.
And perhaps the best feature, this shoe retails for under $50. Check them out at Zappos:
New Balance – RX507 (Spikeless) (White/Green) – Footwear
As many forefoot strike runners know, Newton Running is the most famous running shoe brand in this category. They got this reputation by being a leader and daring to construct an entire company around forefoot running. Whether you like their shoes or not, you have to respect their innovation and ability to challenge the big running shoe companies.
The shoe itself is quite an experience and I would recommend all forefoot runners to at least try them on. They are unique because the cushioning usually placed on the heals of running shoes are moved directly under the forefoot. It feels as if your forefoot is above your heel. This is a very different feeling than you get from some of the other racing flats featured on this site since racing flats lack this extra forefoot cushioning. The benefit of the Newton design for beginners is that it forces you into forefoot striking because landing on your heels feels very odd in 
this shoe. Beginners should definitely look at the Sir Issac model, although it is appropriate for all levels. If you have tried racing flats and like that style, Newton makes a light weight racer called the Distancia that mimics the feel of these racers with a bit more cushioning. They have continued to add to the variety of their offerings and now even include wide models for a more spacious forefoot area. Check out their website for all the models: Newton Running Shoes
Because of their fame, Newton Running has attracted both critics and supporters in recent years. For me, the price tag was always a bit of a deterrent and I have become accustomed to the minimalist cushioning provided by racing flats. Everyone runs differently however, and many forefoot runners will use nothing but Newtons. It’s at least worth a try.
Visit Newton Running to learn more about how to improve your running.
The Saucony Kinvara is not a shoe that immediately strikes you as a minimalist shoe, however, its innovative design has quickly made it a favorite among forefoot runners. Typically I have featured shoes with slim profiles more akin to racing flats than long distance trainers. The Kinvara has proven that forefoot runners can have the support and cushioning that racing flats are missing while still keeping weight to a minimum. The heel is built-up on these shoes, however the forefoot is also built-up making it possible to land on your midfoot. For those with a wider foot who struggle with the narrow racing flats, this would be a perfect alternative to try. Overall, this shoe was designed for forefoot runners and it offers a feel unmatched by other styles. It’s available at every local running store so go in and try it out! You can check out reviews at Zappos:
Men’s:
Saucony – ProGrid Kinvara (White/Red) – Footwear
Women’s:
Saucony – ProGrid Kinvara (White/Grey/Purple) – Footwear
or watch what Runner’s World Magazine thinks about it.
