I’ve often thought to myself “if I opened a shoe store, which shoes would I definitely want on my wall?” It’s an interesting question to think about for a shoe geek like me! My personal approach would be to provide a spectrum of shoe options, and yes, possibly even a few traditional models (even though I don’t generally ever run in them myself, plenty of people do without issue and probably have little reason to change).
A few years back I put together a guide to minimalist running shoes in which I offered my top picks in a number of categories. Given the length of that post, and since I’m often asked which shoes I recommend, I thought it might be helpful to provide a more streamlined set of shoe recommendations, which is what you will find here.
In my hypothetical shoe store, the shoes below would be the ones that I’d most like to see on the wall. They are all shoes that I have run in, so I have personal experience with each and every one of them – as such, this collection represents my take on the best shoes available right now.
I have provided links to my reviews of each shoe (if completed), as well as links to purchase the shoes at selected advertising partners (patronizing these sites via these links helps to support Runblogger and keeps the reviews coming – I buy about half of my review shoes myself these days, so your support is much appreciated!). All of my stack height data come from Running Warehouse, and clicking on the shoe image will take you to the info page for that shoe at the Running Warehouse website.
Shoes are grouped by broad categories spanning the minimalist to more traditional running shoe spectrum – they include barefoot-style shoes, zero drop cushioned shoes, and moderate to mild transitional shoes (both road and trail shoes where applicable). If I had to cull my collection, I’d probably retain at least one from each grouping – I’m a fan of a shoe rotation.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments, or visit the Runblogger Forum.
Zero Drop, Barefoot-Style Shoes
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Road Shoes |
Trail Shoes |
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Merrell Flux GloveStack Height: 11mm, 11mm |
Inov-8 Bare-X 180
Stack Height: 6mm, 6mm |
Merrell Trail Glove
Stack Height: 10mm, 10mm |
Merrell Vapor GloveStack Height: 6mm, 6mm |
Zero Drop, Cushioned Road Shoes
 Saucony Virrata
Stack Height: 17mm, 17mm Quick Take: great forefoot cushion, narrower fit, my marathon shoe Buy at Running Warehouse |
 Mizuno Wave EVO Cursoris
Stack Height: 18mm, 18mm Quick Take: wide forefoot, great breathability, soft feel underfoot Buy at Running Warehouse |
 Merrell Bare Access 2
Stack Height: 14mm, 14mm Quick Take: wide forefoot, firm ride, reasonably priced Buy at Running Warehouse |
Altra Instinct 1.5Stack Height: 16mm, 16mm Quick Take: super wide forefoot, firm ride Buy at Running Warehouse |
Skechers GoBionic
Stack Height: 11.5mm, 11.5mm Quick Take: super flexible, sockless upper, roomy forefoot, low price Buy at Zappos |
Altra TorinStack Height: 28mm, 28mm Quick Take: super wide forefoot, max cushioning in a zero drop shoe Buy at Running Warehouse |
 New Balance MR00
Stack Height: 12mm, 12mm Quick Take: firm ride, good ground feel, but narrow through the midfoot Buy at Running Warehouse |
Brooks PureDriftStack Height: 12mm, 12mm Quick Take: wide forefoot, firm ride, very flexible Buy at Running Warehouse |
Altra Torin
Stack Height: 20mm, 20mm Quick Take: for road ultras – perfect balance of cushioning without being squishy like a Hoka. Good for distances up to 100+ miles. Buy at Running Warehouse |
Zero Drop, Cushioned Trail Shoes
Merrell Ascend Glove
Stack Height: 10.5mm, 10.5mm Quick Take: firm cushion, forefoot and heel rock plate, wide forefoot, drains well, decent traction Buy at Running Warehouse |
Altra Superior
Stack Height: 12mm, 12mm Quick Take: removable rock plate, very flexible, super-wide toebox, runs 1/2 size small, very versatile shoe Buy at Running Warehouse |
Inov-8 Trailroc 235
Stack Height: 13mm, 13mm Quick Take: roomy fit, no rock plate but protective outsole, firm ride, decent traction, some have had upper durability issues Buy at Running Warehouse |
Skechers GoBionic TrailStack Height: 12mm, 12mm without insole, 18mm 14mm with insole Quick Take: soft cushioning, rock plate, good traction, removable footbed allows switching between 0mm and 4mm drop Buy at Zappos |
 Altra Lone Peak 1.5
Stack Height: 17mm, 17mm Quick Take: for burly trails – super comfy with a great, wide toe box, good traction. If drainage was better this shoe would be just about perfect. Good for distances up to 100+ miles. Buy at Running Warehouse |
1-6mm Drop Transitional Road Shoes
Saucony KinvaraStack Height: 22mm, 18mm |
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adidas adipure Gazelle Stack Height: 17mm, 11mm |
Newton Distance Racer Stack Height: 24mm, 21mm |
1-6mm Drop Transitional Trail Shoes
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 La Sportiva Helios
Stack Height: 20mm, 15mm Quick Take: Burly trail shoe, incredible traction, good drainage. Good for distances up to 100+ miles. |
Montrail FluidflexStack Height: 21mm, 16mm Quick Take: Super light feel with nice cushioning. Good for distances up to 50 miles. |
Hoka Bondi B Speed
Stack Height: 35mm, 30mm Quick Take: Road shoe with super soft feel and incredible cushioning. Works better off road than you would expect. Good for distances up to 100+ miles. |
Hoka Bondi B 2Stack Height: 35mm, 30mm Quick Take: Same as Bondi B Speed, with more breathable upper. Good for distances up to 100+ miles. |
Hoka Stinson Evo
Stack Height: 38mm, 32mm Quick Take: Hoka cushioning with the best traction of any of their shoes. Narrow-ish toe box. Good for distances up to 100+ miles. |
Brooks PureGrit 2Stack Height: 21mm, 16mm Quick Take: Good do-everything shoe with a nice ride. Traction better than the PureGrit 1, but still could use improvement. Good for distances up to 100+ miles. Buy at Running Warehouse |
 Merrell Mix Master II
Stack Height: 18mm, 13mm Quick Take: comfy shoe that is right in the middle of minimal to traditional spectrum. Good for distances up to 50k. |
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Skechers GoBionic TrailStack Height: 12mm, 12mm without insole, 18mm 14mm with insole Quick Take: Excellent traction, light fast feel, soft cushioning. Good for distances up to 50k. |
Pearl Izumi EM Trail N1Stack Height: 23mm, 16mm Quick Take: light fast feel, smooth heel/midfoot to toe-off transition. Good for distances up to 50 miles. |
0-6mm Drop Racing Flats
Saucony Grid Type A5Stack Height: 16mm, 12mm |
Adidas HagioStack Height: 17mm, 12mm |
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Mizuno UniverseStack Height: 18mm, 14mm |
New Balance MRC5000Stack Height: 16mm, 11mm |
6-10mm Drop Mild Transitional Shoes
Saucony Guide 5Stack Height: 28mm, 20mm |
Saucony Ride 5Stack Height: 28mm, 20mm |
About Peter Larson
Sorry, but I wouldn’t wear any of those. There is nothing better than barefoot. When barefoot is not possible (and this happens most of the time for me) I go with my huaraches (from Invisible Shoes) or with Vibram FiveFingers.
The Inov-8 180 and Altra Adam are much better in my opinion than any FiveFingers I have run in. I find my Bikila’s much more restrictive and have less ground feel than either of those shoes.
I run barefoot when I can, but there is a place for these types of shoes. If you disagree, maybe this is the wrong blog post for you…?
Jeff,
I agree with you on this one – with options like those I’ve listed here in that first category, my Vibram days are likely over. I find the toe pockets to be very restrictive of normal toe movement.
Sent from my iPad
Don’t completely write them off. The VFF Seeya has really fantastic toe flexibility.
I’ve thought about giving them a try, we’ll see.
—-
Pete Larson’s Web Links:
My book: Tread Lightly – link to ow.ly
Blog: https://runblogger.com
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Maybe you are wright. I will try one of those. Unfortunately I can’t find many of those models here in Brazil.
The Mix Master 2 is a great shoe. I like the Kinvara 3 as well just wish it had a larger toe box.
Excellent table and summary, Pete.
The new Inov-8 Trailroc 245 is worth a try if you get a chance. It’s what the MT110 should have been, in my estimation.
That and the NB 1010 are on my short list for next shoe purchases.
You’ll be doing yourself a diservice if you don’t compare it to the Trailroc 235 at the same time. ;-)
I would like to see a review of the 235 (0 drop) much more than a review of the 245. I tried on the latter and (a) it was too snug for my wide feet, and (b) the heel drop was more noticeable than I was expecting. Returned.
The NB 1010 gave me medial knee pain – not sure if it was the 4mm drop, or the mismatch between its shape (triangular forefoot) and my foot shape.
If the 245 was too narrow for your foot, dogrunner, then, I’m sorry to say, that the 235 will feel narrow, too. They fit exactly the same.
Right, both anatomic last. My continued interest is more about the upper. Is that the same too? I find a soft stretchy upper (MWU4 is a good example) works for me as long as the sole is wide enough while standing on it. My feet fit in the Inov8 245 after I took out the insole, but my toes were pressing on the inside of the upper even while sitting/standing, so there was no room for toe splay on footstrike. The MWU4 upper is soft and stretchy so that does not bother me in those, but I am a longtime Inov8 wearer (many models), always sizing up for a little more width, always having my toes squeezed and ending up with sore feet and weird calluses. The anatomic last is a step in the right direction, but if the upper is stiff, ungiving material, they are still not quite wide enough for me.
Yes, the 235 and 245 definitely fit the same as far as the upper is concerned.
Thanks for the list. My current favorite is the Altra Samson for its exceptionally roomy toe box and superior durability. After 3 months and 200 plus miles, the shoe has very few signs of wear. Also just a great all-around minimalist shoe. Curious to see your review in the future.
What, no zero-drop cushioned trail shoes? That are still light and flexible and not too mushy :) Am I asking for too much?
Yeah, I need to work on filling out that column, but current options are limited :) are there others out now besides the Altra Lone Peak and inov8 Trailroc 235 that fit this category?
Sent from my iPad
Actually, I don’t know of any, which is why I am anxious to see what I have missed or might be coming out soon. I know that Altra has their reduced version of the LP coming – the Superior. Remains to be seen how light and flexible that is, because the LP is neither. At least Altra tends to be wide enough.
i’ve had my eye on those inov-8’s for a while, but they inexplicably went up in price on rw. looking forward to the review!
I just bought a pair of Saucony Mirage to add to my Kinvaras. For longer runs I find my “older” bones need a bit more cushion, yet they are still a 4mm drop! I would add them to the wall, if it were my store!
Good catch, I should put those up.
I’m in the Kinvaras and really like them but I did my very first half marathon while wearing those this past week. Ran 1:49:20 but my knees and legs paid a heavy price that I never felt on my long training runs. Granted most of my longer runs are trails not pavement. Would you say the Mirage would be better for the pavement long runs? I don’t want to go back to a built up shoe I really like the low heal drop.
Inov-8 F-Lite 195s definitely belong on this list of best minimal shoes. The upcoming Altra Superior should be a great zero drop trail shoe (due out in 2-3 weeks).
Kyle Roberts
RevolutionNaturalRunning.com
I agree….after experimenting with 10 or so brand/models, I am now exclusively with INOv195’s; great on all surfaces, including skipping rope on asphalt. Only wish they would have a version where one did not have to mess with laces, like in a Marathon event.
Other than that, this is MY shoe; the splines give such a great pop! Also, wears very nicely, thank you!
Indy M.
Sunnyvale, CA
Will get my first run in the 195’s this week hopefully
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Pete Larson’s Web Links:
My book: Tread Lightly – link to ow.ly
Blog: https://runblogger.com
Twitter: link to twitter.com
Facebook: link to facebook.com…
A quick question that I’ve always wondered: What differentiates a racing flat from a road shoe? Is it cushion? Weight? I’ve always wondered….
Both typically. “flats” are generally firmer as well.
As Julian says, flats tend to be firmer and stiffer from front to back to give a little energy back when running fast. I generally like a flexible shoe, but in a 5k or for speedwork I opt for a racing flat.
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I’m sure my pair of Vivobarefoot Neo Trails would qualify as a zero drop trail shoe.
I also just purchased a pair of Trailroc 245’s and while not zero drop come in at 3mm with pretty modest cushioning. I posted my first thoughts up on my blog: http://trossachstrailrunner.bl…
And a follow up on a problem in the upper that caused a blister:
http://trossachstrailrunner.bl…
I’ve done a little shoe surgery on the shoe since the above write ups and have logged a further 50 miles on the Trailroc, along with wearing socks haven’t had any more blister problems. Still waiting for my blister to heel before I venture out in them without socks.
The Trail roc 235 (link to inov-8.co.nz… is zero drop…
You could add category for barefoot-style shoes with ground feel.. Like vb ultra, vff sprint, altra adam (without insole)..
You wouldn’t happen to have an Excel spreadsheet version of this would you?
No, might be interesting to put one together.
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Pete Larson’s Web Links:
My book: Tread Lightly – link to ow.ly
Blog: https://runblogger.com
Twitter: link to twitter.com
Facebook: link to facebook.com…
That was my intent with the frist grouping – there is obviously some variation there, Samson and Inov-8 180 both are max ground feel, whereas the Merrells and NB shoes have a bit less.
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Pete Larson’s Web Links:
My book: Tread Lightly – link to ow.ly
Blog: https://runblogger.com
Twitter: link to twitter.com
Facebook: link to facebook.com…
Surprised there are no Sketchers Go Runs. I haven’t tried them, but your review was quite favorable if I recall. Also, New Balance 870 v2, 890 v2, 1080 v2 and 1260 v2 are all now 8mm drop or lower. Perhaps that is just an industry trend, but these shoes have all had very favorable reviews from other sites and would fit well in that transitional category.
Not enough time to try them all! Will slowly add to the list, and the Skechers Go Run will be added as soon as version 2 officially comes out – I’ve been running in them for awhile.
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Pete Larson’s Web Links:
My book: Tread Lightly – link to ow.ly
Blog: https://runblogger.com
Twitter: link to twitter.com
Facebook: link to facebook.com…
Perhaps you need a few minions to help you out… hint hint
Hmm, a review staff. There’s an idea!
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Pete Larson’s Web Links:
My book: Tread Lightly – link to ow.ly
Blog: https://runblogger.com
Twitter: link to twitter.com
Facebook: link to facebook.com…
Many thanks for your research and blogging. I have 3 of the shoes (Trail Glove, Mix Master and Kinvara), and two were directly based on your input. Testing the MixMasters on a Trail 15k in October — can’t wait!
Thanks Steve!
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Pete Larson’s Web Links:
My book: Tread Lightly – link to ow.ly
Blog: https://runblogger.com
Twitter: link to twitter.com
Facebook: link to facebook.com…
Hi Pete, really good shoes recomendations, but for people living in cities that love trail running there could be a missing option: al mix terrain running shoes that can perform well in road and dirt (including steepy trails); in your opinion -which I consider most valuable- which shoe could handle both roads and trails? I’m in the moderate transitional shoe up to 6mm drop.
I live in Lima, Peru, and I’ve been following your blog for the last 2 years and I’ve transitioned from Brook´s Adrenaline GTS to Kinvaras (road) and Trailrocs 295 (I ordered de 285 with 6mm drop but got the big broder with 9mm).
Thanks!
Both the Brooks Grit and the Merrell Mix Master handle multiple surfaces well – I’ve run on roads in both with little trouble. The Inov-8 Flite 195 is another decent hybrid option.
Looks like you have quite a bit of work ahead of you. Tons of shoes for future reviews. Quick question – how’s the toe box on the Saucony Grid Type A5? From your reviews, I always assume you like a wide, roomy toebox. But racing flats don’t usually provide that.
Just posted a review of the A5’s – toebox is like the Kinvara – not super wide, but I went a half size up and there’s plenty of room for my foot.
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Pete Larson’s Web Links:
My book: Tread Lightly – link to ow.ly
Blog: https://runblogger.com
Twitter: link to twitter.com
Facebook: link to facebook.com…
Hi, Pete. I am wondering if you or any readers have a suggestion for a 6-10mm drop “mild transitional” trail shoe? I have been running in NB 890 v2 on the roads for about a year now and love their balance of middle of the road (8mm) drop, light-ish weight, roomy toe box, etc. Any thoughts for similar products with some protection on groomed trails (nothing crazy luggy or overprotective) ?
Great writing, great site btw.
Thanks,
SS
Steve,
Take a look at these – 6mm drop: http://www.runningwarehouse.co…. I have the Trilroc 235, which is the zero drop equivalent, and I love them.
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Pete Larson’s Web Links:
My book: Tread Lightly – link to ow.ly
Blog: https://runblogger.com
Twitter: link to twitter.com
Facebook: link to facebook.com…
Excellent blog post! I started my barefoot running in VFF Bakila but found it to be hard on my calves and achilles heels. Looking for a more cushioned shoe, I settled on Sauconi Hattori which had more cushioning while being zero-drop. Oh, the price was awesome too! But am now looking for an even more cushioned shoe with moderate to mild drop as a transitional shoe. I have noticed that heel striking works different parts of legs compared to mid-foot/fore-foot strike. That’s one more reason why I am looking for transitional shoes. Will check out the ones that you have listed but I know that there are many more models from different companies now available in the market. Though its hard to find all of them in a single store (even the so called “running stores” which just plain sucks! And I am also surprised that companies don’t post “stack height” information in their products’ description. They only specify the heel-to-toe difference or drop. I wish it was easier to select the right shoes but there are hundreds of them with a variety of parameters that are either not reported or are different that those in manufacturers’ specifications.
As somebody asked, a comprehensive excel file would be great to track the fit, feel, ride and specs of all the shoes that you have reviewed.
I need to do this – just need the time! Running Warehouse does a pretty good job with shoe data.
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Pete Larson’s Web Links:
-My book: Tread Lightly: link to ow.ly
-Blog: https://runblogger.com
-Twitter: link to twitter.com
-Facebook Page: link to facebook.com…
-Discussion Forum: https://runblogger.com/forum
No MT10?
Forefoot band is too problematic, v2 comes out soon though and they supposedly addressed this issue.
Sent from my iPad
I’d like to mention the New Balance 890. It’s an awesome (looking & feel) 8mm Transitional shoe. ( http://www.newbalancevancouver… )
Been hearing lots of good things about that one lately.
Sent from my iPad
check the treds shoes
Love some advice please, of the shoes you have reviewed Any thoughts on which of the running shoes fit shorter/wide feet? I also have a high arch. thanks.
For wide feet, Altra or Merrell would be the best options to look at.
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