Top 10 most anticipated minimalist road running shoes of 2013

 Merrell Vapor Glove is Merrell’s  lightest, super-flexible, and most barefoot shoe. It has an all mesh washable and breathable upper that molds to your foot while ventilating heat and moisture. It also has reflective details for increased visibility. A new ultra-thin Vibram outsole and full toe wrap bumper completes this Merrell non-toed version of a Vibram Five Fingers. Available February 2013 with an MSRP of $80. The Road Extreme 138 is Inov-8 most lightweight and high-grip road running shoe. It offers a purely barefoot running experience, with mixed mesh lining giving a breathable upper. The EVA and rubber outsole offers maximum traction while remaining lightweight. Zero drop with an anatomical fit. Available March 2013 with an MSRP of $100. Altra The ONE is a fast, light, cushioned, do it all performance shoe that can deliver your next PR performance. This lightweight racing shoe that is perfect for road running and speed work. The cushioned midsole allows for maximum responsive energy return while the SpeedPod outsole maps the bones of the foot for a natural flex. Available March 2013 with an MSRP of $100.View the list »
Top 10 most anticipated minimalist road running shoes of 2013

Endurance Sports newsletter

2012 was supposed to be the year of minimalist running shoes (a.k.a. barefoot running shoes or barefoot shoes) according to the footwear industry. It was. But there are even bigger expectations for 2013. Trade journals are predicting that the footwear industry is now trying to reach the masses after slower adoption by hardcore runners of the latest releases. For 2013, the pundits are predicting that the new minimalist running shoes will have more cushioning, less outrageous colorways, slightly more affordable, and with many more emerging brands appearing in an industry that is unwilling to change its ways.

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But I don't agree with all their predictions. Yes, some shoes will be cheaper but those with new and innovative technologies won't be. Bold colorways will still reign supreme - the early adopters love to stand out from the regular crowd. And they have a thirst for loud colorways. For advanced minimalist runners, those that have fully transitioned to the most minimal shoes, they expect even less cushioning in the new shoes.

Footwear manufacturers like Merrell, New Balance, and Inov-8 are coming out with shoes for the full minimal shoes spectrum - from the beginner to the most advanced runner. On one end, there will be shoes for beginners with 4mm drop and ample cushioning. On the other end, there will be shoes for the most advanced runners with zero drop and no cushioning. And everything in between to cater to the general masses who are transitioning into minimal shoes.

Forget about all the reports talking about heel-striking versus midfoot- and forefoot striking. And about cushioning versus no cushioning. Think more about sustainable injury-free running. My personal experience is testament (see my books, Wear Tested and The Minimalist Runner) to minimal shoes. I stopped running (knee and lower back pains, bruised toes) after 25+ years of running in 12mm drop, cushioned, traditional running shoes inserted with orthotics and with heel striking form. But after discovering minimal shoes over 3 years ago, I've been running in zero drop, minimally cushioned shoes without orthotics in midfoot striking form with no pain and injury-free. And I am now a competitive masters/senior athlete in road/trail running and track & field. I cannot be convinced otherwise.

What follows are the top 10 most anticipated minimalist road running shoes of 2013 in alphabetical order. I can guarantee you that the top 3 road running shoes for 2013 will come from this list.

For detailed reviews of all minimalist shoes, please visit Minimalist Running Shoes for all running, casual, and fitness shoes that we have Wear Tested.

View the list
  •  Altra The ONE is a fast, light, cushioned, do it all performance shoe that can deliver your next PR performance. This lightweight racing shoe that is perfect for road running and speed work. The cushioned midsole allows for maximum responsive energy return while the SpeedPod outsole maps the bones of the foot for a natural flex. Available March 2013 with an MSRP of $100.
  •  The Road Extreme 138 is Inov-8 most lightweight and high-grip road running shoe. It offers a purely barefoot running experience, with mixed mesh lining giving a breathable upper. The EVA and rubber outsole offers maximum traction while remaining lightweight. Zero drop with an anatomical fit. Available March 2013 with an MSRP of $100.
  •  Merrell Vapor Glove is Merrell’s  lightest, super-flexible, and most barefoot shoe. It has an all mesh washable and breathable upper that molds to your foot while ventilating heat and moisture. It also has reflective details for increased visibility. A new ultra-thin Vibram outsole and full toe wrap bumper completes this Merrell non-toed version of a Vibram Five Fingers. Available February 2013 with an MSRP of $80.
  •  'Built to be brilliant', the Mizuno Wave Universe 5 is the lightest shoe in the wave universe (under 3 ounces) to remove any barriers between you and a brilliant performance. U4ic midsole provides resiliency and a smooth ride at a fraction of the weight of traditional midsoles. The G3 sole has lightweight, superior traction, creating a pure connection (3mm drop) to the ground. Available July 2013 with an MSRP of $125.
  •  The innovative Minimus HI-REZ road shoe that is designed for the minimal runner looking for the latest cutting edge product to enhance their running experience.  The Minimus HI-REZ is made with 42 independent lightweight midsole pods mechanically bonded to a durable yet flexible fabric base that allows the shoe to move and flex in closer unison with the foot. These pods are high abrasion ground contact EVA for durability and shock protection. Available April 2013 with an MSRP of $120.
  •  The Virrata is Saucony's lightest and most flexible training shoe and allows your foot to move naturally. It is a feather-light, ultra flexible shoe with advanced cushioning that promotes a powerful stride and allows your foot to move the way it was meant to. Built on a 0mm offset (zero drop), this shoe lets your feet do the work while providing plenty of protection from the road. The breathable mesh upper makes the shoe incredible lightweight and quick-drying to run in wet weather conditions. Available February 2013 with an MSRP of $90.
  •  SKORA PHASE is constructed using the latest lamination techniques - a minimal single-layer mesh upper and laminated reflective details. PHASE provides barely-there performance and lightweight responsiveness with an asymmetric lacing system and a unique unibody IBR outsole. Featuring zero-drop and an 8mm forefoot/heel stack height, it also has a removable anti-microbial sockliner. Available March 2013 with an MSRP of $110.
  •  The SMAAT Lolander is for progressive minimalist runners as well as a lightweight alternative for fast, technical runners. Offering a unique split-toe tooling with a traditional upper, the Lolander offers greater flexibility and enhanced proprioception thanks to a 8.5 mm forefoot ride - while maintaining a traditional closed toebox. The overall 4mm heel-to-toe differential features a roomy toebox that encourages proper foot splay during mid and forefoot striking. Available March 2013 with an MSRP of $90.
  •  Topo Athletic introduces a new kind of athletic shoe, one that brings a subtle but sophisticated technology to the instinctive movement of the human foot and body. The primary focal point is the split-toe. The split toe creates a unique anchor point in the forefoot thus offering more security and a stronger connection to your footwear. The Running and Racing (RR) model has a 3mm rubber outsole and 6mm EVA midsole with a dial-in premium BOA closure system. Available May 2013 with an MSRP of $130.
  •  According to VIVOBAREFOOT, with the One, 'the ground has never felt so close with their thinner than ever sole, enabling you to feel one with the road.' Thin, PU laminated upper on hex thin mesh to give structure and hold across the midfoot combined with maximum breathability. The outsole is based on their On Road construction and is 3mm thick  - ultrathin soft, high abrasion rubber sole and patented, puncture-resistant layer. There is also a removable 3mm insole. Available March 2013.
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, Minimalist Running Shoes Examiner

Nicholas Pang is a competitive Northern California road runner and Editor-in-Chief of the most comprehensive minimalist shoes and running accessories review site, Minimalist Running Shoes. He is also the author of 'The Minimalist Runner' and 'Wear Tested', books focusing on how to transition to...

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