5 Best Minimalist Training Shoes in 2023

Nicholas Rizzo
Nicholas Rizzo on
5 Best Minimalist Training Shoes in 2023
Mercer Amsterdam Sneaker bassa 'The Re-Run' bianco grigio nero giallo. New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro v6 Womens Trail Running Shoes SS21

A great alternative to cross trainers is minimalist training shoes. This uncluttered Spartan-like style of training kicks is a growing niche in the footwear market. They have great appeal to people who want their shoes to be light, flexible, and with just a dollop of cushioning.

If going back to the basics is the theme of your fitness journey this time around, then a new pair of minimalist exercise shoes is the perfect fit for you. From the Inov-8 and Vibram FiveFingers to the New Balance Minimus series, we offer you several great options to choose from.  

To save you time and zero in on the most suitable pair for your needs, we’ve reviewed and tested minimalist training shoes. We have noted every little detail we could from our own experience and observation to make sure that our reviews are complete, with no ifs and buts. Check out our favorite highlights.

Best minimalist training shoes overall

What makes it the best?

As simple and minimal as its looks may be, the Bare-XF 210 v3 is a great option for workouts that don't involve a lot of jumping. It is a minimalist cross-training shoe that works excellently as a barefoot lifting shoe. Past its few flaws, this pair is a charmer in both form and function.

Back Zip Wedge Boot Pros

  • Camila Morrone wearing a sequined minidress with Louboutin sandals
  • Bally Melys striped low-top sneakers White
  • Highly abrasion-resistant
  • Featherweight
  • Breathable
  • Tacky grip
  • Good-looking

Back Zip Wedge Boot Cons

  • Yume Yume Suki Sandals
  • A bit pricey
Full review of Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 v3

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Men
Women
Any color
Blue / Navy Blue / Orange (000983BLORNY)
Ivory/Black (000983IVBK)
Navy/Gum (000983NYGU)
Black/Grey/Green (000983BKGYGR)
Blue (000983BGBK)
Black (000983BKGU)
Taupe (000983TP)
Red/Black (000983RDBK)

Best minimalist cross-training shoes

What makes it the best?

Elated with the refreshed version of the Keen Utility s Kansas City work shoe features the ows Flex technology, long-term and new customers alike lauded the shoe's performance and minimalist vibe. However, concerns came up about the shoe's inadequate sole stability. The trainer, nonetheless, excelled at everything as a quality CrossFit footwear despite the issues.

Back Zip Wedge Boot Pros

  • Golden Goose Kids Sneakers mit Sterne-Print Weiß
  • Minimalist feel
  • True to size
  • Back Zip Wedge Boot
  • Grippy outsole

Back Zip Wedge Boot Cons

  • Unstable sole
  • Hogan Sneakers mit Logo-Patch Blau
Full review of Keen Utility s Kansas City work shoe features the ows Flex technology

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Unisex
Any color
Grey/White (000928GYWH)
Black/White (000814BKWH)
White (000814WHBKP)
Grey/White (000927GYWH)
Purple/White (000928PLWH)
Blue (000814BLWH)
Black (000814BKGU)
Red (000814RDWH)
Black/Grey (000927BKGY)

Best minimalist training shoes for crossfit

What makes it the best?

The New Balance Minimus TR is a great minimalist shoe that provides just the right protection for the foot during indoor workouts. Whether you are into agility exercises or stable weightlifting, this shoe has you covered. It doesn't budge easily. It does not tear easily, either. That this shoe looks good is indeed already the icing on the cake.

Back Zip Wedge Boot Pros

  • zapatillas de running Adidas trail voladoras talla 29 rojas
  • Premiata Kids Lucy-BV Sneakers mit Klettverschluss Grün
  • Flexible materials
  • Stable construction
  • Highly breathable
  • Reliably grippy
  • Stylish
  • Lasts long

Back Zip Wedge Boot Cons

  • Needs to be broken in
  • Chie Mihara buckle-fastening heeled sandals
Full review of New Balance Minimus TR

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Men
Women
Any color
Black (MXMTRLK1)
Black (MXMTRCO1)
Light Aluminum/Electric Red (MXMTRRR1)
Black (MXMTRGK1)

Best minimalist gym shoes

What makes it the best?

Its impressive outdoor performance, day-to-day wear comfort, and lightweight nature are some of the characteristics that wearers loved about the Vibram FiveFingers V-Aqua. On the contrary, those unfamiliar with Vibram that caught the wrong size were displeased with the purchase. Despite the grievances, it earned a spot among highly recommended outdoor and indoor military.

Back Zip Wedge Boot Pros

  • Ankle boots LASOCKI RST-TX76-02 Camel
  • Perfect sizing
  • zapatillas de running Topo Athletic amortiguación media apoyo talón
  • Dries quickly
  • Lightweight
  • HOKA Mens Rincon 3 Shoes in Rhubarb Fiesta

Back Zip Wedge Boot Cons

  • Durability issues
  • Lacks traction
Full review of Vibram FiveFingers V-Aqua

Back Zip Wedge Boot | Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black (W7301)
Grey (M7303)
Grey (W7303)

Prince rocked one of the many shoes that pays homage to the King s accomplishments minimalist training shoes

What makes it the best?

Welcomed warmly for its comfort, support, stability, and adequate airflow, the Vibram FiveFingers V-Train 2.0 delighted many gym workout enthusiasts. Also, it doesn't fall short of aesthetics and style which many find very appealing. On the flip side, wearers found the shoe to be lacking in durability. But despite that, this offering from Vibram managed to tick most of the boxes of a well-rounded gym companion.

Back Zip Wedge Boot Pros

  • LIU JO Maxi Sneakers Schwarz
  • Sufficient support
  • Stylish
  • Great stability
  • Enhanced fit
  • Reliable traction
  • Breathable

Back Zip Wedge Boot Cons

  • Durability issues
  • Lacks color options
Full review of Vibram FiveFingers V-Train 2.0

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Men
Women
Any color
Black (W7701)
Blue / Grey (M7702)
Black/Orange (M7704)
Black (M7703)

Comparison of the 5 best minimalist training shoes

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CoreScore
Users rating
Experts
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Ranking
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How we test training shoes

To select our best picks, each pair of minimalist shoes is thoroughly tested in the gym. We determine the shoes’ real-world feel and performance by using them in a wide range of training regimens, which include strength training, aerobic sessions, and other workout routines

ABOUT YOU Boots 'Eleonora' nero:

  • Purchase the minimalist training shoes from our own pocket. We don’t accept sponsorship to keep our reviews 100% bias-free.
  • Put in 10-20 hours of training exercises in the gym using a particular model. We use them tirelessly to fully gauge what each shoe is capable of in different circumstances.
  • We also examine the materials used in the shoes inside our EdiconnectShops shoe testing lab. This involves slicing the shoes in half. Also, we measure the various parameters of the shoes using our tools and devices. 
  • Submit our final assessments to be included in our in-depth reviews. We identify the ones that really offer great value in different categories.
Author
Nicholas Rizzo
Nicholas Rizzo

Nick combines 10+ years of experience in the health and fitness industry and a background in the sciences in his role as the Fitness Research Director. During his competitive powerlifting years his PRs have him sitting in the top 2% of bench presses (395 lbs), top 3% of squats (485 lbs) and top 6% of deadlifts (515 lbs) for his weight and age. His work has been featured on Bodybuilding.com, LiveStrong, Healthline, WebMD, WashingtonPost, and many more. Along the way, collaborating with industry leaders like Michael Yessis, Mark Rippetoe, Carlo Buzzichelli, Dave Tate, Ray Williams, and Joel Seedman.