5 running shoes that defy the maxi trend
19-8-2026
Translation: Veronica Bielawski
Pictures: Siri Schubert
Look at what people out jogging have on their feet, and it’s clear that heavily cushioned running shoes dominate. But not everyone loves ample padding. Here are running shoes with more minimalist soles.
«I’d love some running shoes that don’t look like I’m wearing huge chunks of styrofoam on my feet,» a reader recently commented. Ask, and you shall receive. Here are five alternatives, from minimalist to lightly cushioned.
Why less is sometimes more
Like so many trends, maximally cushioned shoes with soft, highly reactive foam have their origin in competitive sport. There, combined with a carbon plate, they bring clear advantages. For long-distance runs beyond marathon distance, shoes with generous soles have also become quite standard. This is partly thanks to Hoka’s pioneering models.
In spite of – or maybe because of – their popularity, thickly cushioned shoes spark emotional debates. Some love them, others hate them. There’s no conclusive evidence yet as to whether one type of shoe is better at preventing injury. There is evidence, however, that a sole height of 50 millimetres affects running style and reduces hip stability.
Many runners therefore have several shoes they use in their rotation. This puts differing strains on the muscles, ligaments and tendons in the foot and strengthens them, which can reduce the risk of injury.
I occasionally go jogging in barefoot shoes or minimally cushioned shoes myself, but appreciate a thicker cushion for longer runs. If you want to try this too, take care to ease into minimalist shoes slowly to avoid overuse injuries. It’s best to start with just a few minutes, or your Achilles tendon and heel may start to hurt.
Xero Mesa Trail 2
I’ve had these shoes for several years now. I like the tread and fit.
They have a really well thought-out detail: pull straps that are connected to the laces to hold the midfoot in position. They keep my foot secure despite the wide toe box. I’m also impressed with the sole and the shoes’ durability.
Find out more about the running feel and my experience with these shoes here:
Merrell Vapor Glove 6 or 7
My colleague Kevin Hofer swears by the Merrell Vapor Glove 6 LTR. He values their low weight, durability and feel, which comes very close to true barefoot running.
The Vapor Glove is now in its seventh edition. This version might be for you if you’re looking for shoes suited to both everyday wear and running. Unlike the Vapor Glove 6 LTR, the upper isn’t leather but breathable mesh.
Vibram V-Run
Ever since I first saw barefoot shoes around 15 years ago, Vibram Fivefingers have been with me in one form or another. I wear them every day, for jogging, watersports and hiking. I can spread out my toes in them as far as I like.
They’ve even come along on the hiking trails of Mount Pilatus, Lucerne’s local mountain. I appreciate the natural feel and the good grip of the soles. It’s only on paths with fine gravel that the little stones bother me, getting caught between my toes and annoying me.
Size up in these shoes, as they run small.
Topo Athletic ST-6
From here on, things get a little more cushioned. After all, minimalist shoes aren’t ideal for everyone. Especially if you’re prone to tendon injuries or need running insoles, barefoot shoes might be too thin and too hard for you.
The brand Topo Athletic focuses on a natural running feel: the toe box is wide and, on many models, the heel and forefoot sit at the same height – meaning zero drop. This is also the case with the ST-6.
The shoes have a 14-millimetre sole made of lightweight EVA-based foam. At under 200 grammes, they’re extremely light. I wouldn’t use these shoes for long sessions either. But they’re well suited to giving my feet some variety and a good feel for the ground during training.
Altra Escalante 5
The brand Altra is known for its shoes with a natural running feel. Their models have a wide toe box and little to no drop. For me, they’re a welcome step up from barefoot shoes, as they offer more cushioning while still being far from extremely cushioned shoes. I’ve already written about the Lone Peak 7 here:
At 24 millimetres, the Escalante 5 have almost the same sole height as the Lone Peak 7, as well as a wide toe box and zero drop. Unlike the Lone Peak 7, though, the Escalante are made for road running and have got a few upgrades compared with their predecessor, the Escalante 4.
If you’re used to shoes with little or no drop, you can cover longer distances in the Altra Escalante too – just as in the Lone Peak 7. I wouldn’t go beyond half-marathon distance, though. For longer distances, I prefer more cushioning, but that’s somewhat down to preference. In any case, the Escalante offer more protection than barefoot shoes, while its construction and wide toe box preserve the natural running feel.
Header image: Siri Schubert
Siri Schubert
Senior Editor
Siri.Schubert@digitecgalaxus.chResearch diver, outdoor guide and SUP instructor – I love being in, on and around water. Lakes, rivers and the ocean are my playgrounds. For a change of perspective, I look at the world from above while trail running or flying drones.
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