In this article, I will provide a solution for every type of trail runner who is looking for minimalist trail running shoes.
Note that these are all minimalist shoes according to the manufacturer’s own definition, if you want to learn more about the difference between minimalist and barefoot shoes, I would recommend this article: Barefoot vs minimalist shoes.
In this article, I will cover minimalist trail running shoes that are not considered barefoot shoes. If you are more interested in barefoot trail running shoes, I did write a completely separate article about those: Best barefoot trail running shoes.
Let’s start with a quick overview:
Overview
List of best minimalist trail running shoes
Let’s take a more detailed look at the best minimalist trail running shoes out there.
Altra lone Peak 6
The Altra Lone Peak 6 is a trail running shoe that is designed for runners who love to tackle technical trails and push their limits. This shoe is part of Altra’s popular Lone Peak series, which is known for its wide toe box and zero drop platform, which allows for a natural foot position and ample room for the toes to splay.
The downside of the wide toe box is that these shoes are less suitable for trail runners with narrow feet.
It’s a solid all round option and a great entry into the world of minimalist trail runners.
One of the standout features of the Altra Lone Peak 6 is its cushioned midsole, which is made of Altra’s responsive EGO foam. This foam provides a comfortable and responsive ride, while still offering enough support and protection for the foot. The shoe also has a flexible, responsive outsole that is made of durable MaxTrac rubber, which provides excellent traction and durability on the trails.
The Altra Lone Peak 6 also has a number of other features that make it a great choice for trail runners. These include a removable stone guard that helps to protect the foot from rocks and debris, a reflective heel tab for improved visibility in low light conditions, and a quick-drying upper that is made of a breathable mesh material.
The shoe has mediocre sensitivity (= natural/barefoot feeling) for a minimalist shoe that is not considered a barefoot shoe.
Pros
- Great all round minimalist trail running shoe
- Durable
Cons
- Mediocre sensitivity
- Not for narrow feet
Overall, the Altra Lone Peak 6 is a reliable and high-performing trail running shoe that is suitable for runners of all levels. Its comfortable and responsive ride, combined with its durable outsole and protective features, make it a great choice for tackling even the toughest trails.
As a bonus, these shoes also look pretty good, in my opinion.
The lowest price can usually be found here: Altra Lone Peak 6
Arc’teryx Norvan SL 2
The Arc’teryx Norvan SL 2 is a top-of-the-line trail running shoe that offers a perfect balance of lightweight performance and reliable support. From the moment you put them on, you’ll feel the difference in the comfortable and breathable fit.
The Arc’teryx Norvan SL 2 are amazing trail running shoes and are especially lightweight. These shoes are very high quality and surprisingly durable.
They are truly optimized for the trail and have a very good grip as well.
One of the first things that you might notice is that these shoes are not cheap. However, since these are very durable trail runners, it will take a long time before they need replacement. Side note: if you are looking for more budget friendly trail running shoes, I did write an entire article on that subject as well.
In terms of a natural feel, these shoes don’t perform that well. These shoes are very clearly not barefoot trail running shoes.
However, except for the price and the fact that these are not very sensitive, these shoes are amazing.
Pros
- Ultralight
- Very durable
- Great grip
Cons
- Expensive
- Low sensitivity
The lowest price can usually be found here: Arc’teryx Norvan SL 2
Inov-8 Trailroc 270
The Inov-8 Trailroc 270 is a highly versatile and reliable trail running shoe that is designed to handle a wide range of terrain and conditions. From rocky trails to muddy paths, this shoe is up to the challenge, thanks to its innovative design and advanced materials.
One of the standout features of the Trailroc 270 is its responsive and flexible sole, which is made of a durable rubber compound that provides excellent traction and grip on all types of surfaces. The shoe’s lightweight yet supportive upper is made of a breathable mesh material that helps to keep your feet cool and comfortable on long runs, while the padded tongue and collar provide additional cushioning and support.
In terms of fit, the Trailroc 270 is true to size (however, there are some complaints about them running slightly small) and offers a comfortable and secure fit that is perfect for runners of all levels. The shoe’s lacing system is easy to adjust, and the removable insole allows you to customize the fit to your specific needs.
Overall, the Inov-8 Trailroc 270 is a top-quality trail running shoe that is suitable for a wide range of runners. Whether you’re just starting out on the trails or are an experienced runner looking for a reliable and durable shoe, the Trailroc 270 is definitely worth considering.
These shoes still provide some natural feel, even though it can’t be compared to true barefoot trail running shoes.
Pros
- Protective
- Solid all round
Cons
- A bit heavier than alternatives
These shoes can be purchased here: Inov-8 Trailroc 270
New Balance Minimus 10v1 Trail
If you are looking for an ultralight minimalist trail running shoe, but you don’t want to break the bank, these shoes might be a good fit.
Even though these shoes may look like a barefoot trail runner, they are definitely minimalist and not barefoot trail running shoes. They have a slight 4 mm drop and they don’t really have the natural feel that a true barefoot shoe would bring to the table.
One thing that’s really noticeable is not only how light that they are, but that they are also very durable.
Another practical consideration, these shoes also perform pretty good on roads. So if you like to mix things up, these shoes are versatile enough for that.
The traction on these shoes is good, but not great. If this is you intend to use these shoes on highly technical trails, alternatives like the Arc’teryx Norvan SL 2 will be a better fit.
However, for most trail runners (and even road runners) who are looking for a great lightweight minimalist shoe that’s great for trail running, I can definitely recommend the New Balance Minimus 10v1.
Pros
- Great value
- Ultralight
- Very durable
Cons
- Not the best grip (Although still decent)
These shoes can be purchased here: New Balance Minimus 10v1 Trail
How do we pick the best minimalist trail running shoes?
It’s one thing to simply create a list of the best minimalist trail running shoes, but how did we actually make our picks?
Well, there are a couple of factors that we take into consideration.
Take note, it’s obviously impossible to be 100% neutral, so personal preference does come into play a little bit when selecting our top picks.
Durability
As always, durability is important. Not only does a durable shoe give us confidence to go on a longer trail run (definitely important on multiday trips). It also makes our purchase less expensive in the long run.
Weight
Weight is important for every type of running shoe, it’s even more important for minimalist running.
However, it’s usually a tradeoff between how protective the shoe is, how good the grip is, how durable it is and the weight.
Grip
Grip is another obvious factor. It’s pretty important for road running, but it’s extremely important for trail running.
When looking for a minimalist trail running shoe, we really don’t want to compromise on grip/traction.
Price
Price is always important and is always taken into account. Sometimes a more expensive item can be worth it, but often there is a good budget option as well.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity is more important for barefoot shoes than for minimalist shoes, so sensitivity is a less important factor. However, it’s still something to keep in mind when selecting a minimalist shoe.
Comfort
Obviously, comfort is important. However, for a minimalist running shoe, comfort is different than for a regular shoe, but we still want a good fit and a glove-like feeling when we put on those shoes.
Protectiveness
Having the feeling that we are running barefoot is important. However, it’s also super important to protect your feet from the elements, that’s, after all, the reason why we wear shoes.
Often, protectiveness is sacrificed so that a shoe feels more barefoot, it’s a very important tradeoff to be aware off.
Conclusion
It can be a challenge to find the right minimalist trail running shoes, there are a lot of factors to consider. In this article, I made a small selection of the best minimalist trail running shoes. There should be a solution for every type of trail runner.
We explored the best minimalist trail running shoes on the market for a variety of needs and preferences.
From the overall best mid-range option, the Altra Lone Peak 6, to the top-of-the-line Arc’teryx Norvan SL 2, there is a shoe for every type of runner.
If you do feel like you haven’t found the 100% match, feel free to let me know!
Happy running!