minimalist shoes

Running

Shoe Review: Brooks PureCadence

The Brooks PureCadence ($120) is part of the company's new PureProject line of minimalist running shoes.

The Brooks PureCadence ($120) is part of the company's new PureProject line of minimalist running shoes. The shoes all feature lightweight, flexible, and eco-friendly materials and are designed to improve your stride. The PureCadence, one of four PureProject models designed for different running needs, is made for the overpronator. Show me a stability shoe that's lightweight and cute, and I get excited, so I was more than happy to test out a pair Brooks sent over. If you're in the market for a pair of minimalist shoes for your dry or indoor runs, read on to learn more about the PureCadence.

If you're a regular stability shoe user, your feet will be happily surprised when you slip on these lightweight shoes. Each PureCadence shoe weighs in at 8.3 ounces, but these sneakers don't skimp on support and cushioning. My feet never felt better, whether I was on the treadmill or running in the park, thanks to the Brooks DNA gel-cushioning, which disperses or firms depending on your stride to give you the support you need. And even though I have low arches, I'm a big fan of the Nav Band that wraps around the shoe (you can see the neon green band in the middle of the shoe in the photo) — you can feel the arch support while you run. My runs felt more light and bouncy than normal, thanks not only to the minimalist design but also the small touches that help correct your stride, like split sole to under the big toe to give it room to balance and push off during your runs (see the split in the sole photo above), and a rounded short heel box helps correct your stride to be more mid- or forward-foot.

Keep reading for more about my Brooks PureCadence review.

Fitness

Run Lightly: Minimalist Shoes For Spring

Barefoot running seems to be more than a passing trend; it seems everywhere I look, runners are wearing the Vibram 5 Finger gloves for your feet shoes.
ClimaCool Chill by Adidas

Barefoot running seems to be more than a passing trend; it seems everywhere I look, runners are wearing the Vibram 5 Finger gloves for your feet shoes. Many popular fitness shoe brands, following Nike's lead with it's line of Free running shoes, are responding to this craze by creating lightweight minimalist sneakers. These running shoes protect your feet without over cushioning them. Here are five sneakers that bridge the gap between heavily fortified running shoes and no shoes at all.