After 25+ many years of running in heeled-cushioned shoes with orthotics (getting injured, extreme knee and back pains) and jump-started over 5 years ago doing my activities injury-free and pain-free in minimalist shoes, I unequivocally recommend only minimal shoes for all your activities including running, track & field, cycling, walking, casual, gym, etc. The pendulum will swing from maximalist shoes to minimalist shoes within 2 yrs and settle again in lightly cushioned, zero or low drop minimalist shoes ' my prediction.
For Spring/Summer 2015 and available to buy starting next week, Merrell Barefoot is finally re-launching their latest zero drop running shoes that we have grown to love a few years back: Vapor Glove, Trail Glove, Pace Glove, and Bare Access. Grab them before they disappear'
I was one of the few minimalist runners who wear-tested sales samples of the Merrell Barefoot Assortment of zero drop and low drop (4mm) minimalist athletic shoes Four years ago in the Running Event in Austin, TX. As recent as last summer, Merrell continues to be pushing the AllOut Collection with a whooping 6mm and better heel-to-toe drop rather than the Barefoot Collection. That explained why we never wear tested any models in the AllOut Collection. We are mostly of the remaining true believers of zero drop and low drop (4mm or lower) minimalist athletic shoes. Unfortunately, just a few dedicated brands exist in that category: Skora, Topo Athletic, Altra Running, and VIVOBAREFOOT.