Cheap minimal footwear - PaleoHacks.com

Cheap minimal footwear

2011-05-16T01:43:12Z

Right now my go-to shoes are starting to fall apart, and I'm starting to look for a good everyday shoe to replace them with.

What I'm looking for is:

under $80 ideally
wide toe box
looks like a casual shoe

I've been wearing New Balance in the past, and they are ok, but I'd still like something that has less of a sole, and that also has a wide toe box. Any suggestions?

Edit, 5/16 at 8:00am: I just bought a pair of the Black Feiyue shoes on Amazon. I'll report back once I get them and try them on. Thank you all for the suggestions.

EDIT 5/29: I got the Feiyues, and have been walking around in them for a day and a half.
PROS: Flexible sole. Nice and wide toe box. Comfortable shoe. Low price, good quality.
CONS: Feels as though there's a thick part of the sole that runs up and down the middle of it - gives the sensation of balancing your foot on a beam or sorts. Although I think this is getting better the more I wear them.
All in all, it's a good shoe that gets the job done.

Answer by Anonymous Coward for Cheap minimal footwear

2011-05-16T01:50:48Z

What about a pair of Sambas? They're like $55 (plus shipping if you order them online) and they're just classic flat-soled shoes. Of course Vibrams would be best, but if they need to look like normal shoes and be under $80, Sambas, being flat-soled and simple, will mitigate most of the damage associated with wearing running shoes or something.

Answer by A at Grain Free Diet for Cheap minimal footwear

2011-05-16T01:58:22Z

I can't remember where I read this, but when I was reading about minimalist footwear someone suggested water shoes as an alternative. They can be crazy cheap and some of them look like regular shoes (there are quite a few pairs out there for less than $20). Plus, the sole is pretty thin.

Answer by Wil for Cheap minimal footwear

2011-05-16T02:08:17Z

How about these? I've been using them mostly for running, but they're casual enough to be worn in an environment that is not strict about foot ware.

Answer by Jamie G. for Cheap minimal footwear

2011-05-16T02:22:20Z

I love my huaraches that I got from InvisibleShoe.com... only $15 (you put them together yourself, really easy). I've been running in them for several months... and out and about sometimes to tan my feet (though I get a lot of goofy stares and comments.

I've been holding out for a pair of Altra Adams (suppose to be available by the end of the month $99 online/ $89 in a store if near you). They have a super wide toe box, but are suppose to fit like a champ... heard nothing but positive reviews about them from reputable sources. Also has several different insole choices (that come with it), or just remove them both. http://altrarunning.com/

Answer by saiklón for Cheap minimal footwear

2011-05-16T02:50:16Z

Cross country racing flats.

For example, my Saucony Shay XCs have lasted over a year. I expect to get a few more months out of them before they seperate (wear them everywhere including running and the gym) I wear them without socks. They feel like slippers. Are lighter than sandals and look like normal shoes for the most part. Tie them loose and you never know they are there. They are so light they will never slip off. Paid 50 for this particular model at the time.

Oh yeah. The sole is about a 1/2 inch in the rear and tapers to 3/8s at the front. Sole is pliable enough to roll up the shoe and lift up your toes and feel pebbles under-foot and so on. The upper material is very breathable. Lastly, looks like they have a new version now, hopefully it's just as great as the original.

Answer by Jodi for Cheap minimal footwear

2011-05-16T03:31:34Z

A new Vivobarefoot running sandal is coming soon: Achilles, $60. Looks interesting. Vivos have thin Vibram soles (very flexible with good road-feel) and generally wide toe boxes.

Answer by Ed for Cheap minimal footwear

2011-05-16T03:40:19Z

I have a pair of TOMS ($44 to $80 US) and a pair of Sanuks ($48 to $85 US). They're both comfortable and presentable.

Answer by Rhubarb for Cheap minimal footwear

2011-05-16T04:30:31Z

Dunlop Volley's.

I've not seen them outside of Australia, maybe they go by other names around the world?

They are a simple canvas upper shoe, flat sole, no arch support, no cushioning, no massive heal, etc. Not unlike Nike Free's but they've been around since the 1940's and don't have the marketing hype.

They became a wee bit cool on the fringe at some point and doubled in price, but they're still less than $50 AUD.

http://volley.com.au/

http://www.shoesexpress.com.au/dunlop-volley-shoes/

Answer by Joey Manicotti for Cheap minimal footwear

2011-05-16T07:20:38Z

Check out feelmax. I've only found them in the states through a website called extremeoutfitters.com. They feel like wearing socks only. I have the pankas and I wear them to work quite often and virtually no one even notices them.

Answer by oliverh for Cheap minimal footwear

2011-05-16T11:48:12Z

Squash shoes would be good or scuba diving shoes (might look silly though).

I wear ($50) Nike Free as a general all purpose shoe (not for running), I saw a tutorial on youtube for making the sole thinner too, if you dare.

Lots of footwear here: http://www.barefootmotion.com/minimalist-footwear.html

Answer by Lucinda for Cheap minimal footwear

2011-05-16T12:46:46Z

Try Sanuk's. They are the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn, are casual and cute. They come in many styles to chose from. www.sanuk.com My whole family wears them :)

Answer by Jeff for Cheap minimal footwear

2011-05-16T14:12:20Z

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Converse Chuck Taylors (low tops). They are very flat, and of course socially accepted. You can run and lift weights in them very comfortably. In fact, if you look you might find many powerlifters even wearing them during workouts.

Generally around $40 and come in every color under the sun.

Answer by Thomas Seay for Cheap minimal footwear

2011-05-16T14:27:16Z

Go with these deadlifting slippers. Can't beat the $8.00

Answer by Yoannah_offca for Cheap minimal footwear

2011-05-17T01:55:24Z

These answers are great! While looking for sanuks, I found very similar style from Sketchers, I think they call them "beach mocs" anyone had an experience with them? they are half the price of Sanuks...

Answer by miked for Cheap minimal footwear

2011-05-17T02:55:34Z

I wear driving (racing) shoes. The sole is thin so you can feel the pedals better. But for normal day to day wear they're awesome. I forget the model but they were only $60 from Puma.

Answer by wheelhouse for Cheap minimal footwear

2011-05-17T18:42:54Z

I know you already made a decision, but just throwing this out there for other reading up on this. If you are looking for something actually designed to be in the minimalist camp, the Merrell Tough Glove looks like a normal shoe, and has the same minimalist sole that the other shoes (Trail and True Gloves) use. While they are out of your budget at around $100, you can almost always find a 20% off and free shipping code for shoebuy which gets you a lot closer. http://www.zappos.com/merrell-barefoot-tough-glove-black

Answer by upere for Cheap minimal footwear

2013-01-22T08:27:53Z

Cheap minimal footwear are at http://www.upere.com/upere-wedge-sneakers-c-1.html.