– Mike Finch
For many runners interested in the merits of running freely, the ideal shoe is no shoe. But most of the running we do means we need to protect our bare feet from flesh-piercing objects and unforgiving manmade surfaces. Here’s the latest in ‘barefoot’ running….
Minimalist footwear is all the rage as ‘naturalists’ promote the advantages of running in a shoe that allows your foot to operate most naturally. It all started with the likes of the Vibram Five Fingers, and even the Nike Free technology, and now a lot of shoe companies are producing their own barefoot versions.
Terra Plana’s Evo II is the first running shoe developed by the American company after years of manufacturing fashion shoes based on a minimalist and enviromentally friendly philosophy.
Unlike extreme barefoot shoes like Vibram’s Five Fingers, Terra Plana’s Evo is
a sturdier version in a world where sturdy is seen as a sin. With a heel height of 11.1mm it is still well below the running shoe norm of 28mm plus, and the sole and upper are certainly sturdier than the Vibram’s.
With its nylon inner combined with a mesh outer layer to ensure strength, the fit is snug and the materials seem durable.
As is the norm with minimalist shoes, the design is focused on getting runners to run on the forefoot as opposed to striking with their heels first – a common trait with traditional running shoes.
As a result the heel and toe height differential is zero, which ensures that the foot is allowed to operate most naturally.
As with all minimalist running shoes, taking time to adapt to the shoe is key to its success, and even then many runners simply aren’t able to cope with the lack of cushioning and support. But if there is a shoe that fills the gap between ‘absolute barefoot’ and ‘minimalist’, the Terra Plana Evo is the closest yet.
Watch www.runnersworld.co.za for more details on its SA arrival.
R899 (expected price)
www.vivobarefoot.com
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