Yes, I think of this article, and the Menhatens and Athletecs in particular, as a sort of "gateway drug." Also, as you point out, they're a great option for when you don't want to wear out your nice VFFs, Vivos, or other expensive shoes doing dirty work. I'm glad this article is of use to you...I'll continue to keep it up to date, so feel free to point others here if they have questions.

Thank you for the support, and for the real-world data!

JS

I have since upgraded to a pair of VFF SeeYa LS, which I found on sale for $50. The VFFs are much lighter weight than the OPs, and don't get as sweaty on the inside. I find running in the VFFs to be more fun, although I agree that the ground feel isn't quite as precise.

I also made myself a pair of huaraches out of a baler belt from a tractor supply store. I also made a pair for all of my kids, and the cost per shoe for all of the raw materials was well under $10/sandal. They are fun to run in, but I like the VFFs better so far. Maybe during the summer time I will like the huaraches better.

Thanks for your review, and for the good discussion below in the comments!

Take minimalist footwear and make it yet more minimal ... in fact, the true definition of minimal, which is the smallest amount of protection required for folks to get out there and enjoy as unshod as possible on modern surfaces.

Good call! Best of luck. I'll jump in with a sensible investment when I've read through all the options. Sweet! I really want to try some of these, so let's hit that investment requirement!

Ordinarily I delete blatant self-promotion, but your Kickstarter is asking for a sane amount of money, the product will actually be inexpensive, and it looks like a cool idea, so it stays. Best of luck to you!

JS

The Kickstarter Campaign is focused on getting people to try them and give feedback so that I can really perfect them.

Upon arrival, I thought they were too small. I picked my regular size. Home, I tried again, tried again without the insoles and tried yet again without socks. Perfect! Larger shoes would have been slopping around, but without insoles (which is advised on the box for barefooters) and without socks (duh! barefoot) they're just perfect!

Here's to several hundred miles in them ...

http://www.vivobarefoot.com/uk/clearance/breatho-trail-mens?colour=Lime ... look around for an online retailer in your area who might be carrying them at a dramatically reduced price.

Those look like a very usable option for women...who seem to have many more options when it comes to cheap, flat slip-ons than men!

JS

On sale can usually get them for $15 to $20.

http://m.callitspring.com/mt/www.callitspring.com/us/clearance/womens-shoes/flats/90911755-lumina/15

I do my best to keep this post up to date: I'll have to make another big-box trip soon, as the water shoes are all in stock for the year.

The Merrells work very well for some people and not at all for others: I think it depends on whether your arch is shaped like the one in the shoe or not.  Same with VFFs: though many love them, my toes simply aren't shaped like VFF toes.

Thank you for sharing your experiences!  I encourage all my readers to leave their own reviews, experiences, etc. in the comments.

JS

this is old. but i want to add few data points since last time.

. Merrel barefoot shoes

zero toe drop. but have a big hump (arch support?) which kind of defeats the purpose of "barefoot" it's also uncomfortable.

do NOT recommend.

. Sanuk canvas shoes : inexpensive, comfortable. zero toe drop, no arch support.

. Sanuk sandals : zero toe drop, no arch support.inexpensive. comfortable & airy. toes breath.

. "Unshoes" sandals (Pah Template)

http://www.unshoesusa.com/pahtempe.html

HORRIBLE design despite the size fits OK.

the problem is the 1st strap is too far away from the "bow". & there was too much strap in the "stern"
this creats big gaping (between the bow & toes)

i ended up tripping over stairs, steps, pebbles, every little kinks & unevenness all the time (i mean, indoor floor, side walk) due to gaping.

i gave them to GoodWill.

so far, just for walking, kicking around, i like Sanuk the best.

for ability sport, i have not found anything that beats 5-toe Vibram.

cheers.

That's a great point.  Leather is expensive, so most cheap shoes will be "vegan", though they don't actually say it on the label.

And yes, it's ironic that it costs much more money to get...less shoe.  For something mass-produced of cheap materials like (synthetic) rubber, the prime determinant of cost is sales volume, not material cost. 

JS

I get why I pay extra for my Paleo food. The rest of the lifestyle seems like it should come in a bit cheaper. 😉

Kigos are usually well out of the "cheap" price range, but they seem to have some cheap ones on clearance, and they look nice.  If I were female I'm sure I'd try a pair.

Note that I originally wrote this article back in 2012, when minimal shoes were in such demand that nothing was ever on sale: VFFs were usually backordered, and there weren't as many options as there are now.  So it's now possible to find actual branded minimal shoes on sale for a reasonable price.

JS