Minimalist Running Shoes Go Toe to Toe - Vibram Five Fingers Classic vs. Soft Star Shoes Moc3

hmm. this time rock beats paper...

The UGLYSHOE (TM)* throwdown - road test

*don't get me wrong. I think all these shoes are beautiful. In the way your mom says you are beautiful...on the inside...No really, form follows function. Comfort is beauty. My eyesight is 20/20 with my shoe goggles on...

I've now had a chance to jog in both shoes around the MuniGeo (TM) test loop, an approximately 2 mile paved loop of neighborhood roads and sidewalks that includes hills, straights, a little gravel debris, and currently a discarded feather duster with a lone feather and a smushed squirrel (soon to be featured on MuniGeo (TM)).

First, the defending champ. VFF classic

+ allows toes to spread as much as possible. Look at the photo! The VFF is much wider!
+ 3mm sole feels very cushy compared to 2mm Moc3. Heel and forefoot felt very protected against inadvertent impacts

- suprisingly and almost against logic, with material around each toe, I felt very confined compared to the more shoe-like Moc3's.
- 3mm sole also feels clunky compared to Moc3's
- toe pain in crotch of toe running downhill

Now the contender. SSS Moc3

+ amazing groundfeel with 2mm sole.
+ with no material surrounding each toe, feet feel amazingly free.

- 2mm sole means easy impact injury due to a misstep.
- shoe is a little narrow, not allowing my feet to spread as far as I want.
- I can feel the seam connecting the upper to the sole.

The winner? Soft Star Shoes Moc3!
It is not perfect. I would love for it to be a little wider. And missteps can cause injury but that is my fault. This really is the ultimate minimalist, minimalist running shoe. For now this will be my primary outdoor shoe when I am not wearing sandals.

What's next?

More UGLYSHOE (TM) throwdowns including:
-running on trails
-wet weather, drying time
-funk test, washing
-new contenders??? Invisibleshoe, the ultimate minimalist running sandal?
-make your own UGLYSHOE (TM)?

If you want some VFF's, try this link. I get a commission if you buy through this link.
Vibram FiveFingers Womens Classic Multisport Shoe - Tan In Size: 36

Shoe goggles: Comfort IS beauty

I like shoes. How many shoes should a "minimalist" have? none.

or one. for each foot.

Actually I think the real answer is the fewest possible to be able to do everything one needs and wants to do. so for me...

1. Barefoot as much as possible without health and safety issues. pool / gym shower fungus, ringworm, etc.
2. flip flops for everyday non winter casual use and the poolside / gym shower fungus thing.
3. Athletic shoe - running, hiking
4. Shoe acceptable for work and less casual activities.
5. Apocalypse boot - something to wear while riding motorcycles and fighting zombies...

I'm fine with one shoe covering more than one category but often what happens is you get with flexibility is less actual performance / quality.

I'm a little sick of my Vibram Five Fingers. I used to enjoy the "groundfeel" of them but now even they feel restrictive, with each toe surrounded and the heel tightly cupped. I think it's a result of getting these cozy LL Bean Wicked Good Moccasins. I have always preferred wearing sandals (flip flops) but you really can't run in them and a lot of workplaces don't allow them. And Chacos are damned heavy and strappy. I'm sure they would be comfortable though.

I'm tired of feeling my foot crammed in a shoe. I need space to spread out! And I need one that I can wear for more activities like running, longer distance walking, hiking, and a casual workplace. And not have to wear socks.

Strike One.
I ordered some Patagonia Pau Shoes. Nice leather and wide toe box. Also resolable. However, it bites me on the ankles and has a very loose fit for me overall. And the resoling costs $80!

Then I started thinking about Made in USA and I started doing research. New Balance was the only company I really knew of that made some shoes in USA. Unfortunately, their minimalist shoes are made, ahem...elsewhere.

In my search I also found a company called Soft Star Shoes (softstarshoes.com). Minimalist shoes made in Oregon from US raw materials. This sounds promising. I ordered the Soft Star Moc3 which is a slip on minimalist running shoe. It most likely will not be resolable. They are on their way to me and if they fit well I will keep them and start using them everyday! Either way I will let you know.