A very good option for minimalist shoes is actually indoor track shoes. I got Saucony Kilkennys for example, for only $20 online with a sale. They have a bit thicker and stiffer sole and heel area (and more arch support) than something like a Vivo Barefoot (owned a pair before, got on sale at Marshalls) but overall they're pretty much the same type of shoe imo. http://www.firsttothefinish.com/ItemMatrix.asp?Cc=fw_foot_CC&GroupCode=20125%2D4C&eq=fw_201254c&MatrixType=1 Something like that. 6.8oz. Mind you I'm not a runner and bought them to wear for plyometrics/vertical jump training in the gym.

I'm pretty glad I discovered indoor track shoes. I personally feel after getting this pair of indoor track shoes, that minimalist shoes are just a scam. They'll sell for anywhere from 50-100% more of the price of a comparable indoor track shoe. Take the Nike Zoom track shoes vs Nike Frees for example. The other big plus with indoor track shoes is new models come out every year or so, and then you can find old models on clearance for very little money (those Kilkennys were $60 MSRP, I got them for $20.)

Anyway, for casual knockabout shoes, generic Converse/Vans/etc aren't bad at all. I actually got a very nice pair of shoes from K-Mart. Everlast Laynes. Weigh 6.5oz! Only problem is the sole isn't all rubberized. But it's a nice comfy minimal shoe just for walking around and whatnot. Cost me only $8 brand new, too.

Anyway, I'm not a runner, so I might be full of crap about all this, but track waffles are where it's at for "minimal" shoes for less money. Increases my vertical jump by at least an inch or so compared to Converses, too.

For work, kigos have served me. They have maryjane style and covered style that worked great for summer versus winter. I only buy when on sale or clearance, as low as $15. Great traction, the Drive has lacing that makes it fit well enough for hiking. Reminds me of rock climbing shoes.
For eve better ground feel, sockwa are the thinnest rubber sole. Pair w wool socks for most comfortable winter shoe. They do make my feet sweat, but I have yet to try their latest which is more breathable. Got mine for $25 on clearance.

Thanks so much for this article!! I was starting to go insane looking at "vegan" $100 footwear which consists of a rubber/neoprene sole and fake leather. If they took the fancy name brand off and "vegan", it's like a $20 shoe.

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

Hi, 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.

I started wearing the Lumina shoes from Call it Spring. They're like Tom's Shoes but with thinner soles and rounded toes.

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 read this article in June 2014 and bought a pair of the OP Menhatens at my local Wal-Mart. They were about $10 if I recall correctly. I agree that they are a good entry-level minimalist shoe with a nice wide sole and good ground feel. I took the insoles out of them after a couple of weeks, because they were slipping around anyway and the cloth lining was separating from the rubber of the insole. My one complaint is that they are fairly heavy, about the same weight as my C9 running shoes from Target. I use them for running errands, helping people move, doing yard work, etc.

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!

I am looking for information on wireless shoes for people with flat feet