Altra Zero Drop 2013 - Lone Peak 1.5

Altra Zero Drop Footwear has done a tremendous job of giving a wide array of options for the minimalist minded runner. They recently announced an update to the Lone Peak model. As an aggressive trail runner, the Lone Peak 1.5 will offer a Zero heel-to-toe drop, rugged outsole and plenty of protective cushioning. Altra removed many of the overlays around the midfoot, making the Lone Peak 1.5 much more flexible, streamlined and lighter weight. At 9.9 ounces, the Lone Peak 1.5 is an entire ounce lighter than the previous model. This amazing new design will hit stores in April 2013 and retail for $115.       

Source: DrawtheLine

Merrell Ascend Glove - July 2013

Running Warehouse recently dropped a big sneak Peek on a new “Barefoot Style” shoe that will be out later in 2013. Keeping true to the Merrell Barefoot Line, the Merrell Ascend Glove will be a zero-drop trail running shoe, yet provide more cushioning than the successful Trail Glove. Traversing technical trails in minimal footwear can be taxing on a runners foot and legs. The Ascend Glove from Merrell solves this problem by offering a 10.5 mm stack height and a protective Rock-plate that runs from the forefoot to the heel. The upper uses Merrell’s new MotionMesh, that has increased breathability and flexes freely with the foots natural movements. The Vibram outsole looks much more aggressive than previous models for increased traction on mountainside trails.  The Ascend Glove will be out in July 2013 and will retail for $120.

Merrell Bare Access 2 - Now Available

Merrell is in the process of updating some of its Barefoot Line for 2013. The Bare Access 2 is the newest addition and can be found on Merrell.com. This zero-drop shoe offers a full Vibram outsole and 8mm of EVA cushioning. The zero drop platforms allows for a natural ride, while the 13.5 mm stack height provides ideal cushioning for longer distance runs. Like all the Merrell Barefoot Line, the Bare Access 2 is seamless on the inside and made with breathable mesh. (Weight: 7oz)

Vibram Five Fingers goes Fleece - October 2012

Vibram continues to push the limits of toe shoes with the addition of these cold weather Five Fingers. Over the last few years, many runners have enjoyed the comfort of barefoot running experience without sacrificing the barefoot part. As cold weather creeps upon runners, Vibram Five Fingers will offer fleece lining into the all-terrain Lontra for Fall/Winter 2012. Look for these fleece lined toe shoes to be released in mid October.  

Source: Counterkicks

New Balance Hi-Rez - Spring 2013

New Balance will be taking minimal one step further with the Minimus Hi-Rez. This innovative design gives barefoot runners an ultra-minimal shoe experience. New Balance is using a pixilated sole comprised of 42 unconnected rubber pods that are welded into a soft, durable, synthetic fabric that acts as the midsole. The result is an extremely lightweight (4.3 oz) and flexible shoe that allows each pod to move independently with the foot. The New Balance Hi-Rez (Zero Drop) can easily be rolled up into a ball and looks to be a great competitor with Merrell’s Vapor Glove as we enter 2013. Look for the New Balance Minimus Hi-Rez early next spring for $119.
  

Source: GearJunkie

Altra Instinct 1.5 - New Fall 2012

The award-winning Instinct from Altra Zero Drop Footwear will be seeing an upgrade this fall. Altra Instinct 1.5 continues the marriage between zero drop minimalism with support and cushioning. A wide toe box throughout the forefoot allows for natural foot splay, while the Zero Drop Platform allows runners to maintain proper running technique. The midsole of the Instict 1.5 contains 12mm of dual layer EVA with A-Bound cushioning on top. The road running outsole is designed with a 4.5 mm Footpod rubber and harriers will find an improved upper mesh. Additionally, the Instinct 1.5 will offer a full length seamless inner lining with wicking properties. Altra Instinct 1.5 weighs 8.9 oz and can be found this fall Fall for $94.

Merrell Bare Access 2 - Spring 2013

Running Warehouse recently posted the above video on Merrell’s Bare Access 2 that will be available this Fall 2012. Jon, from Merrell, discusses the updates Merrell has made to this minimalist road runner since the original Bare Access 1. The Bare Access 2 offers runners a 00mm heel-to-toe drop and a 15mm stack height. Merrell has updated the upper as well as the outsole giving runners a full length Vibram outsole. The Bare Access 2 weighs in at 7oz and cost $90. Men’s and Women’s styles can be seen below.

New Balance Minimus 10v2 - Spring 2013

Updating its successful Minimus running collection, the New Balance Minimus 10v2 will be hitting stores in 2013. Minimus 10v2 offers a 4mm drop and is designed for road runners looking for a balance between ground feel and protection. Changes from the original Minimus include a redesigned upper, new Vibram Road Lite outsole, New Balance’s RevLite cushioning foam and increased flexibility. Much like the Minimus Zero, the 10v2 will feature a mono-tongue construction that securely wraps athlete’s instep. This finely tuned revamp has also been lowered by 2mm, bring road runners closer to the ground. The Minimus 10v2 will launch in March 2013 for $109.95.  

Merrell Vapor Glove Barefoot Running Shoe

Available in February 2013, Merrell will be pushing the limits with their super minimal Vapor Glove. With a zero heel-to-toe drop and a mere 6mm of underfoot foot, barefoot runners will maximize their ground feel. As seen in the image above, the model is one of the most flexible barefoot shoes for 2013. Like the entire Merrell Barefoot line, the Vapor Glove has a full Vibram rubber outsole and a durable mesh upper. This barefoot runner retails for $80 and offers a wide range of colors in Men’s and Women’s. See one users thoughts on the fit and feel at Frunning. 

Inov-8 Trailroc 150

Inov-8 will be expanding its Trailroc series in Spring 2013 with the addition of the Trailroc 150(see the Trialroc 235, 245 and 255 at iRunFar). The new Trailrock 150 is much lighter weight at 5.3 oz and extremely minimal. A zero-drop differential will give users a barefoot running experience with maximum traction. Inov-8 uses its Tri-C outsole, using three different rubber compounds throughout the outsole. In areas that typically experience the most wear, larger cleats and enhance rubber is used. The outer section of the outsole provides hard rubber that gives stability; while a third soft and sticky rubber can be found near the toe and inner arch. Anatomical fit and Met-Cradle lacing system is used in the upper giving runners a secure glove like fit. Video: See Max Delacy of BarefootincNZ thoughts on the Trairoc 150.

U.K. Brand: Anatom Footwear Minimalist Running Shoe

U.K. hiking company Anatom Footwear will be joining the ever expanding minimalist running shoe market. Anatom’s 2013 minimalist running shoe will be a transitional shoe for “barefoot” runners, offering a 5mm heel-to-toe drop (9mm/4mm). Like most minimal products, runners will find a snug fit in the heel and a roomy toe box. The unnamed style has a removable footbed and EVA for some underfoot cushion. Mesh gives plenty of breathability throughout the upper, while the outsole is a high grade grippy rubber. What are your thoughts on Anatom's running shoe?

Mizuno Zero Drop Running Shoes

As the minimalist running trend continue to move mainstream, Mizuno decided to join the running shoe niche of zero drop and cushioning we these two styles. Offered in both men’s and women’s, the Wave Evo Levitas and Wave Evo Cursoris will be at a running store near you in 2013. The more minimal Wave Evo Levitas ($110) has a stack height of 15 mm in both the heel and forefoot and weighs 6.5 ounces. Wave Evo Cursoris ($120) will provide runners with 18mm of heel-to-toe cushion and weigh in at 7.5 ounces. These styles were first dropped at Running Warehouse and like the guys over at RW, I too believe Zero Drop more cushion will be a huge theme for 2013. We can already see the same from brands like New Balance, Merrell, Saucony, Skechers, Brooks and Altra.   

Adidas adiPure Running Collection

It seems that all the major brands are stepping into the minimalist running party (Ok maybe not Asics). Over the past week we have seen both Adidas and Mizuno announce the addition of “barefoot like” footwear (of the non-toed variety. Adidas’s Adipure line will feature three shoes offering various drops for your minimal needs. The adiPure Motion ($110) has an 11mm drop and seems to be the entry point for runners into the adiPure Collection. A step down to 7mm drop can be found with the adiPure Gazelle ($100) and the most minimal is the slip on adiPure Adapt ($90) which weighs in at 4.5 ounces. All styles feature minimal use of rubber on the outsole and Adidas’ TECHFIT upper, a stretchy mesh that provides a sock-like fit and a polyurethane patter for structure and flexibility.