derelict

Thanks, I will definitely take a look at those...

uppereastff

Just be sure if you get one of the barefoot variations without heels NOT to use a treadmill. You will pay for it with Achilles Heel pain later.

sdemw

+1 (not nice!)

gobluetwo

Disagree about the treadmill. Everyone is different, but for the minimalist low or no heel drop shoes (like the New Balance Minimus, Merrell Barefoot shoes, Vibram Five Fingers, etc.), you need to be aware that it takes time to transition into them, whether you're on a treadmill, the road, or trails, as most people seem to strike differently (going from heel to mid- or fore-foot). It's not for everyone. It is for me.

Read websites like:
http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advi...t-running.html
http://running.competitor.com/2013/0...ing-shoe_64030
http://naturalrunningcenter.com/2013...tural-runners/
and others for info.

AATrout

The NB minimus shoes are great. I have the new 10v2 Trails. But I pack them only occasionally. The reason is that traveling light for 3 days I'm flying wearing the suit I'm in for that period + packed: a few extra shirts and ties. For things casual: its jeans or shorts and a pair of Scarpa Epics. Good for running, cross training and walking and they are fine for wear with anything except a suit.

http://www.scarpa.com/scarpa/product...NG/p_32007-351

Couple these with a pair of Patagonia Mauis in a carry-on and you have it covered. I like the UL trails from NB but they stay at home.

benjifrank

I enjoy Nike Pegasus.

uppereastff

My NY podiatrist, who treated the US Olympic team, says these minimalist shoes now account for a hefty percentage of his patients. He recommends at least half an inch of heel height.

gobluetwo

I would also be willing to bet that it's because many people who buy these minimalist shoes just go out and run their normal distances at their normal paces. Having done my research, I know that transitioning takes time. I normally run 4-5 miles, it took me a month to get back to 1 mile, and another month to get back to 2. I should be back to my normal distance in another month or so.

Because of the way traditional running shoes are made, your feet muscles and calves tend to be utilized far less than with these minimalist shoes. It's like any workout - you have to build up.

Of course, these shoes aren't for everyone. It's an effort to make the transition, and you need to be patient. I've been filling the rest of my time with biking and swimming (and boy, am I bad at swimming!).

freecia

New Balance also released the Minimus Hi-Rez shoe which is impressively flexible.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55hyLDZaDPc

It looks like it could really fit into just about any bag.
Review
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7vIdySwMsg

roverkt

I know you've said you're not considering Vibram Fivefingers, but I'd say if you have large feet like mine (UK10.5/US44) and not such a big luggage, they're probably the easiest to pack while traveling.

They're quite soft so you can also squeeze them without damaging them over the long run.

Also depends on what you do in the gym. For weights I've found that they offer better grip of the ground. Ok for treadmills too though you might want to get socks to absorb the sweat.

globetrots

I think most of the ultralight, minimalist running shoes will do the trick. That's one good thing that came out of the (now-waning) barefoot running craze. I've used ones from New Balance that were quite good. For sneakers that don't look like running shoes though, check out these Teva Mush Frio ones. They're my go-to pair now for most trips where I'll be using a gym. I wore them on a biking tour too.

~tc~

I got a pair of the Reebok "Flex" and they are pretty compact, but I'm on the lookout for something with a bit more collapsible heel.

I will say they are quite comfortable for walking around sightseeing after work, and that is saying something as I suffer from plantar fasciitis and my feet/heels just about always hurt.

summersong

I always have to have a pair of sneakers when I travel since my feet hurt and blister easily even with comfy flats or sandals. So far my favorite travel sneakers are from Inov-8. I have a pair each from their F-Lite and (Zero) Bare X lines. Runners-up: Nike Free and Merrells.

Oh, and hello. I'm new.

arjunrc

Whoa! This puts my NB minimus to shame! Nice!