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I meant to get this post out a lot earlier, but right now I’m getting pulled in all directions and unfortunately haven’t had a great deal of time to tend to the blog. Anyways, there’s some big news lately in the minimalist shoe market, with the biggest announcement being the Inov-8 Evoskin (you know, the brand that makes the F-Lite 230′s that I run in?) The Evoskin will really be the first direct competitor with Vibram Five Fingers and from the image, you can see why! If interested, check out Birthday Shoes and Fitness Footwear for reviews and product information.
Along with the Evoskin was the announcement that Inov-8 plans to put out even moer minimalist shoes than those already in their product line, including (gasp!) a shoe with zero heel-to-toe drop! You can see their explanation of the “Shoc-Zone” here, including images of two potential new models (both of which I’ll be anxiously awaiting!)
Not to be outdone, Vibram and Merrell announced that they’re working together on a new minimalist shoe line, called the Merrel Barefoot Collection. They’ll use Vibram’s expertise in shoe soles and experience with the minimalist market with VFFs, along with Merrell’s reputation as a manufacturer of high quality hiking/trail shoes. You can see some of the prototype images here and here.
Finally, it appears that we have a new player in the minimalist shoe market, with GoLite set to introduce a few models later this year.
It’s great to see so many new options coming in the future, even if many of them (Evoskin, new Inov-8′s) won’t be out until next year 
Looks like Kigo is entering the fray as well. All I can say is, the more the merrier!
Kigo Introduces New Line of Minimalist Shoes
Wow! Seriously minimalist!
Holy Trojans, Batman…
Kidding aside, I say good, believe it or not. Of course I worry about people running in these without actual barefoot experience, but competition will a) lower the price, b) give me more footwear options for those times when I feel like adding fashion to my feet and c) force shoe companies to actually learn how the foot works (gasp!) to make a better product.
It will be interesting to see how this all plays out, though.
Maybe they’ll come out with an awesome “foot cover”, which appears to be a shoe on top, but has no sole so you’re really running barefoot. Maybe this would allow those a bit more concerned with how they look to take it up. I guess you could just cut the sole off your shoes though
Been lucky enough to be testing these and helping with feedback for the last year. I am so excited that the launch is coming….The improvents are amazing, they are super durable, and you actually forget that you are wearing anything on your feet after awhile.
You still have to be a bit careful (like normal barefoot) not to step on anything too jagged, but I have done a fair amount of trail running in these and it is SO MUCH FUN! Great for yoga, acrobatics, slacklining, etc….too.
Sweat issue has not been a problem for me, even when wearing them for 6 hours….
Longest run so far – 15 miles…. massive calf work until you get used to it!
@Jason: That’s awesome that you got to try the Evoskin’s out! Any chance you got to try any of the other Inov-8 prototypes as well? Also, are the Evoskins tricky to get on? They seem as if they’d be harder to put on than VFFs.
Found this about the Inov-8 Evoskins: http://www.fitnessfootwear.com/p-3144-inov-8-evoskin-blue.aspx Alternate colors…but still curious how A) easy it is to put on and B) if it sweats a lot.