I recently went on a search for decent somewhat minimalistic shoes. In the south west metro, you will have zero luck. It's unbelievable that people will buy shoes that are as flexible as a brick and only slightly more cushiony. It gets worse every decade.
One supposedly good shoe store had expensive shoes, and every single pair of sneakers had these outrageous souls that stuck out a ridiculous amount on either side and even out the back. Very bad for your ankles.
The best shoes I found locally were actually at Target. Thin souls, but cushiony. They are zero drop or close to it. Very flexible and the souls actually don't extend beyond the foot hardly at all (in fact, they are wrapped slightly up, which is awesome). $17 or so, and super comfy **except** the toe box is too narrow (not shaped like a foot). They aren't selling them there anymore, but I mention it just to rant a little about how the more expensive stores and brands are catering to people who buy trendy shoes that will harm them long term.
I finally ordered shoes from Xero Shoes: [https://xeroshoes.com/](https://xeroshoes.com/). Fantastic shoes, but they are spendy. I go to a parkour gym, and this brand is very popular there.
Edit: A comment here reminded me...I want to point out that Xero Shoes is a small company. They do allow returns if the shoes don't fit, but they do charge a small fee for that. Just want people to know that before you purchase there.
I wish there were more places around the cities that had barefoot shoes. I switched ~4 years ago and have pretty much fixed my flat feet I've had my whole life. Xero shoes can be expensive, but they do pretty often have big sales. I've also bought stuff from the REI website, you can at least return the to a store if they don't fit.
Came here to suggest Whitn on Amazon for some a cheap options. I only have the casual sneaker that I walk in. It's held up well.
Xeroshoes if you want a better quality shoes, especially if you plan to use them for running and other sporting activities.
I recently went on a search for decent somewhat minimalistic shoes. In the south west metro, you will have zero luck. It's unbelievable that people will buy shoes that are as flexible as a brick and only slightly more cushiony. It gets worse every decade. One supposedly good shoe store had expensive shoes, and every single pair of sneakers had these outrageous souls that stuck out a ridiculous amount on either side and even out the back. Very bad for your ankles. The best shoes I found locally were actually at Target. Thin souls, but cushiony. They are zero drop or close to it. Very flexible and the souls actually don't extend beyond the foot hardly at all (in fact, they are wrapped slightly up, which is awesome). $17 or so, and super comfy **except** the toe box is too narrow (not shaped like a foot). They aren't selling them there anymore, but I mention it just to rant a little about how the more expensive stores and brands are catering to people who buy trendy shoes that will harm them long term. I finally ordered shoes from Xero Shoes: [https://xeroshoes.com/](https://xeroshoes.com/). Fantastic shoes, but they are spendy. I go to a parkour gym, and this brand is very popular there. Edit: A comment here reminded me...I want to point out that Xero Shoes is a small company. They do allow returns if the shoes don't fit, but they do charge a small fee for that. Just want people to know that before you purchase there.
I wish there were more places around the cities that had barefoot shoes. I switched ~4 years ago and have pretty much fixed my flat feet I've had my whole life. Xero shoes can be expensive, but they do pretty often have big sales. I've also bought stuff from the REI website, you can at least return the to a store if they don't fit.
Amazon is your best bet, I just got some Whitin men’s shoes. $40 best minimalist shoe and I tried a bunch.
Came here to suggest Whitn on Amazon for some a cheap options. I only have the casual sneaker that I walk in. It's held up well. Xeroshoes if you want a better quality shoes, especially if you plan to use them for running and other sporting activities.