Roll, Not Bend
Forefoot flex grooves seem to be a thing of the past, and shoes across the spectrum are harder to bend. Credit that to the increased thickness of the midsoles, the desire for more cushioning under the forefoot, and the light foam being used.
Regardless of the cause, stiff midsoles are more the norm. To compensate, the toe-spring (shaping the sole so it rolls up in the front) is back in a big way.
The New Balance Fresh Foam Zante has a relatively low flexibility for a lightweight shoe but the upward angle on the toe allows the heel to come up as your leg pushes back.
On an oversized shoe like the Hoka Bondi 4, the toe isn't curved up as much as the sole is cut away—it gets thinner from the ball of the foot forward—allowing for a forward roll off the high midsole.
Toe-spring also allows a quick toe-off feel for those who don't have as much metatarsal flexibility. Minimal shoes required more toe flexibility and touted a lack of toe spring as a benefit because the flat stance encouraged you to engage your toes for balance. Wherever you come down on that debate, toe-spring is necessary to allow you to roll off the ball of the foot during a running stride if the midsole doesn't bend. Beware a stiff shoe without any upward curve.
More: To Rotate or Not to Rotate Running Shoes?
Print, Not Sew
Advanced printing and knitting techniques enable the creation of one-piece uppers without heavy overlays, stitches, and seams. Any overlays remaining tend to be welded onto the upper mesh.
This results in more open-feel uppers that many find comfortable, at the cost of structural integrity and perhaps durability. Stitching on shoes is now a premium or retro touch. One minimalist trend that has persisted, however, is that uppers continue to be wider—particularly in the forefoot—making them more comfortable and more accommodating to natural foot movement.
Something for Everyone
While the trend is toward big, cushy shoes, those who prefer a different feel aren't left out. Several companies are restoring motion-control shoes to their lines for those who need or prefer strong stability. Others are building light, flexible, close-to-the-ground flyers.
As the pendulum has swung from solid shoe to minimal shoe to maximal shoe, the diversity of running shoe construction and ride has never been greater. That's good news for the runner looking for gear that works best for his or her specific needs and desires.
And research shows that the best option is to have a variety of rides to vary your stride and stress on different days. For example, wearing a lighter, responsive shoe on speed and tempo days while using a more cushioned shoe or stable trainer for a few daily runs a week will change how your foot lands. This will slightly vary how muscles and ligaments support your stride, strengthening more tissue and reducing your injury risk.
More: A New Method for Finding the Best Running Shoes
This article originally appeared on RunnersWorld.com.
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