Former Vibram USA CEO Tony Post has left the company to create a brand new minimalist footwear venture. Securing $5m in funding from a Silicon Valley Venture Capital firm, Topo Athletic plans to offer a wide range of footwear for the outdoor athlete who appreciates simple yet functional design.
If you are going to practice barefoot running style, why do you need a full running shoe, even if it is minimalist? The new Freeheel Running Pads do away with the traditional running shoe concept, protecting only the ball of your foot as you pound out miles on the trail.
Another brand is banking on the minimalist footwear trend. Kigo has recently released two new styles for the active outdoor enthusiast, the Kigo curv and the Kigo edge. Kigo shoes are stylish enough for everyday wear but sturdy enough for everything from barefoot running to paddle sports.
The barefoot running forums were going crazy over the weekend after @Inov8UK posted then quickly removed this picture on Twitter last week. According to Inov-8's Spring 2011 retailer workbook, the company is working on a line of more minimalist footwear.
