Minimalist shoes
Have you heard of minimalist / barefoot shoes?
Maybe this appears to be yet another over hyped, fast fashion trend. On the other hand, maybe it would be recency bias to assume that, just because this trend is new, it is therefore fleeting or of minimal interest.
I noticed a passionate Reddit community around this shoe style, which seems quite focused on longevity. For example, posts like this one boasting of the shoes looking fairly robust after 3 years of usage.
This, combined with the minimal (and often vegan) construction materials, seems to make this kind of shoe more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Apparently there is also some evidence that minimalist / zero drop shoes are better for running and foot health in general. (Though I guess results will differ by individual and it would probably take an adjustment period of occasional wearing for one's feet to adapt.)
For my own lifestyle, I'm thinking these could nicely fill a gap between my long lasting hiking boots and being totally barefoot at home. Outdoor workouts, short walks to get groceries, going out to check the mail, etc. Using them could take some of the burden off my hiking boots so that they'll last longer and require less frequent resoling.
