Minnemals Barefoot Shoes Review: My Experience With the Stimulus V2
I love barefoot shoes— so when I found a brand that created aesthetic sneakers that supported your feet, I was stoked to try them!
This post will go over Minnemals Stimulus V2 Barefoot Shoes and everything you need to know 👏
Over the years, I have slowly transitioned most of my shoes to a barefoot style. But I’ll be the first to admit: I still want my shoes to actually look cute.
That’s one reason I was excited to try Minnemals, a barefoot shoe brand making minimalist shoes that don’t look clunky or awkward. Instead, they are sleak and stylish, while also supporting your foot’s natural health.
Lately, I’ve been testing the Minnemals Stimulus V2, wearing them for everything from short everyday walks to strength training at the gym and even a 5K walk.
In this Minnemals review, I’m breaking down how they fit, what makes them different from conventional sneakers, where I think they work best, and whether I think they’re worth the investment.
Disclosure: Minnemals gifted me a pair of shoes to try with no obligation to review or feature them. I received no monetary compensation for this review, and all opinions and experiences shared are entirely my own.
Minnemals Stimulus V2 Review: The Quick Take
Shoe tested: Minnemals Stimulus V2
Color: Latte
Used for: Everyday wear, short walks, gym workouts, and a 5K walk
Best for:
Sizing: True to size
What I Like
Wide, foot-shaped toe box
Zero-drop design
Flexible, minimalist sole
Versatile enough for walking and gym workouts
More modern aesthetic compared to many barefoot shoes
What I’d Change
Originally, I sized up based on the size chart and foot measurements. When they arrived, they were too big, and I had to exchange for the size down (my true shoe size). That said, the measuring definitely was user error on my part 😅 If you’re not sure about sizing, reach out to info@minnemals.com for help with sizing.
Bottom line: After six weeks of wearing the Minnemals Stimulus V2, I think these are best suited for someone looking for a versatile barefoot shoe. If you’re looking for a barefoot shoe that combines a minimalist design with the appearance of a more traditional sneaker, Minnemals is a really great option!
What Are Minnemals Barefoot Shoes?
Minnemals is a footwear company focused on creating minimalist shoes designed to allow your feet to move more naturally.
Traditional sneakers often include features like a narrow toe box, elevated heel, substantial cushioning, and a relatively rigid sole. Barefoot shoes generally take the opposite approach.
Minnemals shoes are designed around common barefoot shoe principles, including a wider toe box, zero-drop platform, and flexible sole.
The goal isn't to literally replicate walking barefoot. Instead, minimalist footwear removes many of the structural features found in conventional shoes so your feet have more room to move naturally.
Minnemals Stimulus V2 Features
The Stimulus V2 is Minnemals' everyday barefoot sneaker.
What immediately stood out to me is that it doesn't necessarily look like a stereotypical barefoot shoe. The Stimulus V2 has a casual sneaker silhouette while incorporating the features people generally look for when shopping for minimalist footwear.
Wide Toe Box
One of the biggest differences between barefoot shoes and conventional sneakers is the shape of the toe box.
Rather than tapering inward and squeezing the toes together, the Stimulus V2 has a wider, more foot-shaped toe box designed to give your toes room to spread.
My experience: I love that my toes have plenty of room to keep their natural shape and position. This means no squished toes around here!
Zero-Drop Sole
The Stimulus V2 is a zero-drop shoe, meaning the heel and forefoot sit at approximately the same height.
Conventional athletic shoes often elevate the heel above the toes. Zero-drop shoes remove that elevation and create a flatter platform under the foot.
If you're new to barefoot footwear, however, this can feel noticeably different. Transitioning gradually is generally a better approach than immediately replacing highly cushioned shoes with minimalist shoes for long walks or workouts.
Flexible, Minimalist Design
Another thing you'll notice with barefoot shoes is how much more flexible they tend to be than traditional sneakers.
Instead of a thick, highly structured sole, minimalist shoes allow considerably more movement through the foot.
My experience: I found that the sole was very flexible, allowing my feet to have full range of motion!
I love the look of these shoes. They can be worn to the gym or easily paired with jeans and a shirt for a casual outfit.
What It's Actually Like Wearing Minnemals
I've now worn my Stimulus V2s consistently for about six weeks, which has given me the opportunity to test them in several different settings.
Everyday Walking
I've worn my Minnemals on plenty of shorter everyday walks.
I typically aim for 10,000 steps a day, and these never gave my feet any issues.
Wearing Minnemals to the Gym
This is one area where barefoot shoes can make a lot of sense.
I wore the Stimulus V2 during my regular gym workouts, including lunges, squats, deadlifts, and treadmill work.
The flat, zero-drop sole provides a very different base than a thick, cushioned running shoe, particularly during strength training. But that is exactly what you want! I love that I can feel the ground beneath my feet, giving me a solid foundation for heavy lifts.
Walking a 5K in Minnemals
One of my better tests came when I wore them for an entire 5K walk.
A short trip to the grocery store doesn't necessarily tell you how a minimalist shoe will feel after several miles, so this gave me a much better idea of their longer-distance comfort.
Afterwards, my feet felt great! I didn’t have any uncomfy spots or sore feet, something most other people complained about at the end of the walk.
That said, I am not new to barefoot shoes. I have been wearing them for years and feel comfortable spending most of the day barefoot. If you are new to barefoot shoes, I would not jump right into walking a 5k
Are Minnemals Comfortable?
For me, these are some of the most comfortable barefoot shoes I have tried out.
Something important to remember is that barefoot shoe comfort is different from conventional sneaker comfort.
A thick running shoe may feel comfortable because it provides substantial cushioning and support. A barefoot shoe is intentionally designed with less structure and cushioning.
If you've spent years wearing conventional shoes, suddenly walking several miles in minimalist shoes can place different demands on the muscles and tissues of your feet and lower legs. I personally prefer a gradual approach rather than assuming everyone needs to switch to barefoot shoes overnight.
Do Minnemals Run True to Size?
I normally wear a size 10, and I initially ordered a size up in the Minnemals Stimulus V2. When they arrived they were too big, and I reached out to the company. Turns out the sizing error was completely my bad, as I measured my foot wrong 🙃 They were quick to help me with the right sizing, and when my true size arrived, they fit great!
If in doubt on sizing, I would reach out to them just to confirm!
Minnemals vs Traditional Sneakers
The biggest difference is simply how much structure is removed.
Minnemals:
natural foot shape
wide toe box
zero heel drop
thin and flexible sole
minimal cushioning
high ground feel
very unrestricted foot movement
Conventional Sneakers:
narrow or tapered toe box
frequently elevated heel
typically has a rigid sole
thick cushioning
less ground feel due to sole and cushioning
more structured shoe can inhibit some foot movement
Neither design automatically makes a shoe right for every person. Your preferred footwear can depend on your activities, current foot strength, injury history, comfort, and how accustomed you are to minimalist shoes.
Who Might Like the Minnemals Stimulus V2?
Based on my experience, I think the Stimulus V2 could be worth considering if you:
Want to transition toward barefoot or minimalist shoes
Prefer a wide toe box
Want a zero-drop shoe for strength training
Like barefoot shoes but don't love the appearance of some minimalist footwear
Want one casual shoe that can work for everyday wear, walking, and the gym
They may be less appealing if you strongly prefer thick cushioning or aren't interested in the ground feel that comes with minimalist footwear.
Are Minnemals Barefoot Shoes Worth It?
After wearing the Stimulus V2, I would highly recommend them.
For me, the biggest selling point is the comfort and sleak design. I also appreciate that Minnemals has managed to incorporate many of the features people want from barefoot shoes without making them look dramatically different from conventional sneakers.
That said, they are very clear that you should not dive right into wearing barefoot shoes for extended periods of time. Start slow and gradually allow your feet time to strengthen and stabilize naturally!
If you're already interested in barefoot footwear, or you've been wanting to experiment with a wider toe box and zero-drop shoe, the Stimulus V2 offers an approachable option that can transition between everyday wear, walking, and strength training.
FAQ
Are Minnemals true barefoot shoes?
The Stimulus V2 incorporates several of the defining characteristics associated with barefoot footwear, including a wide toe box, zero-drop platform, and flexible minimalist sole.
Are Minnemals good for walking?
I've personally used my Stimulus V2s for both shorter everyday walks and a 5K walk. People who are new to minimalist shoes may want to gradually increase their walking distance rather than immediately using them for long distances.
Can you work out in Minnemals?
I've worn mine regularly at the gym. Their flat, zero-drop design can be particularly appealing for strength-training exercises where you may prefer a stable, relatively flat surface. Whether they're appropriate for a particular workout depends on the activity and your individual needs.
Can you run in Minnemals?
Minnemals are minimalist shoes, but that doesn't necessarily mean everyone should immediately use them for running. Running in minimalist footwear can require an adjustment period, particularly if you're accustomed to highly cushioned running shoes.
I’m not a runner, so can’t speak much on this aspect 😅
Do Minnemals have a wide toe box?
Yes. The Stimulus V2 uses a wider, foot-shaped toe box designed to give the toes more room than the tapered shape found in many conventional sneakers.
Are Minnemals zero drop?
Yes, the Stimulus V2 uses a zero-drop design, meaning there isn't a traditional heel-to-toe elevation.
Do you wear socks with Minnemals?
You can wear Minnemals with or without socks depending on your preference. I personally do!
How long does it take to adjust to barefoot shoes?
There's no universal timeline. Someone who already spends significant time barefoot or wearing minimalist shoes may adapt differently than someone who has spent years in highly structured footwear. Gradually increasing wear time is a reasonable approach rather than making an abrupt switch.
Final Thoughts on My Minnemals Review
After six weeks, I've worn the Minnemals Stimulus V2 enough to get a much better feel for how they perform in real life, not just how they feel straight out of the box.
I've tested them during normal everyday wear, short walks, gym workouts, and a full 5K walk.
My overall takeaway: I have really loved wearing the Minnemals v2. I would recommend it for anyone looking for a high-quality, aesthetically pleasing barefoot sneaker. Especially if you are okay with a limited color or style variety!
My go-to sneaker for healthy foot mobility 🏃🏻♀️