Barefoot running is all the rage right now, but I know that it isn’t for me. Thankfully, GoLite Footwear is reaching out to runners with minimalist shoes that still offer enough support and protection to ward off those unwanted foot injuries. The Spring Lite by GoLite is a trail runner also meant for hard pack which for me meant road running.
The Spring Lite, as well as GoLite shoes, are equipped with the “Precise Fit” system that allows you to customize the shoe to your foot. The insole is removable and can be modified to narrow, medium or wide feet. Unfortunately, I felt the shoe was too loose with the insole, and had to put my orthotics in before my first run.
I took to the streets in my neighborhood cautiously, unsure how this minimalist shoe would feel against asphalt. Well, it was like air and they were amazing. The Spring Lite’s are lite and comfortable. They are part of GoLites new “Soft Against the Ground Technology,” which put the soft part of the shoe closer to the ground. These new trail runners are light, roomy, and have a high traction rubber out-sole that kept me from slipping on loose gravel and sand on the side of the road.
With the zero drop heel of the Spring Lite, I didn’t have to work as hard to run on the balls of my feet. In fact, it felt more natural to run on the forefoot rather than striking the ground with my heel. Unlike bulky big sneakers, these shoes made hitting the ground feel like less work. The platform between the mid-sole and the foot-bed allow for a smooth ride and reduce rear foot movement by a third.
After running in the Spring Lite, I decided to wear them while I ran around town doing errands. As for walking around and wearing them all day, these shoes were super comfy. Some of my sneakers will start to make the top of my feet hurt after wearing them all day, but the Spring Lites didn’t, which in my book is a huge plus because I often don’t change my shoes in between activities on my days off.
If you’re looking to try a BareTech shoe, and had a bad run-in with those silly looking toe shoes, try out GoLite. They’re light, breathable, and you don’t look goofy walking around in them at the grocery store.