With all the hype that barefoot and minimalist running has been receiving lately, it was only a matter of time before knockoff and real competition entered the product space in this niche market. BirthdayShoes.com had a great article on knockoff Vibram Five Fingers, but there has also been bigger shoes companies that have tried to gain a foothold in the "natural running" market. Nike has come out with their "Free" line, which in my opinion are too cushion and too big a heal, and MBT has come out with the clunkiest shoe of all time (sorry Buttahnut), to just name a couple.
Then there is the more barefoot competition, like Sockwa, Feelmax, Vivo Barefoot, and now Altera. These new Alteras look to be the most like VFFs, but without the obvious toe pockets. They may even be a better looking alternative to regular everyday sneakers, but that is too tough to say without actually wearing them and seeing them with jeans. I'm curious and excited to find out more about them, but depending on their distribution, it could be hard to track one down.
I'm sure this niche will become more and more saturated, especially by the big shoe manufacturers trying to keep pace with this ever-growing market.
Then there is the more barefoot competition, like Sockwa, Feelmax, Vivo Barefoot, and now Altera. These new Alteras look to be the most like VFFs, but without the obvious toe pockets. They may even be a better looking alternative to regular everyday sneakers, but that is too tough to say without actually wearing them and seeing them with jeans. I'm curious and excited to find out more about them, but depending on their distribution, it could be hard to track one down.
I'm sure this niche will become more and more saturated, especially by the big shoe manufacturers trying to keep pace with this ever-growing market.
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