damn, that is a moon boot...whatever works yo
lmao
Maximalist shoes came along (led by Hoka but also others) as a response to the over recommendation for minimalist shoes.
High arches, road running, etc. do not lend themselves well to minimalist shoes. People took "Born to Run" and the five fingers dramatic look as a "secret" against the shoe industry. And then reality kicked in. Tribal barefoot runners that spend decades developing their feet and strides on clay and grass have little to nothing to do with John Doe running around his neighborhood or prepping for the city's half marathon.
Hoka has done a really good job of pushing the limits on padding that is plush but responsive, not squishy and dull like you would think...or like old maximalist walking shoes would be. Nike has followed and even upped the game for their racing shoes with crazy gel padding, but they don't last worth a shit. But they do make you faster and reduce injury in these distances and especially on road surfaces.
I think it's a good trend. Like I said, I'm built all wrong for minimalist wear and I don't run the right surfaces. But I do run a pair of free rn (minimalist shoes) once a week and walk in them anytime I'm at the gym because it's important to keep strong arches. Minimalist shoe trend did a good job of making people pay attention to their arches, foot strike, and need for a wider less encumbered toe box. But some people went way too far with it as some magic cure all for every runner problem and injury.