Looking for a shoe that has a flexible heel counter like the Nike Free but hoping to find more of a traditional shoe rather than a minimalist shoe. I know some people don't consider the Free to be minimalist, but I was hoping for something with a greater heel-toe drop than what the Free has. Would love to find a shoe with a drop of 8-12 mm with no plastic in the heel counter.
The Brooks T7 and I think New Balance RC1400 are really close to what you describe. I ran in the Free 5.0 and loved it, but the heel drop was too low and the heel counter was too unstable for me (plus didn't like how the arch support made it seem worse). I would love the NB 1400 except it has some of that same arch support. The Brooks T7 is my preferred alternative, but maybe you would prefer the NB 1400.
The adidas RCs may be more minimal than you are looking for but fit on the heel counter issue. I've also had good luck with Nike Terra Kriegers and NB MT 101s, although both are nominally trail shoes.
Asics Gel-Lyte 33 has a soft heel counter with no plastic. Drop is 6mm I believe.
Under Armour Gemini…upper made in a bra factory…. Soft heel, adaptive cushioning, 8mil drop
The Adidas Energy Boost 2 doesn't have any plastic in the heel counter but it's not totally flexible like the Frees due to some overlays on the outside.
Nike Huarache
It's a flat not a trainer obviously but take a look at the Nike Lunar Racer
The NB 1400, 1500, and 1600, as well as the Nike LunarTempo are good shows that seem to match what you are looking for.
LunarTempo and NB VazeePace
Both are light, but not overly minimal
yeah i'd vote lunartempo, very flexible with some good cushion and light weight.
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