As a graduate student, manager and engineer, I need comfortable, good-looking shoes. For years I didn't find shoes that met both needs, but that changed recently. Last year, I wore Vibram FiveFingers , and fell in love with the ergonomics and looks, but hated the smell and couldn't get away with the bright-blue camouflage-patterned five-fingered shoes in client meetings or presentations to bosses. Shoe companies reacted to these needs by introducing zero-drop, thin-soled, semiformal and formal shoes. Meet the contenders:

Merrell Barefoot Tough Glove

VIVOBAREFOOT Aqua

Patagonia Footwear Cardon

VIVOBAREFOOT Dharma Canvas

Table: Formal Minimalist Shoes Comparison

Merrell Barefoot Tough Glove	VIVOBAREFOOT Aqua	Patagonia Footwear Cardon	VIVOBAREFOOT Dharma
$102	$140	$120	$110
Ultimate Comfort 10/10	Ultimate Comfort 10/10	Good Comfort 7/10	Excellent Comfort 9/10
Formal: 9/10	Semiformal: 8/10	Formal: 9/10	Business Casual: 6/10

Shoes worn: Vivobarefoot Dharma, Vivobarefoot Aqua, Merrell Barefoot Tough Glove, Patagonia Cardon

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