Minimalist climbing shoes strip out everything not strictly needed — no padded ankles, no extra rubber, no mid-sole stiffeners. What's left is a soft, sensitive shoe that lets you feel every hold and place your foot precisely. They reward good footwork and punish poor footwork because there's no stiff edge to bail you out.
Most minimalist shoes are slip-ons or single-velcro slippers. They suit climbers who already trust their feet — generally V3+/6A+ and up — and who climb a lot of training-board, modern indoor gym, or steep slabby terrain. They're terrible for long routes that demand all-day edging.