Review your minimalist running footwear. Spread the word!

[Danny Boy]

OK, I'm at around the 10 month mark now with the minimal thing. So far so good. No more problems with knee pain (which I get with Merrell hiking shoes now - weird) and I've been upping the length and intensity of my runs (101st runs a lot) and only have some minor soreness afterwards but not what I'd categorize as pain. As far as PT tests go, do any of you guys switch back to a regular running shoe so it can be a little more forgiving with you trying to as fast as possible during the two mile run? I've noticed that by the very nature of the minimalist running technique I can't widen out my stride to pick up a little more speed (especially when I'm sucking a little at the end of the run) instead of picking the stride count up.

[ricksterr]

I've been using a Vibram Bikila for almost 1 year now and I did the mistake of trying to run with regular shoes just to compare the two. I had instant lower back pain and it just felt completely unnatural. The best part about minimalist shoes is that nowadays I feel like I can comfortably run with any flat shoes (Sperrys).

[HaydenB]

The best part about minimalist shoes is that nowadays I feel like I can comfortably run with any flat shoes (Sperrys).

I know what you mean. After running minimal style for a while, I feel right at home running in my Keds.

[Vic303]

Interesting article on minimalist footwear.
http://news.yahoo.com/born-run-baref...5212--spt.html

[orionz06]

Interesting article on minimalist footwear.
http://news.yahoo.com/born-run-baref...5212--spt.html

I guess one thing that gets lost is knee pain that no longer requires visits. For a PCP who now sees 3-4 foot problems a week are they seeing fewer knee issues? How many times has running form been the answer to knee pain over someones weight?

[Shokr21]

I suppose I've been running in them long enough now to comment on my merrell trail gloves.

I bought them a little more than a month ago. Kind of as a last desperation to rid myself of shin splints and the excuse that followed to not run as often as I should.

They're comfortable, no hot spots, no pains in my legs or back.

So far in 6, 5-10 mile weeks they show very little wear. I know it's not a lot of miles, but roughly 40 miles to date.

I like 'em and will continue to buy this style of shoe.

[Kline11B]

I have been using the Merrells and absolutely love them, i had the New Balance minimus and used them for a long time but had a problem with the stitching in the toe box cutting up one of my toes, may have just been a sizing problem or bad pair, but its something to look into if your at the store trying them on.

[Alexander]

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[mikeD1Esel]

I have a pair of the New Balance Minimus and they essentially make me feel like I am barefoot. Running is actually fun again. Almost reminds me of being a kid in the summer. Very comparable to the Five Fingers but Big Army Approved

In depth review of the New Balance
http://www.irunfar.com/2010/11/new-b...il-review.html

The key to getting into minimalist running is conditioning the body gradually. A big part of that is the heel drop of the shoe. The smaller the heel drop the less the cushioning and more barefoot like.

Inov8 makes a great system of shoes that gradually gets you down to a minimal heel drop:
http://www.inov-8.com/road/transition-1.html

I also have these and I must say it's a transition at first and murders your calves, but after you adjust to them they are heavenly. I use them in the gym also while I lift, it just seems like I'm lot more "nimble" if you will while doing my workouts or box jumps...