Your blog posts on running have planted the minimalist approach in my head. My concern is that at a 200lb, 6’3" build (ballpark 10% bodyfat?) I’m going to be too heavy for running with a minimalist shoe or five-fingers thingy. Realistically, I’m not going to get any lighter so will I be abusing my joints in doing this?
I get wicked shin splints so if minimalist is viable, I hope it will solve this.
5 fingers are a marketing gimmick, don’t waste your time.
Best minimal shoe IMO is probably the New Balance road minimus. Don’t discount shoreline Salomon XA pros. While not a true minimal shoe, it has very little heel to toe difference and is more robust in the upper. That’s what I’m currently running in because I’m tired of traveling with 2 pairs of shoes (work, run).
I’d almost guarantee your shin splints will go by by if you ease into your training and run as you feel.
Hi Kyle,
Could you go into further detail on how the VFF are a marketing gimmick?
Also, what were your reasons for going from the NB to the Merrell’s and back?
Thank you for your time.
Vff were designed as a deck shoe for boating. A couple of guys tried them early on because they were flat and at the time it was hard to find no heel rise shoes. Unfortunetley, it took off like a serpa holster. Incidentally, the Puma h street, nb 790, la sportiva fireblade were the most popular then.
No pro runner uses them, that should say something. Unless you plan on only running on flat pavement, you’re gonna have an issue with gravel, roots, rocks, hard trails. I’ve never seen or heard of anyone successfully completing an ultra with them except for barefoot Ted, who I believe would have liked to have something different.
Minimal shoe has taken a weird definition. Long story short- it really only pertains to the heel rise and amount if cushion, which also effects heel rise.
I liked the nb 100s but was tired of modifying them ( even the inventor had to make mods). I switched to tg as a stop gap. Nb fixed all the issues with the 101 and minimus line. The road minimus is best for most because it has more cushion but is still flat.
I personally just run in Salomon XA pros now because I’m trying to be as light and minimal as possible when traveling and they are relatively flat for running and good enough for work.
Kyle what model of XA Pro’s are you using?
Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra 2 GTX ?
They seem to get mixed reviews for the laces etc?
Thanks
I have both the 2 s and originals. The 2s have more a little more cushion but a smaller tounge and lace buckle.
Yeah, the laces are awesome until they break. I’ve never had a pair break and only seen it once.
I wear XA s about 99% of the time for work and running now. The gtx for winter and mesh for summer.
One pair will last me a year wearing them daily at work and running. The only time I don’t wear them
Is when it’s real cold or super wet and that’s only 4-5 days out of the year.
Thanks, did I get the model right?
I see there is a difference in price between the two?
I believe one has “gore tex”
Cheers
Mildot, yes you got the right model. Gtx means goretex. If I could pick only one pair it would be the gtx be because the non gtx will let in some fine dirt- not a biggie but your toes will be brown at the end of the day.
Eddie- congrats man, you’ll do good.listen to the bod.
Kyle,
Given the options for footwear out there would it be safe to stick to a flat shoe that is as flexible and thin as the terrain allows and one that is sized in the toe box to allow the foot to flex? This would encompass the NB Minimus Roads suggested above, as well as the Vivo offerings mentioned on your page and would stem to the Salomons as a thicker shoe for rougher/longer stuff (as it seems you prefer). Anything missing from that criteria that should be considered? Finally was able to wear a pair of shoes out from only running and need some new ones.
Grabbed a pair of Vivobarefoot Ra’s for work shoes based on your website suggestion, kick ass semi-dress shoes.
Side note for the OP, I am a good bit overweight and was unable to run for any length of time as traditional shoes forced a heel strike. The suggestions from guys here and others had me shift to a flatter shoe that saved my knees by forcing a better strike and I have since been able to get out there and do the work needed.
yes, you got it.
Most guys can get away with minimal shoes until you get to the 50-100 mile range and are on rough terrain, or unless you are on rough stuff all the time.
Once you get the mid foot strike down from wearing a minimal for awhile, you’ll be able to pretty much wear anything. That’s where I’m at now. I think it’s a good place to be- more options.
interesting subject, how would this affect someone who is flat footed like myself?
i generally wear OTB Bushmasters with blue superfeet to help with my flat footedness
You gotta try to see