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Posted: 9/2/2015 2:10:47 PM EDT
I just started running, been at it 2 months.
3 times per week, short distances only yet, 3 to 7 miles. Running in standard, cheapo Asics gel at first, and have about 25 miles on some fancy HOKA Ones . Would like to try a minimalist, zero lift shoe, any recommendations ? Prefer to find one that will fit regular socks, ie NOT five toed hippy shoes. . Any reason NOT to use a flat shoe ? . Working up to a 12K uphill mud run in 2 weeks. |
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I'd keep running for a while in normal shoes first. You need to build up strength in your tendons and ligaments before making the transition IMO. I do prefer minimalist shoes, but you have to be careful.
Once you're ready check out the New Balance Minimus (these are VERY minimalist) and Reebok Nanos (more padding but still zero drop) and various Inov-8 models. ETA- Start VERY slow once you make the transition. I mean like run half a mile and see how you feel the next day and go from there. |
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Quoted:
I'd keep running for a while in normal shoes first. You need to build up strength in your tendons and ligaments before making the transition IMO. I do prefer minimalist shoes, but you have to be careful. Once you're ready check out the New Balance Minimus (these are VERY minimalist) and Reebok Nanos (more padding but still zero drop) and various Inov-8 models. ETA- Start VERY slow once you make the transition. I mean like run half a mile and see how you feel the next day and go from there. View Quote Inov-8 makes a variety of drops in their shoes so that you can start with a 9mm, eventually go to a 6mm, 4mm, zero. I went right from a normal running shoe (about 13mm) to 6mm and loved it. When those wore out I went to 4mm, but I liked the 6mm better. I'm also now addicted to lightweight minimalist shoes. I've been looking for lightweight hiking shoes/boots that will provide some protection but still be a LOT less than the clod-hoppers I've been wearing. |
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I like my 5 fingers because they fit my feet so well.
But I also have a pair of Brooks Pure Drift. I like them because they have a wide toe box and I have strange feet. |
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Inov-8 makes a variety of drops in their shoes so that you can start with a 9mm, eventually go to a 6mm, 4mm, zero. I went right from a normal running shoe (about 13mm) to 6mm and loved it. When those wore out I went to 4mm, but I liked the 6mm better. I'm also now addicted to lightweight minimalist shoes. I've been looking for lightweight hiking shoes/boots that will provide some protection but still be a LOT less than the clod-hoppers I've been wearing. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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I'd keep running for a while in normal shoes first. You need to build up strength in your tendons and ligaments before making the transition IMO. I do prefer minimalist shoes, but you have to be careful. Once you're ready check out the New Balance Minimus (these are VERY minimalist) and Reebok Nanos (more padding but still zero drop) and various Inov-8 models. ETA- Start VERY slow once you make the transition. I mean like run half a mile and see how you feel the next day and go from there. Inov-8 makes a variety of drops in their shoes so that you can start with a 9mm, eventually go to a 6mm, 4mm, zero. I went right from a normal running shoe (about 13mm) to 6mm and loved it. When those wore out I went to 4mm, but I liked the 6mm better. I'm also now addicted to lightweight minimalist shoes. I've been looking for lightweight hiking shoes/boots that will provide some protection but still be a LOT less than the clod-hoppers I've been wearing. I have some Solomon SpeedCross they are not minimalist but awesome trail shoes. |
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Why minimalist?
Minimalist is not the same as zero drop. Look at altra. They're zero drop, great, good cushion... I'm a midfoot striker and still think long runs with minimalist shoes is bad for the majority of runners... Padding is not the problem... Gait altering mechanics due to shoes is bad. |
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I've had good luck with New Balance Minimus shoes. They even make a supposed "mud run" shoe you might check out. I recently got some and like them for everyday wear. NB 007. I don't know if I'd do a straight out 12k with them, but for an obstacle course or mud run they would probably do fine.
As others have mentioned, don't go straight to a minimalist from a regular shoe. Gradually get yourself used to them or you could end up having some potential pain and injury. |
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Why minimalist? Minimalist is not the same as zero drop. Look at altra. They're zero drop, great, good cushion... I'm a midfoot striker and still think long runs with minimalist shoes is bad for the majority of runners... Padding is not the problem... Gait altering mechanics due to shoes is bad. View Quote Damn right. Those Brooks Ghosts fucked me up. Get shoes for your style of running. |
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I agree with RoG and DT.
I've worn about as minimal as possible. For me, I've found that I prefer some cushion and not completely zero drop. I'm prone to Achilles injuries. |
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Quoted:
Why minimalist? Minimalist is not the same as zero drop. Look at altra. They're zero drop, great, good cushion... I'm a midfoot striker and still think long runs with minimalist shoes is bad for the majority of runners... Padding is not the problem... Gait altering mechanics due to shoes is bad. View Quote I am a midfoot striker as well. As much as I tried I couldn't make the minimalist shoes work for me. |
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I just started running, been at it 2 months. 3 times per week, short distances only yet, 3 to 7 miles. Running in standard, cheapo Asics gel at first, and have about 25 miles on some fancy HOKA Ones . Would like to try a minimalist, zero lift shoe, any recommendations ? Prefer to find one that will fit regular socks, ie NOT five toed hippy shoes. . Any reason NOT to use a flat shoe ? . Working up to a 12K uphill mud run in 2 weeks. View Quote I've run in the Brooks Pure line. Another option is to just buy a pair of racing flats. Build your mileage slowly in the minimalist shoes until you're fully adapted, maybe starting with your speed/track day if you do one. |
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Damn right. Those Brooks Ghosts fucked me up. Get shoes for your style of running. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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Why minimalist? Minimalist is not the same as zero drop. Look at altra. They're zero drop, great, good cushion... I'm a midfoot striker and still think long runs with minimalist shoes is bad for the majority of runners... Padding is not the problem... Gait altering mechanics due to shoes is bad. Damn right. Those Brooks Ghosts fucked me up. Get shoes for your style of running. And I love the Ghosts. Haven't had a single problem since I started using them 5 or 6 years ago, running as much as 40 miles/week in them for a few months. That is as minimal of a shoe as I could go to for daily use. I'd run in a Pure or some other line (non-Brooks) that I can't recall now on my speed/tempo days and for races. |
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I love brooks ghost... But honestly my favorite is saucony omni 12's... Need to order a few more pairs before they dry up...
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Just picked up a pair NewBalance Minimus trail shoes.
Zero lift, made in USA, and very light weight. Walked a few miles, ran a third of mile, so far they feel pretty good. Will try short run tomorrow. |
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Quoted:
Just picked up a pair NewBalance Minimus trail shoes.Zero lift, made in USA, and very light weight. Walked a few miles, ran a third of mile, so far they feel pretty good. Will try short run tomorrow. View Quote I love my minimus's for working out, but if I am walking or running I default to my toes shoes. They both feel great after you train your feet to them. |
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Quoted:
Damn right. Those Brooks Ghosts fucked me up. Get shoes for your style of running. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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Why minimalist? Minimalist is not the same as zero drop. Look at altra. They're zero drop, great, good cushion... I'm a midfoot striker and still think long runs with minimalist shoes is bad for the majority of runners... Padding is not the problem... Gait altering mechanics due to shoes is bad. Damn right. Those Brooks Ghosts fucked me up. Get shoes for your style of running. I love Ghosts. Lol I guess that's why there are a bazillion types of shoes. I can't even walk across the room in Nikes without getting fucked up. I have heard that you really need to go slow transitioning to the zero drop shoes. Go easy when making any change I guess. TC |
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I'm a big fan of Hokas and Altras. They aren't zero drop, and have a large amount of padding, but are still relatively flat.
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I have a new pair of Altra trail shoes, doing some short, around the house runs.
They feel good, Not ready for full time use. Tomorrow 12K uphill run, I plan to wear the Hoka ATR, which has 5mm drop, and very serious thick cushion. |
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I have a pair of altras that should arrive today... $29 instead of &129?! Couldn't pass em up.
If they actually arrive, We'll see how they handle a 10-15mile jaunt tomorrow. |
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Ran the uphill MUDRun, 12K...
wore HOKA's was doing alright, mid-pack untill my knee dislocated. Hobbled over the finish line in 1:32:52, got 13th place overall. Feet feel fine. Knee is fooked. Hope to get it slammed back into place soon, have a stick wedged in behind the knee now. have a 5K flat-lander race tomorrow. |
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I have done some spartan races and local mud runs. I don't recommend minimalist type shoes for mud runs. I did my first mud run in 5 fingers, feet got bruised. Next race was the wintergreen Super Spartan in Aisic Gel's. I busted my ass all day long slipping and fall in mud and on slippery rocks, obstacles, grass, etc.
I use Solomon trail running shoes now. No problems with the solomons. They grip great, let water out, are light and have a good enough shank so your feet don't get bruised up. I use Hoka's for road running. Hoka's really reduce impact on the joints. BTW, 5 fingers are great for sprints on good tracks and for leg day lifting. Good luck with your running. |
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I am a pretty steady size 9.5,
Altra, NewBalance, Asics, HokaOne, and Danner Acadia all size 9.5 fit right. |
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Still "transitioning" into the zero drop Altra shoe. wearing them around work today.
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Ran a 2.5 mile hill loop on Tuesday, about ready to go full time in the Altra. . Ran the 5K parks n Rec this morning, 40 degrees and raining, light turn -out. I won. Not by age or class.... I Was FIRST overall. |
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It really depends on your foot type and biomechanics. Go see a pro.
Some places will video you running with and without shoes to see the difference. You could go to a Podiatrist and get an evaluation too. Both options will cost you some money. Both options will save you money in the long run by saving you from buying the wrong shoe. |
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I use them on tread mills and occasionally the track but not for running on roads
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Wearing zero drop shoes for a couple months, and now RUNNING in ALTRAs...
Regular work boots feel all fucked up. trying out a pair of Belleville " Minimalist Trainers" 2mm drop, 32 ounces the PAIR: . |
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Those boots look nice. I have a couple pairs of shoes that I really like and while they are not zero drop by design, it's not hard to make a shoe zero drop. I simply buy some insoles, I like these...http://www.amazon.com/Sof-Sole-Thin-Performance-Insole/dp/B00IR4ESUO/ref=pd_sim_309_3?ie=UTF8&dpID=51uCx2k3lsL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR120%2C160_&refRID=0D0QMTK8B21133YXXY7W
....Then cut the insole at about the half way point, about midway in my arch, then, slip the forefoot piece under the insole that comes with the show and bingo, zero drop. This will really only work if you have shoes of about 8mm drop or less. But so far so good. |
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To each there own, but Ive never understood the zero drop fad for daily shoes. A traditional gait cycle includes a deceleration component that involves the rearfoot. Having more midsole there helps dissipate that impulse force and guide the foot if necessary.
As a heads up, be mindful of your achilles using lower offset daily shoes. |
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Quoted: To each there own, but Ive never understood the zero drop fad for daily shoes. A traditional gait cycle includes a deceleration component that involves the rearfoot. Having more midsole there helps dissipate that impulse force and guide the foot if necessary. As a heads up, be mindful of your achilles using lower offset daily shoes. View Quote By not artificially raising the heel, the achilles tendon is longer, the foot is balanced, and the arch is in USE, rather than atrophic. For continuous use, either standing or running, the level footbed IS structurally advantageous for the foot and knees. The question I have is, "when did the raised heel become 'standard'" ? |
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The flat, or ZERO Drop feels better. By not artificially raising the heel, the achilles tendon is longer, the foot is balanced, and the arch is in USE, rather than atrophic. For continuous use, either standing or running, the level footbed IS structurally advantageous for the foot and knees. The question I have is, "when did the raised heel become 'standard'" ? View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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To each there own, but Ive never understood the zero drop fad for daily shoes. A traditional gait cycle includes a deceleration component that involves the rearfoot. Having more midsole there helps dissipate that impulse force and guide the foot if necessary. As a heads up, be mindful of your achilles using lower offset daily shoes. By not artificially raising the heel, the achilles tendon is longer, the foot is balanced, and the arch is in USE, rather than atrophic. For continuous use, either standing or running, the level footbed IS structurally advantageous for the foot and knees. The question I have is, "when did the raised heel become 'standard'" ? Thats my whole point. Longer achillies means longer lever arm and more stress. May not be a huge issue walking as there isnt a large amount of force occurring, but it can compromise people when decelerating forces occur. Not sure where you got the arch response. The arch is always in use in all 3 planes of motion with a rear footed impact. Running is the other point Im getting at with using zero drop shoes. Running in minimal inspired shoes requires form change, which in turn changes the translation point of the ground reaction force. (I really hope youre not heel striking in zero drop shoes while running) Like I said to each there own, but Ive never understood the move when walking doesnt require the form change. Thats the whole idea behind the minimalist push, not just a move in shoe offsets. And its got nothing to do with standards in regards to category. Each shoe will address a specific form based on its design. Raised heels help dissipate the impulse force better than less heel. If you dont strike there then go more minimal in your shoe choices. Im just pointing out that everyone Ive ever met walks with a rear footed impact because of lack of acceleration, so the concept behind zero drop doesnt make much sense for daily shoes (of course this doesnt take into regard stack heights). |
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I'd keep running for a while in normal shoes first. You need to build up strength in your tendons and ligaments before making the transition IMO. I do prefer minimalist shoes, but you have to be careful. Once you're ready check out the New Balance Minimus (these are VERY minimalist) and Reebok Nanos (more padding but still zero drop) and various Inov-8 models. ETA- Start VERY slow once you make the transition. I mean like run half a mile and see how you feel the next day and go from there. View Quote I worked my way into five fingers by starting out running .25 in them, and then finishing in my normal (and oh so clunky) ASIC gels. I ran exclusively in the for up to 1/2 marathon distances. For the last 3 years I have used the New Balance Minimus with phenomenal results. I still switch between the asics and five fingers though. On my 3rd pair of Minimus. No cells to collapse or wear out. I put whatever miles I can into them before my toes rub holes in the toe of the shoes. ETA: after reading other replies I thought I might add this. I am a toe striker. I keep repeating the mantra "Toes to nose" while I run, and paying attention to it getting to long. |
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Update,
My first Zero-Drop race, wore Altra 2.5. 4 K race, 27 degrees, mostly on icy streets, . Shoes felt good, but traction limited, mostly scary going downhill. Finished in 17: 57 made 57th overall. 989 racers . 2nd place in mens over 50 Average pace 7:14 per mile. feet feel great. |
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They would not agree with you ....
http://nymag.com/health/features/46213/index2.html http://www.wired.com/2008/04/your-shoes-are/ A barefoot walking or running gait is much gentler and smoother, in which your foot placement is flatter (rather than heel-first) and the arches of your feet deflect more to absorb the load. And it turns out that this might be better for your knees as well as your feet, because even though those thick soles are absorbing the immediate shock to your foot, your steps while wearing shoes still transmit more shock to your knees than your barefoot steps do. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes A barefoot walking or running gait is much gentler and smoother, in which your foot placement is flatter (rather than heel-first) and the arches of your feet deflect more to absorb the load. And it turns out that this might be better for your knees as well as your feet, because even though those thick soles are absorbing the immediate shock to your foot, your steps while wearing shoes still transmit more shock to your knees than your barefoot steps do. Quoted:
To each there own, but Ive never understood the zero drop fad for daily shoes. A traditional gait cycle includes a deceleration component that involves the rearfoot. Having more midsole there helps dissipate that impulse force and guide the foot if necessary. As a heads up, be mindful of your achilles using lower offset daily shoes. |
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Quoted:
They would not agree with you .... http://nymag.com/health/features/46213/index2.html http://www.wired.com/2008/04/your-shoes-are/ View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
They would not agree with you .... http://nymag.com/health/features/46213/index2.html http://www.wired.com/2008/04/your-shoes-are/ A barefoot walking or running gait is much gentler and smoother, in which your foot placement is flatter (rather than heel-first) and the arches of your feet deflect more to absorb the load. And it turns out that this might be better for your knees as well as your feet, because even though those thick soles are absorbing the immediate shock to your foot, your steps while wearing shoes still transmit more shock to your knees than your barefoot steps do. Proprioceptive response can help yes, but it wont completely eliminate shock. The arch everts regardless of rear footed or mid footed impact. If the load is more, it will translate higher into the leg. Cushion can help this, so can support. Thinking otherwise completely ignores physical differences among people today. Quoted:
To each there own, but Ive never understood the zero drop fad for daily shoes. A traditional gait cycle includes a deceleration component that involves the rearfoot. Having more midsole there helps dissipate that impulse force and guide the foot if necessary. As a heads up, be mindful of your achilles using lower offset daily shoes. Ahh the natural argument. Completely negates what sort of surface is most common and physical adaptations over long periods of time, weight, etc. And no current studies? Just articles in rags? |
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Ahh the natural argument. Completely negates what sort of surface is most common and physical adaptations over long periods of time, weight, etc. And no current studies? Just articles in rags? View Quote Well, are you arguing against zero drop shoes for everyday use or running? If arguing against zero drop shoes for everyday use, then I would say it depends. I found no literature in "rags", websites or clinical studies that indicated a heel strike *should* be used. If you are walking for exercise, sure, I suppose one could say that a heel strike would be acceptable. There are arguments that I came across that discussed forefoot strike when gait changes for reasons of speed or terrain. I am in no way an expert so if you've researched this or are in the med field, then, sure, i can trust your opinion. |
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Well, are you arguing against zero drop shoes for everyday use or running? If arguing against zero drop shoes for everyday use, then I would say it depends. I found no literature in "rags", websites or clinical studies that indicated a heel strike *should* be used. If you are walking for exercise, sure, I suppose one could say that a heel strike would be acceptable. There are arguments that I came across that discussed forefoot strike when gait changes for reasons of speed or terrain. I am in no way an expert so if you've researched this or are in the med field, then, sure, i can trust your opinion. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Ahh the natural argument. Completely negates what sort of surface is most common and physical adaptations over long periods of time, weight, etc. And no current studies? Just articles in rags? Well, are you arguing against zero drop shoes for everyday use or running? If arguing against zero drop shoes for everyday use, then I would say it depends. I found no literature in "rags", websites or clinical studies that indicated a heel strike *should* be used. If you are walking for exercise, sure, I suppose one could say that a heel strike would be acceptable. There are arguments that I came across that discussed forefoot strike when gait changes for reasons of speed or terrain. I am in no way an expert so if you've researched this or are in the med field, then, sure, i can trust your opinion. I'm not against it by any means, but a walking gait does not typically have enough acceleration involved to not have a rear footed deceleration impact. Based on most peoples stride length this will be with the heel, regardless of offset. My background is in kinesiology. |
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I'm not against it by any means, but a walking gait does not typically have enough acceleration involved to not have a rear footed deceleration impact. Based on most peoples stride length this will be with the heel, regardless of offset. My background is in kinesiology. View Quote People get way too wrapped up in the heel/midfoot/forefoot strike. Generally, where you take the impact depends on speed and stride rate/length. Try to run a 100 yard dash all out and not land on the balls of your feet. Conversely, try to shuffle along just above a walking pace and land on the forefoot. If runners work towards 180 footfalls per minute +/- 10-15, foot strike will work itself out just fine. |
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People get way too wrapped up in the heel/midfoot/forefoot strike. Generally, where you take the impact depends on speed and stride rate/length. Try to run a 100 yard dash all out and not land on the balls of your feet. Conversely, try to shuffle along just above a walking pace and land on the forefoot. If runners work towards 180 footfalls per minute +/- 10-15, foot strike will work itself out just fine. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
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I'm not against it by any means, but a walking gait does not typically have enough acceleration involved to not have a rear footed deceleration impact. Based on most peoples stride length this will be with the heel, regardless of offset. My background is in kinesiology. People get way too wrapped up in the heel/midfoot/forefoot strike. Generally, where you take the impact depends on speed and stride rate/length. Try to run a 100 yard dash all out and not land on the balls of your feet. Conversely, try to shuffle along just above a walking pace and land on the forefoot. If runners work towards 180 footfalls per minute +/- 10-15, foot strike will work itself out just fine. Exactly. |
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