I wore out some trail running shoes!

[sc_rufctr]

The "Asics" I've owned have not lasted so well. Good shoes but not as robust as "New Balance" IMO.

[fsjzhen]

When I first read this I thought it said I wore out some tail and I was like right on dude.

[Joe Bob]

Originally Posted by JavaBrewer

Vibram Five Fingers

Still running with these - trails and paved roads. I like the extra feel and stability these give you when running trails. Yes the large sharp things can hurt but you learn to avoid them. Not a single rolled ankle since I made the switch.



I also run with New Balance Minimus shoes which provide a bit more protection and don't look so strange. The large toe box is good but not as good as wearing the VFF shoes.

New Balance 1690 Minimus - Men's - Running - Shoes - Black/Yellow

Vibram just got sued over their false ad claims.....

[JavaBrewer]

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

Vibram just got sued over their false ad claims.....

The claims from Vibram were that minimalist shoes/barefoot was health promoting and resulted in fewer injuries. No studies were done and those claims could not be backed up. Compound that with folks who totally ignored the transition advice on the website and all over the internet and, well cue the lawyers.

I have read bunches of stories of folks who bought into the minimalist movement, got their Vibram shoes, and started running 5-10 miles a day in them without any transition period. Dumb.

I personally know many folks who like myself have had a great experience. I can vouch for less injuries since I ditched my traditional running shoes. That is more a result of improved running mechanics than the shoes - but the Vibram shoes did contribute in the learning process for me. YMMV.

[vash]

Originally Posted by fsjzhen

When I first read this I thought it said I wore out some tail and I was like right on dude.

If that ever happens (maybe it has) there won't be a thread about it. Haha.


Sent via Jedi mind trick.

[Tobra]

The reason you get less injuries with the minimalist shoes is because you are using the feet and legs to absorb shock rather than the shoe. The forefoot/midfoot strike you use spreads the deceleration out over a longer period, and you use your calf muscles to do a lot more of the work.

[Aragorn]

I did a little trail running (more jogging) last year and the best shoes I found were a pair of Nike trail running shoes. They seemed to provide better support and shock absorption and had a good grabby tread design. And yes, they are feather light compared to cheaper running shoes.

Some running shoes I just can't wear because they don't provide the arch support I like. Nike seems to just fit my foot better than other brands. My brother only wears Asics and my bil was always crazy about New Balance. Tried them both but went back to Nike.

For what it is worth, I only use running/trail shoes for around six months max (roughly 540 miles.) After that, they seem to lose some effectiveness.

[Pazuzu]

I was using the Minimus trails for a while a secondary shoes (w do too much cross training for them, 100 pushups in those SUCKS on your toes and running on concrete SUCKS), but they are great for mountain bike trails and such. I have the original trail ones (MT20V1). after 2 years of limited use, they still look and act like new.

I switched to Mizuno "Wave Elixir 7", which are no longer made (I don't like the Elixir 8 that replaced it...) so I picked up two pairs last time. They are super light, breath great (but fill with water/mud/sand instantly), and are supportive enough that cross training never hurts.

[vash]

My shoes are here. I opted for the muted gray version and they are still "loud". I mountain biked yesterday and will do the maiden voyage on a trail run this weekend.


Sent via Jedi mind trick.

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by Tobra

The reason you get less injuries with the minimalist shoes is because you are using the feet and legs to absorb shock rather than the shoe. The forefoot/midfoot strike you use spreads the deceleration out over a longer period, and you use your calf muscles to do a lot more of the work.

My oldest nephew has a pair and he swears by them. He's a big guy at 6 foot 2 and he's not slim.
Right now I'm trying out some Nike "Free Run 3" (5.0) They're very light and flexible with minimal support and required no breaking in at all.
They're good shoes but I wouldn't walk on trails with them.