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Minimalist Shoes

guest — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:24:19 GMT

I'm a fitness runner and do 50 mpw in 6-7 runs. Two years ago, I started the transition to minimalist shoes with Merrell Trail Gloves and Vibram KSO's. Recently, just out of curiosity, I bought a pair of Fila Skeletoes (2nd edition)

and I am stunned how comfortable these shoes are. I love the Merrell's but they fit very tight in the instep and the KSO's are comfy but do not wear well with so much mileage. So far, I have put over 100 miles on the new Skeletoes and they look brand new. They are just about as flexible as Vibram's but have slightly more material in the soles. If you are still looking for a good minimalist shoe, I would recommend trying these. If you tried the original Skeletoes, this new edition is completely different and a huge improvement.

Re: Will running reduce high blood pressure?

guest — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 19:43:55 GMT

I started running regularly when I was 51. At the time, I was borderline hypertensive and on cholesterol meds. Was also 75 lb overweight. Eleven years later, I am at normal weight; blood pressure; cholesterol and take no

meds of any kind. My internist told me back when I started that I would need at least 45 min. of aerobic exercise per day to have a lasting effect on bp and cholesterol. Good luck and I hope you have a similar result.

Re: Newbie question about shorts/underwear

guest — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 19:37:30 GMT

I use different types of support depending on my needs or muscle soreness at the time. When everything is ok, I wear a simple jock underneath my dri-fit shorts. If I've got some

residual soreness, I'll wear long compression shorts underneath for extra support and warmth. I run 50+ per week and haven't considered running in regular underwear or shorts with

built in liners. Don't be afraid to try different things.

Re: Saucany Kinvaras without socks

guest — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 01:30:12 GMT

I wear Vibram KSO's and Merrell Gloves without socks from time to time. My daily runs are 7-8 miles. I have the thinnest Injinji socks to wear when I want.

When I was wearing traditional running shoes, including Saucony and New Balance, I was unable to go without socks. Good luck!

Re: Looking for info on minimalist shoes...

guest — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 21:38:57 GMT

Thanks, they're on my list for the future. I ran in Saucony exclusively for the first two or three years and I can't remember now why I moved over to NB. I appreciate the help.

Re: Looking for info on minimalist shoes...

guest — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 11:24:53 GMT

I can deal with stylistic changes, but, when companies completely eliminate whole lines of shoes that have unique characteristics, it is very difficult to adapt. I had worn the same NB model for several years (790) and

they marketed a new model as a "replacement" (100) but I found them to be completely different. After two attempts at trying to find a model that was near the old 790's I changed brands. When I visited a NB store to investigate

the Minimus, I found them to be pretty far down the scale for minimalist shoes, both in fit and construction. As crl8686 points out, the economics of running shoes doesn't change much regardless of the choice we make.

Re: Looking for info on minimalist shoes...

guest — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 00:44:29 GMT

I don't have your competitive record but have been running 50 mpw for over 10 years now (I'm 62) and changed to minimalist shoes about 5 years ago. Currently I rotate between a pair of Merrell Trail Gloves and Vibram KSO's.

In the time that I've been in these two models, I've started going faster and longer with no problems at all. My personal favorites are the Merrell's and they're also holding together better with all the mileage than the Vibrams.

I've always thought that the shoe industry manipulates the phasing out of models that are popular in order to push people into new ones. Good luck!

Re: Elliptical vs Treadmill

guest — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 12:00:45 GMT

I have trouble staying on an elliptical long enough to get the same level workout that I get with an 8 mile run on a treadmill. I know other people who feel differently. I run for general fitness but run a lot (50 mpw) and I just can't get enough time on an elliptical to equal the same benefit that I get with a 90 min. run on a treadmill or outdoors.

Re: Vibram 5 Finger toe shoes...anyone Use them & what do you think?

guest — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 11:57:19 GMT

I have been alternating between Vibram KSO's and Merrell Trail Gloves for the last several months. I like them both in different ways but, since starting with barefoot running, I have increased both speed and mileage and my legs and feet feel better at the end of each run. The Vibram toe sleeves have started to unravel at the seams and I've been restitching them but the Merrell's are made like iron. I run about 50-52 mpw with the longest runs around 8. If I had to choose, I would choose the Merrell's.

Re: treadmill recommendation

guest — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 18:36:17 GMT

I've been a treadmill runner for over 10 years and run on a Keys 3.5T (no longer manufactured). However, I run at hotels and fitness centers when I travel and the only brand that

I like every time that I try it is "True" They seem to be among the most stable and well built mills and are highly rated everywhere I've read. You won't get much advice here as

treadmills are not usually considered serious runner equipment. But I am 62 and cannot stand the pounding of pavement for very long and my treadmill has allowed me to maintain

a level of fitness that I could not do otherwise. Good luck.