Minimalist shoes

emmab0902
emmab0902 Posts: 2,338 Member
edited November 8 in Health and Weight Loss
I have recently taken up barefoot running and it has saved me from pain! I had 3 goes at C25K and all had to be aborted within 2 weeks due to knee pain. So in desperation I switched to shoeless and can now run 25 minutes nonstop.

All my running is currently done on grass, but I am wanting in the future to be able to run on footpaths etc. Can anyone recoommend a good minimalist shoe (NOT the Vibrams lol) that I will be able to use on harder surfaces without losing the benefits of barefoot running??

Replies

  • Trail_Addict
    Trail_Addict Posts: 1,340 Member
    Why not the Vibrams? They work for plenty of people on ALL surfaces. I like them.
  • funkycamper
    funkycamper Posts: 998 Member
    I love my Vibrams. I've tried a few other brands on my feet like Merrell's and the Nike Free. They're nice but I prefer the Vibrams.

    And I have people tell me how cute they are all the time. Go figure.
  • IronSmasher
    IronSmasher Posts: 3,908 Member
    Why wear mittens when you could wear gloves?

    Try birthdayshoes.com. It's mecca for Vibrams but I've seen reviews for other minimalist shoes there too.
  • gazz777
    gazz777 Posts: 722
    My physio recommends 3 other brands over the Vibram. Nike is one of them.

    PM me and I'll look them up when I get back home.

    Oh, and good on you for pushing through to get the times up - very inspirational Emma. So proud of you.

    I may even be running one day !
  • heybales
    heybales Posts: 18,842 Member
    Love my Merrill trail gloves, even if just on the treadmill so far. They have 3 versions.

    0 lift from front to back like the VFF (Vibram Five Finger), good thick rubber tread for longevity (more than VFF), and a slight impact layer (none in VFF). Plenty of room for foot spread.

    Much easier on/off, especially when you count in five toe socks too.
  • emmab0902
    emmab0902 Posts: 2,338 Member
    Love my Merrill trail gloves, even if just on the treadmill so far. They have 3 versions.

    0 lift from front to back like the VFF (Vibram Five Finger), good thick rubber tread for longevity (more than VFF), and a slight impact layer (none in VFF). Plenty of room for foot spread.

    Much easier on/off, especially when you count in five toe socks too.

    I was actually just looking at the Trail Gloves on the internet. I know there are lots of Vibram devotees but I just can't stand the look of them!
  • heybales
    heybales Posts: 18,842 Member
    I was actually just looking at the Trail Gloves on the internet. I know there are lots of Vibram devotees but I just can't stand the look of them!

    I got blister doing 10K twice a week in them. Well, only did it two times, had to stop, really bad blister.
    It seems my toes were doing so good with the trying to grip on their own, it pushed the rubber into the toe crease, and as you pushed forward, movement. Heat, blister, had to stop for a week.

    Got the Trail Gloves. No such issue. Very comfortable. Got up to 2 10K / wk at fast pace. Too fast. Injury. Ugh.

    They are expensive, no more so than VFF I guess, but coming from backpacking fun, I know they stand behind their shoes. But I had heard stories of VFF delaminating, and no such warranty.
  • chuckyp
    chuckyp Posts: 693 Member
    I run in New Balance MT10 Minimus Trail shoes. I like them a lot.
    If you want to try a sandal, try Invisible Shoes. They are really portable.
  • calliope_music
    calliope_music Posts: 1,242 Member
    i have a pair of Merrell's that i just use for plain old walking around and i love them. i seriously feel like i'm not wearing shoes at all!
  • Tara4boys
    Tara4boys Posts: 515 Member
    Merrell Pace Gloves - they have vibram soles
  • emmab0902
    emmab0902 Posts: 2,338 Member
    Merrell Pace Gloves - they have vibram soles

    What are the main differences between the Merrell Pace Trail and Road gloves?
  • heybales
    heybales Posts: 18,842 Member
    Merrell Pace Gloves - they have vibram soles

    What are the main differences between the Merrell Pace Trail and Road gloves?

    Considering you are probably going to want to try these on live and not mail order, unless you just want the potential of waiting for difference sizes models and cheaper price, I'd suggest find a store that carries them and check them out. Merrill's site of course mentions a couple specifics, but the feel will determine which seems better.
  • waterhaunted
    waterhaunted Posts: 21 Member
    I have vibrams. Hot pink and orange. LOVE THEM. I started running after getting them. Oddly, I get lots of Oh those are cute,where did you get them comments.
  • gazz777
    gazz777 Posts: 722
    Have you seen the Vibram range ?

    That said, I'd look at all of the other brands first.
  • emmab0902
    emmab0902 Posts: 2,338 Member
    Just can't do the vibrams sorry!
  • bert16
    bert16 Posts: 726 Member
    I run in Nike Free 5.0's. They're a minimalist, rather than barefoot shoes, but I really like them. On my third pair, actually.
  • firedragon064
    firedragon064 Posts: 1,082 Member
    I have vibrams. Hot pink and orange. LOVE THEM. I started running after getting them. Oddly, I get lots of Oh those are cute,where did you get them comments.

    That's what I got! sprint right? Quite a few people told me they like my shoes.
    My left knee is not strong. I use them for my step class and other hight impact work out and I stop having knee pain.
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