Minimalist Shoes / BFR Suggestions

spinitoff
spinitoff Posts: 33
edited December 17 in Fitness and Exercise
I have gone through several shoe transitions since I started running, working my way from some basic Brooks trainers, up to the super-motion-control Brooks Beast, then slowly back down to some racing flats once I realized that my main issues (shin splints and knee pain) got worse, not better, the more motion control I added.

Shortly after realizing this with my racing flats, I bought some VFF KSOs about three years ago. Since then, I think I've probably put more than 1,000 miles on them, lots of street and asphalt miles, and after all the abuse, the support straps finally wore out. I'm still making use of them with a little kluge, but I am thinking I'm going to need to get some new Minimalist shoes to replace them.

Sooo... my question is this: other than Huaraches which I already have (I have early-run Luna Sandals; they're great), would anyone suggest other MR shoes than the VFF? If you're a fan of the VFF, what do you run in? I'm looking at the Bikila, and I'm wondering if anyone has any sense of how it compares to the KSO.

Right now, I'm leaning towards giving these a shot: http://www.zemgear.com/360.html

They are cheaper than a new pair of VFF Bikilas by half, and look like they'd be fun, but I do worry about durability. My VFFs have really been tanks over the years, and it's nice to be able to count on them in on hot asphalt, mucky trails, even gravel.

I don't really like Terra Plana for both the price and look, but if someone has really had a great experience with them, I'd be interested in hearing.

Replies

  • scottb81
    scottb81 Posts: 2,538 Member
    I have around 1400 miles on my Bikilas and they are still in good shape (with shoe goo applied on the bottom a couple of times).

    I also have KSOs that I run in sometimes. I like running in the Bikilas but they feel a little different than the KSOs. There is a little less ground feel and they fit much more like a second skin.

    I also have a pair of Inov8 road X 155 minimalists that are about worn out. They were a good shoe but I have gotten so used to running in the Bikilas that anything else now feels odd to run in.
  • AggieCass09
    AggieCass09 Posts: 1,867 Member
    i didnt know all of the other shoes you suggested, but i LOVE my Bikilas and have 3 pairs that i alternate (one is in gym bag, other is in my closet, other pair rotates when i wash em) and ive been doing this for 2 years now....all knee pain is GONE
  • spinitoff
    spinitoff Posts: 33
    The innov8s look interesting; I like seeing new MR shoes in different styles. My daily wear pair is the Merrell Tough Glove in brown. It's just this side of work in the "work casual" binary that I can wear them almost every day. They're a nice minimalist shoe, though they're just a touch too heavy on the sole and upper for anything sustained, but when I'm late for the bus, I'm glad I have them on. :wink:
  • Heaven71
    Heaven71 Posts: 706 Member
    Bump for later
  • abigailhutch
    abigailhutch Posts: 101
    I am new to the "barefoot" type shoes....I have been wearing the Vibram Komodo Sport LS for about 3 months and I like them alot! My mom wears the Bikila LS and I have a friend who doesn't like the toe part of the shoes, she has Merrells that have the vibram technology in them! She swears by them! I have been thinking about getting a pair of those to wear w/everyday activities.....Don't really want to wear black & hot pink toe shoes everyday! hehe!
  • spinitoff
    spinitoff Posts: 33
    I am new to the "barefoot" type shoes....I have been wearing the Vibram Komodo Sport LS for about 3 months and I like them alot! My mom wears the Bikila LS and I have a friend who doesn't like the toe part of the shoes, she has Merrells that have the vibram technology in them! She swears by them! I have been thinking about getting a pair of those to wear w/everyday activities.....Don't really want to wear black & hot pink toe shoes everyday! hehe!

    I love the look of the Komodo, but I'm looking for something a little lighter than that. They look cool as hell though! I think the Merrell line is great for daily wear or maybe even a trail-running shoe if you don't like the exposure of a sandal and the thin soles of the VFFs line.
  • spinitoff
    spinitoff Posts: 33
    This thread petered out pretty quick. Sounds like the consensus is to stick with the VFF, Bikila most likely, but almost all the "shoes" seem to work pretty well! I still wish someone would chime in about those ninja sock looking things! They look bad *kitten*. I might have to get those AND the Bikilas.
  • blondejillie
    blondejillie Posts: 305 Member
    Don't laugh, but I just got the Skechers GoRuns and I really like them.
  • spinitoff
    spinitoff Posts: 33
    Don't laugh, but I just got the Skechers GoRuns and I really like them.

    Looks good to me! If you like, I like. That sole is way too big for me though!! Sharp looking shoes though.
  • scottb81
    scottb81 Posts: 2,538 Member
    I have a pair of the Injinji toe socks. I used them in the winter when it was cold but I prefer running without them. The fit well into the Bikilas without having to buy a larger shoe. Whatever fits the bare foot will fit also with the socks.
  • athensguy
    athensguy Posts: 550
    My favorite minimal shoes are SoftStar RunAMoc Dash.

    Other shoes I have used are Vibram KSO, Merrell Trail Gloves, and New Balance Minimus Zero Run (the ones that just came out 0 drop). I also have a pair of New Balance 730 minimus (3mm drop) that I haven't tried yet.

    I think the RunAMoc are going to become my training shoes and the Minimus Zero will be my racing shoes due to the significant extra cushioning (5mm or so thickness on the RunAmocs and 12mm on the Minimus Zero).
This discussion has been closed.

Categories