RUNNERS: going to a less cushioned/stability shoe?

IveLanded
IveLanded Posts: 797 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
When I started running, I had problems with shin splints so I started running in high-stability, high-cushion shoes. I started in Asics 2150s and this year went to Saucony Hurricane 14s, which was even more cushioned than the Asics.

Since I started in that shoe, I've lost nearly 40lbs and become a more adept runner. I also have stronger legs and more defined muscle in my calves and thighs.

I'm thinking about going down a level in cushioning in my shoe and was wondering if anyone has any horror stories about this? Or did it successfully?

Replies

  • cjmas
    cjmas Posts: 63
    No, but I'm interested to see what other people have experienced. I currently run with Asics (forget the model; it's whatever the running store person said I should wear after analyzing my stride), but I've been debating going down in cushioning.

    A friend of mine is a big 'barefoot' running advocate. I won't go that far, but I did try running more on the balls of my feet, (which is apparently a stride change that you make when you do that.) It was harder, but I was also faster. It seems to me that if you want to alter your stride to where you are running entirely on the balls of your feet, and not striking with the heel at all, getting low/no cushioning shoes would be a good way to go. If you aren't interested in that, (and there are legions of people who think that is nonsense), I'd stick with the cushioning.

    I'm not sure what I'm going to do about my next purchase, yet.
  • SelkieDiver
    SelkieDiver Posts: 260 Member
    I have slowly transitioned from a stability shoe, to a neutral shoe, to a neutral performance and now run in a minimal. No horror stories to speak of other than REALLY sore shins when I push it :bigsmile: . When I first started running i had some serious bouts of plantar fasciitis and shin splints. To some extent i think that is growing pains that all new runners have to go through at one point or another. After doing a bunch of research I felt I needed to strengthen my feet and change my gait. I got neutral shoes and started working on a mid-foot strike. Once it felt good in those shoes, I stepped down again in the cushioning. Now I do my long runs in Saucony Kinvara 2's and shorter (3-4 mi max) runs in New Balance Minimus Zero road shoes. I do have some barefoot shoes too (Merrell Pace Gloves) but since I'm on concrete and pavement quite a bit my feet get sore in those. They're my preferred walking and hiking shoe though.

    One thing is take your time and cut your mileage when you cut your cushioning. You need to develop new muscles in your feet and that takes time and patience. As always, listen to your body!
  • Australia2013
    Australia2013 Posts: 20
    Agree with the above comment. I am prone to shin splints despite icing and doing excercises to help. They were pretty bad when I was wearing a full-cushion shoe. I got a pair of Vibram 5 fingers and started running in those 1-2 times a week and my shins never hurt after my runs when I wore them - my calves definitely did though because of the change. Since then I have only purchased minimal cushioned shoe because I don't get as many injuries as I did before. Right now I am using the Vibrams, New Balance Minimus trail shoes, and Mizuno shoes. I don't recall the model of Mizuno shoes but they do have minimal cushion. It is really important when switching to minimal shoes to decrease your distance because your muscles need to adapt. Though you may feel like you can go further in your run when you first start be careful because you will be very sore the next day.
  • bacamacho
    bacamacho Posts: 306 Member
    I've been running in supportive runners for years and am giving Saucony Hattoris a try. No horror stories here, but I started out with short runs on a treadmill. 3-6 miles only, and have only run 5 miles outdoors with no problem. If I plan to run longer, I go back to my Brooks with support. Haven't braved beyond 5 miles outdoors with them. I don't have time for injuries right now.
  • timboom1
    timboom1 Posts: 762 Member
    I have slowly been working down from a Motion Control to a Neutral shoe. As you get stronger, your stride and gait do change, although arch etc... will always be what they are. When I have transitioned I generally will rotate the two types for a while gradually increasing the proportion of miles in the newer style. So far, no problems and the lower stability shoes last longer. Just be careful that your gait supports the newer shoe, otherwise you are asking for trouble.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories