| Philadelphia Collins |
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What shoe in your opinion would be a good step down from the Lunar racer "minimalism" wise? |
| gringonash |
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Brooks T series (T7 currently) still has good cushioning, but not as soft and squishy as LR, and no un-necessary motion control. So it might be a good first step in transition. After that, Asic Piranha and Mizuno Universe are bare-bones ultralight minimal models to shoot for. Not sure what would fall between the Brooks Ts and real minimals (Piranha and Universe). Perhaps the Nike Streak 3s, they have quite firm cushioning; but the Streak 4 reportedly went to softer midsoles, so probably not a good intermediate step between Brooks T series and Piranha/Universe. |
| phew |
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Saucony Type A5 would be a good choice. Very little by way of cushion, fairly firm, nice and narrow in the forefoot (though not quite as narrow as the streak). |
| Philadelphia Collins |
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I use the type a4 for workouts right now and its an awesome shoe. I don't think I could use it for everyday training yet though. Not enough shoe for me. The Brooks t7 looks pretty sweet. If you've tried it, how durable was it? |
| Bell Lapper |
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I agree with gringonash except that I use the Powerstep Pinnacle insole due to very minor continuing problems with PF. Also, my heel pad fat has atrophied so it appears that I need some sort of insole. I alternate shoes so that I never wear the same shoe two days in a row. That keeps the feet from getting strong in one area and weak in another as you would do using the same shoe continuously. Since adopting this approach about 2 years ago, I've had almost no problems with PF or any other injury. The T7 is OK but the Pirannha, Mizuno Universe and Streak XC are better choices if you can gradually adapt to them. |
| Philadelphia Collins |
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I like the switching off idea but I would be a fool to jump from the Lunar racer to the piranha, universe, or xc. Like you said I need to gradually adapt to a shoe like that. If I chose a shoe like the Streak XC, how would you go about adding that in to your daily training while still training in the Lunar? |
| gringonash |
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Oh yeah, I agree, the T7 was not the target, just an initial step in the transition. Yes, the Streak XC would indeed be a good target model, along with the Piranha and Universe I mentioned before (I forgot about the XC)- but I think going straight to them from the Lunaracer would be too drastic a change to make all at once. The Saucony models would also be good intermediate stepping-stone shoes; they have a lower heel drop, and firmer cushioning than the LR. |
| gringonash |
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PC- if you are already using Saucony on occasion, then you have already started the transition. Just ditch the Lunaracers, save them for when your legs are more sore or beatup than usual, and you need some extra cushioning for recovery- then the LRs will serve a useful purpose. So, your primary training would be in the Saucony, and then, when you are ready for another step, start with shorter runs in a target minimal shoe (Streak XC for example), just twice a week or so- then increase their use frequency as you make the adjustment. |
| gringonash |
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Just to clarify; I re-read your response, saying you are already using Saucony A4, but it is not enough shoe for now (it being a racer). The Sauconys I thought of for initial transition (if you don't go to the Brooks T7) would be Saucony Kinvara or Mirage. Lower heel drop, firmer midsole. |
| Philadelphia Collins |
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I know that people say the Mirage is pretty neutral but I still don't want to mess with what is labeled as a stability trainer. Also, you really think that the Kinvara is firmer than the Lunar racer? I've tried on the new one and it felt super soft to me. Have you heard anything about the Asics Gel Lyte 33? Looks real similar to the lunar racer and kinvara. |
| gringonash |
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Then I'll take the hit on that one. I haven't used the Kinvaras, just looked at their specs, they are really pushing the low heel drop idea. But if the midsole feels soft to you, then yeah, probably not a good move. I noticed Nikeman answered a question about LunarSpiders on a different thread here (http://www.letsrun.com/forum/flat_read.php?thread=4661447). He describes it as firmer- so maybe that one would work. They are kinda pricey though, and tend to fit very narrow. But if you have been in the Lunaracers, you would likely get a good fit in the LunarSpiders. |
| Philadelphia Collins |
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Lunarspider is a bit too pricey for me. Also, after reading the reviews on runningwarehouse it seems there are much better options out there. |
| gringonash |
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Yup- the point is to find an intermediate step between the Lunaracer and the minimals. For the final step, the Nike Streak XC seems to have a loyal following. Anything with a firmer midsole than the Lunaracer would do the trick, preferably thinner as well, but not as thin as the target minimal. Maybe one of the Adidas racers, like the Adios? |