Minimal shoes to Maximal shoes?

You are already running in a well cushioned, lightweigth trainer (Pure Flow is certainly not "minimal"), so it´s not like it´s a world of difference. I do most of my easy asphalt running in Clifton and they feel like Saucony Kinvara with twice as much cushioning.

Now there will without doubt be a few immature Hoka haters on this thread babbling about "clown shoes" etc, but that´s the nature of LR.

There is a big difference between Clifton and models like Bondi or Stinson.

Thanks for that input! I think I know what you mean by the kinvara feel..

And the Pureflow is actually a sub-minimal shoe, it is part of the Pure Project, Brooks line of minimal to sub-minimal shoes, to promote better form and a more natural feel!

TDodd22 wrote:

Thanks for that input! I think I know what you mean by the kinvara feel..

And the Pureflow is actually a sub-minimal shoe, it is part of the Pure Project, Brooks line of minimal to sub-minimal shoes, to promote better form and a more natural feel!

I know exactly what type of shoe Pure Flow is. It´s a lightweight, neutral trainer just like Kinvara och Asics Gel Lyte.

I do most of my training in the Pure Connect which is essentially the Pure Flow, with less cushioning. They are both 4mm. I also run in the Flow's and some Skechers GoRuns which are pretty similar to the Flows. I also do some work in flats.

I had a pair of Cliftons' delivered Friday because I thought I wanted to mix them into my shoe rotation. I tried them on and immediately boxed them back up. They just felt so wrong.

Flows have plenty of cushion.

I don't see any issues with you transitioning from Flows to Hokas.

ran 8 miles in flats today

I have no experience with Hokas but last year I went from doing all my runs in minimalist shoes (Merrell trail gloves/Asics XC spikes) to doing most in cushioned shoes in a marathon build-up. I still do most of my runs in cushioned shoes with just a little bit of barefooting and minimalism, which I believe helps build strong feet, ankles and lower legs.

Keep the shoes you intend to race in in rotation - at least for a weekly session - and you should be fine. Your legs and feet need to know how to drive your racing shoes. Regards.

Typical American.Either right wing or left wing.Why not something in between minimal or maximal?

what the F is sub-minimal? the flow isn't minimal, it's maybe slightly on the light side but not even kinvara-light. my current road shoes are pureflow 4s, lunartempos, hoka stinsons and huakas, and some other light shoes that might get mixed in occasionally. switching shoes on a regular basis is pretty commonly accepted as a good practice, you'll be fine.

I am just wanting to try the Hokas, due to the responses I have got about them. Also, I think trying new things in running can really help and the Hokas are supposed to make you less sore, and make your legs take less damage.

Also I am not asking whether or not you like the Pureflows, I am asking if anyone has went from training in only the Pureflows, straight into training in just the Hokas

TDodd:

There are PLENTY of avid runners who rotate between more minimal shoes and maximal cushion running shoes, such as the Hokas.

In fact, rotating shoes as part of your training regiment is recommended by most physical therapists and running experts... it's not a gimmicky rule designed to sell more shoes. What it accomplishes is keeping all parts of your feet, ankles, and legs well exercised... and maximal cushion shoes like Hokas will also help your feet and ankles to get much needed rest without having to shorten or eliminate training runs.

I recommend you start with the Cliftons, but if you find them to be too cushiony, switch to the Rapa Nui Tarmac or Huaka models.

Personally, I do shorter, speedier runs in zero-drop, more minimal running shoes, I do mid-to-long distance training in Brooks Ghost 7's, and I do recovery runs in Hokas.

You can get Rapa Nui 2's dirt cheap right now.

http://www.tackl.com/gear/rapa-nui-2-tarmac-running-shoe-21340

Hope this helps!

I am not gonna rotate is the thing, I am gonna go straight to the Hokas, and rotate between 2 models

How are the Ghost 7s compared to the 6s?

The 6s seemed to want a little more room in the toe and a little less shoe at the rear (chaffed my achilles something awful).

I tried on a pair of Cliftons a couple weeks ago and they were roomy in a men's 10! I your opinion, would it be beneficial to go down a half size or stay at 10, like all my other shoes...

If the pureflows are so minimal then wear them for your next 3200 race...you want a race plan too?