Why is it so hard to find a running shoe that actually works.

Ho Hum wrote:

I think it's because shoe companies insist on making changes to models that are already optimized so they can have something new to sell. That means the quality goes something like this: 1st gen (good), 2-3 gen (perfected), 4th gen (dramatic changes ruin the shoe). So at any given time, there are a lot of shoe models that are garbage but used to be good, and you have to sort through reviews to figure it out.

Case in point, Nike had a great shoe with the Streak XC, kept it pretty much unchanged but ominously renamed it Streak LT, then ruined it with the LT2.

To each his own. I actually thought the LT2 was the best of the bunch. Less issue with forefoot glue allowing the mesh-like upper to attach. The LT3 was the big miss for me, and I wish I could find the 2.

I just find most shoes, Nike and otherwise, too clunky, but that is surely also related to my running style. I'm a midfoot striker who trains in that 5:40-6:40 range for most runs and most shoes just feel like bricks with bad transition even though technically I shouldn't be transitioning as much with landing midfoot.

See if you can find Kilkenny XC4's. They're hard to come by, but for a one piece sole they allow better freedom of movement I'd say.

Oops you're right, I've got the LT3. Must've missed the 2. I trained in this line for years, but the LT3 is so stiff and odd feeling that I don't want to risk it outside workouts.

I'll have to check out the Kilkennys, cheers for the recommendation.

If you've been going barefoot, perhaps just get a leather khuff. Then possibly sew some extra leather onto the bottom for durability. Maybe even try a flexible adhesive with a harder rubber mixed in. Your cushioning and warmth would simply be from whatever sock you wore. Maybe have to punch some holes in the top to allow for some breathing.

You'd have to do it yourself because a shoe company couldn't easily sell a leather sock with some durable material on the bottom for $100.

Sounds like you want a pair of vibram 5 fingers.

Fallen Archies wrote:

Nuke Dukem wrote:Some of the Nike shoes the whole sole doesn't even touch the ground, only the heel and forefoot, that's like saying "I don't want to use my whole foot that was designed to be used".

Your whole sole including arch touches the ground when you run barefoot? No wonder you can't find shoes that work for you.

I run 'barefoot style' too, have been doing that for a couple of years without any problems. There's actually quite a few shoes to choose from that are flat (zero drop), flexible, not too narrow at the toes etc.

I use Vibram VFF's, VivoBarefoot (both brands have a great line of 'barefoot' shoes), and some older models of Merrell Barefoot (the vapor Glove is fantastic), New Balance Minimus and some other models and brands.

There's more if you look for it. Altra's shoes are zero drop, though too thick for me personaly), Skora, Soft Star… and some that I can't recall at the moment.

Hope this helps.

Either you are full of it or I am just jealous. How the heck do you run 120 mpw barefoot and more importantly why?

Shoe companies keep "updating" the shoes to but end up making them worse

Metoo wrote:

Shoe companies keep "updating" the shoes to but end up making them worse

I happen to love many different shoes out there. Don't be too dependent on one type of shoes where you have to stock up. I say this bc I used to be like this, but now that I run better, I can run with many different pairs and feel good.

Shoesssy wrote:

Metoo wrote:

Shoe companies keep "updating" the shoes to but end up making them worse

I happen to love many different shoes out there. Don't be too dependent on one type of shoes where you have to stock up. I say this bc I used to be like this, but now that I run better, I can run with many different pairs and feel good.

For me I run well in any shoe, but it's more of a personal preference for knowing that I have enough arch support without the shoe becoming clunky and that it's a quality shoe that won't break down completely after a short time. Once had my shoes fall apart during a race. After that I wanted to stick more with shoes I know last long enough.

lwgh wrote:

The light weight crazy killed many of the best running shoes. There used to be many great 12 oz shoes then all the shoe companies tried to make them 8 oz and now they suck.

Is this a joke?