I'm considering many different minimalist shoes right now. I'm doing mostly fast trackwork right now for the 800, then after this month/month and a half I'm gonna start training for XC. I currently wear Asics GT-2150, quite cushioned. I also had Lunarglide +2's. I'm considering buying Vibram FF Bikilas, NB Minimus Trail, Free 3.0's, Saucony Hattori's, or Saucony Kinvara's. Which shoe would function the best for BOTH Track and XC?
Oh and I forgot to add: I'm very flatfooted. I'm currently wearing insoles in the Asics; are there any shoes that would eliminate the need to wear insoles/have arch support already? I saw that the Saucony Mirage had arch support; I'm not sure to what extent though.
I feel like the new balance minimus trails would work the best, I am a minimalist runner. I've ran some low five mile repeats with the trails on roads, and they work great on trails. But, if you're going from a heavily cushioned trainer, I'd almost advise something like the kinvara, or the minimus road to work into less shoe.
I think the Kinvara has been at the top of my list for a while, since yes, I am coming from a heavily cushioned trainer. However, I also am quite used to running barefoot; I've done several 4-5 milers completely barefoot on concrete/asphalt before, and I also do many of my cooldowns barefoot on grass (usually around 1.5 miles). Since I'm flatfooted, do you recommend that I wear my insoles with the Kinvaras?
go with the kinvara.
do not go with VFF
if i were your coach i wouldn't allow anything less than the kinvara. get a nice good summer base with a SHOE and don't get hurt for your xc season