I am currently training in Nike Free 3.0's along with Saucony's Grid Type A4. Combined in these shoes I'm running about 50 MPW with no problem and subtly increasing the mileage. However, I'm looking for a shoe that I can go out and run 12-15 miles in without it being a problem. A shoe that's a little more built up, but still pretty minimal. Any suggestions?
Also, I have tried the Kinvara's and they would hurt my feet after just a few miles
Have you tried the Saucony Mirage? I didn't like the feel of the Kinvara, but I love the Mirage. Slightly heavier (8.9 oz vs. 7.7 oz), same drop (4 mm), with a little bit of stability. Very different feel than the Kinvara.
Newtons have a very low drop (2-4 mm), but they have a significant amount of cushioning under the midfoot/forefoot. Weight varies from 8.6 oz to 11.2 oz, depending on the model. Kind of expensive, but I think they feel great.
Other suggestions (not truly minimalist, just lighter): Brooks Launch, Asics Speedstar, Nike Lunarfly, Brooks Green Silence. Also, Brooks is coming out with their "Pure" Collection soon. Worth checking out.
I regularly run 14-15 miles in the Grid A4 and did the same in the Free 3.0. If you can run 50 mpw in these shoes you can go out and run 15 miles in them no problem.
LL Cool J wrote:
If you can run 50 mpw in these shoes you can go out and run 15 miles in them no problem.
This seems a little irresponsible, and also probably demonstrates why so many people hold a negative view of minimalist proponents. YOU might be able to run 15 miles in the A4 no problem, but that in no way means that the OP can. We don't know how long he's been running in this type of shoe, what he was in before, his injury history, how he structures his mileage, etc. Maybe he'd be fine for 15 in the A4, but maybe he needs more shoe at the moment.
I have been training in the 3.0s for just over a year (obviously not some pair) and the A4's for about 3 months. Ive gotten up to 10 miles in the Frees, but after only like 5 miles in the A4's my feet will start to hurt. I feel like this might have to do with the plastic located at the arch support of the shoe. But I haven't experienced any serious injuries while training in either pair. I was looking into the Inov8 Road x233s. Anyone have any experience?
If your feet hurt, I tend to think it is a fit issue more than a minimal shoe issue. The A4's fit a little small, so I sized up. And I do agree with the poster who said if you can run 50 mpw, then you should be able to run 15 miles in a shoe. But here are a few other options: adidas adizero rocket, Progrid Fastwitch, Mizuno Wave Ronin or Musha, Brooks Green Silence, Asics Gel HyperSpeed.
Alright thanks, Ill definitely looked into those shoes. Ill also probably try either this saturday or sunday to get in a solid 12+ with the Frees
I like the Mizuno Ronin and the Brooks T7. The Hyperspeed is an okay option if you like the small heel drop.
I generally think that being unable to go 12-15 miles in a pair of shoes is a good indication that maybe you shouldn't be using them for your daily runs. It's fairly easy to get away with any shoes for 50 mpw. That doesn't mean they're particularly great shoes.
If you are extremely responsible about your progression, then you might be able to use the Free 3.0 or the A4 just fine for your long runs. It depends on what's comfortable for you.
Take a look at the Altra Instincts.
They are Zero drop which may be a minor problem for you since the Saucony's A4 is 4mm heel to toe.
Weight 9oz
Toe box- Wide
Get 1/2 size bigger ( I blackened both big toe nails with them)
Had them since late April and they are probably the best shoes I've ever run in that allow me to do 70 plus weeks.
Your other options could include Inov8 road X line. All their models are minimalist in nature comparable to your Saucony's.
Hope this helps.
Good Luck.
chauncey, I've done long runs in Newtons. They're a bit harder on the feet than more cushioned shoes but I've not been injured since I started using them.
that new lunarspider sounds nasty, but I feel like It is a rip off at $125.00
If I were you I'd go with the INOV8 Road-X Lite 155, or the INOV8 Road-X 223.
yeah, I've been looking into some inov8's but they all cost around 100$ which is pretty pricey
accuire Vibrum 5fingars i have them 4 like 3 weeks and grate run!
I have two different versions of the Lunar Spider, one with the Lunar midsole and one with a cushlon (phylon) midsole and i wouldn't wear either for anything over a half marathon. They are a racing flat, not beefy enough to train in, in my opinion. I do, however, LOVE them to race in.
why not bump up to a nike free 5.0? they have worked for me up to a marathon
What about the Keen A 86? Uses PU instead of EVA. My theory is that any light shoe is going to provide a low level of cushioning for your long runs, but at least the PU would not break down so fast like the EVA.
I actually have not tried them myself but plan to. They're pretty ugly from pics I have seen. I use the Mizuno Ronin and like them but don't generally use them for long runs. I think I could though.
It looks to me the keens are for trail running. As of now I am looking for a road shoe. Today I was looking at the Adidas Adizero Adios. They look pretty minimal but at the same time look like they have a little extra for the long run. Anyone have experience?
Looking for the right shoe is starting to become a long process haha
You guys all sound like a bunch of vaginas. "I've been running in the Frees for a year and I'm up to 10 miles." Really? Just grow a pair and run. I run 100+ miles a week in Saucony Kilkenny xc flats. You don't need a built up shoe for a long run or high mileage. Stop being a bunch of pussies and run. Really, neither the Free nor the Kinvara are minimalist in spite of what each company's marketing department says. I can't imagine EVER needing more shoe than the A4 which I own and almost never wear. And no, I don't own a pair of five fingers.
chauncey wrote:
This seems a little irresponsible, and also probably demonstrates why so many people hold a negative view of minimalist proponents. YOU might be able to run 15 miles in the A4 no problem, but that in no way means that the OP can. We don't know how long he's been running in this type of shoe, what he was in before, his injury history, how he structures his mileage, etc. Maybe he'd be fine for 15 in the A4, but maybe he needs more shoe at the moment.
I'm not saying anyone would be OK, but if he's been regularly running in the shoes then he should also do his long runs in them.
I mean, if you can't do a long run in a pair of shoes without getting hurt you probably shouldn't be training in them to begin with.
not kidding at all wrote:
You guys all sound like a bunch of vaginas. "I've been running in the Frees for a year and I'm up to 10 miles." Really? Just grow a pair and run. I run 100+ miles a week in Saucony Kilkenny xc flats. You don't need a built up shoe for a long run or high mileage. Stop being a bunch of pussies and run. Really, neither the Free nor the Kinvara are minimalist in spite of what each company's marketing department says. I can't imagine EVER needing more shoe than the A4 which I own and almost never wear. And no, I don't own a pair of five fingers.
Would you like a medal? Im pretty sure not all people can run that in XC flats. And by no means am I saying the Kinvara or Frees are extrememely minmalist. They are however closer to minimal then say a clunky pair of asics.