I'm currently in a mizuno wave precision. If I'm looking to transition to a minimal shoe, what would be the next step? How long do you guys recommend to let your feet strengthen before going full minimal?
I'm currently in a mizuno wave precision. If I'm looking to transition to a minimal shoe, what would be the next step? How long do you guys recommend to let your feet strengthen before going full minimal?
If by full minimal you mean barefoot, then just do some running barefoot. If you don't mean barefoot then do some barefoot running anyway. Stop trying to weasel out of it. Try 1/4 mile, 1/2 mile, 1 mile etc. If you're afraid of what people might think, then go to a park or track or some other place where you won't be afraid. That's pretty much the best way. BTW it's not really about strengthening your feet. No amount of foot strength is going to save you from 20000 impacts if you're doing it badly.
Running Times has an article on this in its new issue but I do not think it is online yet.
RT does have this guide on its site however.
What problems are you trying to get away from? Chronic injuries?
Just start doing miles barefoot.
If you just want to protect the bottom of your feet get some invisible shoes
If you are running comfortably already in Precisions, you might next consider a zero-drop shoe like the Merrel barefoot glove - it has 4mm of cushioning, wide-toe box and the ride is very good. I find it plenty cushioned.
But, you might notice sore calves and Achilles, so I recommend you rotate it, or whatever other minimalist shoe, with your Precisions. Merrel also makes an 8mm cushioned zero-drop shoe called Bare Access.
I've run in VFFs, but never did like the toes.
Not sure why the next logical step is to go from a lightweight trainer to barefoot. The original poster never even mentioned barefoot specifically. I would think the next logical step is to move to the next more minimal shoe. In this case, the Ronin is the equivalent Mizuno shoe that is a step lower and lighter, so I'd recommend giving that a try.