barefoot shoes

Why don't you just run barefoot?

jaxduke wrote:

I am presently training in Saucony Kinvara 3's . What is the best barefoot shoe.

I would like to introduce runs on a golf course in a barefoot shoe.

I am not interested in the Vibram models that have the five finger feature.

Feedback on Merrell's line would be appreciated.

Have you tried Vibrams? If not, you might wish to reconsider. I was a FFV virgin until a few weeks ago, when a friend gifted me with a pair of KSO Treks (recently discontinued, I think) and I was very pleasantly surprised. I certainly think they would be very well-suited to running on a golf course...

Current models for running:

Altra Sampson is best normal-looking minimalist shoe that I have ever had on my feet. Altra got the whole package right -- the forefoot shape is like your foot, something Merrill and NB overlooked.

Don't dismiss the VFFs. The Bikila LS is my everyday running shoe not only because it does pretty much everything you need a road shoe to do -- and nothing more -- but also because it doesn't require socks for even long distances. It also packs really well, if you travel. Just get the black and gray version and most people won't notice them.

I'm also looking to supplment some more minimalist running in with my Kinvaras and have been looking at Skora's. Never tried any but seemed worth a look at least.

yresyyrh wrote:

Why don't you just run barefoot?

I second this. Running in minimal shoes without having some real barefoot ability is like flying a homemade airplane you made from Popsicle sticks. It's like running a marathon on 20 mpw. It can be done but not very well. Do it right and you will see real results.

The Saucony Hattori's are pretty good, if you are a mainly pavement-bound minimalist. I have wide feet, and I found that they had plenty of space to spread my toes out. They don't have the best lockdown, so if you are negotiating tough terrain, they might not be your best bet. Then again, minimalist shoes never really were about "stability" or "lockdown." At my peak, I was running 75 miles a week in Hattoris, but it honestly felt more like 90, with the increased impact. It took me weeks to adapt to them, but it was a huge pay off. They totally changed my running economy for the better. I started to realize why people always say that the Kenyans have advantages in running because of their strong feet and lower legs. My feet grew a half size as a result of getting so jacked. I ran 3 or four races in them, and found them suitable for relatively high speed training and racing (for me that is in the 16 flat 5k range, faster mile repeats). Additionally, these shoes are absurdly light- even lighter than some track spikes I have owned. Pretty much as minimal as you can get.

I believe hattoris have been discontinued (never tried them, but they looked impressive)

You can look at a pretty comprehensive list of minimalist shoes and reviews here:

http://birthdayshoes.com/barefoot-shoes/

The newest shoes aren't on the list, but you can see the newest reviews at the bottom

I have always been impressed with the New Balance Minimus line, but I personally run in Vibram Bikilas everyday and find them to be good (after a proper transition)

superawesomness wrote:

I believe hattoris have been discontinued (never tried them, but they looked impressive)

You can look at a pretty comprehensive list of minimalist shoes and reviews here:

http://birthdayshoes.com/barefoot-shoes/

The newest shoes aren't on the list, but you can see the newest reviews at the bottom

I have always been impressed with the New Balance Minimus line, but I personally run in Vibram Bikilas everyday and find them to be good (after a proper transition)

Saucony still has a few limited versions on their website. They have a laced version, which I never had. But I believe you are right, and they are in the process of being discontinued. Hopefully they can come up with a good alternative!

vivobarefoot's line reigns supreme