Too many minimalist shoes wrote:
One time when I was really into minimalist shoes, I bought few extra pairs of Free 3.0, but I can't really run in them everyday like I used to be able to. I can really only run in short runs with them like max of 5 miles. Anything more and it bothers my second metatarsal with not enough cushion there. I don't want to just let these shoes sit, and I think there's some benefit to still run in them for strengthening and stimulating your feet differently than regular shoes. I guess just like what Nike intended the shoes for.
So, how should I incorporate them? I'm in mid 30's, 40-60 mpw, current capability is around 17min 5K.
Should I just use them for strides only?
If any of you incorporate minimalist shoes, how do you use them?
To be honest, I don't considder Nike Free's minimalist shoes; they are not zero drop, and still cushioned.
I don't see any mention in your post about your running form, and since the Free's still allow you to run with bad form, my educated guess is that that's where the problem lies.
Minimal shoes are not what barefoot style running is supposed to be about. The shoes are not the solution (they can be the problem though), they should be the result of how you run.
Work on your form, and you'll see you'll need less and less of your shoes. You can speed up that process by choising shoes that don't interfer with (or claim to 'aprove') your running form, and that give you feetback when there's something wrong.
I've been running in barefoot style (simple, flat, mostly uncushioned, flexible, light and roomy toe area) shoes exclusively for the last 5 years, and I love it. Give it time, don't go for the stupid 'no pain no gain' bullcrap but respect the signals your body gives you, and I'm sure you'll love it too. There are no shortcuts.