'Lower drop' running shoe options.

Oct 22, 11 13:40

Post #1 of 40 (12138 views)

I am trying to improve my gait a little bit and want to try some lower drop runners. I currently wear Zoot Ultra Kane. My foot strike is ok, mid foot is where the weight transfer happens although there is 'touch down' on the heel. I just want to try and make things happen a little more naturally and lower drop would seem to assist that. I also would like to have something less bulky for shorter races(5, 10k and sprint / oly), speed work etc.

I was looking at some New Balance Minimus but was wary of going straight to a 4m drop and also wary of going from cushioning to not much cushioning (I am 180lbs so assume I need some reasonable cushioning for long runs).

Is there a good half way shoe, wide toe box, that I should be throwing into the mix.
Could I just jump into the Minimus (along with a gradual transition to longer runs)
Should I have one pair of runners for faster paces and another, more cushioned for longer?

Any advice from people who have gone through the process would be much appreciated. I am keen to improve without injury!

https://www.pbandjcoaching.com
https://www.thisbigroadtrip.com

Re: 'Lower drop' running shoe options. [Jaymz] [ In reply to ]

Oct 22, 11 14:02

Post #2 of 40 (12117 views)

Yep - get some shoes from Innov-8. They have 9 mm, 6 mm, 3 mm and 0 drop.

The 255 is marketed at the entry shoe into minimalist with a 9 mm drop. I use this for runs over 14 miles and my IM races.

http://www.inov-8.com/...=27&P=5050973194

I use the 233 more than anything else. This is a 6 mm drop shoe and the perfect all arounder.

http://www.inov-8.com/...=27&P=5050973193

My trail runs are on the 230 with a 6 mm drop.

http://www.inov-8.com/...=27&P=5050973021

Short runs and speed work are on the 155 which has a 3 mm drop.

http://www.inov-8.com/...=27&P=5050973192

Then the 150 is 0 drop.

http://www.inov-8.com/...=27&P=5050973232

The cheapest place I have found to buy them is Zappos.

http://www.zappos.com/inov-8

If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went. - Will Rogers

Emery's Third Coast Triathlon | Tri Wisconsin Triathlon Team | Push Endurance | GLWR

Re: 'Lower drop' running shoe options. [JSA] [ In reply to ]

Oct 22, 11 14:46

Post #3 of 40 (12088 views)

Thanks. Looks like the 9mm drop are the only ones that run to my size. There is a guy in town that has them so might check them out. Thanks for the info.

Anyone else got any other options?

https://www.pbandjcoaching.com
https://www.thisbigroadtrip.com

Re: 'Lower drop' running shoe options. [Jaymz] [ In reply to ]

Oct 22, 11 14:50

Post #4 of 40 (12082 views)

http://www.altrazerodrop.com/...1_18952_69005_176939

customerjon @gmail.com is where information happens.

Re: 'Lower drop' running shoe options. [Jaymz] [ In reply to ]

Oct 22, 11 14:56

Post #5 of 40 (12070 views)

I have been running 65-80 miles/week in Nike Frees which are 7mm and just picked up a pair of the NB minimus last week. I think I will race te marathon in Philly in them after a few more runs. Prior to the Nikes I was running in Adidas adizero manas and they are nice too. I would recommend the Adidas as a good transition shoe since they are not as flexy and then move on to the Nikes.

Re: 'Lower drop' running shoe options. [Mr. Tibbs] [ In reply to ]

Oct 22, 11 14:57

Post #6 of 40 (12070 views)

I saw these a little while ago. Have you tried them? I was thinking the zero drop might be a bit much straight away.

https://www.pbandjcoaching.com
https://www.thisbigroadtrip.com

Re: 'Lower drop' running shoe options. [Jaymz] [ In reply to ]

Oct 22, 11 15:07

Post #7 of 40 (12060 views)

my hokas have 4mm drop.

Dan Empfield
aka Slowman

Re: 'Lower drop' running shoe options. [Slowman] [ In reply to ]

Oct 22, 11 16:01

Post #8 of 40 (12019 views)

Thanks guys.

Dan ..... I am size 14 in Zoots. I really wanted to try Hoka's but I would rather come last than wear anything that would make my feet look even bigger! :)

https://www.pbandjcoaching.com
https://www.thisbigroadtrip.com

Last edited by: Jaymz: Oct 22, 11 16:20

Re: 'Lower drop' running shoe options. [Jaymz] [ In reply to ]

Oct 22, 11 16:35

Post #9 of 40 (11991 views)

Keep an eye on Saucony. The Spring '12 shoes (which actually debut on 11/1) feature the "geometry of strong". Basically, the midsole heights are all going to 8 mm. They've reduced unnecessary components and lightened the shoes considerably. Basically "minimalized" their core shoes - which is I think the greatest influence that true minimal shoes have had on the market. First up will be the Guide 5 and Triumph 8. I am very excited to get these into the store. Hurrciane hits in February, and Ride will hit next year. Coupled with the Kinvara, Mirage and Cortana - Saucony is keying in on a god place.

Re: 'Lower drop' running shoe options. [Jaymz] [ In reply to ]

Oct 22, 11 17:24

Post #10 of 40 (11959 views)

You know what they say about big feet...

Re: 'Lower drop' running shoe options. [Mr. Tibbs] [ In reply to ]

Oct 23, 11 5:00

Post #11 of 40 (11852 views)

Mr. Tibbs wrote:

http://www.altrazerodrop.com/...1_18952_69005_176939

I considering the lone peak's: http://www.altrazerodrop.com/...1_18952_69005_176903

One note, Running Times actually measured the Altra drop at 2.5mm (almost zero). Also, they measured the Asics Sky Speed 2's with only 5.8mm drop, where Runningwarehouse.com has the shoe at 10mm drop?

Re: 'Lower drop' running shoe options. [Keith D] [ In reply to ]

Oct 23, 11 6:27

Post #12 of 40 (11807 views)

It would be nice if saucony would throw us a bone and make a tri specific kinvara with no internal stitching, drain holes, speed laces, and a non-movable tongue.

The pearl Izumi iso is so close, but is 9mm drop. If pi made the iso 4mm drop, it would be the perfect shoe.

Re: 'Lower drop' running shoe options. [Keith D] [ In reply to ]

Oct 23, 11 6:41

Post #13 of 40 (11795 views)

any sneak peak at fastwitch 6?

Re: 'Lower drop' running shoe options. [prattzc] [ In reply to ]

Oct 23, 11 7:10

Post #14 of 40 (11782 views)

totally agree with Zach, the Pearl Izumi streak/iso transition midsole is really really good, and i love the iso's upper. It would be a perfect long course shoe with another 1-2mm of midsole in the forefoot.

Re: 'Lower drop' running shoe options. [Jaymz] [ In reply to ]

Oct 23, 11 9:06

Post #15 of 40 (11739 views)

If you're looking for low-drop trail shoes, you can get a killer deal on some Keen's right now that have won awards for the best minimalist trail shoe:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/...unning-shoes-for-men~p~4124g/?filterString=search~keen%2F&colorFamily=02

Sierra Trading Post regularly has 35% off sales, which would take these shoes to less than $40! Can't beat that.

Re: 'Lower drop' running shoe options. [Keith D] [ In reply to ]

Oct 24, 11 5:19

Post #16 of 40 (11634 views)

Keith D wrote:

Keep an eye on Saucony. The Spring '12 shoes (which actually debut on 11/1) feature the "geometry of strong". Basically, the midsole heights are all going to 8 mm. They've reduced unnecessary components and lightened the shoes considerably. Basically "minimalized" their core shoes - which is I think the greatest influence that true minimal shoes have had on the market. First up will be the Guide 5 and Triumph 8. I am very excited to get these into the store. Hurrciane hits in February, and Ride will hit next year. Coupled with the Kinvara, Mirage and Cortana - Saucony is keying in on a god place.

Hopefully, the "geometry of strong" won't feature the same squishy midsole as the Kinvara's.

Re: 'Lower drop' running shoe options. [Jaymz] [ In reply to ]

Oct 24, 11 5:57

Post #17 of 40 (11616 views)

Runningwarehouse.com lists the heel to toe drops for all the shoes they sell (most shoe companies).

Personally I like the Saucony Mirage and Cortana (4mm of drop).

All of the new Brooks Pure Project are 4mm of drop. I have the Cadence on the way - can't wait to try them!

http://www.mountainmettle.com

Last edited by: Spindogg: Oct 24, 11 5:59

Re: 'Lower drop' running shoe options. [Jaymz] [ In reply to ]

Oct 24, 11 6:22

Post #18 of 40 (11590 views)

Out of curiosity, why do you want to transition over to short drop shoes? Your gait is your gait, and it sounds as though your footstrike is not doing you any damage. Making the switch is very likely to induce a lot of unnecessary strain on your legs.

The only runners that I've known to make the seamless transition to the latest wave of low drop shoes are the ones that were running in true minimalist shoes to begin with. I'd say that roughly 50-60% develop some form of limiting injury in making the switch (typically calf, achilles, hamstring). If you're looking to go minimal, simply buy lesser shoes. All of my fastest shoes have 8-12mm of drop.

"The right to party is a battle we have fought, but we'll surrender and go Amish... NOT!" -Wayne Campbell

Re: 'Lower drop' running shoe options. [Jaymz] [ In reply to ]

Oct 24, 11 7:22

Post #19 of 40 (11550 views)

You should definitely take a look at the Asics Hyperspeed. It's a 6mm drop, responsive, but not harsh. It's definitely a shoe that can be worn for daily use if you're sufficiently efficient. It's got a big toe box. In fact, it might be a little too big for me. I love the shoe, but had some blisters/irritation on long runs because I think my feet moved around a little too much. Probably going to move down 1/2 size. This would be a great racing shoe for a marathon.

I've been wearing the Brooks Pure Connects for a couple weeks now and really like them. Perhaps BS but it seems to promote good form.

Re: 'Lower drop' running shoe options. [DC Pattie] [ In reply to ]

Oct 24, 11 8:01

Post #20 of 40 (11520 views)

/Big fan of the A4s here!

Re: 'Lower drop' running shoe options. [sentania] [ In reply to ]

Oct 24, 11 8:21

Post #21 of 40 (11500 views)

Whats the drop of the a4?

Re: 'Lower drop' running shoe options. [PBFLRacing] [ In reply to ]

Oct 24, 11 8:29

Post #22 of 40 (11487 views)

The A4 is quoted at 14mm/10mm. At a hair over 6 ounces, it's one of the best mixes of "natural" and "minimal" distance shoes on the market.

"The right to party is a battle we have fought, but we'll surrender and go Amish... NOT!" -Wayne Campbell

Re: 'Lower drop' running shoe options. [burnman] [ In reply to ]

Oct 24, 11 8:45

Post #23 of 40 (11467 views)

I still can't believe how much these 'minimalist' shoes cost. You pay a lot more for a lot less, it seems.

Re: 'Lower drop' running shoe options. [Jaymz] [ In reply to ]

eastoftheborder

Oct 24, 11 9:07

Post #24 of 40 (11450 views)

I've been running on a pair of the Saucony Cortana for the past two months. 4mm drop took some getting used to, shorter runs at first and alternating between what I used to wear (Brooks Ghost). Overall I am impressed. Great weight, materials are awesome, decent cushioning for a "minimal-type" shoe, and a good fit with a roomy toe-box but snug heel pocket. In any case, this is my first pair of shoes from Saucony and I am sold. They've gained my business.

Re: 'Lower drop' running shoe options. [lightheir] [ In reply to ]

Oct 24, 11 9:55

Post #25 of 40 (11402 views)

cuz they are capitalizing on things.

The A4s are that pricey....

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