Big time props to LaWoof for introducing me to minimal shoes

Nov 1, 05 8:36

Post #1 of 22 (3735 views)

Hey LaWoof I just saw you posted a bit here recently. I thought you had taken off, or else I would have posted about this earlier. I just want to thank you for your insights on getting rid of stability/MC shoes and encouraging me to try out a minimal type shoe. I have been running in the Nike Waffle racer XC shoe exclusively since March, after 7 years of problems with shin splint, ITB, runner's knee, and a stress fracture. Previously I couldn't run more than 8-10 miles per week without being in unbearable amounts of pain in my shins and knees.

The difference since making the switch (and upping my run cadence) has been incredible. I'm not quite there yet, and it hasn't been a seemless transition, but I've been able to sustain 30 - 40 miles per week recently, and I also just completed the Detroit Marathon two weekends ago. You saved my triathlon and running "career", thank you.

Right now I'm at around 600 miles in, so I'm not 100% adapted, but things are all in all pretty smooth. I'm looking forward to my first winter of being able to actually run all winter and not have to rehab injuries built up from the summer.

I need to get a new shoe though, I've lost all my toe nails in the waffle racers. Any ideas on that?

---------------------------------------------------------

"What the mind can conceive and believe, the mind and body can achieve; and those who stay will be champions."

Re: Big time props to LaWoof for introducing me to minimal shoes [jackattack] [ In reply to ]

Nov 1, 05 8:44

Post #2 of 22 (3710 views)

I am also a minimalist-shoe-wearer. I train in the Brooks Racer T4. Race in the Nike Zoom Streak. The Zoom Streak is okay for training, too, but the upper is a light mess and does wear out faster than the sole, which is why I don't use them for training. The T4 is light and very comfy. The sole is pretty soft, though. I think I am about 300 miles or so on mine, and the outer tread is worn through in spots. The T4 has a relatively full toebox, so that will also help your toenail problem. The Zoom Streak is a typical narrow Nike toebox.

Puma also makes some great minimalist shoes, but they are notoriously hard to find.

"Non est ad astra mollis e terris via." - Seneca | rappstar.com | FB - Rappstar Racing | IG - @jordanrapp

Re: Big time props to LaWoof for introducing me to minimal shoes [jackattack] [ In reply to ]

Nov 1, 05 8:50

Post #3 of 22 (3686 views)

I've been running in a pair of Brooks T3s and Asics flats--for which I don't know the name--for the last 115 hours of running since June. The Brooks are very flexible and nearly worn away through the sole now, but I probably put about 550 miles on them. The Asics probably have between 350-400 miles on them. The cushioning on both shoes is crushed, but it doesn't make any difference to me anymore. If I was home I would just resole the Brooks with something from one of my old pairs of shoes and keep using them. If you run mostly on well-surfaced roads I would recommend you try the Brooks T4. If you run off road it won't be good because rocks and other sharp objects will poke through the sole.

Chad

Re: Big time props to LaWoof for introducing me to minimal shoes [jackattack] [ In reply to ]

Nov 1, 05 8:53

Post #4 of 22 (3674 views)

My PT suggested I trade my motion control shoes for something "lighter" last year. I was wearing the Brooks Ariel- one of the sturdiest MC shoes on the market. I moved to the Brooks Adrenaline, more of a stability shoe, and love it. My shin splints and IT problems were immediatly fixed. Now I am working on the next step and moving to a cushioning shoe. In fact, I went in last week to try to buy some and the guy at the running store talked me out of it b/c he could see I was over-pronating just standing there. So now I have one expert saying "do it" and one teling me not to. After seeing your post, though, I might just have to give it a try. Are you a over pronator?

Re: Big time props to LaWoof for introducing me to minimal shoes [Rappstar] [ In reply to ]

Nov 1, 05 8:57

Post #5 of 22 (3660 views)

"Puma also makes some great minimalist shoes, but they are notoriously hard to find."

Try Zappo's. They have more models than you can shake a stick at...

http://www.zappos.com/n/br/b/125.html

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Re: Big time props to LaWoof for introducing me to minimal shoes [jackattack] [ In reply to ]

Nov 1, 05 9:02

Post #6 of 22 (3638 views)

I'm telling ya'll right now. This is the best shoe out right now...

http://brooksrunning.com/...23719&p=BSI40008

Take this shoe to a shoe repair shop and have them grind down the plate (leave enough on to have a solid platfrom for glue) and attach a nice vibrum outsole. here's a good pic of a well done pair of asics.

Re: Big time props to LaWoof for introducing me to minimal shoes [LaWoof] [ In reply to ]

Nov 1, 05 9:03

Post #7 of 22 (3631 views)

Oh and THANKS! glad to hear you are going well!

Happy running!!!!!!!

Re: Big time props to LaWoof for introducing me to minimal shoes [jackattack] [ In reply to ]

Nov 1, 05 9:07

Post #8 of 22 (3618 views)

In Reply To:

I need to get a new shoe though, I've lost all my toe nails in the waffle racers. Any ideas on that?

Since nobody's said this yet - size up! Half a size might do it, but if you are wearing too small you may need to go a full size. You need more than a thumb's width from the end of the shoe.

Re: Big time props to LaWoof for introducing me to minimal shoes [Trey] [ In reply to ]

Nov 1, 05 9:13

Post #9 of 22 (3603 views)

If it's the end of the shoe thats causing the toe nail loss. I find that much of the time its because your foot is griping the ground squeezing the nail. That is usually a result of a mild instability in the shoe. Yes, even waffle racers can cause instability, though usually not much. Out of touch with all the new XC shoes but I have been seeing a few good looking ones that have come out this year. Need to see them in person before I give the final go ahead but soem of them look feeeeelllllll nice.

I tell ya, go for those brooks I posted. You'll be happy!

Re: Big time props to LaWoof for introducing me to minimal shoes [brider] [ In reply to ]

Nov 1, 05 9:33

Post #10 of 22 (3564 views)

Here is a more specific link:
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7195759.html

The H-Street:

Light, minimalist, but oh so ugly. Fortunately, there are many styles from which to choose.

Victor

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Re: Big time props to LaWoof for introducing me to minimal shoes [LaWoof] [ In reply to ]

Nov 1, 05 9:34

Post #11 of 22 (3560 views)

Start with a SPIKE? Then glue on a vibram outsole to THAT? Yikes!

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Re: Big time props to LaWoof for introducing me to minimal shoes [brider] [ In reply to ]

Nov 1, 05 9:36

Post #12 of 22 (3549 views)

It's the only way!!!!!!!!

Those Puma H-streets are good too but the outsole is totally flat and horrible when wet. I put about 600 miles in a pair but I was running on dry packed singletrack so I was fine. When I was in Cali I was running roads and when it rained it was like running on ice.

Re: Big time props to LaWoof for introducing me to minimal shoes [Bell Head] [ In reply to ]

Nov 1, 05 9:39

Post #13 of 22 (3535 views)

Yup -- got a pair of these (though in a slightly less garish color). I found them at Nordstrom Rack for $40...

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Some are born to move the world to live their fantasies...

https://triomultisport.com/
http://www.mjolnircycles.com/

Re: Big time props to LaWoof for introducing me to minimal shoes [LaWoof] [ In reply to ]

Nov 1, 05 9:39

Post #14 of 22 (3531 views)

So do you grind off the WHOLE plate, or do you just grind it smooth?

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Some are born to move the world to live their fantasies...

https://triomultisport.com/
http://www.mjolnircycles.com/

Re: Big time props to LaWoof for introducing me to minimal shoes [brider] [ In reply to ]

Nov 1, 05 9:42

Post #15 of 22 (3519 views)

Just smooth. Having the integrity of the plate helps keep the shoe in place on your foot and protects you from sharp objects. Also makes it easier to properly glue the outsole on and replace it if needed.

Re: Big time props to LaWoof for introducing me to minimal shoes [TriKitty] [ In reply to ]

Nov 1, 05 10:03

Post #16 of 22 (3494 views)

Well, according to LaWoof, no one over-pronates, but yes I was diagnosed as an over-pronator by every expert I talked to.

A word of caution, you can injure yourself very easily. If you try it, be very very careful. Your feet and lower legs will not be strong enough to handle it. Also, I found keeping the cadence high was a necessity - right around 180 steps per minute.

I don't know if this is for everyone, I just know it works for myself and a few other people. Personally, I think the best candidates for it are people who are continually injured, and nothing else has helped.

I have gotten the same arguments/disapproval from running shop salesman that you experienced. I just realize that I know more about myself than they do. As long as you are cautious, and listen to your body, the worst of your problems will be wasted time. For me, I wasn't running anyways, so there was no risk here.

I think there are a lot of good arguments for going to a minimal shoe, but for right now, I think getting past injuries is the best reason for most people.

---------------------------------------------------------

"What the mind can conceive and believe, the mind and body can achieve; and those who stay will be champions."

Re: Big time props to LaWoof for introducing me to minimal shoes [jackattack] [ In reply to ]

Nov 1, 05 10:09

Post #17 of 22 (3484 views)

As a former ITB sufferer(knock on wood ! ) minimal shoes have also been my saving grace.

I love my Nike Zoom Air Elites.

Just for shits & giggles I run on the treadmill w/ retro Vans skateboarder type sneakers once a week for about 3-4 miles. It really allows for relaxed running at high cadence.

I'm going to try my first pair of Vitruvians to see how they feel.

Good Luck on the re-hab.

_______________________________________________________

Seeing him in deep torment, I said. " You can have my last GU , but its been down my pants for most of the run". - John Hirsch

Take care of your body, its by far the coolest thing you're going to ever own.- Can't remember who told me this, but I love it.

Re: Big time props to LaWoof for introducing me to minimal shoes [Rappstar] [ In reply to ]

Nov 1, 05 10:15

Post #18 of 22 (3467 views)

Puma models worth checking out:

H-Street, Ilo, Irie, 5000m, Cross Country Street, Sierra Trail Racer, Alpine Trail Racer.

The H-street has recently been released in some more "mainstream" colors...

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Some are born to move the world to live their fantasies...

https://triomultisport.com/
http://www.mjolnircycles.com/

Re: Big time props to LaWoof for introducing me to minimal shoes [LaWoof] [ In reply to ]

Nov 1, 05 10:41

Post #19 of 22 (3446 views)

That is very interesting. How thick is the sole? I starting running in some asics spikes since I can run on dirt roads for hours right out my back door. My main problem with the T3s comes when I step on rocks; they really are like running barefoot now and it hurts.

Chad

Re: Big time props to LaWoof for introducing me to minimal shoes [LaWoof] [ In reply to ]

Nov 1, 05 10:45

Post #20 of 22 (3433 views)

Hey those are my shoes! Lawoof your a genuis,

customerjon @gmail.com is where information happens.

Re: Big time props to LaWoof for introducing me to minimal shoes [Rappstar] [ In reply to ]

Nov 1, 05 10:53

Post #21 of 22 (3406 views)

I love my Mayflys.
The last birthday present arrived, today, from my sister. She manages a running shop in Santa Fe and knows her stuff and knows I like light shoes. She sent me a pair of Brooks T4 Racers. Can't wait to try them.

Proud member of FISHTWITCH: doing a bit more than fish exercise now.

Re: Big time props to LaWoof for introducing me to minimal shoes [Mr. Tibbs] [ In reply to ]

Nov 1, 05 11:03

Post #22 of 22 (3383 views)

you using them?

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