Newton’s could be a good option, but they are relatively thick soled and
expensive, which could be turnoffs for some people. I do very much like the
Distance Racer myself though.

Pete

Thanks for the comment Brian. A bit of calf tightness is normal and
usually passes with time as you transition. Another resource you might
want to check out is Danny Abshire’s Natural Running book – he does a
nice job going over most aspects of form with a slightly different
approach than Chi. Also do a google search for Good Form Running –
they are working with New Balance on form education.

Pete

On Friday, December 31, 2010, Disqus

Thanks for the comment Sam – didn’t realize that Meltzer was from NH. The
Hoka’s are an interesting concept, still not sure how I’d feel about them.

Pete

I bought a pair of Adidas stability shoes, and immediately noticed how I felt pain in the middle of my shin bones. Not shin splints, pain in a particular location where I had gotten stress fractures before.

Frustrated, I finally decided to try neutral shoes earlier this year. Lacing them up, I was astounded to find that, notwithstanding my size, low arch, etc., I could run without pain in neutral shoes. Sure, I had aches and pains, including calf cramps, but nothing that kept me from running more than a week.

My fitness improved, and finally my pace. I read with great interest about the Saucony ProGrid Kinvara, and ultimately bought a pair. I’ve run a 10 mile race and a 1/2 marathon in them, and have had absolutely no problems. At the same time, I shaved nearly 4 minutes off my 5k time.

Are minimalist shoes “silver bullets” for all runners? Probably not. But do they work? For me, the answer is an unequivocal yes.

Thanks for the comment Eric. I also find the Kilkenny to be firmer than
other XC flats (e.g., the Brooks Mach series). I recall having some forefoot
pain when wearing mine, but I have largely shelved them due to fit issues.

I’m curious, as someone who manages a running store, do you find that the
minimalist concept is widely accepted at specialty stores, or is it hit or
miss? I usually advise people to go to specialty stores due to better
selection and better, more knowledgeable service than at a big box sporting
goods store. How would you advise people to bring up the subject at a store,
considering that some may still be resistant to the idea?

Pete

Pete has written before that he believes one of the reasons he hasn’t had a major injury in a long time is that he’s constantly rotating his shoes. Different shoes give your legs something different to adapt to and stress them in slightly different ways.

I’m glad you’re finding what works for you! Cheers, – Fitz.

I tried on the Hoka’s the same time I did the Kinvara’s (which I bought – obviously my opinion of them was much better). For me… the thick and soft midsole took away any kind of ground feel, and I felt VERY ustable in them (all that midsole sqishing around). Yes, the forefoot is very stiff, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing to me, as I’ve had issues with Frieberg’s Infraction. But… the extreme rocker plus the soft midsole made it feel like the ground was falling away from me with every stride. And basically they look like moon boots cut off at the ankle.