Comments on: Is The Minimalist Trend Over? – Comments on Injury Risk and Sales Data

By: Eric Umlauf

Eric Umlauf — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I dont think its over, but we are seeing an evolution of sorts with shoes like the KInvara, the Brooks Pure series,Altra, etc. which are what I would call reduced running shoes. New Balance is still making awesome shoes with the Minimus line. I do think though that Vibrams are out though.

By: Robert Osfield

Robert Osfield — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I think there is probably enough different stats to play it anyway people want, just pick and choose the stats that "support" your "angle". I think this is probably a big part of those who wish to denigrate running in shoes are the more minimal end.

The only way to really know is to have stats on sales for all types of shoes and what they are used for, then look at the various parameters that might be used to classify shoes. For instance parameters that are important include weight, heel drop, last, flexibility, grip, ability to wear sockless, durability.

You could look these parameters individually or together, some like weight are easy to average and look at spreads. I'm pretty sure that we'd see a continuing trend towards lightweight and hence more minimal shoes. I'd expect the same with heel drop, last and flexibility.

Minimalism can't be over if the trend is still towards it.

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Steve Tremblay.

I agree, more data from the manufacturers would be a huge step forward
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By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Tom Kern.

I agree with most everything here except the last bit. Pre Born-to-Run there was virtually no market for minimal shoes outside of racing flats, now we have a category that has doubled racing flats in sales. I think the category is new and is here to stay, the question is how big it ultimately will be.

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By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Adrián Pino.

I agree, the niche companies will keep minimalists happy.

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By: Nick van der Leek

Nick van der Leek — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Minimalism hasn’t worked for me. I’m 41, and sit a great deal, but have never had as much pain or injury than since my transition to minimalist footwear. I think minimalism is good in younger athletes. I think if you combine sitting (ie when one is employed) with running, and add to the stress of already atrophied stabilisers and shock absorbers – you remove the cushioning one is used to – well that is a recipe for injury,

By: the runner

the runner — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Those are some great charts and graphs. Thanks for putting this thought provoking post together. My opinion is the minimalist movement will not die, maybe slow a bit, but the benefits have been seen by enough runners to keep it going. Run on.

By: Ivan Miller

Ivan Miller — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Great blog! Through solid, informative blogs (such as yours), consumers have been able to understand the minimalist running shoe concept.
While the minimalist shoe as a style trend has run its course, the concept has value and will likely remain.

By: Cody R.

Cody R. — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

i mean, it's not like all companies really listen to science data or anything, all about the money unfortunately

By: Steve Tremblay

Steve Tremblay — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Euh! How many of you run with a pair of "fashion" running shoe?

By: Noelle Bakken

Noelle Bakken — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Back when I started running, I was categorized as a mild pronating runner and was put in stability shoes. I never had any problems or injuries for the 6-ish months I ran. In hopes of starting to run again a year or two later, I hopped on the VFF bandwagon in 2011 and purchased a pair of KSOs, only to strain the ankle tendons in both my legs so much that I had to stop running. I re-started again this spring with the VFFs, using C25K and focusing much more on form - but still had peroneal tendon soreness after about 6 weeks as my distances slowly increased. In frustration, I actually went and purchased a pair of Nike Frees (5.0, since 3.0s weren't in the store I went to and the 5.0s felt amazing on my feet), which I have been running in ever since with very few issues, barring shin splints here and there. I put them as 'middle ground' shoes, but by no means would I call them truly 'minimal'.

Despite the fact that I had absolutely no reason to change my stride other than curiosity and motivation from reading Born to Run, I'm happier as a forefoot striker since I feel the difference in impact (so much smoother!), but right now as far as shoes go, I don't see myself going much more minimal beyond a 4mm drop - I have the Kinvaras in my sight for my next shoe.

By: Kristina Owen

Kristina Owen — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I love that you take the time to put this information together for us. Getting a chance to see the numbers really is facinating.