Why Should I Transition to a Minimalist Running Shoe? The Answer is...

At one time, it might have been unthinkable. However, running barefoot ― or in shoes with soles so thin that it feels like being barefoot ― has become a popular activity...

Why Minimalist Running?

This phenomenon is called "minimalist running." Minimalist runners point out that it helps human beings appreciate the outdoors. After all, minimalist runners can really feel the ground under their feet.

"Traditional" or "Minimalist" Running Shoe?

The types of running shoes that have been popular since the 1980's, shoes with plenty of cushioning, actually interfere with natural movements. In fact, running shoes suppress the functioning of many hip, leg, and ankle muscles. Unless all of those muscles are fully engaged, your body will be less coordinated and you won't be able to achieve a true sense of equilibrium. By contrast, people who run barefoot adopt strides that their bodies prefer.

Check out this TED talk from Christopher McDougall entitled "Are we born to run?"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-iGZPtWXzE

What's more, when your foot makes contact with the ground ― as it does when it's in a minimalist shoe ― it picks up more tactile information. Subconsciously, your brain will use those details to position your body in the most effective ways possible.

Benefits of running Bare Foot or using Minimalist Running Shoes

Further, with bare feet or minimalist shoes, your soles become more elastic over time. These shoes should strengthen the tendons and ligaments of your feet as well, making them much less prone to tears and other injuries. When your shoes lack heel lifts, you also stretch your calf muscles as you run. Consequently, you're less likely to experience painful calf pulls.

In addition, when you run with running shoes, your heels tend to hit the ground before the rest of your feet do. That's unhelpful because your heels come down with great force, and that force places stress on your entire body. On the other hand, barefoot running will make you much more likely to land on your forefeet, which means that your steps will be smoother and more graceful. You may gain considerable speed as well. Plus, when you land on your forefeet, your arches absorb much of the impact and shock. Thus, your body doesn't have to deal with nearly as much pressure.

Transitioning to a Minimalist Running Shoe

Before you take up minimalist running, though, it's crucial that you get acclimated to minimalist running shoes. At this point, you might be wondering: What's a minimalist running shoe exactly? What are its qualities? Well, such a shoe is lightweight, and it feels extremely flexible ― even flimsy ― when you hold it. Its sole has almost no padding, and its heel hardly rises. Therefore, your foot will be just about level when it's inside.

Some of these shoes have spaces for five toes just as gloves have spaces for five fingers. Others more closely resemble running shoes in that they have toe boxes. Whichever type you select, you should try on several minimalist shoes in order to find a pair that's entirely comfortable. When your shoes provide you with complete comfort, you'll avoid blisters, corns, bunions, and injuries.

Transitioning to a minimalist running shoe takes about 10 weeks. To complete this process successfully, you should regularly stretch your calves, knees, legs, and toes to increase your flexibility. Be certain that your posture is ideal as well. Exercises that target your abdominal muscles, back muscles, and hips will help you to improve your body's alignment. Also, you should practice landing on your feet correctly. Sprint barefoot, and all the while, be careful to avoid striking the ground with your heels first.

What type of Minimalist Running Shoe is right for me?

Many models of minimalist running shoes are now available. Engineers have created these products using the latest materials and methods of construction. Many of these designs were inspired by cutting-edge kinesiological research.

I have personal experience with Inov8 , Reebok Nano 's, (and I love these shoes for training!) and over the past 10 months - in my opinion - the best all-round everyday shoes are those from Strike Movement.

This renowned company's shoes are exceptionally durable, and they feature negligible heel drops and plenty of toe room. They're well-ventilated too, and they boast rubber inlays and sock liners. In short, Strike Movement shoes are just about perfect for all kinds of roads, weather, dress up and dress down... It's not often you can wear shoes that can be worn casually while hanging out with friends AND for a long run all on the same day.

Be patient and stay the course when you switch to minimalist running shoes

After several weeks of conditioning, try running for a few minutes in your new minimalist shoes. Afterwards, switch to your old running shoes to complete your daily running regimen. Each day after that, run a few extra minutes in your minimalist shoes. Eventually, you'll be going the full distance in this new footwear. At that point, you'll enjoy the full benefits of a minimalist running shoe.

ABOUT THE BRAND: STR/KE MVMNT (pronounced Strike Movement)

Strike Movement is an athletic footwear and apparel brand that merges technical performance with a classic aesthetic to create new athletic standards.

Founded in Vancouver, BC in September 2011, STR/KE has found a foothold among serious cross-trainers and casual users alike.

The brand launched with The Interval , an ultra lightweight mid/forward-foot strike unisex cross-trainer built on a natural last and featuring a cross-training outsole combined with a highly breathable contoured insole, designed for stability and performance.

 

[caption id="attachment_17141" align="alignright" width="302"] Click to enlarge[/caption]

Interval - quick features:

The shoe features a low 3.9mm heel rise combined with a wide forefoot that allows the foot to splay during the running cycle. A low stack height and full contact heel area provide stability and minimize energy loss during lifts – known as the STR/KE Stable Platform. The Interval also includes the STR/KE Pleasure Pocket, allowing you to store your laces securely while running, skipping, etc. eliminating untied laces.

New Style: Chill Pill

Our new shoe, the Chill Pill , launched August 2013, is a de-constructed upper with a modified last on our Stable Platform outsole. The Chill Pill offers incredible comfort and weighs in at only 7oz. Ready to run but also to chase.

STR/KE apparel is custom designed for men and women using Canadian milled fabrics, crafted in Vancouver BC.[/box]

Sources

1. Active.com "The Pros and Cons of Minimalist Rnning"


2. Livestrong.com "What is Minimalist running?"


3. REI.com "How to choose barefoot minimalist running shoes?"


4. RunnersWorld.com "Barefoot Running Minimalism: Run Minimally"


5. Running.Competitor.com "Safely Transitioning to a minimalist running shoe"

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This is my disclaimer, “Just so you know, I have been compensated to share my ideas on this topic. Sometimes it is in the form of products, or services or even money… But here’s the thing; I won’t  share anything with you that I don’t fully support. It doesn't matter what it is, or how much they are willing to give me, if I don’t believe in it, It won’t be on my site. Seriously. You’ll just have to trust me on this.”   ~ Moose