Minimal Shoes

[Ryan]

Another good summary of recent and not so recent developments: Running shoes, injuries, and the Great Nike Conspiracy

[ksrunner]

Thanks for the feedback on the X-Talons. If I get those, I will probably reserve them for trail running/racing only. I found some somewhat discounted with free shipping. I will probably give them a try, but I may be replacing my road shoes first since those are the shoes that I depend on every day.

[Andrew A.]

That is exactly what I am saving mine for.

[Andrew A.]

http://www.drgregwells.com/wells-blog/2010/8/8/running-barefoot-vs-with-shoes-what-does-the-research-say.html

[Andrew A.]

A related article that makes some great points: http://runninginthefamily.com/training/dont-blame-your-running-shoes
It goes more towards doing things to improve form and foot positioning, which seems at least as important as the type of shoes one wears.

[Andrew A.]

Relatedly: http://www.runblogger.com/2010/08/on-running-form-ii-where-should.html

[Andrew A.]

http://www.dailycamera.com/recreation-columnists/ci_15870824
Zola Budd Pieterse's perspective

[Andrew A.]

http://birthdayshoes.com/new-balance-minimus-running-shoes-marketing-videos-breaking
NB Minimus preview

[Riyannez]

Those are durable and comfy shoes, Andrew. I have a couple of pairs of these shoes. I typically used for running and also for exercising.

[grasshopper]

These look interesting: http://altrarunning.com/ 
A review: http://www.runblogger.com/2010/08/altra-minimalist-running-shoes-adam.html

[Andrew A.]

Running form and the Shoe Industry: where do we go from here?

[Ryan]

The Running Shoe Industry Part 2: Where do we go from here and the problems with Running Form research.

[Andrew A.]

The Next Frontier of Trail Shoe Design

[Ryan]

That was a great article on trail shoe design. He says so many things I like in there, making a good argument for shoes but also pointing out that the goals of trail shoes can be accomplished without building bricks for people to strap on their feet.

6-8 ounces for a good trail shoe? I like the sound of that.

[ksrunner]

Here are a couple of idea for work/casual shoes:

Minnetonka Moccasins - I have a pair of these that I am using at work. I like them quite a lot. They have only a slight lift to the heel and the sole is extremely flexible.

Sodhoppers - My wife has a pair of these and I will probably get a pair eventually. They are very expensive, but we think that they will last well. You certainly cannot beat the fit. We are getting the goop sole so that we can reapply the sole periodically with the thought of extending the life of the shoes. My wife was pushing for me to try running in these. I told her that I might try running in them, but I wouldn't purchase them specifically for running. Initially, I plan to wear them for work and for everything other than running and farm chores. If we like them, I could see owning one pair to keep nice and one pair for farm chores and perhaps some running.

On another minimalist note. I was at the expo for the Kansas City Marathon last night and saw the new minimalist New Balance trail shoes that will be coming out. I really liked the look of them. They also had a road model, but I was gravitating more toward the trail model -- partly because I am happy with the Saucony Shays for my training on the roads (and Adizero Pro's for road racing) and partly because I just liked the look of the trail shoes. I wish that I could have tried them on.