Minimal Shoes Question

[happyfeet]

Hey Everyone,

I'm pretty new to all of these running forums...I've seen a couple of you on other ones...stalker ha...I keep hearing minimal or minimalist shoes everywhere. What does this mean? I assumed it meant shoes with as little materials as possible?

[Ryan]

Good question. I don't think there is one clear definition. Generally, it means less shoe than your traditional trainer. Many people use the term "minimal" to describe using racing flats as regular trainers. Some go as far as Vibram FiveFinger shoes, which essentially have no midsole, or even going barefoot but I wouldn't consider either of those to be the sole definition.

As it sounds like you've found out, there is a lot of talk about minimal shoes everywhere. That's true here also, mostly in this topic.

[Andrew A.]

I would put it more like as little shoe as is practical.  One gets to that point via gradual, individualized progression.  More (a LOT more) here: http://www.hillrunner.com/forums/index.php/topic,7418.0.html

[Ryan]

I would put it more like as little shoe as is practical.

That's a definition I would be in favor of.

[happyfeet]

Thanks guys!