making the switch to minimalist shoes

[EddieMccoy2]

Newton states that you can get double the mileage out of their shoes that you do normal running shoes. They claim up to 700-800 miles out of a pair of Gravity (which is what I have). I've only put about 100 miles on mine so far and they haven't shown ANY wear yet.

Good to know. Let me know how it is going around mile 300 in them. I'm curious for sure. They are having a Newton demo run this afternoon at the local running store, but I can't make it. Hopefully they will come back in the near future.

 

[SAHDad]

Newton states that you can get double the mileage out of their shoes that you do normal running shoes. They claim up to 700-800 miles out of a pair of Gravity (which is what I have). I've only put about 100 miles on mine so far and they haven't shown ANY wear yet.

I could see that. IIRC, Vibrams claim that they are good for 900 miles, and that sounds about what I got out of my last pair of them. After all, it's the cushioning that is normally breaking down at the 300 mile mark (give or take) - no cushion means it cannot break down.

 

[dragitoff]

I could see that. IIRC, Vibrams claim that they are good for 900 miles, and that sounds about what I got out of my last pair of them. After all, it's the cushioning that is normally breaking down at the 300 mile mark (give or take) - no cushion means it cannot break down.

My Gravity are light, but I don't consider them minimalist though. They're my long run shoes.

 

[we3peas]

My DH totally believes in running minimalist. He uses the Vibrams and a set of Merrills. My DD has Vibrams and I also use the Merrills (I don't like my toes separated like they do).

DH started a personal research project on barefoot running because he ended up with an achilles tear injury. He was 3 mm away from having surgery. Since he is a wimp about Drs. and major surgery he did the research. He went through PT for awhile but what actually help him heal the most was learning to run correctly, on the balls of his feet- not slamming his heel down on the pavement.

He has now been running long distances for 3 years and has done the WDW marathon twice and Goofy this year, as well as other marathons and 1/2's. This was a man that HATED running and now goes about 25-45 miles a week (2 short and 1 long runs).

I use the Merrills and have noticed a difference in my stamina while running. My former running shoes were too heavy with all the rubber that is now being added to them. With the Merrills I can run farther and much faster than I ever had and I also HATE to run but my DD has me convinced we both can do a 1/2 together. So I am trying to get there.

As always do what is right for you. I know without the change in thought process I would not be trying to run a half but with it I think I can.