After years of wearing traditional running shoes, I recently decided to check out the growing trend of minimalist footwear. Despite the many advances in running shoe technology over the past few decades, running injuries are still common. The minimalist shoe proponents argue that the “protective” features of traditional running shoes actually weaken the foot by protecting it too much. Minimalist shoes, which forgo the cushioning and arch support of most traditional shoes, are said to allow the foot to move more freely and naturally, allowing various small muscles in the foot to strengthen and thereby decrease running injuries.
Safely switching from traditional running shoes to minimalist shoes requires some time and effort. Since minimalist shoes offer little in the the way of heel cushioning, it’s important to develop a more barefoot-style running technique, which is a mid to forefoot strike, rather than the common heal strike. When first starting out with minimalist shoes, I suggest using them for shorter runs, as it takes time for your muscles and tendons, which had previously been cushioned, to adapt and strengthen. Gradually increase the length of your runs over a period of weeks or even months, paying attention to how your body responds. You can always save your traditional shoes for longer runs until you grow accustomed to your new shoes.
I’ve been running in my minimalist shoes for three months and now feel that my body has adjusted to them sufficiently for all of my runs. Compared to my previous shoes, running in minimalist shoes feels much more free and natural and my foot fall is virtually silent. Without the pounding cadence of my old shoes, I find myself more easily entering into a meditative state while running, adding to my experience. And I simply feel lighter in minimalist shoes. Revisiting my traditional shoes for a longer run, I felt like I was running in clunky basketball high tops. In comparison, my minimalist shoes seem almost weightless.
Besides running, there’s one more great reason to wear minimalist shoes . Since wearing most modern shoes weakens the foot, I prefer to not wear shoes except when I must. I’m fortunate enough to work from home and go barefoot most of the day. If you don’t have that option, minimalist running shoes can make for great everyday shoes.
