Minimal/Barefoot style running shoes . . .

[limewave]

Just bit the bullet and ordered two new pairs of running shoes: one for trail and one for street. I ordered Merrel's because 1) their headquarters is in MI, not too far from home and 2) because they are doing this (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Merrell-Trails-WMMBA/238830232864795)!!!!

They are minimal style running shoes--which will be totally different for me. I'm curious to try them out. I am expecting them to arrive Thursday or Friday :) I haven't done much running this year and my weekly mileage is very low. I thought now is a good time to try a new style shoe. I'll write up some reviews under this post as I rack up the miles on them.

[colby]

Just bit the bullet and ordered two new pairs of running shoes: one for trail and one for street. I ordered Merrel's because 1) their headquarters is in MI, not too far from home and 2) because they are doing this (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Merrell-Trails-WMMBA/238830232864795)!!!!

They are minimal style running shoes--which will be totally different for me. I'm curious to try them out. I am expecting them to arrive Thursday or Friday :) I haven't done much running this year and my weekly mileage is very low. I thought now is a good time to try a new style shoe. I'll write up some reviews under this post as I rack up the miles on them.

I don't have any Merrells, though I did recently try them on in REI and was surprised at how nice they felt... maybe something to consider if Vibram doesn't come out with FiveFingers I can wear (some of them are too narrow, uncomfortable, etc). I do follow them on Facebook and they seem like a pretty awesome company, someone I'd be happy to give my money to.

I see a lot of people wearing them here in Austin, more than I see the NBs or Vibrams, which are still more common than a lot of places. NBs are way too narrow IMHO, Merrell reminds me of Keen in the way they are shaped and feel on your feet.

Looking forward to the reviews!

[Blueberry]

I see a lot of people wearing them here in Austin, more than I see the NBs or Vibrams, which are still more common than a lot of places. NBs are way too narrow IMHO, Merrell reminds me of Keen in the way they are shaped and feel on your feet.

Crap. I was thinking of trying the NB's to see if the toe box was wider. My Merrells feel a bit narrow to my feet.

[OakLeaf]

If you want a wide toe box in a minimal shoe, Leming (http://www.lemingfootwear.com/). I wish I could run minimal. Aside from running, where I need more cushion and support, these are just about all I wear since I found them. I think I'm going to spring for a pair in a third color.

[Veronica]

I only wear Merrill barefoot shoes as my daily show now. I have 5 pairs in 4 different styles. :D I have to wear an evening gown for my in-laws 50th anniversary party next year. I'm trying to figure out how to go barefoot!

I tried running in the Pace last year, but wasn't keen on no cushioning.

Veronica

[Kathi]

Not a runner but I have a couple of pair of Lemings which I love. I think they are a little large for my size 5.5 but I wear them with my Injinji toe socks and they fit well.

I also just ordered a pair of Kigo Curvs which are a Mary Jane style. The Curvs run narrower which is why I'm trying them. Haven't received them yet.

Of course, I love my 5 fingers but mostly wear them around the house.

[colby]

Crap. I was thinking of trying the NB's to see if the toe box was wider. My Merrells feel a bit narrow to my feet.

A couple of the Merrell styles come in wide widths! Some people still find they aren't wide enough, though.

A shoe store guy specifically told me the NB wouldn't be a good fit for wide feet. I recently saw them in the store again, no way would I fit in them. I think they'd need to be wide width to work for more toebox volume.

I have heard the vivobarefoots (and the Lemings mentioned) have a better toebox, but I haven't seen them personally yet.

[colby]

I only wear Merrill barefoot shoes as my daily show now. I have 5 pairs in 4 different styles. :D I have to wear an evening gown for my in-laws 50th anniversary party next year. I'm trying to figure out how to go barefoot!

I got away with a pair of flat FiveFingers during our Christmas party last year, they look kind of like mary janes - http://www.amazon.com/Vibram-Fivefingers-Womens-Performa-Jane/dp/B005SFHNL6 - I wear them daily at work now, too. They are fairly subtle, but sometimes I get called out on the toes. Merrell and Vivobarefoot have the Jane style, too, even better. I only wear flats in regular shoes, anyway, so the least they can do is let me pretend I'm barefoot ;)

[Veronica]

Slight hijack

This is the front runner dress (http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/Aidan-Mattox-Niteline-Sequined-Flower-Mesh-Gown-Formal/prod146950030_cat35350732_cat000131_/?isEditorial=false&index=37&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat42300744cat000131cat35350732)currently.

I have these (http://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Product.mvc.aspx/26427W/61532/Womens/Barefoot-Life-Wonder-Glove?dimensions=0). But I'm not sure they'll do.

My sister insisted I should get heels. No freakin' way. I'm going to be dressed up for at least 8 hours and on my feet.

Veronica

[GLC1968]

A couple of the Merrell styles come in wide widths! Some people still find they aren't wide enough, though.

A shoe store guy specifically told me the NB wouldn't be a good fit for wide feet. I recently saw them in the store again, no way would I fit in them. I think they'd need to be wide width to work for more toebox volume.

I have heard the vivobarefoots (and the Lemings mentioned) have a better toebox, but I haven't seen them personally yet.

See, that doesn't make sense to me. I wear the NB (in the wide width) because they are the only shoe that was wide enough for my toe spread. I don't have a particularly wide foot, just really wide toes (think flipper feet). I have multiple pairs of the Vivobarefoot shoes and while the casual shoes are great, the 'running' shoes (Lucy, Neo and the like) are all way too narrow in the toes.

I haven't tried the Lemmings yet, but I did look at a friend's pair and they look very much like my NB Minimus trail in shape. I'll definitely give those a try once I'm done with my screw issue.

Merrells are great for me for every day wear, but for running, they gave me blisters and black toenails because my feet shifted around too much.

[limewave]

Veronica--Love the dress! I think you could find some nice flats that would look good. They aren't "barefoot" shoes, but I do have some nice ballet flats that are silver. I've started wearing those for dressier occasions.

GLC, I'm with you. I have wide toes, like flipper and New Balance have worked great for me. I've never had Merrell's before--this is an experiment. And I have not tried minimal running shoes before either. This new ground for me . . .

[GLC1968]

Slight hijack

This is the front runner dress (http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/Aidan-Mattox-Niteline-Sequined-Flower-Mesh-Gown-Formal/prod146950030_cat35350732_cat000131_/?isEditorial=false&index=37&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat42300744cat000131cat35350732)currently.

I have these (http://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Product.mvc.aspx/26427W/61532/Womens/Barefoot-Life-Wonder-Glove?dimensions=0). But I'm not sure they'll do.

My sister insisted I should get heels. No freakin' way. I'm going to be dressed up for at least 8 hours and on my feet.

Veronica

Gorgeous dress! When is the party? If it's summery weather, super flat sandals would probably dressiest and still 'barefoot'.

I also have these:
http://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/ladies/kali-61.html
that I wear to work everyday and I work in an office. The strap is just elastic, so I actually step on it and wear the shoes like regular flats/ballet slippers. I just bought a new pair because after two years, my first pair was looking worn (and after puppy chewing!). They are SUPER comfy!

They are probably too dark for that dress, but they are great to have for dressier occasions in general.

[limewave]

http://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/ladies/kali-61.html
that I wear to work everyday and I work in an office. The strap is just elastic, so I actually step on it and wear the shoes like regular flats/ballet slippers. I just bought a new pair because after two years, my first pair was looking worn (and after puppy chewing!). They are SUPER comfy!


I'm going to have to do something like that. I've worked from home for 10 years and am almost always barefoot. My feet have gotten bigger! I think its muscle in my feet. Maybe I'm wrong. Anyways, starting this fall I'll be working in an office environment everyday. The shoe situation is freaking me out. I wear heals on occasion and they kill my legs. My calfs get super tight. I don't want to go that route.

[Veronica]

The party is June 29, 2013. It's a wedding really. They are going to have a mass to renew vows and then a reception.

My MIL is pretty cool, I can get whatever dress I want. I hated my wedding dress. It was cheap and I could afford it, so for this I want something I really like. I was avoiding sandals because I think I have ugly toes - genetic hammer toes. But we are getting manicures and pedicures the Thursday before...

I've got lots of time to find something really nice. :D And I want to be as comfortable as I can be since it's a long day!

LW I started wearing my Merrill shoes last summer, hiked all over Glacier NP in them. In Sept. I started running in Kinvaras, a minimal shoe. I think all the walking before the running switch, made switching easier. I didn't have any of the tight calves or Achilles issues that I had read could be a problem.

Good luck with your experiment!

Veronica

[lovelygamer]

This link http://www.lemingfootwear.com/Foot-Education_ep_71-1.html found off of the first link on this thread is SO interesting. Foot Education. There is a product there I would love to try: Correct Toes.

I don't run but I have foot pain. There are several reasons I have it. It's highly annoying. I feel better when I am barefoot but society doesn't really go for that. I love the thought of this product correcting or easing other foot pain and issues such as PF, which I also have.

[Blueberry]

What a cool thread!

Veronica - Great dress! And that sounds like a fabulous occasion! I would be curious which styles of Merrell's you have, and how you like them. I'm fine in them for casual wear. I expect I need a wide (or another shoe) for running. Whenever I am allowed back to that.

GLC - I thought I remembered that you liked the wide NB. I have very wide toes now too from barefoot shoes. In fact, I may have to get new bike shoes.

Lovelygamer - those Correct Toes look cool! I'm sure I'm still re-training my feet (and my toes may spread even more). I still get some pain in the little toe with 5 fingers - I think because it's not used to spreading. I've been wearing a combination of merrell's, 5 fingers, flip flips (plain old rainbows) and chacos for most of a year. It's made a huge difference in my foot comfort.

Limewave - if you don't have to dress up too much, look at Soft Star. I really want to order their Mary Jane's and their Rambler. They're made in the USA, and I think cute (though my DH does not agree....). Come to think of it, I probably would have worn the MJ with my suits when I had to wear them (but I worse Danskos to work every day).

[GLC1968]

This link http://www.lemingfootwear.com/Foot-Education_ep_71-1.html found off of the first link on this thread is SO interesting. Foot Education. There is a product there I would love to try: Correct Toes.

I don't run but I have foot pain. There are several reasons I have it. It's highly annoying. I feel better when I am barefoot but society doesn't really go for that. I love the thought of this product correcting or easing other foot pain and issues such as PF, which I also have.

Correct Toes was invented by my podiatrist. I have a pair! They work great, but he also admitted to me that wearing VFF's would serve the same purpose (assuming all your toes make it into the pockets). I had a very hard time finding shoes that would fit over my Correct Toes (hence my foray into all things from Vivobarefoot) and I think that's partly why my doc went into partnership with Lemmings. I was clearly not the only one!

[spokewench]

Slight hijack

This is the front runner dress (http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/Aidan-Mattox-Niteline-Sequined-Flower-Mesh-Gown-Formal/prod146950030_cat35350732_cat000131_/?isEditorial=false&index=37&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat42300744cat000131cat35350732)currently.

I have these (http://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Product.mvc.aspx/26427W/61532/Womens/Barefoot-Life-Wonder-Glove?dimensions=0). But I'm not sure they'll do.

My sister insisted I should get heels. No freakin' way. I'm going to be dressed up for at least 8 hours and on my feet.

Veronica

Beautiful gown! A flat metallic would look great with that dress. I'm sure you can find one. How about the Naturalizer Cadence (multi-colored metallic); looks comfy too

[GLC1968]

GLC - I thought I remembered that you liked the wide NB. I have very wide toes now too from barefoot shoes. In fact, I may have to get new bike shoes.



Heh, me too! I can't wear my bike shoes (mens for width) for more than a couple of hours before my feet really start to cramp up. Once I get back into shape (and get my screws out), I'm really going to have to work on finding a suitable shoe solution. My feet have spread quite a bit in the last three years of my barefoot experience! The podiatrist I mentioned above said that he's actually cut cycling shoes for clients with the same problem to make them work, so I may have to let him at mine. ;)

[Kathi]

One thing I noticed about going barefoot is that although my feet haven't gotten bigger my arches seem to have gotten stronger.

I used to wear full length orthotics supposedly to help knee problems. After a PT told me I didn't need them and I was reading about the barefoot movement I eased myself off the orthotics and went back to going barefoot. To take up some volume in my cycling shoes I got E-Soles with various arch heights.

At first the lowest arch felt too high and uncomfortable, especially when standing or walking in my bicycle shoes. Odd because I have a pretty good arch. This year I noticed that I didn't feel the arch support at all. Thinking the original support was just broken down I put new ones in. Amazingly, the new ones are the next to the highest level provided by E-soles. Unlike when I first started using E-Soles I hardly notice the arch support. I tried changing the metatarsel pads but my feet didn't like that at so I went back to using the old ones.

The only thing I can figure out is that having the arch support of the orthotics for so many years weakened my arches. I'm sold on being barefoot as much as I can.

[GLC1968]

The only thing I can figure out is that having the arch support of the orthotics for so many years weakened my arches. I'm sold on being barefoot as much as I can.

I would completely agree with this and it is funny you should post this today. Earlier this morning when my PT was looking at my recovering foot, she mentioned that the screws made my foot look like I had fallen arches. I said 'well, I kind of do...look at my other foot" and I pulled off my shoe. We both noticed immediately that I do have a nice arch in my good foot. That's new! Three years ago (after years with custom orthotics), my feet were literally like flippers. Wide toes, flat arches and narrow heels. Not anymore -- now I have an arch!

[Blueberry]

GLC - How's the recovery going? I've been thinking about you this summer!

[GLC1968]

GLC - How's the recovery going? I've been thinking about you this summer!

OK, I guess. I'm still experiencing quite a bit of pain and swelling and it's making it hard for me to truly recover. BUT, I have surgery day after tomorrow to remove the offending screws, so I'm hopeful it will go quickly after that. We'll see. I really should dig up my old thread about it and update it!

I was actually thinking about you the other day when I got my new kayak delivered! We need to figure out how we want to transport kayaks on the MINI and I immediately thought of you guys in the Element with kayaks on top and bikes inside. I think we'll go kayaks on top and bikes on the back (dogs inside!) if we ever need to carry both types of gear at once.

[nscrbug]

I absolutely LOVE my Merrell Bare Access Arc running shoes. These aren't the super-minimal ones like the Pace, but they are minimal enough for me. After wearing Nike Free Run shoes for years, I have to say that the Merrell is way more accommodating and comfortable for my feet. And FWIW, I have hammer toes that splay out really wide...and the Bare Access Arc fit my crazy feet superbly.

Linda

[Blueberry]

OK, I guess. I'm still experiencing quite a bit of pain and swelling and it's making it hard for me to truly recover. BUT, I have surgery day after tomorrow to remove the offending screws, so I'm hopeful it will go quickly after that. We'll see. I really should dig up my old thread about it and update it!

I was actually thinking about you the other day when I got my new kayak delivered! We need to figure out how we want to transport kayaks on the MINI and I immediately thought of you guys in the Element with kayaks on top and bikes inside. I think we'll go kayaks on top and bikes on the back (dogs inside!) if we ever need to carry both types of gear at once.

Ugh! I think the last update I saw things were going better than expected. I hope the surgery helps!

Heh on the kayaks. We traded the element for a Jetta Wagon. Love it, but can't do bikes and boats anymore (at least until we get a trailer). We really want to do that, but with selling the house, moving into a rental, my going back to school, etc. the toy budget is more limited:)

What boat did you get?

[Kathi]

I would completely agree with this and it is funny you should post this today. Earlier this morning when my PT was looking at my recovering foot, she mentioned that the screws made my foot look like I had fallen arches. I said 'well, I kind of do...look at my other foot" and I pulled off my shoe. We both noticed immediately that I do have a nice arch in my good foot. That's new! Three years ago (after years with custom orthotics), my feet were literally like flippers. Wide toes, flat arches and narrow heels. Not anymore -- now I have an arch!

My arches are also very rigid. Makes it hard to put on ski boots and my KSO's I also can't wear certain kinds of shoes or boots.

I also can't figure out why I see recommendations for "high arch" feet to have arch support. It looks like the support didn't help my arches at all.

[GLC1968]

What boat did you get?

I bought a used Nigel Dennis Romany from a friend. I haven't gotten out on the water in it, but I did sit in it on the front lawn and it fit well and felt comfy. Every time I've kayaked, it's been a different boat (rentals), so I think I should adjust to this one fairly quickly. I hope to take it out to play around on a local lake next weekend for the first time!

We need to find a boat for Rick next!

[Veronica]

I would be curious which styles of Merrell's you have.


Pace Glove
Train Pure Glove
Lithe Wonder Glove
Mighty Glove


I've been happy with all of them.

Veronica

[OakLeaf]

GLC, good luck with the surgery and the last phase of recovery!

I have a pair of men's wide NB Minimus cross-trainers, so I don't know if they're on the same last as the trail or road shoes? Anyway they are wide enough in men's wide, but the toe boxes are pretty pointy. Lemings are actually shaped like feet!

I've seen CorrecToes in a lot of drugstores with the foot care stuff, you might check. But, IMO it all comes down to shoes that fit. If your shoes are forcing your toes together, then it seems to me that trying to force them apart from the inside is just going to aggravate any trouble you have with ingrown toenails, bunions and bunionettes. Once I finally found shoes that fit (plus started work on foot strength, mobilization and flexibility), my toes have reshaped themselves quite a bit all by themselves, even after 50 years of wearing shoes that were too small.

[GLC1968]

Oak, I think those NB shoes you have must be on a different last - or maybe on the same one as the Minimus road? I couldnt' wear the road - it was too narrow.

This is a little comparison I did when I was trying to talk a friend into considering the Leming:
http://i631.photobucket.com/albums/uu34/GLC1968/shoecomparison.jpg

(NB Minimus left, Leming right)
For me, the way the NB Minimus flares out a little on the big toe side was critical to my running comfort.

[Crankin]

I don't wear any of the minimalist shoes, but I will comment on the ballet flats.
They are not so comfortable for some people (like me) and can cause foot pain and other issues, especially after standing in them for a long time. I had to throw mine away. Flip flops bother me, too. I need cushioning.
Not a problem, as I generally wear shoes with a small heel if I am not wearing athletic type shoes or sandals.

[lovelygamer]

Correct Toes was invented by my podiatrist. I have a pair! They work great, but he also admitted to me that wearing VFF's would serve the same purpose (assuming all your toes make it into the pockets). I had a very hard time finding shoes that would fit over my Correct Toes (hence my foray into all things from Vivobarefoot) and I think that's partly why my doc went into partnership with Lemmings. I was clearly not the only one!

VERY cool~! I love this thread. :)

[bluejellybean]

Are they the Merrell lithe glove? I was just looking at those so I'd love to know how they work out for you. I haven't tried a really minimal shoe, although, always super lightweight ones, so it's hard to decide whether to order them without trying them first. (I live in a small town so it's hard to find anywhere to test drive)


Just bit the bullet and ordered two new pairs of running shoes: one for trail and one for street. I ordered Merrel's because 1) their headquarters is in MI, not too far from home and 2) because they are doing this (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Merrell-Trails-WMMBA/238830232864795)!!!!

They are minimal style running shoes--which will be totally different for me. I'm curious to try them out. I am expecting them to arrive Thursday or Friday :) I haven't done much running this year and my weekly mileage is very low. I thought now is a good time to try a new style shoe. I'll write up some reviews under this post as I rack up the miles on them.

[limewave]

Yes, they are the lithe glove. I just checked my order status and they were just shipped today! Ugh. I guess they won't be here until next week :(

[Wahine]

I've had the same experience as GLC with the NB minimus. Love this shoe. It fits my relatively narrow heel and arch but flares out perfectly in the toe box for my flipper forefoot/toe area.

V - LOVE the dress.

[Veronica]

V - LOVE the dress.


My sister asked me why I like it. I think it's the lack of excess material in the skirt. And it doesn't scream bridesmaid. I could see myself wearing it to dinner on the Queen Mary or to the opera. :p I've never been to the opera - but you never know!

I am finding lots of flat shoe options - some cost as much as the dress! :eek:

Veronica

[limewave]

Okay, so the shoes came today afterall!!! I've tried them both on and they feel awesome (at least walking around the house and doing chores). Actually, funny story, I tried the "Bare Access" on and could not believe how wonderful they felt. And then I put on the lithe and my stomach lurched. I could feel the seams inside! It was horrible and scratchy. Oh man. . . . And then I took them off and discovered they still had cardboard in them. Once I took the cardboard out, they felt great too. Here are some picture comparisons to my NB 759s (http://www.runnersworld.com/shoe/759) shoes.

Comparison Guide (runner's world)
NB 759
(http://www.runnersworld.com/shoe/759)M Lithe Glove
(http://www.runnersworld.com/shoe/lithe-glove)M Bare Access (http://www.runnersworld.com/shoe/bare-access-arc)

Photos (sorry for the gross feet picture--you can see I've had Bunionectomy surgery):

[limewave]

I went for my first run in the Access Arc's yesterday:
1.5 miles on the track.

It definitely felt different, I could feel much more of the surface. It felt like I was landing mid- or flat-foot (not on my heal at all). It got me thinking about running form. I need to pull out my copy of Chi Running and read up on it.

I had no problems during or after the run. Looking forward to trying the Lithe Glove's out on the trail this week!

[bluejellybean]

Thanks for the update! I'm leaning towards the lithe, but wondering how they would be on a *bit* more aggressive trails or if they should just be kept on the softer terrain. Look forward to seeing how they work for you! :)


I went for my first run in the Access Arc's yesterday:
1.5 miles on the track.

It definitely felt different, I could feel much more of the surface. It felt like I was landing mid- or flat-foot (not on my heal at all). It got me thinking about running form. I need to pull out my copy of Chi Running and read up on it.

I had no problems during or after the run. Looking forward to trying the Lithe Glove's out on the trail this week!

[limewave]

Thanks for the update! I'm leaning towards the lithe, but wondering how they would be on a *bit* more aggressive trails or if they should just be kept on the softer terrain. Look forward to seeing how they work for you! :)

The trails by my house are mostly sand and soft dirt--however, they can be filled with tree roots! Lots and lots of roots. I have a trail run on the books for Thursday. I'll update after that.

[bluejellybean]

Yeah, the trails around here are pretty rooty and rocky but they look great to try on some softer stuff!


The trails by my house are mostly sand and soft dirt--however, they can be filled with tree roots! Lots and lots of roots. I have a trail run on the books for Thursday. I'll update after that.

[nscrbug]

I'm glad to hear that you liked the Bare Access. Right now, it's my favorite shoe of the 3 pairs that I alternate between - the Merrell Bare Access Arc, Altra Intuition, and Nike Free V.3.

[limewave]

I've been hiking and running in the Merrell Lithe Glove shoes. I really like them ON the trail. They were not comfortable on pavement at all. As long as I'm doing a dedicated trail run (which is most of the time) then they are great. They offer a lot of protection while also having the ability to help you feel/connect to the trail. It's a unique and new running experience for me. I really like how they fit, snug--like a glove.

I made a video review on my blog (http://momrunningon.blogspot.com/2012/08/merrell-lithe-glove-review.html)--very non-technical. I go for how things feel . . .