Minimal/Barefoot style running shoes . . .

[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!!!!

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. 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!

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 shoes.

Comparison Guide (runner's world)
NB 759
M Lithe Glove
M Bare Access

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--very non-technical. I go for how things feel . . .