Update 7/28/19: I just noticed that scads of people are still reading my pre-Achilles-injury posts from years ago. I’m no longer in minimal shoes. In my opinion the whole minimal shoe thing is hocus-pocus. Shoes were developed and universally adopted because they work better than bare feet. Do what you want but don’t say I didn’t warn you!
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Original Post from 1/31/2013
Minimalism in the athletic shoe arena has moved from trippy new trend to status quo. FiveFinger shoes are commonplace at running events these days, and the whole idea is the new normal.
My son had great results — healthier feet and a better stride — from his minimalist shoes, so a couple of years ago I decided I might benefit from a little less shoe as well. I started going more and more minimal, getting incrementally lighter and thinner with each new shoe.
I started by removing the arch supports from a light pair of New Balance runners. Eventually I worked my way into a pair of torture devices known as the New Balance MT-10. It’s a horrible shoe so I’m not posting a link. The whole idea of a minimalist shoe is that the foot should be allowed to spread. But the New Balance Sure-fit Specialist at the local shop assured me that they are supposed to fit tight.
Not only did they cost an arm and a leg, these shoes are disposable. That’s right — MT-10s are designed to last for just 125 miles. The guy at the New Balance store didn’t mention that detail until I came back to complain that the shoes sucked for comfort and held dirt like nobody’s business. Ridiculous.
A few weeks ago I strained by Achilles tendon doing sprints in the MT10s and they went into the trash bin. I’m convinced it’s because they fit so tightly that they restricted blood flow.
So, what am I working out in nowadays? Chuck Taylor All-Stars. I have come full circle. This is the same shoe I wore in 3rd grade. Go figure.
I’d love to hear what you’re wearing during workouts, if you’ve gone minimal or not, if you like/hate the MT-10s, if you love your Chucks, or what-have-you.
Let’s talk shoes.
Robert Mitchell Jr. 