Training in racing flats?

Hey all

I've long been interested in minimalism, running barefoot, etc. However, because I overpronate a LOT and have practically no arches, I've never actually done it, being too scared to. Pretty much any kind of PT or salesman always recommends that I wear the Brooks Beast, which is what I'm wearing right now. But I would much prefer to wear very minimal shoes... Cheap ones that don't have much/any support and last for a thousand+ miles. Basically, I want to run the way man was supposed to run.

So a few questions...

1) With such crappy arches, is it safe to make the transition? I'm planning on transitioning as slowly as possible: Incorporating some barefoot running, some running with flats, and slowly easing into it. Also will do some arch exercises and whatnot.

2) I have heard that the Onitsuka Tiger Ultimate 81's were good, but never really researched them. Then I was walking in the mall and found a pair of them for under $30 at Journey's with only one pair left... So I just went and bought them, figuring that even if I can't train in them, it's still practically a bargain. Do you think I can train in these? Heck, are the ones I picked up even the same kind as 25 years ago?

3) If they're not good.. Any recommendations for a shoe that fits the description of what I want? Some names keep popping up, but I'm not sure about all of them. I really am looking for the true minimalist feel- cheap, little support, and you can run them until they snap in half.

Thanks! I've been searching these forums (and google) fairly religiously but honestly it seems like most of the people don't have arches as low as mine, and I also seem to care more about the longevity of the shoes more (that being said, I would much prefer a shoe that didn't get me injured than a shoe that lasted twice as long). I especially hope HRE and/or jag find this post, but I would greatly appreciate input from anyone!

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I currently train in some old adidas racing flats that I found on clearance for $35 at my local running shop. I too am trying to be a minimalist, and so I have also been running in the vibram fivefingers shoes. I got a pair for $59.99 shipped, no tax and I love them! They are the greatest minimalist shoe out there, in my opinion.

www.vibramfivefingers.com

i switched to racing flats a few months ago... recently i have been having really bad foot pain while running that i think i peroneal tendonitis... i haven't increased my mileage significantly. What are the chances the shoes are the cause

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Why are racing flats higher in thew heel than at the ball of the foot?

If a slightly raised heel made running more efficient, wouldn't everyone's heels be a quarter to a half inch longer?

(i.e. those hunter gatherers that happened to have a mutation which extended heels would have had a better chance of catching prey, and thus would have been more likely to pass their genes on)

Why aren't racing flats completely flat?

Do you think hunter gatherers landed on their heels (or on a level foot) when they were running after or away from something?

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BUMPPPP!!! Anyone train exclusively in Brook t6 flats?

Since this thread is old, what is your current favorite flat to train in?

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It's been taking some time to heal after running a marathon. Took completely 2 weeks off and started to slowly run, but feel like I have tendinitis on my right knee in which I've never experienced on my right knee ever. I'm thinking of running in minimalist shoes for a bit until my knee pain goes away. Thoughts?

lucky dog! wrote:

Hey, what ever happened to the Nike Free? There was all this hype about them, people bought them, people wrote about them, people argued about them and then they just disappeared from stores.

If mostly non-runners buy running shoes, I would think the free would be doing well. They are super comfy and come on funky colors. For most runners that wore them, running at least some runs and all runs in some cases worked out well.

First, there was the 5.0 and 4.0, then was the 3.0 and 7.0. Now all I ever see in the stores are the 7.0. A store shoe guy told me they were dead and would no longer be sold. Truth, anyone?

This thread is one heck of a time machine.

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Anyone still training primarily in flats? And if so, what are you using? I've been partial to Nike Streaks lately. My off and on shin issues have started to disappear. I feel good for the first time in a long time

gregtucker wrote:

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Anyone still training primarily in flats? And if so, what are you using? I've been partial to Nike Streaks lately. My off and on shin issues have started to disappear. I feel good for the first time in a long time

Yup. Mostly the Asics Sortie Magic, New Balance 700, I think, it's their spikeless cross country shoe, and the Mizuno Eikeden.

HRE wrote:

gregtucker wrote:

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Anyone still training primarily in flats? And if so, what are you using? I've been partial to Nike Streaks lately. My off and on shin issues have started to disappear. I feel good for the first time in a long time

Yup. Mostly the Asics Sortie Magic, New Balance 700, I think, it's their spikeless cross country shoe, and the Mizuno Eikeden.

You should try the NB Zantes.

Subway Surfers Addiction wrote:

HRE wrote:

Yup. Mostly the Asics Sortie Magic, New Balance 700, I think, it's their spikeless cross country shoe, and the Mizuno Eikeden.

You should try the NB Zantes.

I did. They're too cushioned for me. I've got a pair of NB 1400s waiting their turn but even they look a little overly plush.

So at your suggestion today I tried the Zantes which I'd been ignoring after deciding they were too cushioned again. It went pretty well. Thanks, though the spikeless cross country shoe is way cheaper.