Shoes Designed for Midfoot Runners?

Yes, go buy the flatest pair of racing flats you can find. Don't buy into all the weird Newton hype, fact of the matter is that if you want a shoe that facilitates a midfoot/forefoot strike you want a shoe with as little of a heel-to-drop as possible. Perfectly flat is ideal. Newton's (and other "forefoot strike" shoes like the New Balance 801 and Nike Free's) still have a significant heel to them. Adidas Adizero Pro, Mizuno Wave Universe, Saucony A4, Asics Pirhana, etc. Vibram Five Fingers of course are also a great option if you're willing to go down that road.

Thing is I've already tried the whole 'mileage in flats' thing and it hasn't worked for me. I'm getting over some chronic PF in both feet as well as chronic AT. I've been doing mileage in the Asics Speedstar after trying the hyperspeeds for a long time. I need a bit more forefoot padding for now. Just wondering if there is something better than the Speedstar out there for me.

The Kinvara is a nice shoe with some good forefoot cushioning. The Luna racer make work for you as well

I second this. I ran a half in them yesterday and they were perfect. They are only about 7oz, too, and very little heel toe drop. Very flexible.

Fanny wrote:

The Kinvara is a nice shoe with some good forefoot cushioning. The Luna racer make work for you as well

I've looked at the kinvara before...how does it hold up on trails? I run mostly on grass and dirt trails and soon on snow.

Running on non-technical trails won't be a problem. I have run some pretty rocky/rooty/technical stuff in the Kinvaras and they are too soft for that. You feel every rock.

Tweet wrote:

Running on non-technical trails won't be a problem. I have run some pretty rocky/rooty/technical stuff in the Kinvaras and they are too soft for that. You feel every rock.

I tried them on technical/non technical a couple of weeks ago. The other poster is right, don't use them for hard core single track or the like. The also have no traction in addition to what he mentions.

So besides the Kinvara...anything else out there that as supportive or more supportive than the Speedstar and good for a midfoot/forefoot guy?

NB 801

Try These, they are specifically designed for midfoot strikers and have been working for me recently.

http://www.shopnewbalance.com/newbalanceRT801MU.htm

wow, that NB 801 looks really pedorthic. Almost like a dyad or even a motion control shoe, just without the posting.

zogrunnerbog wrote:

I've looked at the kinvara before...how does it hold up on trails? I run mostly on grass and dirt trails and soon on snow.

The Kinvara would work fine on grass and dirt trails, as others have noted, and they would be OK in the snow as well. They are great for encouragaing a midfoot strike, as there is only a four millimeter rise from toe to heel.

The Newton line would probably be good as well, if you don't mind paying their large price tag; but I can't speak of them from personal experience.

I second or third the Kinvara recommendation. They are good shoes and I feel it is easy to run naturally in them. You might also check out the Asics Gel-Tarther. A bit lighter, but a good shoe. I also like the adizero Adios. Both of these are marathon racing flats, so they hold up, but are not too minimal. If you spend all your time on the trails you could try the New Balance 101s... those are stellar shoes. I've also heard good things about Inov-8, but have not tried on a pair yet... perhaps worth checking out.

I'm not a big fan of the Nike Free series, but many people like those shoes.

Similar to the Speedstar is the adizero Boston, Brooks Launch, Mizuno Precision... these are 'lightweight trainers' and tend to be a halfway point in terms of cushion between a trainer and 'heavy' racing flat.

already tried the Newtons...horrible for trails.

How are the NB801s on trails? How flexible are they?

also keep in mind that I already tried doing mileage in the hyperspeeds and while they are a great flat they aren't enough for me for mileage. currently in the speedstar.

Check out some of Inov8s line. They have some really low profile, lightweight and flexible trail/road shoes.

zogrunnerbog wrote:

already tried the Newtons...horrible for trails.

Here's another Newton option, a new trail model:

Terminator X wrote:

Yes, go buy the flatest pair of racing flats you can find. Don't buy into all the weird Newton hype, fact of the matter is that if you want a shoe that facilitates a midfoot/forefoot strike you want a shoe with as little of a heel-to-drop as possible. Perfectly flat is ideal. Newton's (and other "forefoot strike" shoes like the New Balance 801 and Nike Free's) still have a significant heel to them. Adidas Adizero Pro, Mizuno Wave Universe, Saucony A4, Asics Pirhana, etc. Vibram Five Fingers of course are also a great option if you're willing to go down that road.

Actually the comment about the Newton's is false, the Sir Issac/Terra Momentus has a 5mm heel differential, the Gravitas/Motus has a 3mm differential and the Distancia has a 2mm differential. I believe that the Kinvara has a 6-4mm drop. Also the Nike Free is not designed as a forefoot striking shoe. It is meant to provide the foot with an unstable but cushioned platform that mimics being barefoot in order to help strengthen the foot and lower legs.

Asics DS Trainers.

try the DS racer 8. A little more supportive than your typical flat, but good as a minimalist trainer. Traction is not great on technical trails but it does the job on all other surfaces.