SHOE HELP (Minimal vs "Regular")

Weight?

I'm under the impression that the Kinvara isn't good if your overweight because it is soft. Partly I say this because I was overweight when I ran in the Kinvara and had injuries right away. Stone bruises and runner's knee. I didn't have the problems with more firm shoes.

I weigh 155 and I am 5' 11".

Wait a second...you went from the Adrenaline to the Kinvara?! That should be your problem right there. Adrenaline is a "motion control" shoe and the Kinvara isn't.

Try the Brooks Pure Cadence? That's 4mm like the Kinvara and is supposed to have motion control although I don't believe it.

I wrote an article advocating what's now called "minimalist shoes" over a decade ago. It was in "Marathon and Beyond" and it had to be one of the earliest articles published on the topic. I was hoping the article would give people who struggled with persistent injuries another avenue to look into and simultaneously create a market for the sorts of shoes that seemed to work for me. But even in that article I said something like "If you're happy with your current shoe and not having problems, stay with it."

For what it's worth, I don't think the Kinvara is a "minimalist" shoe. The heel is too high and it's really soft. But that's beside the point. If you were doing well in another model, whatever it was, why would you switch in the first place unless the shoe went off the market?

Thanks HRE. That is a good point and what I was thinking.

Another point: I run most of the time at 6:40 - 6:50 pace.

Any other feedback?

Wrong speed, dude.

Go back to a pair of Adrenalines as your main shoe since you were healthy in them. Add a second pair that is lighter but still has some support for your shorter and/or faster runs. (Pure Cadence, DS Trainer, Mirage) Rotate the two. As things progress, slowly see if you can do a higher percentage of your mileage in the lighter shoe. At some point your body will tell you the right mix - pay attention to YOUR body and end up IGNORING all the anonymous advice people give you about shoes.

Thank you everyone for all the advice.

I went from a heavy trainer to the lighter weight minimalist also. But, I alternate my shoes on a daily basis. One day I run in the Brooks Flow (similar to Kinvara) and switch it out with the Mizuno Precisions (not minimalist but light weight). I have been doing this for a couple of years and it has helped me get over PF. I had tried the Kinvara but did not like them as much as the Flow, but still a good shoe.

You could try something similar with motion control shoe if that is what you need.

GET A FOAM ROLLER (if you haven't already)! Seriously. I had the same issues you did and when a got a foam roller and worked on my calfs, hamstrings and IT bands everything cleared up pretty quickly. Stretching alone wasn't enough.

My advice would be to stay with the kinvara (especially if you run at that pace) and work on your muscle imbalances.