The trend of migration towards minimalist running shoes began in 2010 and since then the segment has become over flooded with every major shoe manufacturer producing at least two brands of minimalistic running shoes. Today a runner has the option of choosing between a bulkier shoe and a bare foot simulating shoe.
Man started using shoes to offer protection from the ground elements. However, with extra cushioning of shoes, we lost our gait and developed bad habits leading to over and under pronation. Minimalistic shoes aim at reducing our gait problems and reintroducing us to the correct ways to run and land our feet.
The research into minimalistic shoes has crossed over to all segments of running shoes as well as trainers. Today's shoes come laden with technology that reduces weight, introduces foam and cushion materials with the least thickness and a more utilitarian approach. With so many choices, a runner's first dip into minimalist shoes can come at the cost of confusion and indecisiveness.
The first problem facing a runner in transition from a bulky heel cushioned shoe to a minimalistic runner variant is that the heel is provided with little or less cushioning. The idea behind this is to correct improper gait and running style. A runner wearing a minimalistic shoe will have to land on their midfoot and toe segments rather than on the heel. People with pronation problems might find this a little bit uncomfortable at first but with practice it should become easier. To ease the transition, many brands have brought out light weight versions that still come with some amount of cushioning in the heel area.
Since every runner runs in a different manner, the biomechanics ultimately govern one's choice of minimalistic running shoes. The choices facing runners in this segment are the Adidas adiZero Mana 5 and adiZero Adios, Asics DS Racer 8 and Hyperspeed, Brooks Launch and Green Silence, Mizuno Musha 3 and Wave Ronin 3, New Balance Minimus, Nike Lunaracer, Free Version 7 and Zoom Streak 3, and Pearl Izumi 3. There are many other brands and models that one can foray into as well. However, it would be advisable to read barefoot shoes review before venturing out and trying a few.
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About the AuthorMinimalistic Running Shoes - http://www.runningshoesguru.com/2011/04/lightweight-and-minimalistic-running-shoes-for-2011/
Barefoot Shoes Review - http://www.runningshoesguru.com/