8,153
edits
Changes
no edit summary
* '''Virtually Barefoot'''. These shoes are close to barefoot, but have some protection. Minimalist shoes are associated with a [[Are your running shoes injuring you| lower risk of injury than traditional shoes]].
=Overview of Shoe Recommendations=
{{:Shoes-includetable}}* '''Cushioning'''. Shoes vary in the mount of cushioning they provide. There is reasonable scientific evidence that higher levels of cushioning increase stresses on joints and have higher rates of injury. However, cushioning is also one way shoes provide protection from stones (the other is inflexibility). Cushioning can also reduce foot soreness on longer ultramarathons. * '''Weight'''. The weight of a shoe makes a big difference in the [[Running Economy| energy cost of running]]. Even small changes in weight can make a big difference in how fast we run. * '''Drop'''. The drop is difference in sole thickness between the forefoot and heel. Larger drops can interfere with natural running form, and may increase the probability of [[Foot Strike| heel strike]].
=Shoe Modifications=
''Main article: [[Shoe Modifications]]''
*** '''[[Hoka Mafate]].''' The Mafate is a huge shoe, and the heaviest and thickest of the Hokas.
* '''Minimax Transitional.''' These shoes are not quite 'minimum drop, maximum cushioning' of the [[Minimax]] category, but they're thicker than most shoes and tend to have less drop.
** '''[[Altra One2| Altra One<sup>2</sup>]].''' This is rapidly becoming one of my favorite running shoes, combining soft cushioning with a lightweight.
** '''[[Skechers GOrun Ultra]].''' A [[Minimax]] shoe for $80? Not quite. There's a lot to like about the shoe, but there are some significant issues you should be aware of before trying these out.
** '''[[Adidas Energy Boost]].''' The Boost uses a new type of foam, so while the design is quite traditional, the increased cushioning produces a far better shoe than you'd expect.