Minimalist Shoes-Talk to me about them

[sadlebred]

I'm planning to go to my LRS tonight to get fit for minimalist shoes. For my purposes, I could buy online, but I want to try a few different brands.

I want to use them for some trips this summer for walking around of the sightseeing variety (not for actual "exercise walking"). My "walk around" sneakers are too hot and bulky, and my feet hurt if I spend more than 3-4 hours in my Tevas or sandals. I figured minimalist shoes would be a good compromise.

Any advice?

[Brit]

Minimalist shoes provide less support than most of my flip flops, so I'm not sure that they will fulfill the purpose that your intend for them to. I'm happy with my New Balance Minimus for walking around. I chose those over Vibram Five Fingers because my second toe is longer than my big toe.

[katinthehat]

Like Brit said, I think you might get uncomfortable in minimal shoes. I also have the NB Minimus for around town shoes and love them, but find on hot pavement, I can really feel the heat through them.

Have you tried other shoes like Clarks or Privos? I find those give more support than my Mimimus and flip flops but aren't as bulky as my well padded running shoes

[starryfish]

If you are looking for casual minimilast shoes, look at Merrells casual line. I have the serene glove (dont use the ribbon, its removable) and really like them. Comfy! The Wonder glove are cute too!

[aurora]

Make sure you walk around them a lot before you go if that's your intended purpose. The whole point is that they force you to build foot strength by offering very little support, so you've got to start small and work your way up. I think it took me around 6 months to get to the point where I could get an actual running workout in mine, starting with <0.5 miles a couple of times a week and working up.

Just curious why you don't want to try them for exercise. My knee problems have gone away since I switched so I'm a big proponent when done right.

[sadlebred]

I've tried Privos and have several pairs. They are really comfy, but I don't like walking long distances in them. I figured that minimalist running shoes would be a good compromise between not being too hot and providing a bit of support although I know it's not much. My "walking around" sneakers are really hot. I'd be open to other suggestions.

aurora--I don't run, so exercising in them really isn't applicable. I'm exclusively a cyclist. For weights, core work, and other work outs, I go barefoot since I do all of it at home on my exercise mat or carpet.

[aurora]

If you don't run, that makes a lot of sense!

I do think minimalist shoes are great for walking around as long as you take the time to work into it. My New Balance minimalist shoes (sorry, I forgot the style name) are wonderful for travel because they're so light and packable. I also just bought some Vibram Five Fingers the other night and they were really nice for yardwork and gardening.

[MrsManners]

I prefer VFF above all others I've tried. Second would be my Merrels and third would be my new balance minimus.

[theoriginalbean]

I wear Merrel Pace Gloves as my every day walking around shoe. I love them. I wear them any time I leave the house. We're a very active family, so we do tons of walking, and they're great.

[sadlebred]

Thanks, ya'll. I figured I'm hit the LRS since I could try a bunch of brands. While my feet are usually 7.5s, they aren't always. This way I can also get the right fit rather than buying them online, sending them back, etc.

[starryfish]

Jun 1, 2012 12:32:33 GMT -5 sadlebred said:

Thanks, ya'll. I figured I'm hit the LRS since I could try a bunch of brands. While my feet are usually 7.5s, they aren't always. This way I can also get the right fit rather than buying them online, sending them back, etc.

I also have the Merrell Pace Gloves that I use for crossfit and like them but for casual wear i like the Wonder or Serene glove better as they cover less so more room to breathe. Zappos.com carries them and has free shipping both ways.

[csquared]

I love my Vibram's, but wear the Merrell Wonder Gloves for commuting back and forth to work. They really are comfy, but certainly don't give a lot of support.

[Maggie]

I use my nike free's for travel. I'm not sure how minimalist they are but I find them very light

[foundmylazybum]

Jun 2, 2012 1:34:37 GMT -5 @Maggie said:

I use my nike free's for travel. I'm not sure how minimalist they are but I find them very light

Lol me too! They are cute and lightweight. Every runner friend I know has these and not the other brands listed.