After reading Born To Run, I am beginning to see that less is more when it comes to running footwear. I agree that barefoot running can be a great benefit to runners. It also appears that shoes with the most cushion/support can actually be the WORST shoes you can wear as a runner.

I'm still skeptical, but, what do many of you think? Have we been hoodwinked by the shoe companies? Is less really better? I would find it difficult to run barefoot as I would worry about glass, nails, stones, etc. on the roads and in the grass.

IMO- If not wearing the proper shoe, I've seen many runners with severe pronation also have their shins taped or maybe even a knee wrapped. If having stress issues in the legs (knees, shins, hips) it all begins with the foot strike.
I'm totally against advertising to runners AIR, Gel, Shox or whatever cushioning gimmick is in the shoes. Excessive cushioning is bad.

I do believe some runners need "specialized" shoes for pronation.

I did a lil' research about the Nike Free concept. "The numbers correspond to a range where the bare foot is a zero and Nike's most technological running shoe is a ten. The Free 5.0 would be right in the middle ..."

Reading Runners World review, the 7.0 got pretty good reviews as a performance training shoe. Many of the testers said the 7.0 was great on the track for speed work, but on wooded/gravel trails it lacked heel protection and ankle support.

Maybe the Nike Free 7.0 during track season, but normal trainers for XC and long runs on the road.

Said, the early versions of Nike's Free were absolute junk. The upper material on my son's shoes absolutely ripped to shreds after a few short runs. How do the newer models hold up?

ccrunner609 wrote: pretty good rating system but Nike shoes suck so cant help me.

Last time I had Nike's on my feet is when somebody posted asking "most comfortable shoe" so I had to pull out the early 90's Nike Zoom D. The following year or two the Kennedy's came out.
Nike does make great spikes.

Gymshoe wrote: Said, the early versions of Nike's Free were absolute junk. The upper material on my son's shoes absolutely ripped to shreds after a few short runs. How do the newer models hold up?

Never had a pair of the Free's. I don't think my feet or legs would appreciate those shoes. I'm one who needs support.

Well 609, what lead to your injury? The shoes....?

ccrunner609 wrote:

I will find out tuesday. At this point I am hoping for compartment syndrome.

I thought that was much worse then a stress fracture? A stress fracture is just caused by being stupid. Compartment syndrome means surgery, right?

ccrunner609 wrote: ^^Compartment surgery= back in 2 weeks

Stress fracture = 6 weeks.

Would your insurance pay for the surgery? If so, this may be one benefit of being in a union.


(I'm damn cheap 609, I doubt I'd ever pay out of pocket for that surgery)

ccrunner have you tried some cross training like biking or swimming to keep your sanity? Sucks to be injured, I know, I just slipped in some mud the other day running and wrenched my knee. I'm okay running, but it's a pain (literally) going down hill or even walking down stairs.

ccrunner609 wrote: I actually like puttnig on some buffness.

Wow! I've never noticed any "buffiness" before? Is that a new tattoo?

[quote='ccrunner609' pid='167506' dateline='1264209449] The bad thing is that I now weigh 180 pounds. [/quote]

Congratulations you're finally where I was when I graduated high school.