I have spent most of my life being told that I run incorrectly because I run on my midfoot instead of my heel. I am very glad that people are starting to see that running on the midfoot if more natural and builds excellent calf muscles.

I\'ve been using the Nike Free 3.0 and was wondering how \"slowly\" I should make the transition to the Minimus shoe line? I tried the trails on a quick treadmill work out and loved them but definitely felt it in my calves.

On a side note, I absolutely love the minimus line. They are far more comfortable than the NIke Free\'s and do not give me blisters! Well done!

@JJDZ12 - so glad you like them! We recommend integrating NB Minimus into your usual running routine slowly, meaning about 10% of your mileage to start...then increasing 10% week over week as long as you feel comfortable making the increase each time. It's important to listen to your body so you don't overdo it at the start. We'd love you hear your experience as you make the transition!

I went into the change gung-ho and paid the price! I had doms in my calves and achilles for a good 2 weeks. So my transition from heel-toe to forefoot (POSE) running was within 3 months, so from the NB M769 to the MT100 to now the MR10.

Been running 3x a week at 5Ks since September 2010. Each run I do I adapt and improve. I look forward to my first perfect run :)

I am going though this problem with my achilles, feet, knee and hip. It seen it a work in progress. I run somewhat but very often. Great article. I will give it a try.

I think every time a shoemaker comes up with these gimicky no support shoes it's because they are cheaper to produce and therefore more profitable. This is just like in the building trades and even automotive industry , all change is to create more profit and never to provide a better product. Shoes have gotten less and less supportive when they started using more and more mesh instead of leather or cloth. I believe we would be better off going barefoot sometimes.

anybody else having difficulty watching these videos?? They only play for a minute and then stop. I have DSL connection.

I am having the same problem as deano. I have tried watching the getting started video on 2 different computers and everytime it stops me at about 2:38 instead of the full 7 min... please fix as I need as much help as possible.... Everything else is awesome... Thanks NB!

Hi @deano & @jono. Thank you for the heads up! We'll look into that right away.

I am also having trouble playing the videos, and I have a good internet connection.

It's May 8th, and there is still the problem with the videos not playing all the way through--stopping about 2 and a half minutes in.

I already incorporated midfoot strike, lean and posture several months ago, but the cadence is a new tip. I have just been working on that part for just a few days, and am excited to see how I progress. Thanks for these videos--I hope they work properly soon!

The Minimus is worldview-changing shoe! Wonderful feeling so connected with the road and my body. I'm 39 and I've worked it into my 30+ miles per week with great success. Not running at full-speed in them yet, but soon enough. Key is the discipline and body-awareness to detect and correct any running form flaws, especially as fatigue sets in. I'm confident the Minimus will help keep me a strong distance runner for many years.

I quit running 2 years ago because it ever time i ran i became injured. I would love to get back into it, and someone recommended this article and good form running. Would you recommend restarting and always using this shoe? form?

Be sure to let your muscles rest a day (or two) to get stronger between each run, so take rest as seriously as the actual running.

I\'m far from perfect but I can run 7 miles comfortably in flat shoes after 2 weeks or so, always being very careful. My knees have not complained yet.

PS: The videos work for me in Firefox 3.5.16. Either it is fixed by now or you can try switching to another browser, or just ****** flash player.

Be sure to let your muscles rest a day (or two) to get stronger between each run, so take rest as seriously as the actual running.

I'm far from perfect but I can run 7 miles comfortably in flat shoes after 2 weeks or so, always being very careful. My knees have not complained yet.

PS: The videos work for me in Firefox 3.5.16. Either it is fixed by now or you can try switching to another browser, or just ****** flash player.

Dynalee 10: I've been racing and training for 44 years, still playing soccer twice a week and racing. When I started running, the shoes were all fairly flat profile, no drop heel to forefoot. When heels increased in size, I always bought the lowest drop shoes, usually racing flats, even for training or mountain running. I'm so glad there is better choice now with low drop shoes. I don't think this is industry driven, but a trend that is runner driven.

New Balance has a facility here in Allston, MA, overlooking the Turnpike - any thoughts of having some clinics that AREN'T in the mid-west? I'm older and have only been running about a year; while I think I understand the principles, there's nothing like having someone to take a look!

Tony...I would argue that the industry is the precursor to the shoe trend and that, with all the mumbo jumbo tech talk and marketing that the companies put out there, many a customer are fooled into believing what they hear and read, even if you work in the industry. I was one such fool once. Given that fact, it becomes a band wagon effect and next thing you know, everyone is praising glory onto a product that is more gadget than logic. I'm just happy now that I can see more clearly :)

@Rich42: No doubt the industry is capitalizing on this trend but it is actually lagging behind the trend in the running world; barefoot running has been growing in popularity for several years now. That's what the market is trying to mimic. I am curious why the minimus is $20 more than the 101's which are supposed to be the racing shoe, and have much more technology in them, but I think NB and other companies are just responding to the barefoot trend and not the other way around even if that is often the case.

sorry rich42 I lumped your comment with Dynalee10's, so don't ignore its direction at you.

I was wondering what shoes the running coach was wearing in the videos?

Why are these shoes not all made in the USA instead of China nad Vietnam?

I have been off from running for the past 2 years. Prior to that my running history consisted of 2 marathons, several half marathons and triathlons. I became injury prone in my knees and achilles due to an inefficient running form. I am wondering if this form of running and Minimus shoe will aid me in running again but injury free. What shoe should I start with?

Can someone describe the differences between the MT10 and the MT20? From posts I\\\\\\\'ve found (not on newbalance.com), the MT20s sound like an improvement on the MT10s, fixing a few toebox issues. Road Runner Sports in Westminster, CO just told me over the phone they don\\\\\\\'t stock the MT20 because it\\\\\\\'s a lower-end shoe...that didn\\\\\\\'t sound right. I\\\\\\\'ve mailed New Balance customer support for clarification. Better to be knowledgeable that buy the wrong shoe.

@MichaelMoore - Grant Robison is wearing the NB Minimus Road shoes (http://www.shopnewbalance.com/newbalanceMR10OG.htm)

@HelpmeUnderstand - due to unique requirements of the manufacturing process, these shoes are not being produced in our USA factories, but I will pass along the request to the product team for them to be made in the USA.

@CJRED - everyone's transition to minimal shoes will be different. When trying NB MInimus for the first time, we recommend starting slow and listening to your body. The videos in this section can also help with some pointers on transitioning to mid-foot strike.

@Zen_dave - great question! The MT20 is another solution from the NB Minimus collection. The 20 features a slightly more structured upper on the same sole unit, creating a similar near-barefoot experience on the trail to the MT10. It is not a lower-end shoe, nor an ****** to the MT10, just a different upper styling. Hope this helps!

What's the impact on a person's back with the Minimus? Doesn't the traditional shoe absorb more impact that would otherwise be absorbed by the body with the Minimus?

Did they check the fit of their shoes before complete this course? While I agree a midfoot strike and good form running are better for the body, the proper fit it crucial. It is possible Erin still has problems with her plantar fasciitis because her shoes are too short. I find a majority of people wear their shoes too short, especially sneakers.

\'ve been using the road Minimus for nearly 6 months now and I\'ve developed a problem with my right second toe. Not sure if it\'s the last of the shoe that is not suitable for my foot. Oddly the left foot is fine. My toe is pressed into the corner and renders it uncomfortable thus making the run unpleasant.

I\'ve since gone back to my T100 shoes. The toe box is more narrow but at least I don\'t have the toe issue. I wonder if the trail Minimus has the same possible issue for me as the road Minimus? I hope to get to try them and see.

I love NB and wish I could replace my roadies. Could be a defect of sorts. No more receipt in hand so...

Any thoughts or suggestions New Balance?
Thx
Rich

@Rich42, you could have developed a problem/injury with your toe for a couple of reasons.

#1 you did too much too soon with a minimal shoe and your feet did not have enough training and time to adjust to the new rigors of minimal running. I have had my MT10s for a month now and I haven't even tried to run seriously in them, only a light jog or spring to see what it feels like. I am using them now exclusively for walking/everyday wear. Your muscles in your feet/ankles really have to adjust to the minimal last of the shoe. Plus depending upon your running form you could introduce other issues/problems if you heel strike.

#2 the other reason you injured your toe is that the shoes are too small. the last between the MT10 and MR10 is similar. I have seen both in person. If you 2nd right toe is anywhere near the front/side of the shoe, the shoes are most definitely too small. I have found that the minimus run a 1/2 to 1 size short (like most sneakers on the market). Plus minimal shoes should really allow your whole foot to splay out.

I'm not NB employee, but I have much experience with NB product and shoes in general as my family has owned and operated a full service fitting shoe store for 65 years.

If you have any more questions feel free to ask.

I am 6'2" and 290 pounds; too big for minimalist shoes ???? I would like to be able to get back into jogging, as I enjoyed it years ago. Also, do any come in x-wide, like 4E ??

I started running in July and within weeks found myself injured and in physical therapy. My physical therapist and I worked hard at midfoot and cadence and they have helped a lot. I\'m a bigger guy (6\'3\" 265lbs) and my knees were really suffering from heal striking. Midfoot and cadence have helped my knees. Tonight I added the alignment component to my three mile run along with the two previously mentioned Good Form components and had much more energy and felt really good at the end. Though I am still skeptical about minimal shoes for someone my size, I believe good form would help any runner prevent injuries and feel great.

I weigh 185lbs at 5'9 (muscular) and am training for a marathon. I have very flat feet. Are minimalist shoes an option or should I stick with stability shoes that rovide protection for over pronation and give me some arch support? I would like an option that has a lower heel drop because I am sold on mid foot vs. heel strike, thanks.

Hi, I've been running in pronation-control shoes for my whole life. Is it a good idea to start running in barefoot-like shoes, like Minimus? Any recommendations how to make the transition?

Thanks!

@PedroCZ, do not make the transition quickly. I would recommend getting a pair, or couple pairs of minimal shoes and only walk and wear them casual for at least 6 months. Increasing the amount of time you wear them gradually. And also increasing the distances you walk. Wearing minimal shoes is a real work out for the muscles in your feet, ankles, and calves. You should not just slap on a pair of minimal shoes and run/jog in them for any type of distance. You should also make sure they are the proper fit. Most likely you will need at least 1/2 size, or 1 full size bigger than you measure from heel to toe. If you have anymore questions, feel free to ask.

I recently picked up the Minimus 10 trail shoes, the weather proof ones. Got to say, they are a different feel than my Minimus 10 road shoes, and I don't mean the difference in cushy landing but more so about the drop. They say both shoes have a 4mm drop but the trail shoe definitely feel like they have a flatter drop. Given this, there is a slight strain on the achilles. So far, after 3 5K runs, I can say that I like them, maybe even more so than my road ones. Can't wait to try them in trails :)

I switched to midfoot strike when I was young, after some of the track kids pointed out that I was running "incorrectly" by using a heel strike. I have not run since my youth but am trying to get back into running now with a walk/jog training program. At first I tried using my favorite walking shoes the WR993, but the big wedge of heel bothers me during my jogging intervals. I purchased a pair of WT101s and love them. I am more comfortable with my training program, my only complaint is I wish there was a minimalist shoe in the USA made line.

Might be a dumb question, but this is my first foray into any shoe other than what I considered \\\"normal.\\\"

I see in the video no one is wearing socks.

I just purchased the Road verison of the shoe, should I not wear socks? Thanks.

I am an overpronator who has already made good progress in working toward becoming a midfoot striker. I overpronate because of my flat feet. Currently, I am getting the last miles out of my NB 1226, including the Walt Disney World Marathon last month. Given the structure of my flat feet, do you think I will ever get to a point where I could run in neutral or minimalist shoes. Thank you in advance for any feedback.

I was wondering whether you guys offered these kind of clinics in MA? It would be great to learn more about proper running form and injury prevention. Currently dealing with ITBS and my Dr suggested that it could be caused by my cadence.

Just thought I would throw in my 2 cents. First, Good Form Running is very similar to Chi Running, a Method of running instruction developed by Danny Dreyer. Both forms of running instruction can provide help to those seeking it. After teaching chi running to a new, but reluctant, runner who had always had injury issues in the past, they told me they were a running convert. As far as how to get into the new minimus shoes and start running......everyone\'s different. I purchased a new pair of the NB 00 trail shoes, put them on and hit the trail. Ouch. The next day was torcherous but I expected some transition. I didn\'t run for three days. On day four I put on my new shoes and hit the trail again for four miles (first run was only 2.5 mi.). Calves hurt but not as bad as the first time. I waited two days and ran on the third. Then started running every other day as is my usual routine. The important difference for me was that I continued my normal resistance training when not running (with the exception of calf raises). By keeping the muscles in my legs strong I have had zero issue with knee, hip or ankle pain. I also make it a point to stretch my calves after each run which has been a thing for me since a bout of plantar fasciitis several years ago and so far the NB 00\'s haven\'t brought that back. One of the best things about the shoe is that I feel that with my feet so close to the ground and no spongy material between my foot and the earth, I am less likely to twist an ankle. So far I love this shoe because it lets my feet be what they are naturally. There is no material to try to tell my foot it should act some way other than what it does when I walk barefoot In the yard. I'm running again like I did 40+ years ago in the school yard while wearing a pair of home made leather moccasins....I ran like the wind then (mostly because I was being chased by bigger kids....they never caught me). At this point all I can really ask of NB is to bring your manufacturing back home. I promise to but more shoes more often if you do. Thanks for letting me spout. Now I gotta run...

@ Cagey

I am a bigger runner as well, started at 312 pounds, down to the 270's so far. Doing about a 11 min/mi. I run in the MT10's 13 2E and they were a little tight so I got some MT00BL 13 4E ordered. I ran a 5k in Vibrams last weekend, and the trail was a bit rugged, had some minor aches at the end. I wear my Minimus shoes as a break from having no real protection as they do offer a bit more sole. It takes a bit of getting used to but it feels great. I am transitioning from Brooks Addiction 10's and my knee pains are pretty much gone.

Yep, it works for bigger runners too. I caution you to start slow and take a day off to give your body a rest.

Hi,
I am not a professional runner but run a bit here and there. For the longest time I have been running landing on my heels and they have pretty much restricted me from running for more than 30 minutes. Due to the pain I used to get which was refered to \\\"splint sheen\\\". After some research I tried running on the \\\"ball of my feet\\\" and started using minimus 9. I have not got any pains ever since but I have been getting a lot of pain in the ball of my feet. It seems like \\\"blisters\\\". I love wearing my minimus but dont know how to tackle the blisters. Though I dont wear them for every run, as I am still trying to get used to the next to bare foot running. Can some please share some valuable advice on how to tackle the blisters.

Thanks

Sarvs,

Try to modify your foot strike. Instead of a strict ball of the foot strike concentrate on a mid-foot strike or landing. Start by standing up straight but comfortably, then lean forward to a point where you have to put your foot out to stop from falling. Your body's natural reaction is an almost flat foot landing. That is the landing you are looking for......almost flat-foot but your heel is the last thing to touch the ground.
Try to concentrate on keeping your lead foot under you and not reaching forward as you run. If you want to increase or lengthen your stide it should be a longer kick towards the rear instead of a reach to the front. With this form you end up using more hip flexor muscles but it can be a very relaxed run even when going at a decent speed.
Also, you don't mention if you are wearing socks when you run in these shoes (a lot of the folks I talk to that are wearing these types of shoes do not wear socks). My personal preference is to wear socks. I don't believe the materials used to construct these shoes are really meant to rub against your feet while pounding down the trail or road. I use decent, moisture wicking socks that provide a nice barrier between skin and shoe. I have been running in my NB 00s with socks and have had no issues.
If you have an opportunity, try going to your local library and picking up a copy of Danny Dreyer's CHI RUNNING. It would better explain a running style that would help alleviate any running form issues you may be experiencing.
Good luck and happy running.

Jarrobi,
Thank you for you advice, I will certainly try the mid-foot landing style of running. About the socks, yes I always run with socks. But I have the blister like sensation only in my TR00 and none of the other shoes I have.


Sarvs

Sarvs,
If you still get the blister like sensation after adjusting your foot strike it may be an issue of how that particular shoe fits your feet. It could also be the material of your sock. I know it sounds odd but I have had a similar issue when I wore a typical cotton sock. When I switched to performance socks the issue went away. I recently purchased a sock that is made in part with bamboo fibers and they are working great. Just a thought.
If you have a New Balance store near you it might be worth a trip to get some advice from them and maybe step onto their foot scanning device that registers the pressure points on the soles of your feet. They know way more than I do on the subject of proper fit for your foot type. If you don't have a store near you, I would try to contact NB directly and see if they have someone who can give you better answers than here on a forum.

Good luck and take care.

Jarrobi

I am a 34 yo male, who is 6'4" 215-225lbs. I am/was a multi sport/workout athlete until a couple months ago when I had a full tear of my left Achilles. I was road biking 80-150 miles/week, running 10-20 miles/week as well as Crossfit 4-5x/week, flag football and softball and the occasional pick up basketball game. The past 10 weeks have been painful in that I have become relatively sedentary with my cardio. Last week when I jumped in the pool, to work that into a training program. As I become more active again, I am interested in making the transition to a "free form product," I have been using NB 880's or similar for years but as I phase mileage running out of my workouts I am concerned about the strain on my Achilles. Has any research been done regarding recovering athletes? Would a switch to a Minimus cross training product be advised? I will check with my Dr. and therapist but they are your shoes so I am curious as to your input as well, thanks.

I've been running in Nike Free's for a while now, and want to get my first pair of Minimus'. What you recommend for a starter pair? Can I jump right to the Zeros (incorporating slowly at first of course), or should I start with the Zero Roads or MT10/20s to ease in? I'm leaning towards the Roads because I'm almost always actually running on pavement.

Lot of good discussion about shoes here. Not so much about running. Folks, it's not about the shoe. Try real barefoot running, instead of a (poor) imitation of it...

If people learn the zen of running, barefoot and free some good would have come from NB making this into a marketing moment. I do not fault NB for turning this into all about the "shoe". That's what companies do. Take an activity that in its essential element does not require a shoe and turn it into something that's all about the shoe. Like they say, "Everything has just gotta be about YOU".

About the no shoe thing. I am alergic to tetnus shots. I can't take a full shot so I am pretty much open to getting something nasty should I step on some ick. I live in a questionable neighborhood so the presence of glass is pretty much always going to be there. I have run without shoes for about a quarter mile and I absolutely loved it. I also ran a 5k in vibrams and the middle of my right foot is still sore two weeks later. I want to run without shoes and I want to run without doing damage to my knees because I never want to stop running.

So far I am not overly enthused at the new balance offerings. I may go after some Bakilas or some luna sandals. I want more protection, but no blisters and no glass in my foot. It's a lot to ask, I know, but eventually I will find the
right thing for me and will joyfully add more and more miles in it.

I'm slowly trying to do the transition.

Can I use my regular shoes to do regular runs or should I stop completely and just focus on Good Form? I would hate to lose my condition.

Is it advised to work out your new found muscles with bike riding, jumping robe etc?

@Anders

It would be better to focus on Good Form and stop running the old heel strike way in regular running form. It will be less confusing and you'll learn the new technique sooner. That being said, since you'll need to transition slowly and increase your GF running distance over weeks and months, you will lose cardio conditioning unless you do some other cardio exercise like cycling or swimming. Jumping rope is an excellent alternative and if you do it right, it works your calf muscules, exactly the muscles you will be developing with GF running. When I say, "do it right", I mean make sure you jump just low enough to clear the rope and land on the midfoot. You could jump rope with your traditional running shoes because it's easy to land on the midfoot when you are jumping rope (and you'll still develop your calf muscles and get an excellent cardio workout). Good luck, go for it.

Anders:

The best way to transition would be to increase your distance gradually over months and to run barefoot to begin with. This will teach you the right form instinctively. You\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'ll land on the forefoot/midfoot and you will automatically land gently. Once you get the form down, use any flat soled shoes that you like. New Balance or any other, it doesn\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'t really matter. You don\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'t need to start with the shoes to learn the form. I don\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'t know your situation or circumstances and may be running barefoot is not possible for you but if it is, it is the best way to transition. Ok.

I love the minimus line and have been using New Balance for about a year (July 2011). I workout with kettlebells in them then I go run in them. I love to be barefoot and these shoes allow me to be barefoot. I am now rocking the Zeros and am in love. They are sooooo sexy! Big thanks goes out to Paul Dizon at New Balance in Cardiff, Ca for helping get all of my peeps in the Minimus shoes .