Shoes for Pose Running

by Colin McNulty on 17 February 2010

There was in interesting article published by the BBC recently, entitled: Shoes may have changed how we run. (There’s an interesting slow motion video there showing barefoot heel striking! Worth a watch.)

The basic premise is that use of big heel padded trainers have promoted the heel strike style of running and that naturally we’re not meant to run like that. This is of course exactly what the Pose running technique espouses. If you want to know what the pose running method is, try running 400m barefoot on concrete. If you heel strike, you’ll soon stop!

The principle is that your foot is a natural spring and cushion for the impact of your foot landing on the floor whilst running. But this only works if your foot can flex. This means you have to land with the ball of your foot, i.e. the pad behind your toes. This allows your ankle joint to flex out the impact. Landing heel first destroys your natural suspension, jars your leg and is the cause of typical running injuries like shin splints and dodgy knees etc.

So, if modern day running shoes with their thick heels promote an unnatural and dangerous running style, what shoes should you wear? I was soooo close to buying some Vibram 5 Fingers:

But sadly, I don’t have the right shaped toes to fit properly. However everyone I know who’s bought a pair, think they are the roxors! 🙂

So I’ve been on the hunt for other “barefoot running” type of shoes, and would welcome any recommendations? I’m quite looking forward to the TerraPlana Evo Barefoot Running shoe out in a month or 2:

WPvideo 1.10

{ 13 comments… add one }

Ian Sturrock 17 February 2010, 10:37 am

I bought a pair of Feelmaxes — they’re cheaper than VFFs, comfier, and less weird-looking. I’ve done a 5K run in them & found them superb.
Chris 17 February 2010, 12:50 pm

I have the vivos, they are very nice indeed.

others have recommended Onitsuka Tiger (Assics?) Tai Chis as they have a very minimal sole but I don’t think they are readily available in the UK. I’m tempted to try the Mexico 66’s as they are very similar and look so cool, I just can’t decide which colour.

Puma K street also pop up in things I’ve read but again, getting hold of them might be tricky.

Ian, those Feelmaxes look interesting, might give them a bash next time I need some new ‘rainers
Ian Sturrock 17 February 2010, 1:16 pm

The Feelmaxes are ace — extremely minimal sole (I’d say under 1mm thick), super-light and flexible, and with enough toe room that you get the same kind of toe grippiness as you do with VFFs.
Colin McNulty 17 February 2010, 8:06 pm

Ian, which model of Feelmaxes did you get? I just checked out this review, take a look at the sole after just 100km!!

Thanks for the tips Chris.
Ian Sturrock 18 February 2010, 7:51 am

Col, I got the Niesa shoes. That review is of the Panka shoes, which Feelmax now recognise aren’t really up to serious outdoor use (hence the Pankas now being sold in Feelmax’s online store at 50% off, as “indoor shoes”).

There’s a review here:

http://paleo-runner.blogspot.com/2009/05/wake-up-your-feet-with-feelmax-niesa.html
Ian Sturrock 18 February 2010, 6:52 pm

That said — just checked their site again, and they reckon that their shoes do wear out fast on asphalt, so you might only want to use them if, like me, you plan to do most of your running in the park.
Colin McNulty 18 February 2010, 7:05 pm

Well I don’t do a lot of running anyway. Mostly they’d be used down the gym with the occasional running round the Mill.
Colin McNulty 18 February 2010, 7:13 pm

Ian, how waterproof are they? A lot of people seem to be saying your feet get wet. Not sure I fancy that! Squelch round the Mill, then back in for Thrusters / box jumps etc with soggy feet. :-S
Ian Sturrock 8 March 2010, 2:57 pm

Col — sorry — didn’t check back for a bit. I have found them more water-resistant than the VFFs, but the only weekend that I spent wearing them in seriously deep muddy puddles, I wore Sealskinz waterproof socks in them, so didn’t notice waterproofness or lack thereof.

I’ve not had any problems with walking on wet roads or pavements — no apparent water entry. Again — check the dates on the reviews — I suspect any complaints are probably relating to last season’s shoes.
Colin McNulty 8 March 2010, 6:10 pm

Thanks Ian. I’ve bought some Vivo EvoBarefoot running shoes now.
Eugenia Eu 11 March 2010, 3:44 pm

One thing you might consider in future is wrestling shoes for running.

They are very flexible and your feet feel good running in them.
Colin McNulty 11 March 2010, 8:08 pm

That’s an interesting recommendation, thanks Eugenia.
Zac 5 November 2010, 5:34 am

hey guys, is there anywhere you might know where i can get Niesas in 43s? I can’t find them! many thanks if you can point me in the right direction