Run Run Away

Question:

I’ve just started learning to toe strike, but at the moment only with spikes on grass – a this is easier. However, I need a suitable trainer for toe striking when I get back on the roads. I currently run in a Nike Span Triax, but this has un-necessary support, which I will no longer benefit from. All the trainers on the market seem to have heal cushioning in abundance. However not many seem to have mainly forefoot cushioning. I suppose a racing flat would suit a toe-strikers needs, but i’m not sure about doing high mileage in them. The trouble is, the

I have done about 1500 km since start of this year in racing flats (Saucony Static Racer, Asic Tiger Paw) – no ill effects that could be blamed on the shoes. However, take your time in building up mileage in flats, since it will tax your lower leg and foot muscles much more than before. Be sure to do some strength training and stretching for the lower leg and foot mucles to avoid overuse injuries. Also, note that you probably do not want more than minimum forefoot cushioning, but want to learn how to strike the ground softly. Note that the conversion will take time, probably about 3-6 months, depending on your fitness level, talent and luck in changing. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – big heal on most trainers is designed to promote a heal strike – this is not what I want. I’ve been told its quite hard to overcome this effect and land on the toes. On a documentary I saw a Kenyon athlete training on the trails who had a very efficient free-flowing toe-strike style wearing what looked like Nike Pegasus. Any views on this trainer? I suppose it doesn’t have any support, which is what I need. I’ve just read this article which has kinda scared me about modern running shoes: http://run-down.com/guests/pt_shoes.php I don’t want to turn this into a debate about the pros and cons of toe/heal strike because looking at the archive, the subject seems to have been talked to death already. But there must be lots of toe-strikers around, so what do they wear? Also I don’t want to start an anti-nike flame war, as I know a lot of people don’t like them. However the fact is, if they were that bad, top athletes like Radcliffe and El Guerrouj wouldn’t jeopardize their careers by wearing them – despite the high amounts of cash their paid by Nike.

–  Pro is to con as progress is to Congress.

Response:

imo a flat is what you want because it’s going to be limber/flexible and allow you to employ the running technique you’re aiming for (toe striking).   since you’re new to this and doing long distance…consider the NB 330 as it’s the most "built up" "flat" other than the Nike Air Kukini.     Again, you’re talking about long distance….that seems to be your concern….and these are legit "flats" that will let you ball/toe strike…..and flats that are built up more so than let’s say a pair of NB 150s or Gel Racers.   I’d suggest a different shoe if you were talking less than 15K and or 10 Miles….but since you’re talking longer distances….I say go w/the Kikini pr RC 330 shoe.   Both these will also allow for forefront insoles…. Andrew….

The thing is, the RC 150 is only 142g and the 330 is still only 235g. I’m still slightly concerned about doing 50 mile weeks in anything less than 300g, despite what that article says. As for the Kukini, that doesn’t seem to be in the Bowerman range, its more of a fashion shoe. It doesn’t even have laces.

Response:

You’re completely wrong about the new Kukini.   Running Times characterized the shoe as: "The new Kukini is ultra-light, ultra-flexible, fit-adaptable