Tuesday, 4 December 2012

Barefoot shoes for Christmas!

As Christmas is coming around fast, some of you may be hoping for a new pair of shoes to go run in?! I thought I would give my recommendations in case you are undecided on which pairs are best for what. Of course, they will all be bareform or minimalist shoes of some variation, as I thoroughly recommend getting your gait and form back to how we are designed and created to run.

 Best for muddy, wet and slippy trails goes to:
Inov-8 Trailroc 235
Reasons:
Fantastic grip from the studs. Sheds mud well. Drains well when wet. Light and comfortable. Removable insole allows quick drying and lacing holds foot well in slippy conditions.











See for more info: http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/update-on-inov-8-trailroc-235s.html

 Best general all-trail shoe goes to:
Vibram FiveFingers Spyridon LS
Reasons:
Very natural feeling, great fit and comfort. Lacing holds foot well and kevlar insert protects against sharp and pointy trail obstacles. Fantastic ground feel and very light. Grip copes well with a variety of terrain.













See for more info: http://caveman-clarke.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/vibram-fivefingers-spyridon-vs-spyridon.html

 Best for short fast runs on dry and compact stony trails goes to:
New Balance Minimus MT00/WT00
Reasons:
Extremely light and airy, and grip has just enough thickness to protect against stone bruising.













Best transition shoe goes to:
New Balance Minimus MT10/WT10
Reasons:
Just the right amount of protection, cushioning and heel-toe differential to wear when transitioning to bareform running without straining the calves too much too soon. Especially when slowly incorporating bareform running in to an already established running routine.













Best road runner goes to:
New Balance Minimus MR00/WR00
Reasons:
Comfy, light and great looking shoe with lots of grip.
Please see link below for video review by BarefootAthleteVideo



Best gym and crossfit shoe goes to:
Inov-8 BareXF 210
Reasons:
Tough, robust, grippy, comfy and lightweight. Will take whatever you throw at it.
Please see link below for video of the Bare XF 210 from INOV8run




I hope this brief post helps with those Christmas choices. Any comments welcome.

 Happy Running and a Merry Christmas to you all
CavemanClarke
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8 comments:

  1. Eddie6 December 2012 at 12:32

    Would you recommend the Inov-8 Trailroc 235 for wet and muddy boot camp sessions?

    Eddie.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Caveman Clarke6 December 2012 at 13:47

      I certainly would. Great grip, feet held in place well by the lacing system and they drain very quickly. I think they would be perfect for it.

      Delete
  2. Unknown7 December 2012 at 15:09

    I have to agree with all your comments. I have all the same shoes! The only ones I personally dont get on with are the Spyridon, simply because the suede strip that sits around the mid foot doesnt accommodate my high foot. Im mainly running in the Trailroc's, both the 235 and 245. I really like the New Balance Minimus Zero, sadly as they are no good on wet trails Im just using them as every day shoes and they are super comfortable.
    Really enjoy your posts, keep it up!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Caveman Clarke7 December 2012 at 16:45

      Many thanks Simon. I will continue to do my best to help everyone out their interested in natural living and barefoot/bareform running. And yes, the Trailroc 235 is fantastic, just been for a run and they coped well with the extreme wet and sloppy conditions here in the East of England!

      Delete
  3. Unknown3 December 2013 at 21:26

    Hi Caveman,

    We talked earlier this week in Cotswold (the idiot who thinks its a good idea to progress from 3 miles to 85km in 4months :p).

    I'm looking to heavily switch into trail running, and try out some other bareform shoes (currently use NB MT10 and MT11).
    I've taught myself bareform running through my own knowledge of biomechanics and anatomy (medical student) but would love some help over trail / general running form from someone with more experience.

    Thanks, hoping to hear back soon,

    Gary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Caveman Clarke7 December 2013 at 10:12

      Hey Gary, yes I remember! Great meeting you. How can I help?

      As far as shoes goes, I have had a pretty extensive experience of many of the main more minimalist trail shoes available on the market as you will see on my blog so I could certainly recommend something there.

      I also teach/coach bareform running as part of my business Trinity Fitness Ltd (http://trinityfitness.org.uk/run-coaching/) so have a think about it and if you fancy meeting for a session I would be more than happy to be of help to you.

      Looking forward to hearing from you
      CavemanClarke

      Delete
    2. Unknown19 December 2013 at 19:46

      Hey,
      Sorry my computer bugged and have been AWOL for a week or so!

      Is there any chance I can get your email to organise some coaching? Ive so far struggled to find your contact details.

      alternatively if you'd rather not publish your email online, you can email me at garymills61@gmail.com

      Thanks in advance,

      Gary

      Delete
    3. Caveman Clarke13 January 2014 at 15:00

      Will do Gary

      Delete

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