Podcast 006: Flats as Trainers?

Audio Description: Going minimalist with your training shoe will actually prevent injury. Trade in your heavy trainer for a racing flat!

Material Source: Triathlon, April 2009, StarTribune, German ultra magazine Spiridon, SportScience.

Songs Used: Collarbone by Fujiya And Miyagi; Lose Yourself by Eminem

Duration: 22 minutes, 44 seconds

Date Last Updated: Fri 06 Mar 2009 10:17:47 PM CDT

File Size: 21.3 MB

Shoes Discussed

Vibram USA Inc. FiveFingers
Touted as the first footwear to offer "the sensation of going barefoot with the protection and security of a sole," Vibram's FiveFingers shoe-gloves have toe slots, stretchy synthetic uppers and thin rubber soles. $70 and up.



NEWTON RUNNING
Rubber lugs extend a quarter-inch from the base of the forefoot region on these high-end runners. The design attempts to promote an efficient and natural technique, minimizing heel-striking and increasing speed. $155 and up.



INOV-8
Inov-8 applies a barefoot philosophy to trail runners, reducing padding in many models to sell shoes with a low-profile midsole and mesh uppers that offer only mediocre protection. The result? Natural foot flex on the trail in shoes that weigh half as much as the competition. Model F-Lite 230, $90.



NIKE FREE
Deep grooves in the sole grant these Nikes the flexibility to move naturally with your foot and "activate" foot muscles, according to the company. Nike sells three "levels" of Free shoes, letting you pick a padded version on down to a minimalist racing flat. $60 and up.



Nike Lunaracer+
The Nike Lunaracer+ Men's Running Shoe is the answer for the fleet-footed runner who wants it all—a light-as-a-feather, low-profile shoe with inherent stability and remarkably plush cushioning. Nike+ enabled for instant workout feedback when used with either a Nike+ SportBand or an iPod® nano and Nike + iPod Sport Kit. Highly breathable upper with Flywire for ultra-lightweight support and comfort. $100.