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1. seanoc - Member

   Right, these barefoot type trainers.......how far are you supposed to get out of them? Regular shoes tend to be good for unto 500k's before the support, cushioning, stability gibbons start to deteriorate. So what about barefoot type trainers, do you just run these things into the ground until they fall apart?

   Bought a pair of Nike Free 3.0's a couple of months ago; I imagine the barefoot purists won't class these as pure barefoot as there is a discreet differential between forefoot and heel. Before that I was just doing a couple of k on my regular run with my shoes off. Quite like them, they're bloody light for a start. I'm only using them for short speed work sessions <5k keeping the Kayano's for the longer jaunts but they are showing signs of wear after only 100k or so.

   Posted 11 months ago #
2. nickhart - Member

   i reckon use em til they walk into the bin themselves, that's what i'm going to do with my merrells.
   if you're running 5k ish i'd do the lot in the free and retire the others. i did 2.5 miles of mixed running and walking in mine and they felt great, my calves are tight afterwards but it's the first time i've run any distance for a really long time due to being poorly.

   Posted 10 months ago #
3. BadlyWiredDog - Member

   I'd run 'em till they're dead. Generally conventional running shoes die when the EVA cushioning in the mid-sole deteriorates and loses its resilience, barefoot shoes don't have any/much so that's a win - nothing to die.

   If you think the wear level you're getting is unreasonable, take them back to the retailer and suggest that they may be faulty or not fit for purpose.

   Posted 10 months ago #
4. mightymarmite - Member

   inov-8 195's do me for around 300 - 400 (4-5 months on average at present - on 2nd pair after replacing 190's prior), but its the uppers that tend to go as my deformed toes wear through the thinner fabric. Majority of runs are soft surface through.

   By contrast I also used to run on Kayano's and would replace them every 6 months regardless of miles as they would tend to "lean" and lack stability as they aged (overkill perhaps but my knees where the ones doing the complaining).

   I've stayed away from nike over past few years, generalisation I know but they always seemed to wear much faster then others while New Balance were indestructible.

   Posted 10 months ago #
5. seanoc - Member

   I'm not sure about making the full transition just yet; may just gradually build up the lengths of runs using the Free 3.0's over the next week and see where I stand.

   Gotta admit I'm liking the styling off the inov8's; both the 195's and the 155's although I'm a bit put off by the anticipated durability of the latter. Definitely going to try the 195's as my next shoe if I can find a local shop that stocks them.

   Posted 10 months ago #
6. bonfield-jones - Member

   I use vibram five fingers. I think my joints will give up before these, as they seem pretty hardy. No cushioning at all and just rubber. I run on the hard beach up to 5 miles. On the hardpack maybe 3-4 max. Take it easy though if people are reading this and may be thinking about the transition to barefoot. I use KSO but there is a more padded Bikila version out soon with more grip.

   Posted 10 months ago #
7. mudplugga - Member

   I use innov8 baregrips and love them. I seem to get more power per legs stroke. However,I found that for the first few runs my calves took a hell of a pounding. I imagine this is due to the fact there is no heel padding as such so the foot lands flat rather than at a slight incline thus using 'more's calf.

   I would wholeheartedly recommend the bear grips for trail running. I use cannock chase and they've been fine. Grip is awesome. Take it easy thoughtill your body gets used to them . Ill take a look at the bikila fivefingers Mr Jones, sound just the ticket for me.

   Posted 10 months ago #
8. seanoc - Member

   Always liked the idea of the 5 fingers it's just everyone who uses them (except barefoot bloggers) seem to limit their runs somewhat because of them. I'm usually running for about 2 hours unless doing specific sessions so I reckon I need to stay away from the 5 fingers.

   Never really had an issue with my calfs, first over-doing-it run with the shoes give me jip in my achilles, posterior ankle area and extensors. Sorted now though; and you look less freaky than running unshod!

   Posted 10 months ago #
9. seanoc - Member

   Okay, so quite a successful week with the Nike Free 3.0's. Covered 37 miles over 4 runs and included 50/50 road/trail using steady state and fartlek training. The only issue I have experienced is slight aggravation in my ankles (posterior) as I descend the stairs first thing in the morning; I tend to be an evening runner so there's no real shake-down after my run. The aggravation disappears by the time the kettle is boiled and only occurs after a 10+ mile run.

   Really, really enjoying the shoes; can't run without socks on though as there's a raised stitch on the inside of the uppers just fore of the arch which causes a harsh rub.

   Incidentally, I tried a pair of Trail Gloves on on the weekend and whilst they seem nice they don't seem to offer the lateral flexibility afforded by he Nikes.

   Good shoes, like em.

   Posted 10 months ago #

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