Minimalist Footwear Thread

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geordiegirl Jul 2021 9:11am, 6 Jul 2021 15,095 posts	0 geordiegirl The quality of shoes is becoming appalling. I had to get some different shoes recently I bought iniv8 flite 235 (wider toe box) I’ve done 103m abs they are splitting at the toe bend on both shoes. I have been in touch with sportshoes.com who have asked me to return them. I also bought merrel vapour glove and do love them. To give bit more cushioning for the left foot (which had a stress reaction) I popped in an insole from another pair of shoes. I’m thinking of trying running sandals anyone here use them and any recommendations? I did a short run in my sketchers yesterday and rather liked it.
Red Squirrel Jul 2021 10:15am, 6 Jul 2021 21,944 posts	0 Red Squirrel Think Freet have a summer sale until 13 July for subscribers: freetbarefoot.com I use their Leaps with toes for dry trails in summer.
UltraDunc Jul 2021 10:19am, 6 Jul 2021 12,881 posts	0 UltraDunc I tried a pair of 235 but ended up with pain on one of my insteps. Tbh they are marketed as gym shoes but didn’t feel good from the outset. I tried some sandals that I cut to size and do still have them but only used on pavements and that was hazardous enough. Ok so you can focus on where you’re landing to avoid debris but I do also want to be free to enjoy the scenery and watch out for traffic . Getting the ties right were a hassle and I wasn’t keen on the cord between my big toes. Otherwise they felt ok and indeed will last a long time. I believe the company has branched out into making shoes now, maybe I’ll take a look at them. X- Zero is the name ?
SPR Jul 2021 10:23am, 6 Jul 2021 34,734 posts	0 SPR I don't think there's anything wrong with the quality of the Kayenta, they just made a choice that means it's lighter as it's not targeted at everyday mileage. As I said, it has suffered from excessive wear for me and the quicker heel wear on the left is due to an ankle injury that stopped me running before lockdown and hasn't been fully eradicated. I'll take some pics later.
SPR Jul 2021 10:24am, 6 Jul 2021 34,735 posts	0 SPR Yes the Escalante are squisher than they look.
UltraDunc Jul 2021 10:37am, 6 Jul 2021 12,882 posts	0 UltraDunc Red squirrel- what kind of socks do you wear with them and what’s the longest run that you’ve done in them?
flanker Jul 2021 11:21am, 6 Jul 2021 19,897 posts	0 flanker Dunc, running on road in x-talons will wear the soles incredibly quickly, and unless you have perfect form, probably unevenly, as the studs will wear quickly on the heavy contact point leading to an a shoe with a gradient from one side to the other which doesn't do much for the joints in my experience. If you have an inov-8 shaped foot, have you looked at trailtalon 235s? I'm still using them as road shoes and they cope pretty well, although the uppers need to be coated in some rubber adhesive as they tend to fall apart. They are quite cushioned (for a lightweight shoe). Roclite 290s also aren't too bad on road and are less cushioned, although a bit heavier.
UltraDunc Jul 2021 12:02pm, 6 Jul 2021 12,884 posts	0 UltraDunc Flanker- I tried 235’s but ended up with a large blister under my right arch . I’m considering going back to see a local Pose coach if he’s still doing it as my form may well have deteriorated although not had any issues other than toes .
jacdaw Jul 2021 12:16pm, 6 Jul 2021 3,265 posts	0 jacdaw I replaced my Kayentas after 18 months, I think, with a new pair. I can still use the old ones, though. The soles aren't destroyed. Well over 1000 miles. Will post a picture later.
UltraDunc Jul 2021 12:21pm, 6 Jul 2021 12,886 posts	0 UltraDunc Maybe it’s my foot landing. The white material is crumbly and rough the blue material on the toe and heel showing a small amount of wear . If more of that blue plastic was around the outside of the outsole I would expect 1000 miles from the Kayenta.