I recently published my book, Low-Mileage Running: A Guide to Running Faster, Injury Free. You can buy the book on Kindle, paperback, or Audible. Below is an excerpt from the introduction.
Vibram Trek Ascent Review
The good:
- Flexible sole
- Breathable mesh uppers, with leather reinforcements in key areas
- Grippy rubber outsole
- Wide forefoot
- Great traction
- Comfortable soft 4mm EVA cushioning
- Link to buy on Amazon
The Bad
- Won’t protect against sharp rocks on gravel road or gnarly trail
- Ankle collar hits ankle bone
Ground contact time, stride length, vertical oscillation, and stride rate amongst various shoes
I wanted see how various minimalist shoes affect my ground contact time, stride length, vertical oscillation and stride rate.
To do this I used my Garmin 920XT paired with the newest Garmin HRM. You can see the raw data here.
Vibram Fivefingers Vybrid Review
- Too much toespring
- Lacks the natural feel of other Vibram FiveFingers
- Forefoot cushion doesn’t extend to toes, creating an unnatural amount of toespring
- Big toe pocket too small, squeezes big toe
EarthRunners Alpha X Review
- True barefoot feeling
- 11mm sole protects foot from rocks
- Soft, supple leather footbed and laces
- Completely flat sole; no toespring (a good thing)
- Fun to wear, new running experience!
TOPO Fli-Lyte Running Shoe Review
TOPO Fly-Lite is a lightweight show with minimal heel-to-toe drop.
It features a wide toebox, flexible sole, with moderate cushioning.
- Very flexible sole
- Wide toebox, allows natural toe splay
- Minimal drop from heel to toe give natural ride that doesn’t interfere with natural mechanics
ZemGear TerraTECH Ninja
ZemGear TerraTECH Ninja on Amazon
- Liked the flexible, thin sole
- Liked speed lacing system
- Like the ground feel, natural ride
- Disliked rough material near end of toes
- Disliked last of shoe, cut into pinky toe on one side