Altra Zero Drop running shoes

[your_perfect_enemy]

Has anyone tried these out? They're a relatively new line of the minimalist running shoes, which is the style of shoe I've been using for last year or so and has significantly reduced any running pain/injuries. Admitedly I had never heard of this brand until I saw the ads during the Sugar Bowl, but was intrigued by the ability to return after trying out for a full refund. I figured I would try them out since there's nothing to to lose, but was curious if anyone had a opinions before I pulled the trigger.

[gatorchamp27]

throw a link up there

[your_perfect_enemy]

http://www.altrazerodrop.com/

[LeafUF]

Only seen the ads and I dont run myself so I am no help. Just wanted to say I think the ads look cool. I also have tried on shoes like the NB Minimus and they feel like crap on my monster feet.

[Dreamliner]

My son is getting some minimalist shoes simply because he works out at a gym that makes you wear shoes, and its the closest thing to deadlifting barefoot.

[LeafUF]

Umm, Chucks. Dont waste the money.

[Dreamliner]

Originally Posted by LeafUF

Umm, Chucks. Dont waste the money.

I know, but kids ...

[exiledgator]

Those super slo-mo cameras they used for those commercials ain't cheap, but just imagine *your* foot looking that cool in slo-mo!!! I gotta get some and I don't even run.

[Dreamliner]

I do know that there are questions as to whether barefoot running or minimalist shoes actually serve to reduce running injuries.

[exiledgator]

Originally Posted by Dreamliner

I do know that there are questions as to whether barefoot running or minimalist shoes actually serve to reduce running injuries.

But don't they make one's butt more muscle-y?

Allegedly.

[LeafUF]

Originally Posted by Dreamliner

I do know that there are questions as to whether barefoot running or minimalist shoes actually serve to reduce running injuries.

According to some friends of mine that are podiatrists (those are the foot docs right?) they just produce different injuries. More people coming in with fractures in their feet than before. So I am guessing the injuries are just shifting down, your back and knees feel better but you are beating up your feet.

[LeafUF]

Originally Posted by exiledgator

But don't they make one's butt more muscle-y?

Allegedly.

Never heard that one, if you want a muscle-y butt you want to lift heavy weights, not run anywhere.

[Dreamliner]

Originally Posted by exiledgator

But don't they make one's butt more muscle-y?

Allegedly.

Hehe, I suppose this might be true insofar as minimal support seems to get you up on your forefront as heel-to-toe can be painful without padding.

You can do a personal experiment: just walk around the house on your forefeet. You'll probably feel your glutes engaging a bit more.

Regardless, it appears to be a little-known fact that the glutes perform multiple functions. For one, they act as movers when we're merely walking.

[your_perfect_enemy]

Originally Posted by Dreamliner

I do know that there are questions as to whether barefoot running or minimalist shoes actually serve to reduce running injuries.

I can only give anecdotal evidence. I used to get terrible shin splints running in traditional shoes (asics gt something) and when I switched to an adidas minimalist shoe I had almost no pain at all, but of course they stopped making them the same way because they had to roll out a new version.

I'd prefer to run barefoot and do on the beach whenever I visit my parents, but just dont trust the sidewalk to not have glass and can't bring myself to buy the vibram 5 fingers.

[Dreamliner]

Originally Posted by your_perfect_enemy

I can only give anecdotal evidence. I used to get terrible shin splints running in traditional shoes (asics gt something) and when I switched to an adidas minimalist shoe I had almost no pain at all, but of course they stopped making them the same way because they had to roll out a new version.

I'd prefer to run barefoot and do on the beach whenever I visit my parents, but just dont trust the sidewalk to not have glass and can't bring myself to buy the vibram 5 fingers.

And I never argue with experience.

[fbgator27]

Originally Posted by your_perfect_enemy

I can only give anecdotal evidence. I used to get terrible shin splints running in traditional shoes (asics gt something) and when I switched to an adidas minimalist shoe I had almost no pain at all, but of course they stopped making them the same way because they had to roll out a new version.

I'd prefer to run barefoot and do on the beach whenever I visit my parents, but just dont trust the sidewalk to not have glass and can't bring myself to buy the vibram 5 fingers.

Makes sense biomechanically. Minimalist shoes will normally reduce the amount of heel strike while running. Your shin splints could have been from fatigue of the muscles in the front of your shin that work to control your ankle and arch after landing on the heel. For you, this type of shoe may be just what you needed. However, any person who tells you a specific shoe or running style will reduce injuries is crazy. You have to look at the problem specific to each individual. Where minimalist shoes could predispose someone to stress fractures motion control shoes could cause someone else to have more inversion ankle sprains.

[ATL_Gator]

Originally Posted by your_perfect_enemy

I can only give anecdotal evidence. I used to get terrible shin splints running in traditional shoes (asics gt something) and when I switched to an adidas minimalist shoe I had almost no pain at all, but of course they stopped making them the same way because they had to roll out a new version.

I'd prefer to run barefoot and do on the beach whenever I visit my parents, but just dont trust the sidewalk to not have glass and can't bring myself to buy the vibram 5 fingers.

I shouldn't, but I think poorly of people in the 5 finger shoes.

[LeafUF]

Originally Posted by ATL_Gator

I shouldn't, but I think poorly of people in the 5 finger shoes.

Hahaha, so do I. I see them and I just automatically think what a dork.

[amangator08]

I've been running in Merrell Barefoots for the last year and a half and love them. I haven't had any injuries, either way. But, I've known lots of people who tried them out due to injuries with traditional running styles, and they all rave just as much. One guy I know had gotten so bad that he just couldn't run any longer. He tried zero drop shoes and now runs with no pain.