My gentle readers may be surprised to learn that the minimalist movement in footwear design dates back at least 5500 years, when middle-distance runners in present-day Armenia developed the forerunner to the Nike Free, depicted at left. Several advanced features are readily apparent: first is the use of asymmetrical lacing, anticipating the Asics Kinsei. Next is the low profile of the midsole, made of grass with an Asker durometer measure of approximately 45 degrees, compression-molded by the foot to a 5mm midsole gradient. The grass also performs as a replaceable sockliner.
This shoe is designed for the efficient runner who tends to under-pronate. Note the absence of a medial post. The heel clutch system replaces the traditional heel counter, removing weight from the shoe. The design clearly promotes a smooth transition from mid-foot stance to the propulsion phase of the gait cycle, and equally clearly favors a ball-heel-ball footstrike pattern.
This particular shoe is a men’s US Size 5.5 EU 37 EE, designed to accommodate a foot with hallux valgus, clearly indicated in the wear pattern by the displacement of the first metatarsal-phalangial joint toward the midline of the body, and the consequent displacement of the great toe away from the midline. A more complete description of the shoe can be found at the following NPR link: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=127627752&sc=ipad&f=1001
This is very interesting. NOT as innovative as FiveFingers would like us to think. Also, I used to work at a store that sold 5Fingers and our rep was CONVINCED it was for ALL feet… he said it’s been even known to cure “IT BAND SYNDROME”. I said, a foam roller and stretching will help too.
The minimalist movement in running is sweeping the country as quickly as did the scare over innoculating babies against MMR in the 1990s, when mothers reacted to unsupported claims from so-called experts who turned out to be frauds. The result was a catastrophic epidemic of the measles. What is missing from the debate about the benefits of minimalist products is a demonstration of proof of the claims in refereed research publications, and some degree of reason about how to incorporate these products effectively into a training program.