Site:
http://predawnrunner.com
Miles:
4913 total / 355 in 2012
Goal:

To continue playing it smart while driving down the marathon PR - 2:50? 2:45? Next stop - Pittsburgh or Glass City (TBD).

Greg Strosaker new blog post - http:...

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New blog post - http://wp.me/pVkjc-5C - what does Nike's recent support of a study questioning the value of motion control shoes imply about the future of running shoe design and selection criteria? Great topic for discussion (hat tip to Runblogger http://www.runblogger.com aka Pete L. for pointing this out).

over 1 year ago

  • Mike D.P
    Mike D.
    Mike D.

    Nice post, I think you're right that the minimalist trend could develop into much more than a fad. I wonder if Nike and others who jump into this market will also invest in educating runners about the transition to running without a big cushy heel?

    over 1 year ago • Like

  • Greg S.
    Greg S.
    Greg S.

    Thanks Mike - this is going to be fun to watch, as it will be so hard for shoe companies (especially a big one like Nike) to change course. It will take a wholesale investment in engineering, marketing, and reinventing the culture to adopt to the new realities - if minimalist/reduced does in fact become the reality.

    over 1 year ago • Like

  • Jay P.P
    Jay P.
    Jay P.

    Yes, this development has been very interesting, and I think it will be a good test of shoe companies' agility in the marketplace. This could be the turning point for a big company like Nike to become even bigger, or a smaller one like Brooks to take a large chunk of market share..

    over 1 year ago • Like

  • Greg S.
    Greg S.
    Greg S.

    Agreed Jay, and Vibrams seems a ripe acquisition target. I'm going research and write more about the business aspect of these changes on my other blog in the next few days.

    over 1 year ago • Like

  • Ray S.
    Ray S.
    Ray S.

    I've been used to running in cushioned shoes all my life, but have recently experimented with lighter trainers like asics ds trainer (love them) and nike run free (like them so far). I still will do some long distance in my nimbus shoes, but i run less in them than before. My son has the vibram bikelas, and though initially ran in them, uses them mostly to walk to strengthen his feet. I don't think there is a right answer and each person needs to see what works best for them.

    over 1 year ago • Like

  • Jay P.P
    Jay P.
    Jay P.

    I agree about Vibram being pretty tasty to acquire, but they've been around for a while and have a pretty significant business supplying soles to shoe manufacturers. I also get the sense that they really value being the underdog and independent. It'll be fun to watch...

    over 1 year ago • Like

  • Becky T.P
    Becky T.
    Becky T.

    The debate about running shoes will go on as long as there are people w/different foot types--so there you go. Great read!

    over 1 year ago • Like

  • Peter L.P
    Peter L.
    Peter L.

    Jay - Brooks had better get moving on that minimalist shoe they were supposedly working on. Last I heard it had been shelved. New Balance is about to enter the fray with the Minimus - looks very interesting!

    over 1 year ago • Like

  • Running L.
    Running L.
    Running L.

    Nice post Greg! I think a paradigm shift is definitely in order here. However, what that new paradigm will be has yet to be determined. It's nice to hear about the controversy from a business point of view just as Peter did from the biomechanist perspective. It's so awesome that everyone can approach this from their own unique background. It adds so much to the debate! Thank you for that.

    over 1 year ago • Like