Yet another running shoe question

I have run on Asics (usually Gel Kayanos) ever since asking about running shoes on here a few years ago. Boom's recommendation, and I haven't had any leg problems since switching.

Thing is, the way I have always run is flatfooted. I don't run heel to toe, unless I force it, and it isn't comfortable for me. The flatfooted (but not heavy footed) running works fine with my Asics shoes, but with all the newer movement back to basics (and barefoot running) and the research demonstrating that a more flatfooted running style is natural, I was wondering about the five-fingered shoes (they look silly to me, but. ...) that I see people running in.

Does anyone run in those shoes, such as the ones made by Vibram? A lot of the running magazines have rated them really highly. I am wondering if it might be worth trying. Anyone have any experience to report?

 

Thanks for the responses. Still not sure if I should just buy a pair and try em and see, it's just that if they don't work for me, I am going to hate having wasted the money.

Beardpuller, I am not over 50, but I have given myself stress fractures from running -- when I was in my 30s. Both legs at the same time, and it was painful as hell. I couldn't walk, let alone run. One of my legs is still a bit gimpy, as a result and I have to baby it a bit. But I can still run, thankfully.

NDub, along those lines, after my stress fractures, I was supposed to get physical therapy, but I never went. I did read up on my own, though, and it sounded like strengthening the muscles in your lower leg and around your ankles was important, so I have really worked on that, and I think it is part of the reason I haven't had problems since. I work on them every day, after stretching.

Madhavok, I will check out the Nike Frees. I am always suspicious of Nike products, though.

I guess if it ain't broke I shouldn't be trying to fix it, but I am just really curious about those shoes. They seem to be designed for the way I run naturally.

 

Tiger, Thanks. I have seen things about the Primal movement, saw the Real Sports segment on HBO and see people running in Vibrams (and even barefoot) in Central Park. But I don't know a ton, other than from what I do know, it makes sense intuitively, because I never ran heel to toe the way they tried to get me to, and I have had trouble with modern running shoes in the past.

I don't know anything about Salomons, but from the photo that looks like a hiking shoe or a trail running shoe and I am not sure that would work for me. Unless I am wrong about them. I like for my feet to feel light and because of my history with stress fractures I am careful about the surfaces I run on. But I will read up more about them.

 

I know. Thing is, at 43 I am really feeling my limitations. I can tell it goes downhill from here. But I did happen to do a pretty long run this morning and I am floating in endorphins still, a few hours later!

 

Thanks, poin. I am going to size up a pair and order them. If they don't work out for me, I'll eat the cost. What do you use, the classic ones or one of the other models?