It’s been so crazy around here I haven’t even had a chance to tell you about my new love.
Those are the Pearl iZUMi response to minimalist running, the Streak II. I’ve had them for a few months now and have to say, I’ve been super impressed.
At the beginning of this year I started corresponding with Barefoot Neil Z. I was frustrated with all the injuries and time off from running. I’ve had my eye on barefoot running, but didn’t want to jump on the bandwagon just because “all the cool kids are doing it”. Well, Neil gave me some great advice on how to slowly transition in some barefoot runs.
Here are a few of his tips:
Definitely run on a smooth hard surface like asphalt to begin with. You are NOT reaching ahead of yourself with your feet. Your mid foot touches down then the rest of the foot, including the heel. If you don’t let your heel touch down, your calves will be in agony. They are going to be sore anyway.
A couple drills. Run on the spot, then run backwards for a few strides. This will ingrain the proper feeling in your feet as to how the landing is supposed to feel. Bend your knees and relax. Relax… Relax. Literally only run 200 yards. Maybe.
Never on grass. Ever. Bad things hide in the grass.
Give it a week or two at these short distances, then put your shoes back on and run the rest of the distance you have planned.
I will say that I’m still in the beginning stage. My overall goal is to be less injury prone, and find more peace in my running. That being said, I’m not 100% ready to go totally bare. The logistics, the fact that people pointing and staring at me as I run would make me want to hide behind a tree, and my propensity to snag my pinkie toe on things mean right now I’m happy with the middle ground.
The Pearl iZUMi Streak II have been a great way to dip my toes in the water so to speak. I started taking them out for quick runs and was instantly impressed with how light they were. I loved the feedback I got from the road.
I’ve actually booked my fastest miles in the Streak II’s. I’m sure some of it is the weight, but a lot of it seems to be the fact that they are forcing better form. Everyone here know’s I’m a heel striker. Every time I post a picture of me running,I get emails and comments from readers concerned about my form. Anyway, I am more up on my mid-foot with these. In the beginning I had calf and shin soreness, but I just worked with them slowly and that went away.
Right now, I wear them for most runs under 8 miles. After that I bust back out my Ghost 3s. So far the only complaint I have is that they’re still glaringly white. They are just so darn girly cute with their pink and white that I can’t convince myself to take them on the trails.
Here is what Pearl iZUMi has to say about them:
“The new Streak II has been completely overhauled to be even faster, lighter, and more performance-oriented than ever. With a new lower profile midsole and lightweight upper, the Streak II is light enough for a 5km but cushioned enough for a marathon.”
- 1:1 Seamless Upper creates an unparalleled fit with a seam-free interior
- 1:1 360 degree Lacing anatomically conforms to the foot for a tailored fit regardless of foot shape
- new 1:1 Energy Foam cushions the forefoot upon impact and then returns energy back to the runner
- outsole-grade EVA and blown rubber outsole combines for great cushioning and weight savings
- new Ortholite sock liner for amazing step-in comfort and long-lasting cushioning
- Heel/Toe offset: 19.0mm/10.00mm
-msrp: $110 
That all sounds great, right?
Well,it might sound great to some of YOU, but none of that mumbo jumbo means much to me. You see, I don’t buy shoes based on their “specs”.* I put shoes on, run around in them, and go with the ones that I notice LEAST on my feet. These shoes are sticking around in my rotation because they feel natural to me.
Do YOU run in any sort of minimalist shoes? Barefoot?
What shoes do you run in, and why?
Don’t forget to enter my CEP compression giveaway HERE.
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*and with that admission,and the use of the term “mumbo jumbo”,I probably won’t be asked to review shoes again
Disclaimer: I was given the Streak II’s to review. HOWEVER, the review is 100% my own.
that is one pretty shoe!!after dealing with some knee pain this winter, I went to a PT and also had my running biomechanics corrected; I was heel striking as well. It's been some work but the changes are paying off big time. Not only am I faster, I am running without pain. One of the things the PT had me do?Ditch all those heavy shoes so I have been running in a lot lighter styles now.Good luck with the changes
I'm all for barefoot running, and I do it as often as possible, but sometimes, you just need a shoe!
Thanks for the kind words!
Those are cute!
I love Pearl Izumi gear! I have tried barefoot running a few times and of course I've done it exactly the wrong way – trying to do too many miles, not altering my stride etc. PAIN. Seriously, I nearly couldn't walk for a week the first time I tried it. Which of course was my own fault. I am really intrigued with minimalist running though. I have a pair of Nike Frees but they're not quite as low profile as lots of the other ones.
i've been wanting to try the saucony kinvara and almost bought some, then had trouble with my knee. i figure while i'm not actually able to run is probably not the best time to buy new running shoes.
It's amazing how a pair of shoes can change everything! I recently switched to a different shoe from ones that I have used for over 7 years. I'm not a fan of the new shoes and am actually having a lot of injuries to my back and knee. I think they are going to be making a trip back to the store soon!
I run in Asics 2100 series. 2140s were the shoes I was fitted for 2 years ago when I began running. I traded the worn out 2140s for 2150s and repeated every time I needed new shoes. The last ones I bought were 2160s but they don't really feel right in comparison to the 2150 so I have switched back. It's been 2 years and I am down almost 70s lbs. I know my weight change probably has made a difference in my stride/running form so I am going to be analyzed again just to be sure. I am not sure that I could go minimal with running shoes though. Good luck to you!!!
Nice shoes! I just started rotating in the Saucony Mirage – baby steps to minimalism. Like you, my goal is to minimize injuries. Combined with ChiRunning, it's so far so good. Don't know if I'll ever go bare.
I would love to try those shoes! Will try them on next time I'm in a running store
I'm in love with those shoes!!! I run in Asics and love them, but am looking for some lightweight ones to use as racers. Hmmmm….
Those are cute! I run in vibrams. I was doubtful that I would like them, especially since they're so ugly, but I love them. I've run up to 17 miles in them and I really enjoy them. I don't run in them 100% of the time because I overpronate and am still not convinced that it will prevent me from getting injured less, but they sure are a lot more comfortable and I am way faster in them.
I'm barefoot as much as possible in my daily life, but have not been able to transition to barefoot running.. yet. I tried Vibrams but they pinch on anything over 3 miles. Right now I'm in Saucony Kinvaras, posting some pretty speedy runs (for me).
I'm not a barefoot kind of gal, but I do love those shoes.
Ever since I had my foot run over by a shopping cart at Costco and was injured, I can't go minimalist, but I love the concept — and if you can do it then good for you! I love Pearl Izumis. I wear a different model, but I love that their shoes are lined. This was a really informative post, and I'll direct people here for the advice on getting started in minimalist shoes/running! Happy running!
I may have to try those!!I run mainly in Vibram five fingers and Saucony Kinvaras (minimalist) and I started the main reason you did, I had a bunch of injuries that were frustrating me and researched barefoot running. I ran barefoot for a while until I got the vibrams. I just ran my first marathon and did not run in my vibrams much during training. I am anxious to get back to them!
I am a huge Brooks lover and have been running in the Brooks Ravennas for the last almost year. I am doing 50-60 miles a week without any injuries (knock on wood!) so I am not really looking to change.But, Brooks has a new line of more minimal shoes coming out this fall and since I am naturally a forefoot striker I am going to give them a try. Glad you are liking your new shoes! They are super cute.
I started to run barefoot last fall for the same reasons that you are considering it. But it got cold. So I switched to some minimal shoes as well. I got over the whole people looking at me funny thing and it doesn't bother me anymore. It has been the best thing ever for my running. I've done more miles pain free than ever before. Even if your calves aren't sore anymore I'd still say to stretch them good after every run. It really makes a difference.
I've never done barefoot or minimal… except on the beach.
Nice kicks!
I have done some barefoot running and would love to try some minimalist shoes (yours are very cute). However, it would make me sad not to run in grass. It just feels good. I go to the athletic fields at CU for it and love the feeling of the cool grass on my hot feet. Do I really have to give that up to do it right?
im waiting on a pair of the same shoes to test (cant wait!!, the first pair were too small) i run in brooks green silences right now which are technically racing flats, but used as a minimalist/reduced shoe. ive got about 100 miles on them and really like them, but it was something to east into. i also just got a pair of vibrams and will be SLOWLY venturing in true minimal shoe running.
I bought the VFFs this past fall but I've been very slow on adopting them basically too cold here in Ohio. I just bought the Saucany Kinaveras as racing shoes and found out they are used for transition shoes to minimalist running. Bonus!
I have vibran five fingers that I'm working my way into running in. I recently bought and reviewed the New Balance Minimus shoes that I used to dip my toes into minimalist/barefoot running. The minimus have become my everyday casual/work shoes because like you I don't want 5,000 questions about my VFFS. I looooooooove both my minimus and VFFs!
Nice article. I'm really interested in trying these shoes. I currently run in the saucony kinvara and love them! I also have vibram's, but I just use those for walking around town and what not, not really interested in running in them. But I am all for the minimalist movement!http://beboldrunwild.blogspot.com/
I'm trying to transition into my VFF'S. Today I was able to get 9 miles in them and than I put my running shoes for the last 3 miles. Each time I just try to go alittle farther. For me I dont think I will ever go barefoot, because I have a fear of stepping on glass and getting it in my foot. But I'm totally getting sold on the miminalis shoes. The next best thing to barefoot running.
So many people turning to the minimalist approach. I just can't seem to get the courage to try that. I am a Nike Pegasus fan – although they change with each release and I have to try them before knowing if I can run in them. I have a very neutral stride and I strike on my midfoot so I haven't found that need to change my form and go minimal. Maybe some day, but not for now
!
Ooh, I like these!I used to run strictly barefoot when I started in junior high on the track/treadmill (even gravel at times!). When I started again in college, I wore more supportive shoes. I want to try a minimalist approach soon! (Maybe not barefoot-barefoot this time, though; those gave me some inteeennnse callouses)