I figure some folks round here might be interested in a followup to a discussion last fall about minimal shoes. I've continued running in my huaraches (now branded Xero Shoes) and have continued to enjoy it. Over the winter I picked up some toe socks and that took the edge off some of the cold, but I still ended up running a lot less.
This spring I've spent a lot of time working on form and some issues I'd been having (blisters and the like) have gone away. Not having any pains related to running any more, which is nice.
I also ran a 22:21 5K without much training, which was fun. Feet hurt afterwards though. :)
On my short runs (4mi) I run mostly sidewalks with occasional grass and asphalt. On my long runs (now ~10mi) I run mostly on asphalt.
I only wear them for running.
Why I like them:
- they don't stink, since they're not enclosed
- they'll last a long time, purportedly. I'm on the same pair I got last fall and have replaced the laces. No real signs of wear on the bottom, and the cushioning is as good as it ever was. ;)
- they're different
- they're *relatively* cheap at $25
Things I don't like but will probably live with:
- cold weather is cold
- in hot weather, my feet get wet with sweat, then soft, which can be problematic, but hasn't been terribly so
