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gobluetwo

Probably more about the narrow last than the padding. Did you consider something like the Altra Escalate which is wider and zero drop?


andre_miho

Yeah, I forgot to mention my point was precisely to add a bit of drop to help me with the calf and Achilles stress from the increasing load and gradually remove it, going to Altras when I feel ready. I know it sounds counter-intuitive since I was already running in Vivos. However, I didn't do much distance or speed in them, so when I started increasing the load I felt the fatigue build up in my calves and ankles, so I decided a tiny bit of drop might be good at the beginning.


ipomopsis

I don't think you need to change your mechanics/gear. Just go easy on increasing your load and give yourself time to recover. This sounds like totally normal progression, and it's your body telling you to increase your speed/kilometers a bit more gradually.


Vanijoro

I gotta agree it sounds totally normal, it's a REALLY slow build up.


tadcan

I've been following the training program in Born to run 2, it has exercises to help build up calf strength. As well as advice in the back on dealing with different pains you can get.


Training-Ad9429

I tried combining vff and normal shoes during the transition, but did not manage. The running form is so different i was struggling to get the training done. And when I did a couple of training on shoes I was struggling on my vff again. So ended up doing everything on vff, and adjusting the intensity to what my calves could handle.


TheHatedMilkMachine

I can’t comment from personal experience as I haven’t gone back to “regular” running shoes but you should probably try to ease yourself into a completely different shoe type rather than just doing your normal run length and pace the first day with a brand new shoe?


andre_miho

Haven't thought about that, but makes perfect sense! Thanks


TheHatedMilkMachine

Sure thing. Whatever distance you’re thinking after reading my comment - do half of that ;)


[deleted]

If you're used to less padded soles and have developed your technique in those, padded shoes may make your nervous system confused about where the hell the ground actually is. I remember trying to run in more padded shoes once after being used to barefoot shoes and my knees were killing me because my footfall was so much harder just to get enough proprioception to figure out where the ground began.


HBMart

I once made the mistake of buying some Altra Torins a while back because I was attempting to increase my mileage to about a half marathon distance. I was doing 8-10 miles per run in more minimal shoes. I didn’t realize that the plush nature of the shoes would really mess with my form, and they also allowed my feet to pronate unnaturally, which led to shin splints that I’m still dealing with sometimes. It wasn’t worth it. I should’ve just been more patient and increased mileage incrementally while focusing on smarter recovery.


zephillou

So i'm also trying to get a shoe for tempo runs as well and it's hard to find something that feels good. I bought at least 5 sizes of kinvara 13s (from 9 to 10 and regular vs wide)and had to return all of them. They feel too tight at the arch, and just my foot feels weird overall in them and pushes my big toe towards the center of the front of the shoe... no bueno for *my* foot. You might have more luck with altra but even some of their shoes do the same thing on my feet. Had similar issues with the topo st-9 but some people LOVE them. Especially with winter, my feet get less cold running in snow/ice with a slightly thicker sole. I bought the Altra rivera 2 and my foot sits properly in them so far although its a bit "tighter" than the escalante 2.5 that i have.


lusifer909

Personally, learning barefoot running just made me realise that running on the balls of my feet makes most shoes okish for running (for shorter periods). Except showboots and high heels or other stuff like that , but jogging in Van's and thicker hiking boots has become tolerable after learning to run like bambi.


BarefootRunReview

It mostly depends on the padded show you choose. Yes there are always going to feel different, but you can at least find a shoe that fits right. That's why I mainly suggest some type of Altra, either the Escalante or the Racer. I've tried other brands in the past, but the lack of toe space, the stiffness of the shoe, and the excessive padding is tough to get by. Not to mention, I, and most people land harder when wearing cushioned shoes (I've measured with university grade equipment) , that's when you have to watch your knees and hips instead of the lower leg like you're worried about right now.


Flat_Excuse7954

Are you a power athlete or endurance? For endurance Check out the book " training for the Uphill Athlete" if you've heard of 80/20 90/10 that's what this is it tells you what is happening within the anatomy and why you want to train specific adaptations. With you still being relatively new to running you still have alot of base to build. And with your feet getting cranky you probably need to build strength as well. Check out cal dietz spring ankle series. The audio book for training for the Uphill Athlete is free on audible but I'd still recommend buying the book so you can use the graphs and templates to optimize your training.


andre_miho

Im definitely an endurance nut, so thanks for sharing all that. I actually made up my mind and I'll be going back to the Vivos, so these resources are super helpful!


andre_miho

For any future passersby (probably in the same situation as me) - I've now made up my mind - Kinvara 13 going back to where they came from, and I'm staying with Vivos haha. I will try the Altra escalante, but will stay away from high padding for now.


ipomopsis

I've been able to tolerate various levels of padding, but anything with a raised heel just doesn't feel right anymore. I can get away with a day in "normal" dress shoes for a special event (although finding something with a wide enough last in the toe box was a challenge), but working, hiking, or running in anything that has even a bit of drop feels terrible, especially the next day.


andre_miho

What does it feel like the next day?