http://www.shopnewbalance.com/men/shoes/running/training/MR00RB

I've been thinking about trying a pair of New Balance Minimus shoes recently. I know "minimal" shoes are a controversial topic around here. I want to try them for myself and see how they work for me. Does anybody have a pair of these? If so, how do you like them? Do they require a transition time like VFF?

Also..will my size (I wear 2E width) in Asics be the same as my size in New Balance shoes? Or will I need to go to a running store and try them on? The problem is, the nearest good running store is in Dallas (2 hours away).

any minimalist or low heel to toe drop shoe requires transition time. high risk of plantar if you transition too quickly.

I use them during track workouts. It forces me to strike midfoot and I use it to work on form. I still run races in neutrals though.

When I first got them, I transitioned into them, I'd only wear them during the repeats of my track workout and wear neutrals for the warm up/cool down. It takes a while but they are good tools for some things.

I'd never race in them for halfs or fulls though.

I have two pairs and love them. I am not a runner, just use them as everyday shoes. I used to have horrible shin splints on longer walks in regular running shoes, now the shin splints are completely gone.

If you want to run in them, you will have to do it gradually as the other posters said.

I use them for weightlifting and sprinting and they are great.

I had the MT10's, didn't like them. Switched to the Merrill trail glove and will never go back.

I'm a mostly FiveFinger runner, but the first iteration of the Minimus didn't work for me. Not sure why, but it felt as though there was pressure in my arch of my left foot. I ended up returning them. I'm interested in trying the new, zero drop, versions to see if that makes a difference.

A few other shoes to look into would be the Road or Trail Glove from Merrell, Altra's Samson, Vivobarefoot's line of minimalist shoes, and Leming Footwear (formerly named Stem). There are a few others out there as well. The Vivobarefoot Ultra Pure looks pretty interesting. It's like Crocs, but in running shoe form.

But you will definitely need a transition time. I think Zappos and running warehouse both offer free return shipping, so sizing shouldn't be a problem. If you can't find a good store with these shoes, try on regular New Balances, they should fit pretty similar.

How does the Minimus compare to this shoe?

http://www.asicsamerica.com/footwear/running-shoes/piranha-sp-4-g200n-mens/

I love mine. 3.2 miles is my farthest run in them so far. I plan on wearing them in December for my next Half. I also wear them to work on Fridays. I am on my feet all day. They are great.

I replaced VFF with them. I like them just as well for wear, and a million times better for looks.

I've never run more than six miles in them. I wear Newtons for anything longer. Why beat up my feet when I don't need to. Props to all you long distance barefoot types, but their not for me.

My favorite thing about them is they make an audible slap on the ground when your form slips away from midfoot striking.

Do you wear the same size/width as you do with your "normal" running shoe?

I saw the NB minimus shoes at academy today. Is there one of those in Longview where you can look for them easier?

I have some merrel's that I wear to the gym. Haven't tried running in them outside of warming up on a treadmill, though.

Are Nike frees considered minimalist shoes? I'd like some just for short runs and wearing around.

I've got a pair as well and transition time is critical.

I thought I did enough and started in 3.5 mi 3x per week.

For a while things were great - maybe a month to 6 weeks when I developed WICKED tendinitis in one Achilles tendon that stopped my running for 2 months.

I went back to my other shoes for runs and now use the minimus for daily wear weekend shoes. I'd like to try to transition back to running them since I really liked the way they ram before the tendinitis. I have very flat feet and lousy knees, and I always felt better after a run when in the minis.

One thing I'll do next time is make sure the day of or day after running in the low drop that I don't wear a very high heel like in my boots but more if a low heel dress shoe.

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Are Nike frees considered minimalist shoes? I'd like some just for short runs and wearing around.

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not really. some of the same thought is there. they definitely still strengthen the muscles in the foot (especially the 3.0s), but they still have a significant heal-to-toe drop and a good amount of cushioning...the run frees have "Air" in them.

That said, I wear my Run Frees almost daily and rotate in some 5.0s and 3.0s, although I never run in them.

Yesterday for the heck of it I ran a mile on the infield (field turf) of the track barefoot. It felt good. I could definitely feel more "in tune" with my stride. It felt really weird when I put my running shoes back on and continued running.