Minimalist Beginnings, Modern Performance: Musing on Footwear

My journey into running started with one book: Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. Like so many others, it completely changed the way I thought about running. The idea of running free, efficient, and strong—without relying on overly cushioned or supportive shoes—was inspiring. It wasn’t just about running; it was about movement, strength, and the natural human ability to cover long distances.

That book sparked my interest in running altogether, and I immediately gravitated toward minimalist footwear. My first real running shoes were from Xero Shoes, which took the barefoot-style approach to the extreme. Running in them made me hyper-aware of my form, stride, and how my feet interacted with the ground. It was a completely different experience from traditional running shoes, and I loved the feeling of freedom they provided.

However, as I started running longer distances on trails, I realized that while Vivobarefoot and Xero Shoes were great for foot strength and short runs, they lacked the cushioning I needed for extended efforts and technical terrain. That led me to transition to Altra, which still maintained a natural fit and feel but offered more underfoot protection. The wide toe box allowed my feet to splay naturally, and the extra cushion helped me handle higher mileage without as much fatigue or bruised feet from sharp rocks and roots.

Balancing Minimalist & Modern Footwear for Optimal Performance

As I progressed into ultramarathons, I began experimenting further. Running 50 or 100 miles presents new challenges—comfort, efficiency, and injury prevention become major priorities. I started exploring modern running shoe technology, from super foams to plated racers to max-cushion shoes built for the long haul. Instead of sticking to one philosophy, I realized I could use a variety of shoes to optimize performance and longevity.

Now, I take a hybrid approach, using different shoes depending on the type of training or race. Each shoe serves a specific purpose:

Minimalist Shoes (Vivobarefoot, Xero, Altra Escalante, etc.)

• Used for easy runs, treadmill sessions, and strength training to maintain foot strength and reinforce natural foot mechanics and strengthen my intrinsic foot muscles.

• Helps my lower legs to stabilize properly, engage foot muscles, improve mobility, and prevent over-reliance on cushioning.

• Keeps my feet resilient and adaptable, reducing the risk of imbalances or overuse injuries.

Max Cushion & Plated Shoes (TNF Vectiv Pro 3, New Balance SC Elite, Nike Alphafly, etc.)

• Used for long runs, races, and speed work to reduce fatigue and increase efficiency.

• Provides extra protection on technical trails and during high-mileage weeks.

• Helps with energy return and maintaining pace during long races.

Other Ways I Keep My Feet Healthy

I don’t just rely on shoes—I also focus on foot mobility, strength, and stability to prevent injuries and maintain proper mechanics. Some key tools and habits I swear by:

Toe Spreaders – Help maintain natural toe splay, improve alignment, and counteract the compressive effects of tight shoes.

Moboboard – A game-changer for foot and ankle stability, helping build strength and balance to handle all kinds of terrain.

Foot Mobility & Strength Work – Exercises like toe yoga, calf raises, arch strengthening drills, and barefoot walking keep my feet resilient and adaptable.

The Best of Both Worlds

Through experience, I’ve found that there’s no “one-size-fits-all” shoe philosophy. Some runners thrive in minimalist shoes full-time, while others benefit from modern running innovations. For me, a hybrid approach—embracing both natural foot mechanics and the benefits of new technology—has allowed me to:

✅ Prevent overuse injuries by keeping my feet strong through minimalist running.
✅ Enhance recovery and efficiency by using cushioned shoes for long efforts.
✅ Train smarter by picking the right tool for the job instead of sticking to one rigid philosophy.

It all started with Born to Run, and while I’ve expanded my approach, strong feet are still the foundation of strong running.