Minimalist vs Maximalist

Getting the first step into running means one must get the shoes first. In this new age of interconnected information world that we’re living right now, ironically choosing the right shoes becoming harder. Spoilt with choices, with layers of marketing jargon splashed along – it would take a few try and errors before finding the right one.

Normal arch, High arch, Flat foot.
Neutral, Guidance, Support, Control.
Trail, Competition, Walking.

And the list goes on and on and on....

In the route to find the right shoes, I’ve went through four different pair to finally know which one suits me.

Unsurprisingly the first two pairs were not the best choices that I had made. Fell straight into the trap of brandings, I went for Nike and Reebok. No particular type that I chose – just some shoes that looked nice. Both served well despite not best for running, mostly because most of the time I spent them was on the tread mill.

Then everything changed when I started running on the asphalt.

That’s when the shoes came short. Their traditional architecture builds restrict the movements of the feet. The inadequate bottom padding’s mean that running on long distance would wore you out faster and riskier.

I turned to ‘specialist’ running shoes to suit to my new running addiction.

My first choice at that time was the Brooks Pure Connect minimalist shoes.

These minimalist shoes throw out all the usual concept of how a running shoes should be. Vibram started this minimalist frenzy back in 2000 with their FiveFingers line.

It was claimed that running bare footed is the best way to run. Your feet will adjust themselves to the pressures during the running. It’ll strengthen the ankles, the ligaments, the knees as it follows the human’s evolution concept.

Traditional running shoes took all that when they put a lot of protection to the feet, wrapped them into a cocoon. Going minimalist means you’re liberating your feet to do what it does best – walking and running.

Or so it says. Vibram had to compensate their customers back in 2012 because a controlled scientific study showed that a new wearer of the minimalist shoes will have more risk of injury.

I was running in my Brooks for two years before finally I wore it off away during BSN Half Marathon back in 2014. What I found with Brooks was that while the shoe was light enough to pass for a minimalist shoe, fitting and running in one means I had to contort my feet into a certain way. It may be the best shape for running, but I always busted my knees and ankles when I ran for half marathons.

I widen my net of search to other specialty running shoes. Before I landed with One, I had a fling with Reebok Zigtech Shark Pursuit 360. A word of advice about this shoe and all of its cousins - avoid at all cost. I bought it on sale and even that didn’t dampen my regrets.

I ended up picking Sketchers Go Run m2. Another minimalist shoes.

Having a go with this shoe showed a different spectrum of the minimalist shoe. It is a lot freer. The soles are softer. It doesn’t dictate how you should do your run. Running inside the shoe gives me more freedom with all my joints. The closest shoe that behaves this was Nike Free 3.0.

Despite all that, I still was struggling with my half marathon. I even had a cramp in the Singapore HalfMarathon also in 2014.

Running out of option, I had to rethink my choice. Why not go with the maximalist then?

While minimalist went all though to give the bare foot experience, maximalist went all through to give all the protection needed for the feet. The difference between these specialist maximalist shoes is that it have all the flexibility of the minimalist shoes, even up to the lightweight part but adding the thickness to its sole. 

Since I already being comfortable with Sketchers, I went with their maximalist running shoes – the Sketchers Go Run Ultra.

Running with Sketchers Go Run Ultra is awesomely great. Instead of the niggling pain sensation at my soles, there is little to none sensation to my ankle and knees when running for my usual morning runs. It even didn’t restrict my ankle movements. Overall, this is the best combination that I have ever needed.

This is just a nerd thing, but the one that I chose is the Night Owl collection. It have a lot of glow-in-the-dark patches splashed around the shoe. Running in the dark will make me go all Tron like with the shoe.

Just one friendly reminder – the soles will be easily worn out. It is due to the softness of the material used. It is the thing that you have to reciprocate to have the feeling of running on air.

Currently I’m switch alternating between both Sketchers shoes for my morning runs. The minimalist shoe is still in good condition by the way. It’ll be a waste to just throw it away.

I still sold with all the advantages of running bare footed. It is just not suited 100% for me.

For running event though, I stick with Sketchers Go Run Ultra. So far so good. The limitation that I had with the minimalist shoes had been lifted. The only restriction that I have is only because of myself.

Going through the long route seeking for the best one suited for me, it is crucial that you have to try everything before making the decision. You will find stumbling blocks along the way, but finding the right shoe will be worth it.

There is no excuse. Start running.