[notacoward]

> And do so in inadequate shoes

This is why I hate the "just go minimal" cargo cult. Yes, some people will notice how it highlights their heel-striking ways and will make the necessary adjustments. Others will not, and they'll end up smashing their feet even more than before. For them - and I think they're more numerous - minimal shoes are the exactly wrong answer. Not all runners are lithe twenty-somethings. Some are built differently, and react differently, and need different shoes.

ETA: Yes, it's a shame that heavily padded shoes are the default. They shouldn't be. And minimal shoes are great for some people. All I'm saying is that "go minimal" has become the "do you even lift" of running, and I find it just as unhelpful. It's not a universal prescription.

[alistairSH]

I have a pair of NB Minimus Trail. They're great for what I use them for... short runs on vacation, usually on mixed terrain. And walking around casually (weekend errands, etc). I don't think I'd ever run in them as my primary trainer. Even if I didn't fear injury, I'm just not convinced they'd be any faster than a good trainer, plus a road race shoe for race day.