Minimalist Running Shoes

This book provides a thorough summary of the minimalist shoes available in 2011, and will thus be particularly useful to the many newcomers to near-barefoot running, chi running, pose running, and related movements, who are eager to replace their traditional running shoes. I found the pictures of the different shoes the most useful, but was somewhat irritated by the descriptions, which seemed uncritical and likely to be direct quotes from the manufacturer promotional materials. I would have appreciated a discussion of strengths and weaknesses of the different models, or at least a survey of actual users. Nevertheless, this book serves as a good starting point to identify models of interest, but needs to be supplemented by on-line reviews and trial-and-error. The introduction to running in minimalist shoes, including the benefits of correct running form and the importance of gradual transition from highly cushioned or motion-controlling shoes, is spot on. The relevant scientific studies are quoted and summarized at an easy-to-grasp level without losing the essence of each study. In short, the content this book provides is much needed and will be useful to many. The book lost half a star to the uncritical product review, and 1.5 stars to the the lack of editing, which manifests itself in terrible grammar. I hope these problems get fixed in the 2012 edition.