Comments on: Where To Donate Old Running Shoes

By: heather

heather — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:35:48 +0000

Sarah,

I’m in the middle of reading Born to Run! I love it…I’m also now convinced that I need to make the transition to minimalist running.

And, I also just found out that Terra Plana is about to release a minimalist running shoe called “Evo” this spring. I’m definitely going to get a pair for running (and review). Thanks so much for writing in!

Heather

By: Sarah S

Sarah S — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 21:49:10 +0000

I actually found your blog by looking for Terra Plana reviews, read your review of the vivo barefoot boots and shoes, and then browsing through your other entries was shocked to see this one! I second most of Joe Z’s comment–please try running in minimalist footwear, which the vivo barefoots are a great example of. I bought the vivo barefoot Lucy shoes back in June specifically for running, after reading Born to Run, and I switched over gradually and am now using them exclusively, and I’m really enjoying it! Don’t let Joe’s comment scare you too much-all you need to do is read a little bit beforehand, switch over gradually, and pay attention to your body and what running form is most comfortable as you switch over. It’s really not that complicated. I recommend you start by reading Born to Run, it’s a really fun and informative book and it will tell you why all that stiffness and support in your running shoes probably really isn’t preventing injury at all. One of my favorite things about my switch to minimalist shoes for running is the release from the environmentalist guilt about going through so many shoes. Did you read the runner’s world article about how running shoes are made? It’s terrible how many nasty chemicals they use and how much energy the whole process takes.

By: joe z

joe z — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 02:50:55 +0000

I am an advocate of barefoot and minimalist-footwear running. It’s much greener not to use running shoes at all, and run barefoot instead. Also, there are studies that demonstrate that runners actually get injured more easily using new running shoes than using old, beat-up shoes (and, of course, it’s greener as well, to keep using those old shoes, rather than buying new ones all the time). Of course, running barefoot is not something to be entered into lightly, it is a real commitment that requires research, patience and dedication (for most, a whole new running style must be adopted which requires different muscles, bones, and tendons to gradually become stronger). It might not be for everybody, but there is no arguing that it is definitely a greener way to exercise.

By: heather

heather — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:16:41 +0000

@Tammy- I wish our local running store did that. I’m going to print this list out and give it to them. Hopefully they’ll post it in their store for other runners.

By: RowdyKittens

RowdyKittens — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:51:50 +0000

Fantastic information! I love running. I’m always sad when my shoes wear out.

Luckily our local running store gives old shoes out to the homeless population.