Minimalist Shoe and Pronating ankles?

Hello everyone! I just read through most of the thread in this category regarding Minimalist shoes. I noticed many people are raving about the Nike Frees, and have found that switching has cured many aches and pains. Here's my question...

I started running about a year ago, at which time I bought a random pair of Nikes on sale. After a few weeks of running just 1 mile, i wound up with ankle injuries that forced me to stop. So, it was at that point that I was fitted at my local running store for a more appropriate pair of shoes. Both my ankles roll inward quite considerably, so they suggested a stability shoe by Brooks. Voila, all of my injuries went away, and i've stuck with this same shoe ever since.

Once in a while, i get sore shins/calfs/ankles etc. as I am building up my mileage. I was really surprised to see so many people say their aches and pains have vanished after switching to the minimalist shoe. Do you think this would still hold true for someone who pronates considerably?

Would it really depend on if i am a heel striker, or land mid-foot? My curiosity has been piqued! I am currently training for my first half marathon, and am looking at ways to improve myself. While the stability shoe has cut down on injuries, I find the shoe so cumbersome and awkward. I dream of the day I can wear a lighter, smaller shoe. Perhaps I just need to build up the surrounding muscles?
Any insight would be lovely!

Thanks everyone!

Im not sure of a correct answer for you. First, I run in a minimalist shoe and I am finally injury free. I have to tell you, it felt "right" the moment i put it on.
Run in what feels right is really important, but if you never try you wont know.

I would say your not going to heel strike in a minimalist shoe, your going to run more naturally which would be midfoor striking or slightly more forward than mid foot.

In a minimalist shoe your going to build foot strength, which most of us are lacking because modern day shoes have a lot of support which never allows us to build up that foot strength. the stronger foot might--might-- help your ankle not role in.

an interested thing i read, and that made sense to me, was about foot stability in an over suporitve over cusioned shoe, the short of was that your foot want to land solidly and strong so you can sort of "spring off" it nicely again. in an cusioned shoe your foot is wobbly when you land, just trying to plant itself firmly, its movement you dont notice, but it extra movement thats not natural and it can cause injury.

if you do try a pair of minimalist shoes, build up your miles slowly, a few here and there so your foot get stronger, if you notice ankle problems you will probably want to stop. the ankle problems might not be there if your heel striking less, they might go away, its worth a shot if your looking to run in a nice light shoe. we only live once so go for it, worse case is that they dont work right for you, but at least you will know.

Thanks for your reply! You've provided very useful information.

Yes, I would LOVE a lighter, less combersome shoe, as long as my body will cooperate. Building up slowly is a good idea, i could always alternate with my other shoes?

It seems amazing to me that the very shoe that is supposedly preventing injury could be what's causing it. But it makes sense, in the sense that I am not properly building up all over foot strength.

Back when I was dancing, I had very strong feet, and excersized them properly. But it has been many years and one foot surgery since then...
The nice thing is that my surgery area doesn't hurt a bit! I'll take any small victory I can find.

Thanks again for your insight.

Minimalist shoes aren't going to fix pronation problems. If it did I would be in a minimalist shoe myself. If you try them be careful and listen to your body. If your ankles roll inward then they will roll in with the minimalist shoes.

As itv happens I just read an article about shoes your knees will love. In it they say that although structured shoes will help your feet that they can actually cause aching and pain in your knee joints. This article talked specifically about feet rolling inward. Flip flops and flat shoes with flexible soles may be the answer as these shoe subject knee joints to 15% less force then stability shoes. It says to wear a flat shoe that bends easily and has arch support. An insert can be added. But if you have foot roblems you should consult your physician first.

I've had my Free Run's for 5 days now ...

My first and only run in them was on Thursday. In my warm up, I notice my ankle hurting a little and my calve's had a slight burning sensation. Those quickly went away. My run was fast and easy. I felt as if I had no shoes on and it was comfortable. The rest of the day and the next day I was feeling some PF discomfort but nowhere else.

Yesterday I ran 15 in my reg shoes (brooks adrenaline) and everything went smoothly. Afterward, I decided to wear my free's out and about. I was really impressed how they felt just going out in my free's. I've been wearing them out today as well and will go out for my 2nd run soon in them. I'm thinking i'll run 3-4 short runs a week for now with them.

So basically I'm just still trying to get a feel for them, I know it'll take some time. I'm hoping by wearing them out running errands will help with the transition. I don't know if feeling PF discomfort is normal or not but hope it doesn't continue.

A lil background .. I did eventually get fitted for Brooks after just wearing whatever shoe when I first started running several yrs ago. I've come to enjoy the adrenaline's and have only worn them the past 5 yrs both in running and normal wear. It's def the only shoe I've known for awhile now. It took away all my injuries specifically ITB issues however I do a good stretching and rolling regiment daily to keep that from ever coming back. I def understand your concerns about giving up the stability shoe especially since it's done so much for you. I'm not giving up on my Brooks yet.

You'll be surprised if you keep running in the frees how awkward regular shoes feel. Just going from my personal experience. Since my frees I can honestly say I really truly believe I wont run in any other shoe unless of course they discontinue them. I have already thought about stock piling them. I have had less discomfort in them in the long run. I too run in stability shoes traditionally and had more aches and pains, it flare ups, knee pain, shin pains, etc. But Honest to goodness truth the pains I get now are more muscle aches. However been off running 3 weeks but got 5+ miles in last night and the frees feel just as good as ever. I promise you will love them.

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I'm sticking with my Asic's I had a bad run this week with knee pain in my good knee. The following day I switched shoes and the knee pain was gone. I realised that I had been wearing the other pair every run and it had been almost 5 months since I bought them. I was pronating and wasn't noticing it but thinking bad I remember tripping on my own toe with my other foot. Time for a new shoe. I'm staying with the structured shoe.

I believe the minimalist shoes are good for two concepts. Its like going barefooted with protection from rocks, thorns, rough terrain etc. If you want to strengthen your feet they could be of some help.

The other area where they are of benefit is for people who have no foot or knee problems and want to try one of the "latest" forms of natural, chi, pose running, then they make it easier to both have a mid foot strike and to feel the actual foot plant giving the feed back that the books suggest you need to perfect one of those running methods. I have all three books and they share a common set of "features" to their running style/form.
I bought a pair of Newtons. ( I use inserts in my shoes because of flat feet and I need a good arch support.) I have started walking in the Newtons and at the same time I include part of the natural form approach to my runs.

I have experienced a bit of calf pain, but no pain in knees or ankles. I look at any such transition as if starting any strenuous new exercise. Start SLOW!

The actual stride form is rather tricky in that it is not what I have been doing back in my first years of running, 30 years ago, when heel first strike was taught. Reading the books is interesting and I believe some runners will have no problem switching to the new form after they get trained up in it. To me it feels funny and I have to concentrate on doing it and trying to relax at the same time.

As I integrate more use of the Newtons and explore the new style, I'll post my experiences.

here is a great article on why minimalism works!

Barefoot Training Part I: Fitness Fad or Great Training Method?