Full Support vs. Minimalist running shoe.

I wear Skechers GoRun 2 (mid-strike).

You'll learn to run without jarring your knees/back...you'll actually use more leg muscles which will eventually allow you to run faster.

I've been on the minimalist&nbsp; / pose running bandwagon since July 2010. Off-work, I using Vibram Five-Fingers. For Army PT I have used New Balance M10. There are multiple transition techniques that prevent injury.<br><br>First, change your stride without changing your shoes. Change to the front or mid strike and keep running in your fill support shoes until you have worn the soles completly away. This allows you to keep running the distances you need, without completely shocking your calf and stabilizing muscles.<br><br>If you choose to make an immediate transition, you will need to cut your running distances significantly and build back up. This was my plan. I was fortunate enough to be in a TDA unit at the time. I switched immediately after a PT test. For the first couple of weeks, I couldn't run further than a half-mile. My calves would tighten or cramp. All the stress of my body had moved from bone to muscle. It was quite the shock.<br><br>I am sure there are others, but these are the two most common I have heard. I would highly encourage your to read up a bit on pose running and maybe "Born to Run" before you begin your transition. Pick up on the physiology so you understand what is going on inside your body. It can help prevent injuries.<br><br>Finally, maintaining the muscular strength and endurance is a bit frustrating. I've noticed that during deployment, spending 1?teen hours a day in my boots reduces the endurance of my calf muscles significantly, even if I run for to five days a week.<br><br>As far as shoes go, I have like my New Balance. They have lasted me for the last two years. However, in talking with some others I think I am going to give the Merrills a try.<br>

Transition slowly. You have to change your running style to a mid foot fall or ball strike rather than the heel strike that most of us have gotten used to. The new running form takes a bit to get used to and if you start with a run that is too long, your muscles get tired and you revert to a heel strike that will screw you up and put you on profile in short order.

Start with short/slow runs and focus on form (mid-strike or ball strike).
Increase gradually over time (increase weekly distance by 10%).
Sprints/hill climbs/shuttle runs are still good (remember form).

The new running form is actually good regardless of weight, so the BS about "Heavy Runner" goes away as you get familiar with a run that doesn't involve a heel strike.