Give Me the Simple Shoes

Today's trend in running shoes, creative speed workouts, and how to decrease your device dependency. [View in browser]( [PodiumRunner] [Training]( | [Gear]( | [Culture]( | [Nutrition]([MEMBERSHIP]( Nothing Unnecessary As we tested shoes this spring, we started to notice a trend. Amid the various innovative iterations of high-soled rockers, rigid plates and multi-density, multi-foam midsoles, many brands had [new models that were refreshingly simple](, both in aesthetics and function. These shoes might be considered the logical conclusion of minimalism, corrected and improved by what we’ve learned in the decade since the movement stormed through our sport. Minimalism, at heart, said that the purpose of shoe — if needed at all — was simply to protect the skin of the sole from cuts and bruising. We’ve since learned that a small amount of cushioning does [reduce the energy cost needed to run](. But it remains true that more cushioning isn’t necessarily better (and often worse), anything that tries to control the stride usually gets in the way of the body’s [preferred movement path](, and stability features are only necessary to [correct a problem created by the shoe]( itself (even in the case of [super shoes’ carbon-fiber plates](). The simple shoes coming out this spring don’t try to do anything but provide that small amount of bouncy cushioning — essentially mimicking a soft surface underfoot — while using advanced foams and fabrics to let the foot move and morph, flex and splay naturally without interference. Running in these shoes is freeing: a smooth connection with the ground that can initially feel exposed to those used to more invasive shoes — until you relax into them and realize you’re moving just the way your body wants to, in total comfort. There’s a time and place for the advanced tech of today’s racing shoes. And some will prefer thicker soles, stiffer rides, aggressive toe rockers, and a more supportive foot wrap. As for me, however, on most days, I say: give me the simple shoes. — Jonathan Beverly, Editor GEAR [squarecleanshoes]( [Seven Simple Running Shoes That Shine]( This spring’s hot shoe trend is simplicity: designs that deliver smooth rides and clean lines by avoiding complexity and letting their advanced materials show off. Adam Chase, Jonathan Beverly [TNFVECTIV]( [The Science of Trail Running]( The North Face VECTIV™ technology turns your downward force into forward momentum and allows you to run with confidence. TRAINING [woman running intervals on track]( [Looking for a New and Different 5K Workout? Try This 1000-Meter Countdown]( A unique 1000-meter ladder workout you can do at almost any time in your training cycle for the 5K or 10K. Richard A. Lovett [woman running HIT workout on stairs]( [The Limits of HIT Training]( The hype of HIT has been around for a few years. Now we can also see the limitations. Here are 9 rules for runners to use High Intensity Training productively. Amby Burfoot MEMBER EXCLUSIVES [woman runner checking her watch]( [Break Free From Your Device Dependency]( The psychological characteristics that lead to over-reliance on data, and 3 ways to teach yourself how to trust your own perceptions and judgments more than you trust your watch. Matt Fitzgerald [proper lunge form knee alignment]( [Save Your Knees with These Yoga Moves for Runners]( Knee realignment exercises from "Hit Reset: Revolutionary Yoga for Athletes." Erin Taylor [READ MORE]( [The Comeback Quotient]( [GET THE BOOK]( [You are currently subscribed as Podium Runner]( You received this email because you are subscribed to PodiumRunner Weekly Newsletter. Update your [email preferences]( to choose the types of emails you receive. [PodiumRunner is an Outside brand](#) PodiumRunner is an Outside brand. Outside | 5720 Flatiron Parkway | Boulder | Colorado | 80301 | USA [Privacy Policy](