Ugh, I could never wear something so large. As far as getting hurt goes, I'll risk it. I watch the way I run, and I can't stand having big old moon bounces on my feet. I don't think the minimalist shoes are only to blame. Barefoot Ted is also an Ultramarathoner, and you can tell by his name that he likes to go, well, barefoot.

I think one has to do what feels right to them. I'm sure barefoot runners aren't the only runners who get blisters on their feet.

Of course--runners get blisters on their feet--but it was quite noticeable that the only runner I saw at this ultra--marathon was the only one that really had a hard time getting to his car after the 50 mile run. The blisters on the balls of his feet were enormous.

Everyone needs to find the right shoe that works for them--I am just saying that the evidence is out there now--that barefoot or the minimalist shoes do cause injury and they definitely were NOT used at this marathon--except for the one man I was referring too.

I couldn't quote this enough times. Indeed, this is wise and true. Everybody has to find their own way, what works right. If everything was the same for everyone this forum wouldn't exist, because one diet would suit everyone! All I know is, I grew up wearing almost no shoes except to school, and to town at my parent's behest. I walk outside barefoot still even in the snow to do menial tasks like getting the mail, walking next door, just because I'm too lazy to put them on. I love feeling connected to the earth, feeling the grass, feeling the asphalt, the rocks below, even blazing hot or cold. Vibrams and other minimalist wear makes sense to me. I have dabbled in barefoot running with my completely naked foot, and what a thrill! Maybe it's not right for us all, and I encourage those interested to try it. But maybe, just maybe, it's just the kind of shoe for you.

Just wanted to give a +1 to the Hoka One One's... I've heard nothing but good things about them from my friends that run ultras... I've run several marathons and I've also done a "baby" ultra 50k... I used to run in racing flats, but I've since switched to just racing in a second pair of my regular well cushioned training shoes with low mileage on them and I'm much less sore post race and I recover faster as well since making the switch...

But I can't wait to try out the Hoka One One's... and if all goes well, I probably run my next ultra in a pair of them...

Well--my runner husband did it again. As soon as he saw these Hoka shoes being used at the Silver Rush--a 50 mile marathon in Leadville he went right down today to the Boulder running company and discussed this shoe with the owner of the store. The owner stated he won't run in anything else and has been using them for the last two years. He also has his wife running in them--because she had some kind of problem with a larger left big toe--and these shoes work great for her.

So my husband gave them the test run--as the owner suggested running on larger rocks--as if you're doing some trail running--and my husband stated he couldn't feel a thing through the soles of these shoes. Very cushy--you can get them for pavement--dirt or a more traction type for mountain trails.

Anyway--he is going to try them out on Saturday on a 10K he has signed up for. I will let you know what he says about the Hoka Shoe after the race. BTW--they're so big--they look like they would be a heavy shoe--but they're not. He paid $160.00 for them.

Small world... I use live and train in Boulder.... I've seen them on Zappos for quite a while now at really good prices... I think I'm just going to go ahead and order a pair and try them out on my treadmill... since I'm a VIP at Zappos I get free overnight shipping and if there is a problem with the size I just call them up and they send me out another size the next day before I even ship back the pair I don't want... all for free... Can you tell that I have a bit of a shoe fetish... lol...

Ha.Ha.--so does my husband. Every time I get near the treadmill downstairs there's another pair of running shoes. That's why I refer to him as the running shoe expert--lol.

He got the Time to Fly Hoka's if you care to look those up. Well skip that I think he bought the same shoes you want--pronounced one' one' on the back side of the shoe? They seem to fit him pretty well to size--so there should be no problem in you ordering them online. I was really surprised at how light they were.

Anyway--good luck--