Minimalist Running Shoes Go Toe to Toe - Vibram Five Fingers Classic vs. Soft Star Shoes Moc3

hmm. this time rock beats paper...

The UGLYSHOE (TM)* throwdown - road test

*don't get me wrong. I think all these shoes are beautiful. In the way your mom says you are beautiful...on the inside...No really, form follows function. Comfort is beauty. My eyesight is 20/20 with my shoe goggles on...

I've now had a chance to jog in both shoes around the MuniGeo (TM) test loop, an approximately 2 mile paved loop of neighborhood roads and sidewalks that includes hills, straights, a little gravel debris, and currently a discarded feather duster with a lone feather and a smushed squirrel (soon to be featured on MuniGeo (TM)).

First, the defending champ. VFF classic

+ allows toes to spread as much as possible. Look at the photo! The VFF is much wider!
+ 3mm sole feels very cushy compared to 2mm Moc3. Heel and forefoot felt very protected against inadvertent impacts

- suprisingly and almost against logic, with material around each toe, I felt very confined compared to the more shoe-like Moc3's.
- 3mm sole also feels clunky compared to Moc3's
- toe pain in crotch of toe running downhill

Now the contender. SSS Moc3

+ amazing groundfeel with 2mm sole.
+ with no material surrounding each toe, feet feel amazingly free.

- 2mm sole means easy impact injury due to a misstep.
- shoe is a little narrow, not allowing my feet to spread as far as I want.
- I can feel the seam connecting the upper to the sole.

The winner? Soft Star Shoes Moc3!
It is not perfect. I would love for it to be a little wider. And missteps can cause injury but that is my fault. This really is the ultimate minimalist, minimalist running shoe. For now this will be my primary outdoor shoe when I am not wearing sandals.

What's next?

More UGLYSHOE (TM) throwdowns including:
-running on trails
-wet weather, drying time
-funk test, washing
-new contenders??? Invisibleshoe, the ultimate minimalist running sandal?
-make your own UGLYSHOE (TM)?

If you want some VFF's, try this link. I get a commission if you buy through this link.
Vibram FiveFingers Womens Classic Multisport Shoe - Tan In Size: 36

New Design: 13.1 Halfway Done

A new design is up on my Cafepress shop here... http://www.cafepress.com/Half_Marathon_Half_Done

For all you geniuses (or for all of you that know a genius) that would like to show off that you are into half marathons, may I remind you that you are only halfway done! Go ahead and celebrate that you have done 50% of something. This is my 13.1 Halfway Done logo. Available on a variety of products. Great for you full marathoners to give to your half marathoner buddies.

My Store is Open! Keep me fed!

Here is the site of my Cafepress store! http://www.cafepress.com/theevildrsin
I will be selling all kinds of graphic designs on various products. I am also collaborating with some skilled graphic designers and engineers on more designs. I could use all your feedback on designs, products and pricing. Have an idea you want to see on a sticker or shirt? Leave a comment and I'll work with you!

Help keep me fed!

This first design is a response to all those oval stickers you see on SUVs with "26.2" and "13.1", which indicate that they presumably are into marathon and half marathon running. Well my first question is "If you are so into running, why are you driving???" Second question "Shouldn't your running mileage be on your shoe and your driving mileage be a sticker on your car?"

So let's be honest, you are driving because you hate running. Your total mileage of the week is 0.0. You don't want to contribute to your orthopedist's kid's college fund through knee surgery. Show your support through "0.0 Hate Running" products! And for goodness sakes, keep the running mileage down to 2 miles a pop at most and go swim instead!