“Womenalism” is an ongoing series that will explore why more women aren’t choosing minimal running shoes, and how we can encourage our fellow ladies to give them a whirl.
(Barefoot Jam photo: Merrell.com)
When Josh returned from his Merrell-sponsored junket to NYC, I asked about the topics at the Barefoot Jam roundtable barefoot-blogger discussion thingie. Mostly what I heard was all, “Mwah mwah mwah blah blah mwah.” Until he said, “And then someone asked, ‘Where are all the women?’”
Yeah, where are all the women?
Some of us ladies are obviously loving these new slimmed-down shoe offerings and are using up plenty of pin money to procure and test them out. (Have you seen the shoe sidebar over there on the right?) During races, other female runners constantly ask me about my shoe of choice. There’s plenty of interest, but I still don’t see a lot of takers out there. Why not?
Naturally, I have a few ideas.
Women don’t know their running footwear options, and we relinquish the power to choose what works best for us to people who very likely don’t have “feet-on” experience with the full range of choices.
When a woman (or a man, but whatever) begins running, what’s the very first thing people tell her to do?
Get yourself to a “real” running store to have your gait analyzed and your feet fitted with “proper” shoes.
Right off the bat, we hear:
- We don’t know our own bodies.
- We can’t trust what we feel.
- What do we know about sporting goods and athletic gear, anyway?
So you go to your local running store, run on a treadmill for a couple minutes, and the clerk/shoe expert fits you with whatever they have in stock that allegedly suits your running style. (Even though, of course, you’re a beginning runner and haven’t really figured out how to run at all.) It’s like a faux-doctor’s visit where you’re prescribed medical equipment for your presumed faulty body parts. You walk out, somewhat dazed, and hope for the best.
Most running stores stock a minimal selection of minimal shoes—possibly only men’s models, and maybe only the goofy ones with toes—and a very large selection of the most popular traditional cushiony shoes. It’s a profit/loss thing. (It’s also why I do all of my minimal-shoe shopping online. I don’t have time or gas money to waste looking for what I want.)
Additionally, odds are good that the store employees don’t have much experience in minimal shoes, having grown up in the era of cushiony clodhoppers. They may even have a somewhat condescending “this is just a fad/these are not for ‘real’ runners” attitude about them. A salesperson will naturally sell what he knows, and unless that person is old enough to recall and appreciate the flat, lightweight Nikes and Asics of the ’70s and early ’80s, you’re about to hand over your credit card for a shiny white pair of 12-ounce foot pillows.
How can we empower our fellow female running-shoe shoppers?
1. Trust your gut—and the rest of your body. Your feet and knees and whatnot probably aren’t nearly as defective as you’ve been led to believe. You might not be an expert in physiology, but you know your body better than a salesperson. When you run, “listen” to your feet, knees, legs, hips, the whole enchilada. If you’re just starting to run, wear what you already have and see how they work. Does it feel like your shoes are in the way? Preventing you from running the way you’d like? Then try something else, maybe even something lighter and flatter.
2. Explore all of your footwear options. There are way more choices than what’s in your local store. Look online and see what’s out there. Running Warehouse is an excellent place to start. Read shoes reviews on running blogs. Yes, shoes cost money, but let’s be honest: How much non-running stuff is in your closet right now that you bought on a whim or as an experiment? Pro Tip: If the shoes don’t work out, sell them on eBay; gently used running shoes often recoup a good chunk of the original price.
3. Don’t succumb to peer pressure. I know it’s not easy to be the odd girl out. But just because all the other ladies are wearing cushiony shoes doesn’t mean they’re the right shoes for you. (Or them, for that matter.) Run your own race. Wear your own shoe.
So, what do you think? Why aren’t more women trying minimal shoes? What’s the solution? Men, don’t be afraid to chime in!
27 comments
Ash
October 12, 2011 at 11:42 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
This is a cool question, Iris. As I first read this post, I wondered if there were, in fact, fewer women running in minimal shoes than men. But, then I recalled that you participate in way more races than I. So, you’re able to see this dearth of womenalists for yourself.
So, I would guess that women aren’t jumping on the minimal shoe train as rapidly as the men simply because there’s not as much marketing consideration/money going into women’s minimal shoes. I mean, where was the women’s equivalent of Anton Krupicka when the NB Minimus appeared in stores? Why’d Merrell name their women’s barefoot shoe the “Pace Glove”, which is kind of ambiguous, while the men got the “Trail Glove”, which sounds more hardcore? Why does running warehouse fail to put the unisex Inov-8 shoes on both their women’s and men’s Inov-8 pages?
I think that marketing gurus, or someone who makes decisions based on a philosophy that forces them to identify people according to predefined groups, tend to regard women as less mechanically inclined than men. And, it could be argued that the appeal of minimal shoes is dependent on mechanical concepts: proper running form, physical makeup of a shoe, etc. So, those decision-making marketing types decided to push minimal shoes on men first to see how it stuck. And, eventually, they’ll get an awesome female trail runner to start pushing womenalist shoes on the women.
But, that ‘s just a guess.
And, dammit, I could have made that a blog post! (Recalling frowny-faced gravitar)
Scott
October 13, 2011 at 9:44 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I think Ash is on to the right answer here. It’s definitely related to the marketing of minimalist shoes. However, I also think there is a cultural aspect underlying the marketing issue. I can’t tell you how many non trail and non minimalist runners (both men and women) have given me the “too hardcore!” response when I tell them what I run in and where I run. If other runners view minimalism as “hardcore”, then I can understand why the marketing is shifted towards men.
I’m expecting the Hardcore “Manimalist” Runner marketing campaigns to pop up after this comment. And yes, I accept cash or checks marketing people…
Iris
October 13, 2011 at 11:06 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yeah, unlike a certain spouse, we don’t just give away our brilliant marketing ideas. Stealers, take heed, or the wo/manimalists will hunt you down!
Shannon Johnstone
October 12, 2011 at 12:05 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Iris that is a damn good question. And Ash, I totally agree with you about the marketing. An excellent observation.
Kelly
October 12, 2011 at 1:09 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Here’s a suggestion for more recognition: change your blog name to “Barefoot Iris”
Caity McCardell
October 12, 2011 at 5:16 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I might have been the one in New York asking that question.
I produce a podcast called Run Barefoot Girl, which honors women who run barefoot and attempts to encourage more to try out the sport – so this is a topic very dear to me. Thanks so much for bringing up all of the points you made – I think you’re spot on that it’s a variety of issues, but the top one I believe is that women tend to want to fit in, to stay true to their tribe. Standing out is tricky, unless it’s standing out with beauty (but even then trouble can brew). Looking forward to Part 2 – and please contact me for an interview for my show!!!! (http://www.runbarefootgirl.com)
Iris
October 12, 2011 at 8:05 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Caity: THANK YOU for asking this question! It’s one that’s been rolling around in my noggin for a while. Keeping up with the Janes is a big, big part of it, I totally agree. Funny how that peer pressure follows us right into adulthood.
And I’d love to be on your show! But is it okay that I wear shoes? You can email me at isutcliffe@gmail.com.
Angie Bee
October 12, 2011 at 6:03 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I have found through reviewing shoes that there is often not a women’s version available in the beginning of the lines of minimal shoes.
There are many more than there were even a year ago but there still are not many fashionable and attractive looking shoes for chics.
Everyone cares what they look like and I think it should be catered too for sports as well. Cute minimal shoes would really make the difference. I like the ones you have on your sidebar.
Emily Snayd
October 12, 2011 at 6:23 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Love this question and love your answer of – run your own race. Wear your own shoe (or lack there of). I think it is an issue of confidence and willingness to try something new. Why change what’s working if you don’t know that there is a healthier and better and even more FUN way to run! I continually ask my friends why the heck they are in the shoes they are in. It seems they are comfortable and not as willing as the guys to take a risk. Somehow we have to change that and get the healthy message out to get the rest of the girls feeling the benefit. Because from my personal experience, once you make the change, you don’t ever want to go back. Thanks Iris! This is a great blog post that will keep us all thinking
Iris
October 12, 2011 at 7:06 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Wow, you guys! I’m so happy this subject is generating such an awesome discussion. Keep the ideas and opinions rolling!
This afternoon brought an interesting ray of optimism on the womenalist front: The 4th- and 5th-grade girls in the GoFar (Go Out For A Run) group I help coach said how much they love my flat shoes and asked all kinds of questions about them. (I try to wear different shoes every week so they can see the different kinds of running shoes.) They haven’t been indoctrinated yet with the idea of what a “real” running shoe is, so they’re totally open to stuff that adult women might not be. Now I just have to get their parents onboard!
Aside: The girls also really dig the running skirts and haven’t once given me the hairy eyeball like I’ve occasionally gotten from women at races. Kids are cool!
“Run your own race. Wear your own shoe.” That’s really the heart of the whole thing, isn’t it?
Caity McCardell
October 13, 2011 at 8:59 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
BTW, I *love* the Womenalist term!
I love what you wrote about the children. Kids are so open, as you wrote. Their minds want to explore… their curiosity is contagious. That’s just so cool that they asked you about your “flat shoes.”
My children will pick up a pair of shoes and start trying to roll them up (that’s their definition of a minimalist shoe)… and they get really excited when they can easily manipulate them into a ball.
Husband
October 12, 2011 at 7:10 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Merrell, if you start using her tagline, it will cost you annual trips for us to NY. We won’t get Zem’d again!
Iris
October 13, 2011 at 9:08 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
“We won’t get Zem’d again.” Isn’t that a Who song?
Shelah
October 13, 2011 at 9:29 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
So happy to have wandered/stumbled on this article. Been running for a bit over a year and mostly in Vibrams (the goofy ones with toes). I run in them for exactly the reasons that you mention – because they make it much easier to listen to my own bod. I have to say though that I have gotten so much flack for not wearing “proper” shoes.
I have been trying to educate the masses on eating better, running lighter, being more happy and more importantly – to LISTEN to our own body and do what is right for YOU.
Iris
October 13, 2011 at 11:03 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Shelah, welcome aboard! Sorry for the “goofy” comment re your favorite shoe. That certainly doesn’t help the cause, does it? I love the last sentence in your comment. Educating by doing and being can be so effective. I think (hope!) as more women take the plunge with these new options we’ll get less flack for not wearing “proper” gear—because more women will realize these shoes ARE proper gear!
Martina
October 13, 2011 at 1:40 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m new to all this and have only just started running, but think minimalist shoes look much nicer than regular trainers. I run in Vivos and I live in Vivos and Fivefingers. They look great with a pair of Jeans which is what most people wear these days. In the UK the whole minimalist idea is very new altogether, male or female.
I prefer to go in the opposite direction to everybody else!
Iris
October 13, 2011 at 2:07 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Martina, congratulations on beginning your running adventure! And kudos for starting off in minimalist shoes. I think I need to proclaim you the UK Womenalist Ambassador!
You’re so right about these styles looking great with jeans. I love multifunctional stuff, so it’s only natural to want the same in my running gear. They’re also excellent shoes for walking/running our three energetic dogs!
Elizabeth Aldora
October 14, 2011 at 4:01 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I am a women. Not a runner or any type of hardcore workout person. My feet and body are happiest w/ no shoes but that is not always possible. I was so happy to catch hold of the minimalist shoe movement. I am sure I found it because my eyes were always wide open for a way to not have to wear “shoes” or socks. I would love more options and hopefully in time. And yes I would love more options geared towards the everyday women.
janet
October 14, 2011 at 4:18 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
we’re right here! many women have always been drawn to the lighter shoes even before this minimalist movement because being smaller, the heavy shoes never worked for female runners..whereas I think traditionally, men wore giant heavy shoes because well maybe because they are bigger? So going minimalist was a big deal to guys but perhaps for women, it’s a natural transition..but marketing probably has a lot to do with it..minimalist running makes a guy sound really badass..if only there were more pink trail gloves
Iris
October 15, 2011 at 5:22 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Janet, Excellent points. Well, except maybe for that “more pink” business—don’t get me going on the dreaded “shrink it and pink it” gear-design model.
It does seem like guys drone on a lot about their zero-drop this and wide toebox that, whereas we women just slap ‘em on and go. Still, I’m not seeing many of us womanalists at races. We all need to coordinate a giant ladies’ group run!
Damien Tougas
October 14, 2011 at 5:27 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
There is quite a few of them who hang out on Toe Salad… it’s just that not all of them are runners
Rebecca
October 14, 2011 at 8:21 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’ve switched to minimalist shoes in order to be able to run again after labral tear surgery. Figured out that heeled shoes allow too much heel strike which jars the hips and knees. Using flat shoes allows the feet and ankles to absorb more of the impact, so no hip pain! My ‘Innov’and ‘Five fingers’ have allowed me to run again.
Iris
October 15, 2011 at 5:25 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
It’s interesting that one of the main reasons I hear women avoiding minimalist shoes is fear of injury, and yet so many of us who wear these shoes actually tried them after sustaining some type of injury—myself included (herniated disc/sciatica, not running-related). Definitely watch for this subject in an upcoming womenalism post!
Merrell Craig
October 15, 2011 at 7:49 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Merrell marketing male here, I think we can agree to the terms of using womenalist. I have no evidence to support this observation but more women appear to run with a natural gait than men. We are the first of the sexes to believe the hype in technology, normally to our loss. If we can have women (and men) understand that it is a safer choice and offer product that excites then I hope we can shift the balance. Love all your insights.
Iris
October 15, 2011 at 5:16 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Merrell Craig, You’ve got a deal! I wonder if women run with a more natural gait (an anecdotal claim, as you say) because in our daily lives we already embrace styles like ballet flats, flip-flops, and cute Keds-type sneakers. What woman doesn’t go bananas for the perfect pair of cute, comfy flats? To me, minimalist running shoes are an extension of that cute-flat-shoe love. Traditional cushiony shoes, with their massive heel-to-toe drop, are like running in wedge heels. Much as I love a cute wedge style, I certainly don’t want to run in them!
Tracy Longacre
October 19, 2011 at 6:37 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Merrell Craig,
Could you please take into the consideration the above comment re: the naming of your women’s line? I literally cannot figure out without speaking to one of you folks, what the heck shoes to get. And even when I have them, I cannot remember which ones I have because the names for the women’s shoes are totally meaningless. Currently, I have the (had to go look it i up) “Lithe” is that Lithe Pace or Lithe Glove? cannot remember. But what kind of shoe is it? Bet no one here can even hazard a guess.
Please, we a not idiots. Don’t treat us like we are. If shoes are made for the trail, put TRAIL in the name! If they are made for the road, put ROAD in the name. Geez.
Tracy Longacre
October 19, 2011 at 6:44 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Hey gals, thanks for this excellent post! I have to say that at least part of the problem has to be the dearth of choices. Tera Plana, for instance, has great minimalist shoes that men can wear to work. The women’s choices are not professional.
SoftStar makes great moccasin-like minimal shoes, all on the same last. Great if you have wide feet, but. . .
Vibram, bless them, did it right — came out with women’s versions from the start.
If I’m going to shell out $100 or more for a pair of shoes, I need to know they are going to fit. When you get down to minimal shoes, this becomes a lot trickier because the shape of your particular foot matters a lot more.
That said, I am a bit surprised that more women aren’t running in Huaraches because cute little minimal sandals are quite popular in general, but I think they are marketed as “macho” — this is what Indians who run 100+ miles wear!