Today I have a little confession. You know how everyone is on the minimalist/zero drop shoe bandwagon? Well, I’ve always been a bit skeptical. Actually, I take that back. I haven’t been skeptical, I’ve just been used to wearing my other running shoes (k-Swiss) and was afraid to branch out or try a new pair. The last thing I wanted was to get an injury from wearing a different form fitting shoe.
Well, that has changed. This past week Saucony sent me their new Virrata Zero drop running shoes to try out.
A light and flexible training shoe that allows your foot to move naturally. We removed everything that isn’t helping your run improve. What remains is a feather-light, ultra flexible shoe with advanced cushioning that promotes a powerful stride and allows your foot to move the way it was meant to. Built on a 0mm offset, this shoe lets your feet do the work while providing plenty of protection from the road.”
These shoes are sassy, and I like it! But more important, I needed to know how they felt on MY feet running, walking, training, etc? I have small heals, high arches, long toes, and a narrow forefoot. Yep, I call them chicken feet.
Over a weeks period I ran in them 2x, walked in them, and cross trained.
Each time I slipped these on my feet, my stride felt so light. The mesh fabric made them very “breathable.” But what I liked the best is that my foot felt very secure and supported, which surprised me. For some reason I thought zero drop shoes would feel awkward. Boy was I glad to be wrong there.
After a week of trying out the Virratas, I switched back to my other running shoes to see if there was a huge difference. Yes, there was, and yes, it was HUGE! I am loving the way my feet feel in these shoes. I will continue to wear them on my week days runs (4-6 miles) and will most likely give them a whirl on a few of my longer training runs coming up. Will keep you posted!
Here’s a little vlog to sum things up.
So there you have it. I am now zero drop shoe believer thanks to Saucony!
Disclaimer: Saucony sent me the Virrata shoes in part of the Fitfluential Ambassador Program. The thoughts and opinions are my own and ALWAYS truthful.
Have you tried zero drop shoes before? Yay or nay?
Cheers!
LC
I found these shoes today while looking for a replacement for my Nike Frees, which were my initial foray into minimalist footwear. They are wonderful! I ordered a 2nd pair already…
While I’ve read reviews that suggest they are narrow and short, I have not found this to be the case. And my feet do feel very supported in them. The Free offered poor lateral support, and my feet slid all over the wide toe box of the Merrell Trail Glove.
Happy running
I have previously run in the Mirage 2 and Kinvara 2, also both from Saucony’s minimalism line. Just got the Virratas in the mail today. Can’t wait to take them out tomorrow!
I think I might have tried a pair on when I had my first official fitting for running shoes, but I ended up going with a bit of a more supportive shoe, since I was transitioning into better shoes. [Not sure if that makes sense, but I didn’t want to totally jolt my body.] As I am now in the market for a new shoe, I might have to look into these further. (Although I wish I could get a free pair, too. ;))
I think these are a little different than most “minimalist” shoes from what I’ve read, since they do still have more support and stability, right? Either way – I’m glad you’ve loved them!
Ya know I love my natural running shoes! Those shoes in particular look like more cushion than what I like, but…I think it is great that shoe companies are combining zero drop w/ some cushion. It’s a great way to bring people in (like you) who maybe wouldn’t try them otherwise. Welcome to the club!
yes, totally agree! I’m so glad I tried them. I’m a convert for sure!
Oh yeah they are some spunky shoes for SURE…. a mega bonus they are actually supportive & do what they are supposed to too…. I’m naughty and live my life in thongs (flip flops) – it’s the Aussie way 😉
“Darn Light” is right….
I have been wearing mine around town and will go out for my first run in them Wednesday. I use high stability shoes, so this will be a good test for me.
“I felt speedy” — ya, you are!
okay, i once was speedy. maybe i’ll get back there.. yes?
The only shoes I’ve tried besides my regular Asics have been Vibram Five Fingers. I actually started my running in those! I loveee the Vibrams, but I def need more support for my weak soccer knees when I run! I love the fun colors of these Saucony’s!
Definitely love having gone down in the heel with my current running shoes. I’m in a different brand (Brooks Pure Flows), but it has made a huge difference for me. I went from a 12mm heel down to a 4mm heel drop. And I am doing MUCH better in legs and feet strength and feel-good since! 🙂 Enjoy the new shoes 🙂
same!! i just wish i would have known this sooner! ya know?
Hi Lindsay!
What a great re-cap. I am also VERY particular with shoes and even what my clients that I train where too. These sound pretty great and legit! though! Thanks for the post.
Oh my golly! I want some of your Lindsay Treats! YUM.
GREAT site and nice to be in touch.
Moni
xx
you need both! treats and shoes! hehe
I always thought the same as you did as far as minimalist shoes go. I do have really flat feet though, I’m not sure how they’d work for me. I’d still be willing to give them a try!
i still think they are super supportive, even for flat feet. Plus they are affordable, ya know?
I just saw these and am in love with the colors on them! They sound like they are a great fit too but of course the girl in me loves the color most of all 😉
oh i know, these are so your colors too Danielle! hehe
Love the color of the shoes. you totally pull off the bada$$ look 🙂
haha, thanks Jessie. I feel bada$$
LOVE those shoes! So glad they work for you!
yes! i am so so happy too!
The Nikes I have feel like they are zero drop shoes because when I run longer runs in them my arches start to hurt but for quicker runs they feel amazing. What do you suggest for long runs
i think the Nikes are more barefoot minimalist type. Have you tried the saucony virrata? Or the mirage? I bet those would work for long runs! how many miles?
No I haven’t tried those. My last pair of running shoes was Saucony (not sure which style) but my current pairs are the Asics Gel Enduro 7 and the Nike Revolution shoes. I use the Asics for longer runs 6+ miles and the Nike ones for runs less than 5 miles and sprints. With the Nikes around mile 6 my feet start to hurt. I’ve been to running stores before but honestly they never really talked to me much about if my shoes were minimalist, zero drop, etc. I’m training for a half right now and am wondering if the Asics will work for it since I’ve never ran past 7 miles as of right now
Aren’t minimalist shoes a blast? I just got a pair of Brooks that are more of a minimalist transition shoe, and I love not having so much padding under me!
yes! i can’t believe it took me this long to get them!!
I haven’t tried zero drop shoes for many of the same reasons you stated and mostly because I’m afraid of injuring myself (again). I’m skeptical about how my body would react to them and if I would be patient enough to transition slowly to them. But your post basically has me convinced to give it a try. I’m totally intrigued. PS I love your vlogs!
christine, you’d like them! i was so skeptical, but not anymore. Maybe ask your PT?
Yes, definitely. Probably won’t try them right now but hopefully when things get a little stronger and more stable. Doesn’t mean that I can’t drool over the shoes 🙂
Aaah I can’t WAIT to try the Virratas!! I’m a huge Saucony shoe fan, and I’ve been running in their minimalist Kinvaras now for a while! I can’t imagine going back to “regular” running shoes now! Also you should be a proper shoe model Linds, you look awesome! <3
haha, i wish! i would love to model. FREE PRODUCT! LOL!.
Lindsay,
This is so great that you got to try these and liked them! I loved your video. I too have very long feet with long toes BUT i have a low arch.
Great colors too 🙂
Hope you are all moved in!
you would love these! what shoes are you training the marathon in?
I am loving this shoe! They are so light and yet have some cushion. Excellent review Lindsay!
agreed!! kind of a runners dream, yes? 😉
I’m in the process of changing from the biggest heel to toe drop shoe out there (Asics kayanos) to Newtons Motions. So far I really like them but I haven’t run more than 3 miles in them yet. Taking my transition slowly. 🙂 I’d be interested in the Virrata based upon all the glowing reviews I’ve been reading!
i kinda think they are a cross between those two shoes. I was surprised at the support! really! let me know if you try them beka
Sound great!!! I have foot issues that do not let me run in minimalist shoes BUT I so wanted to try for just weight training but they were asking for hard core runners so.. SO CUTE! Great review!!!
i think they are great in the weight room. I wore them there twice already. Plus they are cute, hehe
Although I’ve had SO many problems with my knees over the past two years… It was recommended for me to wear zero drop shoes. If I give them a try (if I ever run/cross-train again), I’ll definitely try these since you seemed to like them so much! Like you, I have a narrow foot with long toes so I definitely need to be wise when picking out a shoe or I could end up with -3 toenails. Ew.
haha, i know, i think we have very similar feet. Long toes are awesome, aren’t they? 😉 let me know if you try them lauren
I love mine too! They are so light and totally feel natural on my feet. Glad you liked them too!
i was pleasantly surprised! weren’t you?
saucony virrata shoes sound great.
we have worn a pair of saucony shoes a long time ago, just might need to look into their shoes again. we love having different kinds of shoes as we like to mix things up with our feet, kinda to keep them guessing 😉
So you like to keep your feet “on their toes?” tee hee
agreed – i totally love the sauconys plus the colors are just so cute i can’t even hate on them at all! i always have arch/hip issues so its hard for me to find shoes that have a good comfort feeling and don’t cause additional hip pain. YAY for finding good ones!
oh i agree! i have same issues. I loved your review! Still wearing them to cross fit?
Hot shoes! Loving the colors.
I’ve been a bit hesitant to try them cause I have completely flat feet [and a narrow heel] so I’m not sure that they’d provide me with the support that I need… But I’m loving that color combo – my two faves!
i don’t know, you might be surprised. What are you in now? I’d look up the reviews for sure! they are affordable shoes.
p.s.
How ya feeling today?
I’m running in Brooks right now – stability/ motion control – aka my old lady shoes.
Thanks for asking 🙂 I’m doing alright but was in severe pain yesterday, the worst it’s been in a couple of years. A few pain killers later I was better but still feeling wonky today…
I tried some zero drop shoes a long time ago, but they had almost no cushioning or support, they were almost like walking barefoot. These look like a good mix of minimal shoe but with something under your foot as well. I run in the Brooks Pure line now, which I think is about a 4mm drop, so I wonder what a zero drop would feel like compared to that. I might have to try it out.
EXCITING!! LOVE THE COLOR!!
me too! never thought i’d like black shoes this much, but i do!
I’m similar to you- tried minimalist shoes once and had an aching Achilles, but I’m ready to give it a try again. So glad they’re working for you!
did you get to wear them yet? Hope so! can’t wait for your review!
SO sad I missed the call to try those! They look fabulous, and love your review. <3
PS: Badass lunge, my friend. <3
i think they might come around again.. so i heard. 😉 you must get in on it! You need them for disney!
I’m not a zero drop shoe runner either. Brooks Pure Project, much as I wanted to wear them, was not for me. Maybe these will be worth a try, given your review! BTW nice pic while doing a lunge!
i was stunned at the support, really! i was expecting little to no support. I’d give them a whirl. But then again, once you know what works, it’s hard to branch out. 😉
SO jealous! These looks hawt. glad you’re finding a new stride:)
it’s a bright stride and i like it!
I looooove these!! I have a pair of Altra zero drop and I love the way they feel, though I can’t run long in them. I pronate so I need a bit more support for long runs but I love minimalist shoes for short runs, sprints, and lifting!
These look so good on you. You should be a Saucony model 🙂
ohh those sound nice! i run 6 miles in these, and i want run longer to just see how they are, ya know? I don’t pronate though, so that’s good. And model? hehe, that would be too fun! you are too good to me Christina
love it! I switched from my asics to Newtons (are those 0 drop?? not sure…) this summer in August. Not only are they super light and comfy, but my running stride improved AND I’ve been running without my orthotics for 6 months now! Wore them for a 26 mile treadmill smashfest on Saturday and I’m happy to say, I still love them to pieces!! 🙂
i didn’t know you word Newtons!! So glad you like them. I know james loves them for road running too!
yep- only in since August though!! love them- minus they are REALLY hard to run in snow or trails…need to get the trail version i think or move somewhere where I don’t have so much ice and snow! 😉
oh ya, trail running shoes would be awesome!
I got to try these too! Actually, I’m wearing them right now as I do my Am incline walk. Hee hee. Really love the light weight quality and they still provide enough support for a run. I can run in the super minimalist Vibrams.
get it girl! work that booty!
I’m highly curious about zero drop shoes. I’ve never tried them, but I really want to. I’m about due for another pair and am seriously considering zero drop. I want something lighter on my foot, but I am a little nervous about it.
i really think you’d like them. I was shocked too! More support than i thought.
Hubby is a huge fan and believer in the zero drop. Though, he did end up going with Newton’s for running. Not totally zero drop but a totally different style than normal shoes. I know that when I was dancing, my feet have never been stronger so I do think there is something to the minimalist move. Of course, I too worry about injuries and know that you have to start out really slow in them – transition.
James has newtons too, which he swears by for road running. It’s funny how men and women have different views on this kind of stuff. How’s your plantar? What shoe are you in now?
I’d love to try these! I love the colour too! I’m always up for trying new things 🙂
they are actually really great in the gym too!
I love the cute colors!
i know, so bright and cheery!
OOOH I LONG TO TRY.
Id even run 🙂
if you run in them, it must be in Austin, with ME!
I juuuuust brought home a pair of PureFlows last week and have been starting to break them in (very slowly). Haven’t gotten to writing up the post yet, but I ran the first 2 miles of a 10 miler in them, then switched to my regular shoes – which felt horribly chunky, heavy, and built up after – so I know EXACTLY what you’re talking about!
i know, so crazy, right? Let me know how the longer runs go!!
Those shoes are sooo cute! I love my vibrams which is similar. I definitely can’t run long in them, but they’re perfect for leg days and sprints 😀
i still need to try vibrams, but i’m just paranoid. LOL!
Have just started running in a pair of Brooks PureFlows and after running in my trusty chunky Adrenalins for years it felt like a risky strategy. However, I am SO happy with the light shoes and how protected I feel despite the fact the shoes are light – I’ve had them on on my long runs and they are wonderful. So I’m a convert!