The elastic collar round the ankle keeps out most debris

The elastic collar round the ankle keeps out most debris, however, many runners use gaiters when the trail is sandy or filled with gravel.

'They are slipper-like comfortable. I have found that my Achilles tendons no longer ache and my mildly recurring Plantar Fasciitis has disappeared,' Audilet says. 'Is it perhaps because of my Vibrams helping me to strengthen my feet minimizing legs? Possibly.'

The important Shop in Tucson offers a variety of minimalist racing flats, which seem like conventional shoes crampon mercurial but they are lightweight for speed. One racing flat, the Brooks Green Silence, has the added benefit of being produced from 75% recycled materials. It has a thicker midsole to aid the perfect midsole foot strike. Additionally, its confortable upper materials and asymmetrical vamp and lacing system hugs the foot like a sock. The wrap-over tongue won't slide around. Fewer seams means less possibility of rubbing, and multiple eyelet options for top tongue lacing customize fit and be sure a snug mid-foot wrap.

More and more Tucson runners barefoot run to improve stride and lower injury. Minimalist footwear, with zero or minimal cushioning, helps these runners protect their soles from desert trails, hot pavement, and sizzling cement.

Before you begin barefoot running, or running with minimalist shoes, browse the Barefoot Running website. Thomas Hollowell, co-author from the Complete Idiot's Guide to Barefoot Running, coordinates this website with tips and tales from runners round the country.

'Running more naturally should be every runner's goal,' explained Hollowell in a recent interview. 'Running naturally using barefoot techniques will add years for your running lifespan and that means countless more miles experiencing the sport and also the Earth.'

Tucson runner Evan Deaubl trains and races in Vibram FiveFingers Classics. 'I love referring to my weird shoes,' says Deaubl who's currently training for the Gabe Zimmerman Triple Crown race series. He's used the Vibram Sprints in the past, and purchased his first set of Vibrams at Tucson's Summit Hut.

The Classic slips on over the foot, having a low-slung, nylon upper and a rubber soles that are super flexible and slip-resistant. The Sprint is comparable but also comes with an adjustable hook-and-loop closure over the instep and around the heel that supplies a more secure fit.

'The minute I bought them, I have worn them for everything except for formal events. I'm considering getting an all black pair for those occasions,' jokes Deaubl. He started wearing Vibrams in August, 2009: 'I originally switched due to all the details I'd read about correct running style and the fact that barefoot running is much better injury-wise. The main reason I continue to put them on is because I just enjoy how they feel when I run inside them.'

Carolyn Audilet, a triathlete around the Tucson Tri Girls club, wears her Vibram Five Fingers KSO for errands, around work, and at home. The KSO has the same rubber sole as other Vibrams, but also includes a thin, breathable mesh upper that wraps the whole forefoot.

Not every minimalist athletic shoes cristiano ronaldo cleats are equal. Zoot has established many types of running shoes created specifically for running in triathlons. Athletes run differently after biking for many miles, and Zoot designs address this biomechanical issue.