My Switch to Minimalist

A couple of posts ago, I mentioned that I wanted to make the switch to minimalist shoes. I couldn't decide between a couple of different brands. Well, I ended up going with the Merrell Barefoot Access Arc. I had tried them on at the Merrell outlet, but they didn't have the color I wanted in my size. I found them on Amazon for $10 cheaper than the outlet.

Here they are!

I've done a couple of runs in them so far. I started with 1 mile and have done up to 3 miles in a single run. I was a midfoot striker, so I thought the transition wouldn't be as noticeable. Boy was I wrong. My calves can definitely tell the difference. I have been wearing my compression socks after ever run because the zero drop from heel to toe is so different than I am used to wearing. Other than that, they are very comfortable. I looked at the strike pattern on my shoes and I seem to be running in them properly with no real demonstrated over- or underpronation. They are so comfortable and I haven't developed any blisters while wearing them, but I haven't put in any runs over 3 miles. I'm halfway tempted to wear them for the Maryland Half Marathon this weekend, but I won't give into the temptation because I'm running that for the Greenebaum Cancer Center and I am running in my Reebok Pink Ribbon shoes in memory of a family friend who passed away 3 years ago after a long battle with breast cancer.

Only time will tell if I really like the minimalist shoes, but so far so good.

Have you made the switch to a minimalist shoe?

I need new running shoes, but don't know where to start

I need new running shoes, but don't know where to start. I know I want to go minimalist, but there are so many brands and they are so expensive.

Do I go with the Merrell shoes I can get at my local mall for a really good price and get good reviews? Do I invest massive amounts of money in Newtons? They at least sell those at my closest running shoe store. Do I go for a more unusual brand like Altra? Do I go for the brand that interacts with me on Twitter like Skora, even if they aren't the most attractive shoes?

How do you pick your running shoes? Do you run in minimalist shoes? Do you want your running shoes to be "attractive"?