A frequent question we respond to is How will OESH perform as a running shoe? In fact, Casey was interviewed recently by the major trade journal of the running specialty industry (more on that when the article publishes in a few weeks) on precisely this topic. Given that OESH Classics and OESH Lizards are designed as an all purpose 24/7 shoe, we constructed these OESH to be sturdy, in many instances going with heavier materials over lighter choices. Nonetheless, many potential OESHers are intrigued with the performance they might expect from a runner’s perspective. Since the reporter wanted to hear specifics directly, we asked two very articulate, active women to let ‘er rip and say what they think after buying OESH to wear primarily as a running shoe.
Here is what Kathleen Korth of San Francisco had to say:
Hi Max,
My name is Kathleen Korth and I’m writing to you regarding my experience with OESH shoes. I am a 59 1/2 year old female who uses running nowadays to help maintain the 80 pounds I lost 6 years ago.
I’ve been wearing OESH for over a year and I couldn’t be happier with them. I’ve been a runner off and on for 40 years and have used various types of running shoes. Everything from your standard Brooks to Asics to Nike Frees to Vibram Bikilas. I thought for sure when I went to the Vibrams that I would have the “Born To Run” experience that we all want. Now I’m not here to knock the bare-footers. I truly believe that whatever works for an individual is the right way to go.
Vibrams weren’t right for me. I didn’t get injured mind you, I just never felt relaxed or comfortable with them. As opposed to the OESH which worked from day one and have continued to perform perfectly for me. I always have to chuckle when I visualize the 5 fingers next to the OESH. I mean, could they look any more divergent? Also, I am so impressed with the research that Dr. Casey Kerrigan has put into the concept and design of OESH. Especially as a female runner, I feel that someone (Casey) has my back. (And my hips, ankles and knees!)
Now while I’m mostly a treadmiller, I have used my OESH outdoors.
Always the perfect running experience. I have put over 1000 miles on my shoes and they still look brand new. I don’t know how these guys are going to make money since it looks like it may be a LONG time before I will need to replace them. Also, I have been so happy with my OESH that when the company came out with their sandals earlier this year, I couldn’t click the “BUY” button fast enough!
If you have any further questions regarding my life as an OESHer, I’m happy to answer them.
Cheers,
Kathleen
And here is what Kim Stempien of Redding had to say:
Hi Max,
I have been running for 36 years. Like many moms, I let my running body fall by the wayside after having children 10 years ago. A year ago I tried to regain the runner fitness in me, but I ran into a few hurdles. I was out of shape, 10 pounds heavier and plagued with a few injuries, including a debilitating case of plantar fasciitis.
I stumbled across the OESH shoes a couple of months ago when searching the internet and was floored when I saw they were created by Dr. Casey Kerrigan, a former high school track & cross-country running mate. I justified the higher end shoes because I had paid so much already in medical bills (e.g., MRI, prednisone, cortisone, doctor’s visits, and LOTS of Rock Tape). Dr. Kerrigan was known as a genius in high school, and if there was anyone who could redesign the way running shoes were made, I was sure she had done the research and could do it!
After running in the OESH’s for 3 months, I can honestly say they have given me spunk back into my stride and it was a great decision. I am hooked on them and try to share the OESH information to anyone trying to lose weight through running or that’s been battling PF.
I have found that the OESH work particularly well for me on the asphalt or paved surfaces. I specifically feel that I have less impact going up the leg when landing each stride and they set me straight on my take-off (kind of like a diving spring board puts you straight up in form). I don’t feel like I’m a pronator in them and my legs don’t fatigue as I bump my mileage up.
To top it off, I love the sound the OESHes make. They have a bit of a hollow ring to them on pavement (like our metal Bornean gong but in a carbon-fiber kind of way). The sound reminds me of my old Spinergy bike wheels with carbon fiber tri-spokes that I used in the 1994 Hawaii Ironman. So the sound brings me to a happy nostalgic place with a meditative ohm.
Overall, I’m sold on them. It feels great to be back running and getting stronger every day. (Note: I did start back slowly to let my plantar fascia get stronger. I felt immediate relief when walking in them all day long. I gradually worked up my distance and speed over two months and then finally running consecutive days. I’m up to 20 miles a week at this point.) Let me know if you have any other questions.
Best Running Regards,
Kim Stempien
Redding CA
(Northern CA with the Sacramento River Trail system from Lake Shasta to the Sundial Bridge, and lots of single track dirt trails abound)
For their candor, and ESPECIALLY for the time and energy they called on to write such comprehensive narratives, everyone here at hq is indebted to Kathleen and Kim. Isn’t it awesome to read these letters? I’ve probably read these notes 20 times apiece, but every time I do I can’t wait for the next sentence. Believe me, when I next run into them, I am buying the beer.
And speaking for everyone in our audience, we would also love to hear–What do you think about running in OESH? Let us know…and you can bet, I’ll be psyched to fetch you a beer, too!
