I decided to change my running gait from heel striking to mid foot strike, based on conversations with quite a few minimalist, well, zealots. Although my son kept trying to talk me into VFFs, I wasn't quite ready for that look or that little support. These shoes are the perfect compromise for me. With a 4mm heel drop, they discourage heel striking that I couldn't seem to avoid with my regular thick-heeled running shoes. They offer enough cushioning that they still feel like a more traditional running shoe rather than noticing every pebble and crack under your feet like you do with true minimalist footwear. If you are already a mid foot striker or are considering jumping on this bandwagon, this is an excellent transition shoe at a reasonable price. Be warned, however, that you will experience considerable calf pain when you make the change, so I strongly encourage the purchase of some calf compression sleeves. I use these:<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Womens-CEP-All-Sports-Compression-Sleeve/dp/B003BLHEZE/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Womens CEP All Sports Compression Sleeve</a>&nbsp;which have helped with this issue. Since I have made the switch, I have not experienced any of the knee, hip, or shin splint pain that used to plague me when increasing my distance.