Barefoot Running

[HillSlugger]

A recent thread here about beginning running has drifted into a thread about barefoot running. I think we should split this out as a separate thread to make it more visible to anyone interested.

Barefoot running includes real barefoot running and it includes near-barefoot running, running with a thin covering. One favored shoe for this is the Vibram FiveFingers shoe. I just ordered two styles, Classic and KSO, in two sizes each and will check them out and send back what I don't like/doesn't fit. My thoughts are that the classic would be good for around the house walking and the KSO (Keep Stuff Out) would be better for actual running.

I'll let you know what I think when they arrive!

Please share your interest and experience with barefoot running!

[Urlea]

MD: I'm excited to read what you think of the Five Fingers!

When I was younger I used to spend most of my time outside barefoot. Now it seems like sometimes the more I run the more my feet just want to be free of shoes.

After my long HIM training rides, I have been taking off the bike shoes & just running about 1/4mi in my socks. It has felt so good! Fortunately the 70.3 I am racing in two weeks is near Minneapolis where they have a Vibram's retailer, the plan is to try on & buy a pair of the KSO Five Fingers as my race reward.

I'm looking forward to it, but I also know it will need to be a slow process adjusting to barefoot running.

[Biciclista]

i look forward to reading your reviews. Urlea, i'm not surprised you were a barefoot kid. So was I!

[HillSlugger]

I usually get barefoot as soon as I get home and I'll also kick off my shoes under my desk. I really like the idea of this and hope it works out.

[Tuckervill]

My son has been barefoot his whole life. He runs faster barefoot than he does in baseball cleats. We've proved it!

I would consider being barefoot all the time, including running, because my feet take a beating from changing shoes a lot. I mostly wear Keen sandals, but if I switch to flip-flops or running shoes, my feet get sore.

I would like to see those Five-Finger shoes in action, too.

Karen

[Jolt]

The VFFS rock! I have been running in them since January of this year and would never want to go back to regular running shoes (like the Brooks Adrenalines I used to wear) now--they feel so clunky after getting used to minimal footwear. The only problem is cold weather--your toes get really chilly! Next winter I will probably wear some flat, flexible water shoes with thick wool socks for outdoor runs. I have also been wearing the VFFs for hiking and intend to continue doing so this summer; so far I have done a couple of 6-7 mile hikes in them and plan to do progressively longer/harder trips as the summer goes on (including a Presidential Traverse late in the summer!). Highly recommended (provided you build up slowly), although I have a feeling that for any AMC trips I will be required to wear boots .