"Barefoot" Running

[extra-vert]

So who here is doing the barefoot running thing? Any thoughts; shoe model recommendations etc??

[Biciclista]

barefoot? doesn't that mean no shoes?

[Savra]

I imagine by barefoot running you mean with the Five Finger type shoes. I have a pair but haven't run in them. Only walked. I like them. Very comfortable.

[extra-vert]

Barefoot is (technically) without shoes, you are right. But for those wanting the "barefoot" experience, more and more running shoe makers are coming up with "barefoot" shoes, just enough coverage to protect your feet from the road I guess. Anyway, because I am reading Chirunning by Danny Dreyer right now, I cross referenced his name with barefoot running and got his opinion on the subject on his blog.

http://www.chirunning.com/community/...refoot-or-not/

[jessmarimba]

I generally run in New Balance MT101s - minimalist trail shoes (?). I've done a few runs in my fivefingers but every time I do I end up with one grain of sand in them that creates a quarter-sized blister. Until I take them off and find the blister the runs are very fun and carefree

[TsPoet]

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...hlight=vibrams

vibrams rock.
http://birthdayshoes.com/

[colby]

I wear FiveFingers. I tried the Bikila, they are too tight across the top of my feet and for some reason make my toes cramp (too stiff?). I wear KSOs and Flows for running, Sprints for short triathlons where transition time counts more, and Classics for everyday (though often I end up wearing whatever is handy). I have ran probably 1500-2000 miles since last putting on regular running shoes (I don't tally my miles very closely).

I have looked at the new New Balance model (the very new one, can't think of the name, I've seen it in a few Outside or Runner's World magazines now), but they are too tight across the toebox for my wide feet. I'm interested to see the Merrell Trail Glove. I've seen good reviews of the Saucony minimal shoes, too, and apparently they are coming out with more.

More important than the shoe is the technique, you have to ease into it, and learn to run with a midfoot/forefoot strike or it will hurt. The chi running technique definitely fits in well with this. I had a hard time figuring that stuff out until I took off my shoes (and/or wore FiveFingers).

It's not for everyone, but it's done a lot for me.

[OakLeaf]

As many people have pointed out in the other thread, it doesn't matter how minimal the shoe, if it's a shoe, it will affect your body mechanics, and it's not barefoot. That said ...

Has anyone tried the new Inov-8 Evoskins yet? They have much longer toes than VFFs and look like they might actually fit me.

I almost taught my aerobics class in my VFFs last night ... decided against it since it was my first class after several months, I felt really rusty and didn't want to change too much. But even having taught the class with my regular shoes, I'm noticing this morning that my Achilles and calves aren't bothering me as they have in the past, and I totally attribute that to all the foot work I've done over the winter.

From my experience, I'd say that if you have very rigid feet as a result of wearing orthotics for years, it may take more than just easing into barefoot - I've been doing a lot of massage, self myofascial release and yoga, going barefoot around the house more, and paying attention to my feet pretty much ANY time I'm on them, trying to get four corners down and the arches lifted. Just a few weeks ago I've been able to see my TMT joints actually move for the first time I can remember in my 51 years. It's been slow, hard work, and I'm nowhere near being able to run barefoot yet, but it's really, really paying off in terms of my Achilles, hips and spine.

[Jolt]

Has anyone tried the new Inov-8 Evoskins yet? They have much longer toes than VFFs and look like they might actually fit me.

I hadn't heard about those until this thread...given your comment I probably won't try them since I have wicked short toes that don't even go to the ends of the VFFs. They should be good for some people who don't fit into VFFs though.

[MCAP]

I run in VFF Bikila LS and love them. I've only been running in them for about a month or so. Before that I tried switching to a more minimalist style by running in old school cross country flats. They were wonderful and (with research on form and totally restyling my running) I was able to go from extreme pain after 1/4 mile to now comfortably running 6 miles. I'm going to keep building my base up now.

I like doing drills totally barefoot in grass, but I don't do regular runs totally barefoot. I just don't want to.

I did have to stretch the pinkie toe pocket on my shoes to make them fit correctly and now they fit like a dream. I'll be wearing them in my triathlon on the 22nd. It's amazing to me that I can finally run without pain!!

[nscrbug]

I'm curious if anyone here with hammertoes has been able to successfully wear VFF? I have h-toes, and bought a pair of Bikilas last year. I started out mainly just wearing them on the treadmill at the gym, slowly adding some short jogs. But after a month of wearing them, I found that my little toes (4th & 5th) didn't want to stay in the toe pockets securely. I could feel them slipping out during my runs, and would often have to stop and reposition them back into the pockets. I ultimately wound up selling them to someone on this forum. But I miss wearing them and have considered giving them another shot. I was thinking of trying a different style - the Komodo Sport, but I'm not sure if I'll end up having the same exact issue. Any thoughts or comments?

Linda

[sjane]

I'm interested to see the Merrell Trail Glove.

I wear Pace Gloves and love them.

[Dogmama]

I have looked at the new New Balance model (the very new one, can't think of the name, I've seen it in a few Outside or Runner's World magazines now), but they are too tight across the toebox for my wide feet. I'm interested to see the Merrell Trail Glove. I've seen good reviews of the Saucony minimal shoes, too, and apparently they are coming out with more.

Road Runner is having a good sale on the Saucony Kinveras. They are under the endangered shoe list. Apparently, Saucony came out with a new Kinvera so the older ones are on sale for $67. I ordered a pair. I have wide duck feet too and Saucony's always fit me.

[jessmarimba]

Colby, the merrells will probably do much better on you. They are overall way too wide on me, while I love the feel of the new model of those new balances (fit like a glove, which is really rare for me).

[extra-vert]

Wow, how funny, I tried on the new balance new ones and they seemed to look rather wide too me. Anyway, I am brand new to running so I have yet to develop any technique whatsoever. i plan to start by going barefoot on the beach. I am reading, (as i mentioned) Chirunning, so I hope this helps me develop proper form from the beginning - we'll see, LOL. I'll have to check out those other brands. I have tried the Merrill Pace - very nice!