Barefoot Running

[Blueberry]

So I am bummed! I have a very small foot--size 4 in womens, where size 6 - 6.5 in running shoes. So VFF's appear to come in a size small enough to work (maybe)...BUT no one carries the smallest size.

Guess I'll have to look into other options!

Try KayakShed.com - looks like they carry down to a 34 in some styles (but are currently out of stock). I've never ordered from them, but have heard good things about them.

[colby]

Try KayakShed.com - looks like they carry down to a 34 in some styles (but are currently out of stock). I've never ordered from them, but have heard good things about them.

Ordered my sprints from KayakShed - no problems - they were the only place that had ANYTHING in my size.

Really looking forward to the expanded sizes on the Treks!

[Selkie]

I admit that I initially was a skeptic about VFFs, but I went ahead and got a pair. Both of my feet are "pre-bunion," unfortunately. Also, my baby toes face out more than up.

Since I've been wearing my VFFs, I've had absolutely no pain in my right bunion area (ball of foot), which is something I experienced when wearing sneakers. In addition, the corn on my right foot is going away. Who knew? No issues with the baby toes, either.

I have a heavy tread and have been a heel striker, so I've had to adjust. Not a big deal and probably a positive for my foot health. I'm a convert and have to admit that I now own more than one pair of VFFs!!! They are comfortable. I just wish I could wear them to work...

[katluvr]

OMG You guys are right...Kayakshed DOES have the smallest size (which by measurement may still be a smidge longer than my actual foot--but I wanna at least try).

So which is better? Sprint or KSO?
I probabaly will be doing sidewalk, road or grass next to sidewalk. Not many trails, but then again my do the beach??

May I should go for one that fits a bit snugger since my foot is so small.

K

[TsPoet]

OMG You guys are right...Kayakshed DOES have the smallest size (which by measurement may still be a smidge longer than my actual foot--but I wanna at least try).

So which is better? Sprint or KSO?
I probabaly will be doing sidewalk, road or grass next to sidewalk. Not many trails, but then again my do the beach??

May I should go for one that fits a bit snugger since my foot is so small.

K

KSO - I don't have Sprints, but my Treks let a certain amount of sand in. When I run on the trail with sand, I always wear the KSO - sand in VFFs is extra annoying.
But, then you'll need the sprints for the grass/sidewalk, so you'll eventually need both
BTW - the KSO are hard to put on - I've been wearing treks for months and got so used to them that I could just slide them on. Got my KSO and was amazed at how much more difficult they were to put on. If I'd gotten them first, I may have become frustrated and given up!

[Blueberry]

OMG You guys are right...Kayakshed DOES have the smallest size (which by measurement may still be a smidge longer than my actual foot--but I wanna at least try).

So which is better? Sprint or KSO?
I probabaly will be doing sidewalk, road or grass next to sidewalk. Not many trails, but then again my do the beach??

May I should go for one that fits a bit snugger since my foot is so small.

K

If you think the size might still be a smidge long, I'd get the Sprint. They generally run a bit smaller - I do think it might fit you better. If you're getting the KSO, get black - rumor has it they run a big snugger (and I can't get my size on my feet in them, so I think it's true). Or, you could order both and see which one fits better. I think I've heard they will let you return, so long as they aren't worn (but double check...).

By experience with the KSO is that it doesn't really keep sand out. But that's just my experience.

[Jolt]

If you think the size might still be a smidge long, I'd get the Sprint. They generally run a bit smaller - I do think it might fit you better. If you're getting the KSO, get black - rumor has it they run a big snugger (and I can't get my size on my feet in them, so I think it's true). Or, you could order both and see which one fits better. I think I've heard they will let you return, so long as they aren't worn (but double check...).

By experience with the KSO is that it doesn't really keep sand out. But that's just my experience.

The black KSOs do seem a bit snugger! I recently got a pair and they are definitely a little tighter than the others--I was putting it down to them not being broken in yet but maybe there really is a slight difference. Hoping they'll stretch just a bit if I wear them with the Injinjis for a while.

[Becky]

The black KSOs do seem a bit snugger! I recently got a pair and they are definitely a little tighter than the others--I was putting it down to them not being broken in yet but maybe there really is a slight difference. Hoping they'll stretch just a bit if I wear them with the Injinjis for a while.

Huh...maybe that explains why my black KSOs were such a pain to put on at first! They've loosened up nicely, and are really comfortable now.

I had no idea...

[Selkie]

Like Lazarus, this thread returns from the dead.

I started running again and decided to wear my Vibram Bikila's. First run (Sunday) was 2.2 miles---the only after-effect was calf soreness. Ran again after work yesterday (Tuesday), went 3 miles. Felt it in the calves during and after I finished, and of course, my calves hurt now. Also felt it a little in my right achilles but that was just post-run. I hope to get out on Thursday (3 miles) and Sunday (probably 3 miles or 3.25ish).

Any tips on increasing distance and remaining injury free? I plan on taking it easy and not running fast/far since I'm just getting back into running. I'm being conscientious about gently stretching my calves.

Also, would it make sense to switch up and wear traditional running shoes for longer runs until my lower legs adapt?

By the way, I've been wearing Vibrams for two years (long walks, around the house, etc).

[GLC1968]

By the way, I've been wearing Vibrams for two years (long walks, around the house, etc).

Because of this, my only recommendation would be to let your calves be your guide. That will take the longest to condition. To be honest, it took me about 6-8 months before I was totally done with calf pain and even now, I feel it when I increase my distances.

Had you not already spent a bunch of time barefoot, I'd have also suggested to pay really close attention to your feet because getting those muscles, ligaments and tendons into 'barefoot' shape also takes care. Of course, you should always pay attention to this, but it probably won't be a limiter for you.

Lastly, ramp slowly and avoid concrete. I notice that when I do runs on sidewalks, I can only take about 3 miles before I really start to feel it in my ankles and feet. On asphalt or dirt or gravel, I can go much longer pain free. I only just realized the other day that it was the concrete that made the difference (and not the different locations, different hill profiles, different speeds, etc). I've read that there isn't much difference in how your body feels concrete or asphalt if you are in shoes, but I can testify that there is a very big difference without shoes (minimal) over distance.

[slowandsurly]

[QUOTE=
By the way, I've been wearing Vibrams for two years (long walks, around the house, etc).[/QUOTE]

I became interested in BF/minimalist running after I trained and completed my first 10 mile run last March. I started running about a year prior to that. I don't consider myself any sort of serious runner, I just wanted another type of exercise to keep myself active. I developed a menacing case of PF. So I bought a pair of VFFs and read all the information on BF running I could find. I started slow, and immediately had calf issues. I posted on a BF running forum and several members helped me figure out my issues. I started over completely BF. I began to realize my form/gait really changes when I wear VFFs compared to BF. I went to a BF running seminar hosted by Dr. Irene Davis, and ran with Barefoot Kenbob. He ran behind me and told me exactly what my problem was, and with LOTS of practice my form improved. I also learned to listen to my calves and didn't leave the house without my "stick" and foam roller. I also purchased a pair of Zems. For whatever reason, my form doesn't seem to suffer as much in Zems compared to VFFs. I go BF as much as possible even when I'm not running. Like the previous poster, be sure to listen to your calves and be careful increasing your mileage too soon. I've learned ALOT from several BF forums and from posts by Jason Robillard. As a matter of fact he just published a book on barefoot running. He's giving away free PDF downloads. If you google him, you're likely to find it.Somedays I run BF, other days I run in minimal shoes, somedays it's on chip and seal, other days it's on trails. I don't know if tossing my asics help rid my PF, or if it was a combo of many different things, but so far this is working out for me. But again... I'm not a serious runner. I'm slow and don't care too much about my miles, just having fun.

[Selkie]

Thanks for the advice/suggestions.

Swimming seems to help alleviate most of the calf discomfort. I will take it slow and easy, not build up mileage too quickly. I'm registered for a 9/11 5K in September, and I can already handle the distance. ;-) My goal now is to run for fun and crosstraining. I'm not a competitive type, so it's more smiles than miles for me.

G--I agree w/you about concrete. I ran half- and full marathons back in the olden days, and I always opted for running in the road rather than take that pounding on concrete. Luckily, the MUT is .5 mile from our and there is a macadam nature trail at work!!