Barefoot Running

[TsPoet]

Sarahspins, slightly off-topic, but how did you even get a pair of Bikilas without trying them on? Not being snotty, I just want some and supposedly they aren't available online.

Got mine from City Sports. They are the hardest to put on of all of the styles that I have (Treks, KSO, Sprints, Bikilas).

[tulip]

I tried on a pair of KSOs while my mother and I were at a local outdoor shop in the NC mountains. She was buying Keens. I decided I'd try the KSOs for kicks. I did not like them at all. I'm sticking with my bare naked feet.

[MrsOski]

Have to add my .02. Have been run/walking in VFF KSOs for about 6 weeks now. I'm up to 3 miles, slow. No knee, shin, ankle, or joint pain of any kind. The only problem I had was hot spots on the balls of my feet and on my big toe. This past weekend, I bought Bikilas and Injinji socks. Problem solved. I never ever thought I would be able to run. Now, it's just a matter of bringing my cardio up. I love love love my fivefingers.

[TsPoet]

Have to add my .02. Have been run/walking in VFF KSOs for about 6 weeks now. I'm up to 3 miles, slow. No knee, shin, ankle, or joint pain of any kind. The only problem I had was hot spots on the balls of my feet and on my big toe. This past weekend, I bought Bikilas and Injinji socks. Problem solved. I never ever thought I would be able to run. Now, it's just a matter of bringing my cardio up. I love love love my fivefingers.

Wow, this post looks like I created a new user name and posted my experience.
+1 on everything you said! That includes the experiences and the distance and speed.
(BTW - I also found that aloe gel right after a run on the balls of the feet and big toes did the trick and hot spots eventually went away).

[GLC1968]

4.5 miles tonight in my huaraches from invisibleshoes.com. It was so much fun! I even had a quick stop to pick blackberries by the side of the road (I was starving and thirsty and mother earth provided!).

[Blueberry]

GLC - Those look really cool (I'm guessing it's invisibleshoe.com - without the S)! Do you really not feel the part between the toes? I'm looking at some Soft Sole shoes for winter - just to kick around in. Still not running, but my feet are happier for being less confined.

[GLC1968]

Yes, sorry...invisibleshoe.com! I can't wear sandals with the thing between the toes. It always hurts like a mofo. In fact, I have one pair of flip flops that reside in my pool bag, and I can *barely* stand wearing those for the quick walk to the poolside and for my shower.

I was super skeptical that these things would work because of that, but I was willing to give it a shot. I'm still constantly amazed that they don't hurt...at all. Not even on day one! Last night I periodically stopped to check for blisters between the toes because I was sure I'd get them there (not that I felt any rubbing...I didn't). No blisters. Not even a tiny bit red.

I have no idea why these are so 100% different from regular flip flop type shoes, but they are. They protect me from hot sidewalks and sticky stuff...but that's about it. I still feel acorns and cracks and rocks and just about any other imperfection. It's *almost* the same sensation as being totally barefoot but they are 'legal' in restaurants and stuff.

Oh, and I'm MUCH better at running in these than I am at walking in them. My running technique is correct for barefoot, but I don't think my walking form is there yet. I kind of trip on them sometimes when walking (never an issue when running - even when tired). I'm getting better though!

I opted to buy the kit and make my own and they worked out really well. The pair I wear for running are the neon green but I'm noticing that they are picking up enough dust (it hasn't rained here in months) that they aren't as bright as they used to be. I also bought a black kit that I haven't yet assembled. I plan to wear those as more 'everyday' shoes (and I need to make them soon or it'll get too cold for sandals before I get a chance to wear them!!).