Minimal/Barefoot style running shoes . . .

[GLC1968]

The only thing I can figure out is that having the arch support of the orthotics for so many years weakened my arches. I'm sold on being barefoot as much as I can.

I would completely agree with this and it is funny you should post this today. Earlier this morning when my PT was looking at my recovering foot, she mentioned that the screws made my foot look like I had fallen arches. I said 'well, I kind of do...look at my other foot" and I pulled off my shoe. We both noticed immediately that I do have a nice arch in my good foot. That's new! Three years ago (after years with custom orthotics), my feet were literally like flippers. Wide toes, flat arches and narrow heels. Not anymore -- now I have an arch!

[Blueberry]

[hijack] GLC - How's the recovery going? I've been thinking about you this summer! [/hijack]

[GLC1968]

[hijack] GLC - How's the recovery going? I've been thinking about you this summer! [/hijack]

OK, I guess. I'm still experiencing quite a bit of pain and swelling and it's making it hard for me to truly recover. BUT, I have surgery day after tomorrow to remove the offending screws, so I'm hopeful it will go quickly after that. We'll see. I really should dig up my old thread about it and update it!

I was actually thinking about you the other day when I got my new kayak delivered! We need to figure out how we want to transport kayaks on the MINI and I immediately thought of you guys in the Element with kayaks on top and bikes inside. I think we'll go kayaks on top and bikes on the back (dogs inside!) if we ever need to carry both types of gear at once.

[Blueberry]

OK, I guess. I'm still experiencing quite a bit of pain and swelling and it's making it hard for me to truly recover. BUT, I have surgery day after tomorrow to remove the offending screws, so I'm hopeful it will go quickly after that. We'll see. I really should dig up my old thread about it and update it!

I was actually thinking about you the other day when I got my new kayak delivered! We need to figure out how we want to transport kayaks on the MINI and I immediately thought of you guys in the Element with kayaks on top and bikes inside. I think we'll go kayaks on top and bikes on the back (dogs inside!) if we ever need to carry both types of gear at once.

Ugh! I think the last update I saw things were going better than expected. I hope the surgery helps!

Heh on the kayaks. We traded the element for a Jetta Wagon. Love it, but can't do bikes and boats anymore (at least until we get a trailer). We really want to do that, but with selling the house, moving into a rental, my going back to school, etc. the toy budget is more limited

What boat did you get?

[GLC1968]

What boat did you get?

I bought a used Nigel Dennis Romany from a friend. I haven't gotten out on the water in it, but I did sit in it on the front lawn and it fit well and felt comfy. Every time I've kayaked, it's been a different boat (rentals), so I think I should adjust to this one fairly quickly. I hope to take it out to play around on a local lake next weekend for the first time!

We need to find a boat for Rick next!

[nscrbug]

I absolutely LOVE my Merrell Bare Access Arc running shoes. These aren't the super-minimal ones like the Pace, but they are minimal enough for me. After wearing Nike Free Run shoes for years, I have to say that the Merrell is way more accommodating and comfortable for my feet. And FWIW, I have hammer toes that splay out really wide...and the Bare Access Arc fit my crazy feet superbly.

Linda

[Kathi]

I would completely agree with this and it is funny you should post this today. Earlier this morning when my PT was looking at my recovering foot, she mentioned that the screws made my foot look like I had fallen arches. I said 'well, I kind of do...look at my other foot" and I pulled off my shoe. We both noticed immediately that I do have a nice arch in my good foot. That's new! Three years ago (after years with custom orthotics), my feet were literally like flippers. Wide toes, flat arches and narrow heels. Not anymore -- now I have an arch!

My arches are also very rigid. Makes it hard to put on ski boots and my KSO's I also can't wear certain kinds of shoes or boots.

I also can't figure out why I see recommendations for "high arch" feet to have arch support. It looks like the support didn't help my arches at all.