barefoot or running shoes??

curborough
curborough Posts: 131 Member
edited November 19 in Chit-Chat
Hi..i like to do treadmill running and find that running barefoot is much better for me..less strain on the knees due to the style of running you adopt compared to running with running shoes on. It's harder on the feet and calf muscles to begin with but once you've built strength there it's a better option to prevent impact injuries associated with running

Replies

  • KosmosKitten
    KosmosKitten Posts: 10,476 Member
    I get the best of both worlds by wearing Vibrams. I've also been able to avoid the shin pains I normally get from running in traditional shoes.
  • curborough
    curborough Posts: 131 Member
    Are vibrams good?..ive heard about them but never tried them
  • ClubSilencio
    ClubSilencio Posts: 2,983 Member
    Well they *kitten* my Achilles up. I wore the Merrell Trail Glove for over a year. Very comfortable and I was a believer, until....

    Since you're running on a treadmill it's probably not as big of a deal. Running on dirt and asphalt in barefoot shoes (or barefoot) is brutal. I rarely see anyone doing it anymore.

  • BeccaLoves2lift
    BeccaLoves2lift Posts: 375 Member
    At home I often like to workout barefoot
  • MrStabbems
    MrStabbems Posts: 3,110 Member
    it is in essence a personal choice but it is one that requires a degree of caution. Swapping from your normal running shoes to barefoot with minimal time to adapt is a bad idea. You have (I assume) worn shoes your entire life and your body will have adapted to that level of support. Suddenly changing that will more often than not cause injury, at least at first.

    Another aspect to consider is that some people require more support than others and the surface you are going to run on.

    That being said it can have some positives and if it works for you then great but don't change for a fad.
  • BedsideTableKangaroo
    BedsideTableKangaroo Posts: 736 Member
    BowlingForHollars wrote: »
    My collies ate my shoes after we walked 20,000 steps at work.

    i was sooo waiting for someone to start it up. i award you one awesome click.
  • curborough
    curborough Posts: 131 Member
    I find I can run barefoot with no impact on my knees. If I run in shoes my knees suffer. I have knee issues so it's working great for me
  • curborough
    curborough Posts: 131 Member
    BowlingForHollars wrote: »
    My collies ate my shoes after we walked 20,000 steps at work.

    Probably because you only walked 20000. They were punishing you for slacking!
  • zdyb23456
    zdyb23456 Posts: 1,706 Member
    My husband does outside - he rarely runs on a treadmill. The only time he'll dig out his sneakers is for trail running or in the winter when the ground is freezing.
  • MrStabbems
    MrStabbems Posts: 3,110 Member
    blueyandcrazee wrote: »
    I find I can run barefoot with no impact on my knees. If I run in shoes my knees suffer. I have knee issues so it's working great for me

    Have you seen a specialist? the extra shock absorption is great for your joints. it's likely the culprit is the current shoes or the style you pick. People often forget altering the angle of contact will have an effect on the knees, hips or back.
  • Motorsheen
    Motorsheen Posts: 20,508 Member
    Felony Flyers


    kedy_converse_black_low_nyzkye_chernye__30521988m.jpg
  • _RNR_
    _RNR_ Posts: 875 Member
    In for the best shoes to wear for barefoot running.
  • JetJaguar
    JetJaguar Posts: 801 Member
    I tried barefoot running for awhile a few years ago when it was the latest rage. I never saw any benefit myself, but OTOH I wear lighter weight, neutral running shoes to begin with. Even my normal day-to-day shoes are Chuck Taylors, which aren't exactly known for their support. But it works for some, so give it a go and see.
  • curborough
    curborough Posts: 131 Member
    I have cartilage damage in one of my knees due to years of playing field hockey but it's by chance I've discovered that barefoot running doesn't affect me. You adapt a different running style when you run barefoot, more on your toes
  • camoballerina91
    camoballerina91 Posts: 257 Member
    CanesGalactica wrote: »
    I get the best of both worlds by wearing Vibrams. I've also been able to avoid the shin pains I normally get from running in traditional shoes.

    I love my Vibrams, definitely the best running shoe I've ever owned (for me at least). Which reminds me I need to order a new pair or two.
  • ValeriePlz
    ValeriePlz Posts: 517 Member
    ClubSilencio wrote: »
    Running on dirt and asphalt in barefoot shoes (or barefoot) is brutal. I rarely see anyone doing it anymore.

    I saw someone barefoot - no shoes even - in the Soldier Field 10-miler in Chicago on Saturday. The path goes down Lakeshore Drive and back up the trail path, so I definitely cringed when I saw him.
  • KosmosKitten
    KosmosKitten Posts: 10,476 Member
    blueyandcrazee wrote: »
    Are vibrams good?..ive heard about them but never tried them

    I think as long as you make sure you find the correct fitting ones, they are great. I like that they can be used in a variety of activities (hiking, machines, river/lake activities) and that they dry out easily. They are also pretty washer friendly (just air dry em'). Mostly, I love that I can run/jog without those horrible shin pains I used to get from regular shoes (even well padded ones with arch support gave me terrible pain).

    I lucked out and my husband found me a pair on sale that just happened to be the exact size I needed. I've had them almost as long as we've been married (so around 10 years).
  • KosmosKitten
    KosmosKitten Posts: 10,476 Member
    MrsBeccaM5 wrote: »
    At home I often like to workout barefoot

    Ha ha, I do this on my elliptical. It's rare that I wear shoes. I think I might be slightly more worried about injury on a treadmill, though. Is that what you use?
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    Ok.... I did outside so trainers are a must! :laugh:
  • RunsWithBees
    RunsWithBees Posts: 1,508 Member
    Barefoot runner here, going on 4 years. I also hike and walk barefoot. When I wore shoes, I suffered constantly from knee pain, shin splints and foot issues. Out of desperation I tried barefooting and haven't had any of those pains since. It's very challenging and fun. Of course it has its risks just like anything in life, but for me the benefits far outweigh the risks. People always assume I'm going to suffer some grave injury when they find out I'm running barefoot, I always tell them that the most dangerous part of barefoot running is driving out to the trail! :#ynt67nip1zpw.jpg
  • Riffraft1960
    Riffraft1960 Posts: 1,984 Member
    Ran barefoot on the treadmill one time. I ended up with blisters on the pad of my feet. Never again, I must run weird is all I can figure.
  • RunsWithBees
    RunsWithBees Posts: 1,508 Member
    _RNR_ wrote: »
    In for the best shoes to wear for barefoot running.

    These are my Xero sandals I use when conditions aren't optimal for going completely barefoot. 4mm flexible sole and this is my own customized tying style. This is my favorite pair and have about 3,000 miles on them! (yes that's 3,000!!! They are guaranteed up to 5,000 miles by Xero)
    ccmjtelrj2mr.jpg
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,024 Member
    Only place I run barefoot is on the sand at the beach. I've ran in minimalist shoes and Vibrams. But I don't find it any more advantageous than running shoes. Lifting weights however, different story.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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