barefoot running

MellowGa

also known as Chi-running..

watched the video and going to try this out, I have poor form an trying to run healthy and better for myself.

Interesting video amazing how fast he can run barefoot on the open road

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSIDRHUWlVo&feature=player_embedded

Advaya

Thats a really cool video. I'm going to watch it again tomorrow when I'm more awake. I'd love to run barefoot. I've actually been eyeing some 5-fingers for a while.

zebisis

Please look at the Merrel barefoot shoes.

I have the "Pace Glove", and they are FULL OF WIN. Cool color selection, as well.

I wear them all the time.

I got the toe socks as well to go with them (3 pairs, $30... the most I have spent on socks, ever). http://www.zappos.com/injinji-performance-lightweight-3-pair-pack-fresh-green I was disappointed with those, though. They really hurt in between my toes.

LOVE the Merrel's though. I don't know how I ever wore any other shoe!

birdieaz

Please look at the Merrel barefoot shoes.

I have the "Pace Glove", and they are FULL OF WIN. Cool color selection, as well.

I wear them all the time.

I got the toe socks as well to go with them (3 pairs, $30... the most I have spent on socks, ever). http://www.zappos.com/injinji-performance-lightweight-3-pair-pack-fresh-green I was disappointed with those, though. They really hurt in between my toes.

LOVE the Merrel's though. I don't know how I ever wore any other shoe!

I'm so glad to hear someone give a thumbs up to Merrel. I ordered a pair of the Merrel Dash Gloves on Sunday and can't wait to try them out.

AnnyaSB

I am also a 5 finger shoe runner - what an amazing difference! I have tried barefoot, but I live in the middle of nowhere with a lot of sharp stones, thorns, old bits of barbed wire and other potential hazards around and found that I often came home cut and bleeding so I compromise and run in 5 fingers instead.

Like Zebisis, I also dislike the toe socks so I just slip on my shoes and go. No worries thus far :happy:

witchy_wife

I sometimes walk bare foot on my treadmill as I seem to have such problems finding comfy trainers. I've heard really good things about barefoot running, would be interested to hear some more experiences of it.

Yogi_Carl

Please look at the Merrel barefoot shoes.

I have the "Pace Glove", and they are FULL OF WIN. Cool color selection, as well.

I wear them all the time.

I got the toe socks as well to go with them (3 pairs, $30... the most I have spent on socks, ever). http://www.zappos.com/injinji-performance-lightweight-3-pair-pack-fresh-green I was disappointed with those, though. They really hurt in between my toes.


LOVE the Merrel's though. I don't know how I ever wore any other shoe!

I'm so glad to hear someone give a thumbs up to Merrel. I ordered a pair of the Merrel Dash Gloves on Sunday and can't wait to try them out.

OR - you could just run barefoot!

Recommended is to start barefoot running slowly, easily and land lightly and increase your distance or time gradually. you only ever really need foot gloves if you are running over rough terrain - granite chips and the like.

If you start by using barefoot running shoes you will never really know the freedom of barefoot running.

macdiver

Not to call any one out but how come when someone says I want to run barefoot people start recommending shoes. Barefoot means skin to ground. Even minimum shoes are shoes and provide reduced feedback from the ground. There are times when shoes are a good idea.

Back to the point. Are you a new runner? Either way you have to start with low milage. I started by walking barefoot. Then I ran an 1/8 of a mile barefoot and walked the remaining mile. Every time I went out i Increased the milage IF I did not have any soreness from the previous run. I slowly built up to a 5k. That was 3 years ago. I am now training to run a marathon barefoot.

Chi running is one type of running method. Pose is another. Before spending money on these methods I recommend getting out and running barefoot. Your feet will provide the feedback to correct your form. In other words, if it hurts or you get blisters then you are doing something wrong but your body will correct itself.

Yogi_Carl

^^^ exactly and above all - enjoy it. If it becomes painful, your body is trying to tell you something - listen and adapt.

TylerJ76

You barefoot runners are just silly.

Yogi_Carl

Probably :flowerforyou:

Sabine_Stroehm

I try to incorporate some barefoot running into my week. Some days I'll run to my local track (in my minimalist shoes) then run barefoot around the track for a mile or two. Some days, when I'm in a pinch (today) I'll run in socks on the treadmill for a few miles and then put my minimals on and run a couple more miles.
I love it.
On mornings where I feel achy, or just not quite right a few barefoot laps and all my aches and pains seem to fade away.

cadensmommy73003

I didn't realize barefoot running was a true "has a name" type exercise. I have always enjoyed walking for exercise barefoot and find that shoes of any kind are a hindrance, causing my feet and legs to hurt. I've heard so many times that the reason I have a wide foot is because I always refused wearing shoes as a child and as an adult they come off as soon as I walk in the door. Also, have been told numerous times that a good arch supporting shoes is needed when walking for exercise. Glad to know I'm not a total freak...lol.

Dudagarcia

Bump

JustJennie1

I don't truly run barefoot because I live on a dirt, rocky road so that would be really ouchy!

I do, however, have the vibram five finger shoes and I occasionally wear them when I run on the treadmill and I like them. I've run in them outside twice -- once on said road above and that was not comfortable and another time on the tar -- and didn't have any issues with them.

While I understand that barefoot running and the "barefoot shoe" is different I'm not sure I'd be ok running truly barefoot outside. Too many hazards -- rocks, glass, etc -- and I'd hate to be two to three miles out and have something happen to my foot and have to limp back home. With that said I do give props to those people who truly run barefoot. Maybe I'll try it on the treadmill at home once just to see what it's like.