Insanity--Shoes?

abbyrae1

So I did my first insanity last night and I noticed that my feet were getting really sore about half way through. So I ditched the shoes and finished the workout barefoot without any pain. This worked for last night but I feel like continuing the program barefoot is going to be a bad idea. Any suggestions on what type of shoes to get? I was using my running shoes (that were fitted to my gait).

BflSaberfan

I've been doing it barefoot. I cannot find the right shoes to do it in, my feet some to cramp up.

abbyrae1

do they still cramp when you are barefoot? I only have done the fit test (day 1) so I dont' really know exactly whats in store, so I wanted to have the right shoes if necessary but if it can be done barefoot, i'm good with that too

ScottyBeBop

I just started myself but it seems myself and alot of people use Reebok Zigs (Trainer version not Running) or the real flex transitions. I am trying to force myself to use a more minimalist style like my Inov-8 195's or 230's (awesome if you like that not even their feeling) but i am a little worried about the shock absorption not being as good. Any cross trainer that is geared toward lateral support will do the trick. Lots of people use basketball sneakers just because of the lateral support factor.

jrompola

I do them barefoot. The only time I feel like I could do better in shoes would be the burpees

BigDougie1211

I use basketball boots. Have had a lot of very bad ankle injuries, so I appreciate the extra support. But I did get the foot pain early on in the program. Loosened the laces a little and have been fine since week one.

ScottyBeBop

Yeah i have that foot pain right now. Body is def not use to all the jumping yet.

patrickblo13

I wouldn't suggest going barefoot through the entire program. My guess it would begin to cause pain. Buy yourself a good pair of cross-trainers. I started with running shoes and it just wasn't cutting it.

lindsyrox

I do workout videos in my vibram five fingers. They give the barefoot feel with the added bit of protection and traction for doing things like burpees.

whitleynoel

I use my running shoes and have never had a problem, how old are your shoes? General rule would be 300-600 miles or 6 months.

quiksylver296

I did the plymetric cardio circuit yesterday without shoes, and I won't do that again. My feet felt like there were cuts on the bottoms of my soles. Someone said get cross trainers or basketball shoes for Insanity, not running shoes so you will have more support on the sides of your feet.

nrf111

I had ankle issues so I got some basketball high tops and they seem to be working pretty well. Also, the first week of Insanity hurts no matter what you do! It takes a bit to adjust. I couldn't walk well for two days after my first plyo cardio workout because my calves were on fire!

ECatherineS

I've done half of INSANTIY before (still have yet to complete the damn thing). I have never worn shoe while doing it. Then again, I hate shoes in general. The only time I wear shoes while working out is running, in the gym, or at work. The rest of the time it's optional. haha

njean888

I'm on week 2 but I have done the program before and I use my regular cross trainers. I have never had a problem with this workout and pain in my feet. Pain in the rest of my body is a different story.

t2kburl

I'll put in my vote for Vibram 5 fingers.
I got them during Recovery week & I love them!

rvagnoni

Be careful doing this type of exercise barefoot. It is very hard on the joints. After a while not having the proper footwear to absorb the shock/ impact will take a toll on your feet and knees.

abbyrae1

I use my running shoes and have never had a problem, how old are your shoes? General rule would be 300-600 miles or 6 months.

Running shoes only have about 150 miles on them.

I have used them for regular strength training before without a problem, however that doesn't have the same intensity.

P90XBowler

Vibram Five FIngers, I can't recommend them enough!

Prasanp

Adipure 5 fingers - transformed my Plyo and Insanity routines.

VorJoshigan

I would think that high heeled shoes would drive anybody insane. That's what we're talking about right?

CandyFeinberg

I wear Reebok RealFlex Transitions for Insanity and I love them. They work for me but everyone's foot is different.

58Rock

Did the entire two months wearing my Vibrams. Really helps with stregthening the ankles and foot.

6550mom

I wear Asics gel cross-trainers. I broke the outside of my left foot a few years ago and have a neuroma on my right foot. Both feet would cramp and be sore for the first 2 weeks, but are much better now.

JustJennie1

Vibram Five FIngers, I can't recommend them enough!

I used those a few times with no issues. I also had bought a pair of light running shoes to wear and they seemed to work.

OMG_Twinkies

I had a LOT of arch pain and did a little research. There are entire boards dedicated to this subject on the Beachbody website, because most people try to do the workouts in running shoes instead of the intended cross trainers, and it can be painful. Your arches also affect the workout- I have high arches and I haven't found cross trainers that help with that pain, so I work out barefoot. The most important thing is to make sure you land softly and take care of your joints, because without shoes to absorb some of the shock, some people will let their joints take over that job. Just be conscious of your form and your joints, and you'll be ok I'm sure.

JHarr454

I do Insanity and Kettlebell in either Merrill Barefoot shoes or Vibram Five Fingers. I like the feel of barefoot with the protection of a shoe. I'm in love with the Merrill's. They're comfortable and flat (zero rise), and they're a lot easier to get on and off than my Vibrams.

ahviendha

nevermind!

whitleynoel

I use my running shoes and have never had a problem, how old are your shoes? General rule would be 300-600 miles or 6 months.

Running shoes only have about 150 miles on them.

I have used them for regular strength training before without a problem, however that doesn't have the same intensity.

I have been using Underarmor flex with insoles. They work great I have had no problems with Insanity, running or lifting with them!

FammaMel

I think it all depends on what is comfortable to you and the conditions in which you are completing the program. I would have loved to do it barefoot; however, I completed the program in my basement on cement floors therefore wore my running sneakers. Everyone is different.

pa_jorg

I seriously strained the arch in my foot doing Insanity because I tried it with my regular sneakers, then barefoot, then with new sneakers, etc... Make sure to get cross-trainers or a good pair of supportive insoles for your regular sneakers and start slow. Any sign of pain and take some rest days or figure out new shoes.

t2kburl

You should not rely on shoes to absorb impact/shock. Use proper form to land softly and protect your joints regardless of your choice of footwear.