I want to start running minimum/barefoot

There isn't actually that much of that stuff in my area but I often run in the dark and all it takes is running through one patch of broken glass. And I've seen a few used condoms on the side of the road (not where I live now but I just moved a couple weeks ago) and on the running trail and the thought of stepping on one in the dark barefoot disgusts me.

I would leave those shoes in the store, especially if you're a serious runner. Unfortunately, nobody listens to me, but that's okay. Just post pictures of those two horror shows that you call feet after running in them for a few weeks. I like scary pictures.

just remember, any shoe that binds your foot and toes is counterproductive to barefoot running, your toes and foot should spread out naturally as a shock absorber and a your arch should begin to work how nature intended. minimalist shoes do not allow for this, they did help me to not heel strike first, and allowed me to "kind of" feel the ground but it was very reminiscent of traditional running shoes with 1/4th of the weight

I walk/jog on my treadmill barefoot. I like that I don't have to wear shoes or socks and that I can clorox wipe the belt any time I see fit. I haven't had any foot problems other than the odd blister if I don't do it for a few days and then try to jump right back in at the speed I left off at. The treadmill belt can get hot at higher speeds, so sometimes I'll reluctantly put on socks if my feet start feeling toasty.

I got a part of minimalist Merrell shoes for outside, but the first two times I wore them it really cut into my heel yet was loose under the ball of my foot... blisters followed. If I try minimalist shoes again, I'd likely go to a store instead of just ordering from online based on the sizing charts. I will likely never bother to try Vibrams. I can't stand stuff between my toes.

For as long as I can remember, I've gone barefoot at every opportunity, so there wasn't really an adjustment for me. When I do wear "shoes" it's usually sandals or flip flops that I kick off as soon as I can (like under my desk at work). However, I did a 10K with my dad and wore a pair of regular sneakers because I didn't have a pair of good minimalist ones for the road, and it completely threw me off. I couldn't help but take bigger steps and heel strike when in "normal" shoes. I enjoyed the 10k but the change in my foot strike drove me a little nuts. It just felt wrong and awkward. I'm seriously considering getting a huarache sandal kit so that I can just cut a sole to my own foot and then lace it up for minimalist outdoor use.

I have read Born to Run. It's a fun read and informative too. It really made me think about human movement differently. My mom now struggles with plantars fasciitis and I wonder if it's because she is always in very supportive, cushioned shoes at work and at home. Her job keeps her on her feet almost all day (nursing) so if heel striking and shoes are an issue, I can see how it would have affected her. I've run the idea past my folks but I don't think they buy the whole barefoot is better notion at this time. They think I'm a little crazy for going barefoot on my treadmill at home too.

Oddly enough, I remember how hard it was to learn to walk heel-to-toe in the first place. You see, when I was a kid, I had a somewhat rare childhood hip disorder and thus had to wear a leg brace for quite some time. The brace caused me to wear out shoes very fast because I would end up walking on the side of them (and would thus wear out the fabric where it connects to the sole). Naturally, my parents would buy me those super cheap, thin sole, white canvas Keds with the blue label on the back of the heel. You know, the kind where you can feel the pebbles under your shoe when standing on a gravel road. If I was going to wear out my shoes supper fast, why spend money on better shoes?

Anyway, when the brace came off (2nd? grade) the doctor and my parents were delighted at my recovery, but insisted that I walked and ran "wrong" because I consistently landed on the balls of my feet instead of on my heels. I have very clear memories of me getting annoyed at my dad chanting "heel, heel..." anytime he noticed my "incorrect" locomotion. It wasn't until they "upgraded" my footwear to "normal" tennis shoes that I finally got the hang of a heel first strike.

While I did get the hang of a heel-strike in cushioned tennis shoes, I went shoeless whenever possible, even if it meant getting fussed at for my dirty calloused bare feet when I'd be spotted fetching the mail or something. These days it's my husband who makes faces at my perpetually dirty feet and at the mani-pedi before my wedding I think the manicurist was a bit amazed by my callouses. Interestingly, my husband consistently walks on the balls of his feet even though he is almost always in shoes. When I read Born to Run and saw Professor Lieberman's videos online, that pretty much confirmed to me that I wasn't crazy. I bought a treadmill so that I could walk and run barefoot at home.

Hm... maybe I need to find another pair of dirt cheep canvas Keds for my next 10k.

I also have the trail gloves that I absolutely love. I have an extremely high arch. I have never found a pair of shoes that fit quite right even when I paid for the tests to find ones that best fit you. Since getting the Merrills I haven't had an issue with my arches hurting while I run. They form to my feet which makes the support perfect! Please keep in mind that the form of running is different so it is suggested you train into these type of shoes. Happy Shoe Hunting!!!

BUMP... my arch is high too, and I was curious about these types of shoes.

I also have a very high arch. I'm not experiencing any arch problems since switching to minimalist shoes.

Oh, and here is a cool barefoot fact:


Did you know kids are born with flat feet? They have more bones in their feet than adults do too. The bones fuse together as the kids grow, so that over time the feet become arched. The muscles that develop as kids learn to walk help to pull the foot into the arched shape as the bones fuse together. That's why most modern pediatricians recommend kids wear soft soled shoes until they learn to walk. That's also why about 10% of the population (including me) have more bones in our feet than the rest of society. Apparently some of our feet don't get completely fused together before we stop growing. Most people with extra foot bones have no clue they have extras.