Barefoot Running??

erinkate82
erinkate82 Posts: 53
edited September 21 in Fitness and Exercise
I have a persistent, annoying knee injury from my “Track Star” days in High School. I love to run so as soon as it starts to feel better I start running again – aggravating it even more…

I bought better running shoes and have been wearing my knee brace but I can only get to 1.5 – 2 miles before it starts to bother me.

I have seen videos and read articles about the benefits of Barefoot Running and want to know if anyone has tried this and what their experience has been.

Thanks!!

Replies

  • thedreamhazer
    thedreamhazer Posts: 1,156 Member
    I did try barefoot running and, honestly, it did NOT work for me. I can run much better in good running shoes, and my knees feel a lot better. It's really hard to run light in barefeet.

    If you do want to try it, I suggest you get the fancy 'barefoot' running shoes--it's like running barefoot, but with extra protecting. But, overall, I have to say it just didn't work for me.

    (I did not read up on it or speak to anyone before trying -- I just gave it a go. Having a proper plan and being well-informed can make all the difference, I'm sure!)
  • aymetcalf
    aymetcalf Posts: 597 Member
    I personally haven't tried it... but a good friend of mine starting running in Vibram's and he loves them. He said it has alleviated his joint pain. If you can afford them, I suggest trying it out. I hope to get a pair soon. :flowerforyou:
  • July24Lioness
    July24Lioness Posts: 2,399 Member
    I have Vibram FiveFingers that I walk and hike in and I am learning to jog in them now. I can feel how it is strengthening my feet, ankles and calves. Also is lengthening my calve muscles too.
  • maddox22
    maddox22 Posts: 91
    The most important thing for barefoot running is to GO SLOW. I do not run barefoot myself, but know some people who do and have read a lot of forums at Runner's World about it (there are folks over there who have been doing it for years or decades). Everyone I know who has been successful at it emphasizes that you have to start really slow. Even slower than that. As in, the first step is just walking around barefoot a few hours a day. Then you run for 30-45 seconds. Etc.

    I would recommend going to a doctor (preferably a podiatrist or other specialist in bones/joints/your specific injury) and getting some professional advice before trying it. There are certain kinds of injuries that you really shouldn't run barefoot with.

    It sounds like you might also just be taking it too fast on your injury. A consult with a physical therapist is probably a good idea if it's possible.

    If you're interested in getting advice from people with a lot of barefooting experience, I'd recommend going to runnersworld.com and checking out the Barefoot Running forum there. They have a lot of good resources.
  • TropicalKitty
    TropicalKitty Posts: 2,298 Member
    I haven't tried it, but I've been curious what people actually have to say about it. From what I've read it takes a lot of retraining since you aren't supposed to land with your heel first like you do in typical running shoes. You use your muscles differently, so you have to build up the endurance of the different style. I've also read that the force on your legs is much less because of the change in how your foot lands. All of those differences can be very off putting. I've naturally wanted to run on my toes and when I kept getting told that I was doing it wrong (which I was/am in traditional shoes) I gave up because the force is too much on my legs and knees. Like you I've wondered if the barefoot running might be better.

    Well, the Vibram 5 fingers are pretty stylish hehe
  • sherrie8929
    sherrie8929 Posts: 38 Member
    I second the VFFs :)
  • vineas
    vineas Posts: 84
    When I recently started running again, that's what I'm doing - though I didn't want to get the goofy looking vibrams, I picked up a pair of Newtons that are made to work in the barefoot running style (just with shoes that look normal unless you look close). This wasn't a change for me because I haven't run in many, many years - but when I used to it was during my karate classes and we were always barefoot. When I ran in high school with shoes, I would run the same way and people always commented about how weird I ran.

    Anyway, when I started running this year, I was a bit worried because I have plantar fasciitis and I broke my ankle a few years ago which gives me problems even walking sometimes. Running in this style hasn't affected either at all - the only soreness I have after running are my calves if I push it too hard or don't stretch. No foot or joint pain at all. I'd definitely recommend it.

    I have read that people who are used to running in the regular style have a very hard time adjusting, it can take several months, and you must go significantly slower than you're used to.
  • TnTHawkins
    TnTHawkins Posts: 285 Member
    I have read a lot about it and finished reading "Born to Run". I'm currently just running on a treadmill with thin water shoes (Acadamy Sports for $5) at a 3% incline. I'm on a list to get the Vibram FiveFingers Men's Bikila Running Shoe.

    I have not yet run outside in them yet and shill wear my New Balance for my distance runs. I have to say since changing my stride and running on more of my fore foot, that my knee's don't hurt. I was able to run 3 miles last night at 10:25 avg per mile.
  • runtothefinish
    runtothefinish Posts: 7
    i've actually posted about this a few times on my blog and gotten some pretty amazing feedback. I do believe in barefoot running, but you have to make the transition gradually too or you will hurt yourself even more.

    A couple things to consider...maybe try a shoe like Somnio which is more custom and helps with some alignment issues... have you taken a look at your running form to see if that may be causing issues?

    Amanda
    RunToTheFinish.blogspot.com
  • July24Lioness
    July24Lioness Posts: 2,399 Member
    When I recently started running again, that's what I'm doing - though I didn't want to get the goofy looking vibrams, I picked up a pair of Newtons that are made to work in the barefoot running style (just with shoes that look normal unless you look close). This wasn't a change for me because I haven't run in many, many years - but when I used to it was during my karate classes and we were always barefoot. When I ran in high school with shoes, I would run the same way and people always commented about how weird I ran.

    Anyway, when I started running this year, I was a bit worried because I have plantar fasciitis and I broke my ankle a few years ago which gives me problems even walking sometimes. Running in this style hasn't affected either at all - the only soreness I have after running are my calves if I push it too hard or don't stretch. No foot or joint pain at all. I'd definitely recommend it.

    I have read that people who are used to running in the regular style have a very hard time adjusting, it can take several months, and you must go significantly slower than you're used to.

    Ha ha..............don't know the vibram five fingers until you try them. They are uber comfortable!!! I have one pair I use for yoga and Tai Chi class and another pair I wear for hiking, walking and now trying to start jogging in them a bit.
  • vineas
    vineas Posts: 84
    Ha ha..............don't know the vibram five fingers until you try them. They are uber comfortable!!! I have one pair I use for yoga and Tai Chi class and another pair I wear for hiking, walking and now trying to start jogging in them a bit.

    I'm sure they feel great ... but they are still a bit goofy looking :)

    Once my Newtons wear out, I'm going to take a look at them, but I don't think I'll be able to wear them anyway because I'm one of the odd ones where my 2nd toe is longer than my big toe (from what I've read that pretty much puts me out of using a Vibram). I'll try them out at a local shop though.
  • JustBeckyV
    JustBeckyV Posts: 182
    I have read about it and there is a girl where I run that does it. She seems to do great - IDK if it would work for me. I have pretty sensative feet.
  • leavinglasvegas
    leavinglasvegas Posts: 1,495
    When I recently started running again, that's what I'm doing - though I didn't want to get the goofy looking vibrams, I picked up a pair of Newtons that are made to work in the barefoot running style (just with shoes that look normal unless you look close). This wasn't a change for me because I haven't run in many, many years - but when I used to it was during my karate classes and we were always barefoot. When I ran in high school with shoes, I would run the same way and people always commented about how weird I ran.

    Anyway, when I started running this year, I was a bit worried because I have plantar fasciitis and I broke my ankle a few years ago which gives me problems even walking sometimes. Running in this style hasn't affected either at all - the only soreness I have after running are my calves if I push it too hard or don't stretch. No foot or joint pain at all. I'd definitely recommend it.

    I have read that people who are used to running in the regular style have a very hard time adjusting, it can take several months, and you must go significantly slower than you're used to.

    I have plantars fasciitis as well. I spent a session with an exercise physiologist so that I could ease into working out without hurting myself. (I have had numerous injuries other that PF) Anyway, he recommended that I go barefoot. I do everything barefoot now and I have no problems. I don't get sore knees, lower back pain, and my sciatica seems to be acting up ALOT less! If it were socially acceptable, I'd go barefoot everywhere! (Well, I still love shoe shopping, lol)
  • aippolito1
    aippolito1 Posts: 4,894 Member
    I'm sure they feel great ... but they are still a bit goofy looking :)

    Once my Newtons wear out, I'm going to take a look at them, but I don't think I'll be able to wear them anyway because I'm one of the odd ones where my 2nd toe is longer than my big toe (from what I've read that pretty much puts me out of using a Vibram). I'll try them out at a local shop though.

    Wow, I didn't even think of that! Both my 2nd & 3rd toes are longer than my big toe. I'm a freak!!! :bigsmile: I guess I'll have to look into one of the other minimalist shoes...Nike Frees, possibly.

    Anyway...I've been following runnersworld.com advice in "easing my way" into it. The first stage is 2 weeks of walking around barefoot as much as possible and yes, you're supposed to be focusing on landing first on the balls of your feet, then the heel, instead of reverse like you would in sneakers or anything else. It took me a few times to get it but now I can do it without thinking about it! The second stage is 2 weeks of running in place barefoot on carpet or a padded surface, so I've been jogging slowly in place on the carpet at home for my 20 minute run after my strength routines. It feels GREAT! I love it. Next stage is a liiiiiiiiiittle bit of running barefoot outside...I think they said no more than 1/4 mile total? Or at a time. Something like that. We'll see how that goes!

    I've noticed already new muscles in my legs from walking barefoot, less knee pain, less likely to get shin splints, my calves and ankles feel AMAZING and so tight when I walk/run and I LOVE it. I just generally feel better. I can jog slowly for a good 20 minutes straight without getting tired or feeling like I even want to stop! I can't wait to get out and actually RUN.
  • leavinglasvegas
    leavinglasvegas Posts: 1,495
    Just looked up the vibram five fingers and I must have them! I've been leary about straying too far from home whilst commando. Now I can veture far :)

    http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/indexNA.cfm
  • July24Lioness
    July24Lioness Posts: 2,399 Member
    Just looked up the vibram five fingers and I must have them! I've been leary about straying too far from home whilst commando. Now I can veture far :)

    http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/indexNA.cfm

    I love them!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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