Vibram/Newton/Barefoot Running support

I have been intrigued by bare foot running for the past few months. I don't have any lingering runner injuries and my stride doesn't feel like I am going to need too much adjustment. I just picked up a pair of KSO's less than a week ago. Been wearing them just walking around and they feel great. Took a couple 100 yard or so runs in them just to see how it feels. I like them. As i get more time I will properly transition over and see how things go.

I have been intrigued by bare foot running for the past few months. I don't have any lingering runner injuries and my stride doesn't feel like I am going to need too much adjustment. I just picked up a pair of KSO's less than a week ago. Been wearing them just walking around and they feel great. Took a couple 100 yard or so runs in them just to see how it feels. I like them. As i get more time I will properly transition over and see how things go.

My barefoot stride was pretty good, even when I started, but as the miles go by, I can still feel my stride evolving. I especially feel it when I start running or accelerate - instead of pumping my legs harder, I simply "lean into my run" more. I have my footstrikes up into the 170 range now (180 supposed to be optimal), and better yet, never feel like my legs or feet are holding me back when running. Of course, I wish I could say the same for my lungs!

Yeah. I'm not going to run today. I originally thought "I'll just do five minutes 3 times this week and see how it feels." Well, after the first day my heel pain was pretty much GONE and I just wanted to do it again! And then, I wanted to go longer! Same with yesterday. I need to really remind myself to ease into it. Never imagined getting to the point of having to STOP myself from going out for a run! :laugh:

I think a good move. From reading the runningworld and birthdayshoes forums, it seems as though the #1 mistake made by people getting into barefoot running is "Too Much Too Soon" (TMTS). It seems as though almost all the members there had to backtrack their progress once or twice because of their over-enthusiasm . . .

This weekend, I was playing pickup basketball with some guys at the gym and I was asked about my shoes (the TP EVOs). They thought they were some specialty sprinting shoes because I was the "fast guy" at the gym.

I had to take it as a compliment, not only because I haven't been the "fast guy" for 25 years, but also because the guys I am playing with are 10-20 years younger than me. I'm quite happy to have mobility restored, thanks in good part to leaving traditional footwear behind!

Now if only I could convince the gym to let me play barefoot, the kids would be very impressed.

I've always run this way, in high school people used to comment on how "weird" I ran. Once I started running again this summer, I picked up some Newtons and they are so nice. I still run the same way in regular running shoes, but the Newtons are far superior to it. Are there any alternatives to the Virbrams that have the foot mold feel? I'd like to try them out once my Newtons are worn out, but I've read that they pretty much won't work for me because of my toes (my 2nd toe is quite a bit longer than my big toe).

I've always run this way, in high school people used to comment on how "weird" I ran. Once I started running again this summer, I picked up some Newtons and they are so nice. I still run the same way in regular running shoes, but the Newtons are far superior to it. Are there any alternatives to the Virbrams that have the foot mold feel? I'd like to try them out once my Newtons are worn out, but I've read that they pretty much won't work for me because of my toes (my 2nd toe is quite a bit longer than my big toe).

They are the only ones with the molded toes but there are a few "normal" looking shoes that are just as minimalist. I have been using Asics Gel Hyperspeeds. They don't have any arch support or cushion. I feel every rock and pebble (and cactus thorn).

Anyone tried out the Nike Free? Ever heard about the Skora ?

Just curious.

Here is a running times article about barefoot running that is interesting.

http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=19196

I have both the 5F and the Nike Frees and I love both of them! The Frees are so comfortable I could wear them every where! I wear themt o loft weight and to to bootcamp in them! I am just not used to the 5F yet and my orthopedic told me to hold off a while and I will start using them next week when I start training again. I am going to use the C25K program to get used to them.
The frees are great though but they do get gravel caught up in them really easy!