Barefoot running shoes?

longhop
longhop Posts: 35
edited September 27 in Fitness and Exercise
I'm in need of some new running trainers, i have heard of these bare foot runnning shoes, such as the five finger bikila etc. Does anyone use these type of trainers that could review them for me?
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Replies

  • craftylatvian
    craftylatvian Posts: 599 Member
    I don't have a pair yet, but was looking at purchasing the Reebok Reelflex shoes. They are a minimalist shoe. Barefoot running takes a long time to get used to, and I have been doing some foot-strengthening exercises to prepare myself. I found that when I run, I do a mid-foot strike and maybe that is why I am having issues with my legs since I am not wearing the correct shoes. I also bought a book called Chi Running to change my form.
  • forthefab5
    forthefab5 Posts: 187 Member
    Hi - I have Five Finger Bikila LS's and I love them to death. I've had them for a few months but have not been training as often as I was in my previous shoes so my mileage is not very high in them yet. One thing to note, you have to build up slowly in them. The first time you wear them for a run shouldn't be too long and keep an eye on your pace. You'll feel muscle usage where you hadn't previously. It will be awhile before your feet and legs are strong enough to withstand running in them full time.

    On another note, I was plagued by injuries - shin splints, plantar fascitis, etc with my old runners but have not had them return since I bought my Vibrams :) I think I used to be a mid-foot striker but now notice that I'm striking more to my forefoot these days.

    Hope that helps!
  • SpaceMarkus
    SpaceMarkus Posts: 651
    I have the Vibram 5-Finger KSO and love them! I just ran a 5k a few weeks ago and felt great. They do take about a month to really get used to, and you need to retrain yourself how to run and walk. Once you do, you're unstoppable!

    I did a review of the shoes I have here:

    http://zmanfitness.com/vibrams-or-how-i-learned-to-run-naked

    http://zmanfitness.com/first-5k-in-the-5-fingers
  • libstr
    libstr Posts: 36 Member
    Ive been reading about barefoot running/chi running and my concern was plantar facitis.... I have this and wear orthotics in some of my shoes.

    It comes and goes and when I run my feet ache by the end of several kms.

    I am keen to hear from other people who have found with time their feet/legs improve. I understand the importance of building up time wearing a different style of shoe and infact a new style of running.
  • kaytedawg05
    kaytedawg05 Posts: 209
    heard they are difficult to get used to... several ppl i kno are using them but IDK... not sure i even want to... I just got adida climacool and I really love them.. very light...
  • forthefab5
    forthefab5 Posts: 187 Member
    Ive been reading about barefoot running/chi running and my concern was plantar facitis.... I have this and wear orthotics in some of my shoes.

    Hi - I had this problem with my last shoes - I had a pair of New Balances and I had orthotics in them also. After using my Vibrams for the first week, this was no longer an issue! I think it has something to do with how running barefoot style helps your feet to become stronger. I felt muscle soreness at first but the pain just went away...
  • libstr
    libstr Posts: 36 Member
    Ive been reading about barefoot running/chi running and my concern was plantar facitis.... I have this and wear orthotics in some of my shoes.

    Hi - I had this problem with my last shoes - I had a pair of New Balances and I had orthotics in them also. After using my Vibrams for the first week, this was no longer an issue! I think it has something to do with how running barefoot style helps your feet to become stronger. I felt muscle soreness at first but the pain just went away...

    I wear asics kayanos and the weird thing is that I cant wear my orthotics when i am exersizing.... I wear them in my old asics that i use when im out and about.

    think im going to look seriously at barefooting
  • pjrisher
    pjrisher Posts: 152
    I'm looking to get a pair of barefoot shoes too and I just looked at ****ssportinggoods.com and they have a few options too.
    Do the Vibram users wear socks when running?
  • pjrisher
    pjrisher Posts: 152
    I'm looking to get a pair of barefoot shoes too and I just looked at ****ssportinggoods.com and they have a few options too.
    Do the Vibram users wear socks when running?

    HAHAH.. the popular sporting goods store.
  • libstr
    libstr Posts: 36 Member
    there is toe socks for the five finger shoes.....
  • NeuroticVirgo
    NeuroticVirgo Posts: 3,671 Member
    I have the hardest time finding shoes! My husband and I both bought some of the barefoot running shoes...I took mine back. I liked them, they were comfortable, and I liked running in them. But they were not very good depending on the terrain. I went out in them for a 8 mile walk, and burned my feet because they didn't give enough protection from the hot road. I also had problems when I would walk off the road, even though I got the all terrain ones, I had to constantly stop to pick goat heads etc out. I live in the more rual part of Arizona, so these kinds of problems would annoy me if I had to deal with them every day. So I just took them back. My husband loves his, but he's only worn them on the local track.

    I liked them, but I guess they just didn't work for me because of where I live.
  • Shizzman
    Shizzman Posts: 527 Member
    I have five finger KSOs and I've switched over to wearing Injinji (toe socks) with them. Just to try and watch out for the skin on my feet (from drying out) and to help decrease the stinky-ness of my KSOs
  • forthefab5
    forthefab5 Posts: 187 Member
    I have the Vibram 5-Finger KSO and love them! I just ran a 5k a few weeks ago and felt great. They do take about a month to really get used to, and you need to retrain yourself how to run and walk. Once you do, you're unstoppable!

    I did a review of the shoes I have here:

    http://zmanfitness.com/vibrams-or-how-i-learned-to-run-naked

    http://zmanfitness.com/first-5k-in-the-5-fingers

    Great reviews!
  • jonbobfrog
    jonbobfrog Posts: 294
    As soon as I have a job and can afford a pair, I'm getting some Vibrams!
  • forthefab5
    forthefab5 Posts: 187 Member
    I'm looking to get a pair of barefoot shoes too and I just looked at ****ssportinggoods.com and they have a few options too.
    Do the Vibram users wear socks when running?

    Hi - yes, they're stocking them at more and more places these days - I bought the Bikila LS's because they are specifically for running (although I do use them for other purposes) and because of the laces. I tried on a pair of regular Bikila's and they were a little tight across the top of my foot. It's good to get fitted for them for this reason and also to make sure your toes fit in well :)

    As for the socks, yes, they're called Injinji's (as someone already mentioned). They're a little pricey for socks though so I just wear mine and put them in the wash every so often...
  • Shizzman
    Shizzman Posts: 527 Member
    Btw I just realized last night that I have to retire my first pair...the rubber wore out on one of the toes. So after a while you might want to start inspecting them, granted I had sewed the seam on the top of both of my KSOs so I do tend to use them for as long as I can so far...
  • nikki_zav
    nikki_zav Posts: 320 Member
    I can google...but looking for recommendations from everyone here. What is a good resource for plans on transitioning into barefoot / minimalist shoe running? The more I read, the more I plateau at my current running pace, and the more I desire to be an overall stronger runner to help enhance every other part of my health, the more it just makes sense to do this.

    Thanks for the advise and help!
  • libstr
    libstr Posts: 36 Member
    I spoke to a friend of mine who is training to be a podiatrist and he says that they are really good. I have the plantar facistis and will have to build up my wearing time and he warns me I might get a flare up of my condition until I strengthen m feet and legs.

    now i have to decide one which ones i want... there are 3 vibrams.... a sprint and a KSO one is like a fuller foot and the other has a strap across it..... there is also one that looks like a proper runner with laces but with the toes....

    any thoughts people?? look at ebay!! careful though they are real vibrams
  • newt1975
    newt1975 Posts: 23
    the Bikila LS look very cool and I would be interested in trying them, but I have reservations about buying them. I have a tendency to underpronate on my right foot due to ligament and tendon damage from when I boke my leg....... I do sprain my right ankle occasionally, when I do I can't walk properly for a week and I can't run for about 2-3 weeks......
    Having said that I would probably wear them for walking and other recreational activities.......
  • scottb81
    scottb81 Posts: 2,538 Member
  • forthefab5
    forthefab5 Posts: 187 Member
    I spoke to a friend of mine who is training to be a podiatrist and he says that they are really good. I have the plantar facistis and will have to build up my wearing time and he warns me I might get a flare up of my condition until I strengthen m feet and legs.

    now i have to decide one which ones i want... there are 3 vibrams.... a sprint and a KSO one is like a fuller foot and the other has a strap across it..... there is also one that looks like a proper runner with laces but with the toes....

    any thoughts people?? look at ebay!! careful though they are real vibrams

    I totally agree with building up in them! I am still not 100% there... I can run in them fine for maybe a mile - mile and a half (I took a break in them for awhile because I was training for a race and was certain I couldn't complete it in them) but then walk for a bit then carry on. Your calves will be sore for sure for awhile but not in a painful way, more in a "I used new muscles" way :) With regards to the plantar fascitis, I cannot recommend them enough because I have not had one flare up since I got used to them.

    I have the Bikila LS's which are specifically running shoes with the laces - again, it's because my feet are quite wide and the normal straps felt too tight. However, I use them for everything, walking, yoga, aerobics classes at the gym, even while doing my grocery shopping! Prepare to get a few stares though :)

    Definitely beware of imitations!!! If you have a look at some reputable sporting stores online, you will be able to still get a good price on them.

    Good luck!
  • forthefab5
    forthefab5 Posts: 187 Member
    Btw I just realized last night that I have to retire my first pair...the rubber wore out on one of the toes. So after a while you might want to start inspecting them, granted I had sewed the seam on the top of both of my KSOs so I do tend to use them for as long as I can so far...

    Hmmm.. sounds like a good reason to try out a new style! Lol :)
  • fteale
    fteale Posts: 5,310 Member
    I have just got the vibram bikilas. I haven't tried running in them yet, but looking at them, they have no cushioning at all, they are for off road running. If you are running on pavements or roads, you need proper running shoes. I also have some inov8s, which are also considered barefoot shoes, although they look like normal trainers, but have no cushioning, they are also for offroad, but as long as the on road part of your route is no more than a mile or so, they are fine. Barefoot shoes are for trail running, really, they aren't suitable for road or city running.
  • fteale
    fteale Posts: 5,310 Member
    Another point - my physio says 80% of the running injuries she sees are from people wearing offroad shoes and not running appropriately in them. You have to adapt your running, and you have to start out doing short distances. Your fitness increases a lot faster than your small muscle strength, and barefoot running is all about building up the strength and flexibility in your small calf/ankle/foot muscles and tendons, your posterior tibialis. Those are the muscles that flex your toes and hold your arch up, they get really worked in barefoot shoes, but not at all in cushioned road running shoes, so we aren't used to using them.
  • rybo
    rybo Posts: 5,424 Member
    I have just got the vibram bikilas. I haven't tried running in them yet, but looking at them, they have no cushioning at all, they are for off road running. If you are running on pavements or roads, you need proper running shoes. I also have some inov8s, which are also considered barefoot shoes, although they look like normal trainers, but have no cushioning, they are also for offroad, but as long as the on road part of your route is no more than a mile or so, they are fine. Barefoot shoes are for trail running, really, they aren't suitable for road or city running.

    This really isn't true. While I do use mine both for trails & road running, road running in them is rather enjoyable because its flat and easy to avoid rocks. Pavement isn't any softer than bone dry ground. Your feet/legs are made to cushion your stride if done so properly.
  • fteale
    fteale Posts: 5,310 Member
    I have just got the vibram bikilas. I haven't tried running in them yet, but looking at them, they have no cushioning at all, they are for off road running. If you are running on pavements or roads, you need proper running shoes. I also have some inov8s, which are also considered barefoot shoes, although they look like normal trainers, but have no cushioning, they are also for offroad, but as long as the on road part of your route is no more than a mile or so, they are fine. Barefoot shoes are for trail running, really, they aren't suitable for road or city running.

    This really isn't true. While I do use mine both for trails & road running, road running in them is rather enjoyable because its flat and easy to avoid rocks. Pavement isn't any softer than bone dry ground. Your feet/legs are made to cushion your stride if done so properly.

    But your feet aren't designed to deal with rock hard surfaces. They aren't natural. In the archaeological record, once roads came to be used, and people walked on them rather than on natural surfaces, there was a huge huge huge increase in the instances of heel cysts, which continued until the invention of protective shoes. Sorry, but it just isn't true that we are designed to run on hard surfaces. Naturally there would hardly be any hard surfaces. On dried ground/trails, you have to run more carefully, and last with less force in case of rocks and things that could harm your feet. If you don't have that caveat, and are running on a hard flat surface you are infinitely more prone to injury. Maybe not immediately, but you are very likely to get foot problems in the future.
  • Barneystinson
    Barneystinson Posts: 1,357 Member
    I have VFFs and have built myself up to walking and hiking pretty long distances in them over the past two years. During my foray into long distance running a few months ago I wore Nike+ Freeruns and had luck with them as they have a little more support for running primarily hard, paved surfaces.

    Keep in mind that some of us may adjust more quickly to minimalist footwear if we've spent a lot of time barefoot outdoors in our life. I grew up hating shoes, and my feet are strong and essentially used to being outside without cover.

    Your walk/run gait changes with minimalist footwear, your heels taking less of a hit.
  • JDMPWR
    JDMPWR Posts: 1,863 Member
    I have just got the vibram bikilas. I haven't tried running in them yet, but looking at them, they have no cushioning at all, they are for off road running. If you are running on pavements or roads, you need proper running shoes. I also have some inov8s, which are also considered barefoot shoes, although they look like normal trainers, but have no cushioning, they are also for offroad, but as long as the on road part of your route is no more than a mile or so, they are fine. Barefoot shoes are for trail running, really, they aren't suitable for road or city running.

    This really isn't true. While I do use mine both for trails & road running, road running in them is rather enjoyable because its flat and easy to avoid rocks. Pavement isn't any softer than bone dry ground. Your feet/legs are made to cushion your stride if done so properly.

    Agreed. I have run with mine on a treadmill as well as basic sidewalks. It takes time for your legs and feet to get accustomed to them but they are made for this time of training. As so many have said, we were created to run barefoot but now our bodies are conditioned to run with shoes on.
  • JDMPWR
    JDMPWR Posts: 1,863 Member
    I have VFFs and have built myself up to walking and hiking pretty long distances in them over the past two years. During my foray into long distance running a few months ago I wore Nike+ Freeruns and had luck with them as they have a little more support for running primarily hard, paved surfaces.

    Keep in mind that some of us may adjust more quickly to minimalist footwear if we've spent a lot of time barefoot outdoors in our life. I grew up hating shoes, and my feet are strong and essentially used to being outside without cover.

    Your walk/run gait changes with minimalist footwear, your heels taking less of a hit.

    I also run in my Free Run +2 but a few shops and people have said they are not made for long distance pavement running. Longest I have ran in them is a few miles so I will test them on a 5 miler one day.
  • brityn
    brityn Posts: 443 Member
    I have vibram five fingers that I have to run in at least once a week to keep my heel/arch pain at bay. I ran a 1/2 marathon a few months ago and started getting really bad, tightness in my heel/arch area. My uncle (25 time marathoners) suggested I try barefoot running. It's been three months now and I havent had ANY pain. I didn't think it would work this well but it did
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