Barefoot Runners

I use the shoes and i love them. They feel so good on my feet. I did not by the expensive ones but i fould some that were 50 dollars and they work great for me. I wear them a lot to just walk around in.

I have a pair of Vibrams and i love them! I run with them 3 time a week..and wear them as my everyday shoes! I absolutely love them.

I have vibrams and they are great -- but you guys know they aren't really "shoes" per se right? Its all up to your own feet -- all they really do is protect your feet from scrapes/pokey stuff on the ground and give you some extra traction.

I have the VFF's. I really like them.
Some people have recommended getting cheap "water socks" to try out first if you don't want to shell out for the VFF's.

Just remember if you are going to run in them start out slow! BUild up over time. And by slow, I mean short distance. You actual pace is whatever speed you run at, but keep your distances very short at first.

I recently got vibrams and would definitly recommend them! Like jrr said, start out slow/short distances. I did a little research on training for barefoot running and they say to start with 1/4 a mile to a mile for the first week and up your distance by about 10 percent a week after that. I found that I run faster in them because of my foot strike but because of that I get tired sooner so about 1/2 a mile is all I can do before I start walking some. I'd say they are well worth the investment it just takes effort to retrain your body.

Just remember if you are going to run in them start out slow! BUild up over time. And by slow, I mean short distance. You actual pace is whatever speed you run at, but keep your distances very short at first.

you will also have to "build up over time" if you're striking with your forefoot, if you don't currently run this way, even in running shoes. I had to start with "intervals" of toe striking, my calves took a while to adjust

I use New Balance Minimus. I love them. I started with NIke Frees and when they kept wearing out too quickly I found a great article by Eric Cressey. He is a trainer and tried a bunch of different shoes and thought the Minimus was the best all around for the gym and running. Also, I read the Pose Method of Running and that helped. You definitely have to build up. Your calves are gonna feel it in the beginning.

In my honest opinion, (someone please correct me if you disagree or are learned on the subject), you can get all the benefits of barefoot running in your sneaks, if you strike with your forefoot ("ball" of your foot). Do some reading with how barefoot runners actually toe strike and push off, using their ankle as a shock absorber. I don't know if you know horses, but it's like the fetlock joint, watch how it bobs up and down when they walk, it's cushioning 800-1500lbs of weight.

striking with your forefoot/toes will strengthen your tendons and ligaments through your legs, and work your calves. I wonder if our bodies weren't designed to work this way instead of heel-striking. Shoe manufacturers have done runners a disservice by making us think we ought to be pounding the ground with our heels. :noway:

you are correct.....for me the Vibrams make it so I don't have to think so hard about the foot strike plus I LOVE to be barefoot and they are pretty close to being barefoot. The only thing that i'm not sure about with just changing your foot strike in regular sneeks is the support? I don't know if having the extra arch support in there makes a difference....my uncle was raised in Hawaii and never wore shoes so he naturally has that foot strike even in sneeks. He said that he hardly tightens his running shoes because he likes to be able to move around (up and down) in them.

I have a pair of VFF and Merrell Pace Gloves, and I love them both. The VFF are much more of a "true barefoot experience", so I found myself really watching the ground when I ran in them to avoid stepping on stones and twigs on the path. The Merrel Pace Glove has a slightly thicker sole, but still has great flexibility and is incredibly light. They have been my preferred shoe for running lately because I can wear socks with them (it's starting to get cold), and I don't spend my entire run looking at the ground. Also, since they look like regular shoes I find myself wearing them casually as well as for running. They're both great shoes, so you can't go wrong!

Definitely start barefoot running slowly! It will probably take several months to work up to the distances you're used to running in sneakers.

I have Terra Plana Barefoot Vivo which I like for under 7 mile runs, I wear Nike Free for anything more than 7 miles. I'd suggest reading the book Barefoot Running before you just buy a pair and head out the door. Do your research, it isn't for everyone. I also read chirunning to use in combo with the barefoot running. I was a brand new runner and knew no different I'm not sure how hard it would be to change up if already set in your ways. I chose it because it simply came down to I hate shoes, hate the feel of tennis shoes too heavy on my feet. I worked for a DPM for years and am picky about shoes and those that "correct" the gait too. It was a choice I made that works for me.

In my honest opinion, (someone please correct me if you disagree or are learned on the subject), you can get all the benefits of barefoot running in your sneaks, if you strike with your forefoot ("ball" of your foot). Do some reading with how barefoot runners actually toe strike and push off, using their ankle as a shock absorber. I don't know if you know horses, but it's like the fetlock joint, watch how it bobs up and down when they walk, it's cushioning 800-1500lbs of weight.

striking with your forefoot/toes will strengthen your tendons and ligaments through your legs, and work your calves. I wonder if our bodies weren't designed to work this way instead of heel-striking. Shoe manufacturers have done runners a disservice by making us think we ought to be pounding the ground with our heels. :noway:

Yes & no.
While forefoot/midfoot striking in regular shoes is good, the problem for most is that because of all the cushioning & suppoort, you can't tell if your foot is striking properly. In "barefoot" shoes, you instantly know. And the addition shoe support and large heel drop distance, doesn't let all the tiny muscles & ligaments strengthen as much either.

yeah you won't get the same foot strength but you will get some benefits. So it depends on what you hope to get out of 'barefoot'ing.

I get a few things:

1) I hate shoes!
2) My feet and ankles are much much stronger from walking barefoot (its not like you ONLY have to run in them) and my toes are much stronger and aren't squished together all the time in the toe of a shoe
3) every time your foot lands wrong you FEEL it - there is no compensation, and you won't do it again.

You could also look into Altra running shoes. They're similar to the VFFs but they don't have the individual toes (they do have a super wide toe box though that allows your toes to spread naturally) and they have a bit of a midsole. They are zero-drop, however, meaning there's no big crash pad under the heel to screw up your footstrike. I haven't tried them yet, but they're on my list.

VFF's are pricey, but I've asked Santa (Mr. Smith), if he would get me some for Christmas. I hear they're excellent and everyone here seems to prove that point. Can't wait to get mine!