Any barefoot runners out there?

Are you running completely barefoot or withe the barefoot shoes? I have thought about this, but would have to get the shoes so I didn't hurt myself.

My boyfriend had horrible foot pain and had to stop running then, of course, gained weight. His doctor said he had to lose weight and he read "Born to Run" and began running barefoot and using the Vibrams - NO PAIN! He runs all the time with no problems physically and loves it.
I read the book and it is SOOO good! It's a great true story about a village in Africa that run up to 40 miles a day FOR FUN - basically barefoot. The author studied them and learned how they look at running differently and began the barefoot revolution here. Chi Running is another great, motivational barefoot running book. OK - I'm babbling. But good luck!

Hey there,

Just thought I'd post because I'm also doing the C25K program (hopefully starting Week 3 tomorrow) and doing it with minimalist shoes. I've been walking in Vibrams for years and recently bought a pair of Pace Gloves from Merrell since the Vibrams get awfully wet and cold this time of year.

I just wanted to say, from one beginner to another, to be careful and take it easy. I think I was a little overzealous and maybe overconfident since I've been walking in barefoot-style minimalist shoes for a while, but my muscles are not nearly as strong as I thought they were. During Week Two, I strained my soleus muscles (I think) and I still haven't fully recovered.

Learn from my mistakes, don't skip your rest days and give your muscles - especially your underused lower leg muscles - plenty of time to recover. You'll regret it if you don't. I know I do.

I just bought some Vibrams for the first time in a flash sale on Left Lane sports, but they were the wrong size and are sold out, so since I don't feel like paying full price for a pair of Vibrams I think I'm going to get some VIVOBarefoots ($47 on Left Lane). I am training to run a half marathon. I'm up to 5.25 miles. I'm super excited about getting some minimalist shoes!

I don't run but I do walk barefoot most of the time. There's no other way for me! I'm hoping to get a pair of Vibrams in the next couple months so that I can wear them on my 5k in April and Relay For Life in May.

Regarding sizing for the Vibrams, everyone is different but my first pair was a pair of Sprints and I realized after the fact that I bought them way too small. Plus the strap on the top made fitting difficult - I could never get the shoes locked onto my feet just right; I always had extra space in the heel, or a rubbing issue with the top strap.

Switched to a pair of KSO TrekSports and never looked back. The fit is much better with the closed design. And now that they have styles that have proper laces, I think more people are having success finding a proper fit.

If you're unsure of the size to get for your first pair, I'd shoot a little bigger, not smaller. There should be a little bit of wiggle room in the toes. Once your feet start to stretch out and you really start to move, you're going to notice any tightness really quickly.

Super interested in this!!!!! I'm on week 6 of c25k and definitely having some knee issues here and there. I have considered adding in yoga to help and/or barefoot running in Vibram. I don't have sufficient grass area and honestly even if I did...I'd still be freaked out. We have tons of bugs down here in Florida.

I don't exercise any way completely barefoot, however, I do everything in vibrams. Jog, walk, hike (yep over rocks and such too), aerobics, yoga, and just general walking/shopping around. Even being tall and overweight (putting the added weight on my feet), the vibrams are without a doubt the best thing I have ever worn. For me, worth every penny. I found mine on sale at REI.

They are definitely UGLY, mine especially as they are kind of a fuchsia/hot pink- really not attractive, but I just don't care since they feel so good on. My husband is a ballroom dance teacher and on his feet about 12-14 hour days, and he wears the vibrams and feels better than he has in a long time.

Running in grass would feel nice, but I would still be worried about rocks/glass/unexpected stuff having been tossed there with you having no protection on your feet.

Husband and I both wear the vibrams with "trek" soles because we do alot outdoors so they are a nice "all purpose".

Good luck with your C25k whatever you decide to wear (or not wear) on your feet!

I'm starting to do the barefoot thing again. I've gotten repeatedly injured (tendonitis of the ankles) due to my shoes, so I switched them to a shoe that was recommended for me (the other ones were too), and I'm still having issues. I overpronate and am hoping I won't crash and burn in the process of switching over...

bmp

I just started 3 weeks ago training in Vibrams. I use them for everything, running, hiking and as mat shoes.

I have built a significant amount of strength and spring that I never had until I started running in them.

It takes a while for your calves to adjust as they will be sore for a good amount of time.

Running barefoot, you'll notice you naturally want to land on the balls of your feet.

As far as I'm concerned, my Vibrams are the only thing I want to wear. Especially doing squats

And I disagree.. I think Vibrams look totally effin cool and unique! lol

I run in Merrell Pace Gloves - they have the the Vibram sole (same as the five finger shoes), but without the crazy look! I love, love, love it.

http://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Product.mvc.aspx/22877W/50398/Womens/Barefoot-Run-Pace-Glove

Me tooo!!

My boyfriend had horrible foot pain and had to stop running then, of course, gained weight. His doctor said he had to lose weight and he read "Born to Run" and began running barefoot and using the Vibrams - NO PAIN! He runs all the time with no problems physically and loves it.
I read the book and it is SOOO good! It's a great true story about a village in Africa that run up to 40 miles a day FOR FUN - basically barefoot. The author studied them and learned how they look at running differently and began the barefoot revolution here. Chi Running is another great, motivational barefoot running book. OK - I'm babbling. But good luck!

I read the book too and agree it was a great read.... this from a guy that hates to run.
I do currently run in vibrams and love them for light trail running/hiking in AZ. I am probably wrong on this but I thought the village in the book was in Mexico for some reason...again probably wrong lol

Read the book as well.. The tribe is from Mexico.. There was a tribe in Africa they talked about that ran a deer or gazelle to death.

I've been wearing Vibram Five Fingers for over a year and I recently bought a pair of Minimus. I like running in both.. I'm doing a 5k in a couple of weeks and I'll do it in the Minimus.. Then my 5k in March I'll wear my Five Fingers.

I run in Merrell Pace Gloves - they have the the Vibram sole (same as the five finger shoes), but without the crazy look! I love, love, love it.

http://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Product.mvc.aspx/22877W/50398/Womens/Barefoot-Run-Pace-Glove

Use one of the Merrell Trail glove barefoot shoes.

It has 0 lift front to back, so just like barefoot. Room to expand wide easily. Toe box room and toe protection. And the slight rubber bottom (from Vibram) add just a bit of shock absorption.

I got blisters from the Vibram Five Fingers finally, but nothing from the Merrill's.

RAPT! I have struggled with knee pain for the last few months and every attempt at running has ended with me back at the physio's office. A few weeks ago I decided to try barefoot running as a desperate last ditch attempt. (I have always hated running but once I think I can't do something my inner stubborn ***** is activated!) Well tonight I ran for 20 minutes non stop. WITHOUT PAIN!

Just pay close attention to the feeling in the feet. They may be very unfamiliar with the stresses placed on them.

After a tri-malleolar break and recovery, I started jogging again and did more barefoot than before. Kept it at certain speed for about a month until it seemed the heart rate just wasn't going up, so not much effort, up to a 60 min. Set speed at 6.2 (10K) and did that couple times a week easily.

So increased the pace a bit and kept doing the 10K. Finally decided to just go by HR, and set pace at whatever kept it at an upper zone.
Did that for about 2 weeks, 2 x week. Had to use a treadmill one night that seemed to have my speed really high. Either inaccurate, or the fact later discovered that it had no shock-absorbtion in it, so all energy into speed.
Did that for couple weeks thrilled with pace maintained.

And then snap, injury. Turned out to be plantar sprain. And just like sprained ankle has problems preventing another roll until it heals, I could not walk normal at all. No power to use calf muscle with that tendon sprained. 6 wks could start walking again, 10 wks could do bike, months later getting back to some gentle barefoot jogging.
Some twinges still there, but being very realistic.

Just wanted to warn those that experience the great first feelings of no pain, because it is incredible. Just be careful.