Barefoot Running?
Barkley87
Posts: 126 Member
I started running on the treadmill about 3 weeks ago and I love it (still too scared to run outside at the moment though). After I've been running I always notice that for a few days after my ankles really hurt. I spoke about it to my housemate who does a lot of running and he strongly recommends barefoot running (in those funny shoes; not actually barefoot).
I've done a bit of research on it and have found many pros, but also lots of cons. Before I invest in these new shoes I want to make sure I'm not wasting my money. Does anyone have any experience of this? Will it stop the pain in my ankles?
Thank you!
I've done a bit of research on it and have found many pros, but also lots of cons. Before I invest in these new shoes I want to make sure I'm not wasting my money. Does anyone have any experience of this? Will it stop the pain in my ankles?
Thank you!
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Replies
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I have a pair of those and I like them but then I don't. I love to go barefoot running ( like actually barefoot running), but it is hard to do in a safe place. With the shoes you have to get use to your foot and then you will fall in love with them.0
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I have a pair of those and I like them but then I don't. I love to go barefoot running ( like actually barefoot running), but it is hard to do in a safe place. With the shoes you have to get use to your foot and then you will fall in love with them.0
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I love mine. They changed my "gait". They take some getting used to. I switch back and forth between my vibrams and my adidas at the gym depending on what I'm doing.0
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When I started running outdoors as my distances increased I started getting pain in my upper calf area. I thought I had a calf strain so rested it for a while and started using calf supports. However the probelm continued to re-occur. It turned out that I suffer from foot pronation. I am no expert but i think this is a quite common thing where your heel angles in as it strikes the ground causing the arch of your foot to colapse. This can cause stresses and strains from the ankles right up to the hips depending on how you run.
It could be that you have a similar condition. If this is the case I do not see how running barefoot could possibly help as the solution in my case was to get fitted for some good quality running shoes at a specialist running shop. These shoes have more support in the relevant areas to counter the problem. Presumably if you run barefoot you will take away any support that your current shoes are giving and offer you none.
Since I changed my footwear it is like having a new pair of legs! No problems at all.0 -
So called "barefoot" shoes are actually minimalist running shoes and are not for everyone. Primarily they are for shorter distances and people with either a high or normal arch. If you are going to run I suggest two things: 1) try the Couch to 5k program (it is a great way to get started), 2) if you do run you need to make sure you invest in decent shoes AND socks - there is an old runners adage that says if you take care of your feet they will take care of you. You should get fitted for proper shoes, as the previous poster suggested - you may have an issue with pronation (flat feet - causes your feet to turn in when you run and puts extra pressure on the outside of your knees and causes ankle pain). The other extreme is under pronation (or supination... I think that is how it is spelled), this is a high arch and causes other issues. I am severly over pronated and had all kinds of issues, then I got fitted for the right shoe and the pain went away overnight - I use what is called a stability shoe and it was like magic, I nearly doubled my mileage overnight.
Running isn't for everyone but it is a great way to burn lots of calories in a short period of time. I just finished an 8.25 miles run and burning over 1200 calories.
I started off at around 320 pounds, I'm now down around 188 and have been maintaining. I started out walking and now I average around 50 miles a week. If I can do it, anyone can!
I hope this helps...0 -
When I started running outdoors as my distances increased I started getting pain in my upper calf area. I thought I had a calf strain so rested it for a while and started using calf supports. However the probelm continued to re-occur. It turned out that I suffer from foot pronation. I am no expert but i think this is a quite common thing where your heel angles in as it strikes the ground causing the arch of your foot to colapse. This can cause stresses and strains from the ankles right up to the hips depending on how you run.
It could be that you have a similar condition. If this is the case I do not see how running barefoot could possibly help as the solution in my case was to get fitted for some good quality running shoes at a specialist running shop. These shoes have more support in the relevant areas to counter the problem. Presumably if you run barefoot you will take away any support that your current shoes are giving and offer you none.
Since I changed my footwear it is like having a new pair of legs! No problems at all.
about 50%* of runners pronate/over pronate. If you pronate/over pronate you can chose to try to correct or account for this with a cushioned running shoe or opt for a minimalist "barefoot" shoe. Over pronation doesn't preclude a runner from barefoot or minimalist running shoes.
*I don't have any stats to back up my 50% statement but I base this estimate on the fact that over pronation is the commonest gait type. The others being neutral and under pronation (a.k.a. Supination).0 -
When I started running outdoors as my distances increased I started getting pain in my upper calf area. I thought I had a calf strain so rested it for a while and started using calf supports. However the probelm continued to re-occur. It turned out that I suffer from foot pronation. I am no expert but i think this is a quite common thing where your heel angles in as it strikes the ground causing the arch of your foot to colapse. This can cause stresses and strains from the ankles right up to the hips depending on how you run.
It could be that you have a similar condition. If this is the case I do not see how running barefoot could possibly help as the solution in my case was to get fitted for some good quality running shoes at a specialist running shop. These shoes have more support in the relevant areas to counter the problem. Presumably if you run barefoot you will take away any support that your current shoes are giving and offer you none.
Since I changed my footwear it is like having a new pair of legs! No problems at all.
about 50%* of runners pronate/over pronate. If you pronate/over pronate you can chose to try to correct or account for this with a cushioned running shoe or opt for a minimalist "barefoot" shoe. Over pronation doesn't preclude a runner from barefoot or minimalist running shoes.
*I don't have any stats to back up my 50% statement but I base this estimate on the fact that over pronation is the commonest gait type. The others being neutral and under pronation (a.k.a. Supination).
Thanks. That is interesting. My problem was over pronation. It was much worse in one foot than the other. The running shop I went to took video of me on the treadmill. Looks really horrible when slowed down!
I think that it is probably well worth getting some personalised expert advice on which way to go with this.0 -
When I started running outdoors as my distances increased I started getting pain in my upper calf area. I thought I had a calf strain so rested it for a while and started using calf supports. However the probelm continued to re-occur. It turned out that I suffer from foot pronation. I am no expert but i think this is a quite common thing where your heel angles in as it strikes the ground causing the arch of your foot to colapse. This can cause stresses and strains from the ankles right up to the hips depending on how you run.
It could be that you have a similar condition. If this is the case I do not see how running barefoot could possibly help as the solution in my case was to get fitted for some good quality running shoes at a specialist running shop. These shoes have more support in the relevant areas to counter the problem. Presumably if you run barefoot you will take away any support that your current shoes are giving and offer you none.
Since I changed my footwear it is like having a new pair of legs! No problems at all.
about 50%* of runners pronate/over pronate. If you pronate/over pronate you can chose to try to correct or account for this with a cushioned running shoe or opt for a minimalist "barefoot" shoe. Over pronation doesn't preclude a runner from barefoot or minimalist running shoes.
*I don't have any stats to back up my 50% statement but I base this estimate on the fact that over pronation is the commonest gait type. The others being neutral and under pronation (a.k.a. Supination).
Thanks. That is interesting. My problem was over pronation. It was much worse in one foot than the other. The running shop I went to took video of me on the treadmill. Looks really horrible when slowed down!
I think that it is probably well worth getting some personalised expert advice on which way to go with this.
I agree that when in doubt video analysis at a decent running shop is the way to go.0 -
Thanks everyone for your responses and information.
The local running shop that does video analysis is closed until June 6th (typical!), but as soon as it is open I will go and have a chat with them and see which shoes are best for me.
I can already run 2k at a decent speed without feeling like I'm going to drop dead and I'm managing to build it up all the time. How is the Couch to 5k different to what I'm doing? Is it still recommended?0 -
I can already run 2k at a decent speed without feeling like I'm going to drop dead and I'm managing to build it up all the time. How is the Couch to 5k different to what I'm doing? Is it still recommended?
Because just adding mileage is not the best way to improve your running fitness. C25K is basically interval training, set periods of running with walking sections. Interval training is a great way of building cardio fitness. I do a weekly long run as well, adding mileage to the goal but i also do a fast run and an interval session. You need to mix it up!0 -
Look at it this way if you can afford them but they don't work out for running they are super comfortable that you can use them for everyday wear.
I have a spare pair for long road trips as my feet often bother me in shoes. I use them when flying as I always want to take my shoes off on the plane then hate trying to get them back on.
Like I said they are so comfy that even if you don't like them for running you will love them for comfort!0 -
my friend who does LOTS of running actually prefers true barefoot running, stating that it helps with posture and form. He will wear the shoes if its ice/snowy outside, but most of the time he's barefoot and loves it. I think it just takes getting used to0
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So called "barefoot" shoes are actually minimalist running shoes and are not for everyone. Primarily they are for shorter distances and people with either a high or normal arch. If you are going to run I suggest two things: 1) try the Couch to 5k program (it is a great way to get started), 2) if you do run you need to make sure you invest in decent shoes AND socks - there is an old runners adage that says if you take care of your feet they will take care of you. You should get fitted for proper shoes, as the previous poster suggested - you may have an issue with pronation (flat feet - causes your feet to turn in when you run and puts extra pressure on the outside of your knees and causes ankle pain). The other extreme is under pronation (or supination... I think that is how it is spelled), this is a high arch and causes other issues. I am severly over pronated and had all kinds of issues, then I got fitted for the right shoe and the pain went away overnight - I use what is called a stability shoe and it was like magic, I nearly doubled my mileage overnight.
Running isn't for everyone but it is a great way to burn lots of calories in a short period of time. I just finished an 8.25 miles run and burning over 1200 calories.
I started off at around 320 pounds, I'm now down around 188 and have been maintaining. I started out walking and now I average around 50 miles a week. If I can do it, anyone can!
I hope this helps...
I have this problem and was told by a doctor when I was about 14 or so that I shouldn't run because of it so I took up skating instead (lots of support from the skate and much less impact) - can you give me more information about how to get the right shoes? I like walking on the treadmill, honestly never done much running since then, apart from off ice training for ice hockey (was never that much compared to the regular ice hockey training)0 -
Read up about the different shoes and go with what best fit your feet. I use the NB Minimus (mine are 4mm drop, but the new ones are 0 drop). I absolutely can't stand the toe shoes, my toes just don't go in those directions, which force it into an unnatural position. Make sure if you go with the non-toe shoes that your toe box is wide enough. Start off slow with them and don't run all of your miles in these shoes to start out with-- especially if you are a heel striker. Luckily, my natural gait is shorter, creating a midfoot strike, so I didn't have any problems transitioning.0
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Some of these tips might help if you're looking to improve your running efficiency, and reduce likelihood of injury http://www.nomeatathlete.com/180-steps-per-minute/
The whole website is actually great resource for running and nutrition
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Just to add a few things from experience (lessons learned)....I have the merrell barefoot shoes and love them...EXCEPT a few things.
(1) you have to start REALLY slowly...meaning only run 1 mile or so for a few weeks when you get them, then SLOWLY increase. I am not the most patient person, but I tried to do this...granted I run longer distances, so I would have to go out with the shoes for 1 mile, then put on my regular shoes. I think this really hurt the process for me to get used to my shoes
(2) so, then I got injured - my calf/shin...and it has taken a long time for me to get back into running because of it....so you need to following #1 to a tee.
(3) Generally, barefoot shoes or not, you need to follow the 10% rule with increasing mileage....look it up, but basically don't increase mileage by more than 10% a week - either time or distance.0 -
I love my Vibram KSO's and they help me run better.
You need to acclimate yourself to them. Don't just don a pair and take off. Walk in them for a week and then try running but bring a pair of your regular shoes in a small pack to switch out if you feel like it.
Within a couple weeks, you should be accustomed to them. Once you are, you will love them.0 -
I'm only halfway through C25K and am really interested in barefoot running s I hear it is lower impact and so better for my problem knees and back. i wonder if i should start now or wait until i finish the programme.0
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When I started running outdoors as my distances increased I started getting pain in my upper calf area. I thought I had a calf strain so rested it for a while and started using calf supports. However the probelm continued to re-occur. It turned out that I suffer from foot pronation. I am no expert but i think this is a quite common thing where your heel angles in as it strikes the ground causing the arch of your foot to colapse. This can cause stresses and strains from the ankles right up to the hips depending on how you run.
It could be that you have a similar condition. If this is the case I do not see how running barefoot could possibly help as the solution in my case was to get fitted for some good quality running shoes at a specialist running shop. These shoes have more support in the relevant areas to counter the problem. Presumably if you run barefoot you will take away any support that your current shoes are giving and offer you none.
Since I changed my footwear it is like having a new pair of legs! No problems at all.
If I didn't know better, I'd swear that I typed this! Describes my experience to a T. I was having serious knee, foot, hip and lower back pain on my left side every time I tried to run more than a few feet. I went to Fleet Feet and got fitted...haven't had a problem since. I've seen the shoes you're talking about and I can't believe they would offer enough support to eliminate ankle pain. I can see how they would feel better because they are light weight and much more flexible, thereby putting less strain on the muscles and ligaments in the ankles and feet. However, that is not going to eliminate the joint pain that comes from the pressure of running. Only a supportive shoe can do that.0 -
When I started running outdoors as my distances increased I started getting pain in my upper calf area. I thought I had a calf strain so rested it for a while and started using calf supports. However the probelm continued to re-occur. It turned out that I suffer from foot pronation. I am no expert but i think this is a quite common thing where your heel angles in as it strikes the ground causing the arch of your foot to colapse. This can cause stresses and strains from the ankles right up to the hips depending on how you run.
It could be that you have a similar condition. If this is the case I do not see how running barefoot could possibly help as the solution in my case was to get fitted for some good quality running shoes at a specialist running shop. These shoes have more support in the relevant areas to counter the problem. Presumably if you run barefoot you will take away any support that your current shoes are giving and offer you none.
Since I changed my footwear it is like having a new pair of legs! No problems at all.
about 50%* of runners pronate/over pronate. If you pronate/over pronate you can chose to try to correct or account for this with a cushioned running shoe or opt for a minimalist "barefoot" shoe. Over pronation doesn't preclude a runner from barefoot or minimalist running shoes.
*I don't have any stats to back up my 50% statement but I base this estimate on the fact that over pronation is the commonest gait type. The others being neutral and under pronation (a.k.a. Supination).
It is actually more than 50%. Like you said it is the most common gait type.
But running barefoot forces you to run with a forefoot or midfoot strike where pronation issues don't mean the same thing. Pronation is mostly an issue for heel strikers; if you try heel striking when barefoot running you will be limping quickly as it will mess your joints up (don't worry, your body will naturally adjust to not heel striking unless your gait is really screwed up). However chances are if you are a heel striker your arch and/or calves are not strong enough to sustain barefoot running very long.
If you are running on a treadmill there is no need for special barefoot shoes unless you are at a gym that requires it. Outdoors obviously you need something to protect from rocks, glass, etc....
I personally run barefoot on my treadmill unless I'm trying to run fast (I'm faster in shoes), outside I run on concrete/asphalt and want some padding, so I use low drop shoes (typically called minimalist shoes or racing flats), I can't stand running in what amounts to high heels; I am a midfoot striker and have no need for extra heel padding.0 -
I started running in them. My knees were giving me a lot of issues when I ran or walked longer distances. When I wear the barefoot shoes, I can hardly detect any pain in the knees. So for me, they have been a blessing, and I'm running a longer distance than I have in years.0
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my boyfriend used to be a hardcore runner. loved it. he bought five fingers and ran in them for maybe two months. he hurt his ankle so bad that he hasnt run since november 2010. he's been in a boot, he wears orthopedics, goes to physical therapy.. it just will not heal.
me, i bought 'track' shoes, which were super thin, supposed to be close enough to barefoot running. i found my ankles started hurting really badly in them, and now i wear brooks something or other. i have found as long as i dont land on my heels, my ankles dont hurt. i concentrate on landing on the top/middle of my foot, and i am injury free.
everyone is different of course, and there are loads of people who run barefoot or in five fingers. im sure there are plenty of pros and cons, but if you are going to do it, just take it slow and listen to your body.0 -
I went from running in regular sneakers to a pair of Reebok Realflex, they are a barefoot/minimalist, but "modern" running shoe (they don't have those ugly toes) lol. I haven't had any pain running any distance in these, I absolutely love them. I would recommend them to anyone.0
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I've always had knee problems, attributed to running in the wrong shoes in my 20s. I bought some Brooks regular running shoes (got fitted) and did some light running in them. Had a little knee pain after each run. A few months ago I bought the Brooks minimalist shoes (pure connect) with the intention of using them to walk to work. On a lark, I tried running in them. WOW. I've never looked back. My body loves them.0
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we have a race in Maine that is barefoot!
http://marathons.ahotu.com/calendar/maine/barefoot
we also have a society.
http://www.barefootrunners.org/build2/chapters-28
but to be honest- I don't do it it freaks me out!0 -
I'm only halfway through C25K and am really interested in barefoot running s I hear it is lower impact and so better for my problem knees and back. i wonder if i should start now or wait until i finish the programme.
It is definitely lower impact. Your body will naturally adapt a very efficient low impact gait without shoes. It is like having a built in running coach.
I didn't start until after C to 5K, however in hindsight I wish would have, I developed some bad form habits early on that took some time to fix.
Couple things to know though; unless you have been running barefoot a while you will be both faster in shoes and able to run further in shoes, which cna be significant when doing a C to 5K program. Most people's foot and calf muscles are atrophied from a lifetime of wearing shoes; there is an adjustment period. Most also are not used to the form so it is best to proceed slow at first.
Doing 1 of your C to 5K sessions a week barefoot though would have huge positive benefits on your running form, just go slow. If you are further in the program you can do a recovery run barefoot, on an off day take your shoes off and go ridulously slow, also keep well below your max distance, keep it so you can breathe out of your nose (once past C to 5K this sort of run will flip, you'll be able to go forever this way). I say recovery run because this sort of run tends to make sore mucles better while being a run that you will rapidly recover from.0 -
I can already run 2k at a decent speed without feeling like I'm going to drop dead and I'm managing to build it up all the time. How is the Couch to 5k different to what I'm doing? Is it still recommended?
Because just adding mileage is not the best way to improve your running fitness. C25K is basically interval training, set periods of running with walking sections. Interval training is a great way of building cardio fitness. I do a weekly long run as well, adding mileage to the goal but i also do a fast run and an interval session. You need to mix it up!
Thanks, this is really interesting. I've just done a quick google and there seem to be loads of different ones. Are there any in particular you'd recommend?0 -
I started running in minimalist shoes so I managed to build up the running alongside my actually running - one of the things people do with switching to barefoot running or minimal shoes is to do to much to soon. I had a few issues but changing how I run sorted that (initially I was landing to far forward on my foot and not putting my heel down and so was hurting my calf as well as my foot) - now I can easily run 10 Km in them no problems. I live in a student area so whilst I'd love to run barefoot, they leave broken glass bottles and the like everywhere so don't fancy barefoot yet.
I use Inov8 barefoot road running shoes as I only run on roads. If you want some decent advice on Barefoot Running, check out
http://barefootrunninguniversity.com/
His book - http://www.tbfrb.com/ is also incredibly helpful.0 -
^ thanks! I think i'll probably be a natural barefoot runner. I used to run barefoot all the time as a child and teen, I was super fast, I stubbornly refused shoes most of the time and cannot bear wearing them indoors. Perhaps I'll try on my run tomorrow and see how it goes. I think it should be OK in my local park on the concretey bits, if the surface isn't too hot! Would be good to try it before I invest in costly footwear.0
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Wow so much information, thanks everyone!
It seems to be fairly individual as to whether they work or not. I'll check out those links when I get home and will definitely go into the running shop when it's open again.0
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