Barefoot running...Opinions?

nikinyx6
nikinyx6 Posts: 772 Member
edited December 22 in Fitness and Exercise
I always thought those barefoot running shoes looked rediculous, and were probably a marketting gimmick...but after reading this article....

http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2009/05/07/vibram-five-fingers-shoes/


I have to wonder, any good experiences you fine folks have had barefoot running? Or is this guy nuts?

Replies

  • Moyer22
    Moyer22 Posts: 20 Member
    I have never worn "minimalist" style shoes such as the Vibrams so I can't really speak for those, but I definitely love barefoot running! I have worn cheap aqua shoes with the insoles taken out and I think minimalist shoes are cool but too expensive and, to me, defeat the purpose. I would say jump into going totally barefoot (if that's your ultimate goal) BUT take it easy!
    I guess there are many reasons to go barefoot/minimalist, such as less injuries, better form, and a deeper connection with your run. I am definitely not an expert so I'm not really qualified to debate, but I enjoy barefoot for all of those reasons. I ran cross country and track in high school/college with "normal" Nikes and race spikes, but started experimenting with barefoot in the past 2 years. Last summer I ran almost exclusively barefoot, usually on metropark trails or a track. I didn't really have a specific system to get into it, but there are website with lots of advice that I will lookup (I actually found this thread because I was searching for barefoot info as well). I just started doing barefoot walks with the dog again to toughen up my feet for runs. They are pretty torn up right now because I've been walking on sidewalk and I guess I didn't realize that my feet softened up over the winter.
    My only advice is take it slow, slower than you think you should, because you are going to use muscles that you don't normally use and you're going to be sore. Pay attention to the terrain, and most of all enjoy yourself. :)
  • Moyer22
    Moyer22 Posts: 20 Member
    http://zenhabits.net/barefoot-running/
    http://www.runnersworld.com/topic/0,7122,s6-238-573-0-0,00.html
    http://barefootted.com/labels/barefoot running.html
    http://www.barefootrunner.com/
    http://barefootrunning.fas.harvard.edu/5BarefootRunning&TrainingTips.html
    http://barefootrunning.com/?page_id=432

    These are all from the first page of a google search, but lots of good info!
  • nikinyx6
    nikinyx6 Posts: 772 Member
    http://zenhabits.net/barefoot-running/
    http://www.runnersworld.com/topic/0,7122,s6-238-573-0-0,00.html
    http://barefootted.com/labels/barefoot running.html
    http://www.barefootrunner.com/
    http://barefootrunning.fas.harvard.edu/5BarefootRunning&TrainingTips.html
    http://barefootrunning.com/?page_id=432

    These are all from the first page of a google search, but lots of good info!

    Thank you, but I've already googled lots...I'm looking for real life experiences. I've seen already that you've gotta take it slow, I think I'm going to try it
  • tasmin21
    tasmin21 Posts: 42 Member
    My knees are shot. Have been since high school. (ok, most of my joints aren't good, it's just the way I am) I always thought I'd never be a runner, 'cause it HURT.

    And then I got my Vibrams, and switched up my running style.

    I can run forever now. (Well... I can run about 2/3s of my 1.5 mile route, but I'm working up to it!)

    Seriously, if your feet can handle shoes with zero support, I highly recommend it.
  • Drevious
    Drevious Posts: 69 Member
    Check out the Vibram group on here! It's small but growing!
  • lesle1
    lesle1 Posts: 354 Member
    One of my running buddies wears the Vibrams. He loves them. He went back to regular running shoes once for a race and regretted it. Now he runs all his races in the Vibrams. We were just talking about them at the last race we ran together. He says they get cold in the winter so he's trying to figure out what to do about that.
  • nikinyx6
    nikinyx6 Posts: 772 Member
    My knees are shot. Have been since high school. (ok, most of my joints aren't good, it's just the way I am) I always thought I'd never be a runner, 'cause it HURT.

    And then I got my Vibrams, and switched up my running style.

    I can run forever now. (Well... I can run about 2/3s of my 1.5 mile route, but I'm working up to it!)

    Seriously, if your feet can handle shoes with zero support, I highly recommend it.

    How much are these Vibrams going to cost me?
  • tasmin21
    tasmin21 Posts: 42 Member
    They make socks now, with toes, to go inside the Vibrams. The brand is Injinji, I think. I have a light weight pair, and they work great inside my VFFs, but I think if I got the heavier weight pair I might have to take my VFFs up a size.

    And I think VFFs typically run in the $100 range, from what I've seen.
  • Drastiic
    Drastiic Posts: 322 Member
    I didn't read the article, but I do own a pair of Vibram KSO's, and I'm slowly making the transition. Check out www.birthdayshoes.com

    I would suggest saving your money and just walking around barefoot and getting your feet acclimated to different surfaces. Just walk around barefoot wherever and whenever possible. You'll get a lot more feedback by going barefoot. First, find out if it's something you enjoy doing. If it is, and you're willing to take the time to make the transition, then you can consider your options.
  • semperfibullies
    semperfibullies Posts: 5 Member
    I own a pair a Merrell Road Gloves and have been running in them for the last month and half. Using traditional running shoes I would get back and knee pain, my back would tighten up and I would just want to to stop. Since I've started using these shoes, I don't get any knee or back pain. My strides are shorter but I feel more refreshed and can breathe easier.
  • nikinyx6
    nikinyx6 Posts: 772 Member
    what about barefoot on a treadmill? good idea? bad idea?
  • Sox90716
    Sox90716 Posts: 976 Member
    I always thought those barefoot running shoes looked rediculous, and were probably a marketting gimmick...but after reading this article....

    http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2009/05/07/vibram-five-fingers-shoes/


    I have to wonder, any good experiences you fine folks have had barefoot running? Or is this guy nuts?

    I switched to Vibram Five Fingers over 3 years ago. I love them. It took approximately 2 months to transition my running style using the Chi Running Method. I've completed two half marathons in them and could not be happier. I had recurring shin and knee problems before the switch and have had none since. I also like the New Balance Trail Minimus.
  • Sox90716
    Sox90716 Posts: 976 Member
    what about barefoot on a treadmill? good idea? bad idea?

    I ran barefoot on the treadmill for approximately 3 weeks when I was switching over. Except for the weird looks from others, it went well.
  • Sox90716
    Sox90716 Posts: 976 Member
    How much are these Vibrams going to cost me?

    Have bought mine here. www.halfmoonoutfitters.com

    Usually $100 a pair.
  • nikinyx6
    nikinyx6 Posts: 772 Member
    what about barefoot on a treadmill? good idea? bad idea?

    I ran barefoot on the treadmill for approximately 3 weeks when I was switching over. Except for the weird looks from others, it went well.

    Thank you, I'm gonna try my treadmill tonight sans shoes....I had done it before, but was an idiot, and stayed on over an hour...no wonder I thought it was a bad idea right :)
  • Sox90716
    Sox90716 Posts: 976 Member
    A slow and steady transition is the key. I've seen too many people buy Vibrams and treat them like regular running shoes.
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