Running Goes Barefoot
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Running Goes Barefoot
1–10 of 28 posts
Re: Running Goes Barefoot
#2I've started barefoot running and I have to agree that it really helps you focus on running with proper form.
People interested in running barefoot should definitely start out slow and run somewhere safe, like a soccer field or park. If you decide you like it, I also recommend checking out the Vibram Five Fingers. I only just got a pair a few weeks ago, but so far I'm having lots of fun running in them, and they give your feet a bit more protection against debris.
Re: Running Goes Barefoot
#3While I've always run heel first when using shoes, when running barefoot perhaps unconciously I've always gone ball/toes first - I guess it really is what comes naturally.
There was also another article a while back that perked my interest with a bit about runners in South or Central America who would go ultra-long distance running with only a thin slice of rubber strapped to their feet.
Re: Running Goes Barefoot
#4I'm not a runner, but recommend "Born to Run" as a fun read (it's mentioned in the article and clearly inspired the article). I've always thought ultra endurance athletes were a little off - in a fun way - and the book tells some good stories on these folks, including the Tarahumara Indians, who run barefoot or with minimal gear for incredible distances as a social activity.
Re: Running Goes Barefoot
#5I've started barefoot running and I have to agree that it really helps you focus on running with proper form. People interested in running barefoot should definitely start out slow and run somewhere safe, like a soccer field or park. If you decide you like it, I also recommend checking out the Vibram Five Fingers. I only just got a pair a few weeks ago, but so far I'm having lots of fun running in them, and they give…
I run in Vibram Five Fingers. BHousel is right on when he says start out slow. The first day I got them, I excitedly ran my usual w/ shoes length of time. I spent the next two weeks with calve muscles and ligaments so sore that I had trouble walking down any lightly sloping hills or escalators. That was three months ago. I now run exclusively in these shoes. I used to have knee problems; Now, no part of my legs ever are in pain during or after running.
Mmm, anecdote.
Re: Running Goes Barefoot
#6[deleted]
Re: Running Goes Barefoot
#7I've started barefoot running and I have to agree that it really helps you focus on running with proper form. People interested in running barefoot should definitely start out slow and run somewhere safe, like a soccer field or park. If you decide you like it, I also recommend checking out the Vibram Five Fingers. I only just got a pair a few weeks ago, but so far I'm having lots of fun running in them, and they give…
Another datapoint on the Vibram Five Fingers; I got a pair of them about four months ago, initially for running only. I quickly realized they were great for anywhere. They have been my regular day to day shoes for most of the summer. Now that it's raining more often I'm back to more regular type shoes. I still use them now and then though, and look forward to next summer.
Re: Running Goes Barefoot
#8I've started barefoot running and I have to agree that it really helps you focus on running with proper form. People interested in running barefoot should definitely start out slow and run somewhere safe, like a soccer field or park. If you decide you like it, I also recommend checking out the Vibram Five Fingers. I only just got a pair a few weeks ago, but so far I'm having lots of fun running in them, and they give…
I run in Vibram Five Fingers. BHousel is right on when he says start out slow. The first day I got them, I excitedly ran my usual w/ shoes length of time. I spent the next two weeks with calve muscles and ligaments so sore that I had trouble walking down any lightly sloping hills or escalators. That was three months ago. I now run exclusively in these shoes. I used to have knee problems; Now, no part of my legs ever…
Funny, I did the same thing. I was so thrilled with all the hype surrounding barefoot running that I did 7 barefoot miles (on pavement) the very afternoon I purchased my FiveFingers.
Holy fuck that was a bad idea. Bear in mind I am a semi-serious runner who has no problem doing a long, slow 13-15 on any given day. I haven't had significant soreness from running since I started, back in high school.
Well. That was before I ran for an hour on my tippy toes. I was partially disabled for a week. Same thing--calves felt like they got hit with a hand grenade, ligaments FUBARed, also some gnarly blisters on the soles of my feet (turns out asphalt is hot in the summer).
In spite of this I definitely could see why it's better for you; heel striking is just not an option and you sort of prance instead of planting. OTOH I am among the lucky 20% who have never had a running injury because I tend to tread pretty lightly anyways. I think it's still possible to have a healthy stride in shoes, but going barefoot forces the issue: everything else hurts like a bitch.
I have yet to try the anti-shoes out again. The buzz continues to crescendo so I probably will, but let this serve as a warning if you're thinking about trying it out: start slow on these, now matter how much of a badass you think you are.
Re: Running Goes Barefoot
#9I've never seriously run barefoot, but I can confirm that it improves your balance and form to walk barefoot as well.
When I had issues with my hiking boots on the Appalachian Trail, I took up barefoot hiking and noticed an immediate change in how I stepped: more on the balls of my feet and less on my heels. And you'd be amazed what your feet can get used to; the first two weeks were hell, but about a month later the rocky, sharp, debris-covered ground didn't bother me at all and in fact I had LESS foot fatigue than I experienced while wearing boots.
You do get some serious calluses though, which as a female I was less than happy about...
Re: Running Goes Barefoot
#10I've started barefoot running and I have to agree that it really helps you focus on running with proper form. People interested in running barefoot should definitely start out slow and run somewhere safe, like a soccer field or park. If you decide you like it, I also recommend checking out the Vibram Five Fingers. I only just got a pair a few weeks ago, but so far I'm having lots of fun running in them, and they give…
I run in Vibram Five Fingers. BHousel is right on when he says start out slow. The first day I got them, I excitedly ran my usual w/ shoes length of time. I spent the next two weeks with calve muscles and ligaments so sore that I had trouble walking down any lightly sloping hills or escalators. That was three months ago. I now run exclusively in these shoes. I used to have knee problems; Now, no part of my legs ever…
Haha, yeah I think that's normal. It's hard to set aside that "I'm a little kid again and having fun" feeling that you get from running around barefoot or near barefoot.
I paid more of a price for my first actual barefoot on a track a few months ago. One thing about that - your feet go a bit numb, so it's hard to tell if you're hurting yourself. I ran 2 miles easy and ended up with some blisters, but nothing too serious. (interesting note: Running with shoes, you tend to get blisters on the ends of your toes and can lose toenails. Running barefoot, you get them on the bottoms of your toes where callouses should be). Following that, I know to be much more careful, and have been slowly working barefoot runs into my weekly running.
My first run in the Five Fingers was just an easy 3mi loop around my neighborhood (my normal runs are 6-10). I still ended up running way faster than I intended to (they are light after all), but luckily no muscle soreness or other problems. Like anything else, I think the key is to make little changes - this week I may do 4, next week 5, and so on. I'm kind of eager to try to race a fall 5k in them.