151–160 of 211 posts
For me, it's just that being barefoot feels really nice - especially on a textured ground. But I'm on spectrum, so that's a part of that too.
Seems we've attracted all the barefoot runners in this thread and none of the common-footed people... Anyways, I'll add my experience with barefoot running: - Forefoot/midfoot strike is the most important takeaway. Heel strikes are for walking (slow, low-impact), not running (faster, higher-impact). - I used to get shin splints from sports like soccer and basketball. But as long as I do some barefoot jogging (1-2x/we…
Hmm, interesting. I've recently gotten back into running, however shin splints are preventing me from running as much or as far as I would like. My cardio is good, but my legs/shins are what starts screaming first forcing me to stop. I also currently run almost exclusively on a treadmill (due to winter weather), which may be a self-inflicted issue. Do you have any insight on treadmill or track, vs. running outside? H…
I usually run 1-2 miles when I go out, not too much. Just enough to feel all the secondary leg muscles get fired up. Of course if you're new to barefoot running, people recommend starting with short distances.
On shin splints: one trigger was my poor running form. I would lunge my feet forward focusing on getting the longest stride, landing on the heel because my foot was in front of me. It didn't hurt my heel because traditional shoes are so padded there, but the physics/angles/forces of that form are bad. Instead, barefoot runners talk about "falling forward", which is exaggerated imo but gives you the cue that your feet should land under or behind your torso, not in front. This reduces the impact on the feet and legs. Barefoot running teaches this foot placement very quickly. Not sure if that's something you already do or not, but hope it helps.
EDIT - just saw your other comment. Go for a little barefoot run, maybe a few different times, and I think you'll quickly find out where your feet want to go. The "torso first, not feet first" mindset really helped me. (I'm flat footed too, and insoles didn't help me personally; not to yuck your yum, though. Maybe they'll be more comfortable for you)
I wear nothing but minimal shoes day to day. I find them so much better. I used to have precision manufactured orthotics etc, then went to another podiatrist one day who had moved to specialise in barefoot. She basically said "your feet are fine, try these shoes out and see how it goes". It went great. TBC on running, I have tight achilles and need to put in a lot of prep work to be able to run without pain so cbf. D…
A blast from the past! I read the book and did some actual barefoot running (got a lot of weird looks) and a lot of friends bought the shoes. Now I think about it, I’ve not seen anyone in Vibrams for years
Quite frequently people will come up to to me to ask me about my shoes, so there's definitely an interest.
I don’t put too much weight in the claims that it’s going to make me healthier. I think there’s a good argument for it, and there is at least some evidence that it does good, but it’s not hugely compelling to me. I run barefoot because it feels good to be light on my feet and connected to the ground.
Since running in Skinners / barefoot, I’ve had a weaker knee stop giving me problems. But how much of that is down to running in general (running is good for your knees) as opposed to doing it barefoot, I don’t know. But I’m running more because I’m enjoying it more.
The article is pretty awful. There was a fad, not a hysterical mob going after people. Runners are pretty chill. Nobody is going to attack you for wearing the wrong thing.
To add to all the anecdotes I enjoy barefoot running to this day. I was never able to run with shoes very well and without them I run 10-15 miles a week at a 8:30 pace. Totally get it might not be for everyone but it helps me enjoy something I otherwise hated. I do wear what amount to rubberized socks[0] for puncture protection since I’m in a city. 0: https://www.skinnersfootwear.com/products/comfort-2-0-carmin...
Earlier quoted context omitted.
I lived in Java, Indonesia for a year and ran barefoot, and only wore sandals to the mosque. You wash your feet 5x per day for the 5 daily obligatory prayers, so it works out well. An earlier post here about a person barefoot in all seasons and on the subway train, well, that's another story. I grew up in Brooklyn in the 60s through the 80s, and I can't see that at all. But then again, NYC is a lot cleaner now than i…
I once saw someone walking around barefoot in Hell's Kitchen. "That's a dumb idea," I said to myself. Minutes later, I saw them walking out of a bodega, using a handful of napkins to staunch the blood coming out of their foot.
I only own minimalist footwear (zero heel to toe drop, wide toe box, no toe spring). Dress shoes, sneakers, sandals; all of it.
They helped me get off of orthotics, which I've worn for over 20 years, while reducing stress on my knees (I have osteoarthritis in my right knee) and making what little arches I have in my feet stronger.
It's a shame that pop culture seems to have _ran_ in the other direction (maximalist ultra-cushioned clown shoes). I honestly have no idea how people walk in those things. I purchased a pair of BOHEMPIA minimalist hemp chucks the other day. It came with a ~2-4mm insert for comfort. It felt like the cushion from the inserts made my legs work so much harder. All felt right once I took them off.
That said, I never ran barefoot except for a very short segment one time. Actual barefoot running is a whole other experience. Huaraches, which I've also run with, don't compare. I'm scared to do it more often due to glass shards and other fun things on the road, but if I ran more often and on smooth, unobstructed pavement, I'd absolutely do it barefoot.
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I'd be curious to know whether you're heel striking when running. I'm a natural heel-striker, but I forced a change to mid-foot and my shin-splints disappeared altogether. It took a little time to build up to my heel-strike pace, but I did and was able to continue to avoid shin splints even at the same pace. All of this was done with regular running shoes (not barefoot-style).
I believe I am, but don't have great evidence to say one way or the other. I have very flat feet, and just got new orthotics/shoes actually. Any tips or helpful guides/drills on how to transition to mid-foot you would recommend?
Barefoot running might have died as a fad, but, fortunately, the biomechanical benefits from the minimalist footwear inspired by the movement haven't gone away. I only own minimalist footwear (zero heel to toe drop, wide toe box, no toe spring). Dress shoes, sneakers, sandals; all of it. They helped me get off of orthotics, which I've worn for over 20 years, while reducing stress on my knees (I have osteoarthritis in…