The Great Barefoot Running Hysteria of 2010

Post by emptyfile » Tue, Mar 25, 2025, 9:34 PM UTC

ng-user wrote: post #133

wonger_ wrote: post #83

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…

Post by ValentineC » Tue, Mar 25, 2025, 10:42 PM UTC

nunez wrote: post #181

bloopernova wrote: post #160

Earlier quoted context omitted.

What footwear brands do you recommend?

This will be a long post, as this is one thing that I actually happen to know a lot about! Vivobarefoot is the best if you want stylish minimalist footwear. They are also my preferred brand, as of my sneakers and boots are supplied by them. I'm a huge fan of their casual and winter boots. You can wear their winter boots barefoot in the winter and still keep your feet warm as long as it isn't extremely cold. US$100-$3…

Post by [deleted] » Tue, Mar 25, 2025, 11:30 PM UTC

rurp wrote: post #179

delichon wrote: post #132

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I resolved my plantar fasciitis by switching from hiking boots to thin soled trail runners. My theory is that it makes me take more care in putting my feet down, and makes me stretch them considerably more as they conform to rocks and holes. I was just stomping over everything in the boots. I read someone who said that walking barefoot was a religious experience for them, in which every step was a prayer. Someone res…

I've spent quite a bit of time in outdoor sports and don't think I've met a single person who did a lot of rough hiking and preferred heavy duty hiking boots over lighter trail running or approach shoes. I see quite a few of the old school heavy boots for sale in some stores so there must be a market but I have no idea what it is. Barefoot hiking is also very niche from what I've seen, but I do think there is somethi…

Post by hombre_fatal » Wed, Mar 26, 2025, 1:09 AM UTC

nunez wrote: post #183

hombre_fatal wrote: post #172

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Before you try expensive brands, definitely try the budget brand Whitin. I have bunions which make wide toe box especially necessary for me with toe spacers, and I found these $40 running shoes to be more comfortable than my $120 Altras: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DD36GZG5 (zero drop + wide toe box) It's pretty sweet when a cheap option is also your favorite option whether that's shoes or pants or bikes—you get to b…

x/post I do not recommend WHITIN or, by association, any "Amazon-only" brand. They copy styles from more expensive sneakers at much lower quality to hit cost. I purchased a pair three years ago as a replacement for Merrell Vapor Gloves that were difficult to find. (Merrell stopped making their Vapor/Trail Gloves for a while, though they appear to be back.) They were heavier than the Merrell's while using cheaper fabr…

Post by ein0p » Wed, Mar 26, 2025, 2:30 AM UTC