Hey Steve! Just got back from a 3 mile run, at about 2.25 miles my legs were screaming at me to stop. Then I heard your voice, “Remember to smile!” In the past when I heard you say it, I just thought, “that’s just weird.” I was willing to try anything at this point so I put the biggest grin on my face and the last 3/4 of a mile was easier that the first 3/4 mile! From the USA I just wanted to say, thanks for you videos!!
Kalclash Fitness V Hey man I am a new subscriber to your channel, I have learned so much already and wanted to thank you. I wanted your opinion, I play multiple sports and am very active, I have been working on my form and have pretty much fully corrected it so now I forefoot strike right at my center of gravity. But long story short I mostly see that you should slowly transition to zero drop/barefoot running shoes, so should I buy shoes gradually moving towards zero drop or just buy a zero drop shoe right off the bat and go for it.? Thank you!!
Really enjoyed this vid - thank you! I'm currently transisitoning into barefoot running and walking. My experience as a moderately fit 45 year old is that patience is everything - I got a bit too keen with the running side to begin with and nearly blew both my achilles! After going back to the drawing board, I started doing very short runs at a gentle pace - 30 seconds or 200m at a time and then gauging how i felt over the following two days...all the while gradually building up the distances. I now feel like I can run all day and it's no exagerration to say that barefoot running has changed my life for the better. Keep up the great vids :)
ran in my bare feet once a week when i started getting into running 20 years ago. over time I drifted away from it and injuries have started to creep in. Starting back to it this week.
I started barefoot running last year at age 53 (been running for over 20 with regular trainers) I just took my trainers off to see what it felt like, no socks (Id been walking barefoot for a while) and it felt so good that I run over 3k, my calfs were killing me next day. Since then I have learned that small to start with is better, 7 months down the road I run 8k yesterday, a bit of calf pain on the right leg but nothing too bad, It feels so good. What I have always loved about running is feeling free, with no shoes you feel even more free, in touch with nature, one with nature. YOU DO NOT NEED EXPENSIVE BAREFOOT RUNNERS !Love and light
Started in the Vibrams at the beginning of lockdown and just finished my first full week of running in them. 14.1 miles and feeling great. Trying not to get to ahead of myself and capped at no more than 3 miles per run
Great story. I had almost identical problems to you! I knew running should be a natural thing. A great way to keep fit but my knees kept 'letting me down'. Sometimes if I ran too hard, to see if I could push through it, my knees would basically sieze up and stop bending! I'd be walking like spotty dog (ancient ref) for days after. And my knees would make squelchy noises as they started to recover when I walked upstairs. I thought my knees were at fault and every running 'expert' told me the same. What a racket! I now know forefoot is the way forward but I'm having to take it really slow. I've had tons of achiles and calf pain and all my heel strike buddies are saying 'told ya so!'. It's like three steps forward and two steps back but my feet and legs are gradually relearning how they're supposed to work! Cheers for all the enthusiasm, info and encouragement. More power to you my friend.
I'm beginning my journey into minimalist running and it's a real mind-blower to think how the idea of padded shoes has not necessarily been a physiological necessity but more of a marketing con. However, I'm curious why I see nearly every barefoot/minimalist running spokes person talk only about big brand running shoes like Vibram, Merrel, Xero, etc but I hear nothing about a $20 pair of minimal-soled rubber shoes you might find that isn't one of these famous brands. It seems as though there's just a shift from one expensive type to another. I'd love to hear an explanation as to why one of the more expensive minimalist shoes would be better or necessary for barefoot running. Isn't it really just about covering the sole of the foot to prevent debris injury? Thanks for all you do!
I’d say just get a $30 pair of Xero sandals (the DIY ones). They easily last 5000 miles. Do the math, I find they are the most cost effective barefoot running solution
Barefoot is, actually, free. And AFAIK, noone suggests minimal shoes over barefoot. Minimal shoes are for those that are hesitant to go barefoot. In this case, I would also recommend Vibram FF, but in my case mainly these, as they are completely different in two important features: TOE BOX WIDTH and stability. No other shoe keeps widening until the edge of the toe line. Not even Merrels, Xero's etc. And toe pockets ensure that foot is not moving all over the place inside the shoe. They essentially, foot and shoe, become like one. No other shoe without a similar feature can achieve that. As for the $20 minimal-soled, if you can find one with a widening toe box last, like the big brand minimal ones (again: Vibram FF is king here...) then be my guest and buy them and also recommend them to others too! But I haven't seen such a cheap shoe yet...
You get what you pay for. A $20 shoe will probably fall apart quickly and not fit well. Look for sales, and you can get a decent pair of minimalist shoes for $70 to $100.
It's not really a requirement to get expensive barefoot shoes but if you're going to wear them all the time or run in them all the time it's better to buy ones that you know will have good quality. A good pair of barefoot running shoes that usually costs more will last you longer, have better built quality, and better materials when compared to a $20 barefoot shoe. But I do see your point and I don't think it's a big deal if $20 dollar barefoot/minimalist shoes are comfortable and work well for you.
I have been trying to get into running for years. I started off doing just what you did, i.e going to a store, having my running style analyzed and discovering that I need X type of (expensive) running shoe. I've lost count on the amount of times that I've started a slow, gradual running program so as to not get shin plints or any other type of common skeletal pain, only to fall back into the same pain after reaching a certain distance. I also read Born to run and really couldn't put it down (one of the best books I've read), in addition to plenty about the evolution of mankind and how we were literally designed to be runners. The book and that knowledge alone gives me so much inspiration to start running, but then knowing that I always end up hurting badly it demoralizes me and I simply don't start running. I've been thinking about buying minimalist running shoes for a while but I feel like I really have to actually do it at this point. Hearing your story is really inspiring!
Man I am LOVING your testimonies. I love that you are a reader of the book "Born to Run" and are so motivated by that. Your experience and grown and detailed knowledge sharing is awesome. I love it! Thanks so much sir. I've been looking up barefoot and minimalist running just since last night, but I am captivated. Running off and on in school for the last 14 years, I have torn my L Lat meniscus three times and have suffered through the recovery processes. I've so enjoyed the late game life of shin splints, after not running in two years and taking it hard back to the life, I earned that badge of pain and stupidity. I have always ran in supported shoes with an awful high heal for that padding 'protection' and have HAD to run with custom fit insoles that aren't cheap in order to not sustain injury after a few miles. I love the chance to run further up on my feet in my shoes or barefoot on the grass, but now to learn this barefoot running and minimalist running is legitimate and I can actually reduce my pain and prone to injury body because I'll be fixing to my natural, meant to run, style... It just makes me so happy. Thanks for these videos.
One thing you do tend to gloss over is the transition period. It depends a lot on how strong and conditioned your calf muscles, ATs and feet are. If they are pretty weak you should expect to take about 6 months to a year to transition to barefoot/minimalist running. It is totally worth it, but you can definitely not rush it. I would recommend alternating running days with weight training to strengthen your lower legs and feet (also be careful that you don't develop a strength imbalance, you need to work on your upper legs and buttocks as well). The other thing you also need to work on is your core. I believe core-strengthening will benefit every single sport or activity imaginable. The other important thing is that in the beginning you need to find a place you can run barefoot. This will help you to strengthen your sole as well as your feet. Once you've done that you can wear any minimalist shoe out there. I started my barefoot running journey last year at age 50. I'm about 10kgs overweight and I was reasonably unfit with pretty weak legs. I used to run in my twenties with pretty decent times for a hobby runner (5k in 18:30, 10k in 42 mins and half-marathon in 1h37m), but after constant knee injuries I quit. In the last 20+ years I tried a number of times to get back into running, but my knee injuries kept making me quit. I started barefoot running last year and got regular calf muscle injuries and at one stage injured one of my ATs which took forever to heal (remember that I was 50 then). So now I'm running barefoot indoors until I feel that my legs and feet can handle running outdoors. It's slow going, but I desperately want to race again so I'm trying to be patient.
Love this video! I have been transitioning in my first pair of vibram KSO EVOs for about 5 weeks and love them! I’ve even bought some zero drop casual trainers, boots and flip flops as I can’t stand the feel of a heel anymore! Keep up the good work, I watch and enjoy all your videos and it’s because of you I discovered my love for barefoot running too :-)
Born to run is an amazing book! I'm flat footed and over the years I've been to different chiropodists and running shops, all have either sold me insoles or motion control shoes and nothing has worked. After reading the book I thought I'd give it a try and now I don't wear anything but barefoot shoes! I have a pair of merrell vapour gloves for running and a couple of vivobarefoot shoes for smart wear.
From experience working with sports footwear and now studying physiotherapy, your body will get used to how you walk and run. If you were one day to go from a nuteral gait to a overpronated gait, you'd need custom orthotics to suit you, to return you to your natural gait. I once was sold a pair of supportive running shoes, and it counteracted my natural gait, and ended up giving me a grade 2 sprain in my LCL, couldn't walk for a week!
Ran XC in America and back in Germany didn't do much running. After 4 years of gaining weight I started working out again with a little running now and then. Apparently I have fallen arches so that normal running shoes are just a pain for my arches. After a little research I found your channel late last year and now I am a proud owner of two pairs of Vibrams (v train for my fitness workouts and v trail for my running). I absolutely love it and had no problems transitioning nor do I have any other problems like arch blisters or such anymore. I'm slowly building up, loosing weight, and look forward to run my first half marathon in vibrams in September this year! Thanks mate!
Thanks Steve great video I got in to barefoot running after a search on UA-cam for vibrams and you appeared.Went out and brought my first pair of vibrams v-run a year ago and absolutely love them.👍
I have had knee surgery on both knees. Traded in my running shoes for inline skates and discovered a new way to love the outdoor trek again. Over 1200 km on my skates and in love with it. I still can’t run or even walk fast in running shoes. Then last week I got a pair of Xero shoes, $109 US, and acclimating to the new method of walking and did a short jog the other night and no pain - at all. I look forward to seeing if I can do more and get my body mechanics able to run again in these shoes - I should have done this 15 years ago when I saw the older gentlemen next to me running the LA Marathon in bare feet, I thought they were crazy, now I know better.
Thanks for the vid on your history. Briefly, I used to hike constantly and loved it. life took me away from it for years, where I gained a lot of weight in a sedentary job, marriage, and suffered multiple knee injuries. A near- death experience got me healthy again in 2013. I trained for and ran in my first 5k, took up tennis and life was good. Then in 2019 I tore my only good knee left and from there its been a series of Orthopedic appts and being pushed into fluffier and greater stability shoes. The pain has only gotten far worse as a result. As the pandemic took hold this late winter here in the States, I started working from my home office and began wandering around most of my days out of shoes and away from the over fluffed running shoes. I suddenly realized that my knees felt better and that being barefoot or in very minimal shoes was the reason for this change. I tested it; wearing my stability running shoes for a day, and then returning to bare feet or very flat boat shoes... it became obvious and my research began. I found many articles on the negative effects of stability shoes on OA- affected knees and how bare foot shoes and flatter shoes/ sneakers with a wide toe box offered relief. After much research of trying to find "reasons not to" and not finding any, I just ordered my first pair of Vibram five fingers V-Trail 2.0 shoes to slowly break into them and away from my other shoes. While my knees are defintely in need of replacement, my plan now it to start adapting to the five fingers in my daily life and then take back to the hiking trails once recovered from knee replacement surgery. So its no longer a running game, but it IS back to my first love, hiking, and thanks to many articles and many videos (including your own in a large way), I will start repairing years of back, hip, and knee pain for the trails ahead. I know this response is two years on from when you uploaded it, but I guess that is proof of the longevity of good information on the web. thanks for all the great information and sharing yiour personal story. Cheers!
Thank you very much. U reminded me what it was to run barefoot when I was a kid. Now at age 42 I’m back to running barefoot on a controlled environment and with minimum or low heel running shoes in the streets of Chicago. So I immediately noticed a gain of at least 30% in my speed. My knees and hips pain is gone. So thanks to u no more heel striking for me.
New subscriber here! I’m just starting to transition to minimalist shoes/barefoot running, after losing almost 80 lbs doing low impact things like elliptical. I’ve done some running before but I would try to concentrate on at least aiming for a midfoot strike (with shoes on). I could barely do 10+ mins either on a track or treadmill, not because of muscle exhaustion, but my CV endurance just couldn’t keep up. Within the past 2 weeks, i said screw it, I’m going to kick these shoes off at the indoor track & walk a few laps in my socks, then try to jog a few laps. At first my ankle hurt but the more I walked with no shoes, the better it felt. And while I was jogging, I could definitely pinpoint the muscle weakness in the lower part of the calf causing my ankle to pronate. But what really amazed me was my CV endurance went through the roof! Of course I was breathing hard & sweaty after a mile, but could I have gone longer? Absolutely! Since I’m transitioning though, I’m trying to take it slow to allow my feet & ankles time to strengthen up. I’m so glad I’ve discovered this!
Thankyou everything you said is true for me. I Have been barefoot running/ minimulist for 6 years and this has rehabbed my injuries. Never will go back!
I'm in my 50s. I've been finding running hard. In the early days with Xero shoes Prio. I'm slowly building up distance.....but I can feel that this is going to work. Of course I do concentrate on not landing on my heels.....but seems more natural in minimalist shoes!!!!
Excellent, watched one of your vids last night then just got back from my first short run in minimalist shoes, felt and feels great. I'm totally bought into this. Thanks for the motivation.
Just ordered my first pair . When I was in school ne and my elder bro used to practice running bare feet as we lived in school hostel and didn’t have running shoe. We beat the crap out of everyone in our age category running bare feet . I can remember when u mentioned about running in the cloud , it was a gliding feeling .. had started running in 2019 again and with the current shoes it hurt a lot and running is painful .. ordered my first pair of five fingers and tradition will begin . Thanks for the content
As the last person on the planet (it feels like) I read Born to run this winter and has since then been working on switching my running style. Found your channel while looking up Vibrams - got hooked and found a pair of KSO EVOs at the local store for a bargain. Went for my first run in them last night, just around 2k at a moderate pace and can’t wait to get out for more. Hopefully I can stay patient enough to do a proper transition 😅 Anyway thanks for the motivation and great videos. Love to see how you, the shed and the quality of the content has evolved. Keep it rollin’
Hi there. I am an ok runner (4 marathons under the belt, many many half ones), but decided to move on to barefoot: I overdid my first session (calves are hurting sooo much), but really loved it so much! Thanks for all the videos and tips, looking forward to a new stage in my running (not looking for spped, just for ending a run being happy and contend)
Same experience here. I did not run for over 25 years because of recurring knee problems. Then I discovered the minimal/ barefoot thing a few years ago... changed everything. At 47 now I'm in the best shape of my life - currently I run 45 km per week and I am close to breaking 40 minutes for the 10 km. Enjoying it like never before. The way I am running now is exactly as I always thought it was supposed to feel - light and effortless. Wish someone had told me all this when I was 16... oh well. The transition period was substantial. Especially my calves were killing me for a long time, I would have sore calves for days preventing any serious mileage. But suddenly it seemed like something 'clicked' and now I can run just about every day... it's a very interesting process. I am now looking to build mileage before anything else. Luckily I have always kept a good runner's body type - 62 kgs @178 cm, this has never changed all my adult life. So getting back into running was easy from that perspective. I run in Merrell Vapor Gloves exclusively. I have several pairs and also wear them for work and leisure. They felt perfect from day one. I only bought a pair of Trail Gloves for bicycling in colder weather (180km/ wk commute). And for anyone debating that barefoot/ minimal is something odd or not serious for elite or top level, do check out Nicolas Filippazzo ('El Coyote Loco') - who proves that elite level and super high mileage are possible - in fact he considers running on 'minimal' footwear an essential ingredient.
I’ve been barefoot running for years and have just got my son to run beside me, in shoes his mother approves of. I’m looking forward to watching this with him, and then show him your video giving the five tips for barefoot runner beginners.
Three months ago I watched this video and your barefoot technique video. Got some v-runs and toe socks. Had never ran before so did the couch to 5k. Yesterday I ran a 5k at 4:32/km. And another 3k in the evening. I'm convinced the progress is down to the v-runs enforcing good technique. I've had no problems except for sore feet and a calf issue which was down to me trying to go too hard too soon. After easing back into it I now just get the odd blister while my feet are still toughening up. Just wanted to say thanks for putting those two videos out there, they've made a massive difference to me. I'm sure I wouldn't have come this far with regular running shoes.
As a kid I would always run barefooted. Now that im older ive noticed it just does not feel the same. I recently went for a jog around the block without anything on my feet and it felt amazing just like you said. Ive been watching your videos for a little bit now. I am happy to say i just ordered my first pair of vibrams! Hopefully it is a smooth transition but either way I have to say thank you for the inspiration. Keep up the spirit and continue the great work!
Working on becoming a barefoot runner. Can't afford Vibrams, so doing lots of barefoot walking to toughen my feet. Decided to try my first barefoot race, on mostly smooth asphalt. Amazed myself taking 30s off the previous weeks race time (5k parkrun). Got just one blister on a toe and three days of strong DOMS in calf muscles. I currently have an ITB and knee problem, so will be repeating some barefoot runs soon.
Thank you for your content. I did notice it when I started playing Volleyball in 2007. As in Volleyball the majority of the moves happen on the forefoot I gradually developed the sense for this comfort. Somehow I found myself running like that, struggling to find appropriate shoes that would not hinder my stride. People called me crazy and tried to teach me "the real thing". I quit Volleyball years back and found my way into running and triathlon. I am very happy that I have developed my running style naturally over the years and that I never had any running-related injury. By the way, I tried the Merrell Vapor Gloves for satisfying my forefoot passion. Unfortunately even the third pair does not satisfy my requirements as the shoe is basically not able to give me the right amount of hold which also leads to blisters as well. If I tie the laces right, the upper mesh material gives in quite rapidly. I don't want to blame these shoes - they're just not the right ones for my running. I still like using them for gym or just walking around. Due to your videos I'm finally thinking about giving the 5Fingers a try. I somehow thought those were not durable enough for running. Keep it up.
My story is exactly the same as yours I started out running last year and had to quit because of terrible shin splints. Signed up to the London Marathon for next year and I looked into ways I can run without getting injured and barefoot running keeps coming back to me. I bought my first pair of Fivefingers and as been out on a handful of runs. I still get the aches and pains as before but they are nowhere near as bad as what they were I'm putting it down to the transition. Fingers crossed my legs get hardened to the barefoot lifestyle but it definitely has a bright future in my life. Keep up the good work with the videos I like what you're doing
10 years plus pains an aches in my feet and legs , damaged meniscus , microtears etc , tried acupuncture , chiro and Gonstead chiro , had gait analysis , orthotic in shoe after that , tried enzymes thought I had some sort of nutritional deficiency , 3 years ago underwent keyhole surgery in knee ... all that time wearing 'popular' running shoes , just about to change that now . Getting my first pair of barefoot shoes tomorrow . Have been using Altra zero drop wide toe box on and off for last 3 years so maybe they have got me some of the way , hope I wont be disappointed .
I am a triathlete. Since I started I have very serious medial shin splints and my bone skin would actually thicken after a few runs. Visited four physiotherapists and five doctors now. Tried "everything". Gait analysis obviously, insoles, flat shoes (race flats), cushioned shoes, running technique drills, run coaches, medication and so on. My last hope is minimalist running or surgery. I've just ordered a pair of Merell trail gloves and I really hope that this fixes my shins since I really love the sport.
I'm chronically ill. I'm on this journey to rehab my feet and help my balance. I sort of wish more people focused on this aspect. I'm trying to spread the word among my chronically ill cohort but they look at the word running in the headlines (various videos) and know the video has nothing to do with them when it does... just not the running part.
This is all new to me. I’m 60 years old and can’t run any longer due to multiple injuries with the worst being collapsed arches due to being in support shoes too long. It’ll be interesting to see what happens. Thx for sharing
Injury lead me to barefoot running. Suffered what I believe was IT band syndrome. Now I don't know if that Injury can be attributed to running shoes but they definitely did not support my recovery. Everytime I put them on even just to walk caused my knee and calf to flair up even though I thought I'd recovered. Could only do 1 km on treadmill before having to give up. Then, randomly decided to run barefoot on my treadmill after hearing Steven Sachen of Xero shoes on the drop podcast. 5k later and fresh feeling legs made me feel that barefoot was going to aid my recovery after 3 weeks of hardly any running. Now il fully recovered and transitioned into barefoot and my legs feel amazing. Put on a pair of my old shoes on and even when stretching the IT band/ side of knee pain appeared and I hadn't even taken a step in them. Quickly switched to my Sundried barefoot shoes and the pain went away. Ran a 7km with no pain or issues. Barefoot is clearly the best way for me and my body. Thanks for your inspiring videos!
I have just bought a pair of Merrell vapor gloves after reading born to run and watching this video! after buying 6 pairs of different trainers in 18 months I thought why not! I cant wait to get out and try them!
Hey. I in to sports. Football, bicycle, swimming. But unfortunetley had problems when i wanted to run. I stop runnning for long time becouse of my knee pain. 2 days ago i sad to myself its time to try again. I will run on my toes to absorb all this negative force. I did like 5 KM. It was OK. so i search in itnernet by toes run. This way i found vibrams and You. Today i buyed V-Trail 2.0.Im 100% shure that it will solve my problem. Good video !! Great Job !! :D
Wow, I have such a similar story. I used to do Judo in University and after I dislocated my elbow I picked up running to keep my cardio up. I've been running ever since, but I could hardly ever pass 20 km per week because of knees and hip pain. What's even worse is that the knees pain started affecting my other activity like hiking and strength training. After three podiatrists and two chiropractors, and a thousand dollar worth of shoes, I finally encounter a sports physiotherapist who says that I should try going barefoot. I made the transition slowly like they recommended, but it did take me a whole year to move from the expensive running shoe with custom carbon fiber orthotic to minimalist shoe and five-finger. It wasn't easy, my knees and hip originally felt worse, but I just let it rest and try again. Eventually, it gets better and better after every run and I eventually increase my weekly distance. I still only run 20 km per week but with no pain. Wish I had known this earlier because now I have a newborn and a two-year-old toddler which make having a hobby feels like a luxury. Not sure who is at fault here. Me for not doing my own research, the podiatrists for taking thousand from me and not solving any of my problems. The chiropractors for the same reasons as the podiatrists. I actually thought the physiotherapist and massage therapist helped a lot, but it was more a treatment than a cure. I am not saying this will work for those of you who have skeletal/joint pain, I am just saying is free to try. Find an indoor track and run with your socks or barefooted. Start slowly. Increase your distance by 100m per day. I took it really slowly because I go from expensive shoe to "natural" shoe to minimalist shoe to five-finger to barefoot. After you spend money on those shoes it feels like you should spend more time using them. Knowing what I know now, I would just probably started barefoot running on an indoor track and increase my distance slowly. Good luck guys.
Thanh Truong It’ll be ok as far as the kids go; enjoy them while they’re little as much as possible, & before you know it, they’ll be at a point where they’re more independent & you can go for a nice long run everyday if that’s what you want!
I am going through this exact thing except I did something wierd. Went from minimal back to cushioned runners. After 1.5k's in the "best" new running shoes from a running store, I have shin pain and knee pain. Next day my knee is swollen and sore. Years of using minimal shoes with no problem. Ran a 12k in Vibram's without any problems. I feel so stupid, thinking the "proper" running shoes would help. I can't believe such a small distance already caused an Injury. Back to minimal shoes.
I started with a pair of vibram five fingers back in 2013 and I ran my last run with them this summer. I repaired them several times and did around 1700-1800km through them. I am an occasional runner. I tried to run with running shoes last week and after two sessions, big pain in the shins area and knees. I am now building my own leather huarache and will go with that from now on. I can build a pair for 15$. Go barefoot
My story isn't too dissimilar to yours. I wasn't a runner and needed some motivation to run, so I thought back in 2007 to enter a marathon. Probably a stupid idea and was to be honest, with the lack of preparation and respect I gave it. I ran in some old pair of North Face shoes, had to walk the last 10 km because my knee exploded. From there I went to get my gait looked at. Went through the same as you, got shafted with a pair of expensive supportive Pumas, which meant after about 5 minutes of running my knee and hip was in agony. Bought some semi racing shoes for casual use, Puma Faas 300s and ironically that was the start of my transition. They felt soft, low profile, like a slipper and thought why not run in them. Blew my mind the feeling in my body, got a calf-grilling, no knee pain. Did some research on running technique and bought my first pair of FF back in 2012. Haven't looked back since. Anecdotal perhaps but I've run 6 marathons, a 60 km ultra and no injuries, my feet have been the least tired bit on my body after these events. I've had (and have) a lot of FF models and do all my running in El-Xs at the moment. Love it, pushing for distance now and can't get enough of the feeling from using minimalist running shoes!
I ran fore foot and it was like you said running on a cloud. I powered up a hill expecting to be tired but I wasn't. Running down hill was a bit scary as I wasn't using my heel to slow me down. I ran about a mile and the next day my lower calf muscles and tendons are sore. I wore a minimalist shoe from Xero Shoes. Maybe I have weak strength for fore foot running. I am going to run daily but for a few hundred yards until I fully develop new strength for a full regiment routine.
Barefoot running is the best! I started when I got fed up with achilles and knee pain. I gave up running for 2 yrs thinking I was never going to be able to run again. Then one day, I got on a treadmill barefoot and began to run to 'fix' my running form. I noticed quickly that my body/my feet knew exactly what to do. An hour later, when I began to get blisters, I decided to stop. Since then, I've run on Vibram V-run shoes and never looked back. In fact, now when I wear regular trainers my feet and achilles tendons begin to scream to be let out.
Second run in five fingers today trying to take it easy cus I don't want to over do it in the transition period.. but it's hard not to just go for it! The run just feels so good never going back!
I think the easiest way to get into minimalist wear is by wearing it mainly when walking for several months and still wearing your regular sneakers for running, allowing your feet to slowly adapt. Going from padded sneakers to zero support running right away is why there were so many people that injured themselves wearing vibrams resulting in that lawsuit. Most people will be able to do minimalist running, but unless you have very good genetics (naturally strong and flexible ankles and feet) you will likely have to take it slow.
Everyone is different but that's definitely one option. I prefered to go straight in with running but keep it low volume - therefore working the specific muscle groups required for BF running.
My friend gave me a book Born to run. It talks about these issues. So when I decided to run a marathon when I was 16 I did some research on the internet and decided to buy Merrell road glove shoe. Man that was awesome! I needed a break in period, but after that I couldn't shift back to normal shoes. So I stayed loyal to Merrell barefoot series. I ran 3:23:48 marathon wich is not that bad for a 16 yo. I know that running such distances at that young age was not healthy.
I'm 12 weeks in to the transition.It's been mainly tough with moments of pure barefoot bliss. Last week was a nightmare, swollen left ankle and calf sprain but today it was Thunderbirds are Go! Was gliding like a Gazelle with big smile on my face.My ankle is a bit sore tonite but calf is great.I will persevere and it's all your fault!
I bought a pair of barefoot running shoes a couple of days, I've only been walking with them so far but I could feel the difference immediately, my feet are completely flat on the floor, I can feel the ground under my feet, every stone, pebble and twig, but it feels great, I won't go back to "normal" shoes again, eventually I'm gonna replace every shoe type with barefoot shoes, I don't think we mega cushioned, raised heel sponge-like shoes on your feet at all, barefoot shoes are the way to go.
Awesome video. Bottom line is this: If you want to run a marathon in 2 hours, use vaporflys or similars. If you are after health, run barefoot, minimalist shoes.
Thanks for a great video , I read the book Born to Run 2018, but being injury free since 2014, when I started using 6mm drop Salomon, not intentionally, but changed to another brand March 2020 and gor an ankle sprained so thinking of trying Vibrams or the likes of. I'm back on my old Salomon but next trainers are defo going to be minimalist shoe.
Haha, my story exactly. I was in total pain for years from running. Gait analysis, expensive stupid shoes, nothing worked. One day at parkrun I'd had enough and just stopped and took my shoes off, the rest is history, totally barefoot, VFF or xeros diys for me now. And those 'normal big padded shoes you see others wearing just make me laugh now. Ridiculous things. All the best
Started out in Nike Reax Run and ran a mile in them and did fine actually but I ran slow. Wasn't until a week into it after running only a mile a day that I started getting pretty significant shin pain, I thought i just needed to lose weight so I kept up on it only to see my times never increasing and being sore all the time. One of my good friends already used vibrams and recommended them so I bought a pair of vibram v-trails and went out and ran about 3 miles and smashed my running pace by a minute (from 10:30 to 9:30/mi) It was then that I became addicted, course there was a transition period and its been about 8 months and I'm still working on form but its so much better.
Hi Steve. Started running in some very cheap 'barefoot' shoes and oh yes the pain soon kicked in but after my run, not during. Figured I needed something a little more substantial so now i'm trying out some under armours that yes, have cushioning but not to much. In a sense i'm doing everything in reverse haha to what everyone else is doing. After running in the under armours and the barefoot shoes i totally feel the difference, like you said, its like 'running on clouds' in the barefoot shoes. I wana be able to run all the time in barefoot shoes, but I think I definitely have to do the transition so to build up my strength in my muscles and save a few bucks for a pair of five fingers lol, not cheappppppp! haha.
Love the content Steve! I’ve just bought a pair of vibrams and made the mistake of going straight out for 5k 😂 ruined my calves. What distances should I do to safely and effectively transition?
I really enjoy your vids I have been wearing minimalist shoes everyday for 2 years and running in different minimalist shoes ran my 1st Half trail in Vibrams recently and felt great. What shoes do you wear for everyday use? and whats a good way to get a bit more flex around the achilles, lowercalf, ankle area. I feel a bit tight around that area.
Not been running long but starting to get IT band pain since I’ve increased my mileage, like yourself I know running shouldn’t be like this, love this video and definitely going to give minimalist running my full attention from now on!!! Thanks for uploading this 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Any recommendations for a 1st pair of minimalist shoes?
@Kalclash Fitness V I came to barefoot running shoes for the same reason as you. I had pain in my feet, knees, legs etc. although I ran slow and super short distances. Im super light weight and I still had problems. Was about to give up running. :D
Luckily I was only running for 2-3 monthes before I made the switch. I was only running about 5k at the time and I read up on Vibrams because I saw another runner out with them. I eventuelly opted for Vivobarefoot instead of Vibrams (which I don't regret, but I am planning on trying Vibrams in the near future) and I'm back up to my 5k, working on 10!
While I was on vacation this past August at the beach, I ran 4 miles barefoot in the sand, then up closer to the water on the wet sand, then in the middle of the wet sand and dry sand so freshly wetted sand. Next day, I ran 6 miles, and then I ran 4 again, and my calves were Huge and I walked funnier or different afterwards (I guess like a frogman like Don Shipley would). So when I got home from vacation, I ordered Vibrams, but while I waited for them to be shipped I ran barefooted on a high school football field probably 7 or 8 miles and it was wet with well water, made me sick. When I got my vibrams I started running around my neighborhood (there are dirt/gravel trails which felt good) mainly on the asphalt road, some on the sidewalk. It felt good, so I ran EVERY day after work (hard in itself) for about 1 hour. Here, a month and half later I'm still running barefoot every 3 days. Last week, I ran 12 miles at the track. When I think back to the running on the sand on the beach, I believe it built my calves more than the non-sand running I'm doing now. I must be heal-striking or something I don't know (whereas the beach was more up on the toes) and my knees sorta hurt running on the pavement/street but not on the dirt/rocks.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience! I'm in a position similar to what you were in when you were 17, so it's good to know that even I can someday become a decent runner! I just had one question though.. Why not go completely barefoot instead of wearing minimalist shoes? Is it because you run on tarmac?
My barefoot running story is exactly the same as yours mate even down to the horse "plops". Been running before for about 6 months now, got my first half in December and full next April.
I was wondering what it would feel like to run in socks today so I took of my shoes....it felt soooo good I felt quick nimble and unbelievably springy... 😀I’m buying some vibram 5 fingers now like right now.(I’m no longer a 🐑)
Hi Steve. I've been considering running barefoot or minimalist first. I'm currently suffering with ITBS and have been for 2 weeks now. I've been doing everything i possibly can to help it. Foam rolling, lacrose ball, yoga, stretching, mini band exercises, glute exercise you name it. None of it has seemed to help me as of yet. Although only being 2 weeks I could just be really impatient right now. For some reason I just feel like barefoot running may help me. I don't really know exactly why but it's just been in the back of my mind. Would it be a bad idea to try it while I have this ITBS or would I benefit? Thanks
Hi dude. Im like you over 6' and a lean 14 stone and well into my trail running. Im gonna follow you to see what i can learn from your journey. Im running in inov8 Xtalon at the mo so fairly low drop. Thinking of moving to zero drop Altras next...
I am enthusiastic about barefoot running, it's something I've thought about a lot, but I only go barefoot when it's warm and the ground is warmer! It's like a way of making the most of the summer B-) I like to go completely barefoot tho, I don't want to get vivrams! As long as the ground isn't too rough, but there's a cycle path I sometimes go on at the far end of town from where I live.
Same experience. I purchased Asics shoes ($170) and still was struggling with running, started running barefoot and was gliding and gone was shin splints and hip joint pain.
Just ran 3 miles in my socks... Same as you, shin splints, hip pain, groin pain...All of them defeated just by taking my shoes off... Looking forward to the doms haha... I AM NOT A SHEEP NO MORE!
I would love to do more running, but I've got a really bad left knee, every doctor I spoke to advices against it. so im a bit hesitant to start running again. Do love wearing my barefoot Xero shoes! outside and in the gym! Best decision ever to buy barefoot shoes! now its a matter of what can my body handle.
I have Knee issues for years now. I said enough and I when to the chiropractor I am feeling better but I have a long way to recovery from chondropathy/ Chondromalacia. Before going to the chiropractor, (which I recommend to everyone with any pain)I had already found the colleration that some shoes gave me knee pain and foot pain. So I started wearing trainers only. After wearing trainers I felt better but the pain did not go away. So I did some more research and I ended up an ted x talk born to run, found benefits of barefoot running and I am hoping that will solve my issue as well. And I found the review of the fivefigers show. I bought it and I cant way to try them At the mid time I walk barefoot inside the hose for couple of hours, and from next week i start using the vibrams.
Thanks for this story mate. Out in poland on holiday and training for the Edinburgh marathon, been wearing saucony freedom isos for over a year, such a nice light shoe, as they are kind of minimal but i think im gonna take the next step to proper barefoot with a pair of vapor gloves or 5 fingers. Not sure if 5 fingers are the way to go as my toes are not particularly straight, not sure if this makes a difference in your experience? Thanks
Brilliant video as always. I'm about to try a full marathon in my Evo's. I've worried about this but every time I run in trainers again even zero drops I get hip pain and feel sluggish. I feel a lot faster in Evo's but I do get foot pad pain in the forefoot about 15 miles in. Any tips to avoid this ?
Only tip I have for that Mr Walsh is to build up the miles slowly and in my experience and others I know that foot pads pain goes away. If you've trained in the evos, and done your long run in the evos, you should be fine to compete in the evos. I did Brighton marathon in them and it was awesome 😁
+Kalclash Fitness Thanks Steve. I've done all my running in Vibrams for last 4-5 years. Long runs of 20plus miles but big pain in the foot pad. Goes as soon as I stop. I will go for it then and enjoy the day. Thanks for the reply. Love the videos and advice it has kept me Vibram happy.
So I'm thinking of getting into barefoot running but the question I have is, is it really about the footwear or is it about the running technique and starting off slowly to avoid injury?
I had a similar experience. I’d heard of barefoot running but never had. Today is was on the treadmill and my shoes were just killing me so I just took them off and ran the last 3 miles in my socks. It was liberating and my feet didn’t hurt at all! I’ve got some wicked calf soreness now though 😂
So I run 2-6 miles on average. I've been using vibram shoes for at least a year or two now, and the only problem I am having is a pain near my heel on the inside of the arch on my right foot. I have high arches, so should I get a little support for that or is that not credible. I'm wanting to run and I've been resting it but wanted to hear any opinions on it. Thanks for the video!
Hey man, hey you tried rolling your feet out after your runs? A cold come can from the fridge is a good shout. Tennis balls and golf balls are also good. Could be you just need to rehab them a bit
I've got the same "problem" here, on the inside of my foot near the heel. It's like there's a knot/triggerpoint and kind of hurts for a few days. I'll start massaging more often after each runs as well and see if it helps. I remember that before I felt the "pain" near the heel, i had massive musclepain in the muscles in my foot as well.
I got a terrible ITG syndrome back in 2013. Still I haven't work out why is still hurting me so much. I bought a pair of Merrell bare 4 but still hurting. Do you think barefoot running can help with this situation? Cheers mate
It could do but really it depends on the cause of the issue itself. If it's an imbalance or weakness being triggered elsewhere in your body then it wouldn't necessarily help
Thanks a lot buddy, yeah, i must go to a physiotherapist, work out whats going on and sort it all out. I hope one day i can do just a tiny bit of what you do, regards from Spain buddy. keep it rollin' :)
I love my vibrams but I almost got metatarsal stress fractures from them by overdoing it. Still healing from them and not too sure on how to go back into training once they heal.
Well, after wasting money on 3 pairs I knew something was wrong. My stride, posture was excellent and yet I was still having problems. After 200 pages of reading Born to Run, I said enough. I ordered my first pair of Vibrams and should be in a day or so. Cushioned running shoes are a waste of money and an invitation for injuries.
Had the same experience with gate analysis then got a shoes with a large as heel even though I liked the minimal one I tried but I over pronated" in those shoes
Hey I just finished running in those same shoe (same colour too) this morning 10 minutes ago. My knee joint hurts after about 2 km. The pain has been there for a while now after using these shoe I don't think it's going away. I don't stretch before running but I don't think that's the cause of knee joint pain. What do you think I should do? See a doctor? Ow I nearly forgot to say, the knee joint pain only exist on my right leg. Left leg is healthy.
Big mistake! Increasing distance too much , before your body could adapt to the new distance. The rule of thumb is 10% increase in mileage per week, if you are running regularly.
![Are Barefoot Running Shoe Benefits FAKE? [Minimalist Shoe Guide]](/img/n.gif)
Hey Steve! Just got back from a 3 mile run, at about 2.25 miles my legs were screaming at me to stop. Then I heard your voice, “Remember to smile!” In the past when I heard you say it, I just thought, “that’s just weird.” I was willing to try anything at this point so I put the biggest grin on my face and the last 3/4 of a mile was easier that the first 3/4 mile! From the USA I just wanted to say, thanks for you videos!!
Love this dude, I screen shotted this comment. I'll probably mention it in a video at some point
Even better grin the whole 2.25 miles and stop there. You will progress so much better and faster by running slower and too eady.
I've started writing an ebook all about minimalist runner. Here's a brief (rambled) overview of what the intro will cover 😁
Kalclash Fitness V Hey man I am a new subscriber to your channel, I have learned so much already and wanted to thank you. I wanted your opinion, I play multiple sports and am very active, I have been working on my form and have pretty much fully corrected it so now I forefoot strike right at my center of gravity. But long story short I mostly see that you should slowly transition to zero drop/barefoot running shoes, so should I buy shoes gradually moving towards zero drop or just buy a zero drop shoe right off the bat and go for it.? Thank you!!
KB2236 ua-cam.com/video/GmsJuVDsckQ/v-deo.html
Really enjoyed this vid - thank you! I'm currently transisitoning into barefoot running and walking. My experience as a moderately fit 45 year old is that patience is everything - I got a bit too keen with the running side to begin with and nearly blew both my achilles! After going back to the drawing board, I started doing very short runs at a gentle pace - 30 seconds or 200m at a time and then gauging how i felt over the following two days...all the while gradually building up the distances. I now feel like I can run all day and it's no exagerration to say that barefoot running has changed my life for the better. Keep up the great vids :)
ran in my bare feet once a week when i started getting into running 20 years ago. over time I drifted away from it and injuries have started to creep in. Starting back to it this week.
I started barefoot running last year at age 53 (been running for over 20 with regular trainers) I just took my trainers off to see what it felt like, no socks (Id been walking barefoot for a while) and it felt so good that I run over 3k, my calfs were killing me next day. Since then I have learned that small to start with is better, 7 months down the road I run 8k yesterday, a bit of calf pain on the right leg but nothing too bad, It feels so good. What I have always loved about running is feeling free, with no shoes you feel even more free, in touch with nature, one with nature. YOU DO NOT NEED EXPENSIVE BAREFOOT RUNNERS !Love and light
I've been using the TSLA shoes on Amazon for 6 years. Best choice I've ever made.
Are they good quality compared to something like Merrell? I’m thinking of getting a pair
@@lil-g4879 They're cheap, but not bad -- a super good way to try out barefoot style shoes
@@essaysbyken I’ll give them a try, thanks!
Started in the Vibrams at the beginning of lockdown and just finished my first full week of running in them. 14.1 miles and feeling great. Trying not to get to ahead of myself and capped at no more than 3 miles per run
Same. ‘Born to run’ opened my eyes All my friends think I’m mad when I talk about my barefoot running
Great story. I had almost identical problems to you! I knew running should be a natural thing. A great way to keep fit but my knees kept 'letting me down'. Sometimes if I ran too hard, to see if I could push through it, my knees would basically sieze up and stop bending! I'd be walking like spotty dog (ancient ref) for days after. And my knees would make squelchy noises as they started to recover when I walked upstairs. I thought my knees were at fault and every running 'expert' told me the same. What a racket! I now know forefoot is the way forward but I'm having to take it really slow. I've had tons of achiles and calf pain and all my heel strike buddies are saying 'told ya so!'. It's like three steps forward and two steps back but my feet and legs are gradually relearning how they're supposed to work! Cheers for all the enthusiasm, info and encouragement. More power to you my friend.
I'm beginning my journey into minimalist running and it's a real mind-blower to think how the idea of padded shoes has not necessarily been a physiological necessity but more of a marketing con. However, I'm curious why I see nearly every barefoot/minimalist running spokes person talk only about big brand running shoes like Vibram, Merrel, Xero, etc but I hear nothing about a $20 pair of minimal-soled rubber shoes you might find that isn't one of these famous brands. It seems as though there's just a shift from one expensive type to another. I'd love to hear an explanation as to why one of the more expensive minimalist shoes would be better or necessary for barefoot running. Isn't it really just about covering the sole of the foot to prevent debris injury? Thanks for all you do!
Iv got the same queries, hopefully it will be answered, have u tried any since?
I’d say just get a $30 pair of Xero sandals (the DIY ones). They easily last 5000 miles. Do the math, I find they are the most cost effective barefoot running solution
Barefoot is, actually, free. And AFAIK, noone suggests minimal shoes over barefoot. Minimal shoes are for those that are hesitant to go barefoot. In this case, I would also recommend Vibram FF, but in my case mainly these, as they are completely different in two important features: TOE BOX WIDTH and stability. No other shoe keeps widening until the edge of the toe line. Not even Merrels, Xero's etc. And toe pockets ensure that foot is not moving all over the place inside the shoe. They essentially, foot and shoe, become like one. No other shoe without a similar feature can achieve that. As for the $20 minimal-soled, if you can find one with a widening toe box last, like the big brand minimal ones (again: Vibram FF is king here...) then be my guest and buy them and also recommend them to others too! But I haven't seen such a cheap shoe yet...
You get what you pay for. A $20 shoe will probably fall apart quickly and not fit well. Look for sales, and you can get a decent pair of minimalist shoes for $70 to $100.
It's not really a requirement to get expensive barefoot shoes but if you're going to wear them all the time or run in them all the time it's better to buy ones that you know will have good quality. A good pair of barefoot running shoes that usually costs more will last you longer, have better built quality, and better materials when compared to a $20 barefoot shoe. But I do see your point and I don't think it's a big deal if $20 dollar barefoot/minimalist shoes are comfortable and work well for you.
I have been trying to get into running for years.
I started off doing just what you did, i.e going to a store, having my running style analyzed and discovering that I need X type of (expensive) running shoe. I've lost count on the amount of times that I've started a slow, gradual running program so as to not get shin plints or any other type of common skeletal pain, only to fall back into the same pain after reaching a certain distance.
I also read Born to run and really couldn't put it down (one of the best books I've read), in addition to plenty about the evolution of mankind and how we were literally designed to be runners. The book and that knowledge alone gives me so much inspiration to start running, but then knowing that I always end up hurting badly it demoralizes me and I simply don't start running.
I've been thinking about buying minimalist running shoes for a while but I feel like I really have to actually do it at this point. Hearing your story is really inspiring!
Man I am LOVING your testimonies. I love that you are a reader of the book "Born to Run" and are so motivated by that. Your experience and grown and detailed knowledge sharing is awesome. I love it! Thanks so much sir. I've been looking up barefoot and minimalist running just since last night, but I am captivated.
Running off and on in school for the last 14 years, I have torn my L Lat meniscus three times and have suffered through the recovery processes. I've so enjoyed the late game life of shin splints, after not running in two years and taking it hard back to the life, I earned that badge of pain and stupidity. I have always ran in supported shoes with an awful high heal for that padding 'protection' and have HAD to run with custom fit insoles that aren't cheap in order to not sustain injury after a few miles. I love the chance to run further up on my feet in my shoes or barefoot on the grass, but now to learn this barefoot running and minimalist running is legitimate and I can actually reduce my pain and prone to injury body because I'll be fixing to my natural, meant to run, style... It just makes me so happy. Thanks for these videos.
One thing you do tend to gloss over is the transition period. It depends a lot on how strong and conditioned your calf muscles, ATs and feet are. If they are pretty weak you should expect to take about 6 months to a year to transition to barefoot/minimalist running. It is totally worth it, but you can definitely not rush it. I would recommend alternating running days with weight training to strengthen your lower legs and feet (also be careful that you don't develop a strength imbalance, you need to work on your upper legs and buttocks as well). The other thing you also need to work on is your core. I believe core-strengthening will benefit every single sport or activity imaginable. The other important thing is that in the beginning you need to find a place you can run barefoot. This will help you to strengthen your sole as well as your feet. Once you've done that you can wear any minimalist shoe out there.
I started my barefoot running journey last year at age 50. I'm about 10kgs overweight and I was reasonably unfit with pretty weak legs. I used to run in my twenties with pretty decent times for a hobby runner (5k in 18:30, 10k in 42 mins and half-marathon in 1h37m), but after constant knee injuries I quit. In the last 20+ years I tried a number of times to get back into running, but my knee injuries kept making me quit. I started barefoot running last year and got regular calf muscle injuries and at one stage injured one of my ATs which took forever to heal (remember that I was 50 then). So now I'm running barefoot indoors until I feel that my legs and feet can handle running outdoors. It's slow going, but I desperately want to race again so I'm trying to be patient.
Love this video! I have been transitioning in my first pair of vibram KSO EVOs for about 5 weeks and love them! I’ve even bought some zero drop casual trainers, boots and flip flops as I can’t stand the feel of a heel anymore! Keep up the good work, I watch and enjoy all your videos and it’s because of you I discovered my love for barefoot running too :-)
That's great to hear 😊 I'm pleased you've gone the whole hog with the casual shoes too - I did exactly the same thing!
Born to run is an amazing book! I'm flat footed and over the years I've been to different chiropodists and running shops, all have either sold me insoles or motion control shoes and nothing has worked. After reading the book I thought I'd give it a try and now I don't wear anything but barefoot shoes! I have a pair of merrell vapour gloves for running and a couple of vivobarefoot shoes for smart wear.
Nice! Yeah too many people experience the issues we had but never find their way to barefoot running. Great to hear it's working out for you!!
From experience working with sports footwear and now studying physiotherapy, your body will get used to how you walk and run. If you were one day to go from a nuteral gait to a overpronated gait, you'd need custom orthotics to suit you, to return you to your natural gait. I once was sold a pair of supportive running shoes, and it counteracted my natural gait, and ended up giving me a grade 2 sprain in my LCL, couldn't walk for a week!
Same hear, bought insoles, different shoes and such and cant run away from injuries and shin splints
Ran XC in America and back in Germany didn't do much running. After 4 years of gaining weight I started working out again with a little running now and then. Apparently I have fallen arches so that normal running shoes are just a pain for my arches. After a little research I found your channel late last year and now I am a proud owner of two pairs of Vibrams (v train for my fitness workouts and v trail for my running). I absolutely love it and had no problems transitioning nor do I have any other problems like arch blisters or such anymore. I'm slowly building up, loosing weight, and look forward to run my first half marathon in vibrams in September this year! Thanks mate!
Thanks Steve great video I got in to barefoot running after a search on UA-cam for vibrams and you appeared.Went out and brought my first pair of vibrams v-run a year ago and absolutely love them.👍
Nice! Glad to hear I was part of your revolution buddy 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
I have had knee surgery on both knees. Traded in my running shoes for inline skates and discovered a new way to love the outdoor trek again. Over 1200 km on my skates and in love with it. I still can’t run or even walk fast in running shoes. Then last week I got a pair of Xero shoes, $109 US, and acclimating to the new method of walking and did a short jog the other night and no pain - at all. I look forward to seeing if I can do more and get my body mechanics able to run again in these shoes - I should have done this 15 years ago when I saw the older gentlemen next to me running the LA Marathon in bare feet, I thought they were crazy, now I know better.
Kalclash you have changed my outlook on running!!! thank you for all you do!!!
Thanks for the vid on your history. Briefly, I used to hike constantly and loved it. life took me away from it for years, where I gained a lot of weight in a sedentary job, marriage, and suffered multiple knee injuries. A near- death experience got me healthy again in 2013. I trained for and ran in my first 5k, took up tennis and life was good. Then in 2019 I tore my only good knee left and from there its been a series of Orthopedic appts and being pushed into fluffier and greater stability shoes. The pain has only gotten far worse as a result. As the pandemic took hold this late winter here in the States, I started working from my home office and began wandering around most of my days out of shoes and away from the over fluffed running shoes. I suddenly realized that my knees felt better and that being barefoot or in very minimal shoes was the reason for this change. I tested it; wearing my stability running shoes for a day, and then returning to bare feet or very flat boat shoes... it became obvious and my research began. I found many articles on the negative effects of stability shoes on OA- affected knees and how bare foot shoes and flatter shoes/ sneakers with a wide toe box offered relief. After much research of trying to find "reasons not to" and not finding any, I just ordered my first pair of Vibram five fingers V-Trail 2.0 shoes to slowly break into them and away from my other shoes. While my knees are defintely in need of replacement, my plan now it to start adapting to the five fingers in my daily life and then take back to the hiking trails once recovered from knee replacement surgery. So its no longer a running game, but it IS back to my first love, hiking, and thanks to many articles and many videos (including your own in a large way), I will start repairing years of back, hip, and knee pain for the trails ahead. I know this response is two years on from when you uploaded it, but I guess that is proof of the longevity of good information on the web. thanks for all the great information and sharing yiour personal story. Cheers!
Thank you very much. U reminded me what it was to run barefoot when I was a kid. Now at age 42 I’m back to running barefoot on a controlled environment and with minimum or low heel running shoes in the streets of Chicago. So I immediately noticed a gain of at least 30% in my speed. My knees and hips pain is gone. So thanks to u no more heel striking for me.
New subscriber here! I’m just starting to transition to minimalist shoes/barefoot running, after losing almost 80 lbs doing low impact things like elliptical. I’ve done some running before but I would try to concentrate on at least aiming for a midfoot strike (with shoes on). I could barely do 10+ mins either on a track or treadmill, not because of muscle exhaustion, but my CV endurance just couldn’t keep up.
Within the past 2 weeks, i said screw it, I’m going to kick these shoes off at the indoor track & walk a few laps in my socks, then try to jog a few laps. At first my ankle hurt but the more I walked with no shoes, the better it felt. And while I was jogging, I could definitely pinpoint the muscle weakness in the lower part of the calf causing my ankle to pronate.
But what really amazed me was my CV endurance went through the roof! Of course I was breathing hard & sweaty after a mile, but could I have gone longer? Absolutely! Since I’m transitioning though, I’m trying to take it slow to allow my feet & ankles time to strengthen up. I’m so glad I’ve discovered this!
Thankyou everything you said is true for me. I Have been barefoot running/ minimulist for 6 years and this has rehabbed my injuries. Never will go back!
Loved this Steve! And can’t believe it was Pete who got you into it!
Ashurst you legend mate! Yeah mate it was the Emerson that got me into the Vibrams originally!
I'm in my 50s. I've been finding running hard. In the early days with Xero shoes Prio. I'm slowly building up distance.....but I can feel that this is going to work. Of course I do concentrate on not landing on my heels.....but seems more natural in minimalist shoes!!!!
Excellent, watched one of your vids last night then just got back from my first short run in minimalist shoes, felt and feels great. I'm totally bought into this. Thanks for the motivation.
Just ordered my first pair . When I was in school ne and my elder bro used to practice running bare feet as we lived in school hostel and didn’t have running shoe. We beat the crap out of everyone in our age category running bare feet . I can remember when u mentioned about running in the cloud , it was a gliding feeling .. had started running in 2019 again and with the current shoes it hurt a lot and running is painful .. ordered my first pair of five fingers and tradition will begin . Thanks for the content
As the last person on the planet (it feels like) I read Born to run this winter and has since then been working on switching my running style.
Found your channel while looking up Vibrams - got hooked and found a pair of KSO EVOs at the local store for a bargain. Went for my first run in them last night, just around 2k at a moderate pace and can’t wait to get out for more. Hopefully I can stay patient enough to do a proper transition 😅
Anyway thanks for the motivation and great videos. Love to see how you, the shed and the quality of the content has evolved.
Keep it rollin’
Hi there. I am an ok runner (4 marathons under the belt, many many half ones), but decided to move on to barefoot: I overdid my first session (calves are hurting sooo much), but really loved it so much! Thanks for all the videos and tips, looking forward to a new stage in my running (not looking for spped, just for ending a run being happy and contend)
Same experience here. I did not run for over 25 years because of recurring knee problems. Then I discovered the minimal/ barefoot thing a few years ago... changed everything. At 47 now I'm in the best shape of my life - currently I run 45 km per week and I am close to breaking 40 minutes for the 10 km. Enjoying it like never before. The way I am running now is exactly as I always thought it was supposed to feel - light and effortless. Wish someone had told me all this when I was 16... oh well.
The transition period was substantial. Especially my calves were killing me for a long time, I would have sore calves for days preventing any serious mileage. But suddenly it seemed like something 'clicked' and now I can run just about every day... it's a very interesting process. I am now looking to build mileage before anything else.
Luckily I have always kept a good runner's body type - 62 kgs @178 cm, this has never changed all my adult life. So getting back into running was easy from that perspective.
I run in Merrell Vapor Gloves exclusively. I have several pairs and also wear them for work and leisure. They felt perfect from day one. I only bought a pair of Trail Gloves for bicycling in colder weather (180km/ wk commute).
And for anyone debating that barefoot/ minimal is something odd or not serious for elite or top level, do check out Nicolas Filippazzo ('El Coyote Loco') - who proves that elite level and super high mileage are possible - in fact he considers running on 'minimal' footwear an essential ingredient.
I’ve been barefoot running for years and have just got my son to run beside me, in shoes his mother approves of. I’m looking forward to watching this with him, and then show him your video giving the five tips for barefoot runner beginners.
My story is nearly the same. I love the vapor glove 3 right now.
I am similar but I’ve hit a hiccup. I was following the Durianrider sugar thing and it’s made me blow up.
Three months ago I watched this video and your barefoot technique video. Got some v-runs and toe socks. Had never ran before so did the couch to 5k. Yesterday I ran a 5k at 4:32/km. And another 3k in the evening. I'm convinced the progress is down to the v-runs enforcing good technique.
I've had no problems except for sore feet and a calf issue which was down to me trying to go too hard too soon. After easing back into it I now just get the odd blister while my feet are still toughening up.
Just wanted to say thanks for putting those two videos out there, they've made a massive difference to me. I'm sure I wouldn't have come this far with regular running shoes.
As a kid I would always run barefooted. Now that im older ive noticed it just does not feel the same. I recently went for a jog around the block without anything on my feet and it felt amazing just like you said. Ive been watching your videos for a little bit now. I am happy to say i just ordered my first pair of vibrams! Hopefully it is a smooth transition but either way I have to say thank you for the inspiration. Keep up the spirit and continue the great work!
Working on becoming a barefoot runner. Can't afford Vibrams, so doing lots of barefoot walking to toughen my feet. Decided to try my first barefoot race, on mostly smooth asphalt. Amazed myself taking 30s off the previous weeks race time (5k parkrun). Got just one blister on a toe and three days of strong DOMS in calf muscles. I currently have an ITB and knee problem, so will be repeating some barefoot runs soon.
This is actually my favorite video right now. Wow.
Thank you for your content.
I did notice it when I started playing Volleyball in 2007. As in Volleyball the majority of the moves happen on the forefoot I gradually developed the sense for this comfort. Somehow I found myself running like that, struggling to find appropriate shoes that would not hinder my stride. People called me crazy and tried to teach me "the real thing". I quit Volleyball years back and found my way into running and triathlon. I am very happy that I have developed my running style naturally over the years and that I never had any running-related injury.
By the way, I tried the Merrell Vapor Gloves for satisfying my forefoot passion. Unfortunately even the third pair does not satisfy my requirements as the shoe is basically not able to give me the right amount of hold which also leads to blisters as well. If I tie the laces right, the upper mesh material gives in quite rapidly. I don't want to blame these shoes - they're just not the right ones for my running. I still like using them for gym or just walking around. Due to your videos I'm finally thinking about giving the 5Fingers a try. I somehow thought those were not durable enough for running.
Keep it up.
You should definitely give them a try. The vff's feel very similar to the vapor gloves, especially the kso model
My story is exactly the same as yours I started out running last year and had to quit because of terrible shin splints. Signed up to the London Marathon for next year and I looked into ways I can run without getting injured and barefoot running keeps coming back to me. I bought my first pair of Fivefingers and as been out on a handful of runs. I still get the aches and pains as before but they are nowhere near as bad as what they were I'm putting it down to the transition. Fingers crossed my legs get hardened to the barefoot lifestyle but it definitely has a bright future in my life. Keep up the good work with the videos I like what you're doing
10 years plus pains an aches in my feet and legs , damaged meniscus , microtears etc , tried acupuncture , chiro and Gonstead chiro , had gait analysis , orthotic in shoe after that , tried enzymes thought I had some sort of nutritional deficiency , 3 years ago underwent keyhole surgery in knee ... all that time wearing 'popular' running shoes , just about to change that now .
Getting my first pair of barefoot shoes tomorrow . Have been using Altra zero drop wide toe box on and off for last 3 years so maybe they have got me some of the way , hope I wont be disappointed .
I am a triathlete. Since I started I have very serious medial shin splints and my bone skin would actually thicken after a few runs. Visited four physiotherapists and five doctors now. Tried "everything". Gait analysis obviously, insoles, flat shoes (race flats), cushioned shoes, running technique drills, run coaches, medication and so on. My last hope is minimalist running or surgery. I've just ordered a pair of Merell trail gloves and I really hope that this fixes my shins since I really love the sport.
I'm chronically ill. I'm on this journey to rehab my feet and help my balance. I sort of wish more people focused on this aspect. I'm trying to spread the word among my chronically ill cohort but they look at the word running in the headlines (various videos) and know the video has nothing to do with them when it does... just not the running part.
How good is this testimony! 👏
This is all new to me. I’m 60 years old and can’t run any longer due to multiple injuries with the worst being collapsed arches due to being in support shoes too long. It’ll be interesting to see what happens. Thx for sharing
Injury lead me to barefoot running. Suffered what I believe was IT band syndrome. Now I don't know if that Injury can be attributed to running shoes but they definitely did not support my recovery. Everytime I put them on even just to walk caused my knee and calf to flair up even though I thought I'd recovered. Could only do 1 km on treadmill before having to give up. Then, randomly decided to run barefoot on my treadmill after hearing Steven Sachen of Xero shoes on the drop podcast. 5k later and fresh feeling legs made me feel that barefoot was going to aid my recovery after 3 weeks of hardly any running. Now il fully recovered and transitioned into barefoot and my legs feel amazing. Put on a pair of my old shoes on and even when stretching the IT band/ side of knee pain appeared and I hadn't even taken a step in them. Quickly switched to my Sundried barefoot shoes and the pain went away. Ran a 7km with no pain or issues. Barefoot is clearly the best way for me and my body. Thanks for your inspiring videos!
I got my first vibrams and today went for my first run, I love the natural ground feedback, 🤪
I have just bought a pair of Merrell vapor gloves after reading born to run and watching this video! after buying 6 pairs of different trainers in 18 months I thought why not! I cant wait to get out and try them!
Hey. I in to sports. Football, bicycle, swimming. But unfortunetley had problems when i wanted to run. I stop runnning for long time becouse of my knee pain. 2 days ago i sad to myself its time to try again. I will run on my toes to absorb all this negative force. I did like 5 KM. It was OK. so i search in itnernet by toes run. This way i found vibrams and You. Today i buyed V-Trail 2.0.Im 100% shure that it will solve my problem. Good video !! Great Job !! :D
Wow, I have such a similar story. I used to do Judo in University and after I dislocated my elbow I picked up running to keep my cardio up. I've been running ever since, but I could hardly ever pass 20 km per week because of knees and hip pain. What's even worse is that the knees pain started affecting my other activity like hiking and strength training. After three podiatrists and two chiropractors, and a thousand dollar worth of shoes, I finally encounter a sports physiotherapist who says that I should try going barefoot.
I made the transition slowly like they recommended, but it did take me a whole year to move from the expensive running shoe with custom carbon fiber orthotic to minimalist shoe and five-finger. It wasn't easy, my knees and hip originally felt worse, but I just let it rest and try again. Eventually, it gets better and better after every run and I eventually increase my weekly distance. I still only run 20 km per week but with no pain. Wish I had known this earlier because now I have a newborn and a two-year-old toddler which make having a hobby feels like a luxury.
Not sure who is at fault here. Me for not doing my own research, the podiatrists for taking thousand from me and not solving any of my problems. The chiropractors for the same reasons as the podiatrists. I actually thought the physiotherapist and massage therapist helped a lot, but it was more a treatment than a cure.
I am not saying this will work for those of you who have skeletal/joint pain, I am just saying is free to try. Find an indoor track and run with your socks or barefooted. Start slowly. Increase your distance by 100m per day. I took it really slowly because I go from expensive shoe to "natural" shoe to minimalist shoe to five-finger to barefoot. After you spend money on those shoes it feels like you should spend more time using them. Knowing what I know now, I would just probably started barefoot running on an indoor track and increase my distance slowly.
Good luck guys.
Thanh Truong
I ran on indoor tracks also and found it was a nice way to transition into barefoot running.
Thanh Truong It’ll be ok as far as the kids go; enjoy them while they’re little as much as possible, & before you know it, they’ll be at a point where they’re more independent & you can go for a nice long run everyday if that’s what you want!
I am going through this exact thing except I did something wierd. Went from minimal back to cushioned runners. After 1.5k's in the "best" new running shoes from a running store, I have shin pain and knee pain. Next day my knee is swollen and sore. Years of using minimal shoes with no problem. Ran a 12k in Vibram's without any problems. I feel so stupid, thinking the "proper" running shoes would help. I can't believe such a small distance already caused an Injury. Back to minimal shoes.
Brent Giles some thing happen to me...I’m going back to vibrams!
Thanks for this video, I've been wanting to run for some time now, but every time I do I get injured. Looking forward to watching more of your videos!
I started with a pair of vibram five fingers back in 2013 and I ran my last run with them this summer. I repaired them several times and did around 1700-1800km through them. I am an occasional runner. I tried to run with running shoes last week and after two sessions, big pain in the shins area and knees. I am now building my own leather huarache and will go with that from now on. I can build a pair for 15$. Go barefoot
My story isn't too dissimilar to yours. I wasn't a runner and needed some motivation to run, so I thought back in 2007 to enter a marathon. Probably a stupid idea and was to be honest, with the lack of preparation and respect I gave it. I ran in some old pair of North Face shoes, had to walk the last 10 km because my knee exploded. From there I went to get my gait looked at. Went through the same as you, got shafted with a pair of expensive supportive Pumas, which meant after about 5 minutes of running my knee and hip was in agony. Bought some semi racing shoes for casual use, Puma Faas 300s and ironically that was the start of my transition. They felt soft, low profile, like a slipper and thought why not run in them. Blew my mind the feeling in my body, got a calf-grilling, no knee pain. Did some research on running technique and bought my first pair of FF back in 2012. Haven't looked back since. Anecdotal perhaps but I've run 6 marathons, a 60 km ultra and no injuries, my feet have been the least tired bit on my body after these events. I've had (and have) a lot of FF models and do all my running in El-Xs at the moment. Love it, pushing for distance now and can't get enough of the feeling from using minimalist running shoes!
I ran fore foot and it was like you said running on a cloud. I powered up a hill expecting to be tired but I wasn't. Running down hill was a bit scary as I wasn't using my heel to slow me down. I ran about a mile and the next day my lower calf muscles and tendons are sore. I wore a minimalist shoe from Xero Shoes. Maybe I have weak strength for fore foot running. I am going to run daily but for a few hundred yards until I fully develop new strength for a full regiment routine.
Barefoot running is the best! I started when I got fed up with achilles and knee pain. I gave up running for 2 yrs thinking I was never going to be able to run again. Then one day, I got on a treadmill barefoot and began to run to 'fix' my running form. I noticed quickly that my body/my feet knew exactly what to do. An hour later, when I began to get blisters, I decided to stop. Since then, I've run on Vibram V-run shoes and never looked back. In fact, now when I wear regular trainers my feet and achilles tendons begin to scream to be let out.
Second run in five fingers today trying to take it easy cus I don't want to over do it in the transition period.. but it's hard not to just go for it! The run just feels so good never going back!
I think the easiest way to get into minimalist wear is by wearing it mainly when walking for several months and still wearing your regular sneakers for running, allowing your feet to slowly adapt. Going from padded sneakers to zero support running right away is why there were so many people that injured themselves wearing vibrams resulting in that lawsuit. Most people will be able to do minimalist running, but unless you have very good genetics (naturally strong and flexible ankles and feet) you will likely have to take it slow.
Everyone is different but that's definitely one option. I prefered to go straight in with running but keep it low volume - therefore working the specific muscle groups required for BF running.
Thats an interesting approach, I may start dabbling with doing short bf runs.
My friend gave me a book Born to run. It talks about these issues. So when I decided to run a marathon when I was 16 I did some research on the internet and decided to buy Merrell road glove shoe. Man that was awesome! I needed a break in period, but after that I couldn't shift back to normal shoes. So I stayed loyal to Merrell barefoot series.
I ran 3:23:48 marathon wich is not that bad for a 16 yo. I know that running such distances at that young age was not healthy.
I'm 12 weeks in to the transition.It's been mainly tough with moments of pure barefoot bliss. Last week was a nightmare, swollen left ankle and calf sprain but today it was Thunderbirds are Go! Was gliding like a Gazelle with big smile on my face.My ankle is a bit sore tonite but calf is great.I will persevere and it's all your fault!
I bought a pair of barefoot running shoes a couple of days, I've only been walking with them so far but I could feel the difference immediately, my feet are completely flat on the floor, I can feel the ground under my feet, every stone, pebble and twig, but it feels great, I won't go back to "normal" shoes again, eventually I'm gonna replace every shoe type with barefoot shoes, I don't think we mega cushioned, raised heel sponge-like shoes on your feet at all, barefoot shoes are the way to go.
Always enjoy hearing how people get into barefoot or barefoot shoes. Thx for sharing.
Awesome video. Bottom line is this: If you want to run a marathon in 2 hours, use vaporflys or similars. If you are after health, run barefoot, minimalist shoes.
Thanks for a great video , I read the book Born to Run 2018, but being injury free since 2014, when I started using 6mm drop Salomon, not intentionally, but changed to another brand March 2020 and gor an ankle sprained so thinking of trying Vibrams or the likes of. I'm back on my old Salomon but next trainers are defo going to be minimalist shoe.
Haha, my story exactly. I was in total pain for years from running. Gait analysis, expensive stupid shoes, nothing worked. One day at parkrun I'd had enough and just stopped and took my shoes off, the rest is history, totally barefoot, VFF or xeros diys for me now. And those 'normal big padded shoes you see others wearing just make me laugh now. Ridiculous things. All the best
Started out in Nike Reax Run and ran a mile in them and did fine actually but I ran slow. Wasn't until a week into it after running only a mile a day that I started getting pretty significant shin pain, I thought i just needed to lose weight so I kept up on it only to see my times never increasing and being sore all the time. One of my good friends already used vibrams and recommended them so I bought a pair of vibram v-trails and went out and ran about 3 miles and smashed my running pace by a minute (from 10:30 to 9:30/mi) It was then that I became addicted, course there was a transition period and its been about 8 months and I'm still working on form but its so much better.
Hi Steve. Started running in some very cheap 'barefoot' shoes and oh yes the pain soon kicked in but after my run, not during. Figured I needed something a little more substantial so now i'm trying out some under armours that yes, have cushioning but not to much. In a sense i'm doing everything in reverse haha to what everyone else is doing. After running in the under armours and the barefoot shoes i totally feel the difference, like you said, its like 'running on clouds' in the barefoot shoes. I wana be able to run all the time in barefoot shoes, but I think I definitely have to do the transition so to build up my strength in my muscles and save a few bucks for a pair of five fingers lol, not cheappppppp! haha.
Love the content Steve! I’ve just bought a pair of vibrams and made the mistake of going straight out for 5k 😂 ruined my calves. What distances should I do to safely and effectively transition?
I really enjoy your vids I have been wearing minimalist shoes everyday for 2 years and running in different minimalist shoes ran my 1st Half trail in Vibrams recently and felt great. What shoes do you wear for everyday use? and whats a good way to get a bit more flex around the achilles, lowercalf, ankle area. I feel a bit tight around that area.
Thinking bout it. Thank You So Much!
No worries - good luck and let me know how you get on!!
Not been running long but starting to get IT band pain since I’ve increased my mileage, like yourself I know running shouldn’t be like this, love this video and definitely going to give minimalist running my full attention from now on!!! Thanks for uploading this 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Any recommendations for a 1st pair of minimalist shoes?
@Kalclash Fitness V I came to barefoot running shoes for the same reason as you. I had pain in my feet, knees, legs etc. although I ran slow and super short distances. Im super light weight and I still had problems. Was about to give up running. :D
Luckily I was only running for 2-3 monthes before I made the switch. I was only running about 5k at the time and I read up on Vibrams because I saw another runner out with them. I eventuelly opted for Vivobarefoot instead of Vibrams (which I don't regret, but I am planning on trying Vibrams in the near future) and I'm back up to my 5k, working on 10!
While I was on vacation this past August at the beach, I ran 4 miles barefoot in the sand, then up closer to the water on the wet sand, then in the middle of the wet sand and dry sand so freshly wetted sand. Next day, I ran 6 miles, and then I ran 4 again, and my calves were Huge and I walked funnier or different afterwards (I guess like a frogman like Don Shipley would). So when I got home from vacation, I ordered Vibrams, but while I waited for them to be shipped I ran barefooted on a high school football field probably 7 or 8 miles and it was wet with well water, made me sick. When I got my vibrams I started running around my neighborhood (there are dirt/gravel trails which felt good) mainly on the asphalt road, some on the sidewalk. It felt good, so I ran EVERY day after work (hard in itself) for about 1 hour. Here, a month and half later I'm still running barefoot every 3 days. Last week, I ran 12 miles at the track. When I think back to the running on the sand on the beach, I believe it built my calves more than the non-sand running I'm doing now. I must be heal-striking or something I don't know (whereas the beach was more up on the toes) and my knees sorta hurt running on the pavement/street but not on the dirt/rocks.
Love this! 🤩
Thanks so much for sharing your experience! I'm in a position similar to what you were in when you were 17, so it's good to know that even I can someday become a decent runner!
I just had one question though.. Why not go completely barefoot instead of wearing minimalist shoes? Is it because you run on tarmac?
My barefoot running story is exactly the same as yours mate even down to the horse "plops". Been running before for about 6 months now, got my first half in December and full next April.
I was wondering what it would feel like to run in socks today so I took of my shoes....it felt soooo good I felt quick nimble and unbelievably springy... 😀I’m buying some vibram 5 fingers now like right now.(I’m no longer a 🐑)
Hi Steve. I've been considering running barefoot or minimalist first. I'm currently suffering with ITBS and have been for 2 weeks now. I've been doing everything i possibly can to help it. Foam rolling, lacrose ball, yoga, stretching, mini band exercises, glute exercise you name it. None of it has seemed to help me as of yet. Although only being 2 weeks I could just be really impatient right now. For some reason I just feel like barefoot running may help me. I don't really know exactly why but it's just been in the back of my mind. Would it be a bad idea to try it while I have this ITBS or would I benefit? Thanks
Hi dude. Im like you over 6' and a lean 14 stone and well into my trail running. Im gonna follow you to see what i can learn from your journey. Im running in inov8 Xtalon at the mo so fairly low drop. Thinking of moving to zero drop Altras next...
Innov8 make some good shoes for sure! I'm yet to try a pair of Altra's but will do soon!
Just ditch the shoes
I am enthusiastic about barefoot running, it's something I've thought about a lot, but I only go barefoot when it's warm and the ground is warmer! It's like a way of making the most of the summer B-) I like to go completely barefoot tho, I don't want to get vivrams! As long as the ground isn't too rough, but there's a cycle path I sometimes go on at the far end of town from where I live.
I got into BFR watching you, 5 years ago 😜
Long time dude, don't know where the time goes!!
Same experience. I purchased Asics shoes ($170) and still was struggling with running, started running barefoot and was gliding and gone was shin splints and hip joint pain.
Just ran 3 miles in my socks... Same as you, shin splints, hip pain, groin pain...All of them defeated just by taking my shoes off... Looking forward to the doms haha... I AM NOT A SHEEP NO MORE!
I would love to do more running, but I've got a really bad left knee, every doctor I spoke to advices against it.
so im a bit hesitant to start running again.
Do love wearing my barefoot Xero shoes! outside and in the gym!
Best decision ever to buy barefoot shoes! now its a matter of what can my body handle.
I have Knee issues for years now. I said enough and I when to the chiropractor I am feeling better but I have a long way to recovery from chondropathy/ Chondromalacia.
Before going to the chiropractor, (which I recommend to everyone with any pain)I had already found the colleration that some shoes gave me knee pain and foot pain. So I started wearing trainers only. After wearing trainers I felt better but the pain did not go away.
So I did some more research and I ended up an ted x talk born to run, found benefits of barefoot running and I am hoping that will solve my issue as well. And I found the review of the fivefigers show. I bought it and I cant way to try them
At the mid time I walk barefoot inside the hose for couple of hours, and from next week i start using the vibrams.
Let me know how you get on dude, hope they help!!
Thanks for this story mate. Out in poland on holiday and training for the Edinburgh marathon, been wearing saucony freedom isos for over a year, such a nice light shoe, as they are kind of minimal but i think im gonna take the next step to proper barefoot with a pair of vapor gloves or 5 fingers. Not sure if 5 fingers are the way to go as my toes are not particularly straight, not sure if this makes a difference in your experience? Thanks
Brilliant video as always. I'm about to try a full marathon in my Evo's. I've worried about this but every time I run in trainers again even zero drops I get hip pain and feel sluggish. I feel a lot faster in Evo's but I do get foot pad pain in the forefoot about 15 miles in. Any tips to avoid this ?
Only tip I have for that Mr Walsh is to build up the miles slowly and in my experience and others I know that foot pads pain goes away. If you've trained in the evos, and done your long run in the evos, you should be fine to compete in the evos. I did Brighton marathon in them and it was awesome 😁
+Kalclash Fitness Thanks Steve. I've done all my running in Vibrams for last 4-5 years. Long runs of 20plus miles but big pain in the foot pad. Goes as soon as I stop. I will go for it then and enjoy the day. Thanks for the reply. Love the videos and advice it has kept me Vibram happy.
Go for it. I’ve done the London and Paris Marathons in Evo’s. As long as you’ve done the build up, you’ll be fine.
So I'm thinking of getting into barefoot running but the question I have is, is it really about the footwear or is it about the running technique and starting off slowly to avoid injury?
What about walking? Are humans supposed to forefoot strike when walking? Forefoot running feels great but forefoot walking feels weird.
No.
It's less exaggerated than in running, but I still do it like that a little bit
Not a single barefoot-walking culture in the world has been observed using forefoot strike when walking.
I want to buy the specifics, I have 27.7 foot length, which number do you think will be ok? euro size
4:29 to 4:35 you explain exactly why you had joint pain, despite well fitting shoes!
And achilles tendons, are they still healthy? I can imagine that a slow buildup is recommended?
I had a similar experience. I’d heard of barefoot running but never had. Today is was on the treadmill and my shoes were just killing me so I just took them off and ran the last 3 miles in my socks. It was liberating and my feet didn’t hurt at all! I’ve got some wicked calf soreness now though 😂
Great video mate. Do you think it would an benefit try barefoot running in a treadmill first before road running?
So I run 2-6 miles on average. I've been using vibram shoes for at least a year or two now, and the only problem I am having is a pain near my heel on the inside of the arch on my right foot. I have high arches, so should I get a little support for that or is that not credible. I'm wanting to run and I've been resting it but wanted to hear any opinions on it. Thanks for the video!
Hey man, hey you tried rolling your feet out after your runs? A cold come can from the fridge is a good shout. Tennis balls and golf balls are also good. Could be you just need to rehab them a bit
Kalclash Fitness V Sounds like a good idea! Thanks, I'll give that a shot.
I've got the same "problem" here, on the inside of my foot near the heel. It's like there's a knot/triggerpoint and kind of hurts for a few days. I'll start massaging more often after each runs as well and see if it helps.
I remember that before I felt the "pain" near the heel, i had massive musclepain in the muscles in my foot as well.
Sounds like start of plantar fasciitis...
hopefully not!
I got a terrible ITG syndrome back in 2013. Still I haven't work out why is still hurting me so much. I bought a pair of Merrell bare 4 but still hurting. Do you think barefoot running can help with this situation? Cheers mate
It could do but really it depends on the cause of the issue itself. If it's an imbalance or weakness being triggered elsewhere in your body then it wouldn't necessarily help
Thanks a lot buddy, yeah, i must go to a physiotherapist, work out whats going on and sort it all out. I hope one day i can do just a tiny bit of what you do, regards from Spain buddy. keep it rollin' :)
Bang bang bang shaking the earth beneath me 😂 relatable lol
I love my vibrams but I almost got metatarsal stress fractures from them by overdoing it. Still healing from them and not too sure on how to go back into training once they heal.
Well, after wasting money on 3 pairs I knew something was wrong. My stride, posture was excellent and yet I was still having problems. After 200 pages of reading Born to Run, I said enough. I ordered my first pair of Vibrams and should be in a day or so. Cushioned running shoes are a waste of money and an invitation for injuries.
Had the same experience with gate analysis then got a shoes with a large as heel even though I liked the minimal one I tried but I over pronated" in those shoes
Ah mate, so many people fall down the gait analysis hole and never come out! We're the lucky ones!!
Hey I just finished running in those same shoe (same colour too) this morning 10 minutes ago. My knee joint hurts after about 2 km. The pain has been there for a while now after using these shoe I don't think it's going away. I don't stretch before running but I don't think that's the cause of knee joint pain. What do you think I should do? See a doctor? Ow I nearly forgot to say, the knee joint pain only exist on my right leg. Left leg is healthy.
And I think the pain started while I was running 18 km. I have never ran over 10 km in 1 day before.
Big mistake! Increasing distance too much , before your body could adapt to the new distance.
The rule of thumb is 10% increase in mileage per week, if you are running regularly.