Barefoot shoes are common sense. I bought my first pair almost a year ago. Here's my analysis. I've been athletic all my life and I'm now 60 years old. Both of my big toes were bent, had bunions and pain as a result of wearing improperly designed footwear for a lifetime. After about 3 months of wearing the barefoot's I began to get pain in my arch's. I'm guessing for some, this is where they stop wearing them. I attribute the pain to my feet changing slowly over time as the constrictions on them were eliminated. I had anticipated this and continued to use them with the pain subsiding and gone after about 6 months. My toes have slowly and steadily moved into more natural positions with the bends, the bunions and the pain on the big toes essentially completely gone in about a year. For those that didn't know...your bones are malleable. They will change shape over time based on natural growth and external pressure(s). Crappy designed shoes, debilitating us, should have been banned decades ago. My feet are becoming stronger and the lack of pain in my toes have eliminated hesitation and tentative behavior in my athletic performances. Pain will always make you hesitate or avoid making specific movements. Barefoot's are simply common sense.
is this a commissioned anti-advertisement? I don't trust a guy who got an illuminati pyramid with an eye tattooed on him. Real enlightened people know what's good, and you shouldn't be talking about it
I am 3 years into wearing barefoot shoes. I used to roll my ankle about once a year, and I always had arch pain with traditional shoes. Now I don't roll my ankle, and my arch pain is gone. The biggest downside is my feet hurting after long periods of concrete walking. But I will take that trade off for the benefits!
You could also try a sole with a sole that is a little thicker so you’ve got a tiny amount of cushioning for the concrete surface. We’re not really made to walk on such a hard surface anyway
I have different types of barefoot shoes. I can walk several miles in my trail shoes over the flats. I do like my flat since i can slip them on easier without retieing the shoes.
I am 69 and switched to barefoot shoes because of knee problems, they solved my knee pain issue since these shoes make me come down on my forefoot instead of my heel, my knee is bent on every step so leg muscles working as shock absorbers relieving impact shock on my knees. Down side, takes 6-12 months to adapt to new method of walking, while hiking on Appalachian Trail the thin soles caused me to feel every rock & root on the trail. I have some zero drop shoes that have a 1 inch sole for next hiking trip that will give a little more cushioning. Checked into history when raised heels were added to shoes, was in 13th century when more people were riding saddled horses for transportation and heels were added to lock the foot into the stirrup, raised heels were made for riding horses, not walking, but since the wealthy were the only ones that could afford saddled horses and raised heels made those people appear taller, raised heels became a status symbol.
Same for me. My knees stopped hurting in 2020 when I suddenly started working from home (barefoot) and I made the connection to barefoot shoes. Since my knees stopped hurting, I returned to backpacking. Now I wear zero drop Altra Lone Peaks with 25mm soles for backpacking on the Pacific Crest Trail.
i cannot emphasize enough how much of a difference a good insole makes. because after long working hours my steps get sloppy. and concrete or bicycle pedals ask for more support. Barefoot shoes & proper insoles are just the best 😁
Yes, and the same goes for narrow toed shoes. They fit better into horse stirrups so ofc became a status symbol, even though they squash your toes together. Why so many people have foot problems, esp. women having to force their feet into stilettos etc.
12 years wearing barefoot shoes. I don't even think about it anymore. Some times I do feel unfeminine because I don't wear pretty high heels, but I am also a figure skater and I believe that wearing barefoot shoes has given me great foot strength, and for that I am so grateful!
I’ve been barefoot shoes and bare foot for nearly 10 years, after a severe mid foot injury, ignore podiatrist’s advice, consultants advice to have surgery for arthritis??!!….I ignored them all now and within a short period of time…low back pain, gone, foot pain , gone….best decision I ever made
As a nurse walking on a hard floor for 12 hours, I focused on comfort and cushion. Now I want to focus on making sure I keep/get my feet strong and functional. But no way I'm wearing minimalist shoes on a hard floor for 12 hours. BUT... I'm thinking approach it like working out, where I schedule periods of the week where I just wear those type of shoes and allow my feet and legs to adjust.
Well yeah, that's the problem with this we arnt designed to be walking on hard surfaces. Not to mention used needles and other horrible things people throw everywhere.
We are a Birkenstocks family, I got my 1st pair at age 20, after reading an article in 1975, about how good they are for feet, especially wide feet with toes splayed out. Got my husband of 46 years his 1st pair in 1978, shortly after we met. Now all 3 sons have multiple pairs. My daughter-in-law is a nurse, she tried all the good expensive nurse shoes like Dansko, until she got her 1st pair of Birkenstocks clogs, immediately her feet stopped hurting, she now has 2 pairs of Birkenstocks boots (me too!), her nursing clogs and the standard Arizona’s. I hate running shoes, I have never found a comfortable pair of tennis shoes, I think barefoot shoes are in my future.
When Vibrams first came out years ago, I tried wearing them in the OR but I felt they were better for outside wear, running and daily outdoor tasks….I have worn Danskos for years but Birkenstocks are it for me. I have a couple of pairs of them and was just watching this video and wanting to order more…lol! I have ordered a pair of these for the gym, I had wanted to order a pair last year but didn’t.
Nurse here. I absolutely love my Vivobarefoots. The place I work is concrete floors, and I can spend 16 hours on my feet and though my feet are a little sore at the end of the day (I don’t think there is a way to avoid that after 16 hours of running around). But on a standard day, my feet feel completely fine.
absolutely. I am new to the thing - actually I don't even use barefoot shoes, I have some cheap chinese wide toebox shoes with flexible and thin sole but they're very far from being "barefoot", and yet after just a couple of months of gradually progressive use the difference I feel when I put on "normal" shoes is shocking. It's like going deaf all of a sudden. And when I put on high drop shoes without thinking about it lmao I almost fall forward
Went to Japan last year and we did very traditional inns. I went from my very soft mattress to a hard futon on the floor and tbh i had little to no complains, which was unexpected. My husbands back pain went away also. Who knew..
@@xristinarose2409 it’s different for everyone, I went from a normal matras to a hard futon, I slept very well, but I always woke up with back pain (I am a side sleeper).
I've become barefoot full-time for the past 36 months. I started working from home during the pandemic and don’t wear shoes in my home. I switched to barefoot shoes when I go outside. I still can't run, but I can walk around 14 miles no problems.
Question: Are you still trying to run heel-toe? If so that is why you can't run in them. Running like that only works with modern shoes where you have plenty of padding to absorb the weight of your body being put on your heel on impact. You need to run more like a professional athlete (or an animal) and run on your toes. That way your ankle naturally acts like a shock absorber and you'll spring along. (yes it will take a time to build up your calves and unlearn a life time of bad running habits)
I spend nearly all my time in barefoot shoes but I just don’t enjoy running in them. Instead, I prioritize a wide toe box with a “minimal” drop and “minimal” cushioning.
@@TheBarefootStrengthProject Altras for sure. But honestly, converting to barefoot shoes has trained me to run with proper mechanics. Now, I can run in anything including my current New Balance.
What I realized is that it hurts to run barefoot if your posture/form is wrong. I began focusing on that, then running barefoot became much less painful
7 months for me since I started. Wanted to just say this channel helped me a lot. Still haven’t tried a long run in them but can finally walk on concrete for 10km+ walks with no foot pain. The strength gains are brilliant!
I had leg issues until I started wearing barefoot shoes. Now my legs and feet are stronger. I don't understand why everyone doesn't wear zero drop shoes. It's like weightlifting at the gym, except the hardest part (getting youreself there) is already done.
My feet look like I'm designed to not sink in sand. The bottom line is I live in a region that I'm not adapted to because my people were kidnapped and forcibly relocated. I have to have some support somewhere, kind of the same way very fair skinned people can't handle the sun the way I can. Edited to add: There are tribal people that climb trees and their feet look more like hands. Their toes are actually functional.
I’ve had leg pain for years, especially after playing football, with a burning sensation. I was given half insoles for my high arches, which helped stop the burning in my legs, but then I developed knee pain, especially after matches. Now I have custom insoles, but they feel uncomfortable, and I’m also managing type 2 diabetes. I’m torn between sticking with the custom insoles to see if they help or trying barefoot shoes. I was thinking about starting small with barefoot shoes while using the custom insoles to give my legs a break, but I honestly don’t know what to do-it’s so confusing. 🤷♂️
I got myself a pair of Altra Escalantes and can never return to wearing normal shoes as I no longer have running injuries. I am barefoot at home all the time and now only wear vivos/xero shoes. It is a slow process and when I run in vivos my calves are on fire afterwards, showing muscle imbalances. I’ll also go out for runs barefoot in the grass, it greatly improves my running technique. Wearing barefoot shoes is a free workout for your feet, with all the added health benefits!
I've been in Vibram "are those things comfortable?" FiveFingers since 2012. Can't wear "normal" shoes without discomfort nowadays. I've also done a bit of truly barefoot running in the last few years (max 5km) and the hardest bit is dodging loose bits of gravel. Smooth concrete is easy but high friction asphalt surfaces want to shred your soles.
It took about two weeks for my calves and ankles to adjust which I believe is stretching of tendons and muscles to a natural position. Sore and tender every night during adjustment. Funny enough I went I guess the tough route. I wore them for my job on concrete 8 hrs a day for a month. I love them. I will say for anyone choosing to. Learn to slow down. I am a fast walker and barefoot shoes make you highly aware of stepping and how exposed your feet are. My pace was cut in half. It's as if you came from 24/7 wearing thick winter gloves to wearing disposable latex gloves. Be kind to your feet give everything time to adjust.
Took awhile to adapt. Learned everything you said on my own. At 61 I am walking about 6+ miles a day on concrete in minimalist and/or zero drop shoes and have not once had the shin splits that plagued the rest of my life and have not once rolled or twisted an ankle. I feel fine the next day after an 11+ mile hike in the hilly woods. Back pain that was chronic is now solved by toe touches and asian squts periodicaly. You are spot on about giving yourself time to adapt and changing your stride. Wish I had found your video when I started 2 years ago.
As a 73 year old, I’ve always gone barefoot as much as possible all my life. The only reason for heavy footwear is dangerous terrain. The only injuries I’ve ever had have been in ‘regular’ shoes. I now have a couple of pairs of barefoot style shoes. I really love them and wear them all the time now. Though I still have my regular shoes gathering dust in the closet, I’m well on my way to buying some barefoot style boots for winter wear and I really wish there were more ‘formal looking’ styles for business and celebratory occasions. Though frankly, at my age if anyone comments on my informal sports wear, I just play the silver card and claim I need them for my health…or just stare ‘em down.
Im learning the things i love as a kid where actually healthy for me walking barefoot sleeping on the floor jumping off buildings. Maybe not one of thos but still.
I've started running in barefoot shoes and it's like recovering from an injury. I'm 51 this year and also started working on pistol squats to engage more of the stabilizer muscles around my ankles. It really is like starting from scratch but I feel like I'm standing and moving differently, better.
one of the drawbacks that i've heard from people is that they are more expensive, but I tell them they tend to last longer but they don't want to hear it.
You also need less pairs, cause they are ugly under whatever. A pair of sandals for summer, hiking boots for autumn, winter and spring and a pair of sneakers for the dryer not to cold days. Done.
@@pppetra except that you need sandals, sneakers, snow boots, boots for cold, shoes for dry weather but cold , shoes for dry weather but hot, whateverproof ones and official ones as well. And they might be ugly but i still need to colour code and shoes start to smell if you wear the same a fez days in a roll
@@nightsky212 my hiking boots are fine till minus 25 °C. Great for rain, snow, ice, cold. Waterproof. My sneakers are fine for anything from minus 5 till 25. My sandals are good for 20 and above. So i have all i need with just 3 pair.
Im mostly barefoot at home. I have barefoot shoes but dont wear them every day. I tried going for walks with them. It hurts too much the next day. Its a slow process for me
Slow and steady wins the race! Try and keep the walks short to start and gradually build them up over the course of weeks & months and whatever you do, don't quit 😉
Been in barefoot shoes for a while. Started with Vibrams and it instantly tells you that there is more reactive feedback from the ground. Injuries are pretty much people being aggressive on the transition period. I got a pair for my brother who's used those bulky soled shoes and told him "walk in these untill your feet and calves feel comfortable, then up the pace and use" so far hes had a good transition.
It took me a year to transition to barefoot shoes. First, I switched from Nikes to Altras for six months to get used to zero drop. Then, I transitioned from Altras to Vivobarefoot. The sensation was immense. It took me six more months before it was completely comfortable. I have been wearing barefoot shoes for 18 months now, and I am not looking back. Why did I go through the hassle? I firmly believe that we are meant to walk barefoot and that regular footwear weakens our feet and numbs our senses. I use barefoot shoes for work, walking/hiking, gym and running.
I'm one year into wearing barefoot shoes. I work 10-hour shifts walking around on concrete. My feet feel much stronger however I do not include running on a hard surface as part of my exercise program. If I run I do it on treadmill but I mostly use stair machine and cycling
Been over a year now and will never go back. It feels so good walking and every time I wear non barefoot shoes it feels really uncomfortable and doesn't feel natural. Definitely a game changer.
I started wearing vivos at work, where i sit at a desk. The only walking i do is up and down the stairs and walking on my breaks. This helped me ease into it, and i did have tightness in my achilles in the mornings when i woke. Sometimes i would get achilles pain while walking on concrete. It went away after a while and i waited too long to do the calf stretches. Those helped instantly and after a year or so, i rarely have and tightness or pain in the AM
I eased into barefoot shoes over a period of 3 years. My first pair were zero sandals. Now I have several ballet type dress shoes, sports shoes & hiking boots, all barefoot. No regrets with taking it slowly to get my muscles & joints used to working differently.
I had plantar fascitis last year, and through an intense transition that I don't recommend I am running again pain free. Take your time, start with 30 minutes, and if your not sore do more. If you are sore take a break immediately, and put on a comfy shoe. Even when I got to the point where I could wear them all day. The next day I wouldn't wear them at all. Treat your foot muscles like regular muscles. Don't workout sore muscles.
I just got planter fascitis. My Dr. Gave me a cortisone shot, and put me in a boot/ cast. I use a foot pedal at work. I'm not sure how this is going to play out. How long did it take for you to walk normal on bare feet?😢
That’s how I did it: slowly worked up to it over time. Regular footwear still have their uses but now I use them 90% of the time. Oh, and I ignored my podiatrist’s advice to avoid them. I’ve no idea if he still has a practice since I’ve not needed him since the switch years ago.
Been wearing them for 6 months, it was an adjustment and I can’t go hiking in them but everything else I feel really comfortable and I have less foot pain than I had before. I wear them 80 percent of the time, but they’re not good for every type of terrine under the feet.
Me almost 13 years experimenting with barefoot shoes. Now I can’t even wear normal shoes. I feel such a discomfort that is almost impossible to don’t think about it. Real game changer!
I got into barefoot shoes around 2 years ago after being run over, I suffered from chronic knee and ankle pain and went down the 'more support is better' route at first - if anything my condition got worse. I had read/watched a lot of stuff on barefoot and decided to give it a go, bought some Vivo's and wore them around the house at first, then short walks down the canal/local paths for a month or so. I now wear barefoot all the time - but I do tend to wear Altra's for longer walks up in the Lakes where a bit of cushioning helps out on long treks (i'm comfy in my Magna Forest Tracker SG up to about 20k's per day but over that and the Altra's come out) one thing that is annoying is the price of them!! At least here in the UK you can use the Revivo service and get shoes resoled at a reasonable cost
Sounds like you went about the transition the right way! If you know the lakes well you might've spotted me heading up red pike in my Hydra review video 😆
I like the barefoot shoes, I have a pair of Merrell Vapor Glove 6. Biggest issue I have is, when I walk on a lot of sharp gravel or a trail with a lot of rocks in the mountains, if I accidentally kick one or step on a sharp rock it hurts bad.
Been wearing barefoot shoes for almost 4 years. My brands of choice are Lems, Vivo, and Earth runners. My knees, ankles, feet, and hips have never been so pain free. I dont think I could go back if I wanted to.
I started with Altra zero drop running shoes to help with my planters fasciitis, wore them for about 3 years and just got into Vivobarefoot shoes 6 months ago because I was developing bunions. - I didn't have issues transitioning because I lift weights barefoot, at least I think that is why. Already on my 3rd pair. I have the Primus lites for the office and walking around town. The Leather Magnas for winter wear and cold weather hiking and the knit trails for hiking. No more Planter's Fac and no more bunions. I would recommend getting zero drop shoes before switching to complete barefoot shoes.
I am just switching from Vivos to Altra. Vivos have caused me bunions and foot pain. Been wearing Vivos for 2 yrs, thought they were my forever shoe. They have done more damage than good.
Just got my 1st pair not long ago after a couple decades of combat boots destroying my feet. I used them in the gym & got another pair as daily wear and absolutely love them so far. I'm barefoot at home all the time because it feels so good, so it just made sense & I'm never turning back now. Great video, subscribed 👍
Yet again, this is an excellent video from you. After 12 months I now own 4 pairs. Love my Motus for the gym & Primus knit Trails for every day use. I’m wearing my Magna Forest FG”s tomorrow for the first time. After a lifetime of running I’m the proud owner of two replacement knees so thought Vivo’s would not be suitable for me. How wrong I was. My foot strength, balance & mobility are now much improved. It’s not an exaggeration to say they’ve completed changed me. Many thanks for your excellent videos & best wishes 👍
Thank you - I appreciate the kind words and it’s amazing to hear how well they’ve worked for you! Good luck with the Magna Forest FG’s, let me know how you find them ✌🏽
I loved wearing these and did between 2017 and 2020. But because my toes started spreading I got a cyste caused by fluid coming from the metatarsal… had to stop wearing them for the cyst to go away
I just bought my first pair of barefoot shoes. Growing up I did dance so I was used to ballet slippers, so I think I have an advantage. Still, I went for a walk yesterday in my new shoes and felt like it was putting more force on my heels/knees/low back, so I started putting my weight more to my toes naturally.
Broke my big toe, and I strongly believe because I've switched over to vivo barefoot shoes it has helped me heal the big toe somehow. My flexibility is back and arch and everything just feels better.
I was lucky enough to find the education before stepping into barefoot shoes. I always thought my feet were flat, but I just have low arches and a bad habit of overpronating. After getting into the shoes, changing my gait, and taking things slow, I'm pretty much fine now, almost 9 months later. I did run into posterior tibial tendon issues, and I do get shin pain when I run, shin splints I imagine, I'm still doing fine. Sore feet is way better than sore joints in my ankles and knees, and a bunch of other things have changed for the better as well. My balance is still very poor too, but I have a lot of work to do just because of where I started. The education is the most important part.
Shoes are not a religion, they're a tool.™ Choose the correct tool for the job. At age 48, I started wearing Vibram FiveFingers in July 2012, and the Bikila model was my first pair. I hadn't run in 15yrs due to injuring my left knee badly, training for a race, wearing traditional, high-heel, running shoes in 1997. I'd tried to start running again several times during that 15yr lapse, but couldn't get further than about a half mile before the pain in that knee was searing. The first day in the FF's, I ran 7-1/2mi on the trails of our local 1,200'/366m peak, and that included a mile on pavement, to and from the trailhead. I ran 27mi that week, on a mixture of all pavement, and more trails. I was so sore I could barely walk, but my knee(s) both felt great. Of course this was not the correct way to transition, but I was so excited to be a runner again, that I just wanted to be out there. As you say, the experience of "feeling" the terrain was amazing, and also, the instant change to running and walking, both in form, and posture, was amazing. One of the fantastic things about FF, verses putting on a minimalist shoe, is that the FF's trigger the brain to immediate put the body into; "I'm doing this in bare feet" mode. So immediately, both running and walking, are done in correct human form. Many times people will buy a pair of minimalist shoes because they don't want to look stupid in a pair of FF's, and then they are miserable, or injured, because their brain is still in "I'm in a shoe" mode. So the person is still heel striking, but now they're in something with no protection for that level of impact. Of course the shoe gets blamed for the injury. I commonly hear, "Oh I tried those stupid shoes once. I got injured in them, and so did my buddies. They're a fad. You know that company got sued, right?" I'm almost 61, and still in the FF's, running year round. My knees will never be great, but I can get out on the trails and run 3 to 3-1/2hr training runs with a ton of vert, and I run Rim2Rim at the Grand Canyon twice a year as an XC run (no poles, no walking), and as a marathon distance. I also run Rim2River (aka: the cowboy loop) at the end of May each year, and will be there again in a week. When the trails become to packed with exposed stone, I run in a minimalist shoe with a little more protection. A couple favorites are the old New Balance Minimus 10V1 and 10V2, and their MT1010, which are easily found on mercari/poshmark/ebay. I'm also a huge fan of Merrell Trail Gloves, and Vapor Gloves. When I race a trail Half, I wear one of these, because the FF's are not a fast shoe, and they are not for real racing, and putting down real power and speed... hence my initial comment: Shoes are not a religion, they're a tool™. About 5yrs ago I started wearing Vivo BareFoot Primus Trail FG's at work, as a mechanic, 9hrs a day, on a concrete floor, covered in oily grit. My normal "oxford type mechanic shoes" were causing a ton of knee pain. As soon as I switched to the Vivo's, my knee pain went away. I wear them as my daily shoes as well. I have vids on the channel of my daughter and I running in the Grand Canyon and other places, in our FF's. She joined me in them at age 12, trained in them and even raced in them for a while in HS XC and Track, and was the only team member on any of the running teams, who remained uninjured. All the while, her coaches were preaching to the kids that if they didn't run in thick soled, raised heel, motion controlling, shoes, they'd be injured. Guess who had 100% of the injuries. Thanks for continuing to put the message out!!
Ten years in Vibram FiveFingers here. I'm 55 now and have ceased to care what people think about my footwear. Best thing I ever did was to change away from conventional shoes.
I’ve been wearing barefoot shoes for close to ten years. I’ve now got Achilles tendinitis because I got a bit giddy in Spain and ran way too far. It was a warm night and I just got carried away. Please listen to these resources for advice. On a positive note, I crashed my motorcycle years ago and the surgery wasn’t so good. My body started to compensate and my Soleus (apparently part of the calf muscle )used to regularly explode . It’s never happened since I went barefoot. Edit: like and subbed!! Good advice.
I started wearing Xeros as gym shoes for weightlifting and walking on track and treadmill. I don't sprint or distance run, except during warm ups for martial arts (which is barefoot on a mat). Just bought another pair of Xeros for outdoor wear. I have wide feet. I always ran around barefoot as a kid and I've had a pair of Birkenstocks since I was like 12 (hippie parents), so the transition to barefoot shoes has felt very natural. Getting back to a wide toe box and not having an ultra squishy sole just feels so damn good. I'm not 100% sold on every aspect of barefoot shoes, but I wouldn't go back to a conventional shoe.
I’ve been exercising mostly barefoot for the past three years with weight lifting, yoga and BJJ and I can definitely notice the new found strength in my feet. Now, I’m researching which BF shoes should be best to continue the barefoot journey. I leaning towards Vivobarefoot. Thoughts?
They’d be a classic choice, well made and durable. I spend the most time training/wandering around in their Primus Lites, but the Primus Trails are also a great choice
I'm 2 months into barefoot shoes, and it eliminated my plantar fasciitis in about 2 weeks that I had for about 6 months. I started working at Costco during the transition, concrete floors all day. First week was crazy pain in soles of feet and up my calves, then after 2 days off, even at 49 years old, my body responded excellently, i even tried to wear my wedge boots a few times at work and it just made things worse again. I can never and would never go back. My feet feel so incredibly comfortable all the time now, and when i get the chance to feel bumpy ground...oh so darn good! It feels even better to bend the bottom of your feet around some curb or stones etc. It's bizarre! The opposite, TOTAL opposite of what you would think if someone told you to not wear thick shoes. Yes, you must go through the pain of your muscles adjusting, but i believe the more you wear "normal" shoes the more you delay the incredible, life-changing benefits. I say go for it 90-100%, the faster you recover from those stupid foot-binding shoes we've been wearing the better!!! Thanks for great videos!
Four years ago I switched to barefoot shoes for running becauce of knee pain. I am 66 and run approx 40 km per week mainly on concrete. I adapt very carefully. and alternative I wear zero drop cushioned altra shoes especially if I am a little tired. I swear of barefoot shoes. No pain more. But I am carefully and switch between barefoot shoes, plain water shoes and zero drop Altra shoes.
Started wearing barefoot shoes last year.. I wear lows from an Australian brand called Paperkrane. The most comfortable shoes I think I have ever worn, like walking on a cloud ☁️ 😍
VivoBarefoot's winter insole is actually nice extra cushioning. I have one pair of shoes with it, but will buy it for all the pairs eventually, as it is either rocky trails in my area or walking on the concrete.
I wear mainly barefoot shoes for about 6 years. I suggest people to look unto them yet always preface because i used to dance and was always on my toes the transition for me was short yet still a transition. The second thing is that while i do believe everyone can benefit it must come down to individual choice. For those who choose to not wear them if the work is put into strengthenjng foot muscles, stability, etc it can only help to strengthen the body overall. Some can and others can not that just comes with the territory and knowledge can only be shared. One oversight i am being challenged with is coming back to normal activities after a fractured ankle as well as continuely need to not forget stretching and strengthening.- foot about 5 months much improved. It does get overlooked even by those who are barefoot and barefoot shoes. The impact is more than can be expressed since the ankle and foot are so intergral in movement and how we go about our day daily. If you can walk and choose not to wear bearfoot shoes please strengthen you feet as injuries that can be avoided only make one better off. Again knowledge is power if taking it to apply to you and making a decision for your personal needs will always bypass what others think or want to inject into your life weather about shoes, clothes, etc. Use the knowledge and make an educated decisuon best for where you are now and dont rush transition or if frustrated a brake in any area is important to see it from whatever lense you need to to keep going.
Love barefoot shoes. I was beyond thrilled when minimalist hiking boots came out since all my hiking is in the woods. They are basically high tech moccasins.
Have a look at some videos for running form. No idea how you run at the moment but it is different trying to land on a bent leg underneath us instead of bashing our heels down with a fairly straight leg. It's tough on the calves which is where I had a few strains but I took this as a good sign that I was doing it right.
@@LiefRunsFar Not in my experience and that's not the experience of others I've listened to. If you spend 30+ years doing something one way it's not easy to change. It's been 2 years for me and I still have to mentally focus on several things. Looking forward to the day it all happens naturally!
@@FlatToRentUK in barefoot or minimalist shoes type feet get the input they need to act appropriate without stomping, like you would in cushioned shoes. Also, without cushioning your muscles and tendons so the work that the cushioning did poorly before. Hence almost zero injury rate without the modern shoes.
My best friend eventuality convinced me to try barefoot shoes, i wear the toe spreading one's, I'm 5'10" and weigh around 205lbs i suffer from planter,and they help extremely well with it i wear them wherever I'm not wearing my work boots, mostly around the house and to the gym, i keep some all terrain running shoes around but my Deadlift and Squat have improved.
63. Same here. I've been mostly barefoot for over twenty years, since I was at a Michael Franti concert and someone asked him, while he was on stage, why he goes barefoot. His response made so much sense I took off my shoes then and there and have since only worn them when I absolutely have to.
The main problem that I had transitioning to barefoot shoes was when cycling. I have flat pedals and initially found them to be very uncomfortable, so used other shoes for that activity. After a couple of months, I forgot to change, and there was no problem. I assume that my feet had just become used to feeling more.
Have you had a chance to try the Tracker Winters? The thermal properties on those are unbelievable and worked well for me in Canadian winter down to around -20c. I've also heard rumour of a VivoBarefoot Tundra boot for temperatures below -18c
@@TheBarefootStrengthProject Thank you, I do have a pair of ViviBarefoot boots, will check for thermal insoles or what extras they may have. I usually stay indoor if below -20°C :D. Thank you for taking the time to answer.
Your video inspired me to wear my Vibram five-toe shoes again, after having not worn them for years. I tried them for my daily 30-minute evening walk on my dirt-and-gravel access road. Even though I could feel every rock and pebble, they were surprisingly, if oddly, comfortable. They give a feeling of groundedness and stability which seems to help walking. I'll try wearing them for that walk daily now, and see what happens.
One thing I find barefoot shoes to be quite undesirable for is cycling. People don't really talk about that so I don't know the science behind it, but I feel a lot more comfortable on a bicycle with normal shoes. Cause the sole is rigid and helps transfer the force to the pedal without bending the foot. Kinda annoying if you want to combine cycling with walking (like commuting or a trip). Short distances are okay. Longer ones I just put normal shoes on. I've been wearing mostly barefoot shoes for about I dunno 3 years now? I remember the start being kinda rough and that's with only really walking around in them. I could've gone softer on the transition but also a lot harder. This video makes sense to me from that perspective. Do not underestimate the change people!
I bicycle with barefoot shoes or barefoot sandals. It hasn't bothered me at all. But I'm used to going barefoot. And I have strong foot musculature. I find it easy to push my pedals with my toes. Also, like the other guy, I will also walk and bicycle without shoes. Most of my time, in fact, is entirely barefoot.
I have been wearing barefoot style shoes since at least 2016 if not before that. I have hEDS and I just cannot wear "normal" shoes with arch support or those raised heels. They mess up my feet SO bad as my feet are very hypermobile and then the "normal" shoe gets horribly crooked! But a barefoot shoe solves this!
I also have hypermobility and suffered thirty years of corrective orthotics for flat feet. Six months in barefoot shoes were better for fixing my arches than anything the podiatrist made for me.
I love that some people try to hardcore and get a shoe that is meant for people that have been wearing barefoot for a while. They don't like it and I can pick them up for a better deal 😂
I’m a 54-year-old almost 55-year-old disabled veteran from the army with serious knee and hip problems multiple surgeries on one leg and gonna need it on the other knee soon. I’m looking into doing the barefoot shoes and because of that, I’m really glad to have seen this video because you’re right other videos have not pointed out these potential pitfalls and I probably would’ve stopped when that pain started .and I would like some advice on which would be the best ones for me to start with please. thank you very much for this video. God bless.
I know 😂😂 I went barefoot almost all the time, whined constantly when I had to wear shoes, looked for years for a minimalist shoe besides moccasins (which I love). I now have 5 pair bf shoes and love them. I have high instep high arches and bf are the way to go.
I have switched to barefoot shoes just like that and I've been experiencing achiles tendonitis for more than 6 months. I'm starting physiotherapy now. I want to go back to wearing them, but for now I cannot.
Been barefoot since COVID as I started WFH. No barefoot shoes.. just barefoot at home 99% of the time. These years have allowed my toes and foot to spread naturally and are no longer shaped like pointy office shoes.
I graduated to sock shoes recently - I'm in love. It's mad how much it's improved my feet and legs in so little time. VivoBarefoot and FiveFingers are good. Sock shoes are the bomb. I would simply never quit. I had no idea it could get even better than VivoBarefoot and FiveFingers!
I am half a year into wearing minimalistic shoes. Had some issues at the beginning, all gone now. At the moment I don't enjoy wearing anything other that minimalistic shoes.
I'm never going back to normal shoes, I just can't. Instant anxiety attack once I put those uncomfortable, body destroying pieces of shit normal shoes on. It just feels horrible! To me it is insane how stupid we are, making shoes that fuck up our bodies, pure insanity!
I got Motus Strengths and realised that everything is concrete, i put Skate boarding insoles (FP Custom Orthotic insoles) in there and you get the barefoot experience without any problems from striking concrete, recommend. First 3 days of breaking in the insoles is horrible but after that a dream.
The reason people quit barefoot shoes is that they are still wearing shoes. Let me explain, because they are still in shoes they dont change there walking patern and they think they can walk or run the same distance the they did yesterday in cushioned shoes so they overstretch there achilis tendon and facia and blame the shoe. the real goal here is to walk and run barefoot, no shoes! That will make you more aware of the differences and slow down your transition. the problem here is not the BAREFOOT its the SHOE
I asked an orthopaedic surgeon about wearing these with my ankle pain, which turned out to be arthritis, and he said they’re good, but for people with healthy feet. He didn’t like me wearing them at 70 with arthritic ankles. So is he right or have they helped anyone ? I’m only going to walk in urban terrain. Thank you
I have worn barefoot shoes for the past 3-4 years I did not struggle with transitioning but Altra shoes actually feel odd to wear they actually hurt my calves and my feet when i walk more than 0.50 miles I wear vivobarefoot and for running i wear new balance 1080 v11 which is a new thing I thought maybe non barefoot shoes would be good aswel
I got my Vibram FF 10 months ago. Transitioning is not easy, but I enjoy every step. I use to run on trails and on grass, the feeling is just amazing. Now can do 7-10 km runs and eager to try even longer distances. But most importantly, my knee and hip pain are gone.
@@Lemmispeak Interesting you say that as I've had a similar issue with Altras (all models but the Lone Peak), could be that you've gotten so use to minimal cushioning that anything other than that makes your calves and ankles work double time 🤷♂
Just ordered my very first pair to try. Gonna start with little walks and see how it goes. Only hope that the thin sole doesnt wears out to fast. My regular shoes last me 3 to max 6 months at best but are 1/3 of the price, i wont be to happy if the same happens to my vivobarefoot. Not planning to replace them every 3m. So i hope for the best
Please stop this stupid trend. I developed Achilles tendinopathy, which cost me a year of rehabilitation. Think twice if you want to feel pain for every step you take, for a year of your life just to give money to some company.
Been wearing barefoot shoes for over 10 years. In the beginning it was heavenly and such a revelation! I wish I could still feel that wonderful feeling but now I’m so used to it, it feels normal. I hike on dirt trails in the mountainous terrain we live in. Xero is the brand I have many pairs and styles of.
I like the extra toe space, but the lack of any heel padding destroys my back. This is probably because of my age and the fact that I walk on pavements a lot and possibly I've also got a heavy footfall / heel strike. Whatever reason, it took my back 6 - 8 months to recover and so I won't try it again, I suspect the shoes were causing me to jolt and aggravate a disc and that is something I won't risk. I think for older people living in town who walk a lot, these shoes may present a risk. I have found wide toe box trainers with no drop but a good sole are perfect.
I gave it over 6 months and just didn’t enjoy running as much in barefoot (and admittedly, some zero drop only) shoes. I wasn’t having any issues with “traditional” shoes so just swapped back. I would consider running in zero drop trail shoes in the future, I enjoyed altra lone peak
The planter fasciitis I developed was a good reason to quit. And yes, I did take my time and did the steps. Went back to normal shoes with proper inserts. Barefoot shoes are not the panacea some people think it is.
I’ve been wearing barefoot shoes for almost 4 years, and I’m well adapted now. I can’t go back to regular shoes again; I’ve tried and it doesn’t feel or look right to me anymore
Using barefoot shoes as every day slip-on shoes for making trips to the store has helped my foot strength, leg strength and my gate tremendously. Wearing them while working out has helped a lot too. The arch of my foot took a while to strengthen little by little.
Working on my barefoot shoes transition now. I'm a few months in and still getting a bit of discomfort in the ball of my right foot, but my left foot is fine strangely. Hopefully it dies down soon :)
Hopefully! Don't be afraid of dialling back the total daily distance for a couple of weeks to give it plenty of time to fully recover. It'll often lead to a faster transition time than just muscling through 🙌🏼
I'm barefoot at home and kickboxing. In Vivos the rest of the time. Yeah, it's a bit more heavy going on urban pavement, but the trade off is the increased feel, huge increase in foot/ankle/calf/tendon strength. Simply cannot wear 'normal' shoes now.
100%. I work with a couple of Muay Thai fighters and I'm convinced living x training barefoot makes for a more explosive fighter. There's just so much more elasticity in the lower body 🦵
I have strong feet, and can walk for days. But occasionally when I start walking on the pavement, I find it takes a little time to adjust in my Vivo barefoots. Good news is my toes are starting to spread, which is how they should be.
I've been wearing Vivobarefoot shoes for about 8 months now, I have four pair. Been fantastic, solved me knee ache. But recently my heels have been causing me pain. Certainly not going to go back to the usual 'fashion' shoe as I don't like the narrow toe box, but the pain isn't half annoying
It is because you are heel striking on concrete. That is the downfall of Vivos etc, we need cushioning for our environment. We are walking on concrete not grass. You will end up with foot problems like I have if you continue.
![Top 5 Barefoot Shoes LIES! [Plantar Fasciitis, Bunions & Flat Feet]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/3elMryUe4a4/mqdefault.jpg)
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
New To Barefoot Shoes - Checkout Our Barefoot Transition Guide 🚀: www.barefootstrengthproject.com/barefoot-transition-guide
Barefoot shoes are common sense. I bought my first pair almost a year ago. Here's my analysis.
I've been athletic all my life and I'm now 60 years old. Both of my big toes were bent, had bunions and pain as a result of wearing improperly designed footwear for a lifetime. After about 3 months of wearing the barefoot's I began to get pain in my arch's. I'm guessing for some, this is where they stop wearing them. I attribute the pain to my feet changing slowly over time as the constrictions on them were eliminated. I had anticipated this and continued to use them with the pain subsiding and gone after about 6 months. My toes have slowly and steadily moved into more natural positions with the bends, the bunions and the pain on the big toes essentially completely gone in about a year. For those that didn't know...your bones are malleable. They will change shape over time based on natural growth and external pressure(s). Crappy designed shoes, debilitating us, should have been banned decades ago. My feet are becoming stronger and the lack of pain in my toes have eliminated hesitation and tentative behavior in my athletic performances. Pain will always make you hesitate or avoid making specific movements. Barefoot's are simply common sense.
is this a commissioned anti-advertisement? I don't trust a guy who got an illuminati pyramid with an eye tattooed on him. Real enlightened people know what's good, and you shouldn't be talking about it
I am 3 years into wearing barefoot shoes. I used to roll my ankle about once a year, and I always had arch pain with traditional shoes. Now I don't roll my ankle, and my arch pain is gone. The biggest downside is my feet hurting after long periods of concrete walking. But I will take that trade off for the benefits!
That's awesome dude! Sounds like a win win win (apart from the concrete bit, but I bet that'll get easier with time!)
You could also try a sole with a sole that is a little thicker so you’ve got a tiny amount of cushioning for the concrete surface. We’re not really made to walk on such a hard surface anyway
I have a pair of zero drop shoes that have slightly thicker soles, still flexible especially in toe area, but much better for hard surfaces.
I have different types of barefoot shoes. I can walk several miles in my trail shoes over the flats. I do like my flat since i can slip them on easier without retieing the shoes.
The not rolling my ankle anymore was the drug that got me hooked on barefoot shoes like 4 years back now.
I am 69 and switched to barefoot shoes because of knee problems, they solved my knee pain issue since these shoes make me come down on my forefoot instead of my heel, my knee is bent on every step so leg muscles working as shock absorbers relieving impact shock on my knees. Down side, takes 6-12 months to adapt to new method of walking, while hiking on Appalachian Trail the thin soles caused me to feel every rock & root on the trail. I have some zero drop shoes that have a 1 inch sole for next hiking trip that will give a little more cushioning. Checked into history when raised heels were added to shoes, was in 13th century when more people were riding saddled horses for transportation and heels were added to lock the foot into the stirrup, raised heels were made for riding horses, not walking, but since the wealthy were the only ones that could afford saddled horses and raised heels made those people appear taller, raised heels became a status symbol.
Wow, very interesting, thanks
Same for me. My knees stopped hurting in 2020 when I suddenly started working from home (barefoot) and I made the connection to barefoot shoes. Since my knees stopped hurting, I returned to backpacking. Now I wear zero drop Altra Lone Peaks with 25mm soles for backpacking on the Pacific Crest Trail.
i cannot emphasize enough how much of a difference a good insole makes. because after long working hours my steps get sloppy. and concrete or bicycle pedals ask for more support. Barefoot shoes & proper insoles are just the best 😁
Yes, and the same goes for narrow toed shoes. They fit better into horse stirrups so ofc became a status symbol, even though they squash your toes together. Why so many people have foot problems, esp. women having to force their feet into stilettos etc.
Thank you for the history facts. Absolutely going to share that! 💞
12 years wearing barefoot shoes. I don't even think about it anymore. Some times I do feel unfeminine because I don't wear pretty high heels, but I am also a figure skater and I believe that wearing barefoot shoes has given me great foot strength, and for that I am so grateful!
What specific shoes have worked well for you? Any recommendations for a beginner to be more comfortable with the style?
How strong are your legs ..?? ❤️❤️
I’ve been barefoot shoes and bare foot for nearly 10 years, after a severe mid foot injury, ignore podiatrist’s advice, consultants advice to have surgery for arthritis??!!….I ignored them all now and within a short period of time…low back pain, gone, foot pain , gone….best decision I ever made
Do you have any brand(s) you like?
EXACTLY dude the health industry is so greedy. They want you reliant on surgery and medications
@@WYKLO wdym healthcare is free, the cost of prescriptions dont exceed 10£ by law
@@popcornyumm if that's the currency you use, then we aren't under the same law
@@popcornyumm Mate, the world is bigger than your country. Healthcare and laws vary greatly from country to country.
As a nurse walking on a hard floor for 12 hours, I focused on comfort and cushion. Now I want to focus on making sure I keep/get my feet strong and functional. But no way I'm wearing minimalist shoes on a hard floor for 12 hours. BUT... I'm thinking approach it like working out, where I schedule periods of the week where I just wear those type of shoes and allow my feet and legs to adjust.
Well yeah, that's the problem with this we arnt designed to be walking on hard surfaces. Not to mention used needles and other horrible things people throw everywhere.
We are a Birkenstocks family, I got my 1st pair at age 20, after reading an article in 1975, about how good they are for feet, especially wide feet with toes splayed out. Got my husband of 46 years his 1st pair in 1978, shortly after we met. Now all 3 sons have multiple pairs. My daughter-in-law is a nurse, she tried all the good expensive nurse shoes like Dansko, until she got her 1st pair of Birkenstocks clogs, immediately her feet stopped hurting, she now has 2 pairs of Birkenstocks boots (me too!), her nursing clogs and the standard Arizona’s. I hate running shoes, I have never found a comfortable pair of tennis shoes, I think barefoot shoes are in my future.
I changed to birkenstocks. Plantar fasciatis is gone. No back pain. I am in healthcare too. Considering the full barefoot shoe.
When Vibrams first came out years ago, I tried wearing them in the OR but I felt they were better for outside wear, running and daily outdoor tasks….I have worn Danskos for years but Birkenstocks are it for me. I have a couple of pairs of them and was just watching this video and wanting to order more…lol! I have ordered a pair of these for the gym, I had wanted to order a pair last year but didn’t.
Nurse here. I absolutely love my Vivobarefoots. The place I work is concrete floors, and I can spend 16 hours on my feet and though my feet are a little sore at the end of the day (I don’t think there is a way to avoid that after 16 hours of running around). But on a standard day, my feet feel completely fine.
The sensory feel of walking in barefoot shoes is addictive. If i'm waking and I see sand- I have to walk on it just to feel the difference.
😆😆 ditto and tree roots. I love seeking that stuff out
@@TheBarefootStrengthProject even cracks on the sidewalk, I find myself trying to step on each one
absolutely. I am new to the thing - actually I don't even use barefoot shoes, I have some cheap chinese wide toebox shoes with flexible and thin sole but they're very far from being "barefoot", and yet after just a couple of months of gradually progressive use the difference I feel when I put on "normal" shoes is shocking. It's like going deaf all of a sudden.
And when I put on high drop shoes without thinking about it lmao I almost fall forward
Did it the other day. Felt so good ~
I’m so glad you said “addictive” and not “addicting” which everyone seems to say these days coz they don’t know it’s wrong
Just wait till people realize the same can apply to beds and the way we sleep. Barefoot shoes helped me transition to firmer beds!
Careful, you might blow some minds talking like that 😉. Firm beds definitely for the win, bonus points if it's a shikibuton
You'll be sleeping outside next 😂😂
@@Lee-ic2yn next video... "I slept in a cave for 7 days"
Went to Japan last year and we did very traditional inns. I went from my very soft mattress to a hard futon on the floor and tbh i had little to no complains, which was unexpected. My husbands back pain went away also. Who knew..
@@xristinarose2409 it’s different for everyone, I went from a normal matras to a hard futon, I slept very well, but I always woke up with back pain (I am a side sleeper).
I've become barefoot full-time for the past 36 months. I started working from home during the pandemic and don’t wear shoes in my home. I switched to barefoot shoes when I go outside. I still can't run, but I can walk around 14 miles no problems.
Question: Are you still trying to run heel-toe? If so that is why you can't run in them.
Running like that only works with modern shoes where you have plenty of padding to absorb the weight of your body being put on your heel on impact. You need to run more like a professional athlete (or an animal) and run on your toes. That way your ankle naturally acts like a shock absorber and you'll spring along. (yes it will take a time to build up your calves and unlearn a life time of bad running habits)
love shoes and trainers with max cushioning. feels like i am walking on clouds.
I spend nearly all my time in barefoot shoes but I just don’t enjoy running in them. Instead, I prioritize a wide toe box with a “minimal” drop and “minimal” cushioning.
That's fair - I'll sometimes use the Altra Lone Peak 7's on really long runs. What do you go for?
@@TheBarefootStrengthProject Altras for sure. But honestly, converting to barefoot shoes has trained me to run with proper mechanics. Now, I can run in anything including my current New Balance.
What I realized is that it hurts to run barefoot if your posture/form is wrong. I began focusing on that, then running barefoot became much less painful
@@TheBarefootStrengthProject I ran a 55km trail race in those... I still switch between barefoot and regular shoes for running though.
Whats the minimal drop and minimal cushioning shoe that you went for?
7 months for me since I started. Wanted to just say this channel helped me a lot. Still haven’t tried a long run in them but can finally walk on concrete for 10km+ walks with no foot pain. The strength gains are brilliant!
That’s so good to hear! Appreciate the support and look forward to hearing how a long run goes (when you do try one!)
I had leg issues until I started wearing barefoot shoes. Now my legs and feet are stronger. I don't understand why everyone doesn't wear zero drop shoes.
It's like weightlifting at the gym, except the hardest part (getting youreself there) is already done.
Well said!
My feet look like I'm designed to not sink in sand. The bottom line is I live in a region that I'm not adapted to because my people were kidnapped and forcibly relocated. I have to have some support somewhere, kind of the same way very fair skinned people can't handle the sun the way I can.
Edited to add: There are tribal people that climb trees and their feet look more like hands. Their toes are actually functional.
I’ve had leg pain for years, especially after playing football, with a burning sensation. I was given half insoles for my high arches, which helped stop the burning in my legs, but then I developed knee pain, especially after matches. Now I have custom insoles, but they feel uncomfortable, and I’m also managing type 2 diabetes.
I’m torn between sticking with the custom insoles to see if they help or trying barefoot shoes. I was thinking about starting small with barefoot shoes while using the custom insoles to give my legs a break, but I honestly don’t know what to do-it’s so confusing. 🤷♂️
I got myself a pair of Altra Escalantes and can never return to wearing normal shoes as I no longer have running injuries. I am barefoot at home all the time and now only wear vivos/xero shoes. It is a slow process and when I run in vivos my calves are on fire afterwards, showing muscle imbalances. I’ll also go out for runs barefoot in the grass, it greatly improves my running technique. Wearing barefoot shoes is a free workout for your feet, with all the added health benefits!
Definitely agree! And top tip, skipping is great for the calf x achilles conditioning needed for barefoot running 🫡
Love my Escalantes
I've been in Vibram "are those things comfortable?" FiveFingers since 2012. Can't wear "normal" shoes without discomfort nowadays. I've also done a bit of truly barefoot running in the last few years (max 5km) and the hardest bit is dodging loose bits of gravel. Smooth concrete is easy but high friction asphalt surfaces want to shred your soles.
It took about two weeks for my calves and ankles to adjust which I believe is stretching of tendons and muscles to a natural position. Sore and tender every night during adjustment.
Funny enough I went I guess the tough route. I wore them for my job on concrete 8 hrs a day for a month.
I love them. I will say for anyone choosing to. Learn to slow down. I am a fast walker and barefoot shoes make you highly aware of stepping and how exposed your feet are. My pace was cut in half.
It's as if you came from 24/7 wearing thick winter gloves to wearing disposable latex gloves. Be kind to your feet give everything time to adjust.
half pace sounds so bad
Took awhile to adapt. Learned everything you said on my own. At 61 I am walking about 6+ miles a day on concrete in minimalist and/or zero drop shoes and have not once had the shin splits that plagued the rest of my life and have not once rolled or twisted an ankle. I feel fine the next day after an 11+ mile hike in the hilly woods. Back pain that was chronic is now solved by toe touches and asian squts periodicaly. You are spot on about giving yourself time to adapt and changing your stride. Wish I had found your video when I started 2 years ago.
As a 73 year old, I’ve always gone barefoot as much as possible all my life. The only reason for heavy footwear is dangerous terrain. The only injuries I’ve ever had have been in ‘regular’ shoes. I now have a couple of pairs of barefoot style shoes. I really love them and wear them all the time now. Though I still have my regular shoes gathering dust in the closet, I’m well on my way to buying some barefoot style boots for winter wear and I really wish there were more ‘formal looking’ styles for business and celebratory occasions. Though frankly, at my age if anyone comments on my informal sports wear, I just play the silver card and claim I need them for my health…or just stare ‘em down.
They exist, but are handmade and very expensive, I am not dropping $500 for a pair of dress shoes.
There are some formal, business-like shoes like the ra 3-4s and gobi series
@@JohnnyLance101
Thank you, I’ll have to look them up!
Im learning the things i love as a kid where actually healthy for me walking barefoot sleeping on the floor jumping off buildings. Maybe not one of thos but still.
I've started running in barefoot shoes and it's like recovering from an injury.
I'm 51 this year and also started working on pistol squats to engage more of the stabilizer muscles around my ankles. It really is like starting from scratch but I feel like I'm standing and moving differently, better.
one of the drawbacks that i've heard from people is that they are more expensive, but I tell them they tend to last longer but they don't want to hear it.
You also need less pairs, cause they are ugly under whatever. A pair of sandals for summer, hiking boots for autumn, winter and spring and a pair of sneakers for the dryer not to cold days. Done.
@@pppetra except that you need sandals, sneakers, snow boots, boots for cold, shoes for dry weather but cold , shoes for dry weather but hot, whateverproof ones and official ones as well. And they might be ugly but i still need to colour code and shoes start to smell if you wear the same a fez days in a roll
@@nightsky212 my hiking boots are fine till minus 25 °C. Great for rain, snow, ice, cold. Waterproof. My sneakers are fine for anything from minus 5 till 25. My sandals are good for 20 and above. So i have all i need with just 3 pair.
@@pppetralol. Luna Sandals all year round. A thin pair of socks if there is really wet slushy snow. Lol. Done.
@@LiefRunsFar we are into autumn month 10 in a row. There is nothing but much and water here.
Im mostly barefoot at home. I have barefoot shoes but dont wear them every day. I tried going for walks with them. It hurts too much the next day. Its a slow process for me
Slow and steady wins the race! Try and keep the walks short to start and gradually build them up over the course of weeks & months and whatever you do, don't quit 😉
Been in barefoot shoes almost 9 years now. Never looking back.
Been in barefoot shoes for a while. Started with Vibrams and it instantly tells you that there is more reactive feedback from the ground. Injuries are pretty much people being aggressive on the transition period. I got a pair for my brother who's used those bulky soled shoes and told him "walk in these untill your feet and calves feel comfortable, then up the pace and use" so far hes had a good transition.
Walking forefront is definitevely harder than running forefront. The heel exists for a reason, the worst one, the loss of the prehension of the nails.
It took me a year to transition to barefoot shoes. First, I switched from Nikes to Altras for six months to get used to zero drop. Then, I transitioned from Altras to Vivobarefoot. The sensation was immense. It took me six more months before it was completely comfortable. I have been wearing barefoot shoes for 18 months now, and I am not looking back. Why did I go through the hassle? I firmly believe that we are meant to walk barefoot and that regular footwear weakens our feet and numbs our senses. I use barefoot shoes for work, walking/hiking, gym and running.
That’s a smart way to do it and sounds like it was definitely worth the time and effort. No going back now!
True, good things takes time 😊
Vivos + trail = bliss
Been barefoot for about 6 months now, I'm a caddie so plenty walking. Can't even look at my old trainers now. Just subscribed as this guy is on point.
Thank you 🙌🏼
LOL...Absolutely the BEST decision I have made... I absolutely love my barefoot shoes. I used to be significant in Yeezys...
I'm one year into wearing barefoot shoes. I work 10-hour shifts walking around on concrete. My feet feel much stronger however I do not include running on a hard surface as part of my exercise program. If I run I do it on treadmill but I mostly use stair machine and cycling
Been over a year now and will never go back. It feels so good walking and every time I wear non barefoot shoes it feels really uncomfortable and doesn't feel natural. Definitely a game changer.
Massively agree 🙌🏼
I started wearing vivos at work, where i sit at a desk. The only walking i do is up and down the stairs and walking on my breaks. This helped me ease into it, and i did have tightness in my achilles in the mornings when i woke. Sometimes i would get achilles pain while walking on concrete. It went away after a while and i waited too long to do the calf stretches. Those helped instantly and after a year or so, i rarely have and tightness or pain in the AM
I eased into barefoot shoes over a period of 3 years. My first pair were zero sandals. Now I have several ballet type dress shoes, sports shoes & hiking boots, all barefoot. No regrets with taking it slowly to get my muscles & joints used to working differently.
I had plantar fascitis last year, and through an intense transition that I don't recommend I am running again pain free. Take your time, start with 30 minutes, and if your not sore do more. If you are sore take a break immediately, and put on a comfy shoe. Even when I got to the point where I could wear them all day. The next day I wouldn't wear them at all. Treat your foot muscles like regular muscles. Don't workout sore muscles.
I just got planter fascitis. My Dr. Gave me a cortisone shot, and put me in a boot/ cast. I use a foot pedal at work. I'm not sure how this is going to play out. How long did it take for you to walk normal on bare feet?😢
That’s how I did it: slowly worked up to it over time. Regular footwear still have their uses but now I use them 90% of the time.
Oh, and I ignored my podiatrist’s advice to avoid them. I’ve no idea if he still has a practice since I’ve not needed him since the switch years ago.
Been wearing them for 6 months, it was an adjustment and I can’t go hiking in them but everything else I feel really comfortable and I have less foot pain than I had before. I wear them 80 percent of the time, but they’re not good for every type of terrine under the feet.
Me almost 13 years experimenting with barefoot shoes. Now I can’t even wear normal shoes. I feel such a discomfort that is almost impossible to don’t think about it. Real game changer!
Interesting that I can go from walking barefoot to putting shoes on and feel nothing
Just buy shoes that fit lol
I just go barefoot! All day every day, except from November to March when it’s too cold. I hiked into the Grand Canyon barefoot this spring.
I got into barefoot shoes around 2 years ago after being run over, I suffered from chronic knee and ankle pain and went down the 'more support is better' route at first - if anything my condition got worse. I had read/watched a lot of stuff on barefoot and decided to give it a go, bought some Vivo's and wore them around the house at first, then short walks down the canal/local paths for a month or so. I now wear barefoot all the time - but I do tend to wear Altra's for longer walks up in the Lakes where a bit of cushioning helps out on long treks (i'm comfy in my Magna Forest Tracker SG up to about 20k's per day but over that and the Altra's come out) one thing that is annoying is the price of them!! At least here in the UK you can use the Revivo service and get shoes resoled at a reasonable cost
Sounds like you went about the transition the right way! If you know the lakes well you might've spotted me heading up red pike in my Hydra review video 😆
I like the barefoot shoes, I have a pair of Merrell Vapor Glove 6. Biggest issue I have is, when I walk on a lot of sharp gravel or a trail with a lot of rocks in the mountains, if I accidentally kick one or step on a sharp rock it hurts bad.
yup 6 months of pain until i felt comfortable to start working out in it. I tried working out before that and it was very painful
Short term pain, long term gain. Hopefully those 6 months were worthwhile!
Been wearing barefoot shoes for almost 4 years. My brands of choice are Lems, Vivo, and Earth runners. My knees, ankles, feet, and hips have never been so pain free. I dont think I could go back if I wanted to.
I started with Altra zero drop running shoes to help with my planters fasciitis, wore them for about 3 years and just got into Vivobarefoot shoes 6 months ago because I was developing bunions. - I didn't have issues transitioning because I lift weights barefoot, at least I think that is why. Already on my 3rd pair. I have the Primus lites for the office and walking around town. The Leather Magnas for winter wear and cold weather hiking and the knit trails for hiking. No more Planter's Fac and no more bunions. I would recommend getting zero drop shoes before switching to complete barefoot shoes.
I agree, a little cushioning goes a long way at the start! Did you have the Lone Peak's?
@TheBarefootStrengthProject lone peaks and then the Olympus
I am just switching from Vivos to Altra. Vivos have caused me bunions and foot pain. Been wearing Vivos for 2 yrs, thought they were my forever shoe. They have done more damage than good.
Just got my 1st pair not long ago after a couple decades of combat boots destroying my feet. I used them in the gym & got another pair as daily wear and absolutely love them so far. I'm barefoot at home all the time because it feels so good, so it just made sense & I'm never turning back now. Great video, subscribed 👍
Yet again, this is an excellent video from you. After 12 months I now own 4 pairs. Love my Motus for the gym & Primus knit Trails for every day use. I’m wearing my Magna Forest FG”s tomorrow for the first time. After a lifetime of running I’m the proud owner of two replacement knees so thought Vivo’s would not be suitable for me. How wrong I was. My foot strength, balance & mobility are now much improved. It’s not an exaggeration to say they’ve completed changed me. Many thanks for your excellent videos & best wishes 👍
Thank you - I appreciate the kind words and it’s amazing to hear how well they’ve worked for you! Good luck with the Magna Forest FG’s, let me know how you find them ✌🏽
I loved wearing these and did between 2017 and 2020. But because my toes started spreading I got a cyste caused by fluid coming from the metatarsal… had to stop wearing them for the cyst to go away
I just bought my first pair of barefoot shoes. Growing up I did dance so I was used to ballet slippers, so I think I have an advantage. Still, I went for a walk yesterday in my new shoes and felt like it was putting more force on my heels/knees/low back, so I started putting my weight more to my toes naturally.
No, it's using your muscles differently. They have to strengthen, stretch, and learn this new way of walking.
Broke my big toe, and I strongly believe because I've switched over to vivo barefoot shoes it has helped me heal the big toe somehow. My flexibility is back and arch and everything just feels better.
I was lucky enough to find the education before stepping into barefoot shoes. I always thought my feet were flat, but I just have low arches and a bad habit of overpronating. After getting into the shoes, changing my gait, and taking things slow, I'm pretty much fine now, almost 9 months later. I did run into posterior tibial tendon issues, and I do get shin pain when I run, shin splints I imagine, I'm still doing fine. Sore feet is way better than sore joints in my ankles and knees, and a bunch of other things have changed for the better as well. My balance is still very poor too, but I have a lot of work to do just because of where I started. The education is the most important part.
I haven't worn barefoot shoes yet, but I've been seriously considering it. Your video was really helpful, thank you!
My feet now hurt more if I wear shoes with Cushing. Even my wide toe running shoes. Altra is the brand. I like them but Still get aches
I'm in the same boat, barefoot or nothing ❌
Started barefoot'n last month after toe problems from regular shoes. Loving it! Feet and ankles feel much better.
It’s amazing how quickly you start feeling the benefits 🙌🏽
Shoes are not a religion, they're a tool.™ Choose the correct tool for the job.
At age 48, I started wearing Vibram FiveFingers in July 2012, and the Bikila model was my first pair. I hadn't run in 15yrs due to injuring my left knee badly, training for a race, wearing traditional, high-heel, running shoes in 1997. I'd tried to start running again several times during that 15yr lapse, but couldn't get further than about a half mile before the pain in that knee was searing. The first day in the FF's, I ran 7-1/2mi on the trails of our local 1,200'/366m peak, and that included a mile on pavement, to and from the trailhead. I ran 27mi that week, on a mixture of all pavement, and more trails. I was so sore I could barely walk, but my knee(s) both felt great. Of course this was not the correct way to transition, but I was so excited to be a runner again, that I just wanted to be out there. As you say, the experience of "feeling" the terrain was amazing, and also, the instant change to running and walking, both in form, and posture, was amazing. One of the fantastic things about FF, verses putting on a minimalist shoe, is that the FF's trigger the brain to immediate put the body into; "I'm doing this in bare feet" mode. So immediately, both running and walking, are done in correct human form. Many times people will buy a pair of minimalist shoes because they don't want to look stupid in a pair of FF's, and then they are miserable, or injured, because their brain is still in "I'm in a shoe" mode. So the person is still heel striking, but now they're in something with no protection for that level of impact. Of course the shoe gets blamed for the injury. I commonly hear, "Oh I tried those stupid shoes once. I got injured in them, and so did my buddies. They're a fad. You know that company got sued, right?"
I'm almost 61, and still in the FF's, running year round. My knees will never be great, but I can get out on the trails and run 3 to 3-1/2hr training runs with a ton of vert, and I run Rim2Rim at the Grand Canyon twice a year as an XC run (no poles, no walking), and as a marathon distance. I also run Rim2River (aka: the cowboy loop) at the end of May each year, and will be there again in a week.
When the trails become to packed with exposed stone, I run in a minimalist shoe with a little more protection. A couple favorites are the old New Balance Minimus 10V1 and 10V2, and their MT1010, which are easily found on mercari/poshmark/ebay. I'm also a huge fan of Merrell Trail Gloves, and Vapor Gloves. When I race a trail Half, I wear one of these, because the FF's are not a fast shoe, and they are not for real racing, and putting down real power and speed... hence my initial comment: Shoes are not a religion, they're a tool™.
About 5yrs ago I started wearing Vivo BareFoot Primus Trail FG's at work, as a mechanic, 9hrs a day, on a concrete floor, covered in oily grit. My normal "oxford type mechanic shoes" were causing a ton of knee pain. As soon as I switched to the Vivo's, my knee pain went away. I wear them as my daily shoes as well.
I have vids on the channel of my daughter and I running in the Grand Canyon and other places, in our FF's. She joined me in them at age 12, trained in them and even raced in them for a while in HS XC and Track, and was the only team member on any of the running teams, who remained uninjured. All the while, her coaches were preaching to the kids that if they didn't run in thick soled, raised heel, motion controlling, shoes, they'd be injured. Guess who had 100% of the injuries.
Thanks for continuing to put the message out!!
What are FF'S?
@@sidny0426 Vibram FiveFingers
@@sidny0426 FiveFingers
Vibram,
“Five Fingers” (thus, FF)
Ten years in Vibram FiveFingers here. I'm 55 now and have ceased to care what people think about my footwear. Best thing I ever did was to change away from conventional shoes.
I’ve been wearing barefoot shoes for close to ten years. I’ve now got Achilles tendinitis because I got a bit giddy in Spain and ran way too far. It was a warm night and I just got carried away. Please listen to these resources for advice.
On a positive note, I crashed my motorcycle years ago and the surgery wasn’t so good. My body started to compensate and my Soleus (apparently part of the calf muscle )used to regularly explode . It’s never happened since I went barefoot.
Edit: like and subbed!! Good advice.
I started wearing Xeros as gym shoes for weightlifting and walking on track and treadmill. I don't sprint or distance run, except during warm ups for martial arts (which is barefoot on a mat). Just bought another pair of Xeros for outdoor wear.
I have wide feet. I always ran around barefoot as a kid and I've had a pair of Birkenstocks since I was like 12 (hippie parents), so the transition to barefoot shoes has felt very natural. Getting back to a wide toe box and not having an ultra squishy sole just feels so damn good.
I'm not 100% sold on every aspect of barefoot shoes, but I wouldn't go back to a conventional shoe.
I’ve been exercising mostly barefoot for the past three years with weight lifting, yoga and BJJ and I can definitely notice the new found strength in my feet. Now, I’m researching which BF shoes should be best to continue the barefoot journey. I leaning towards Vivobarefoot. Thoughts?
They’d be a classic choice, well made and durable. I spend the most time training/wandering around in their Primus Lites, but the Primus Trails are also a great choice
I'm 2 months into barefoot shoes, and it eliminated my plantar fasciitis in about 2 weeks that I had for about 6 months. I started working at Costco during the transition, concrete floors all day. First week was crazy pain in soles of feet and up my calves, then after 2 days off, even at 49 years old, my body responded excellently, i even tried to wear my wedge boots a few times at work and it just made things worse again. I can never and would never go back. My feet feel so incredibly comfortable all the time now, and when i get the chance to feel bumpy ground...oh so darn good! It feels even better to bend the bottom of your feet around some curb or stones etc. It's bizarre! The opposite, TOTAL opposite of what you would think if someone told you to not wear thick shoes. Yes, you must go through the pain of your muscles adjusting, but i believe the more you wear "normal" shoes the more you delay the incredible, life-changing benefits. I say go for it 90-100%, the faster you recover from those stupid foot-binding shoes we've been wearing the better!!! Thanks for great videos!
Thanks for the great comment! And you're right, it flys in the face of what most people expect but so SO worth it.
Started with barefoot shoes a bit over a year ago. I feel so much better in my back, and my knees have become straighter.
Four years ago I switched to barefoot shoes for running becauce of knee pain. I am 66 and run approx 40 km per week mainly on concrete. I adapt very carefully. and alternative I wear zero drop cushioned altra shoes especially if I am a little tired. I swear of barefoot shoes. No pain more. But I am carefully and switch between barefoot shoes, plain water shoes and zero drop Altra shoes.
Sounds like the right strategy to stay injury free - do you find you change your stride when you bounce between them out of curiosity?
@@TheBarefootStrengthProject not really. similar appox 180 steps/minute , forefoot-midfoot
Started wearing barefoot shoes last year.. I wear lows from an Australian brand called Paperkrane. The most comfortable shoes I think I have ever worn, like walking on a cloud ☁️ 😍
Aussie here. We just dont wear shoes in general.
Understandable, that's where I've heard Australians store their spiders
@@crazy808ish Only some of the times. Other times we store a snake in them.
Depends if we wand to keep the insects or marsupials away from the shoes
VivoBarefoot's winter insole is actually nice extra cushioning. I have one pair of shoes with it, but will buy it for all the pairs eventually, as it is either rocky trails in my area or walking on the concrete.
I wear mainly barefoot shoes for about 6 years. I suggest people to look unto them yet always preface because i used to dance and was always on my toes the transition for me was short yet still a transition. The second thing is that while i do believe everyone can benefit it must come down to individual choice.
For those who choose to not wear them if the work is put into strengthenjng foot muscles, stability, etc it can only help to strengthen the body overall. Some can and others can not that just comes with the territory and knowledge can only be shared.
One oversight i am being challenged with is coming back to normal activities after a fractured ankle as well as continuely need to not forget stretching and strengthening.- foot about 5 months much improved.
It does get overlooked even by those who are barefoot and barefoot shoes. The impact is more than can be expressed since the ankle and foot are so intergral in movement and how we go about our day daily.
If you can walk and choose not to wear bearfoot shoes please strengthen you feet as injuries that can be avoided only make one better off. Again knowledge is power if taking it to apply to you and making a decision for your personal needs will always bypass what others think or want to inject into your life weather about shoes, clothes, etc. Use the knowledge and make an educated decisuon best for where you are now and dont rush transition or if frustrated a brake in any area is important to see it from whatever lense you need to to keep going.
Love barefoot shoes. I was beyond thrilled when minimalist hiking boots came out since all my hiking is in the woods. They are basically high tech moccasins.
@@sidilicious11 I would be interested to try for sure... any suggestions on where to look for them?
@@christianpraisedance the brand I’ve tried are Xero Shoes. They have several styles of hiking boots that are well made.
I always preferred walking barefoot so when i first heard of barefoot shoes i immediately bought some. Never had any issues so far.
Great to hear!
Thanks for the video. Just ordered my first pair of barefoot shoes for running. Will take your advice and start slow :) Thank you very much!
Have a look at some videos for running form. No idea how you run at the moment but it is different trying to land on a bent leg underneath us instead of bashing our heels down with a fairly straight leg. It's tough on the calves which is where I had a few strains but I took this as a good sign that I was doing it right.
@@FlatToRentUKyour body naturally adjust. Don't over think it.
@@LiefRunsFar Not in my experience and that's not the experience of others I've listened to. If you spend 30+ years doing something one way it's not easy to change. It's been 2 years for me and I still have to mentally focus on several things. Looking forward to the day it all happens naturally!
@@FlatToRentUK in barefoot or minimalist shoes type feet get the input they need to act appropriate without stomping, like you would in cushioned shoes. Also, without cushioning your muscles and tendons so the work that the cushioning did poorly before. Hence almost zero injury rate without the modern shoes.
My best friend eventuality convinced me to try barefoot shoes, i wear the toe spreading one's, I'm 5'10" and weigh around 205lbs i suffer from planter,and they help extremely well with it i wear them wherever I'm not wearing my work boots, mostly around the house and to the gym, i keep some all terrain running shoes around but my Deadlift and Squat have improved.
I am 64 I go actually barefooted most of the time. No back problems, no foot problems. Love it.
63. Same here. I've been mostly barefoot for over twenty years, since I was at a Michael Franti concert and someone asked him, while he was on stage, why he goes barefoot. His response made so much sense I took off my shoes then and there and have since only worn them when I absolutely have to.
The main problem that I had transitioning to barefoot shoes was when cycling. I have flat pedals and initially found them to be very uncomfortable, so used other shoes for that activity. After a couple of months, I forgot to change, and there was no problem. I assume that my feet had just become used to feeling more.
The reason I stopped is that that the soles are too thin, so they are too cold on my feet. Even the boots. I live in Finland.
Have you had a chance to try the Tracker Winters? The thermal properties on those are unbelievable and worked well for me in Canadian winter down to around -20c.
I've also heard rumour of a VivoBarefoot Tundra boot for temperatures below -18c
@@TheBarefootStrengthProject Thank you, I do have a pair of ViviBarefoot boots, will check for thermal insoles or what extras they may have. I usually stay indoor if below -20°C :D. Thank you for taking the time to answer.
Your video inspired me to wear my Vibram five-toe shoes again, after having not worn them for years. I tried them for my daily 30-minute evening walk on my dirt-and-gravel access road. Even though I could feel every rock and pebble, they were surprisingly, if oddly, comfortable. They give a feeling of groundedness and stability which seems to help walking. I'll try wearing them for that walk daily now, and see what happens.
That's awesome to hear! Hopefully you'll get plenty more wear out of them 🙌🏼
One thing I find barefoot shoes to be quite undesirable for is cycling. People don't really talk about that so I don't know the science behind it, but I feel a lot more comfortable on a bicycle with normal shoes. Cause the sole is rigid and helps transfer the force to the pedal without bending the foot. Kinda annoying if you want to combine cycling with walking (like commuting or a trip). Short distances are okay. Longer ones I just put normal shoes on.
I've been wearing mostly barefoot shoes for about I dunno 3 years now? I remember the start being kinda rough and that's with only really walking around in them. I could've gone softer on the transition but also a lot harder. This video makes sense to me from that perspective. Do not underestimate the change people!
I personnaly like to walk and cycle without any shoes
I bicycle with barefoot shoes or barefoot sandals. It hasn't bothered me at all. But I'm used to going barefoot. And I have strong foot musculature. I find it easy to push my pedals with my toes. Also, like the other guy, I will also walk and bicycle without shoes. Most of my time, in fact, is entirely barefoot.
I have been wearing barefoot style shoes since at least 2016 if not before that. I have hEDS and I just cannot wear "normal" shoes with arch support or those raised heels. They mess up my feet SO bad as my feet are very hypermobile and then the "normal" shoe gets horribly crooked! But a barefoot shoe solves this!
I also have hypermobility and suffered thirty years of corrective orthotics for flat feet. Six months in barefoot shoes were better for fixing my arches than anything the podiatrist made for me.
I love that some people try to hardcore and get a shoe that is meant for people that have been wearing barefoot for a while. They don't like it and I can pick them up for a better deal 😂
Discount shoes for the win 🤣
Most of my shoes are eBay specials. 😆
I’m a 54-year-old almost 55-year-old disabled veteran from the army with serious knee and hip problems multiple surgeries on one leg and gonna need it on the other knee soon. I’m looking into doing the barefoot shoes and because of that, I’m really glad to have seen this video because you’re right other videos have not pointed out these potential pitfalls and I probably would’ve stopped when that pain started .and I would like some advice on which would be the best ones for me to start with please. thank you very much for this video. God bless.
It's odd that so many folks have never taken their shoes off before.
Agreed!
I know 😂😂 I went barefoot almost all the time, whined constantly when I had to wear shoes, looked for years for a minimalist shoe besides moccasins (which I love). I now have 5 pair bf shoes and love them. I have high instep high arches and bf are the way to go.
I have switched to barefoot shoes just like that and I've been experiencing achiles tendonitis for more than 6 months. I'm starting physiotherapy now. I want to go back to wearing them, but for now I cannot.
By the looks of them, they shouldn't cost more than $5.
Sadly they cost five times more.
That last tip about shortening your stride length was really useful. Cheers for the video.
Been barefoot since COVID as I started WFH.
No barefoot shoes.. just barefoot at home 99% of the time.
These years have allowed my toes and foot to spread naturally and are no longer shaped like pointy office shoes.
Love the new look too.
I graduated to sock shoes recently - I'm in love. It's mad how much it's improved my feet and legs in so little time. VivoBarefoot and FiveFingers are good. Sock shoes are the bomb. I would simply never quit. I had no idea it could get even better than VivoBarefoot and FiveFingers!
I am half a year into wearing minimalistic shoes. Had some issues at the beginning, all gone now.
At the moment I don't enjoy wearing anything other that minimalistic shoes.
I'm never going back to normal shoes, I just can't. Instant anxiety attack once I put those uncomfortable, body destroying pieces of shit normal shoes on. It just feels horrible! To me it is insane how stupid we are, making shoes that fuck up our bodies, pure insanity!
I got Motus Strengths and realised that everything is concrete, i put Skate boarding insoles (FP Custom Orthotic insoles) in there and you get the barefoot experience without any problems from striking concrete, recommend. First 3 days of breaking in the insoles is horrible but after that a dream.
The reason people quit barefoot shoes is that they are still wearing shoes. Let me explain, because they are still in shoes they dont change there walking patern and they think they can walk or run the same distance the they did yesterday in cushioned shoes so they overstretch there achilis tendon and facia and blame the shoe. the real goal here is to walk and run barefoot, no shoes! That will make you more aware of the differences and slow down your transition. the problem here is not the BAREFOOT its the SHOE
I asked an orthopaedic surgeon about wearing these with my ankle pain, which turned out to be arthritis, and he said they’re good, but for people with healthy feet. He didn’t like me wearing them at 70 with arthritic ankles. So is he right or have they helped anyone ? I’m only going to walk in urban terrain. Thank you
Do you wear barefoot shoes - did you struggle with the transition?
Let me know 👇🏽👇🏽
I have worn barefoot shoes for the past 3-4 years I did not struggle with transitioning but Altra shoes actually feel odd to wear they actually hurt my calves and my feet when i walk more than 0.50 miles I wear vivobarefoot and for running i wear new balance 1080 v11 which is a new thing I thought maybe non barefoot shoes would be good aswel
I got my Vibram FF 10 months ago. Transitioning is not easy, but I enjoy every step. I use to run on trails and on grass, the feeling is just amazing. Now can do 7-10 km runs and eager to try even longer distances. But most importantly, my knee and hip pain are gone.
Did too much too fast, did a 4 mile run and broke two metatarsals in my right foot. set me back a bit but almost a year later still going strong!
@@Lemmispeak Interesting you say that as I've had a similar issue with Altras (all models but the Lone Peak), could be that you've gotten so use to minimal cushioning that anything other than that makes your calves and ankles work double time 🤷♂
@@OHYOCOOL common issue! I'm pleased you were able to overcome the set back and didn't quit 🙌🏼
Just ordered my very first pair to try. Gonna start with little walks and see how it goes.
Only hope that the thin sole doesnt wears out to fast. My regular shoes last me 3 to max 6 months at best but are 1/3 of the price, i wont be to happy if the same happens to my vivobarefoot. Not planning to replace them every 3m. So i hope for the best
You walk lighter. So, they last 2.5 to 3 times longer.
Please stop this stupid trend. I developed Achilles tendinopathy, which cost me a year of rehabilitation. Think twice if you want to feel pain for every step you take, for a year of your life just to give money to some company.
I've been barefoot for a year now, and it's changed my life. I suffered from bad knee pain, which has subsided now
i got my barefoot shoes from temu. no regrets. saved $100s
I've heard they stack up pretty well
Very helpful. I just found out about these and have started shopping, so huge thanks for this vid.
Glad it was helpful!
Been wearing barefoot shoes for over 10 years. In the beginning it was heavenly and such a revelation! I wish I could still feel that wonderful feeling but now I’m so used to it, it feels normal. I hike on dirt trails in the mountainous terrain we live in. Xero is the brand I have many pairs and styles of.
Love it! I reversed neuropathy in my feet going barefoot and now my mobility is so good since going barefoot at crossfit.
I like the extra toe space, but the lack of any heel padding destroys my back. This is probably because of my age and the fact that I walk on pavements a lot and possibly I've also got a heavy footfall / heel strike. Whatever reason, it took my back 6 - 8 months to recover and so I won't try it again, I suspect the shoes were causing me to jolt and aggravate a disc and that is something I won't risk. I think for older people living in town who walk a lot, these shoes may present a risk. I have found wide toe box trainers with no drop but a good sole are perfect.
I gave it over 6 months and just didn’t enjoy running as much in barefoot (and admittedly, some zero drop only) shoes. I wasn’t having any issues with “traditional” shoes so just swapped back. I would consider running in zero drop trail shoes in the future, I enjoyed altra lone peak
The planter fasciitis I developed was a good reason to quit. And yes, I did take my time and did the steps.
Went back to normal shoes with proper inserts. Barefoot shoes are not the panacea some people think it is.
I’ve been wearing barefoot shoes for almost 4 years, and I’m well adapted now. I can’t go back to regular shoes again; I’ve tried and it doesn’t feel or look right to me anymore
Using barefoot shoes as every day slip-on shoes for making trips to the store has helped my foot strength, leg strength and my gate tremendously. Wearing them while working out has helped a lot too. The arch of my foot took a while to strengthen little by little.
I've switched to barefoot about a month ago. Absolutely love it and had no problems transitioning at all. 100% vivo!!
That's awesome - good to hear!
Working on my barefoot shoes transition now. I'm a few months in and still getting a bit of discomfort in the ball of my right foot, but my left foot is fine strangely.
Hopefully it dies down soon :)
Hopefully! Don't be afraid of dialling back the total daily distance for a couple of weeks to give it plenty of time to fully recover. It'll often lead to a faster transition time than just muscling through 🙌🏼
@@TheBarefootStrengthProject I've been taking the muscle-through approach, but I think you're right, resting is probably wise to be honest.
I'm barefoot at home and kickboxing. In Vivos the rest of the time. Yeah, it's a bit more heavy going on urban pavement, but the trade off is the increased feel, huge increase in foot/ankle/calf/tendon strength. Simply cannot wear 'normal' shoes now.
100%. I work with a couple of Muay Thai fighters and I'm convinced living x training barefoot makes for a more explosive fighter. There's just so much more elasticity in the lower body 🦵
I have strong feet, and can walk for days. But occasionally when I start walking on the pavement, I find it takes a little time to adjust in my Vivo barefoots. Good news is my toes are starting to spread, which is how they should be.
I've been wearing Vivobarefoot shoes for about 8 months now, I have four pair.
Been fantastic, solved me knee ache. But recently my heels have been causing me pain.
Certainly not going to go back to the usual 'fashion' shoe as I don't like the narrow toe box, but the pain isn't half annoying
It is because you are heel striking on concrete. That is the downfall of Vivos etc, we need cushioning for our environment. We are walking on concrete not grass. You will end up with foot problems like I have if you continue.