Barefoot running

in running •  7 years ago 

I used to run track and field when I was young, and then I learned to run on my forefoot. On long runs, however, my shoes were far from minimalistic at that time. After reading "Born to run" I bought my first minimalistic, low drop, pair of running shoes. My favourites are Adizeros, I feel like I can fly using them. Last year I bought Kinvaras, which are also low drop, but with a thicker sole and not minimalistic, and my conclusion was that it's good for my foot to change between more pairs, but that I enjoy the minimalistic shoes the most.

This winter I found out that Barefoot Ted is making sandals like the ones the Tarahumaras use. I was immediately curious. I read that running barefoot can really strengthen your foot, improve balance and that it is not possible to land on your heels even though you get tired. I can also imagine that the feeling of flying will be even more present.

So I ordered a pair of Barefoot Ted's Luna sandals. I thought worst case I can use them as regular sandals. The web page has a "find your sandal" option to help me choose (I went with Monos) and the customer support was really helpful with finding the right size. Since we still have snow here, I am currently using them a bit indoor to adjust my feet to them. I have not experienced any hotspots though, and the straps were easy to adjust. Here they are:


Alt text


Alt text


Alt text

Because running barefoot can cause injuries when you are not used to it, I will take this slowly. I really hope that I will like running in them and that my feet will benefit from it, but I am also prepared for sticking with minimalistic shoes and using these for hiking.

Do you have any experience with barefoot running?

Authors get paid when people like you upvote their post.
If you enjoyed what you read here, create your account today and start earning FREE STEEM!
Sort Order:  

I hace experience with plantar fasciitis ☹️... I need shoes with good support so I’m using Mizuno rider always...hope one day I could try barefoot

Oh no :( Have heard of that and it does not sound nice. I'd stick with what's working then. My only injuries so far come from weak muscles so that's why I thought barefoot could be worth a try.

Could be...but not for everybody ;-)

“Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.”
― Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

Resteemed by @runningproject

Kind reminder:

Vote for your Running Author of the Week 10!

I've tried and not to get on my PT pedastal... not a fan. Perhaps since i have really high arches. But those do appear to have good tread. It's my opinion that running in and of its own is strengthening enough for ankles considering 3x your weight is the impact. Runners really need to work on quad, glut, hams, & core strength.
Just my 2 cents worth. 😊
Nice to see another runner on steemit abd a coffee addict? I love coffee

Nice to hear your review too. I am so excited to see what I feel once I try them. I agree with strength workouts, I do them twice a week, but I have a really hard time building strength so if anything can help... ;)

And a day without coffee is like.... .... just kidding, I have no idea ;)

Yeah i don't go there.... that is a day without coffee :)

Hmm interesting, reminds me of @israuor.
I personally found those sandals always weird (also because Ted used to promote very thick sandals) - right now i have my FiveFingers and i wanna try plain barefoot like Ted used to in the beginning of the Born To Run book instead of trying expensive sandals.

hhh. you're right. they are quite expensive. but hey. we get to support Tarahumara people.

Running plain barefoot is really impressive. :)

Well that's interesting. I have zero experience with it. My feet hurts thinking about it. Maybe once im skinny again i can try it.

Great post, I have an aversion of seeing feet, because mine are horrible, but good on you and good luck once the snow has cleared!

Hehe, I was in doubt whether to put a picture here showing my feet as I know some people don't like seeing it. Glad you read it anyways ;)

It's mainly my own feet, but because of that I don't really look at them. Your feet are definitely nicer than mine 😉

hey, ordered them last week. usually I do my daily running in vibram fivefinger v-run ... love them. and sometimes I'm still running in my Altra Escalante. But the less sole the better for me. Very curious about my Lunas. Can't wait to receive them.

Hi!! Nice to meet a fellow lunatic! I get the feeling that I missed a step never trying the fivefingers, but I've just never thought about trying those. Looking forward to see how you like the Lunas. Which model did you buy?

mono 2.0 . problem is. I live in israel. will take a while in customs

Same as me then, Monos.:) Customs can be long days...

Very very long days. They arrived today

I just saw on Strava. Finally! How's the weather like now, can you go outside and test them without freezing your toes off?

easily. 23 degrees celsius ate the moment. actually ckind of afrsh day

I know some people prefer barefoot, but I would be afraid. Not only for the injuries inside of a toe, but from outside... Stones, branches... I don't understand why not protecting your toe?
Even on summer, I cannot even walk in similar shoes, my toes wouldn't listen, I have feeling that they would constantly go too forward :/
Though, I would try completely barefoot running on sand. :)

I've had the exact same thoughts and googled a lot before bying. Apparently stones are not an issue. Or at least no one will admit it. I would guess branches have to be, but that's more on the leg than the toes? I don't know. Yet. ;) Wish I had a loooong beach in my backyard, that would be so nice!!

I've heard about barefoot, but not sure if it's for me. I'm happy with regular shoes for now