dosbo

Did some barefoot running this spring but my tender feet felt like I had scraped them with 80 grit sandpaper after each run. I liked the running style but spending several days nursing my feet back was counter productive to my running program. Yesterday I found a store that stocks the Vibram shoes everyone has been mentioning but my toes did not appreciate the finger concept and I believe they would chafe pretty severely so I took a pass on that type of shoe. Has anyone found another brand of foot covering that works well in a minimalist form? The guy at the shoe store couldn't recommend any other brand.

mmaviator

For those that run bare foot, has anyone had trouble with their arches. How about becoming flat footed?

Grumble

I don't see how you could become flat footed. It forces the muscles in your foot, and arch to strengthen up. Shoe "technology" has caused our feet to become weak and lazy.


Dosbo, give them a try. The toe slots feel a little weird at first, but they shouldn't chafe. The material inside is pretty soft.

kc135driver

Any particular vibram shoe more intended for long distance running than the others? I see they have a pretty wide selection of colors/designs.

I think I may give these a try!

KC

chuckyt1

It would appear that my second toe is too long for Vibrams. The search continues...

Grumble

They're all the same. Only difference is the use. For long distance I use the KSO's, only because they're ankle high and keep rocks/grass/etc out.

rotorhead1026

Actually some appear to have a slightly heavier sole, and some have a strap that fastens over the top of the foot.


There's a fairly wide range of prices IIRC - from $75.00 to $125.00.

uvuflier

Thread has been dead for a month but in case anyone else reads this I wanted to mention Newton running shoes.

They designed the shoe with the barefoot runner in mind such that you are striking on your mid fore-foot as opposed to your heels. Takes a a while to get used to (like any barefoot running) but it's definitely a big thing in running these days. Also the shoes last a stupid long time since your not trying to destroy them with poor gait.

Anyway for those curious take a look at them. The shop I work at (gotta pay for flight school somehow) has started carrying them this year and we've had positive results.

minitour

As an under-pronator, running hurts like hell. Would barefoot running help me any?

-mini

uvuflier

I believe the idea is that your body HAS to use a lot of the smaller muscles that usually aren't used in running with traditional shoes. This of course means that you build strength in these stabilizing muscles. This does mean you have more muscle soreness than a run with traditional shoes but since you can't impact the ground hard without hurting your tender feet, there is less chance of impact injuries. Makes sense right?

As many people will experience, barefoot running is thoroughly tiring to start with. Anyone who has ever gone for a run on a beach will remember how sore their muscles were after and how they hurt in places they didn't even know about. But ultimately your body will be forced to run in a manner that doesn't allow you to hide behind your Nike Super Air 8000's cushion.

So to answer your question in a roundabout fashion Minitour: It's very possible that it will help with your problem as you will grow stronger and will naturally impact the ground softer in order to save your feet. This will hopefully less pain and injuries. Results may vary!