Any barefoot runners?

**13ALPHA** · 03-18-2010, 08:45 PM

I just read an article about this, and the possible benefits. I found it pretty interesting. It was in the Army Times and should be available online soon. If they were trying to sell something I would be more skeptical, but they're advocating no shoes. Pretty interesting about how shoes cause us to hit heel first which causes the most shock to our system, and that barefoot you are forced to run how you should, where you impact on the ball of your foot which makes you use your calf like a spring to absorb the impact. I don't know why but I really want to give it a little try, once the snow is gone of course.

Anyone even heard of this? Might be fun

**azmark** · 03-18-2010, 08:51 PM

When I was racing I would do intervals barefoot on grass. It is excellent and strengthens your feet.

**TimmyBoston** · 03-18-2010, 09:02 PM

Originally Posted by azmark

When I was racing I would do intervals barefoot on grass. It is excellent and strengthens your feet.

Mark, what's the marathoner's view of heel striking vs. ball of the foot?

**azmark** · 03-18-2010, 09:37 PM

Originally Posted by TimmyBoston

Mark, what's the marathoner's view of heel striking vs. ball of the foot?

If you ever look at marathoners run in still pictures it seems like the never strike the ground. Thats because they have a perfect running gate where the ball and the arch take the impact and make them have a quicker turnover. Running on your heels is very inefficient because of the impact effects your back and fatigues you quicker.

Your shoulders should be relaxed and low, arms at a 90 degree angle at the elbows. It is always more efficient using a quick cadence since your feet are on the ground for a shorter period of time.

Nike makes great running flats for training. I always used the lightest shoes that didn't have much arch support. Arch support is un natural, human feet are meant to be barefoot and support itself but that's a debate that goes on like Tabac v. MWF.

**azmark** · 03-18-2010, 09:39 PM

Another good way to run is to stay off cement (sidewalks) as silly as it may sound asphalt is less stressful on your joints than sidewalks.

**royalcrown** · 03-18-2010, 09:49 PM

I have recently started transitioning to wearing my Vibram Five Fingers for running (about .5 to 2 miles at a slow pace). Outside some tightness in new places in my feet and lower legs I am liking it well enough so far. I will let you know as my distance progresses. A few things I have noticed is my gait is pretty ginger on concrete but after the first few minutes I start to open up my stride and grass is an absolute delight to run on.

I have also been wearing my VFF's for my normal everyday out in town errands and love them.

**TimmyBoston** · 03-18-2010, 08:54 PM

Originally Posted by 13ALPHA

I just read an article about this, and the possible benefits. I found it pretty interesting. It was in the Army Times and should be available online soon. If they were trying to sell something I would be more skeptical, but they're advocating no shoes. Pretty interesting about how shoes cause us to hit heel first which causes the most shock to our system, and that barefoot you are forced to run how you should, where you impact on the ball of your foot which makes you use your calf like a spring to absorb the impact. I don't know why but I really want to give it a little try, once the snow is gone of course.

Anyone even heard of this? Might be fun

I've wondered about this as well. But as a sprinter, I was always trained for my heel never to hit the ground at all. You can run in shoes without your heel hitting the ground.

**13ALPHA** · 03-18-2010, 08:57 PM

I think I tend to run more on my calves anway, I actually like running up hill better. Only a few more months until the snow is gone....

I don't think they meant you can't run like that in shoes, but they lend themselves to letting people run like that, almost promoting bad form. Just thought it was interesting. I don't think I will be giving up my shoes though any time soon.

**SalvadorMontenegro** · 03-18-2010, 09:12 PM

Interesting theory, but... who runs on grass? I can't remember the last time I ran on grass. You can't very easily run barefoot on pavement, so I'm going to stick with shoes!

**TimmyBoston** · 03-18-2010, 09:17 PM

Originally Posted by SalvadorMontenegro

Interesting theory, but... who runs on grass?

Cross country runners.

I wanted to get out and do some trail running myself.

**13ALPHA** · 03-18-2010, 09:18 PM

The people in the article run on everything, and mention they don't run on grass. Both have run a marathon barefoot. Crazy!

**TimmyBoston** · 03-18-2010, 09:21 PM

Originally Posted by 13ALPHA

The people in the article run on everything, and mention they don't run on grass. Both have run a marathon barefoot. Crazy!

I see a guy in my area he runs for over an hour (at least) always barefoot. I think it's crazy too!

**MaxJ** · 06-07-2010, 09:15 AM

I actually just bought a pair of new runners this weekend and made the first plunge into "barefoot" running today. I have to say it felt miles more natural and effective than what I've been doing all my life. I really wanted to get some VFFs, but I settled for Nike Frees since I'm pretty sure the Vibrams aren't authorized for PT.

**Go West Young Man** · 06-07-2010, 10:40 AM

Couple of months in, and I still love the minimal running experience. Yeah, I rushed it at first and paid the price in back and leg pain, but then moderated my mileage until my body caught up with me and now I'm doing 5-6 miles 3x per week with no ill effects.

**wwp512** · 06-07-2010, 10:48 AM

I have to give this a try, but just the thought about what my foot can step into.. I cringe

**Go West Young Man** · 06-07-2010, 12:25 PM

Originally Posted by wwp512

I have to give this a try, but just the thought about what my foot can step into.. I cringe

Actual "barefoot" runners are the very small exception, a better term is "minimal shoe" runners. Some people wear Vibram Five Fingers, some wear sneakers like the Nike Free or even aqua shoes. The basic idea if to find a foot covering that's tough enough on the bottom to keep rocks and glass out, but doesn't in any way pad, elevate or artificially support your foot - it needs a flat footbed, no arch support, no raised heel, no padding.

**azmark** · 06-07-2010, 01:21 PM

Originally Posted by Go West Young Man

The basic idea if to find a foot covering that's tough enough on the bottom to keep rocks and glass out, but doesn't in any way pad, elevate or artificially support your foot - it needs a flat footbed, no arch support, no raised heel, no padding.

+1

And running flats or racing shoes work great too.

**BigOregon** · 05-25-2011, 02:14 AM

Originally Posted by 13ALPHA

I just read an article about this, and the possible benefits. I found it pretty interesting. It was in the Army Times and should be available online soon. If they were trying to sell something I would be more skeptical, but they're advocating no shoes. Pretty interesting about how shoes cause us to hit heel first which causes the most shock to our system, and that barefoot you are forced to run how you should, where you impact on the ball of your foot which makes you use your calf like a spring to absorb the impact. I don't know why but I really want to give it a little try, once the snow is gone of course.

Anyone even heard of this? Might be fun

I have been running barefoot or with minimalist shoes for about a year now. You don't necessarily have to run barefoot to run with a forefoot strike as apposed to a heel strike. Running with less padding under your feet will definately let you know immediately that your running with a heel strike. I started running on the beach barefoot doing wind sprints to get a better 1.5 mile run time and purchased some five finger KSO shoes to protect my feet from shells etc since I don't normally walk around barefoot (my feet are not heavily calussed from barefoot walking/running). The first week or two my lower calves felt worked out more because they were being worked out more. I was more than happy with my results for my run time, knocking nearly 40 seconds off my previous PR. This was mainly due to the wind sprints but I feel the barefoot running helped. Let me know how it goes for you.

**13ALPHA** · 06-26-2011, 05:03 AM

Well I was all set to get a pair for working out in here but they were just outlawed by the FOB Commander. Explicitly states now no shoes that have "more than one toe compartment" because it detracts from the military look. Garbage. Not supposed to even bring a pair to the gym to use. Nike free here I come.

**instpasr** · 06-26-2011, 08:56 AM

Originally Posted by 13ALPHA

Well I was all set to get a pair for working out in here but they were just outlawed by the FOB Commander. Explicitly states now no shoes that have "more than one toe compartment" because it detracts from the military look. Garbage. Not supposed to even bring a pair to the gym to use. Nike free here I come.

We just endured 10 years of detracting from the military look with ill fitting berets somehow I don't think a pair of five fingers is gonna make a difference. Here's my suggestions get a pair of bright yellow, I'm talking neon here and see how that grabs the FOB commander.