Mad idea (Barefoot) but maybe....

[theoldfellow]

I've been reading a lot about barefoot running, and I see the science behind it. I even tried running a short run in slippers, to see how it felt - pretty good.

I am trying to reduce the heel-strike in my form to a mid-foot or fore-foot, and with barefoot shoes this is essential.

So I invested a small amount in these Tesla 'cheap cheap' barefoot shoes - the soles are about 2mm with a trail-run tread. And I was wearing them about the house to get them used to my feet, when Mrs TOF asked me to pop up to the village, and without much thought I just jogged up and back.

As you can see, I was not in my running gear, but it's only 2Km. I was in no hurry, not training, so I took 15 mins over it using 'Slow Jogging' technique. But my feet feel fine, and I was DEFINITELY not heel-striking.

I don't think I'll wear them for Parkrun tomorrow, but maybe soon.

What do you think? (Ya, I know I'm crazy).

[Visionon Graduate10]

Sounds like a great idea to me. I naturally run on my forefoot/midfoot so may try in the future, I get the impression though that you need to have been running for a significant time, so that your legs are hardened before you try the barefoot shoes...

Looking forward to hearing how you get on.

V.

[Flyingred Graduate10]

A great idea! After reading about barefoot running I adapted my style to a midfoot first contact with the ground. I have a pair of minimalist/barefoot shoes (Xero Prio) plus a pair of running sandals waiting for warmer weather. Everything I have read suggests doing short runs in barefoot type shoes to gradually build up adaptation. I did a 5k in the Prios on Tuesday and felt fine (although the ground felt cold through the thin sole). However, I could feel the effects in my calves over the next two days. Not as in hobbled an unable to walk but just a slight tightness. Good luck and keep us posted.

[Sadie-runs Graduate10]

Hi theoldfellow!

I too was intrigued by this after reading “Born to Run”. Nervous about trying barefoot type shoes, I did start running in On brand shoes, as they have far less cushioning than most. I have read you should practice with short distances at first, because mid foot and forefoot running puts more strain on your calves, and you need to build those up. Let us know how you get on!

Sadie x

[ktsok in reply to Sadie-runs]

Yes, I read ‘Born to Run’ and it was very persuasive! A couple of climbing friends wear barefoot shoes (for hiking/walking) and swear by them. I guess the Tarahumara run from birth barefoot/in sandals so they develop the strength and technique needed. Another friend climbs barefoot - I tried it and almost ‘tweaked’ a tendon first time out - my toes just aren’t used to that kind of strain. So that’s a warning to me that any transition needs to be done slowly and carefully! After my gait analysis I could see the extreme over pronation going on... in the book, again, it argues convincingly that pronation is a natural and necessary part of running... and that supporting the arches weakens them. It’s hard to know what’s for the best sometimes! We have spent our lives in shoes, sitting on chairs, on sofas, in cars, on soft mattresses, eating processed food... I wonder how our posture and bones and so on differ from the early running man? It is intriguing and certainly something I’d like to try... I thought I’d wait until warmer weather and try some short barefoot runs on grass 🙂

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to ktsok]

Yes! I was almost a convert after reading that book. But you are right, we get so much conflicting advice/opinions on running and what’s best for the body, it’s hard to know what to do for the best sometimes. 😯 For example, some experts are now saying that landing on your heel is not so bad! Whaaaat?! I suppose it’s just a case of trying things, listening to your body, and doing what feels best and gets results for you.

I listen to a podcast called “Running Commentary” sometimes. The hosts (Paul Tompkinson and Rob Dering) occasionally whip off their running shoes for a barefoot run on grass now and again halfway through a run. I might try it when the weather warms up...

Sadie x

[ktsok in reply to Sadie-runs]

Let’s compare notes in the Spring 🙂

[mountaindreamer Graduate10]

Sounds promising Oldfellow. Will be interested to hear how you get on.

Now I’m running further, my Sports Therapist decided he wanted to video my gait recently. I discovered I’m at the extreme end of fore foot striking, with my heels only briefly/barely touching. Although he seemed surprised I could keep this up for HM distances (due to slowly introducing the gait deliberately during C25k, I guess), he seemed to think it had benefits for my spine and just told me to warm my Achilles up with heel raises before I start to run.

I think I will still always want a padded shock absorbing heel as well though. I guess it depends how far you plan on running, but it seems well documented that runners tend to run more on their heels once fatigue sets in. So halfway through a race, forefoot strikers move more to mid foot striking, and mid foot strikers move more to heel striking.

For me, there is a definite shift to more mid foot striking after about 8k, and by the end of HM distance my feet tend to slap the ground much harder, with far less shock absorption going on!

[theoldfellow in reply to mountaindreamer]

I'm sticking to my Brookes for long runs for now. No way do I want another episode like my knee last year.

But I am fascinated by the evolutionary history of humans. I's just a side hobby, like the Garmin and the stats.

[Irish-John Graduate10]

I was very impressed with 'Born to Run' but a bit of checking showed there was a wee bit of over enthusiasm going on.

Having been cursed with screwed feet since birth I know only too well how opinions, techniques and prognostications can differ among the genuine experts when it comes to any problems with feet.

All I would say is, give it a go-and listen to what your body tells you

Wishing you many happy miles (barefoot or no) in your future 🙂

[misswobble Graduate10]

You have to transition to the no-drop shoe so a bit at a time to avoid Achilles trouble

Also on any kind of gravel eek 😬. I run in no-drop or low drop shoes but I like some protection from stones that seem to dog my existence. A stone under your big toe is hell on earth kerrang! 😳. For stony trails I prefer a shoe with a rock plate

These shoes are good in the gym by the way 😃👍

[Flyingred Graduate10 in reply to misswobble]

Funnily enough, one of the books on barefoot running I read (yes there's more than one!) recommended starting on gravel so that you instinctively learn to run lightly.

[misswobble Graduate10 in reply to Flyingred]

After you! 😬😁👍

[ktsok]

Thought this was interesting: fl.milesplit.com/articles/1...

[theoldfellow in reply to ktsok]

I agree it's interesting. But I don't agree with the thinking. The Planar Fascia (the muscles/tendons that form the arch of the foot, evolved there to absorb the energy of the foot-strike, store it, and release it on the next push-off. Remember that we evolved as running apes who wore down their faster prey by long distance running - without shoes for thousands, maybe millions, of years.

Now I am not saying that after we have wrapped up our feet in modern shoes all our lives, we can just throw them away and immediately become barefoot runners again. I know how much all of us in C25K and Bridge have put into getting from nowhere to where we are today - runners. But I am saying that I was evolved to be a barefoot runner, and I just want to see how that works for me. Not asking for company, although anyone is welcome.

[ktsok in reply to theoldfellow]

As I said before, I’m intrigued and it’s something I’d like to try. It’s just interesting to read different theories and ideas 🙏

[GoogleMe Graduate10]

I went from walking boots to minimalist running shoes. The worst shoe experience I had was with a more 'normal' shoe, professionally fitted. My knees knocked together, my shin splints returned. I need to be able to feel the ground! (That said tarmac and paving slabs and running me are pretty much total strangers)

I loved my Vivobarefoot trails, wore those lugs flat.

[SlowLoris]

I changed to forefoot to take the impact off my worn out knees. I still appreciate some padding though. My trail shoes have a lower drop and less midsole and they do the longest runs. I shall go for a slow transition to less drop but I don't think I'll ever go completely minimalist. Humans did not evolve to run on concrete.

[theoldfellow in reply to SlowLoris]

Now that is a damn good point! (Concrete)