Barefoot running...

[lovingrunning]

Hi everyone, I was thinking about starting to run barefoot. Especially when I'm on holiday (on the beach!!) I'm off to Crete soon and I fancied running there but as I'm only taking hand luggage I have a 10 kg limit. I wanted to take some light weight barefoot shoes. Have any of you lovely people any advice for me? 😊 xxx

[gary_bart]

This is an idea that still appeals to me (I'm trying to convince myself it's a solution to my back problem, too), but apparently it's important to make the transition slowly, especially if you've worn shoes for most things your whole life long. So I would be inclined to say "Go for it - but carefully".

As for shoes as hand luggage, how about shoes as foot luggage? Just wear whatever you'd need to cope with rougher surfaces as your main footwear, until you get to the island. And then start trying to do all your day to day stuff completely barefoot (just carry the shoes as a backup). Just a thought. I haven't found barefoot shoes that fit round here, and have been nervous of buying something so fit-dependent online. I do have a pair of Newtons, which are "natural running" shoes, which are very light, and seemed to work well for me. Their "heel" is on the midfoot, which is a bit strange to get used to. They're lovely for running in, but a bit horrible to walk in.

[lovingrunning Graduate in reply to gary_bart]

Thanks Gary_Bart for the advice. I think I'll wear my running shoes in the plane because the are so comfy but look for some Newtons too.

I love running on the beach but it can feel restrictive with running shoes on. I'll give it a go but like you said, take it carefully. 😊 xx

[misswobble Graduate in reply to lovingrunning]

I think running on the beach without shoes sounds like heaven. It's natural! Get going

If you could run barefoot on the sand it would save some serious dosh

[lovingrunning Graduate in reply to misswobble]

Hi Misswobble, that's what I thought! Running on the sand sounds fab. I can't wait! 😁 xx

[ViaM Graduate]

So far, these are the lightest shoes I have used: vivobarefoot.com/uk/womens/...

[lovingrunning Graduate in reply to ViaM]

Thanks ViaM! To be honest I was looking at those shoes on Amazon but they have quite mixed reviews. Are you happy with yours? 😊 xx

[ViaM Graduate in reply to lovingrunning]

I am entirely happy, yes!

[misswobble Graduate]

They look good for beach running in case of shingle etc. It's not always just sand.

They look good because they won't be hard to get dry once wet unlike minimalist trainers (which don't necessarily have minimalist uppers)

They look good too!