Has anyone tried the Barefoot Running (Vibrams) 'thing' or the invisible shoe 'thing'? Any ideas whether it really does help heels???

[psarapsych]

Hi, because of horrid heel spurs and tendonitis I've been looking at all the reports about Barefoot running. There seems to be such a mess of information - traditional physio/ortho people saying "no go" and others saying it actually stretches achilles tendons and reduces spurs. Just wondered if anyone has had any experience with these BF or Invisible running shoes.......

[tantrumbean Graduate]

I think the trick is to take it slowly and only wear them for short periods at first. I've had a pair of fivefingers on my wishlist for some time!

[psarapsych Graduate]

Well when Santa brings them and you've had a go, let me know what it's like. Just wondering whether at 54 with Achilles tendonitis it would be a good idea for me... The jury seems divided on that subject... Thanks for the answer tantrumbean, Sara

[fatmumslim Graduate]

I got some very cheaply on sportsdirect - one of the benefits of only having size 3 feet and used them when I first started the programme - I really liked them but obviously wasn't running for any length of time in them at that stage. I did find my feet got cold up here in the north of Scotland so have changed over to some skechers go run which are also minimal type trainers but with a bit more substance than the Vibrams. I really prefer the lightweight flexible style and will probably go back to the vibrams in the spring when of course I shall be so athletic I won't look like a short, overweight, heavy breathing shuffler with gorillas feet!!!

[Hidden]

I use the Invisible Shoes for running and will never run in anything else. I feel like they allow my feet to work totally naturally, while providing some protection. As far as the heel goes, it's not an issue that I have ever had to deal with. I guess my advice would be to proceed slowly. Allow yourself time to adjust to being barefoot. Maybe start by walking barefoot before attempting any running. After a couple weeks, start with very short runs and see how it goes. Progress as your body allows. If something hurts, stop. Give it some time and try again.