Barefoot in the snow....

[Vivwestie]

Well, nearly. Did a run on Sat in my barefoot trainers. Started on the path round the park but it was a bit slippy. So thought I'd see what the running track was like. It was fine because, of course, hardly anyone had been on it! I was worried that my feet and lower legs (don't wear socks) would be cold, but they weren't. Much. They turned a deep shade of red. But the run was very enjoyable! Only managed 20 mins cos youngest son and friend spotted me (they'd been sledging) and wanted a lift home so I didn't

want them standing around in the cold. But I could have gone on and was regretful that I couldn't. And it was the only run I've done when I didn't sweat. Which was nice!

[Tish1970 Graduate]

That sounds wonderful, Vixie. Shame your run was cut short though. I'm interested to see how you compare the barefoot trainers to the more padded ones. Tricia x

[Vivwestie Graduate]

I've only ever worn barefoot trainers, Tricia!

[oona Graduate]

I still can't get my head round the whole barefoot trainer thing at all! Doesn't it hurt if you stand on a stone? It would be great to have a try but I would be scared to buy them and then find they didn't do for me. It's brave of you, Viv, running in the snow with them on!

[Vivwestie Graduate in reply to oona]

It does hurt momentarily, but you learn quite quickly to be more aware of the path/road/track in front of you and you tend to run lighter and land on the forefoot. I love them, but then I've only ever run in them, so don't really have anything to compare them with. I think they make you much more responsive and create a much more natural strengthening throughout the body.

[April61 Graduate in reply to Vivwestie]

are there ones that you would reccomend? I am interested in swapping from conventional trainers but don't know which ones to go for

[Vivwestie Graduate]

Hi April

I wear Vivo Barefoot ones. I've never tried any others. But I think they're great - Amazon do some great offers in barefoot trainers. Or it might be worth going to a good running shop and getting your gait analysed.

Best of luck, Viv

[toegloves Graduate]

I wear barefoot shoes, and I really like them, too. I bought them my second week of c25k because my knees were hurting, and I read barefoot running can save wear on the knees. True to that, my knees have never hurt when I've run in them. (I try to take extra good care of my knees because my mom had to have hers replaced in her early 50s.)

Harvard did an interesting study on barefoot running one can google up.

[Vivwestie Graduate]

Thanks, Toegloves - I'll take a look at it!