Minimalist Shoes and "Barefoot" Running/Working Out

[two fingers]

I've been doing some reading and listening (audio books) on all things body. I'm on a big health kick right now because my doc told me she would put me on blood pressure meds if I didn't get it down..... way down.

In my research I have come across a thing that has my attention and interest.

Many think we were never designed to walk in "squishy" shoes. Our feet have a zillion little "sensors" in them that constantly help us balance based on feedback from whatever we happen to be standing on.

This has sparked a movement of people wearing minimalist shoes. Some are specialized for trail running or working out. Some are just daily wear shoes.

Some, like the Vibram Five Fingers, actually have exposed toes.

Some, like the Merrill Vapor Glove, are ridiculously flexible. Some call them "sock fit" shoes.

(All of these shoes come in standard issue browns and blacks as well. But I thought brighter colors would show off the designs better.) Vibram even makes a wingtip golf shoe!

They all seem to have roughly 2mm soles. You can "feel" rocks and whatnot under your feet, but they can't puncture you. So, they are like walking around barefoot, only "protected".

Even a lot of body builders are starting to workout "barefoot". ("Barefoot" seems to be the trendy term for running or working out in minimalist shoes.)

Have any of you tried these? If so, what are your experiences? I have read lots of reviews that say once you get used to them, you will LOVE them. They are supposed to be great for your legs, posture, and even joints. It turns out these billions of dollars worth of shoes and inserts we have bought to "reduce joint impact" have been doing as much harm as they have good.... if you buy into this.

Discuss. No rues. Geezers, feel free to yell at these shoes and tell them to get off your lawns.

 

[DrPieZon]

Or there's the complete opposite end of the spectrum! Somewhere in the middle is balance. If I was walking in a field of daisies or nice sand I might opt for no support or cushion. But in a world of pavement and cement, I'll take some cushioning and support!
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[buldog5151bass]

All lovely if you are walking on a flat and clean surface. The first time you step on a rock or glass, stub your toe...

Seems like a solution looking for a problem. Or someone looking to sell expensive forward to those who don't need it. Just the separate toes, which look like a breeding ground for bacteria, is enough for me to say no.

If you want to exercise barefoot, then do so. You don't need help.

 

[two fingers]

All lovely if you are walking on a flat and clean surface. The first time you step on a rock or glass, stub your toe...

Seems like a solution looking for a problem. Or someone looking to sell expensive forward to those who don't need it. Just the separate toes, which look like a breeding ground for bacteria, is enough for me to say no.

If you want to exercise barefoot, then do so. You don't need help.

I would have thought so too. But there are thousands running mountain trails every day in these kinds of shoes.

Honestly, my main curiosity is regarding daily wear. You can walk streets and sidewalks in anything (or nothing). I'm wondering if something lome that Merrill might do for work.... and the gym. (Speaking of germs, I'm not going in ANY gym literally barefoot.)

By the way, I'm not arguing with you. I promise I'm no expert. I'm simply guessing that if rock and toe stumping were huge issues, these things wouldn't be catching fire like they seem to be.

 

[FunkHead]

Running is tough on the ankles. I used to run every day on the road and ended up switching to the grass along the sides. I also ran at my Local H.S. track(It's public property)
The better the running shoe, the less pain to the ankles.

Trail running is a million times better IME. Or the track at the local High School. Many tracks are made of a rubberized material which is a lot softer on the legs.

For running:
I recommend spending the money for the best running shoes you can afford. Ones that absorb shock.

Looking at the Vibram Five Fingers, it looks like they may be pretty darn nice and may have all the shock absorption needed. I would find as many reviews as possible.

For Hiking: I recommend the best Hiking boots you can afford.

 

[bassdude51]

You already know how to reduce blood pressure. Cut the salt. Cut the weight. Exercise. Pet a cat.

Besides looking like a pair of gloried socks, what's the wear life on these things? Do we really want to be spending $35 every two weeks for a new pair?

The problem is what we walk and run on...........asphalt, concrete.

21st Century humans try to cope with their 21st Century world.

I'd imagine these iShoes are for temps above 60 F but below 85 F.

Condoms for our feet.

 

[JCooper]

I have a pair just like the Merrells, and they will change the way you move, walk and run.
It seems to me that not enough people address the amount of time it will take your feet to adjust to minimal shoes after a lifetime of padded, supported 'stomping around'. Yes, one does become more aware of where one places their feet!
At first, wearing these seemed to slow me down, but I realized that it was the perfect opportunity to learn about and to practice walking and running in a way that your foot was designed.
I like that.

 

[TC424]

I have had a few versions of minimal shoes. I like the New Balance variety. I use them for weightlifting and crossfit type workouts. I enjoy them and have worn them out and about for the day. I wear a uniform for work so that is not an option. I have worn them on day hikes and yes you feel the rocks, but not in a painful way. The shoes I have had all have a wide to box which I enjoy very much. I got rid of my normal squishy running shoes. They became uncomfortable with the narrow toe box.

If you try these start out a little at a time. You don't want your first time wearing them to be all day. If you wear them for running keep the miles low starting out and work your way up. Don't do a 1/2 marathon first time out. Your feet will need some time to adjust. You will be using muscles in your feet that in common shoes that do not get used much.

Good Luck,
TC

 

[marqueemoon]

I’m coming up on two years wearing them and don’t plan to go back to conventional shoes. Really helped with posture and tight hamstring-related back pain for me.

Pretty jarring at first, but once I got used to it and my toes and achillies tendons got stronger I really started to like them.

I have some less minimalist but still zero drop shoes for running/hiking. I’m prone to shin splints and I want a little more protection in those situations.

Pretty subjective I guess, but they’re not ALL ugly. Vivobarefoot makes some fairly hip understated looking casual shoes. That’s what I wear most of the time.

 

[Meyatch]

I wore these shoes almost exclusively a few years ago. They feel great walking outside, and even on gravel and semi rocky terrain. The problem is there is just no way to make them comfortable walking around on concrete/pavement/tile. Any man made hard surface benefits from regular shoes with padding.

 

[two fingers]

Or there's the complete opposite end of the spectrum! Somewhere in the middle is balance. If I was walking in a field of daisies or nice sand I might opt for no support or cushion. But in a world of pavement and cement, I'll take some cushioning and support!
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One of the terms thrown about in my reading has been "zero drop". What it means is that the balls of your feet and your heels should be at the same level. There is no good reason for your foot to he tilted forward (according to enthusiasts for minimalist shoes). So, apparently, even if you insist on squishy shoes, they should be "level".

(Again, I'm picking up all of this recently and don't know if these theories hold water.)

 

[viper4000]

My brother uses the Vibram finger shoes in trail running and obstacle course racing (Spartan, Tough Mudder, etc). Swears by them. He says his back hurts less, his feet hurt less, has better posture and he has a better contact with the ground. He's in his late 40's now, but started using them maybe 6-7 years ago. He does 7 or 8 races a year, plus daily training and I think they hold up for a few years. He does use them as regular shoes, but not all the time. Like a dash to the store or such. Anything like a day long activity that's on concrete or actual shopping, he goes for regular trainers with arch support.

I think the key is each person's physiology is different. Arch type, pronation/supination, body weight, and many other factors will determine what type of foot covering works best.

 

[two fingers]

My brother uses the Vibram finger shoes in trail running and obstacle course racing (Spartan, Tough Mudder, etc). Swears by them. He says his back hurts less, his feet hurt less, has better posture and he has a better contact with the ground. He's in his late 40's now, but started using them maybe 6-7 years ago. He does 7 or 8 races a year, plus daily training and I think they hold up for a few years. He does use them as regular shoes, but not all the time. Like a dash to the store or such. Anything like a day long activity that's on concrete or actual shopping, he goes for regular trainers with arch support.

I think the key is each person's physiology is different. Arch type, pronation/supination, body weight, and many other factors will determine what type of foot covering works best.

Late 40s here too. Thanks for the anecdotal evidence that we ....uh..... mature people can wear them too.

 

[marqueemoon]

I think a lot of the benefit can be found in the zero drop/wide toe box. That could be a good place to start if you’re wary of going minimalist right off the bat.

Altra shoes are zero drop/wide toe box but still cushioned.

The feet/legs still have to adjust slowly though.

 

[buldog5151bass]

I would have thought so too. But there are thousands running mountain trails every day in these kinds of shoes.

Honestly, my main curiosity is regarding daily wear. You can walk streets and sidewalks in anything (or nothing). I'm wondering if something lome that Merrill might do for work.... and the gym. (Speaking of germs, I'm not going in ANY gym literally barefoot.)

By the way, I'm not arguing with you. I promise I'm no expert. I'm simply guessing that if rock and toe stumping were huge issues, these things wouldn't be catching fire like they seem to be.

Just like bass guitars on TB, people buy stuff simply to buy stuff. I simply don't see what these offer that simply running bare foot wouldn't. There is no foot or arch support (never mind people who don't want regular shoes claim our feet were designed already with all the support we need). Just screams out "man bun for your feet" to me.

Seriously, other than lightening your wallet, what is the reason to buy these? What do they actually offer that exercising barefoot doesn't?

 

[Funky Ghost]

I cringe when I look at them. I have overly sensitive feet. I can't wear flip flops because the bit between my toes drives me nuts. I also have extremely high arches. The reason they haven't fallen at my age ( and former weight ) was because I took very good care of my feet with proper arch support.

Personally I also think they make people look a bit of a berk.

Sorry.

 

[MattZilla]

I think the fingershoes look dumb, but I do love walking barefoot and have been seeking out a pair of shoes/sneaks that is the most like having but a thin piece of leather between me and the ground, and some mesh that doesn't look swim-shoe-ey to keep that thin piece on my foot. I'm pretty grateful that there are runners who actually need that for their training. One of my many piggy banks is dedicated to collecting for what will probably be a Nike branded bare sneak.

 

[two fingers]

Just like bass guitars on TB, people buy stuff simply to buy stuff. I simply don't see what these offer that simply running bare foot wouldn't. There is no foot or arch support (never mind people who don't want regular shoes claim our feet were designed already with all the support we need). Just screams out "man bun for your feet" to me.

Seriously, other than lightening your wallet, what is the reason to buy these? What do they actually offer that exercising barefoot doesn't?

The obvious thing would be not cutting your feet on rock and junk. Plus, society doesn't allow us to go around (literally) barefoot anymore. You can't go into restaurants, grocery stores, doctors' offices etc. ACTUALLY barefoot. So, you don't get cut and you don't get kicked out. Thay seems like two advantages over barefoot off the top of my head.

 

[buldog5151bass]

The obvious thing would be not cutting your feet on rock and junk. Plus, society doesn't allow us to go around (literally) barefoot anymore. You can't go into restaurants, grocery stores, doctors' offices etc. ACTUALLY barefoot. So, you don't get cut and you don't get kicked out. Thay seems like two advantages over barefoot off the top of my head.

If it stiffens your spaghetti... Just seems to me that the protection is minimal, and if you want to go into a restaurant, just slip on something, pocket the $60, and avoid the athlete's foot.

 

[PWRL]

I have a pair of running type shoes that are minimalist, and they're extremely comfortable. The jobs I've had have all required me to wear heavier footwear all day, and it's really nice to take that stuff off and put on something light. In fact, one of my favorite pairs of footwear is a pair of Navajo moccasins. Not much protection if I step on nail, no, but I try not to do that stuff, anyway.