Running barefoot better than wearing running shoes?

token56

Read an article here: http://www.dailytech.com/Study+Running+Barefoot+Better+Than+Wearing+Running+Shoes/article17535.htm
about how running barefoot being better than wearing running shoes, I think its pretty interesting.

I remember as a kid watching some of the older guys running barefoot during less mucky cross country races but dont see it much nowadays. Just wondering what other people here think. Does anyone have much experience running barefoot, is there much a noticable difference?

Also has anyone used the Vibram fivefinger shoes? If so what is your opinion of them?

http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/

dna_leri

THere is a better review of the same study over on http://www.sportsscientists.com/

A few comments from the sports scientists:

I guarantee that the media are going to be all over this and they are going to tell you that you should be running barefoot or in Vibrams. You will hear how science has proven that being barefoot will prevent injuries, and that those of you who are injured should blame your shoes as you lob them into the garbage bin.

None of these suggestions is true, yet.

The point is, changing how you run, whether by technique training or a change in shoes (like running barefoot) will load muscles that may be very weak, and joints and tendons well beyond their means. If however, you are a habitually barefoot runner, then you can do this, because your body has been prepared for it. For everyone else, I think we may be underestimating the time it will take to transition successfully to barefoot running (or forefoot striking, if you're going to force that change 'unnaturally').

BJohnson

I bought a pair of the Vibram FiveFingers over the Christmas holidays and so far, I love them. I do a fair amount of running - around 30 - 40 miles per week, and I do about 4 marathons per year. I read Christopher McDougall's book Born to Run back in November, and the case for minimalist shoes was convincing enough to give the Vibrams a try.

I was cautioned to break them in slowly, but I didn't have any major problems from the first time I started running in them. My first run was only going to be a couple of miles to test them out, but they felt so good that I ended up running 5 miles. For the first week of running, my calves were a bit tight afterwards, but nothing that I would describe as pain. At the end of that week, I had a small blister develop on the side of my big toe, which made it too tender to run in the Vibrams for a couple of days. Since then though, I've run in them full-time, including a couple of long slow runs of 13 and 15 miles, and a bunch of tempo runs and interval sessions, with no problems.

I found that it took a couple of runs to get the hang of running in the Vibrams. Instead of landing on your heel, you land on your midfoot (your metatarsals). You can do this in regular shoes of course, and from my understanding, that's what the Chi Running technique focuses on. Running in a minimalist shoe just forces you to run that way, since landing on your heel is very uncomfortable without any cushioning. With a cushioned shoe, you can slip back into heel striking without much notice.

The research that I've seen is pretty convincing that running by landing on the midfoot will significantly reduce the strain on the joints of the lower limb. The realisation that the major shoe companies have no studies to show their shoes either reduce injury rates or improve performance was a real eye-opener. You start to see how much marketing hype gets intertwined with progress... the companies feel pressure to come out with bigger and more complex shoes, and to update their models every year, but whether or not these constant changes are necessary never really gets questioned. The benefits of these changes never seem to have any evidence to back them up either.

It has been interesting to see the responses of runners to the "barefoot running" trend. It may well be a fad, and it will be interesting to see if I still feel the same way about the Vibrams six months from now, or a few years from now. Before I bought mine, I looked at a lot of user reviews, and I couldn't find a single one that was negative. Every single runner that was using them was saying things like "These are the best shoes I've ever had" and "I can run pain-free for the first time in years" and "I'll never buy another pair of regular running shoes again". So far, from my experience, I'd have to agree. Since I've bought mine, 3 friends and 3 of my patients have bought them online, and they all agree that they're pretty awesome to run in.

Some people won't like them, but at least there's an option available for people that want to give barefoot running a try. From what I've read and from what I've felt first-hand, I'd highly recommend them. And hopefully I won't be the only one getting funny looks at my feet along the Galway Prom for much longer

pgibbo

Thanks for the report BJohnson. Where did you buy the Vibrams? I'm very keen to try them. Lately I've been running the odd mile or 2 barefoot on the racecourse in Ballybrit. Getting some funny looks too!

BJohnson

pgibbo wrote: »

Thanks for the report BJohnson. Where did you buy the Vibrams? I'm very keen to try them. Lately I've been running the odd mile or 2 barefoot on the racecourse in Ballybrit. Getting some funny looks too!

Hi pgibbo,

I bought mine at a kayaking shop in Canada. I know a personal trainer (Mary Fitzpatrick) in Galway that stocks them though - here's a link to her web site: http://www.healthfitz.ie/products

I know she has some stock in right now, but she'll be getting more in the coming weeks. I got the KSO's, but choosing what you want seems to come down more to what style and colours you prefer. They're all pretty similar shoes regardless of model, from what I can tell.

You can order them online as well, but I'd recommend trying on a pair in person. The shoes are supposed to fit pretty snugly around your foot, with no extra space at the end of the toes. Vibram tells you how to measure your foot to get the best fit, but I found the shoe that they recommended was two sizes too small compared to what actually fit me best.

I'd say give Mary a buzz and see if she can help you out.

entropi

I remember reading not long ago in a running magazine (cannot remember which one) that barefoot running can be a natural cure for Plantar Fascitis? That would be pretty nice if it was, or even a good stepping stone to recovery...

Guya

Vibram Sprints and KSOs are helping me with the latter stages of my recovery from a 2 year ankle injury.

Without them I don't think it would be possible because there is nowhere to run barefoot in the center of Dubland.

I had tightness in my calf for 5 days after the first run in them. Since then I've been feeling stronger than ever. They're even helping my posture. I never had back trouble but I feel better than before. I don't get stiff anymore (in a good way ) I may have saved myself a future back problem.

Whenever I see a person heel-strike now it sends a shudder through me. I can see their ankles vibrate, hips crash to a complete stop, back jerk forward and then their knees labour on the push off after every impact.

Barefoot is the way to go.

thepassanger

i recently read born to run by christopher mc dougall and i have started walking barefoot to college, work as much as i can. i run barefoot a little bit but no more that 2 miles at a time,
during some long runs i take my shoes off after half way and run barefoot to change it up and it makes a huge difference to recovery, (i find its way quicker, probably because of the break...)
i found i had tight calves for the first week aswell but the usuall pains i would get after a run have gone, not more sore ankles, shins, knees. i hope i havent jinxed myself here but i hope to keep on running/walking barefoot

TheRoomWrecker

http://running.competitor.com/2010/05/features/but-is-it-faster_9784#ixzz0nB2lAWgN

I'd take Geb's word over most:rolleyes:

ecoli

BJohnson wrote: »

The realisation that the major shoe companies have no studies to show their shoes either reduce injury rates or improve performance was a real eye-opener. QUOTE]

There might not be research from the running companies on the shoes but what about orthotics?
The idea that the shoe hinders your natural biomechanics is one which is plausible but one could argue the following- what if you naturally biomechanically flawed?

TheRoomWrecker

very intesting what he has to say

http://www.flotrack.org/videos/coverage/view_video/234673-saucony-thirsty-thursdays-with-jack-daniels/335086-4-barefoot-running-thirsty-thursday

and he is sponsored by a shoe company

Aimman

I've been very curious about barefoot running, but havent had the courage to try it yet. A guy showed up at the ESB beach race the other week asking if it was ok to run barefoot, but he ended up wearing Vibrams anyway, which is good, considering the 'stuff' on the sand that evening.

Also read the Born to Run book and made the barefoot running more appealing, but would probably need a good stretch of stone free ground to start trying it out.

gerard65

You've most likely been wearing shoes since you were a toddler. Your body has adapted and become dependent on footwear. I'd say you'd want to tread very carefully. Take small steps before you toe the line. Listen to your heart and sole.
EDIT: hope this does'nt sound corny.

Aimman

gerard65 wrote: »

You've most likely been wearing shoes since you were a toddler. Your body has adapted and become dependent on footwear. I'd say you'd want to tread very carefully. Take small steps before you toe the line. Listen to your heart and sole.
EDIT: hope this does'nt sound corny.

Oh, I love walking around barefoot, indoors our out. Usually get told off for not having any shoes or slippers on, so I'm very comfortable getting about barefoot. Just a bit weary about landing full velocity on a nasty stone I didnt spot. In the book, they were lashing through rocky trails, but didnt mention anything about gashing the sole of the foot off a sharp edge.

I suppose its a matter of finind a good grassy section and taking it from there.

And yes, it sounded very corny, even the corn reference. I suppose time heels all wounds! :-)

InTheTrees

SIlly question but what about arch support?

My feet pronate(SP?) a fair amount and i'm using expensive insoles that stop any pain.

I love the idea of the vibrams though...

Aimman

InTheTrees wrote: »

SIlly question but what about arch support?

My feet pronate(SP?) a fair amount and i'm using expensive insoles that stop any pain.

I love the idea of the vibrams though...

I'm the same, but (and someone correct me if I'm wrong) you would pronate in a pair or runners when you are used to rolling your foot from your heel to your toes. Barefoot running makes you land on the ball of your foot, which should naturally avoid pronation, Incedently, have you tried any of the pronate runners (eg. Acis 2150) instead of the expensive insoles?

InTheTrees

Aimman wrote: »

I'm the same, but (and someone correct me if I'm wrong) you would pronate in a pair or runners when you are used to rolling your foot from your heel to your toes. Barefoot running makes you land on the ball of your foot, which should naturally avoid pronation, Incedently, have you tried any of the pronate runners (eg. Acis 2150) instead of the expensive insoles?

Makes sense. I may well give them a try, maybe when the weather picks up.

and no, i havent tried pronate runners, thats sounds pretty cool. The cost of the $75 insoles adds to a p[air of runners considerably.

RayCun

Aimman wrote: »

Barefoot running makes you land on the ball of your foot, which should naturally avoid pronation

This is what I wonder, barefoot running seems to be mainly a way to force you into a good running style. Heel striking would be painful barefoot, so you learn not to do it. But it isn't necessary to be actually barefoot to learn...

dna_leri

Aimman wrote: »

I'm the same, but (and someone correct me if I'm wrong) you would pronate in a pair or runners when you are used to rolling your foot from your heel to your toes. Barefoot running makes you land on the ball of your foot, which should naturally avoid pronation, Incedently, have you tried any of the pronate runners (eg. Acis 2150) instead of the expensive insoles?

I land mid-foot and still pronate even in something like ASICS 2150, especially when the footbeds have worn down a bit, so I need additional insole support as well. I would be cautious about barefoot or vibrams. I use sole insoles (yoursole.com), which provide great support and durability.

Guya

InTheTrees wrote: »

SIlly question but what about arch support?

My feet pronate(SP?) a fair amount and i'm using expensive insoles that stop any pain.

I love the idea of the vibrams though...

The thing about arches is that they are a support structure. One of the strongest known. If you have flatter feet it usually takes a bit longer to get used to running barefoot. Breaking in your feet they call it!

yosemitesam

... I have run shoeless off and on for many years(I always had an urge to do so)...I enjoy running for itself...only rarely do I compete..one reason is that I avoid running on cement or pavement when possible, only on natural earth or grass..I also take long walks whenever possible..it's natural, correct and good for you. I have read these so-called studies, but truthfully they told me nothing I had already knew and discovered...sadly, there is a fear or stigma about being barefoot in our modern, un-natural, synthetic world...it's sheer nonsense and a lie..for those who wish to but are afraid, don't be..damn the modern world and mass marketed garbage...pull your shoes off and do what is good for you..but here is some advice I'll offer...find a good park or field and walk the course you will run on for glass or other trouble...then do it, but you will get some sorenesss the first week or two as you will using be using certain muscles and tendons that are not conditioned to being free from shoes...it will disappear soon after...take a light step...I have never stepped on glass while running all these years...I have rarely got a stone bruise but it was never crippling...as far as the vibram fingers thing, I have never bought nor run in them...I understand their appeal to many but it is still a counterfeit to running barefoot..and I have heard that will get a stink from running without socks in them...so I am not interested in them...you people living in Ireland are most fortunate, that part of the earth is made to run and walk barefoot with all the rolling green-grassy hills and glens, it's much more risky here in the western USA with it's rougher terrain and possibility of venomous snakes and crawlers(which your island is devoid of)...I visited there last year and will visit again about a year from now...best wishes and luck....

Nialloooo

Hi All
got a pair of 5 fingers for xmas, did my first 5miles in them on sat, have been only doing small miles and walking in them up till now, i ran on grass and really enjoyed them, just be carefull not to try run to far when you start give your feet a chance to get use to them. i havent worn them on the road yet but am hoping to by the end of the summer, i find there brillant after a run/race just to ware after to let your feet relax, and even if you get them and dont like running in them you will get a great reaction to them in the pub

TheRoomWrecker

Some food for thought:eek:
http://running.competitor.com/2010/05/features/the-barefoot-running-injury-epidemic_10118

digme

TheRoomWrecker wrote: »

Some food for thought:eek:
http://running.competitor.com/2010/05/features/the-barefoot-running-injury-epidemic_10118

Not really.

ecoli

digme wrote: »

Not really.

Wow enlightening

Guya

TheRoomWrecker wrote: »

Some food for thought:eek:
http://running.competitor.com/2010/05/features/the-barefoot-running-injury-epidemic_10118

Interesting read. No real medical facts given tho. Not one example of an injury and its causes. No background to those injured. No weights of patients.

"But Maharam and Fogt see evidence that switching to barefoot running is causing injuries that would not otherwise happen"

Plantar fasciitis is a common injury/condition. This article strikes me as biased and mis-informative.

bart simpson

TheRoomWrecker wrote: »

Some food for thought:eek:
http://running.competitor.com/2010/05/features/the-barefoot-running-injury-epidemic_10118

i agree with the articial when it states that humans are adaptable, but i think it misleads a bit....it gives the impression that a minority of humans are good at long distance running, when in fact the very vast majority of humans could complete a long distance run, what is long distance?? well in this case a distance of constant running that most other species cannot do, the only animal that comes near is the horse and they are bred, if humans were not good long distance runners in general how can the vast majority with correct training/lifestyle/enviiroment do it. it aint a person adapting there body to run, human evolved to run over a long time and a person that runs long distance has their body tuned up (but all the parts are there)...imo

yosemitesam

..actually running with modern shoes forces you to run badly...

baza1976

yosemitesam wrote: »

..actually running with modern shoes forces you to run badly...

Do you have a personal interest in the 5 toey thingy things???

I only ask as 3 of your 4 posts are about running barefoot, thats all.

B

Your Airbag

I'm no Scientist but its got to be painful right? stepping in poo barefoot also would hardly be a brrel of laughs.

yosemitesam

As far as the barefoot-type shoes go, I have no interest in them..they are a pretense of running sholess, at least partly, a marketing scheme to grab the attention of those who desire to run barefoot to buy their stuff...I have had heard that they stink after a while since they are made to fit without socks, no thanx...I'd rather run in a very light shoe if the terrain is simply too harsh...who hasn't stepped in animal droppings sometime in their life, you wipe it off in tall grass, of course, all the years I have taken walks or ran shoeless, I have never stepped on glass...a few times I have suddenly stopped and looked down to find glass in front of me or even barbed wire..but I suppose God was watching out for me...I avoid running on pavement or cement like the flu..only grass or ground...and if it is an unknown field or park I walk it to be sure the ground is clean of anything harmful...well thats my experience, I understand many are reluctant but it is mostly fear that keeps many from trying it...best regards

Rathminian

Hello!
This is my first ever post on Boards.ie! I live in London now and came upon the barefoot/Vibrams thing about a year ago while reading stuff online about it. I was an occasional (three times a week, 5 miles per run) runner, who never had any serious injuries, but occasionally felt a twinge of shin splints and I thought VFFs might toughen me up and make me less injury prone.
I got my VFFs around about Christmas last year and started super slowly. I did two 300m runs a week for a while and built up to 500m runs after a month or so.
My error at the beginning was overcompensating for being in VFFS, so I went from heelstriking in runners to almost ballerina-like toe striking in VFFS. I have now corrected it and have a better gait, where I land mid sole and that seems to work for me. That said, I would caution anybody starting in VFFs to take it very slowly. I have now been in them for almost six months and I can do just about 4 miles without any pain afterwards.
However, those six months involved a lot of weird pains after running. I had twinges at the back of my heel, in my calves, in my achilles, and in my hips.
I read of other people getting used to VFFs in only a month or two, but I guess I must have had really flat feet to begin with, because I take a lot longer to get used to them.
That said, I would encourage anybody to give them a try and see how it works for them. I run about half on concrete and half on grass in the park, and your gait changes completely in VFFs. I notice that my running style is way less up-and-down bouncey (less of a sin wave in my body) in VFFs, which means that my heels and feet aren't being injured, or at least that the landing pressure on the feet is far less.
One other side-effect of VFFs is that I feel like my feet have expanded in them. After running in them for about three months, I noticed that my work shoes needed to be tied way looser than ordinarily. I guess this is because my feet muscles have built up?

best,

Rath

Starburst85

Ouch :eek:

FitFeet

<fitfeet banned for dragging up old threads to shill a product they sell-mod>

thepassanger

i didnt manage to come down a size in my runners, but in rock climbing shoes i have. so maybe the muscles tightening did more for fitting my feet to tight-uncomfortable rock shoes. i am size 9 runners, narrow feet. not much tightening to do if i have small feet already

clubcard

Rathminian wrote: »

Hello!
This is my first ever post on Boards.ie! I live in London now and came upon the barefoot/Vibrams thing about a year ago while reading stuff online about it. I was an occasional (three times a week, 5 miles per run) runner, who never had any serious injuries, but occasionally felt a twinge of shin splints and I thought VFFs might toughen me up and make me less injury prone.
I got my VFFs around about Christmas last year and started super slowly. I did two 300m runs a week for a while and built up to 500m runs after a month or so.
My error at the beginning was overcompensating for being in VFFS, so I went from heelstriking in runners to almost ballerina-like toe striking in VFFS. I have now corrected it and have a better gait, where I land mid sole and that seems to work for me. That said, I would caution anybody starting in VFFs to take it very slowly. I have now been in them for almost six months and I can do just about 4 miles without any pain afterwards.
However, those six months involved a lot of weird pains after running. I had twinges at the back of my heel, in my calves, in my achilles, and in my hips.
I read of other people getting used to VFFs in only a month or two, but I guess I must have had really flat feet to begin with, because I take a lot longer to get used to them.
That said, I would encourage anybody to give them a try and see how it works for them. I run about half on concrete and half on grass in the park, and your gait changes completely in VFFs. I notice that my running style is way less up-and-down bouncey (less of a sin wave in my body) in VFFs, which means that my heels and feet aren't being injured, or at least that the landing pressure on the feet is far less.
One other side-effect of VFFs is that I feel like my feet have expanded in them. After running in them for about three months, I noticed that my work shoes needed to be tied way looser than ordinarily. I guess this is because my feet muscles have built up?

best,

Rath

This is a clear plug from someone at Vibram,first time poster from London:rolleyes:

donothoponpop

clubcard wrote: »

This is a clear plug from someone at Vibram,first time poster from London:rolleyes:

<mod>There's been a concerted effort from people who are selling VFF to talk up their product on several threads recently, and they are denying any involvement with the product when we mods ask them. I'd question the worth of any product that is sold this way, its akin to selling snake oil in my eyes. Because of how these merchants are operating, anyone with a low post count who is recommending this shoe will find their post cut. There's a lot of different running stores that post here, and abide by the rules, its unfair to them to allow this sort of shilling from their competitors, not to mention it being disrespectful to the community of posters as a whole.
/<mod>

Swanner911

After reading this post last night I was dreaming of running barefoot.

Usually I run 5- 6 times a week and about 60 miles in total ( training for London Marathon in April).

I ran 8 miles easy this morning and then when I hit the local strand at Sandymont I couldn't resist! Off with the shoes and socks. Within a couple of minutes of barefoot running on the hard little sand ridges on the beach I was struggling (other part of beach was covered in broken shells) - its sore! and then on the wet grass my feet went numb, it's not that great.
I was disappointed but it answered a question for me - I need to be wearing runners when running and every so often I can imagine running barefoot and how I would run if I wasn't wearing runners - that'll do

nerraw1111

I would be wary of going anywhere near VFF based on how they're spamming this forum.

Impressed with dont's speed in snipping them!

robinph

I've still not got quite as far as daring to run in them, but they are incredibly comfortable and I do like walking about in them. Although it does feel a bit odd walking along on concrete in them, and those little bumpy bits of pavement at pedestrian crossings feel odd. I will be going for a few laps run around a field at some point though to try them out better.

They certainly make you more aware of how and where you are placing your foot.

Jan_Wall

After I've read Born to Run, I was motivated to try barefoot running. Experience wasn't great at first since I was still adjusting with this style, but after a couple weeks everything's running smoothly. I even bought barefoot running shoes like Zem Gear since it also mimics barefoot running and it also gives added protection against rock and other objects. I'm thinking of buying a new pair of Vibram Five Fingers as well. I'm confused as to which model I'm going to buy. It's either KSO Treksport or Classic. Check out the links below for these shoes

http://bit.ly/VFF_Classic
http://bit.ly/VFF_Treksport

I know some of you have tried these shoes already, so I was wondering if you could recommend which shoes I should buy and why? Any help is greatly appreciated.

donothoponpop

Jan_Wall wrote: »

After I've read Born to Run, I was motivated to try barefoot running. Experience wasn't great at first since I was still adjusting with this style, but after a couple weeks everything's running smoothly. I even bought barefoot running shoes like Zem Gear since it also mimics barefoot running and it also gives added protection against rock and other objects. I'm thinking of buying a new pair of Vibram Five Fingers as well. I'm confused as to which model I'm going to buy. It's either KSO Treksport or Classic. Check out the links below for these shoes

http://bit.ly/VFF_Classic
http://bit.ly/VFF_Treksport

I know some of you have tried these shoes already, so I was wondering if you could recommend which shoes I should buy and why? Any help is greatly appreciated.

Hi Jan,

you could get in touch with this poster who has tried the VFF Trek and found them great.

all the best,

donothoponpop

Jan_Wall wrote: »

I have tried both Vibram Five Fingers KSO Trek and New Balance MT101. So far so great. I have never had any problems at all. I like these shoes as they mimic the feeling of barefoot running.

KSO Treksport
New Balance MT101

AngryLips

After a gait test I bought into a high support runner and, for me, that coincided with the occurrence of an IT band injury that never really went away. I've since got myself a pair of minimalist runners (designed for track and field) and I've been injury free since. I'd echo the sentiment that definitely your lower calf muscles will be tight at first but this subsides after a few weeks. Anecdotally, I've heard the same thing from people switching to high support runners although, obviously, this isn't the case for everyone.

PaulieC

I've been reading a good bit about this over the last week, after reading Born to Run. There seems to be a good deal of friction between the two camps. I wonder is it really just down to the shoes (or lack of)?
From what I can see, "running barefoot" is an umbrella term that means anything from running barefoot to wearing VFFs (or other minimal shoes) to just changing your style to forefoot striking as opposed to heel striking in 'traditional' running shoes.
I tried it yesterday morning on the beach and it seems like it was easier to forefront strike in barefeet than in a pair of padded shoes, but at the same time, the sandy ripples weren't exactly foot friendly...

pokermonkey

This is brilliant - fair play to dono for picking up the spammers!

I'll prep this by saying I have nothing to do with any company. I'm not selling anything - just trying to be honest. If any mod thinks otherwise, please just delete the post, but sweet jeebus don't ban me - I love this forum!!

To answer one of the other (genuine) queries, I too read Born to Run (great book) and was converted immediatly. It all made sense to me (the argument in the book) so I purchased a pair of the Vibram Bikila's and off I went. I did exactly what all the books/blogs said and started slowly. Got to Week 8 of the C25K programme and disaster - injured. Still not sure what exactly I did to myself, but I was hobbling for a good 2 weeks, and even now I'm still a little sore on a half mile jog.

I'm almost certain this is down to the fact that I'm a novice runner though, and the fact I'm grossly overweight. I really enjoyed the experience of running in the vibrams - I felt lighter on my feet, and more in touch with the terrain. BUT, I would probably only recommend them to experienced runners who are not heavyweights like myself - and only then to make the transition slowly.

I've bought a new pair of asics gel something-or-others in an effort to help me get back on the road and shed some of the weight, but if that ever happens, and my body becomes capable of carrying me around great distances, I'll probably (slowly) go back to the minimalist shoe.

Mac Cormaic

I just purchased a pair of barefoot running shoes, so I'll be giving them a go from scratch to try to build up muscles around my ankles.

I can't see there been anything wrong with running naturally on your feet, and while it might take a while to get used to the change from the cushioned runner, I am hoping it will be to my benefit.

As with regards they are selling a product that is merely a coating for the foot, I think they are rather a worthwhile product, if there is potentially glass or shells or sharp stones on the terrain that a person decides to train on.

ThisRegard

Would they stop glass ? I wouldn't have thought so but then again I didn't examine them too much.

robinph

ThisRegard wrote: »

Would they stop glass ? I wouldn't have thought so but then again I didn't examine them too much.

Think they probably would, but they do make you far more aware of where your placing your feet. Glass wouldn't be too much of an issue in Vibrams, but I wouldn't fancy walking over gravel. Those bumpy sections of footpaths at pedestrian crossings are about the most uncomfortable surface I've encountered so far, but other debris on the street isn't an issue.

Mac Cormaic

ThisRegard wrote: »

Would they stop glass ? I wouldn't have thought so but then again I didn't examine them too much.

Yeah, once you aren't running across bit huge pieces of razor sharp glass. But where I see it as been hugely beneficial is to prevent any cuts under the tender skin of toe joints.

Mac Cormaic

robinph wrote: »

Think they probably would, but they do make you far more aware of where your placing your feet. Glass wouldn't be too much of an issue in Vibrams, but I wouldn't fancy walking over gravel. Those bumpy sections of footpaths at pedestrian crossings are about the most uncomfortable surface I've encountered so far, but other debris on the street isn't an issue.

A person should naturally be able to run on a rough track, or through a forest or across ploughed fields barefoot. I think the feet and reflexes of the legs have lost alot of agility and strength to be able to achieve this at the moment.

Kangshung

Mac Cormaic wrote: »

I just purchased a pair of barefoot running shoes, so I'll be giving them a go from scratch to try to build up muscles around my ankles.

I can't see there been anything wrong with running naturally on your feet, and while it might take a while to get used to the change from the cushioned runner, I am hoping it will be to my benefit.

I'd be interested to hear how you get on, loved Born to Run myself. I'd build up very slowly if I were you though. I switched from very cushioned runners to a minimalist trail shoe a couple of years back, and even though I was running mostly on grass, within 6 weeks both my calves were in a mess, took months and a lot of physio to fix them up. Definitely puts a lot more load on your calves and achilles, body needs time to adapt.

For now I've gone back to cushioned runners and use the trail shoes just for mountain races and seem to be getting on fine. Haven't given up totally on the barefoot idea, I got a pair of minimalist shoes recently (not VFFs, an even thinner sole). Walked home from work in them one day and it took over an hour to cover less than 3 miles! Every little crack in the pavement, tiny pebble etc hurt. Can't see myself ever running on concrete with them, though I might start trying some short treadmill runs and see how it goes.