barefoot running: some advice?

Nanazolie

Hi

I've been running for years now, not a fast runner but I like the distance. I ran a few marathons and after a 2 years break I've started training again for the semi marathon in September. I run in Asics shoes, which I find comfortable and light, but I want to give barefoot running a try.

Only I run on the tarmac, on the promenade along the sea front, on the streets. I can't run completely barefoot with all the glass on the ground. So I read about barefoot-type running shoes, but which ones to choose? Some people mention running in thin-sole shoes like cheap snickers. Others mention specialist shoes.
I've found a few on Amazon, but there is no review: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nike-Lady-Free-Running-Shoes/dp/B004WBA7TC/ref=sr_1_4?s=shoes&ie=UTF8&qid=1310562790&sr=1-4

I am also hyperlax, which means that my ankles bend easily. They don't snap, just bend without pain and go back to their normal position immediately. Most of the times I don't even notice it, but it affects my running of course. Is barefoot running suitable for people with extra flexible joints?

Thanks a lot

RoyMcC

You wouldn't want to accept random advice from here on bendy ankles/suitable shoes. But some general comments

• You might want to start out a barefoot experiment on the beach or in the park, short distances, increase distance/frequency gradually
• If that seems to suit you then invest in whatever minimalist shoes are recommended to you - the Nike Free range are generally well regarded
• Once more, don't do too much too soon on hard surfaces in the new shoes

I successfully switched from conventional runners to Frees without much of a transition and it worked for me, but caution is still recommended.

Tec Diver

I use Asics but I do barefoot/minimalist running too. I use VFFs that I got here. They do take a lot of getting used to, I started off doing 1-2k, 2-3 times a week and have now built up to 5k, but at an easy pace. I'd like to be able to race in them next year, for shorter races initially. Time will tell, but I do like them!

scaryfairy

RoyMcC wrote: »

You wouldn't want to accept random advice from here on bendy ankles/suitable shoes. But some general comments

• You might want to start out a barefoot experiment on the beach or in the park, short distances, increase distance/frequency gradually
• If that seems to suit you then invest in whatever minimalist shoes are recommended to you - the Nike Free range are generally well regarded
• Once more, don't do too much too soon on hard surfaces in the new shoes

I successfully switched from conventional runners to Frees without much of a transition and it worked for me, but caution is still recommended.

hi
do you think they would work for overpronators as well? I need sort of mild/medium stability shoes.
thanks

RoyMcC

scaryfairy wrote: »

hi
do you think they would work for overpronators as well? I need sort of mild/medium stability shoes.
thanks

Scary, no one here can advise anyone else on a particular shoe for a particular person. Even the 'experts' that do gait analysis often get it wrong. All that we can do here is generalise and tell of our own experiences.

But generalising everybody changing down to a minimalist shoe (except those racing snakes already in flats) does so from shoes that offer support or stability or a mixture of both. You need to take a bit of a leap of faith sometimes. A minimalist shoe should enable you to run more naturally and comfortably but the transition can be (I am told) easier for some than others.

Like Nanazolie above, make it a gradual process and it will either work well for you, or you've lost nothing bar the shoe price.

RoyMcC

Here is a great site if you want to read up more on minimalist shoes and stuff.

scaryfairy

RoyMcC wrote: »

Scary, no one here can advise anyone else on a particular shoe for a particular person. Even the 'experts' that do gait analysis often get it wrong. All that we can do here is generalise and tell of our own experiences.

Thanks - having re-read my post I know it didn't look like it but was looking for general info & feedback on experience. Sounds quite exciting, will do bit more research
thanks again

Nanazolie

Thanks RoyMcC and Tec Diver for your advice and links, much appreciated!
I ran barefoot on the wet sand yesterday, it was exhilarating. Nothing like training, it just happened that I was on the beach and decided to give it a go. The feeling is great, not sure I could sustain this for long but it's a good start.

az2wp0sye65487

RoyMcC wrote: »

Scary, no one here can advise anyone else on a particular shoe for a particular person. Even the 'experts' that do gait analysis often get it wrong. All that we can do here is generalise and tell of our own experiences.

But generalising everybody changing down to a minimalist shoe (except those racing snakes already in flats) does so from shoes that offer support or stability or a mixture of both. You need to take a bit of a leap of faith sometimes. A minimalist shoe should enable you to run more naturally and comfortably but the transition can be (I am told) easier for some than others.

Like Nanazolie above, make it a gradual process and it will either work well for you, or you've lost nothing bar the shoe price.

I agree. I made the transition to VFF's a few months back (around Feb - Mar) after altering my running style over a period of a couple of months from heel strike to mid/forefoot running in 'traditional' running shoes.

It was only after my legs adjusting to the new style of running that I put on a pair of 'barefoot' running shoes and set out on a 5K. Personally, I found it easy and haven't looked back since. I also find that my legs are stronger and feel more fresh during & after a run than they had previously.

Nanazolie wrote: »

Thanks RoyMcC and Tec Diver for your advice and links, much appreciated!
I ran barefoot on the wet sand yesterday, it was exhilarating. Nothing like training, it just happened that I was on the beach and decided to give it a go. The feeling is great, not sure I could sustain this for long but it's a good start.

There's nothing quite like the feeling of running barefoot on the beach - the way nature intended!

firemouth

not sure if its any help,back on page seven somone posted a link to a free ebook on minimalist running,i downloaded it myself and found it very interesting