Off topic but barefoot running/living?

[Jasonlant86]

Hi all im not on any other fitness forums and most of my friends are very sedentary so asking them is less than usefull lol, and after such a fab responce on my screen protector post i thought id ask you guys 🙂

So i went to a chiro and got popped about and learnt my posture is awfull and that my £180 trainers were messing me up, the guy suggested barefoot shoes for training, running and just about everything. I have ordered some mid level ones to try them out (merrell vapour glove 3) has anyone else jumped on the barefoot bandwagon? If so id love to hear your experiences 🙂

[PureEvil]

@Jasonlant86,

For a number of years, I struggled with foot pain with plantar fasciitis.  I even got to the point of getting expensive custom molded inserts for my shoes to only really manage the pain.  Then I got my first pair of Five Fingers (by Vibram, who makes the soles for many other shoes), and this has almost completely eliminated my plantar fasciitis.  I've had maybe 3 episodes over seven years instead of once every few months.

So the theory goes, your body is naturally structured to walk and run while landing on the balls of your feet (not the heel); your ankles are natural shock absorbers.  The modern, conventional running shoe is going to make your feet more comfortable despite your running in bad form (landing on the heel of your foot).  You may not necessarily feel the pain in your feet, but instead you'll feel it on your knees and back.  Here's a picture of my first pair of Five Fingers:

Notice how I've literally worn through the sole on the balls of the feet (not the heel).

You can find videos of folks running with minimalist shoes (or barefoot) on YouTube and they're often described as almost gliding instead of running; I'm not nearly that graceful.  A number of Olympic marathon runners run barefoot.

And barring social events (like weddings), Five Fingers are all I wear anymore... Yes, even on freezing days (there are some made from neoprene and yes, you can even get toed socks).

So all that said, here are some pointers (for your or anyone else who is reading):

• For your first pair, get your shoes from somewhere with a very generous return policy (REI has an excellent return policy, money back for a full year from purchase).  If you get them, try them for a few months and still hate them...  Take them back and get your money back.  No risk.
• You will be re-training yourself to walk or run and using muscles you normally don't.  Ease into it.  You are going to feel it on your calves.  Do not go full hog and do this for an entire day.  For the first week or two, wear them for maybe a couple of hours a day and then go back to conventional shoes.
• Once you know your size and style (Five Fingers are typically sold with European sizes), then there are places like Woot, that will occasionally list them for a deep discount.  I recently picked some up for $50 a pair there.

That said, you may get a more appropriate audience by posting in another part of the forum, like Get Moving...  I'd be more than happy to continue to respond here in the Ionic section or even move the thread.  Just let me know.

I hope this helps.

[Barefootscience]

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Good information. 

The problem with any shoe ,even a minimalistic shoe ,is that they still insulate the 720,000 proprioceptors or nerve endings that are hard wired to the brain so that it can receive the information that it relies on to manage it job of balance and movement. If you run a pencil along the foot or hand and then repeat the test with a piece of paper over the hand you will experience a 50% drop in proprioceptive feedback. Imagine the level of insulation that the shoe is providing. The pre and post sock difference is also referred to in the Foot Core.   Basically a minimalistic shoe , which I wear and am a huge supporter of ,is giving the job back to the foot but leaving the proprioceptive/balance motor off. As Dr. Gorman ,who works with worlds top runners and created the Microgate system ,calls it being D.R.U.N.K.  www.barefoot-science/4yourgait.com

The Lowell file shows a triathletes that showed up to a testing without his proprioceptive insoles in his Vibram's stating that he did not need them with his 5 fingers. His pre and 300 step post results ,after we added the BFS level three proprioceptive stimulation plug recorded a 51% increase in one legged balance or reduction in postural sway and an instant move to forefoot grip. I believe that Barefoot running in the sand or grass is the most efficient method of running to deliver the information to the brain. What the brain perceives the body will eventually achieve.   PF should never happen as long as the 40 intrinsic foot muscles are functional and engaged. 

[Jasonlant86]

Thanks for the info 🙂 I also suffered from plantar fasciitis for a number of years whilst serving in the army thanks to years of god awful boots and too had to get big clumsy insoles so i feel your pain there. I was looking at the vibrams but tbh cant stand the look of them, its absolutly an acuired taste i think. Taking onboard your point about using them for a few hours a day for the first week am i likely to encounter some foot pain whilst i adjust?

Got the vapour gloves coming monday so will wear them to train in and walk the dog to see how i go and let you know.

Thanks again for the reply 🙂

[Barefootscience]

Hey Jason,

I run in the Merrell's as well. The five fingers were just too much of a statement for me. You should add a set of 3/4 length proprioceptive based Barefoot Science  and move them from shoe to shoe. If you are still in the military there is a DAPA contract that can be used to pay for them. I would recommend not going for a long run until you have progressed into one week of level three. My partner Dr. Gorman that I mentioned is also the head trainer and his systems are used by  the U.S , Israeli and Italian Special Forces , U.S. Olympic Track , Nike, Under Armour FIFA , NFL, NHL, NBA and USA/MLB Baseball ... If you send me an e-mail I will send you  some educational materials. lstodd@rogers.com

[Jasonlant86]

Awesome thanks! I don't understand what you mean by add a set of 3/4 length
proprioceptive based Barefoot Science and move them from shoe to shoe.
Totally lost me there 🤔

[PureEvil]

@Jasonlant86and @Barefootscience,

I can understand the apprehension towards wearing toed shoes like the Five Fingers, they are a bit unconventional.  I even had a workmate (tongue in cheek) suggest that they should be banned from the team.

As far as making a statement...  Wear what you want, who cares what other think?  There are two kinds of ways to submit to peer pressure, behaving a particular way due to what others think and not behaving a particular way due to what others think.

Yes, some folks may poke fun at me or even ask me in fascination, but the response that always gets them to relent:

"I am no longer in pain."

I have had a number of strangers ask me about the Five Fingers and I give them basically the same response that I first posted here.  My wife jokes that I must have stock in REI and Vibram (and of course, Fitbit).

I hope this helps.