Barefoot Running

[Destro22BT]

I started serious running 1.5 years ago as I needed to be fitter for my new job. However, I'd developed plantar fasciitis a couple of months back and both my orthopedic and physio therapist broke news to me that I'd been running the wrong way. The SAF brooks shoes and more importantly the way I ran are the culprits behind this injury.

I'm sure seasoned runner reading this would have guessed that it was due to heavy heel striking and overstriding during my runs. Hence, I started researching and realised that I should try changing the way I run. At the same time, I'd also decided to change to a pair of more minimalist shoes and work towards striking the ground with my midfoot/forefoot instead.

Enter Skechers GoRun Ride. My first pair of weird looking minimalist shoes. When standing still while wearing the shoes, it's like you're standing on a log with the center wedged into your foot's arc. It did take a while, but the amazing thing is that the curvature of the undersole made me run subconsciously at a much higher cadence. With this pair of shoes, it's almost impossible to land on your heels. My timing for my first 5km run in these shoes was incredible, but at the same time I went home with sore lower calves and tight archilles tendon. I had to ease myself into this transition and spaced out the runs in these shoes for about 2 months before the calf muscles slowly developed, and it was a while before I got the hang of the new running posture and style.

The increased speed from the Skechers naturally come at an expense of distance covered. I couldn't reach the usual 8km-12km distances I did last time. So, I decided to purchase another pair of shoes to rotate beween distance and speed trainings. After some research, and of course looking out for them at Queensway, I settled on a pair of Nike Free 4.0's. I think it's a great investment and really the best pair of running shoes I'd purchased in my entire life. Coming from the high cadence runs experienced from the Skechers GoRuns, the Free 4.0's provided a low impact and flexible running experience with good feedback feel from every stride. Though it did not make me run at a higher cadence, it encouraged running longer distances as it runs very silent and there's hardly any impact to take. Just the right cushioning from foot strike to a very springy toe-off. I'd never thought I'd ever say good things about Nike Shoes, but this is a seriously good pair of shoe for mid-foot/forefoot strike. However, if you're thinking of transiting from heel strike to midfoot strike, I've heard of many runners recommending the Nike Free 5.0 (much more cushion than the 4.0's), Saucony Varrata 2 and Kinvara 5 to better aid the transition to midfoot strike.

I can't say for others, as some ppl's physique/running style and gait will only allow them to land heel first , and that midfoot strike isn't for such people. But I personally feel that I'd benefit from transiting to midfoot/forefoot strike.

Running with heel strike causes your knees to suffer the full brunt of impact upon strike, and the worst part about landing on your heels is if you're not careful nor watching, and you land on a broken branch/rock, you are more likely to sprain your ankle.

The change to forefoot strike helps to distribute the impact throughout the joints. First off, your calves, archilles tendons will absorb the initial impact, and the impact to your knees and hip joints are distributed with reduction, hence it should reduce injuries to these 2 areas.

I can say that this is the correct method of running for me, and I'm really liking it.

[mountain biker]

Do you not find the balls of your foot hurt. As I lost weight, my fat pad on sole of foot got smaller and I damaged the ball of my foot. Anyone else have this.

[peckio]

Just need to be careful of the route you are going to run on.
I was wearing my V5F Bikila during the SAFRA Bay Run, and so lucky that I stepped on a small sharp rock, and now the ball of my right foot has internal bleeding, which now become a corn.
Painful & starting to itch as well.
But I'll still stick to my V5F, as I've found conventional running shoes, like my Asics Gel Kinsei 4, to weigh a ton

[desee]

barefoot running is awesome

[peachmuffin]

What's a good place to run without stepping on glass or other sharp objects?

[Terrance Lee]

I've been doing barefoot running for almost a year. In the beginning, wasn't really easy as the method of running changes. Presently I have 3 pairs of minimalist which 2 of it is Vibram. Great to know people into barefoot running. Awesome!

[derrchua]

healthier

[kermit e froggy]

Yo everyone, I'm located at Tiong Bahru and have got into Forefoot strike method for like 3wks ,using either ADIzero or NB MT00. Strongly agree that the transition stage is aching but worth it ! Do remember to stretch well around any joints especially ,your knee cap area to prevent ITB issues before and after any long runs. Please do not believe anybody who says "Warm up is for the weak !" Just wait and see what happen when one reaches 40s to 50s.

Lastly, anyone or any group who likes to run in the morning like 6am kind ? Would love to join in for a group run if anybody likes to run Mac Ritchie or around Kent Ridge or Labrador Park. Pls feel free to PM me.

[monyat]

Am also using a pair of Vivo Barefoot now, other than light running, can wear it for walks and mall shopping as well... nice to feel the ground using barefoot shoes.

[Benjamingoh]

Hi, anybody here interested in picking up this sport??? I'm living at the north and finding training buddies. Don't necessary have to do barefoot can use those minimized shoes such as vibram five fingers or newton running shoes.

ya I thinking of getting a vibram five to try running also since I have been running almost daily

[jierong11]

Just started not long ago and can't wait to add mileage on my new minimalist!

[Roleq]

I run in combat boots and land with the ball of my foot, not saying that barefoot running is bad, but in africa where the ground is soft and made of soil/hardened soil its ok, but on concrete, rocks and pavement... that may sting you...

Please don't run in combat boots as a routine. I am a victim of it and now suffers from knee pain.

[Hacker]

Look for a pair that you like. run with it. There are many brands and models in the market. Once you have found the perfect pair, ship that 2nd pair onwards from Amazon. I had tried New Balance, 5 fingers and Newton. I'm currently running with Vivo Barefoot.

Newton was good when transitioning, but did not like them. Gave both the Gravity and the MV2 away after only 300km. Merrell and NB MR00 were OK, but am into VFF. Seeya's sole is running thin and tears are already appearing.

[Hacker]

its bad for the knees

Never had knee issues while running barefoot or with minimalist shoes. Barefoot running makes me land softly and run softly like a cat. Sometimes I scare others when I come from behind them on the pavement, they cannot hear me .

[watermelon66]

It's not easy doing that to land front