Barefoot Running

[sharkskinman]

Barefoot running isn't for everyone. There's an article in Runners World about Vibram settling a lawsuit:

Vibram USA, the company that makes FiveFingers running shoes, has agreed to settle a lawsuit that alleged the company made false and unsubstantiated claims about the health benefits of its glove-like footwear. According to the court filings, Vibram settled to put the matter to rest and avoid any additional legal expenses. “Vibram expressly denied and continues to deny any wrongdoing alleged in the Actions, and neither admits nor concedes any actual or potential fault, wrongdoing or liability,” read the court brief.

[asurda]

I used to try barefoot running. Now my sole hurts whenever i run.

[agvroc]

Any tips on how to best transition to a mid foot strike? I have heard many good things about this but am worried about relearning in vibrams directly.

[wedgehammer]

Good thing i read your post bro. After reading about the symptoms for plantar fasciitis i realised that i have developed the same injury. Did you undergo any operation or just theraphy?

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.

[tunghk]

Been running with vibram for 4 years now going through my 3rd pair with no issues. I think it's more about the technique of running with forefoot strike that is more important.

[tanwk3]

bare foot I wont do that since it really uncomfortable and painful. However I do go for minimist shoes for running so I can feel the ground and perform my natural running posture.

[Tyref]

I'll give it a try man.!!

[benong84]

Second that!!

its bad for your feet

[nokia_ngage]

Would it help for people with heel spurs?

[tradefast]

its bad for your feet

[Mr.Karate.Singapore]

It's just another hype scam. Do some research.. There are studies that stated barefoot running is actually bad

[andyleenk]

not safe. i got a stick into my feet before.

[milkshake]

becareful of stuffs on the ground

[wagamama]

I've tried this barefooted shoes my friend had... it hurts quite a bit.. but i guess need some getting used to...

[audr3yteo]

you might get blisters.