Barefoot Running
OK, so after just finishing this book, Born to Run, I'm now completely obsessed with a couple things: 1. Finding a decent "barefoot" shoe that's NOT "Nike Free," as everything I've read about them so far basically translates to shaaa, right, not to mention they look like ass.
2. And foot strengthening exercises.
I was totally sold on the idea of going barefoot, which, you know, was quite the FEAT if you know me at all, when I was walking home from a neighborhood jaunt with my friend this morning and noticed my lower back started hurting. I remembered something from the book about a guy who had chronic injury issues, then started running barefoot and almost instantly stopped getting hurt. So, I figured what the hell, and took off my shoes and socks and walked the rest of the way home in the grass. After about 60 seconds guess what... my back totally stopped hurting!
Hard to argue with that you know? Now, I'm not saying you're going to be seeing me running in these anytime soon, but I have decided to strip things down as much as I can. The shoes I have now are Nike Pegasus and Mizuno Waverunners - definitely on the short list of non-invasive shoes - but anyone have ideas on shoes that are even less cushiony and arch-supporty than those?
19 Comments:
Sorry kid. I'm on my 3rd pair of Nike Free's since I moved to Cali & soon onto my 4th. I just love 'em...in agreement about the main point though & open to suggestions if someone has a better idea...
Did all my training for IMCDA in New Balance 790s. Very minimal. Recommended by my podiatrist, a runner who runs barefoot often. Pictures and brief description:
http://6months2cda.blogspot.com/2009/06/rip.html
I'm in the middle of the book now, and enjoying it very much as well as thinking a lot. I'll probably spend some time experimenting on myself and doing some research on shoes. If I find anything that works for me, I'll sure blog about it.
You know Brett was into the whole barefoot running thing for years. He would probably be a good source of info.
I found these after looking through a list on Chi Running, which I can't currently find or I'd link to that, too.
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7416002/c/150069.html
I've not done any more than about 6-7 miles in them, but after an initial week or so of my calves getting used to not being so high relative to my toes, they've been great. You *can* feel every rock and uneven spot on the road with them, which takes some getting used to, but I find them to be working great. And my back pain, which killed me during my last marathon, is nearly non-existent now.
WaveRunners are *non* arch supporty?! GAH! I gots me some bad advice!! That's the last two pairs I've had based on being told at the shoe store they should help my high arches. And the pairs I've been wearing as my plantar fasciitis has progressed to the point I can't walk around my own house without limping.
Check out the Nike Lunaracer! I've been pleasantly surprised (and the fly-wire is great)!
OMG, so glad people are getting on the bandwagon that I've been on for yearsnow. i read Chris MacDougall's barefoot stuff in Men's Health years ago, and then I was interested in Evolution Running (with Ken Mierke, mentioned by Chris) and ChiRunning (also mentioned by Chris. From the ChiRunning I found out that running barefoot would improve my bad striking, and I started barefoot running.
Then I bought Vibram 5Fingers (they look like gloves for your feet) and they are absolutely awesome especially for trail running and hiking. If You don't like your feet they will look like ass also, but they feel wonderful and they make people notice.
I'm hooked in with natural-fitness people who advocate all of this, but most (MOST) triathloners are far more interested in the tech and the price and the look of things, not to mention shaving time. Natural fitness (and barefooting) is never about the time, it's about the health and fitness and fun and being a real part of your body and the world.
So, i do recommend the Vibram Five Fingers: http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/barefooting/barefoot_running.cfm
I like my Nike Frees. Yep, they are uglier than sin. But, they feel good.
Newtons try to mimic barefoot running. I like them for short runs, but not so much for long ones.
barefoot running has been around for a long time...
it's nothing new.
But you really need to be bio-mechanically sound, have years of miles under your belt and be very light to pull it off.
But hey go for it!
Your nickname can be "Zola" from now on if you pick it up (or take them off I should say).
Felady with all due respect you are incorrect on several points. Most people are biomechanically sound already, it's their shoes that screws them up. I've been an ultrarunner for 20 years now and it's much better to start off running correctly than it is to have to go back and fix your running. With that in mind, bring on the newbie barefoot runners! You also don't need to be extremely light in order to shed some rubber. I would advise you to read the book in this post. It addresses both of your concerns.
Wil, the Balance 790's that Pete suggested would be good, also I'd suggest Roclite 320's if your interested in pairing down your shoes. I think you'll enjoy the new freedom and am looking forward to reading about your adventures. Do you think you might even get interested in ultras?
Best, Dave
I have 2 pairs of Nike Frees and like them quite a bit, but decided to take the next step to the Vibram Five Fingers (KSO model) after reading Born to Run. Christopher McDougall, the author, thought that he had corrected his form and that he could go back to cushioned racing shoes with his newfound knowledge. But after a couple months, his back pain came back and he has recently made the switch to the Vibram Five Fingers.
The Nike Frees are lightweight and allow arch flex, but they still have a huge heel which makes forefoot striking more difficult than it should be. The VFFs do look a little funny, but they're super comfortable and pretty much force you into the proper form.
I'm wearing mine at work right now :)
I would love to talk to everyone when they are 55 and have been running marathons and ultras and everything in between for 38 years- shoes or no shoes? (or minimal shoes)
It would make an interesting long term study/data gathering.
My bet is that something breaks down somewhere after that long and most will be back to cushioned shoes complete with orthotics. Keep me posted-I plan on being around for a long time!
Wow, those 5fingers look neato!
Lots of good comments here from runners. I've never been much of a runner but did get some Newtons 2 years ago and had great results with them. I took a long time to get accustomed to them and will get another pair when my knee (surgery) rehab is done. My knee problem was from an accident, not the shoes.
OMG, I almost bought that book yesterday!!
Sorry no ideas on less shoes, I'll stick with my new balances and make sure my fellow docs keep me in shape.
Would be too hard to run trails without some foot protection.
rockon`
I have a pair of Vibram five fingers. I wear them when I go walking and great after races. People stare, so what!! can't be as bad people wearing pajamas in the mall.
Just start slowly in getting used the concept of "minalmist" running. I'm working towards it thinks it will help in the long run.
I think you may find this article very useful.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/moslive/article-1170253/the-painful-truth-trainers-are-expensive-running-shoes-waste-money.html
I own some expensive, highly cushioned shoes that feel too heavy and cause me foot pain. But the shoes I wear all the time (mizuno waverider 12)are cheaper and less cushioned and allow me to run pain-free.
I love my Newtons!
Another aspect...
to run barefoot, or with minimal shoes, is you must keep your core and stabilizers strong. This promotes running efficiency and prevents running related injuries. By the way, I am on my 3rd pair of Nike Frees and I love them.
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