Another barefoot article - You Walk Wrong

Allen Yeh · 05-07-2008, 05:26 AM

You Walk Wrong by NY Mag
http://nymag.com/health/features/46213/

It is somewhat long but a very comprehensive article that I found a good read. It has a somewhat more realistic view of the application of barefoot. You won't find me walking around outside down the streets of DC barefoot that's for sure.

Mike ODonnell · 05-07-2008, 08:03 AM

Compliments this one by NPR too...."Feet Hurt, Stop Wearing Shoes"

http://www.fitnessspotlight.net/

4th story down....

Mark Fenner · 05-07-2008, 11:32 AM

This isn't necessarily related to the articles, but it is related to barefoot training:

I love to do my "plyometric" training outside, on grass, barefoot. I get funny looks and greens stains on my feet and socks (when I put them back on), but hey, who's counting.

I like (1) the proprioception practice I get from uneven ground and the texture of the grass (even the temperature of the grass/soil), (2) the training stress applied to the foot/ankle/toes that is largely absent in shod locomotion, (3) the "low-impact" nature of ground when the soil is damp, and (4) the way it helps me reconnect with my inner "little kid" (useful for a father of a young son).

Even a "flat" football field hides a lot of variation -- especially if you are barefoot.

Regards,
Mark

Scott Kustes · 05-07-2008, 12:31 PM

Mark, I have noticed just how much a "flat" field can have variation and that's not even completely barefoot. My training shoes are a pair of very thinly padded Asics flats and I did some speed-endurance work in a field near my house. I quickly discovered how much variation there was in the flat field.

Greg Woods · 05-14-2008, 03:29 AM

I got my FiveFinger Sprints on Friday and love them. With the exception of yard work, we spend most of time at home shoeless. Figured I'd give these a try for those times outside of work when I need "shoes". And after my wife stopped chuckling, she tried them on and thought they felt pretty good.

Andew Cattermole · 05-18-2008, 09:04 PM

Agreed
I'm a Five Finger Convert,changed my running style and my arches and ankles have never felt stronger
Train CF in them, Run tarmac and Trail in them.
Have KSOs Sprint a Flow for surfing and Classic for "around town"

Just don't expect them to last forever if you are doing serious training in them

Scott Kustes · 05-23-2008, 05:19 AM

I got some Five Fingers a few weeks ago, the KSO version for hiking. Wore them for a 3ish mile hike and a short hike here and love them.

Mike ODonnell · 05-23-2008, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott Kustes

I got some Five Fingers a few weeks ago, the KSO version for hiking. Wore them for a 3ish mile hike and a short hike here and love them.

Didn't you also walk face first into a tree branch too?

Joe Hart · 05-23-2008, 02:53 PM

This is my second year in sprints and man do I love them. I have been trying to figure out some way to wear them in the winter or something similar. MN does get a little cold. I would wear them all the time but work requires steel toed boots. I think I might get another pair soon.

Patrick Donnelly · 05-23-2008, 08:02 PM

Re: Joe
Vibram started making a warmer version of the shoe this past January - the "FiveFinger Flows." It's worth a look.