Barefoot Running
Ever tried running barefoot? You have probably seen a few of us around the gym wearing our Vibram Five Fingers. (the funky toe shoes that look silly) We wear these to allow us to run barefoot (or just be barefoot) but still have protection from sharp objects on the ground.
The number one question I get asked when I wear them is “what are those for” while the person points at my feet. Because I’m typically a smart-ass, I usually respond with “what are those for” and I point to their feet. I then say that they serve the same purpose as shoes do to protect my feet but allow my feet to work the way they were designed. They allow my foot and lower leg to absorb my body weight the way nature intended. The way evolution has made them.
The shoe does do quite a good job at absorbing your weight, but it will never be as good as your foot and leg can do. Check out the video below and if you’re up for the challenge, try a short barefoot run. Like anything, your body will get some soreness using new muscles but don’t worry, these muscles were meant to be used!
If you’ve ever run barefoot or in Vibrams, let us know your experience. Post thoughts to comments.
From the “Because I’m typically a smart-ass” comment, I’ll assume that Chad wrote this post.
Thanks Sandra.
When I switched to a mid/forefoot strike, my comfortable run distance dropped from 25km to 1km – which is when the calves seized up! My dad however had the opposite experience – his distances doubled when he switched.
Ran my 1st 5k race in my vibram KSO’s on May 1, and it was bliss. Hot spots started to develop on the bottom of my big toes in the last 1km, otherwise super comfy.
Came in about 23:30, not too bad considering the longest I had run in the last 6 months were 400m sprints, and the vibrams were a week old.
In short – love them and can’t wait to see what happens as my foot strength improves!
I was wearing my Vibrams when my achilles ruptured. I’m not saying they’re bad, just saying some people really need to ease into it. After years of wearing runners and heel striking, it takes a while to train the body differently.
Am I saying this was the cause? No, but it was among many contributing factors that day. Wear them around, break them in until you can work at the same intensity with no aches or pains.
I have run for 10 years, anywhere from 5 to 12 k. Nothing shorter until I started crossfit in 2007. I got my “gloves”in february and started using them whenever it was warm enough. After the first month or sowhile I gradually got used to running barefoot, I love it. It’s liberating, light and allows me to employ all the running lessons I learned in high school track (decades ago). For the newbies, start with short distances and stretch the upper and lower calf a couple times a day. That makes all the difference.
Hrmm that was strange, my comment got eaten. Anyway I wanted to say that it’s nice to appreciate that someone else furthermore mentioned this as I had difficulty finding the same info elsewhere. This was the first rest that told me the answer. Thanks.
Does anyone know if their is a store in Edmonton that sells them? I prefer not ordering online in case the size is wrong.
I think 1 of your ads triggered my web browser to resize, you probably would like to put that on your blacklist. Barefoot Running | Crossfit Edmonton is really a cool name for a blog BTW
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