Running Barefoot Tutorials

How To Choose And Use 

#Barefoot/Running Shoes

I have been asked about my opinion on how to transition from normal running to #barefoot running and to have a look at some good barefoot running shoe options. Firstly, I would say slowly and carefully, and I have identified seven shoe options that I think are worth a look at.

Note: I think it is possible to start and spend as little as 10 euros /dollars, see my notes below

Note: If you intend to eventually run barefoot have a look at my video A Common Sense Approach To Barefoot Running

Winter #Running Is The Big Challenge

I do appreciate that in difficult climates and in the winter Barefoot Running is not always possible. However, with minimalist shoes, snow running is manageable. I would suggest that rather than buy a pair of trainers for snow running, just get some socks to keep you warm. Spend 5 dollars not another 100 on separate trainers. (I am a snow runner see this Tutorial Video

DISCLAIMER: My advice is my opinion, you should research as much as you can, and if you have any doubts contact a medical professional

CLICK HERE: To See 3 Reasons For #Barefoot Running

Tips To Change From Normal To Minimalist Running

1 Try running without shoes or with minimalist shoes just for a couple of minutes on a hard surface. If you run regularly just add this run on to the end of your normal run.

2 If you are not a runner, just run for a few minutes because your body has to build up in the normal manner for running.

3 It is important to run on hard surfaces at the beginning, because it will help your form and give your body good feedback.

4 See how you feel the next day, if your sore, wait until the soreness stops and try again, if your not sore add on another few minutes and do the same system again.

5 Run as lightly and quietly as possible and try to land on your forefeet or mid feet..See two videos for barefoot running form 



CLICK HERE  For #Barefoot Running Technique


Video Explains Five Key Elements of Barefoot Running Form

Video Shows How To Get #Barefoot Running Form

6 When you decide to run barefoot, consider the surfaces carefully. A park or beach area that has a smooth concrete path would be a very good place to start.

7 Remember, as your feet have been encased in shoes all the time, they are soft and very sensitive, so they won’t be able to adjust in a minute it will take a while,

How To Select #Barefoot Running Shoes

A suitable running shoe lets the foot function almost the same as if it was bare. It would allow proprioception i.e sensory information to be sent from your feet to your brain and would also protect your feet from the environment. There are four factors involved in selecting a good barefoot running shoe and you need to consider the following factors in your decision.

1 The foot Must Be Protected From All Types Of Weather Conditions

You must be sure that the shoe sole is strong enough not to be torn or ripped. And that the shoe is able to resist bad weather

2 The Shoe Should Not Be So Tight That there is no room for flexibility

The shoe toe box must allow the foot to spread outwards, otherwise your stride will not be balanced. This is important because the toe will slant outwards on impact with the ground

3 The weight of the shoe must not affect the foots normal balance

Your foot has a centre of gravity which is important for your running position.  If you have a shoe that distorts this because it is not balanced or too heavy then this makes a big difference to your running. It is ideal if you can balance the shoe equi- distance between the toe and heel on your finger

4 Sensory feedback from the foot to the Brain must not be distorted

You need a shoe with no artificial supports to the heel, arch or toe support.  A shoe like this is what is called a “Zero-Drop” and will allow feedback through the sensory receptors in the foot from the terrain your running on, so that the brain can create a body pattern for the right running style, this is the essence of proprioception

In conclusion A good #barefoot running shoe should offer protection from the cold and from cuts. There should be a minimal distance between the foot and the ground.  The more like a barefoot situation that it is, the better is the feedback from the senses in the foot to the brain which is a very important protection element in the body




CLICK HERE: For A Great #Barefoot Running Book

Based on the requirements I have researched a lot of shoe options and if I had a running shoe shop these would be on the shelves.

Note: If the weathers ok and you are just starting barefoot running, a pair of normal plimsoles would do. They probably cost under 10 euros/dollars.They are zero drop and would last for a few months, while your getting used to minimalist running

Check your local stores, but you will have to go in and look.

My Top 7 Minimalist Shoe Options

There are 2 Sandal Options

1 Xero Shoes  

Are a very good sandal option, with a 5000 mile warranty, I think these are a very good option, check out the reviews.

Zero Drop       Yes

Quality           Good

Weight           under 4ozs

Toe Box          Wide

Click In The Box To Read Reviews Or Grab A Pair

2  Luna Sandals Is Also A Vegan Option

Are a very good sandal but use much more substantial materials

Zero Drop       Yes

Quality           Good

Weight           4.5ozs

Toe Box          Wide

Click In The Box To Read Reviews Or Grab A Pair

There Is One Moccasin Option

3 Soft Star Shoes   Adult Dash RunAmoc

The best Moccasin option for Barefoot Running I have seen,

Zero Drop       Yes

Quality           Good

Weight           5 ozs

Toe Box         Wide

Click In The Box To Read Reviews Or Grab A Pair

There Are 4 #Barefoot Running Shoe Options

4 Feelmax Kuusaa     

Top quality running shoe with all the right ingredients, check reviews

Zero Drop       Yes

Quality           Good

Weight           4 ozs

Toe Box         Medium

Click In The Box To Read Reviews Or Grab A Pair     

5 Skora Phase  

Top quality running shoe with all the right ingredients, check reviews

Zero Drop       Yes

Quality           Good

Weight           7.2 ozs

Toe Box         Wide

Click In The Box To Read Reviews Or Grab A Pair

6 New Balance  Minimus MR00  

Top quality running shoe with all the right ingredients,check reviews

Zero Drop       Yes

Quality           Good

Weight           6.4 0zs

Toe Box         Wide

Click In The Box To Read Reviews Or Grab A Pair

7 Merrell #barefoot vapor glove Minimal shoe

Top quality running shoe with all the right ingredients, check reviews

Zero Drop       Yes

Quality           Good

Weight           5 ozs

Toe Box         Wide

Click In The Box To Read Reviews Or Grab A Pair

We all have our different opinions about what style of running shoes we like and how they feel. What I would suggest is order a few pairs, try them out on a treadmill and then return the running shoes that you don’t want.

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