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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WHY GO BAREFOOT RUNNING

Barefoot Running The Three Reasons

The main debate only discusses whether we should wear trainers or not, however, this totally misses the point. There are three fundamental reasons why barefoot running is so important and they are discussed here, Starting with the most important which is proprioception

1  Proprioception

2  Earthing  (A bi-product of Barefoot Running)

3  Natural running is Barefoot Running

      Proprioceptions  This Is Why This Elephant Can Do This

The proprioceptive system (or 6^th sense) is a series of contact points in our joints, muscles, tissue and skin that send feedback to our brain about what we are doing and where we are. With this information the brain produces a body pattern that is perfect for our situation.

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Many of these points are in our feet, which is obviously the main body part touching the ground. If for any reason incorrect signals are sent back to the brain, then the movement pattern produced by the brain would be different from what is required.

You can see why wearing thick shock absorbing soles would totally distort the feedback to the brain which would result in a pattern that could cause potential injury to the body, and that is the reason why more injuries occur with runners wearing trainers.

CLICK HERE For Correct Barefoot Running Technique

Our feet have developed into an incredible instrument which has a vital job in helping the brain produce the right movement patterns so that we can function efficiently and without injury

The reason are bodies can jump, skip, run, throw, sit down and stand up, without us even thinking about it is because of proprioception, which is our body knowing its balance, movement and position without us even being involved.

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YOUR FOOT

As the foot is such a vital part in the body’s sensory protection system, why were shoes ever used?

The reason is that in its soft state it cannot cope with the natural terrain without a covering.

The surfaces in deserts and forests and with extreme temperatures meant that protective covers were required, i.e leather and fur etc. This has developed into the shoe, so in fact it was evolution.

When one thinks about it, all animals that run have also developed foot protection, either pads or hooves. However we  were designed to hold and climb and have the proprioceptors, glands and skin that are soft. So barefoot activity is incredibly important.

It is true that it is not necessary to run, any form of barefoot contact is important. However, with barefoot running you have the opportunity to benefit from all the three reasons mentioned in this article.

It would be very difficult to transition directly to barefoot, that is why minimalist shoes are an important option

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The Affect If Your Feet Are Restricted, I would be surprised if anybody did not agree with the following statement:

That running barefoot helps your feet become stronger and is the natural running method. Running in cushioning, motion-controlled footwear is like having your neck in in plaster for a month — when you take the plaster off, your throat muscles would be weak. The effect of movement restriction on your feet affects all your lower limbs and joints. No wonder all kinds of injuries are recorded

CLICK HERE For How To Choose And Use Minimalist Shoes

                     Earthing

Connection To The Earth

I was aware that the Tree Stance in Chi Kung was considered to be the most important basis for the whole practice of Chi Kung and is also a key part in Tai Chi.Additionally, the mountain pose in Yoga is a very important linking exercise between the asanas. So for thousands of years it has been a known fact that connecting with the earth was essential for increasing the well being and performance of the human body.

I knew this to be the case, however, it was with great delight that I discovered that western science is now certain of the tremendous health benefits of barefoot activity for the human body. When one walks barefoot in the grass or by the sea you feel really good and that is because you are making a direct connection with the earth.  But in our daily lives it seems very difficult to make this barefoot connection.

There are very clear physical and scientific reasons why we feel good and science has clearly confirmed this. We have a powerful electrical connection to the Earth and you will be  amazed how this affects every aspect of  your well being. There is more information on how you can benefit at

CHECK OUT Grounding At This Link



This video gives an overview of how important Earthing is for us.

For you Marathon runners out there the Tour de France is far and away the toughest sporting event on earth, comparable to running 3 marathons a day for 22 days, I am sure you would be interested to see how important earthing is to the doctors and riders involved in the tour de france This video show that advanced sports scientist recognize how valuable the earthing connection is, and this video shows it in use on the riders in the Tour de France

This final video is from an eminent heart surgeon how clearly explains the tremendous experiences he has had using the earthing technology

Natural Running

Barefoot Running Those Against

It appears to me that those against barefoot running have two main Issues

The first is that to transition too quickly from normal trainers either to barefoot running or minimalist shoes could cause you problems. I think they are perfectly correct, and I do not know any barefoot running supporters who would think otherwise.

The second point is that an uncovered foot is prone to injury from objects on the ground. I think that is also correct, but the fact is that the very act of barefoot running, means you will naturally concentrate far more on the ground, so you would avoid anything that might damage your foot, see

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Another major factor is that until someone has fully transitioned to barefoot running they would not be receiving all the benefits of barefoot running.

So I think the main question to be asked is, how many barefoot runners who have transitioned , wish to go back to running in trainers ? and the answer to that is that I have never heard of anyone !!

7 Benefits of Barefoot Running

1.) Increased circulation and blood flow.

Problems with varicose veins? When your blood is flowing more efficiently it balances your temperature and helps out with blood related problems such as varicose veins. Your feet would be warmer in the winter and keep cool in summer. Your foot is totally restricted inside a shoe. It cannot rotate, flex or bend. When not in a shoe your foot move more three dimensionally and are having a great workout. As your feet move more and get stronger they need more blood and that is received from the body.  Also by becoming stronger they can obviously cure any foot condition that have been causing problems.

CLICK HERE: For A Great Barefoot Running Book

2.) Better balance.

We have a much better connection to the ground when barefoot or in minimalist shoes, This means with proprioception the brain is receiving the right stimuli to handle our run and any challenges such as cracks or potholes in the road.I am sure we’ve all been caught out by pebbles or the odd pothole, especially in grass. So better balance is vital When were barefoot our increased awareness means the connection between our feet and brain works well, just as it should.To trip or fall could be dangerous, i.e you could twist an ankle and I am sure we are all concerned about that, but with this extra awareness the risk is much lessened.

3.) Decreased impact.

Increased contact with the ground means you won’t strike with heels but with the balls of your feet, this will reduce the impact on your joints and muscles. All you need to do is walk down the street with shoes and then take them off and walk, you will notice a massive immediate difference. When we feel the ground we naturally step lighter, this once again reduces impact on our joints. I have not run in shoes for years, but the latest stats show that running in shoes with a heel strike massively increases the pressure on joints but with barefoot running that pressure is not their at all

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4.) Increased muscle tone.

Without shoes your body has to balance itself, to do this it uses your core muscles your abs and back. This action will strengthen the whole of your midsection. Your legs will have to support you rather than shoes. This extra work will give you symmetrical strength and better tone and your balance will improve.  Also your calves will improve dramatically because of the amount of work needed for barefoot running

5.) Healing injuries.

We have heard many times how people had so many injury problems their running was very difficult or even that they had stopped.  It was the same for me.  Many now run pain free and without injury after going barefoot.

People have had shin problems, weak ankles, problems with plantar fasciitis, ACL tears in the knee, yet they are now running ok without these problems, It would seem that barefoot running is a must if this is the result.

6.) Stronger feet.

Any form of barefoot activity will strengthen the muscles in your lower legs and feet. Barefoot Running will also straighten out your toes and reduce aching in the evening after a long day. The feet will gradually reform as they were meant to be, before all those years in a restrictive box.(shoe) Your foot will change into the healthy pain free version it was meant to be. The result of all this is that you will have better posture

7.) Feel Great

Many studies have shown that regular exercise reduces anxiety, depression and stress, while at the same time making you feel much brighter and increasing your self esteem, this is commonly known as runners high! It has been quite clearly proven that barefoot activity can reduce your blood pressure and stress hormones (cortisol)  However, I don’t think we really needed science to show us this, every runner feels the benefits every time they run.

CLICK HERE For Barefoot Running Beginner Video Series

     
          
      A Common Sense Approach To 
 

                 

             Barefoot Running

Barefoot Running Technique

The Importance of a proper Transition To Barefoot Running cannot be overstated.

Their is no doubt that if you switch to quickly, you can cause yourself injury.

The debate obviously rages about barefoot running, however, all the reports seem to be based on people just switching, not on experienced barefoot runners.

CLICK HERE: To See The 3 Reasons For Barefoot Running

To me, this is like giving someone a course of medicine and expecting it to work the same day !!

For myself personally, the benefits to me of barefoot running have been amazing, I have had no injuries since I switched and that is about 8 years ago.

We are talking here about the actual act of barefoot running, however, their is no doubt that the act of connecting directly to the earth has even more powerful benefits for us, and I will be explaining that in far more detail.

This Video Explains the Key Points Of This Post

                                         

CLICK HERE To See the Above Video On Youtube

     
    I Would Suggest The Following:

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. 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.

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

Run as lightly and quietly as possible and try to land on your forefeet or mid feet..I discuss form below

2. Gradually increase the time you run without footwear (or with minimalist shoes). Just a a couple of minutes extra every time you go running. Go slowly don't try to run hard. Keep running gently, working on striking the ground softly. Try various surfaces, road, concrete, normal grass and dirt surfaces. You will notice your body adjusting and the muscles becoming stronger.

3. Gradually, you will be able to run for short distances barefoot. The distances depend on individual experience, what ever you feel comfortable with, for example, for experienced runners could be 20 minutes, and for a newbie 10 minutes, The main thing is to be comfortable with the distance and let this phase take a couple of months. It’s all about a gradual transition

CLICK HERE: How To Choose And Use Minimalist Shoes

4 Obviously you will soon be able to run barefoot. Your feet and legs get stronger and it feels good, How long this takes is once again to do with the individual, but three months is probably about the right amount of time.

5 I would suggest that 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.

Remember, as your feet have been encased in shoes all the time, they are soft and very sensitive, so they wont be able to adjust in a minute it will take a while,

Whatever you do, make sure you pay attention to the surfaces, if you start on pebbles, rough asphalt, or rough concrete or wood, that would be very difficult and hurt a lot.

So patience is the key, go slowly, there is no rush and when a proper transition has been made, it will feel great and you can then enjoy injury free running (as I have) for as long as you like.

CLICK HERE For All Aspects of Barefoot Running Technique

    Some tips on Barefoot Running Form

1 Make sure you keep upright and balanced, with your feet clearly under your hips and shoulders.

2 Try to land on the balls of your feet, this is the best situation. If you strike too often with your forefeet, your calves can get sore.  Be aware not to land on your heels, if you do, the way to correct this is to make your stride shorter.

3 Stay light. You should feel like you’re light on your feet, not pounding at all. Barefoot runners tend to be a little more springy in their step.

4 Focus on trying to run softly, the same as an animal. Runners wearing shoes typically pound the ground.   

5 Your legs should not be extended the same as when you run in shoes, you need to shorten your stride

CLICK HERE: For A Great Barefoot Running Book

Research Costs

If our research has helped you to make the right buying decision, the small commission we receive will help us continue our mission to deliver you information that benefits your health and fitness. Your support is very much appreciated.