Barefoot shoe recommendations

[preslove]

Hi all.

So, I want to incorporate light jogging and sprinting into my fitness regime, and my old pair of trail runners are busted. I've always had issues with pain in my calves and other muscles while jogging (I get my cardio on machines, on a bike, and in pool lanes), so now I'm thinking about zero drop shoes.

Anybody here have any experiences, tips or recommendations?

An Academy near me has this shoe, so I'm going to try on a pair tonight: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0QHE3BA7AZCFSJHQYEK8

 

[surfsatwerk]

That New Balance Minimus feels pretty nice.

 

[preslove]

That New Balance Minimus feels pretty nice.

Yeah, those interest me, too. Do you have a pair?

 

[surfsatwerk]

Yeah, those interest me, too. Do you have a pair?

No, I tried them on trying to find a new pair of shoes to lift in. Other than the whole running in them business, my requirements were similar to yours. Eventually I stuck with the 5-fingers Sprint. I tried those trail gloves on too. They have a built up forefoot which the minimus didn't have, felt awkward to me.

 

[preslove]

No, I tried them on trying to find a new pair of shoes to lift in. Other than the whole running in them business, my requirements were similar to yours. Eventually I stuck with the 5-fingers Sprint. I tried those trail gloves on too. They have a really built up forefoot which the minimus didn't have, really felt awkward to me.

Did you also try the Fila Skeletoes line? Those are much cheaper than vibrams...

 

[Capt Caveman]

I've been running in a pair of these and quite happy - http://www.amazon.com/BALANCE-MT10-G...8926706&sr=8-1

I did have to size up with these.

 

[surfsatwerk]

Did you also try the Fila Skeletoes line? Those are much cheaper than vibrams...

No, the pair on display didn't impress me at all so I passed them by.

 

[GrantMeThePower]

I have the new balance minimus and use them. I haven't run more than 4 miles on them, but they felt good. I do a lot of sprinting and no problems.

 

[RagingBITCH]

Did you also try the Fila Skeletoes line? Those are much cheaper than vibrams...

It's the uber cheap version of the Vibrams...IE the Best Buy brand of TV vs a Samsung. There's a reason why it's so cheap.

Regardless of zero drop/heel offset, make sure you start off slow...it's going to take a while to build up the proper strength in your lower extremities.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Barefoot running is not going to make your calf pain magically better. If anything, it may make it worse as if you run correctly in them (forefoot strike), you actually put MORE stress on the muscles within the calf (gastrocnemius, soleus). If you're actually having a lot of leg or foot pain, you need to change your running mechanics. If you can't do that on your own, a physical therapist with particular interest in running can help correct your biomechanics, muscle and ligament inflexibilities, improve strength and awareness, etc. Running is more complicated than most people give it credit for. Changing from regular to barefoot typically increases rather than decreases calf-specific issues.

 

[xaeniac]

merrell trailgloves are great, but be prepared for your calves to scream as they will put more stress/strain on one's calves.

 

[kevman]

Try some Nike Presto's or lunar Glides.

The Presto's are the only shoe I can wear and not feel pain when running.

 

[preslove]

Barefoot running is not going to make your calf pain magically better. If anything, it may make it worse as if you run correctly in them (forefoot strike), you actually put MORE stress on the muscles within the calf (gastrocnemius, soleus). If you're actually having a lot of leg or foot pain, you need to change your running mechanics. If you can't do that on your own, a physical therapist with particular interest in running can help correct your biomechanics, muscle and ligament inflexibilities, improve strength and awareness, etc. Running is more complicated than most people give it credit for. Changing from regular to barefoot typically increases rather than decreases calf-specific issues.

Come to think of it, it wasn't my calf muscles. It's been a while since I went out jogging. I don't remember which part of my legs forced would stress out.

I think I'm going to start off by just wearing them to walk my dog. I can take him to this pleasant parking lot and soccer field off leash and then run around with him a bit. I figure I can learn to run in them at a leisurely pace, then run on the soccer field or in the gym once I have the form down.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Come to think of it, it wasn't my calf muscles. It's been a while since I went out jogging. I don't remember which part of my legs forced would stress out.

I think I'm going to start off by just wearing them to walk my dog. I can take him to this pleasant parking lot and soccer field off leash and then run around with him a bit. I figure I can learn to run in them at a leisurely pace, then run on the soccer field or in the gym once I have the form down.

You'll need to research and watch videos on how to run in them. It's significantly different than running in regular shoes. Google the POSE method. I don't agree with everything it has to say, but the stuff about foot strike is relatively accurate.

 

[preslove]

You'll need to research and watch videos on how to run in them. It's significantly different than running in regular shoes. Google the POSE method. I don't agree with everything it has to say, but the stuff about foot strike is relatively accurate.

Thanks, will do. It looks like the POSE method alleviates pain in the shins. I think it was more my shins that hurt while jogging.

 

[QueBert]

While I don't own them yet, I'm going to be getting the Adidas Adipure sometime this month.

 

[preslove]

I went into a running shop and got let talked into some inov-8 xf 210's, lol.

http://www.zappos.com/inov-8-bare-xf-210?zfcTest=fw:1

These things are awesome. They're like mesh socks with a really flexible rubber covering on the bottom, and a light toe guard. I haven't tried running in them yet, but walking in them feels awesome. I'm going to walk my dog in a bit and will jog for a minute or two at a time.