'Barefoot' refers to barefoot running. This is essentially running using no shoes or simple thin shoes.
45
votes
9answers
2k views
Experiences with 'barefoot' running
I have heard a lot about the 'barefoot' running idea that has seemed to gain a lot of popularity with the book "Born to Run". The main idea is that the human foot has evolved to be very effective at ...
32
votes
12answers
5k views
What are the downsides of minimalist running shoes?
Over the past few years, barefoot (or close to it) running has become extremely popular. New Balance, Nike, Saucony, and I'm sure more have come out with minimal shoes, not to mention the Vibram Five ...
19
votes
16answers
18k views
How do I avoid stench with my Vibram Five Fingers?
FiveFingers are great shoes for running, hiking, and general lounging. I believe that running barefoot has improved my fitness and also general running ability -- even with conventional shoes. But ...
8
votes
5answers
826 views
Can I run barefeet on asphalt?
Can I run barefoot on asphalt concrete to the nearest park (1km) without damaging my feet? I'd do this every other day.
I've been running 2-5km three times a week for a year running barefeet, except ...
6
votes
3answers
764 views
Are there any compelling reasons to not engage in bare-foot weight lifting
As I understand it there is a general recommendation towards wearing weight lifting shoes when lifting heavy weights for three main reasons:
Less compression in a weight lifting shoe's than in a ...
6
votes
3answers
507 views
Does running in Vibrams (or some other minimalist shoes) make you run faster?
I have been running for about 20 years, mostly 10-21 km over the past few years. This past year I've transitioned into running in Vibrams - in the simplest model I found - and about two month ago I ...
5
votes
2answers
9k views
Pain in the top of my foot
I'm having some minor (uncomfortable) pain in the outside top of my right foot (think around the inferior peroneal retinaculum or the inferior extensor retinaculum near the external malleolus). It ...
4
votes
4answers
261 views
Do the calves/achilles muscles become especially sensitive when barefoot running?
I've been running in vibrams for around a year, gradually increasing speed and distance (to about 12 km)(a longer description of how I moved into vibrams is in this question). A few days ago I felt a ...
4
votes
3answers
1k views
Are barefoot shoes suitable for multi-terrain obstacle courses?
I'm planning on doing the Warrior Dash later this year. It is a 3.2 mile (5K) race course through mountainous terrain, mud, and water. In addition, there will also be obstacles along the way such as:
...
