Cure all Running Injuries (and Pain) with One Simple Fix….Barefoot Running
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Are Running Injuries natural or just Man-Made?
Running is more popular than ever nowadays with 5-10ks/marathons happening all the time, not too mention how many recreational people go for a run before or after work (nothing like just getting outside and connecting with our primal self in nature!)
Does this really look like a natural way we were meant to run....with springs?
But what are we also seeing? Running injuries on the rise (especially knee pain)….so much that there is whole industry that just caters to those running injuries including 100s of special running shoes, all sorts of knee braces, expensive custom shoe inserts, and what seems to be an orthopedic surgeon on every corner.
Seriously, if running is naturally this destructive then why aren’t some other nations that spend their life running daily in wheelchairs for life?
Doctors and other people treating runners with injuries are quick to blame muscle imbalances, inflexibility issues, or even some “genetic” (the biggest cop out in modern medical treatment) disorder to your foot. While some of the issues may be true, the question becomes how do you fix or prevent them.
The biggest question however may just be what if our modern attempts at making a “better way to run” was in fact just taking us in the other direction? What if we are doing this to ourselves?
One Simple Solution…Barefoot Running
Maybe it’s time to just “forget everything we know”….maybe it’s time to realize what is really ruining running (by the author of Born to Run, seen in video below also)….maybe it’s time to wipe the slate clean and get back to basics.
I’d been plagued by running injuries my entire adult life. I’d seen the best sports-medicine physicians and podiatrists in the country, and they’d all prescribed the same fruitless formula of orthotics, ice, and injections. Nothing and no one could cure me. So a few years ago, I looked elsewhere: to a tiny tribe of super-athletes in Mexico, who taught me that it’s not running that’s dangerous — it’s running shoes.
Some researchers suggest that running shoes actually cause the very injuries they’re supposed to prevent. That idea has been out there for more than a decade, but it’s gaining force, thanks to the work of Daniel Lieberman, a professor of anthropology at Harvard University who’s been studying the biomechanics of the foot and the evolution of human running. Before the invention of the modern running shoe, runners couldn’t land on their heels — it was simply too painful. Doing so in today’s shoes leads to excessive foot rolling, known as overpronation.
“A lot of foot and knee injuries that are currently plaguing us are actually caused by people running with shoes that actually make our feet weak, cause us to overpronate, give us knee problems,” Lieberman said on Australian radio last year. “Until 1972, when the modern athletic shoe was invented by Nike, people ran in very thin-soled shoes, had strong feet, and probably had much lower incidents of knee injuries.”
So how do the Tarahumara, running in shoes that barely qualify as shoes, do it? Three years ago, I trekked into the Copper Canyons of Mexico in search of the secret. And once I learned how to run barefoot-style — landing on the balls of the feet, while keeping my feet directly under my hips — like the Tarahumara, my ailments suddenly disappeared. Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, sore knees — all gone.
from an article in the Wall Street journal comes this tidbit:
There isn’t a lot of scientific study on barefoot training. Research has shown that wearing shoes to exercise takes more energy, and that barefoot runners use about 4% less oxygen than shod runners. Other studies suggest barefoot athletes naturally compensate for the lack of cushioning and land more softly than runners in shoes, putting less shock and strain on the rest of the body. Barefoot runners also tend to land in the middle of their foot, which can improve running form and reduce injury.
One series of studies from Canadian researchers concluded that heavily cushioned shoes were more likely to cause injury than simpler shoes. They also concluded that more expensive athletic shoes accounted for twice as many injuries as cheaper shoes.
Wired has this story about some Nike researchers looking for a better running shoe….and make a startling discovery:
During the course of their conversations with athletes and coaches, some Nike designers ended up talking to Vin Lananna, who was then the track coach at Stanford University. While discussing the Stanford program and his success there (Lananna’s 2002 men’s track and field team won the school’s first NCAA outdoor title since 1934), Lananna mentioned the unusual training he did with his athletes: He had them run on grass without shoes.
“He said that it kept his athletes stronger and healthier, and prevented injuries,” recalls Tobie Hatfield, senior engineer for advanced products at the Nike Innovation Kitchen. “And since they were injured less, they could train more. He was sure this training was giving them an edge.”
Nike researchers brought in 10 men and 10 women to run barefoot on grass to see exactly how the body reacts without shoes on. They were videotaped with high-speed cameras to capture their movements, they had reflective markers attached to their joints to allow easy calculation of joint angles during their stride, and they even had wafer-thin pressure sensors attached to the bottoms of their feet to measure their impact with the earth.
At the end of the experiment, Nike had the most comprehensive picture of the biomechanics of barefoot running ever developed.
“There was a very unique pressure pattern that came from running on grass,” says Jeff Pisciotta, a senior researcher and biomechanist at Nike’s Sports Research Lab. “Everything was happening at the ankle and the foot, that’s where we saw the changes. There was a much greater range of motion at the ankle and foot as well. It was like an airplane coming in for a smooth landing — they were using the whole foot, very naturally.”
(Above is a video of barefoot running by Erwan Le Corre, who some have called one of the fittest men in the world…and the founder of MovNat. Now that looks like fun!)
Stiff Shoes = Weak Feet = Injuries = Pain
It all boils down to the simple equation that if you put your feet in a stiff shoe, you are not going to use all the muscles in your feet. What happens when you don’t use muscles? They get weak. Add an addition unnatural stride (heel striking) with weak feet and you create instability at the base of your body (your feet hitting the ground). That translates up your knees, legs, back and creates compensary movements (such as overpronation) and injuries.
Put your arm in a cast for a couple months…take it out…and does it have the same muscle mass as your other arm? Nope.
Now look at stiff running shoes (and inserts) as a cast for your foot….don’t expect your feet muscles to be well developed compared to using nothing at all. I learned this personally from over 30 years of playing ice hockey (very stiff skates), and the result was weak ankles and feet that I am improving daily now by wearing flexible sandals and running barefoot.
If your foundation (feet) is weak, don’t expect the rest of the house (body) to be too sturdy either!
Get out and Play Pain Free!
Some people want long drawn out explanations or a series of complicated and time consuming rehab exercises to do daily….when all they need is a simple solution.
You can start by:
- Walking more naturally/barefoot and then let your feet start adjusting to the movement. This can be done around the house or even walking around your backyard. You could also get rid of the stiff shoes and find more naturally flexible alternative (see below), even just switching to simple/flexible sandals to use daily.
- Then you can move to small barefoot/Vibram (see below) running sessions on grass at a local field/park/beach. Let the ground cushion your stride and let your natural built in running patterns emerge. Or just go out on your front yard and walk around barefoot…enjoy the movement and feeling of solid earth underneath your toes.
It is wise to start slow and not over do it. Remember that your foot muscles are probably very weak from neglect, and if you try to go run a 5k right away you may just be hobbling for the next week (muscle pain). Take it slow and progress with your running as you can, but I highly suggest to start with more walking first. Build up your strength and muscular endurance little bit at a time and you wont be so sore (like any workout for your muscles).
From there where and how often you run is up to you….but forget the complicated solutions that aren’t doing you any good (but fueling a huge industry built around them). Imagine how much money you can save if you never will need any special shoes, inserts, or treatment again! You don’t need to buy tons of books or attend expensive seminars to get back to your natural movement either….you just need to step outside and walk/run as you were meant to.
While I am not going to probably run 100% barefoot on a trail or down the street, I can get as close as possible by getting a pair of the Vibram Five Fingers. Or for those needing more “dressier” looking shoes there is the Vivo Barefoot series. Or if you are on a budget just get the “cheapest” and most flexible shoes you can find with little cushioning on the soles (remember those Chuck Taylors we all loved?).
UPDATE: Or make your own original Huarache Running Sandals.
So the next time you see someone “hobbling” down the road with fancy running shoes, specially made inserts, knee braces and a painful look on their face….do them a favor and tell them to throw their sneakers in the trash and get back to basics.
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OK, I got to get a pair, thanks guys, another 80 bucks for gear………………………….
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Mike OD Reply:
But hopefully the last pair of shoes you will ever buy….that and barefoot is always free too!
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Great post as always.
One piece of advice for your readers… START SLOW
You’re feet need to remember what’s natural….
If you start slow, your body will be able to slowly adjust to it’s natural running gait.
I love my five fingers……but love barefoot even more
Marc
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I’d really appreciate it, Mike, if you can find some company that makes shoes for businesswear that don’t look conspicuous and use the ‘barefoot’ model.
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MC – Try Vivo Barefoot by Terra Plana. http://www.terraplana.com
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Mike OD Reply:
AS – Great link thanks! Going to add that to the main article!
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Been gradually getting barefoot for about 3 months. Started by walking the dogs barefoot. Added some soccer field sprints. Now have progressed to about 4 miles running barefoot. The freedom is amazing. Oh yes, I wear Vibram 5 Fingers most of the rest of the time, they are amazing.
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I now have two pairs of Vibram Fiver Fingers and I l-o-v-e them. And I’m not even very athletic. But I have a bunion on one foot that began in my teens, so I have always worn “sensible” supportive shoes. Over the years my feet became weaker and even more ’sensitive”, requiring ever more expensive sensible shoes. Wearing my VFF a few hours a week as I go about my day has already strengthened my foot and toe muscles quite a bit. I can now flex and stretch apart my toes in ways I couldn’t before. I can also walk barefoot around the house longer without developing tired arches. I thinking about trying some nearly barefoot shoes like Tom’s Shoes, too, so I can continue to give my toes and foot muscles the contact they need with the ground, yet not attract strange comments about my footwear. Luckily I am able to dress casually nearly all the time.
My husband is now intrigued by the VFF and thinking about getting a pair himself for yard work and outdoor leisure activities.
I’e love to get our very athletic and active 5th grade son in some VFFs (if they come in US men’s size 5 equivalent), but he’s very resistant when I mention it. He prefers skateboard sneakers (he’s far too image conscious, IMO). He was just diagnosed with chronic/recurring Achilles’ tendonitis condition, so he’s starting Physical Therapy and is sitting out half the soccer season to let it rest and heal. The PT said his entire left leg is weaker due to the tendonitis. I can’t help but think he should be walking around with some VFFs some of the time instead of the awful clunky skateboard sneakers. What’s a mother to do?
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I purchased a pair of five fingers a year ago and to my dismay cannot go more than half a mile without getting horrible blisters. I am prone to them in most shoes, but usually am ok with decent running shoes because of the padding. Any ideas on how to fix this? I am desperate
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Mike OD Reply:
@ Marissa – That stinks…you could try something simple like baby powder (to absorb moisture). I’m guessing unless there are special thin 5 fingered socks out there meant to be used with them, that is out. Here’s an interesting site with “toe socks” http://www.sockdreams.com/_shop/pages/socks_cat_CategoryID_91.php although never used any with Vibram so can’t vouch if they work. If they make any pantyhose with the toes in them, that is the easiest option (cut the higher part off and leave the foot part). That’s an old hockey trick for guys that skated barefoot.
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Bruce R Reply:
I have a pair of VFFs and I bought some toe socks that are thin enough to be worn with them, as I was afraid of getting blisters while working out. The brand of the sock is “Injinji”
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VFF has new models coming out as soon as the end of this month, including kangaroo leather for the fall then models specifically for trekking/hiking and then running (I think these aren’t available until the winter). The colors are wonderful too! Our store claims that the current models weren’t truly meant for running and VFF really specializes in the soles so you could have a whole line of VFF for your closet this year!
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Oooh, I hope the kangaroo leather model has a pocket!
Hmmm, kangaroo meat is pretty primal and delicious. I never thought about it being made into leather, but it makes sense to use it.
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I love my Vibrams! Problem is I never want to take them off. Been getting a lot of people staring at my feet lately…
I’ve been running/walking/hiking in mine for about 3 months now, and it never fails to give my calves a pump. When I used to workout in a normal gym (I’m a proud member of crossfit now, so I guess I’m deranged!), I would try to work my calves doing raises etc… to the effect of little result. In 3 months of wearing Vibrams, and no specific calf exercises, they’ve gained considerable mass. I also like the fact they make my feet tickle, I never knew walking could be so pleasurable!
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do you think running surfaces have anything to do with injuries? e.g. when i usually run it is on a concrete path, i have a toddler so am using a stroller as well so can’t easily run on the grass as an alternative, but i wouldn’t want to run on the path barefoot whereas the people in tribes wouldn’t have any concrete paths to run on!
am looking at finding some better shoes, do you know if they have these available in Australia?
Elle
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Great article and site Mike. I have found that many fitness activities involving whole body movement can really be improved by practicing them barefoot. I workout barefoot for all my fitness training and tend to plump for the Vivo Aqua unless I am rock or scree running then I prefer the Vibram Fivetoes for the purchase they give.
One bit of advice is that these shoes give little shock absorbancy so take great care if road running or on hard surfaces. Personaly I try to stick to soft surfaces whenever possible. Our bodys didnt evolve running on concrete.
Also like to add training with your feet au natural is the best but this is not always posible or safe. They make me wear shoes in the local gym for H&S reasons. The park keeper hasn’t caught me yet so I workout barefoot in the park a lot..
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@Elle running surfaces do have something to do with it–it’s best to run barefoot on grass or transition with something like Nike Frees–but it’s also true that running barefoot will change your running form if you do it as practice (rather than as your main exercise, since it takes months to be able to “exercise” rather than simply practice barefoot or in VFFs).
Some other research not specifically mentioned:
Dr. Tim Noakes of _The Lore of Running_ fame has a 2004 study which found that POSE running (similar to barefoot-style running) can reduce eccentric load on the knee 50%:
http://www.posetech.com/library/dr-02-04-004.html
Also Dr. Cobb pointed to this study on barefoot walking:
“Walking barefoot decreases loading on the lower extremity joints in knee osteoarthritis”
http://www.zhealth.net/node/372
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/112775868/abstract
When I explain barefoot versus shod training, I think of the dimensions of training for health versus for training for performance. Sure, in the short-term you can probably run further with shoes, optimizing for performance right now, but in the long term your feet / knees / hips will be better if you learn to run properly, and running barefoot on grass is a great self-limiting exercise, as Dr. Gray Cook puts it.
Shoes are quite literally a crutch–sometimes you need crutches to walk but it’s well worth it training to get strong enough to be able to walk without them, if you can!
Unfortunately, there aren’t great resources yet for systematically getting into barefoot or VFF work. We periodize our strength training, but not our footwork? I’ve been very curious what works better for novices, since it’s clear what to recommend except to go slowly. Right now I’m cross-training VFF and Nike Free v3.0r2 and that works for me, but I’m barefoot on grass whenever I have the chance (not an easy option for everyone).
Author of http://bit.ly/born2run actually now suggests people go immediately to barefoot to see the difference, and then get to the easing part (listen to the StrengthCoach.com podcast episode 38 for that rec.) soon after to build strength in your feet.
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Marissa
Your story is a lot like mine. One of the reasons I wanted to do barefoot is that my
feet were so sissy. But years of making them soft could not be overcome overnight.
10 or 15 minutes walking barefoot on grass was all I could take in the beginning. The first time I did 10 minutes of running on soft grass, I got blisters. So it was back to some barefoot time every day. About a month of conditioning and the world opened up. Do not be discouraged. Consider it a process worth the effort.
Also, Injinji socks help a lot.
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“Injinji socks help a lot.”
My Vibrams don’t fit over the Injinji toe socks because I bought them sized for barefeet. I’m thinking about getting a pair of VFF one size bigger for wearing with the socks in cooler weather.
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OK, I’m waiting for new model and maybe new colors, but will buy Trek and maybe one other model. Have to drive an hour to find local shop to insure fit.
Jay
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I started to run barefoot, because I got very often injured, and why? Because I overpronated with shoes on, I don’t overpronate barefoot at all. But another change happened: I started to run without goals, obsessions about time, speed , showing off, results….etc. I makes sooo much more fun to enjoy all those different textures of the underground: mud, water, sand, horse shit, fakir asphalt, grass…also it allows to run in fractals: very much variation, no linear running (that’s sooo boring) and as long as it’s not a hype yet…you’ll get very amusing comments by people who are flabbergasted to see you running the natural way….by the way: I tried of course also the VFF, but I don’t like the fact that you can’t feel the earth, that’s my main reason to run barefoot: the joy of the feeling, you don’t have that with any minimal shoe and I tried a lot of them, because I need shoes in our Winter here in Holland……I personally find it way too exaggerated to protect yourself with VFF, if you build up enough experience and technique, you never need shoes…..having said that, I still wonder why the Tarahumara wear sandals….the plain Indians didn’t wear sandals not do the Native Africans or the Sherpa’s in the Himalaya…..
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Love the idea of barefoot running, I’ve been doing it for about a month now. It really seems to WORK my legs and calves compared to when I was in shoes. Vibrams were a little uncomfortable for me, and the pricetag made me a little hasty as well…
Has anybody tried these?
http://barefootted.com/shop/
They start at 60 bucks and look pretty promising (and not as bizarre!)
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I love the idea of VFFs, but I have a really long second toe and they don’t look like they’ll fit me. Has anyone else successfully dealt with this issue?
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Good post. Hence why in Gymnastics we teach the proper landing principal. Toe-Ball-Heel. And bare feet just feels so naked and free. Just the feeling I like.
But Five Fingers look pretty awesome as well. Here’s the best joint tip though, Running or otherwise… 5g of fish oil per day. Try that for a month and viola. Joint pain/mobility problems magically disappear.
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What a great product. I think I am going to have to invest and refer my patients at the specific chiropractic center to this product as well. Thanks
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I’ve been using Vibrams for about ten months, my first tip would be to just get used to them by walking, gradually increasing distance/time. You find that you develope a natural gait fairly soon, smaller/quicker steps, midfoot strikes rather than heel(whack!)-toe walking. Probably the best way to first start running and get decent running technique (in Vibrams) is to run uphill; run on the front of your feet and avoid heel strikes.
First few times I did this it was at a gentle trot, now I regularly do hill sprints; it did make the first few sprints on flat/gently sloping downhill ground feel a bit like running down an icy cliff, Running ‘barefoot’, I’ve re-discovered the joy of running fast and light; walking just helps to strengthen your legs, back and posture. I can trot faster with little effort much faster than I ever used to jog/run, and the transition between walking to running to sprinting, acceleration feels almost effortless.
I’ve done walking/hiking over some fairly rough broken ground wearing Vibrams, no real problem. I find myself watching wear I tread, but moving with short quick rapid steps, my feet find the best place to land rather than just following the a direct route. I found that I move uphill and downhill faster than if I was wearing even light walking boots. If I want to admire the view, I stop AND admire the view, rather than try do so whilst walking. Walking AND admiring the view at the same time may explain why so many walkers end up with injured ankles, legs, etc, requiring the services of various rescue services, despite the fact they wear all those big clunky boots with all that ‘ankle protection’! ‘Barefoot’ hiking/walking requires an awareness, but one which after the first few times is something you don’t find yourself thinking about, it’s just second nature, or should that be ‘first nature’? You’ll find your balance improves effortlessly, and the prospect of walking across rocks wearing boots with one or two inch thick rubber soles would fill you with dread: think running on stilts across an icy pond!
I do walk barefoot as well as ‘barefoot’, but only really started after my feet/legs had gained from wearing ‘Vibrams’; I have discovered the real joy of being a biped, believe me shoe wearers, you’re just imposters
They can be a bit pricey for many, particularly in the current climate, if you can find a way to get some ‘Vibrams’ “just do it!”, a slogan which convinced many to spend even more money on gigantic cushioned footwear so you could (yeah, in your wildest dreams!) be like Mike (not O’Donnell!). Alternatively, you could be bold and adopt the free option: take off your shoes and socks and be brave! If you chose this option…BE CAREFUL!
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Eegah great tips! I second the “awareness” factor….as it everything becomes much more enjoyable. Who needs an Ipod when you are having too much fun running and jumping with 100% awareness in every step! Thanks for sharing….even if people don’t want to be like me.
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The author of http://bit.ly/born2run and Barefoot Ted are teaching a barefoot running workshop today in Palo Alto! I won’t be able to make it, but I got my VFFs from Zombie Runner here in the Bay Area and they’re great
http://www.zombierunner.com/events/zombierunner_hosted/2009_barefoot_running_clinic/
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I love my VFFs. For my track training, I use a very minimalist road flat because, as Elle pointed out above, we didn’t evolve running on concrete and that’s what tracks are made of (if not rubberized). So I use a lightweight shoe with little support, but just a bit of forefoot padding. I wear my VFFs for hiking/camping and when training on grass.
Cheers
Scott
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Update: See end of article, added link to how you can make your own Huarache running sandals.(or you can get some made/kits at http://barefootted.com/shop/
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[...] Fitness Spotlight on running shoes, injury and pain… [...]
I’ve steered clear of these things for several months now, and I have to say even after reading this article I’m not budging from my position that they look ridiculous! IMO if you want to walk bare feet, then walk bare feet! But hey, I might slowly be coming around… ever so slowly!
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Mike OD Reply:
The speed of the journey matters not….as we all get to where we are going on our own timeframe.
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I have been wearing a pair of Terra Plana – Vivo Barefoot shoes all the time since (except running) January (love them). I have the Vibram Five-Fingers but haven’t transitioned to them yet except for strides and mowing the grass. I have been running all my runs (intervals, track, and distance) in a pair of Puma K Streets. They are pretty minimal and I like the fit better than the H Streets which I also enjoyed.
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As I barefoot runner for nearly 8 years I will attest that unshod running has kept me injury-free and healthy. But we can’t always go barefoot. Skora minimal footwear are launching next year and designed specifically for running. http://www.SkoraRunning.com
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The simpler the shoe (or lack thereof) the better. I’ve always worn high top basketball shoes and suffered lots of ankle injuries. But soccer players run all day long in those super low shoes and don’t have such high incidence of ankle sprains.
One of my friends and basketball buddies played for years with super low shoes (cheap ones – his parents were poor) and he has virtually no ankle injuries..
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@ Yavor – So true about a simple shoe, especially when you consider kids and the developmental stages. I wore stiff hockey skates for 30+ years since I was a kid and had many “running” injuries in the past….stemming from that lack of ankle stability and development. Nowadays I walk around with sandals or barefoot and if I run my injuries are pretty much non existent.
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I love this site! I started running barefoot a year or so ago, after reading about Barefoot Ken Bob, the marathoner. Haven’t had any knee pain since. I also bought some VFFs shortly after that. Love them for hiking. In the gym I wear very thin and light nike track shoes.
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What do you think of generic off-the-shelf water shoes? I’ve heard that they’re actually better than the Vibrams at about a tenth of the price….
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Mike OD Reply:
@ST – Interesting, never thought about those. I imagine worth a shot to see how it goes (only one way to find out right?).
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Ok, I’ve had the VFF’s (kso’s) for about a month. I can run some fast 1/4 and 1/2 miles with no problem (Crossfit). I can run a slow 3 miles on a paved trail. Still end up with sore calves. How long (roughly) does it take to get past the sore calves. I want to run a fast 10k without my calves getting pumped and blown out. I did a fast 2 miles, 2 weeks ago and my calves were wiped out for 5 days. Thanks in advance. Mark
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Mike OD Reply:
@ Mark – I am sure how long it takes to adapt is an individual timeframe depending on how weak/detrained your foot/calf muscles are (kind of like hitting the gym after a 2 year layoff, your muscles will be very sore after the first few workouts). The more your practice, the more they will strengthen up. I would also suggest alot more barefoot “walking” (as that puts less force on the muscles but can build up strength) around the house or whatnot. You don’t want to just go run and then have your calf muscles shot for a week, you want to slowly build up over time. There are other things like “flexibility” issues that can come into play (try a few yoga poses every now and then to help keep your hamstrings/calves more flexible) and also if you are feeling like it is more “muscle cramps” then your diet could be deficient in some minerals like magnesium (many people find success taking ZMA). All in all, some people adapt quickly and others take much longer. The key in the long run is just going to be consistency with it.
@CD – Thanks, really good link and now something I may try as well.
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Matt Reply:
@Mark – be patient. I’ve been running in VFF’s since late December (roughly 2.5 months now) and I experienced a gradual reduction of the sore/tight calves phenomenon. It just takes time. And start with short runs. I started by doing 5 minutes on the treadmill, and ran every other day adding 5 minutes each time for the first two or three weeks. I got up to 2.5 miles on the treadmill and started running in the VFFs outside. I’ve had to build up outside distance very gradually as well. I was comfortably doing 3-4 milers 3 days a week until two weeks ago, when I ran for an hour and a half and did 8.5 miles. I really irritated a tendon at the inside of my ankle. So my advice is advance slowly. (The good news is I don’t get sore calves anymore.)
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Here’s a link talking about water shoes for natural running:
http://www.barefootrunner.com/2009/03/review-wateraqua-shoes/
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I love the vibram footwear – have had a pair for quite some time now and cant rate them highly enough. I used to suffer with particularly tight calves but switching seems to have helped a great deal.
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@mindbodygoal: Do you think it’s just switching to a natural running style which has helped you the most, or do you think there is something particularly helpful about the Vibram design relative to water shoes?
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I got a pair of the Five Fingers this summer, and love them. They took some time to get use to, and had to slowly build up my distance running. But now I can go out and run in them with no problem! And I do most of my workouts at CrossFit864 with them on.
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how about the mbt barefoot shoe?
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[...] You Walk Wrong, The painful truth about trainers: Are running shoes a waste of money?, Cure all Running Injuries (and Pain) with One Simple Fix….Barefoot Running [...]
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