Comments on: Born Free: Barefoot Running

By: Meghan

Meghan — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 18:14:38 +0000

I hope this finds you all well.

Saw the news this morning about the tsumani warnings.

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By: Hope

Hope — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 15:50:27 +0000

Just came across this article, and wanted to add my experience with VFF. I have flat feet and I pronate. For years, I’ve tried running in fits and spurts, but always ended up with knee pain to intense to keep the running up. When I can across VFFs, I figured I’d give running yet another try. It worked! I’ve been running for months now with no pain. It’s amazing – running is finally everything I’d hoped it could be!

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By: Michelle Sommers

Michelle Sommers — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 19:06:42 +0000

I had to begin barefoot running on the beach this summer since all the sand replenishment has made the beach too soft & slopey for wearing shoes. It was strange at first, with a few days of sore calves, but after that it seems to be fine. Definitely a different way of running & I feel like it’s a completely different workout. We do not have a lot of shells or sharp objects to worry about in our area so it really is the only way to continue my beach running like I enjoy. I have actually enjoyed running barefoot by the water’s edge & into the shallow surf – salt water is great for everything!

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By: Cathy

Cathy — Mon, 17 May 2010 13:02:05 +0000

While barefoot running on beaches does pose risks, in the form of rocks, sharp grasses, etc. I would like to caution those who run on golf courses and grassy areas to think about the high pesticide use in creating lush grasses, you may be exposing yourself to deadly chemicals which are readily absorbed by the skin on your feet.

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By: Kim DeAnda

Kim DeAnda — Fri, 14 May 2010 13:32:20 +0000

I have been trail running in the dunes, mountains and washes of Arizona, dancing (zumba) for 2 hours a day and hiking from Florida to California ALL in the Vibram 5 fingers and it has CHANGED MY LIFE. The occasional bruise on the bottom of the foot is the only pain I EVER feel anymore from working out (except from being the usual sore from pushing the limits of course). With regular tennis shoes my hips, shins and knees were constantly sore, I couldn’t even get a pedicure because no one could touch my shins.
It took a while for my feet and ankle muscles to build up and I agree with breaking your feet in first. I was terribly sore!
We do 6 to 7 miles a day in the desert, even my dog wears her vibrams! I highly recommend barefoot running.

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By: Sam K.

Sam K. — Fri, 14 May 2010 12:19:20 +0000

Barefoot is awesome, running home from work I did 2 miles, then took my shoes off when I got to the side of a bike path and I felt renewed! Mud squishing through my toes, I had a permenant grin on my face! Did another mile, then did the same thing yesterday. I had energy I never knew I had! Born to Run is a must read for everyone! I am working on pavement as I too live in a northern midwest city, and have VFF’s but actual barefoot was too cool!
Has anyone noticed that no one wants to make eye contact with the crazy barefoot woman?

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By: serena garcia

serena garcia — Thu, 13 May 2010 22:16:43 +0000

I love running in my vibrams! I hadn’t run very much in the last year and really did start from scratch running in them…reduced speed and reduced time initially. Time and speed have increased quickly, but I do have tight and sore calves everyday after I run. I do not run on my heels anymore which happens to make for a much happier running experience for me. I hated shopping for running shoes, but I will never trade my vibrams for anything! I have always had weak ankles and calves and they are much stronger after only a month of running in them. My suggestion for running in vibrams is to start very slow so as not to stress your feet and ankles even if you are used to running several miles at a time. Happy running!

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By: ellen

ellen — Thu, 13 May 2010 20:27:00 +0000

Read/loved Born to Run. Had tried barefoot running on our FL beaches years before thinking I was doing it “right.” Stress fractured 3rd metatarsal arch. Pretty flat-footed and after a life time (57) of running in orthotics and cushioned shoes, I believe I just needed more time to adjust and tried it too quickly. I’ve tried a few more times since, took a Chi Running class (highly recommend if you are serious about barefoot running) and learned a lot. But I still get a pretty sharp pain in one calf and knee pain in the other when I go barefoot. I may need to take it even slower…so a word of caution if my mistakes help you begin. BTW, my podiatrists over the years have been great, but they tend to think the barefooters are surgeries or accidents waiting to happen. Trying to find a happy medium and transition is the key. I’m waiting for that book. :)

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By: Debbie

Debbie — Thu, 13 May 2010 19:34:37 +0000

I haven’t tried barefoot running- I live in the city. However, I bought a pair of Newton shoes last summer. They are designed with little support- they are very light and have a bit of cushion at the ball of your foot for propulsion forward. I loved them from the get-go! I’ve had my best marathon and 1/2 marathon times ever, and no injuries since. I even got my husband to try them and he agrees. I’ve run for 27 years and these shoes have really increased my love for it. I have intentions of trying the Five-Fingers…if I can leave my Newtons.

Like: 1

By: Christi

Christi — Thu, 13 May 2010 18:02:51 +0000

Thanks for the encouragement! I live close to the beach and run on the sand during low tide. It’s nice and flat – you don’t have to worry so much about the weird angles straining one side and not the other that come from the higher pitch and shorter beach of high tide in our area.

I’ve had some athletically inclined people give me “the look” when I answer yes to the barefoot question. Now I can tell them there is research out there to support barefoot running and the benefits you can reap.

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