Barefoot running: Or how I learned to stop hurting my knees and start winning

**3moose1** · Posted On: 9/03/2011 2:41pm

Anyone else do barefoot or minimalist shoe running? I started a while back after someone told me it would help me with my terrible knee problems. After a metric fuckload of research, I learned that by hitting "heel-ball-toe" I was transmitting alot of force up into my knee, which was probably causing all of my knee injuries.

Ever since I ran to minimalist and barefoot running (ala vibrams and just plain not wearing shoes) and my stride changed, I haven't had any knee problems, other then when I wear normal shoes. Only sad thing is, I haven't been doing it for very long (off/on for a few months, just started minimalist shoe running exclusively) my speed isn't there.

Just some tips:

Start slow, because you're gonna be sore the next day. Your feet and calves will have been worked in a way they probably haven't ever been. Just start easy, a mile or less until you're used to it.

Jesus christ your achilles and calves will hurt. Just be ready for that. Ibuprofin or motrin, **** tylenol or aspirin.

If you're wearing Vibrams, dont' tighten the top strap too tight. Adjust the top strap while standing, not sitting. If it's too tight, it can lead to top of the foot pain, and tendonitis.

**doofaloofa** · Posted On: 9/03/2011 2:52pm

You must have soles like shoe leather

Running bare foot, after a lifetime of shoes must hurt like a muthafuka
just walking around bare foot is sore enough for me!

**3moose1** · Posted On: 9/03/2011 2:58pm

they are actually really soft, not callousy or anything. I haven't been doing it for very long.

You've gotta work up to it, i guess. I started in vibram's five finger shoes,a nd worked to barefoot. Most people do the other way. I'd walk around barefoot for a bit to toughen up your girl feet.

**doofaloofa** · Posted On: 9/03/2011 3:08pm

i have a habit of cutting the callouses off my big toe, and the bunion area of my little toe, with nail clippers

i like to eat the dead skin...yum

How would you walking around barefoot toughen up my girl feet?

**3moose1** · Posted On: 9/03/2011 3:41pm

osmosis.

**elipson** · Posted On: 9/03/2011 3:46pm

I like the idea, but since I don't have problems with my knees or ankles, and I enjoy the way i run right now, why fix what aint broken?

It's a good idea if you have issues though.

**wizwar31** · Posted On: 9/03/2011 3:47pm

i've been trying to transition into barefoot running for a while now but i keep pulling the tendon underneath my foot (going from the big toe to the heel) causing cramping and pain

i just need to stop and heal the foot. I usually have IBS along my left hip and since i've started the fore/mid foot strike instead of the heel toe strike, the pain has lessened a lot so i would recommend barefoot running. just dont be overzealous and injure yourself like i did.

**3moose1** · Posted On: 9/03/2011 3:55pm

Originally Posted by elipson

I like the idea, but since I don't have problems with my knees or ankles, and I enjoy the way i run right now, why fix what aint broken?

It's a good idea if you have issues though.

Indeed. Although, alot of people recommend mixing in one barefoot run a week for people with shoes, as it helps strengthen up feet and lower legs.

Must be nice not having injuries :(