Minimal vs. Barefoot

Running Shoes/Running Gear Shoes

6 years ago 08/13/2017 4:14pm EDT

I'm wondering how the benefits vary between running in minimal shoes (like Vibram Fivefingers, huarache sandals, etc.) and completely barefoot.

I know that minimal shoes do provide protection from the ground, but hinder proprioception slightly. And barefoot running increases the chance of stepping on something sharp, and require extra-thick skin in order to handle abrasive hard surfaces.

Which is better for everyday running? I'm used to running without cushion but my skin can't handle pavement running quite yet. Is using minimal shoes going to be more dangerous than going barefoot, or vice versa?

6 years ago 08/13/2017 4:47pm EDT

re: barefut

You should just wear shoes and stop being a moran.

Would you run around naked all the time if you could?

6 years ago 08/13/2017 5:04pm EDT

re: apes do we don't

I just run barefoot on clean grass/turf, and use racing flats for other surfaces, and even normal cushioned trainers a few times/week. The mix feels better to me overall.

6 years ago 08/13/2017 6:42pm EDT

re: Athletico

Athletico wrote:
I just run barefoot on clean grass/turf, and use racing flats for other surfaces, and even normal cushioned trainers a few times/week. The mix feels better to me overall.

Yes a balance of shoe weights is best. Racing flats, if replaced regularly is the smartest option.

6 years ago 08/13/2017 6:49pm EDT

re: barefut

Made the switch to minimalist shoes due to a sever case of plantar fasciitis in both feet. Run almost exclusively trail and don't suggest barefoot for that because of possible cuts on rocks, etc. but if you only run on grass, my guess I barefoot is fine.

6 years ago 08/13/2017 6:52pm EDT

re: OregonSteepler

OregonSteepler wrote:
Made the switch to minimalist shoes due to a sever case of plantar fasciitis in both feet. Run almost exclusively trail and don't suggest barefoot for that because of possible cuts on rocks, etc. but if you only run on grass, my guess I barefoot is fine.

Pavement gives you better "bang for your buck" in terms of barefoot running, and I wouldn't suspect that there are too many places to get cut on pavement. But you never know.

6 years ago 08/13/2017 6:54pm EDT

re: barefut

I would agree with that...

6 years ago 08/13/2017 8:46pm EDT

re: barefut

It's all a matter of what you are trying to get out of it. If the goal is to improve running form and strengthen foot muscles to prevent injury, then running truly barefoot is much better than running in minimalist shoes. If the goal is to get in a challenging workout or amass a significant amount of volume, shoes are pretty much a necessity unless you've been doing the barefoot thing for a long, long time. The balance I've found is, weather allowing, to do a few easy runs, some strides and an occasional rep workout barefoot each week with the bulk of my running in padded but low or zero-drop shoes.

6 years ago 08/13/2017 8:59pm EDT

re: barefut

I would recommend in this day and age running with whatever shoes make you most comfortable. However, I would keep running barefoot to a minimum (no pun intended) hence you should only do a couple barefoot sprints on a grass surface after an easy run or a long run if you're going for feet strengthening and dorsiflexion.

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Minimal vs. Barefoot

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