Is running barefoot the solution?

 Posted by on 12 August 2009  Modern Life
Aug 122009
 

Ever since I started really training for the half-marathon that Keith and I ran in the spring, I’ve been dealing with on-again, off-again foot pain. I’ve been reading about how you can build foot strength and flexibility by running barefoot, and in my limited tests, I can see how it would really help.

But I’m not about to go running through glass and gravel to eliminate foot pain, right? So I’ve been thinking about buying a pair of Vibram Five Fingers. They’re like a cross between sandals, socks and gloves.

A review in the Guardian is ambivalent, but some people really like them:

I’d be curious if anyone out there has personal experience. Are they worth it?

Grant Hamilton

  • http://www.absurdintellectual.com/ Amy Breen

    I remember listening to an account on cbc from a guy who was an avid runner taking them out. His overall thought was “meh” and said he’d prefer running with shoes. I guess it’s all preference, though.

    • http://www.absurdintellectual.com/ Grant Hamilton

      I noticed a guy at Brandon Folk Fest wearing a pair — he seemed to like them, but he took them off when it was time go ‘really’ go barefoot.

      At the time, I didn’t really pay much attention — I thought they were more like water shoes than something you could use to run or hike in.

      That was also before I found out you can’t buy them at retail in Canada yet — except *maybe* at the Mountain Equipment Co-op in Vancouver. You can order them online, though.

  • Stumpy

    I’m a skeptic – if these shoes mimic the experience of barefootedness, why not just do things barefoot?

    My brother has a pair of these, and I was impressed at the combination of lightness and support —-> http://walking.about.com/od/prshoe/gr/nikefreerun.htm.

  • http://www.absurdintellectual.com/ Grant Hamilton

    I think the idea is to have it biomechanically the same as running barefoot, but with a thick sole that protects your foot from glass and gravel, etc.

    I’ve heard about the Nike Frees before — I’m curious about them, but they still look like they have too much (in my opinion) cushioning on the heel for real barefoot-style running

  • http://www.absurdintellectual.com/ Grant Hamilton

    Also, I can’t believe no one’s commented on the video yet! If this keeps up, I might just post it by itself :P

  • Juel

    The video is hilarious!

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