Top products from r/BarefootRunning

We found 39 product mentions on r/BarefootRunning. We ranked the 192 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.

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Top comments that mention products on r/BarefootRunning:

u/LigerRider · 5 pointsr/BarefootRunning

Exactly this. It's not about toughening up the skin, but rather improving barefoot running form form. My feet are now more soft and supple than when I did everything shod.

To lessen the friction, try not to propel forward with your calf group, instead think of your femur being pulled posteriorly, thus moving you forward. The hamstrings and hip extensors are much larger and stronger than the smaller plantarflexors of the calf, thus more efficient, durable, and longer to fatigue. Springing forward with a toe-off will often lead to blisters of the forefoot. Also in effort to avoid a propelling toe-off, try to lift the foot off the ground all at once, instead rolling off heel first, then midfoot, forefoot/toes. You'll not likely fully accomplish this, but if you are focusing on this, and it sorta feels like you're doing this, then you likely are, but to a lesser degree than it feels like you are, but that can be enough. I try to make it feel like my fore/midfoot is just kissing the ground, focusing on that contact feeling like it's happening behind my me, expecting/hoping that in actuality I'm contacting the ground directly below me. The more the ground contact is forward from the point directly below you, the more friction and blisters will occur. Think of it this way...for every inch forward of the point directly beneath you the foot/ground contact will have a braking effect on your forward momentum, and this has to first be experienced as a sheering force of the skin and concrete, and you can attest to which deteriorate first. (an extreme visual is a pole vaulter jamming the pole into that hole in the ground).

In regards to the toe tip...in addition to the above, try to dorsiflex your toes upward as the foot touches the ground until it leaves the ground. Same thing, you won't truly accomplish this, but the intention and the "it feels like I'm doing it" means I probably am a little, and usually that's enough.

I run almost entirely on city streets and sidewalks with one rule that I won't compromise...never run with discomfort (joint, tendon/ligament, skin) from a previous run. I may try to run through a simple low-grade muscle soreness, but not often. There's a good reasoning to not involve any sort of weaning off of shoes, and progressively switching to barefoot (see Ken Bob's book linked below). I went cold turkey and it was almost completely without incident beyond the initial blisters from sloppy freshman form, and a little achilles tenderness from 45 years of mostly being on vacation. Now cardio is my only nemesis...well, also those damned half-eaten acorns the squirrels drop onto the sidewalk. I also learned to avoid street/sidewalks on recycling pickup days due to glass.
Ken Bob Saxton's book, Barefoot Running Step by Step is incredibly helpful in technique, and is very readable.


Hauraches are better than shoes IMHO, no shoes at all is best. I wear Xeros DIY style hauraches, but only when the asphalt becomes too hot, or a race course involves some hateful gravel sections.


u/Ch3llieBelly · 2 pointsr/BarefootRunning

These Tactical Research Mini-Mil's were the only ones that I could find that were truly slip resistant and minimalist. I love them. I have been wearing them for 3-4 months now at two different restaurants and have not had any problems with slippage or from my managers saying anything about them. They also just look like a nice pair of shoes when wearing pants because they cover the top portion that looks like a military boot. The bottom portion looks like a dressy casual shoe.

u/rodneypuckman · 2 pointsr/BarefootRunning

In the Barefoot Running Step by Step book, Barefoot Ken Bob talks about a friend who uses Plasti Dip to coat the bottom of his socks. Plasti Dip is just liquid rubber so once it dries the socks will have a light layer of protection/padding on the bottom.

Apparently these allow for a more barefoot-like feel of the road as compared to VFF or Minimal shoes and they allow you to run in the winter while still being as close to barefoot as possible. The best part is you choose the socks that fit you best or that you want to use (can even use toe socks). The book suggests wearing the socks when you coat them (use a foam paint brush) which means hanging out in a well ventilated area for 45 min. or so.

For less than $10 you can get a jar of Plasti Dip and a pair of socks, and the jar will last for multiple pairs of socks. Sounds like a good deal to me, I've been thinking about trying it.

EDIT I missed the part where you can't wear the VFFs at work and are looking for a replacement. The rubber coated socks probably aren't a good solution for your problem.

u/slmotivated · 3 pointsr/BarefootRunning

That's a great deal for the Bikilas! I've been running in mine for about a year now and I love them. As long as you start slow and get used to the new form, I think they're really good for you. I had some pretty bad knee and shin issues when I was running in traditional shoes, and all of that went away with my Vibrams.

If you haven't already checked it out and are interested, you should check out Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. It's a really interesting book for a runner.

u/culpfiction · 1 pointr/BarefootRunning

I had plantar fasciitis from transitioning too quickly to barefoot running with an over-pronated left foot.

​

The biggest thing for me was making a conscious effort to have a neutral ankle position while walking all day. Rather than favoring the ball of my foot, I'd favor the outside of my foot for weight distribution. This also relieved PF pain, so maybe that helped.

They also sell metatarsal pads and arch pads that can be worn while barefoot or in minimal shoes. I recommend trying those as it sort of forces your foot into a neutral position.

​

Certainly working on mobility/stretching and foam rolling your ankles, calves, thighs every day can't hurt either. So you can be sure that your ankles aren't trying to compensate for some other mobility issue up the chain. Best of luck!

u/Waksman · 2 pointsr/BarefootRunning

I live/run in a city too. I have these and love them:
http://www.amazon.com/Merrell-Mens-Ascend-Glove-Trail-Running/dp/B00B98NFAE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425785059&sr=8-1&keywords=Merrell+ascend+glove
They have a bit more padding than some other minimal shoes (6mm, so still not a ton) and find having just a bit of padding is nice. I'm also considering getting a pair of Merrell vapor gloves (zero padding) which I've heard good things about. I'm a lot newer runner than you but I find these (Ascend) to be super comfortable up to the half-marathon distance that I've done.

u/auratus1985 · 3 pointsr/BarefootRunning

the easy way to fix this is to concentrate on placing your other foot gently, your body automatically should take care of lifting the other foot off of the ground.

most of the running form questions are covered in barefoot ken bob's book Barefoot Running Step by Step

good luck

u/Stowyca · 2 pointsr/BarefootRunning

Barefoot Ken Bobs book has a lot of good advice about barefoot running form. The basic thing I got is to lift your foot almost the instant it lands, and also to curl the toes up before landing.

In practice both of these are nearly impossible or at least very difficult to do, but they're a useful mental cue.

I used to get the same thing, but lately with focus on using lean for forward movement, and the above two prompts (aiming for minimal to no horizontal friction on the foot during the ground phase) I don't have this problem anymore.

This video is also a nice summary of good form, and inspiring barefoot running - https://youtu.be/zSIDRHUWlVo

u/MacheteGuy · 2 pointsr/BarefootRunning

Just chiming in as another vote for vivobarefoot. I've owned 6 different pairs over the years and they're well worth the investment IMHO.

They can wear out a tiny bit faster than some shoes, but only because they're thinner by nature. I suggest saving and buying multiple pairs so you can alternate them. I find that extends their life significantly.

My favorite so far are these, but I'd also recommend these or these.

If you buy the slip-ons keep in mind that vivo shoes run wide by nature so you might need to size accordingly (so they don't slip off).

u/NoontideDemon · 2 pointsr/BarefootRunning

I suggest you check out The Barefoot Running Book. It is a quick read and has most of the best no-nonsense advice I have seen on any book on the topic.

That said I agree with the books author that it is best to start on a hard surface like concerete or asphalt and start totally barefoot. If you really feel like you just have to have shoes after you get the form down and your body makes the necessary adjustments then go try some on and pick one after that. Soft terrain with lots of natural surfaces and obstacles only makes learning the form harder and is harder on your body since the softer ground will eat up some of your energy with each step.

I am of the school of thought that people feel they need transitional shoes because they were brought up from babies with the idea that they need shoes. Basically, I think the market for minimalist shoes is mostly social and phycological. People either don't want to stand out and get some merrals or they do and the get some vibrams, but mostly they get shoes because they are afraid of rocks and broken glass and such; none of which are a big deal if you have a little practice and don't distract yourself with lots of thinking or external stimuli.

I regularly run on asphalt trails in the middle of the night with only the moonshine to light my way and if I ever step on anything my foot just curls around it. In those conditions I am not really able to see small objects on the trail so even without my sight to help I have never cut or punctured my bare feet.

u/ElSherberto · 2 pointsr/BarefootRunning

I think something like this is alluded to in the book Born To Run where the author discusses a tribe with a culture of barefoot minimalist footwear (edit: as JCii pointed out, they use sandals) running who have lower rates of many diseases.

I haven't read the book, only heard what's been said on a Daily Show interview with the author. However, it should be noted that any time you hear something can "boost your immune system", it is always BS, unless it also causes Lupus or other diseases caused by a boosted immune system.

u/MileHighNightClub · 7 pointsr/BarefootRunning

Part of my training as a SI practitioner, I was taught that walking gait is a 4 step process of heel rocker, midfoot rocker, ankle rocker and toe rocker.

Heel touches the ground and start calcaneus tilting medially which leads to mid arch of the foot extend and descend to touch the ground when weight moves from behind the ankle to the front. The final phase is toe flexors are extended creating spring like action when release propelling foot forward.

Higher up in the leg there are myofascial continuities that act as wound up springs, that create the rotational movement which swings the leg back - forth.

Check these out for more details.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Born-Walk-Myofascial-Efficiency-Movement/dp/1905367473/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2EI8GRXUS6CJO&keywords=born+to+walk&qid=1562221339&s=gateway&sprefix=born+to+walk%2Caps%2C140&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gait-Analysis-Normal-Pathological-Function/dp/1556427662/ref=sr_1_2?crid=H8YNGDF5F903&keywords=gait+analysis&qid=1562221363&s=gateway&sprefix=gait+anal%2Caps%2C144&sr=8-2

u/mattjsherman · 2 pointsr/BarefootRunning

I've worn Merrells, trail glove I think. They all seem to have a slight arch support thing going on. Eventually I found: Vivobarefoot Men's Stealth 2 Walk Shoe https://www.amazon.com/Vivobarefoot-Mens-Stealth-Walk-Black/dp/B00TRQ7CMC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1464794190&sr=8-2&keywords=shoe+stealth

I can feel a post it note on the carpet in these things. Completely flat, no support at all. Nice looking. I've run a few miles in them and coming from the Merrells I have to actually get used to it. Not as bad as going from regular to fivefingers but still an adjustment.

I run 3 miles and then wait till it doesn't hurt anywhere, then rinse repeat. Eventually all will be well.

u/rougetoxicity · 2 pointsr/BarefootRunning

If your a book reader check out "Born to Run"

Its entertaining, educational, slightly biased, and loaded with hyperbole, but its worth the read for sure.

u/nwv · 2 pointsr/BarefootRunning

I tore a calf 5 years ago and took months off multiple times and still get random tweaks every now and then. FINGER CROSSED but I have been in zero drop trail shoes for a year and zero drop road shoes for 8 months and haven't had a calf issue yet. I still do a dynamic stretching routine and roll my calves every time I run and wear compression sleeves like a security blanket.

Read Run for your Life!

u/jokkerman · 1 pointr/BarefootRunning

being a dedicated barefoot runner myself, two things I can recommend:
Born to Run (a book) by Christopher Mcdougall
Swiss Protection Socks

u/masanon · 2 pointsr/BarefootRunning

Or even a jog in the field. Just don't try running a file. Try running/jogging 100m.

Check out this book: http://www.amazon.ca/Power-Speed-ENDURANCE-Skill-Based-Endurance/dp/1936608618

Really great info on proper forefoot running carrying on from POSE method. It is my go to on run/bike/swim body mechanics.

u/user258932 · 4 pointsr/BarefootRunning

socks + [spray on rubber] (https://www.amazon.com/Performix-11203-Multi-Purpose-Coating-Aerosol/dp/B0006SU3QW/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1474933644&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=spray+on+rubber)
works amazing, is crazy cheap, and if the rubber wears down you re apply, machine washable, get black spray on black socks and you're good to go. i have a few pairs

u/bryanlharris · 3 pointsr/BarefootRunning

http://www.amazon.com/Altra-Instinct-Everyday-Fashion-Sneaker/dp/B00F36YBBA

They have a bigger toe box than regular casual shoes but I'm not sure if it's big enough for you. They also breathe better than the last pair of "minimalist" dress shoes I bought, which made my feet sweat like crazy.

u/ezralius · 1 pointr/BarefootRunning

Oh, I meant running in minimal shoes and wearing regular shoes when I'm not running. My bad.

My motivation: general fitness. I want to stay slim but I could really use some exercise. My legs won't get bigger from running a little, right?

I have a pair of these shoes but I haven't trained myself to run in them yet. Would it be fine to run in these and wear Converse when I'm not running? Thanks.

u/RunCalcNet · 3 pointsr/BarefootRunning

I recently read Ready to Run, in which Kelly Starrett talks about minimalist shoes and that you need to address any issues that you may have in order to be able to run "barefoot". He goes through a few common issues regarding mobility and other things. It could work for you, and books sure are cheaper than seeing a professional... :-)

u/tuffbot324 · 2 pointsr/BarefootRunning

There are two popular studies out there:

Conclusions Drawn From A Comparative Study Of The Feet Of Barefooted And Shoe-Wearing Peoples

Conclusion: It is very significant that in the one hundred eighty six pairs of primitive feet examined, I did not find a single foot associated with the symptoms of weakness so characteristic and common in adult shoe-wearing feet, which are weakened by the restraint the shoe exerts over function.

SURVEY IN CHINA AND INDIA OF FEET THAT HAVE NEVER WORN SHOES

Conclusion: People who have never worn shoes acquire very few foot defects, most of which are painless and non-debilitating. The range of their foot motions are remarkably great, allowing for full foot activity. Shoes are not necessary for healthy feet and are the cause of most foot troubles. Children should not be encouraged to walk prematurely and should not wear any footgear until absolutely necessary. Footgear is the greatest enemy of the human foot.

Also there's some interesting stuff referenced in The Barefoot Book.

u/PippiPong · 1 pointr/BarefootRunning

While your down on RnR grab a copy of Anatomy for Runners. It's a great read for any runner and has lots of exercises that you can do while you are not running because of injury or other reasons.

u/WankerRotaryEngine · 2 pointsr/BarefootRunning

> Are there any shoes like the altra that are more work-friendly?

How about Altra Men's Instinct Everyday Fashion Sneaker?

I'm looking for much the same thing. Zero-drop splayed-toes-friendly workplace-acceptable shoes, not specifically built for running.

I looked at Lems, but according to their size charts they still seem to be a bit narrow in the shoe toe box.

Edit because brainfart.

u/200OK · 1 pointr/BarefootRunning

Have you read Born to Run by Christopher McDougall? It changed the way I thought about running. What shoes are you currently using for your ultra training?

u/steveyoo97 · 7 pointsr/BarefootRunning

I second this.

Active duty army here. I use these all the time. They're not zero-drop, but more minimal than most other boots out there.

And they're within regulations! (for the army, at least).

ooh, they come in black: http://www.amazon.com/Belleville-Tactical-Research-Mini-Mil-Athletic/dp/B00AMLEPI0

u/[deleted] · 1 pointr/BarefootRunning

Born to Run, by Christopher McDougall is a book about Barefoot/Minimalist running that talks about this tribe a lot.

u/cathalmc · 2 pointsr/BarefootRunning

You don't push, you lift. And high heels, not high knees. I second the recommendation to buy and read
ChiRunning.

(Co-incidentally I'm reading that book for the first time at the moment, but I've been running in essentially the same way for over a year anyway. I've already found several tips that make my runs better.)