What They Don't Tell You About Barefoot Style Shoes...

Transitioning to a barefoot shoe presents 4 major biomechanical issues. These are the solutions that I have found for each one.

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[ClassicalSwede]

One of the things I first noticed wearing barefooters was how mentally straining it became, having to notice the ground I was treading took me out of my loofty mindset and sort of grounded me, my hikes became almost meditative as I suddenly had to read the ground infront of me. Loved it!

[Mindolluin]

When you wear barefoot shoes you gain a new sense for your surroundings. You suddenly become aware of what surface you're walking on. And that is a beautiful feeling.

[novedekne]

I used to sell footwear and it was alarming how many folks came in to buy barefoot footwear for their hikes but had never used them before. The hype and marketing are dangerous and I found myself having to constantly remind folks to ease into their new footwear.

Also worth noting that the book “how to fix your feet” is fantastic and I highly recommend it to anyone who hikes. It’s all about taking measures to reduce, prevent, and sometimes get rid of various foot injuries. I used to read it during my shift on slow days, and the knowledge I gained was invaluable in helping customers assess footwear problems and needs.

[koroslav]

I am now watching my 9 month old son learning to walk. It is amazing to see how intuitively he uses all his muscles on his feet. So much to learn from him.

[philhodge]

I started wearing barefoot in my late 50’s. The transformation has been amazing. I did take it slower early on but after 6 years plus I now struggle to feel anything but uncomfortable in normal shoes. Due to osteoporosis injuries wearing normal shoes was painful after about a mile walking. With barefoot shoes I have no pain, my balance is significantly better, and feel more stable in all movements. I would add, due health issues, I am not super fit or any sort of athlete, just a normal guy …

[wrightnigel]

I was running half marathons in conventional footwear. When I switched to minimal footwear (luna sandals), I treated it like I was starting running all over again from a beginner. It's a totally different experience. This is a good video.

[buster.keaton]

One of my favorite benefits of transitioning to minimalist shoes is that blisters are a thing of the past. When the shoe easily flexes with your foot, blisters don't happen.

[Freshanatha]

I'm a competitive runner and have been doing some of my miles barefoot for quite awhile now. Really like this video. It's something that people often miss but is crucial. If you don't train your flexibility and strength before fully moving to barefoot you WILL get injured.

[tjkasgl]

I wore barefoot for years and developed plantar fasciitis. Podiatrist convinced me to go back to fully cushioned shoes. After a year of crippling pain I stumbled onto the actual cause: magnesium deficiency. Supplemented mg and cured the PF.
I'm now happily back in barefoot shoes and doing great at 56!!

[aurtisanminer]

One thing I love about zero-drop is you actually have a greater push off of your toes since the heel starts from a lower position. It’s basically opening up untapped power in your calves.

[SarahWilsonMySmartPuppy]

I'm 62 and have been wearing a zero drop, minimalist shoe for about a year. Previous to this change, I rolled my ankles fairly regularly and fell every few months. Since the change, I have done neither. Not once. I did not understand how much even minimal arch "support" shifted my weight subtly to the outside. Or how much the side-to-side flexibility in these shoes allows me to "catch myself". Love this change and never going back!

[elizabethgilmore]

Husband and I made the barefoot shoe switch a little over a year ago. I was working on my feet all day and coming home in agony. Shoes and insoles that offered “support” did nothing to ease the pain. I can happily assure you now that my feet are happier and healthier on my barefoot journey than ever before.

[sinsemilla]

As an orthopedic shoemaker for over 10 years now, this video is so awesome to see. Very well and professionally explained. I think everybody can learn a lot from this. I mean EVERYBODY. Together with my boss we two produce about 1000 pairs of medically prescribed orthopedic insoles every year by hand, plus around 150 pairs of individually designed orthopedic shoes.. I can tell you, that almost everybody has some kind of deformation regarding their feet, knees, hips and so on. Everything is connected from bottom to top in the human body. A lot of customers have the expectation that an orthopedic insole will heal or lets say bring their feet back into their natural shape without being actively trained. In fact, the opposit is happening, and I suggest them always not to wear these insoles always and in every shoe. Sure there are some special cases where the body health does not support and/or allow active training anymore or over a period of time. For thoes people are such special shoes and insoles really a help and a piece of life quality. But as long as it is possible for one, it will pay out in the long term. Train your feet well and they will carry you as far as you want them to. It IS a path as said in the video. Change does not come overnight, but it will come. Be patient with yourself.

Thanks a lot to the ceator of this video for this insight into barefoot shoes. I am already excited trying a pair of these out in the near future.

[jessicawillson]

My feet are stronger, my posture better, and balance has greatly improved in the almost 3 years since converting to barefoot shoes. I suffered far more injuries in traditional shoes from rolling my ankles.

[Padilla]

I was always playing outside barefoot as a kid, and I think the change to bare feet doesn't cause problems in itself, as you mentioned. They only highlight how weak your feet are so what feels like a problem is actually a symptom of a larger issue, much in the same way as people commonly experiencing bodily issues or discomfort from changing their unhealthy diets.

Barefoot has always been better, and if the ground was in better condition in the cities (idiots breaking glass and dropping garbage everywhere), I'd be barefoot most of the time, but I'll have to settle for sandals and minimalist shoes for now.

[patriciaschlessman]

I have always enjoyed stepping directionally on every rock. I tell my friends I get a foot massage every time I hike and they think I’m nuts. They always say “I have no strength so I need support.” And that sums up all the problems in the world.

[liberty]

I'm 63 and have gained so much valuable info from Chase Mountains since I've started hiking. I've used his exercises to not only recover from leg injuries, but I'm sure to prevent them as well. Thanks so much!

[JK-hrpy]

The toe glove advice is great, I'm a rock climber and our sport requires us to cram our feet into the tightest rubber shoes possible, it's exactly what you will see loads of people doing after taking their climbing shoes off as it allows the toes to separate with instantly noticeable results

[johndenton]

Probably the best of all the overviews of the barefoot/minimalist that I have come across. From my personal experience as someone in their late sixties who has been using this type of footware for the last 18 months in a lot of different environments, I would strongly recommend listening to all the suggestions made. After years of abuse to my feet with "normal" shoes, it has only been in the last few months that I have finally realized the many benefits of this type of footware.

[seedmole]

On injury likelihood: I've found that the support granted by traditional shoes gives the feeling that you can push harder than your body really can, while wearing barefoot shoes or sandals lets you more accurately feel your body's limits. It's anecdotal, but I've had way more ankle injuries when hiking in non-barefoot trailrunners.. and combine that with the downtime caused by those injuries, and personally I'm able to hike far far longer in barefoot shoes before injuring myself than if I'm wearing shoes with thick soles and arch support.