"barefoot" shoes for touring

[DeaverTex]

If I can jump in here just for an instant? I don't run because I have a bad overstride and heelstrike problem. I've heard that barefoot or minimalist shoe running would correct these, and I've heard that if you don't already have proper form you're wasting your time. Any input on this? I'm not talking about true barefoot here, 'cause I personally think that's insane unless you live in a gymnasium.

Also, how do you deal with the constant and painful bruising of your feet on pebbles, sticks, etc? At home, I don't wear shoes at all, but I still can't walk across the driveway without getting poked by something, and it hurts!

 

[kgkmom]

I'm planning on bringing my Merrells and Tevas when I go to WDW next week. I've tried running off and on for 15 years. I could never get past the ankle pain and more recently, hip pain. I read "Born to Run" (for inspiration) and just finished "Barefoot Running Step by Step" (for technique), and I'm slowly building my feet up and using the barefoot techniques. I've run pain free (on grass) for the past two weeks (not a lot, I know, but I'm so excited to be pain free!). I bought the Merrells so I could more confidently run on pavement and asphalt. They're extremely comfortable and just feel natural. :good vibes:

WDW will be a good test for sure. I'll report back!

 

[staceyatdisney]

Also, how do you deal with the constant and painful bruising of your feet on pebbles, sticks, etc? At home, I don't wear shoes at all, but I still can't walk across the driveway without getting poked by something, and it hurts!

Very good point. It's not as hard as you would think, but you must pay attention to the road when running barefoot or in Vibram Five Fingers (VFF). I've had maybe 5 instances in 3 years where I've stepped on something - nothing serious. When you run the barefoot method correctly you are not slamming your feet into the ground so that helps. The possibility of stepping on something is why I feel running completely barefoot is impractical. The VFF KSO model I wear offers a degree of protection....though not much.

 

[jorjee12]

Hello There!!!..

This is jorjee...I am looking for sport shoes,which make my feet comfort while running or cycling in affordable prize.I went to Bestylish online

store get much stylish variate..but i am looking some thing different...

So,please reply if you guys have any relevant info...
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[AllieMallie]

I have a pair of the Barefoot Glove Merrells and I love them! I bought the shoes a week before my trip to Italy in May and even though I didn't have much time to break them in, they were so comfortable! I walked in those shoes for two weeks of hardcore touring in many Italian cities with cobblestone streets and never had a problem. I didn't get a blister, sore spot, anything. The only issue I had was that it got hot in there sometimes. Other than that, I love these shoes! I am planning on wearing them for our WDW trip in September alternating between this and a pair open-toed sandals to give my feet some air.

 

[brooke789]

Bumping up the old thread b/c I'm thinking about taking my Barefoot Merrells. I would like to take them as my main shoes but we expect to do a ton of walking (who doesn't) but also my kids only nap in the stroller and if it is moving. So that can easily add a few extra miles to the walking.

I have a pair that I normally take on vacation and I also have a pair of Wonder Glove (mary jane style) that I normally wear to work. I was actually thinking today maybe I should wear my Wonder Gloves b/c of the ease of taking them off/on.

I'm definitely not used to walking 10 miles a day in the shoes (except we've probably come close on previous vacations) but I'm afraid it might be a mistake....

 

[Silock]

It's not the walking that's the problem. It's the standing around on concrete that really hurts.

 

[donnishobson]

I am morbidly obese, 64 years old, have flat feet that pronate, and have been running (only 5K) and walking in Merrill glove shoes for the past two years including two 10 day trips to WDW and Universal. I use them for touring in cities, too. As mentioned, your legs have to get used to them. But they have been great for me. No achilles tendonitis, no aching feet. So, to any fat old ladies out there, don't write the barefoot shoes off. They have been fantastic for me.

 

[DOOM1001]

The barefoot shoes are about to go the same way as the shape up shoes. They make people walk in a different manner, and people are starting to have injuries from them. From what I have read the are ok to use every now and again, but do not make them your main shoes. And if you tend to pronate, they will offer you no support, so you should not wear them.

Minimalist shoes are all I wear now for running or walking.I ran the Disney full marathon in Nike free run 2's and I've bought pairs of Skechers Go Run M,the M being for Midstrike which is the goal of the shoe,to have you land on the middle of your foot instead of in the back of the foot which all those shoes with 3 inches of cushioning in the heel have,maybe not from walking but if you run with those heavily cushioned shoes and land in the back of your foot you're looking at several kind of problems such as Planter Fasciitis.The Skechers Go Run are not really barefoot shoes as they do have a good amount of cushioning,but the way the cushioning is it prevents you from landing in your heel.I also have a pair of Skechers Go Bionic which is definitely more of a barefoot shoe,Its a good training and walk around shoe but at least for me I wouldn't go in very long runs in.I'm also doing the marathon again next year and I'm sticking to another minimalist shoe that has some cushioning.The one common thing all these shoes share is how comfortable they are,many of them feel like a sock over your socks.If you're somebody who needs more support then these kind of shoes may not be the best for you,for me I love them and could never go back to other shoes.

 

[kgkmom]

I ran the Royal Family 5K in February in my minimalist Merrell's, and I also used the same shoes for general walking around the parks. I had no more discomfort than I normally would after walking for 10-12 hours

I only run in my Merrells now, and they're the reason I can run at all. As others have said, your legs need to get used to the lack of a heel cushion, but to me it just makes sense. We weren't born with "lifts" so walking and running with artificial cushioning and height really doesn't make sense to me.

But everyone should use what works for them. I've had good luck with switching out my shoes every other day just to make sure that if I get any 'hot spots' they have a chance to heal for a day or so.