Answers » Categories » Health & Fitness

Do Barefoot Running Shoes Work?

Do Barefoot Running Shoes like the Vibram Five Fingers effective shoes for running? Are they better for your body than typical running shoes?


1 Answer

0 

Some people like them, and some people can't run in them. It's all a personal preference at the end of the day.

However, you do end up running more natural in them, versus regular running shoes.

When first starting out in barefoot running shoes (like the Vibram Five Fingers), make sure you break them in slowly over a month. Even just wear them around the house to break them in. I would say it takes at least a month to break them in and your feet to adjust to them. You also may want to alternate between running in barefoot running shoes and regular shoes.

You definitely don't want to put them on for the first time and go for a long run (4 miles or more). I would stick to 1 to 2 miles at the most for the first few weeks until you get the feel for them.   It's a different running form, that you will end up running on the balls of your feet and toes.   You will not be pounding on your heels like you might if you are flat footed while running in regular running shoes. 

Take it slowly with barefoot running shoes.... and you may find you like them more than regular running shoes.

But honestly, I'd avoid barefoot running shoes, especially Five Fingers, if you care about your feet and sesamoid bones... running in barefoot running shoes can lead to all kinds of foot problems.  Rather than going the barefoot shoe route, I'd recommend getting a pair of maximal running shoes like Hoka One One.

Source(s):

Vibram Fivefingers: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/b004hei17e/...

Answer this question

by Anonymous - Already have an account? Login now!
Your Name:  

Your Answer:  
Source(s): (optional)

Enter the text you see in the image below
What do you see?
Can't read the image? View a new one.
Your answer will appear after being approved.

Ask your own question