Questions & Answers

Wanted to let all of you Massachusetts-based friends know that a new Center for Natural Running and Walking has opened up in your neck of the woods. It's called Good for the Soles (catchy, yes?) and is run by husband and wife team Tim and Jill Murphy, both avid and well-trained minimalist runners. The center will offer training, races (including an IBRD event) and products including kigo footwear.

A quote from Jill:

“We are so excited to be opening the first store dedicated entirely to the needs of minimalist runners and walkers in the Northeast. As minimalist runners ourselves, we can relate to the common response of the people who have been writing and talking to us, which is, ‘It’s about time!’,” said Jill Murphy, co-owner of Good for the Soles. “It’s been a pleasure working with kigo and the other vendors because they’re just as passionate about the natural running movement as we are. We feel so lucky to have found such an amazing location in beautiful downtown Northampton – it’s a great community with so much to offer!”

They're widely endorsed and great people. HIghly recommend you check them out - http://www.goodforthesoles.com.

Tell 'em Rachelle sent you. :) Enjoy!

My friend Geoff just recently posted this cool YouTube video of their barefoot family hike: <iframe title="YouTube video player" width="560" height="349" src="&lt;a href=" http:="" <a="" href="http://www.youtube.com" rel="nofollow">www.youtube.com="" embed="" EWB3ipP9wQg?rel="0"" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/embed/EWB3ipP9wQg?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>

Thanks for the encouragement Geoff!

I've been playing with Luna/invisible sandal design for a while. My problem has been the lacing between the toes, just can't get used to that. Thought it might be the use of shoe laces so I tried 1/2 leather strapping, that didn't help.

Next was look into different lacing options. After looking at various sandals on the market and experimentation I came up with something I like. I've always liked Teva strapping position and figured out how to with one piece of material. The prototype was done with shoe laces, then I moved onto leather but it was too stiff around the 5th toe. Looking for an option I found Luna sells supplies, so I ordered the elastic strapping. It worked like a charm and has the benefit of not having to be untied to get it on and off.

This configuration works great! Have done some light running and foot stays put, no sliding forward due to the strap at the front of the ankle. I was worried the front edge may catch the ground at toe off but that has not been a problem

I'm new to this minimalist shoe arena. It would be great if I could find a pair or two that fit. So far I've tried some KEEN Sandals with no luck. I also tried a pair of Vibrams KSO, and that was also a bust.

I need to find something that will fit me. Men's 13 Wide width.

Specifications for the sandals:

Men's 13W Closed-toe design (I don't want my toes dangling out) Strap closure preferred, but I would consider minimal laced design.

**I tried the Keen Men's Newport Sandal with no luck. The design was good, it just wasn't the right size.

Uses would be for walking, light trekking, fishing.

Specifications for the Minimalist Shoes:

Men's 13W Very thin or thin rubber soul. Strap closure preferred, but I would consider minimal laced design.

**I tried Vibrams KSO size 44. But I couldn't even get it on. I already confirmed that a larger size wouldn't work any better. The extra material would only add more length, not width.

Sorry for the long post, but I wanted to put all the information out there. I would appreciate all help possible. There has to be shoes/sandals out there that will fit me. I know I'm not the only guy with big feet. :)

If I can only afford the Saucony Hattori or the Atra Adam which would you get? I am torn....

When I wear my five-fingers in the gym, I often see people funny and surprised looks. They look an extra time with a very surprised face. But they never ask anything... which perhaps a Swedish thing :-)

Anyway - do you have the same experiences? That people think that you are a bit weird/funny wearing strange shoes?

Unshoes just launched their new website: http://www.unshoesminimalfootwear.com/

Looks like they have some new models in the works too...

I never thought I would really run with bare feet, only with minimal shoes. The last two weeks I ran barefoot through the woods three times and I really loved it. It gives me a lot of energy. After the run my feet feel very well and then I look at them with pride. I always watch out very well where I put my feet. Especially Pine cones have to be avoided. In some places they are on the trail everywhere. My feet got bruised a few times a littlebit but this is part of the game. Running barefoot is actually a matter of technique and a lot of concentration. So you can enjoy the surroundings less. My skin is quite thin. My experience is that you don't need a thick skin as long as you watch out very well and know your limits. But you need a thick 'elephantskin' for the responses from some other people you pass on your barefoot run. After the run I clean and inspect my feet very well. A cotton wash cloth or washing mitt is the best for this.

There are some pictures available of the new Terra Plana Neo Trail, which will be released in august. See: http://www.vivobarefoot.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/SBG-High-Res.png.

This looks like a nice shoe. It has a grippy sole designed for trails but not so agressive as the sole of the Inov-8 Baregrip 200. Maybe this is also a nice shoe for hiking. I own the Merrel Trail Glove which is a very good shoe. But it is designed for wide feet where I have narrow feet. My TP Evo II's fit me much better. So for people with narrow feet the Neo Trail might be worth waiting for.

Downside of the Terra Plana shoes is that they are heavier and have a stiffer sole compared to competitors. Though compared to traditional running shoes they are lightweight and flexibel.

Hello All

I just purchased a DIY kit the 6mm Vibram Trail nubby, copper suede top and the half inch equus laces.

No problems making the sandals just a suggestion or two and a question from a total novice maker and wearer of these type of sandals.

Firstly the suggestions. I was slightly concerned that from being a long time commercial sandal wearer (Birkenstocks) to a barefoot type that I would need the thicker sole so I went for the 6mm. I wish that I had gone for the 4mm to get a more barefoot feel. The 6mm feels quite thick. not much more different to the Birkenstocks.

Another suggestion is that there should be more detailed instructions on where to place and punch the toe hole on the sites instruction section. The hole in my opinion needs to be right at the base where your toes join, not like I placed it about 1/4 inch up from the base. This may seem straight forward for someone who's made these before but it wasn't for me and consequently my feet slip forward in them right to the front edge of the sole. Not a massive problem but I'd rather have got them right first time and not feel the edge of the sole under my toes.

The question - I've never worn thong type sandals before - how long does it take to get used to having something as big as the 1/2 inch Equus laces betwen your toes. I've had them on for the best part of three days and they still feel uncomforatable, getting better, but not comfortable.

I do love the product and hope the company goes from strength to strength, hope to hear from some other uses soon.

Cheers

John

As avid custom orthotic and shoe wearer for 15 years I stumbled upon the barefoot movement Nov '10. I found it interesting and decided to ween myself off the supports and give barefooting a try. 4 months later I'm pretty much of the orthotics except for standing at work but I have modified them to reduce the support in arch they once gave.

I've modified my running shoes to remove heel raise and extra cushioning, which are now a pleasure to run in (no more shin splints). Have made a pair of running sandals and now a pair five fingers. I wear bare as much as I can but it's not appropriate everywhere.

Here to learn and participate where I can.

Keith

The Instinct and the Intuition are at stores and available to buy! Can't wait for people to try this unique shoe!

Runblogger did a great review here: http://www.runblogger.com/2011/03/altra-instinct-running-shoe-review-zero.html

On a sad note- the Adam/Eve's have been delayed...I'll keep everyone posted.

So the Altra Instinct and Intuition have hit the shelves! Buy them at one of the specialty running shops across the country or at http://altrarunning.com/. I obviously love the shoe but I would love to hear what the forum thinks in terms of:

A) If you've tried them, what do you think?

and

B) Is a Zero Drop foot shaped flexible shoe that we categorize as a natural running shoe conducive to minimalist runners since there is still a full cushioned midsole? It's not a minimalist shoe but is uses several minimalist principles. What are people's thoughts?

Has anyone heard of these guys, worn their shoes/sandals ? The ad popped up on my Facebook page https://sidewalksurfers.3dcartstores.com/ seems to be the Canadian site so here is the main one http://www.sanuk.com/

might be worth a heading in our brands section

Has anyone tried Toms shoes? The seem to be gaining popularity with certain groups I see at the local university campus. They look semi-minimal but I wondered if they have arch support and raised heels. Just wondering.

I got introduced to minimalistic running a year back when my girlfriend bought a pair of Vibram Five Finger. My first impression was that they looked cool :-) But it was also one of these heureka moments - this makes sense! One of these things that just feels right, intuitively.

In the "Standards" thread here on toesalad.com, there was discussion about what is a minimal shoe. As a means of discussion, someone mentioned how they would classify socks.

This got me thinking about socks as shoes. So, I have been trying it out...LOVE IT! I have been wearing cheap, simple ankle-hig white athletic socks.

1) Cheap. Yes they will wear out quickly, but at 50 cents per pair, who cares. 2) Great fit. 3) Full forefoot freedom. 4) Super-minimal. 5) Keeps all the sand/grit from tearing up my sole-skin...the single biggest problem I have walking barefoot in the Spring here in Boston. 6) Keeps my feet acceptably warm when walking on cold pavement in cold weather. 7) In the summer they will protect me from buring the crap out of my feet. I burned my feet 3 times last summer and got huge blisters.

Goofy looking? Very. Do I care? Not enough to keep me from wearing my socks out in public.

I bought shoe-goo and am going to experiment with rubberizing the bottoms of socks. I am thinking that shoe-goo socks will last longer, and maybe will be wearable in even colder weather or on rougher surfaces.

Can anyone enlighten me in regards to some retailers of minimalist footwear in Vancouver. Mountain Equipment has a couple (Vibram, which I am not interested in, and Merrel) but that is all. I am looking for a shoe style for sure, not a sandal or a toe shoe. Thanks everyone! -Sam

Hello to all. I hike alot. I'm becoming more sold on striking with the forefoot while hiking. I've messed around on a couple mountains with my trail gloves and love it. However I would like more padding. The trail gloves are fun to play with on day hikes, but I'd like more protection and maybe even cushion for any kind of real even fairly light loads(20-30lbs) or bushwacking.<br> I have two questions for you guys: 1.) Has there been any research on the forefoot strike and low cushioning for walking and for load carrying? 2.) Other than Altra and Russell Moccasins should i be considering any other companies that make more cushioned zero drop shoes with really wide toe boxes.

I am planning to attempt an A.T. thru hike in 2012 so the process of training and decision making begins now. Thanks in advance for any replies. Don't forget to bring a towel...

This "step-by-step guide" is available free here:

http://trainingclinic.vivobarefoot.com/step-by-step

If you want to download it as a pdf file, this is the download url:

http://d2saa4i0oprqbi.cloudfront.net/Proprioception-MakingSenseofBarefootRunning.pdf

The pdf file has a little more in it than the first url above.

Isha