I wasn't sure where to post this, might make sense as you read on. And it's a bit long for the intro section, sorry about that.
About three years ago I first tried BF running. Shortly after I started purchasing some minimal footwear. I like being barefoot around the house, and at certain other times when the weather is nice, but I'm not a die-hard. I did ok BF running, and when the weather got cold and I switched to some minimal footwear I continued to do alright. At some point I increased time or distance too much and had developed ankle/calf issues that lingered for a couple years. During this time I would take long breaks for running, and my main footwear was Xero sandals that I wore pretty much everywhere...including walking around at amusement parks with the family for many hours...walking, even hiking. I never had any back issues when wearing this footwear...just the odd ankle flare-up.
Fast forward to today, for the last six months I've been wearing 'normal' shoes again. This did get rid of that lingering issue I developed a couple of years ago when running. But I miss my minimal footwear, and I found my back (both lower, and neck and shoulders) has been sore of late...maybe I was better off back when I was minimal. Maybe it's unrelated...? Anyway, that's what I'm trying to solve for.
I've now decided to go "mainly" minimal...until such a time I can be full time minimal, or BF where I'm comfortable, which is why I'm posting here under introductions...because I feel new to this as it's been a while. I do not plan on running. I'm not a runner. I'm a cyclist who dabbles with hiking.
That's it...I'll see how it comes along but I don't think I'll be spending long days walking in minimal footwear as I know this would be TMTS. I'll probably alternate shoes between min and traditional to work back into it.
Cheers!
About three years ago I first tried BF running. Shortly after I started purchasing some minimal footwear. I like being barefoot around the house, and at certain other times when the weather is nice, but I'm not a die-hard. I did ok BF running, and when the weather got cold and I switched to some minimal footwear I continued to do alright. At some point I increased time or distance too much and had developed ankle/calf issues that lingered for a couple years. During this time I would take long breaks for running, and my main footwear was Xero sandals that I wore pretty much everywhere...including walking around at amusement parks with the family for many hours...walking, even hiking. I never had any back issues when wearing this footwear...just the odd ankle flare-up.
Fast forward to today, for the last six months I've been wearing 'normal' shoes again. This did get rid of that lingering issue I developed a couple of years ago when running. But I miss my minimal footwear, and I found my back (both lower, and neck and shoulders) has been sore of late...maybe I was better off back when I was minimal. Maybe it's unrelated...? Anyway, that's what I'm trying to solve for.
I've now decided to go "mainly" minimal...until such a time I can be full time minimal, or BF where I'm comfortable, which is why I'm posting here under introductions...because I feel new to this as it's been a while. I do not plan on running. I'm not a runner. I'm a cyclist who dabbles with hiking.
That's it...I'll see how it comes along but I don't think I'll be spending long days walking in minimal footwear as I know this would be TMTS. I'll probably alternate shoes between min and traditional to work back into it.
Cheers!