Hi all,
I started running (at least as a serious hobby) about a year ago, of course in high-tech shoes that I got advised in a running store (incl. video analysis etc.). When I did my military services 13 years ago, I ruptured my outer ligaments on my right ankle, and since then I've never become stable anymore (one further rupture, countless twists). So the shoes should help me with that. Oh, and additionally I have splayfeet.
After running a half-marathon on very coarse gravel which caused my right foot in its thick, large sole to twist around without me having any control, I couldn't even walk without pain for more than a month. During that period, I've read Born to Run and then tried out running in VFFs. That worked out much better, especially on rough surfaces. Twists simply didn't occur anymore whereas in regular shoes, when I felt that I twist it was already too late.
However, due to my slightly different large feet, VFF weren't really optimal for me either. I've read Ken Bob's Barefoot Running book and decided to go completely barefoot. However, when I'm new to something I'm overambitious and ran 6k the first day tearing off almost all skin on my soles. ;-)
Now that I'm (a few months) older and much wiser, I'm exclusively running in Luna huaraches (because my normal courses are 90% sharp, coarse gravel) and take them off for the few forest trail and asphalt passages. That works out fine so far.
I'm also trying to compete in every local competition just for the fun of doing it. It's awesome how many interest you create when running a race in sandals/bare feet. ;-)
For the coming spring, I've planned to get rid of shoes as much as possible especially in my non-running time, e.g., at work, shopping groceries, whatever.
What's a bit missing at the current point in time is other barefooters in my region. I don't know anyone (nor have I seen anyone in the wild), and the members map confirms that the nearest ones are too far away at least for regular meetups/runs, but I guess that will improve over time.
Anyway, I'm happy to be here to share experiences!
Bye,
Tassilo
I started running (at least as a serious hobby) about a year ago, of course in high-tech shoes that I got advised in a running store (incl. video analysis etc.). When I did my military services 13 years ago, I ruptured my outer ligaments on my right ankle, and since then I've never become stable anymore (one further rupture, countless twists). So the shoes should help me with that. Oh, and additionally I have splayfeet.
After running a half-marathon on very coarse gravel which caused my right foot in its thick, large sole to twist around without me having any control, I couldn't even walk without pain for more than a month. During that period, I've read Born to Run and then tried out running in VFFs. That worked out much better, especially on rough surfaces. Twists simply didn't occur anymore whereas in regular shoes, when I felt that I twist it was already too late.
However, due to my slightly different large feet, VFF weren't really optimal for me either. I've read Ken Bob's Barefoot Running book and decided to go completely barefoot. However, when I'm new to something I'm overambitious and ran 6k the first day tearing off almost all skin on my soles. ;-)
Now that I'm (a few months) older and much wiser, I'm exclusively running in Luna huaraches (because my normal courses are 90% sharp, coarse gravel) and take them off for the few forest trail and asphalt passages. That works out fine so far.
I'm also trying to compete in every local competition just for the fun of doing it. It's awesome how many interest you create when running a race in sandals/bare feet. ;-)
For the coming spring, I've planned to get rid of shoes as much as possible especially in my non-running time, e.g., at work, shopping groceries, whatever.
What's a bit missing at the current point in time is other barefooters in my region. I don't know anyone (nor have I seen anyone in the wild), and the members map confirms that the nearest ones are too far away at least for regular meetups/runs, but I guess that will improve over time.
Anyway, I'm happy to be here to share experiences!
Bye,
Tassilo