Answers/
General Running
28 answers
scroll to bottom-
I can see two issues arise from this. First is the hygien issue. Let's be honest, club treadmills aren't the cleanest and unless you're running on a home treadmill that you clean regularly you are risking infection of some sort down the road. The second issue is with impact on a hard surface. Most research i have read on the subject of barefoot running does point to benefits of strengthening the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the feet however this type of running is done on soft surfaces such as grass and sand where the impact of running can be absorbed some by the running surface. If you wish to strengthen your feet and ankles for running i recommend starting on soft surfaces (for short periods, ie 15-20 min) and gradually work your way up to firmer ones.
answered about 3 years ago |Report
-
OK time for Myth Busters! First Barefeet are hygenically cleaner than the bottoms of any shoe that never gets washed and is worn so the owner can mindlessly step in and on anything without discretion.
When I used to wear shoes I struggled with athletes foot, lost toe nails, got blisters, bruised heels, sore knees to name a few of the "issue' of being shod.
I've logged over 3500 miles, up to 52 miles in a day and many weeks of over 125 miles per week have no injuries to report and no foot fungus!
My feet get washed at the minimum 2-4 times per day. Terra G. how many times per month do you wash the soles of your shoes?
Barefoot running on any surface offers advantages far beyond the ability of those who have never mastered it to conprehend.
To begin to get clues as to what benifits you might yield from taking that route or what other myths are sold to the unquestioning sheep of the shoe culture see my blog at www.erskien.blogspot.com
answered about 3 years ago |Report
-
I broke my toe once on a treadmill while I was running barefoot... so I wouldn't recommend. But I'm also a huge klutz
answered about 3 years ago |Report
-
This is not totally relevant, but I saw a guy running the Honolulu marathon barefoot. His feet looked like Fred Flintstone's. I only passed him at the 20th mile so I'm sure he ran the whole thing (yes, the barefoot guy was kicking my butt for most of the marathon). Actually it's not at all relevant, but I thought the guy was incredible so I wanted to share.
answered about 3 years ago |Report
-
I was forced to barefoot running in college due to an achilles injury. I ran everywhere like that it was great but by the end of three months my feet were starting to wear out. They simply couldnt handle the large amount of training. Not to mention the fact that as medical student studying the foot, It has been explained to me by physicians that supporting the arch is very important to the longevity of foot function. I conclusion, I think occasionally running barefoot is a great idea to strengthen the feet, but there is certainly too much of a good thing. As for the hygiene issue, I think the important issue is that shoes may have dirtier soles they do tend to keep the other people's (dog feces) out of yours.
answered about 3 years ago |Report
-
Vibram has 5 finger shoes that delivers all the barefoot running without going "naked".
It's little pricey but looks very cute. I haven't tried yet but thinking seriously.
http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/Nike Free 3.0 may be good transition alternative to bare running too. Expensive as well.
http://www.nike.com/nikefree/usa/index.jhtml?ref=http://www.nike.com/nikefree
(warning: terrible flash site).answered about 3 years ago |Report
-
My thoughts after barefoot running trials on treadmill with socks The best arch is built by the muscle itself that is strengthened better barefoot. Also on hygiene you are more at risk in the gym shower than on a dry treadmill. When barefoot, the air circulation keeps your foot drier and cooler which is key to fungus prevention. The more you run barefoot the tougher the sole skin gets as protection. My feet look smoother due to less shoe caused corns, callouses and knots from pressure spots on the sides of the shoe. After running 3 miles every other day I find I can run longer and more comfortably with less pounding on my joints and back. My posture and abdomen is in better shape and I feel light like I'm flying. I feel like a kid running down a dirt road. I got a little sore the first couple times but could build up endurance faster. Shoe companies and podiatrist don't like the trend because it affects their profits. I tried it outside but did not feel safe due to foreign bodies on the ground etc. so prefer treadmill. Since we don't go barefoot enough we lose the protective thick pad that forms on the sole. so our soles are sensitive to rocks and uneven terrain. The shoes with toes painted on them only LOOK like barefoot equipment but are still shoes and inflexible. I tried other protection that still gave flexibility and so far scuba footies are the best I found for outside so far but I worry about nails going through the bottom. Will keep on barefooting for now on treadmill. Treadmill profits should go up if this becomes a trend for the masses.
answered over 1 year ago |edited over 1 year ago |Report
-
Some notes from my experience...
I've had plantar fascia problems for years which was finally mostly cured with prescription orthotics. But I found I had to wear them 100% of the time I was on my feet. I stepped into them from bed in the morning and wore them all day. I also started stretching my feet and ankles, eventually moving up to exercising with an elastic band. I did this from my own research but it appears to be what a P.T would have had me do. I find that doing this while still in bed after waking up is particularly important. I eventually got back running but still aggravated the problem from time to time. Also I was not able to really put together more than 3-4 days of running, even light running, without taking a day or even 2 off for my feet to recover.
Last year I bought a high end treadmill but could never run on it with the same form or speed that I could outside. And it seemed to always hurt my feet or if I adjusted my foot plant, it would hurt one or both knees. I stayed off it for quite awhile but recently tried it again barefoot. I do a few minutes on my treadmill following runs, when I am sure to be warmed up and flexible.
If you invest in a high quality treadmill it should have cushioning. Mine claims to be softer than running on grass. With shoes I couldn't say one way or the other, but after running on it barefoot, I have to agree that it is much like grass. Also higher end treadmills have larger diameter rollers so produce mush less heat and run at a lower tread temperature.
At the gym, I would think a good antibacterial sanitizer on your feet before and after should take care of any hygiene issues. Most gyms will have treadmills similar to mine but check for length and width of the tread, HP of the motor, and diameter of the rollers.
Conclusion: running barefoot forces me into a much better form. It requires a more properly aligned and balanced posture, I also found that it naturally causes you to run with a higher cadence. I find this helps my knees because my feet move in a more circular motion and both feet are not on the ground at any point in the cycle. Having too long of a follow through on a step seems to force my knees to rotate out of their natural plane. My feet are gradually getting stronger. I still need the orthotics. I still need to stretch them, especially in the mornings. But I can run everyday now. My feet can recover as well as my legs and cardio on my alternating low mileage recovery days. I am very cautious about getting toes caught in the belt but have found that I am much more stable and in control on the thing when barefoot, so it has not been an issue at all. Also, I immediately stop when there is anything feeling amiss with either foot. This happened occasionally at first but has progressively became more rare. I still only do 5-10 minutes barefoot at a time but it getting the job done. I do not train barefoot. I would recommend you approach it as you would any other preventative strength training. Unless you are young = flexible feet, at a fairly lean weight and have no abnormal foot issues, training barefoot for a full run is probably not wise.answered over 1 year ago |Report
-
Regardless of how clean your feet are, the treadmill is dirty from others' shoes. Hence your bare feet would get nasty too.
answered over 1 year ago |Report
-
After giving this topic some thought, I'm inclined to believe that the hygiene aspect is a moot argument. When one runs (anywhere) in running shoes, the bacteria living on your feet transfer to your socks and into your shoes. You can shower all you like, but the fact is you likely don't wash your running shoes, and certainly not after every run. Running on a treadmill, while different with other kinds of bacteria and germs, is just exposure to a different bug that may try to take up residence on your feet. Your feet, already hosting an existing bacterial population, are less likely to be displaced by new, and relatively out-numbered bugs you may pick up from the treadmill. Yet after every workout, one is very likely to shower shortly after, making those bacteria irrelevant and therefore the hygiene question irrelevant. I say, if it's comfortable to run naked or shod on a treadmill, then you should do so.
answered about 1 year ago |Report
-
so the answer is go with the Vibrams or Nike Free 3.0.. Runner World did a nice article on this issue last month. I would look into it. They also rate out 7 different "barefoot" type shoes.
answered about 1 year ago |Report
-
I've run barefoot on the beach and it felt great. You can go from the smooth, compact sand next to the water to the soft, loose sand where your calfs get a real burn. I tried it once on a manual treadmill but the friction was a little too much on my feet. I now have an electric treadmill and will give it a try again today.
Hygiene wise I'm on my own treadmill that only I use and not at a gym with other people so I'll go barefoot but will spray it down before and after my run. Though I might start with wearing a pair of thick soft socks to see how that feels before going barefoot.
Update: I ran barefoot on the treadmill today. I ran the first 30 minutes with socks and the last 30 minutes barefoot. I felt better without socks because the socks were a little bit slippery, especially when I up the speed. I felt more secure barefoot. I missed the cushioning of my running shoes, my feet supinate when I run so I need it. I'll put padding under the treadmill to see if that helps. I liked it and will run barefoot from now on. Thanks for the suggestion.
answered about 1 year ago |edited about 1 year ago |Report
-
I've been running barefoot for a year and a half. The hygiene thing is a non-issue despite all the speculation. I run outdoors 99% of the time on pavement, but wind up going through soil, gravel, earthworms, horse manure, you name it. Wash your feet when you shower at the end of your run. If there's snow on the ground (I live in Canada) then I try to run treadmill just to keep my soles tough, but it's difficult finding a gym that doesn't freak out when they see a barefoot runner. I used to be annoyed by the excuses they make up, now I try to just laugh.
If you're new to it, break in slowly. When I first started to get the hang of it I did too much and yoinked my Achilles' which forced me to back off and ramp up gradually.answered about 1 year ago |edited about 1 year ago |Report
-
I always run barefoot on the treadmill. It will definitely strengthen your feet. My advice is don't do too much too soon. Also, I think it is very important to land on your forefoot or mid foot and not to heel strike. Don't worry about the hygiene aspect. It is not an issue.
answered about 1 year ago |Report
-
I am by no means a barefoot runner, although I am making the transition to at least a more minimal running shoe (currently, Saucony Kinvara and Brooks Green Silence). Most of my barefoot running has been either on grass or sand at the beach. Having said that, I have tried the treadmill several times unshod and, while it is not as comfortable as grass or sand, I have not experienced any problems. I would suggest the first several times to do one mile or less as it does take some getting used to. I have also found that I go much slower barefoot on a treadmill than on other surfaces. As to the hygene issues, I have not considered those as my barefoot treadmill running has been on my treadmill at home.
answered about 1 year ago |Report
-
I barefoot run about 1/3 of my weekly mileage, which is about 35 right now. Currently because of sub-zero temps ( I live in Minnesota) I do those runs on a treadmill, but when the weather warms I will be heading outdoors to barefoot in either my Vibram Bikila LS's or a pair of Huarache sandles (check out at invisibleshoes.com. The rest of my runs are done in Mizuno Wave Universe 3's, a very minimalist shoe. So I guess you can say, yes, I practice this philosophy and do it successfully.
answered about 1 year ago |edited about 1 year ago |Report
-
I am using what they call a transition shoe, GoLite Micro Lite. It feels like I am not wearing a shoe and it lines my body up differently than regular shoes. It took some getting used to but now when I go back to my NB I notice a huge difference. I am not ready to run barefoot, my friend who is a PT told me the injury rate is really high for those that do. barefoot is just not for me, but give me a shoe that is light and I am there!
answered about 1 year ago |Report
-
The Rarámuri or Tarahumara are an indigenous people who run barefoot and are the best runners on earth, capable of running over 400 miles in two days. They do not land on the heel but tend to land on the front to mid-section. This is known as the toe strike method and test studies have shown that there are less chronic injuries when used by experienced runners.
answered 12 months ago |Report
-
I havent read thru all of the answers so far but as for my $0.02, i ran once, let me say again, ONCE barefoot on a my home treadmill after a 2 mile run on said treadmill and it tore up the bottoms of my feet (blisters everywhere). I would highly recommend barefoot running but only outdoors, unless you get the vibrums then you should be fine on a treadmill.
If you choose to got out and run barefoot, start with a mile on the inside of a track in the grass, once a week and slowly, very slowly increase the frequency.
answered 11 months ago |Report
-
I am very interested in running barefoot for a variety of reasons. i tried once on a treadmill and I had horrible blisters! I think easing into it is a good idea. I am looking into Vibrams but they're pretty pricey for me. I did just this week see an ad for Skele-toes by Fila. I don't believe they're marketing it for barefoot running but they look similar to the Vibram's at a cheaper price.
I am still willing to give barefoot running an honest chance, even on the treadmill, I'm just going to ease into it.answered 11 months ago |Report
-
Yes, I have a pair of Five Finger that I wear on the treadmill and outdoors. Although it is not truely barefoot it is as close as you can get. Since then every time I try to run with regular shoes it feels like I am running on sponges.
answered 11 months ago |Report
-
@Dave - I've found the same problem now that I wear my VFF's/minimal shoes for most activities.
answered 9 months ago |Report
-
I really like my Vibram Five Fingers shoes. My issue with barefoot on the treadmill is that the one time I tried it (per my trainer in something we were working on)...it got SO hot. The band/treadmill strip heated up pretty good after a bit and it was like walking on a hot piece of parking lot by the time I was done.
answered 8 months ago |Report
-
I run (and race) barefoot all the time. Outdoors from mid-March to mid-November (I live in Canada), and indoors on my treadmill in the winter. BF on the 'mill is easier on the soles of my feet than the sidewalks and pavement I run on in the warmer months. Some people find that their feet get very hot running BF on a treadmill but that's usually because the 'mill's belt tread is very rough. You can find a good review of the best treadmills for barefoot running at http://toegirltina.blogspot.com/2011/03/barefoot-running-treadmill-review.html. I own a NordicTrack A2550, one of the treadmills mentioned in the review.) And yes, barefoot running - whetehr indoors or out - will make your feet and legs stronger and keep you injury-free.
answered 8 months ago |Report
-
also, barefoot running is REALLY FUN!
i run in kigos outside most of the time (kigofootwear.com) and i wear vibrams on the treadmill or indoor track. kigos run small in sizes. i have two pairs of both types of shoes. if you are drawn to them you are drawn to them. i used to be a modern dancer. wearing normal sneakers just feels strange to me now, but i realize i may need to change to racing flats once my mileage gets higher. i'm still a beginner.answered 8 months ago |Report
-
www.pickmaxshoes.com is a professional online shoe shop specializing Nike Air Max shoes with low price and guaranteed quality. Our main produts are: Nike Air Max Shoes,Air Max 90,Air max 95, air max 2009,Air max 2011,Air max 24-7,air max 87,air max TN,BW,air max 2010,air max zenyth,air max skyline, air max structure triax 91,air maxtrainer 1+low,air max Taiwind 2009,air max 180,Air Max Griffey 2011,Air Pegasus 89, Air Waffle Trainer,Air Max Terra Ninety,2012 shoes. asics onitsuka tiger shoes, Asics Mexico 66,Asics MINI,NFL Jerseys ......They are very popular and sell well online with reasonable price, high quality and best service. Welcome to www.pickmaxshoes.com and get more details about more products. Nike shoes are chosen by many people all the time. If you also love Nike Shoes, http://www.pickmaxshoes.com is a good choice. If you have any question,Please contact pickmaxshoes@hotmail.com Free Shipping Paypal payment wholesale and retail.
Nike Air Max 90
http://www.pickmaxshoes.com/Nike-Air-Max-90--s233/
Nike Air Max 95
http://www.pickmaxshoes.com/Nike-Air-Max-95--s234/
Nike Air Max 97
http://www.pickmaxshoes.com/Nike-Air-Max-97-s235/
Nike Air Max 87
http://www.pickmaxshoes.com/Nike-Air-Max-87-s236/
Nike Air Zenyth
http://www.pickmaxshoes.com/Nike-Air-Zenyth-s242/
Nike Air Max 180
http://www.pickmaxshoes.com/Nike-Air-Max-180--s237/
Nike air max 2012
http://www.pickmaxshoes.com/Nike-air-max-2012-s259/
Nike air max 2011
http://www.pickmaxshoes.com/Nike-air-max--2011-s230/
Nike Air Max 2010
http://www.pickmaxshoes.com/Nike-Air-Max--2010--s231/
Nike Air Max 2009
http://www.pickmaxshoes.com/Nike-Air-Max--2009---s232/
Nike Air Max 24-7
http://www.pickmaxshoes.com/Nike-Air-Max-24-7-s229/
Nike Air Max 2003
http://www.pickmaxshoes.com/Nike-Air-Max-2003-s261/
Nike Air Max TN
http://www.pickmaxshoes.com/Nike-Air-Max-TN--s239/
Nike Air Max LTD
http://www.pickmaxshoes.com/Nike-Air-Max-LTD-s240/
Nike Air Max BW
http://www.pickmaxshoes.com/Nike-Air-Max-BW-s241/
Nike Air Pegasus 89
http://www.pickmaxshoes.com/Nike-Air-Pegasus-89-s264/
Air Max Griffey 2011
http://www.pickmaxshoes.com/Air-Max-Griffey-2011-s258/
Nike Air Waffle Trainer
http://www.pickmaxshoes.com/Nike-Air-Waffle-Trainer-s265/
Air Max Terra Ninety
http://www.pickmaxshoes.com/Air-Max-Terra-Ninety-s266/
Nike Air Skyline
http://www.pickmaxshoes.com/Nike-Air-Skyline-s243/
Nike Air Structure Triax 91
http://www.pickmaxshoes.com/Nike-Air-Structure-Triax-91-s244/
Air Max Trainer 1+ Low
http://www.pickmaxshoes.com/Air-Max-Trainer-1+-Low-s262/
Air Max Tailwind 2009
http://www.pickmaxshoes.com/Air-Max-Tailwind-2009-s245/
Womens Air Max 24-7
http://www.pickmaxshoes.com/Womens-Air-Max-24-7--s246/
Air Max Tailwind 2010
http://www.pickmaxshoes.com/Air-Max-Tailwind-2010-s257/
Womens Air Max 2012
http://www.pickmaxshoes.com/Womens-Air-Max-2012-s260/
Womens Air Max 2011
http://www.pickmaxshoes.com/Womens-Air-Max-2011--s247/
Womens Air Max 2010
http://www.pickmaxshoes.com/Womens-Air-Max-2010--s248/
Womens Air Max 2009
http://www.pickmaxshoes.com/Womens-Air-Max-2009--s249/
Womens Air Max 95
http://www.pickmaxshoes.com/Womens-Air-Max-95--s250/
Womens Air Max 90
http://www.pickmaxshoes.com/Womens-Air-Max-90--s251/
Womens Air Max BW
http://www.pickmaxshoes.com/Womens-Air-Max-BW--s252/
Womens Air Max TN
http://www.pickmaxshoes.com/Womens-Air-Max-TN-s254/
Asics Onitsuka Tiger
http://www.pickmaxshoes.com/Asics-Onitsuka-Tiger-c74/
Asics Mexico 66
http://www.pickmaxshoes.com/Asics-Mexico-66-s267/
Asics Onitsuka Tiger MINI
http://www.pickmaxshoes.com/Asics-MINI-s268/
NFL Jerseys
http://www.pickmaxshoes.com/NFL-Jerseys-c77/FAQ
Payment
For customers’safety, we take Western Union/Money Gram and Paypal the payment method.Shipment
All the items in our store are free shipping.
Item will be shipped out as soon as payment cleared and tracking number will be provided for you within 12 business hours after shipping
Delivery will take approx. 5-7 business days.Return Policy
If you don't satisfy with the quality, you are allowed to return the item within 7 days after receipt, then we will issue you a full refund or exchange accordingly.If any questions, please feel free to contact us!
web site: http://www.pickmaxshoes.com
answered 8 months ago |Report
Similar Questions in Running - General Running
Has anyone ever used KT Tape?1 answer/last answer about 1 hour ago
Have people found compression...6 answers/last answer about 1 hour ago
Unannounced route for half ma...0 answers/last answer about 8 hours ago
Treadmills for Runners?1 answer/last answer about 17 hours ago
Marathon Runners: Best use of...0 answers/last answer about 23 hours ago
Hi folks has anyone used Trai...1 answer/last answer 1 day ago
Any dm runners out there with...1 answer/last answer 2 days ago
Just bought a pair Adipure Tr...1 answer/last answer 2 days ago
Hi DM's has anybody here made...4 answers/last answer 2 days ago
next generation of shoes?1 answer/last answer 2 days ago
Categories
General
Running
Triathlon
Cycling
Health & Fitness
Race Management
Dailymile Feedback
