4 Simple Tests You Must Do Before Transition to Minimalist Running

4 Simple Tests You Must Do Before Transition to Minimalist Running (Forefoot or Barefoot)
Bob and Brad discuss four simple tests you should do in order to transition to minimalist running.
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[@jjbud3124]

Here is my experience. I'm an 80-year-old woman who has had foot problems since I was a child. Nothing wrong with my feet, I just couldn't find shoes that didn't hurt. Later in life I found running shoes and have been wearing them for at least 30 years. They were a godsend, but still not perfect. I kept catching the heel of the running shoe on steps and was afraid I might fall. I didn't, but came close a few times. Then I heard about barefoot shoes. I bought a pair of Xero shoes and wonder of wonders, all my foot problems have disappeared. I've worn them constantly since I first put them on. The first day or two I had a bit of discomfort in my calf muscles. My knees have improved greatly over the year I've been wearing them. I no longer catch my heel on steps, and I feel much more secure on my feet. My toes are not even touching each other when I stand up and I'm thinking that is the main reason I am more secure on my feet. I recommend them wholeheartedly to anyone who can wear them. What a difference. I don't want to ever put on any other kind of shoe. P.S. I've had both knees replaced due to arthritis, but still had a bit of discomfort in the tendons and muscles after 3-4 years. That has cleared up with barefoot shoes. P.P.S. I can do all those exercises except for the one leg stand, but I don't think I'm doing bad for 80.

[@sidilicious11]

I love Xero shoes. I found them in my 60’s. I hike in them and wear them almost exclusively. I have Xcursions, Terraflexs, and Prios.

[@ymmm-yogamovementmeditatio9507]

Wow, good that you finally found footwear that works for you! I'm also switching to minimalist shoes at the age of 55

[@maryjaneerardfineartllc4979]

Your theme song is up there with “Yesterday” by the Beatles.

[@freedomordust2957]

🤔😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@davidhodgin8900]

no way lol

[@alfonso365]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@gerkerkhoven]

The tests Brad & Bob mentioned in the video are also necessary for Barefoot Walking. Do not underestimate the effects by using barefoot shoes. Normally our feet are weak and lazy or even distorted by using generic shoes from our early childhood. I am 68 of age and use Vibram Fivefingers and Vivobarefoot for six years now and after a start period with injury there are only benefits. A lot of benefits!!

[@annie68164]

Agree! I'm almost 50, been a runner for many years, switched to barefoot/minimalist about a year ago. I can't say enough about it, my old injuries have mostly healed, one being big toe pain from the expensive stability running shoes, I feel like the shoes caused it. I was able to pass the tests in this video no problem. Weak feet due to puffy shoes isn't helping anyone. It may be why so many older folks fall all the time.

[@jerrywest7068]

I do the one leg stand for a minute on each foot twice a day on a one inch foam pad while brushing my teeth. Helps to keep good balance at 74.

[@MrCmon113]

Nice, that's similar to my routine. I always do squats and calf raises while brushing my teeth.

[@lonniedesorcy8200]

As a yoga professional, I have spent most of my adult life walking about barefoot. About 18 months ago I started to notice swelling between my great and second toe, pain in the metatarsophalangeal joint especially during elevation gains when hiking (wearing boots), and increasingly limited mobility. Turns out I have advanced-stage hallux rigidus, likely due to a severely stubbed (felt fractured) toe about two years ago. I have no other joint degeneration in the whole rest of the foot and gout has been ruled out. My point in sharing all this is to not take your big toe for granted! Hallux rigidus is pretty much irreversible (I may have the joint fused in future but for now I have to wear shoes virtually all the time, with orthotics, including one that minimizes dorsiflexion of the great toe). Uphill walking, running, lunges, some squats are all very difficult now. I have to be quite creative to stay active. I agree with all the points Bob and Brad make in this video. Sadly, barefoot running will not be possible for me but other than the toe mobility exercise, I have and will continue to practice the rest of these. Best wishes to everyone out there!

[@sidilicious11]

Have you done stretching,self massage or professional massage, deep bodywork or chiropractic? I have been keeeping a once stubbed big toe in pretty good shape by stretching and massaging. Those are free, can be done by oneself.

[@sazji]

63 here, I grew up almost completely barefoot for 6 months out of the year. I’m also always barefoot in the house and in the yard, but only recently discovered “barefoot shoes” that I can use at work and elsewhere. It took me about a day to get used to them. All of these tests check out just fine. I also realized that most of the sneakers I wore as a kid were essentially flat as well. I’ve always walked a lot, quickly, but one of the first things I noticed when I switched to zero-drop was how much my posture improved. Immediately, but it’s continued to improve in the weeks and months since. Getting to running - of course I always ran barefoot as a kid but I was shocked to realize (gradually) how many bad habits I’d learned over the decades of wearing standard shoes with raised heels. So the first time I started running short distances in the “barefoot“ shoes, I was heel striking despite my attempts not to. I paid for that the next day. :-) Then I overcompensated a little after that and had burning calves. My posture had improved but I realize that I was still bending a bit at the waist when I ran, and when I walked for that matter. That became clear when I was having trouble getting that smooth, low impact footfall. One coach online emphasize the importance of leading with the hips, and as soon as I did it, everything smooth it out. And then I remembered that I used to actually walk that way as a kid! So I guess the take away for me has been, switching to forefoot/flat shoe/.barefoot walking and running has been great for me, but take it slow, listen to what your feet and entire body are telling you, and make those adjustments.

[@annie68164]

I've been barefoot running for about a year at age 49. I passed these tests really well. Its been a great decision to ditch the various expensive running shoes I would buy to try to help with all the pains from knee and big toe. I truly think my Asics (that the manufacturer started making too narrow and tight) caused my pain. You guys are awesome!

[@mymai2792]

FYI Date stamps 2:32 Ankle flex Sit on chair, knee & ankle vertical with plumb line (stick). Move hips foward along chair past plumb line, while heel maintains contact with floor, not lifting off. 3:34 Big toe flex Big toe to flex upwards at least 30 degs. 5:18 Toe flex Big toe & heel flat on floor. Rest of toes flex up. 6:41 One leg 30 second balance. Time how long to balance on 1 leg without putting foot down or using hand on a surface for balance.

[@edwigcarol4888]

The best clearest, the most straight forward video I have yet seen on foot strengthening for barefoot running. This is yet part of my yoga program... Thanks you guys.

[@shoutatthesky]

For some reason I've been thinking my big toe on my left was too strong and the other toes need to be strengthened to balance my feet. This video has made me realise it's my big toe that is where I should focus.

[@user-eo2dz1ye3m]

You guys are just wonderful. Your videos have gotten me out of several near-injuries! I'm a Northern Iowa kid living in Abu Dhabi, but your guys' accents just take me home!

[@smedentsev]

And one most important thing ever when starting to walk barefoot - take it slow. Every one knows it and yet almost everyone neglects it. Myself included. I could walk barefoot around 2-2.5 km. a day when one day I was in a mood to take an extra hike in the park and walked about 4.5-5 km. Now I'm back to the regular shoes for about a week and able to walk maximum to the nearest grocery store. Nothing damaged but it its painful and uncomfortable. I was "disabled" for a week, unable not only to walk barefoot but even walk to the park. A week lost only due to my ignorance of the rule I was so much aware of. It is so easy to lose control...

[@GhostOnTheHalfShell]

I think it helps to stay barefoot indoors. Certainly tracking the filthy outdoors in with your shoes is bad enough, but blindfolded feet is not healthy.

[@willyb933]

Bob n Brad ...they never go home ...even at Christmas.

[@debby3959]

Feeling a bit cocky after this - passed with flying colours 🤣 Merry Christmas x

[@4ut05et]

The dad vibes are off the charts for these guys! Lol Keep up the great vids!

[@MrCmon113]

Imo the best way to transition to barefoot running is barefoot walking. That's how I did it. Barefoot forest walks and after a while I started running the way to and from the forest.

[@lilly3068]

Little piggies🐷 wow illuminating!!! I've had plantar fasciitis for years I try to stretch (mostly my hamstring though) I've even had surgery on both feet and none of my many doctors have I ever showed me any foot or ankle exercises crazy! Thanks guys great video!!💛✨

[@lilly3068]

@Fn Nicolitis I do!! I mostly stretch my hamstrings which does help tremendously!!! Lately I've been grounding ( Barefoot in the grass even winter haha! )And I'm starting B vitamins. I've read about Morton's toe (when your second toe is longer than your big toe) that can cause foot pain & that you don't absorb vitamins that great. Thank you for replying happy holidays!

[@matijazg5455]

funny, when I press my big toes down while others are lifted, pinkies on my HANDS, stretch out and up instinctively?

[@zendogbreath]

good one. now for some big toe strengthening exercises? and btw Bob, when do we get that video showing what you did to improve your left hand so much? thank you.

[@soph3420]

I'm way more stable on my foot that I didn't sprain. I'll be working on strengthening my ankles. @6:35

[@jabbejonsson2773]

I had a mild case of plantar fasciitis before and after following all your advice and no watching this video I pass all the tests.

[@jorenbosmans8065]

Kind of happy with this one as it is one of the few that Puts a warning on what you should be able to do. Happy I van do them easily

[@steveornot]

Very helpful. Thanks fellas

[@HeartlessKnave]

Thanks for this. I just bought minimalist shoes and went all in. I have been walking everywhere in them and only been running little stretches but my upper left side outer calve is constantly quite sore. Feet not as much but still a bit as well.

[@DavidontheBayou]

Excellent videos as always! I’m getting back into running, it’s killing my hips… But my ankles and knees are OK, grateful for that :-)

[@mrgeorgejetson]

These guys have some useful advice, and it's great that we can get it for free, but wow do they ever need an editor. This video could be somewhere between a fifth and a quarter of its current length without sacrificing anything relevant to the topic.

[@margaretpetersen9275]

What if you have bunions? I have on one foot,limited flexion,but no pain.it hasn't hurt for years

[@Wolfsoro]

Silly thing that might help balancing. Pull on the ear lobe opposite of the foot that you balance on.

[@mymai2792]

Thank you & Merry Xmas to you both.

[@quincyfleuren1693]

3.5 fingers under my big toes while use le muscles so I passed that second test easy. no surprise since I usually freak people out when I pick stuff up with my feet XD

[@ClydeH777]

How do they have 2.3m subs but only 20k views on this video?

[@webulu033]

SL calf raise would be a good addition

[@mixedchick105]

I love the intro

[@alaorilla9716]

cool all 4 foot tests check out. so i’m ready to buy my first pair 😀

[@toddviv]

i love your content guys thanks so much

[@JeSuisMarie22]

I heard the song and subscribed.

[@gordonstevenson797]

Good one Brad.

[@johnsommo2452]

Thanks for this video. I had one great toe fused so not much flexibility there. I've been trying Altra hiking shoes and liking them. But am I risking damage? Thx.

[@samashakti]

So what do you do if you have a weak big toe??!

[@sphummer23]

Y'all are like the car talk guys but for physical therapy lol. I like this more though

[@sorearm]

Great video

[@Wolfwithtablemanners]

Bob and brad I love your channel Try walking barefoot everyday,make sure you focus on leading/pointing your big toes

[@matts6551]

Your camera operator could probably do less "operating". The camera keeps shaking when zooming in and out. IS this your receptionist? 2.9 Million Subscribers now, hoping to see improvements

[@smilesmile7330]

A baby what?! 😂 Fun video

[@aero7848]

Do you recommend toe spreaders for foot stability?

[@sheisbamz]

Hello I know this has nothing to do with the video but I’m a cabin crew and I stand or walk all day long in heels or in uncomfortable shoes. Sitting in front of customers is not allowed. I try to stretch my feet, my legs and my lower back every day. However, every morning I would wake up and have heels tenderness or pain. What is wrong with me. How do I get rid of this? Btw, I have flat feet. I thought what I have would relate to having flat feet but I have binge watched all of your flat feet videos but my pain is not in the area that you showed. Thanksss

[@aroundandround]

4:32 Bob should have said “the foot they plantar fasciiate on”.

[@HarryAGeorgiou]

For a second I thought I heard 4 foot runner 😁

[@vibefrequencyable]

your eyes and vestibular system.

[@ohplezz]

Minimalist running tore my Achilles tendon and gave me plantar fasciitis.

[@armanavagyan9088]

Because you went into it too quickly without increasing ankle mobility

[@manojk2028]

I have a flat foot, it is advisable to run bare foot ?

[@armanavagyan9088]

Walk for a while at first

[@guidoencalada3336]

Any personal accounts from those who are/were flat footed that run with minimalist shoes?

[@mitch9886]

Hi, Guys LOve your vid's I watch from Australia was hoping to know has anyone had success with swapping to Minimalist running shoes to help with recurring Anterior Tibialis Tendonitis. :)

[@wordreet]

I say cycle, don't run, it's way better for our joints. You can get just as much exercise and visit more cafes!

[@wordreet]

@@BigBearBloo I hear you brother! 🍰☕🧁☕

[@jimkhana6640]

GET READY FOR ANOTHER LATHARGY SESSION

[@MistahMolosser]

And it’s also a comedy show.

[@therrienmichael08]

Was Brad saying forefoot runner ?

[@dianethoroughman9541]

I think he said barefoot and something else, but I could be wrong.

[@therrienmichael08]

@@dianethoroughman9541 Aha I played it again and in the beginning Bob said, "Four simple tests before minimalist running, that's forefoot or barefoot."

[@hair2050]

You guys are terrible. Like 1970s car salesman 👨‍💼 TVs advertising 😬. But lovable. 😘

[@DEAD4LIVE]

Segundo

[@SangreDeTuCorazon]

p n d j 0 s

[@leslie417]

Your beginning of your videos are way too long, please shorten them

[@rayoflight39]

Please do not listen to Leslie. there is absolutely nothing wrong with your vids. This is YOUR brand and you have sold it to us.

[@KawakebAstra]

Leslie Angel 😂 I know the feeling ..many channel Intros grate my nerves 😑.. but.. Bob & Brad’s singing part of Intro is actually comforting 2me 🥰...when not, I just tap through to avoid ..Happy Blessed Sweet 2020 😇♥️🙏

[@JoeMac1983]

But they're the most famous physical therapists on the internet.

[@TheMaryvillas1000]

Hi Leslie. You can find the short version in Facebook or Instagram.

[@bigvic950]

Why do people from up north sound like leprechauns?

[@daboss4416]

There was a leprechaun invasion that ravaged north America. Lots of pillaging, rape and murder of the English language. ALL FUELED BY LUCKY CHARMS!! It's been erased from the history books but we still hear it in the language and when an occasional leprechaun makes it, like Eminem.....