You Will Want Barefoot Shoes After Watching This… My 5 Year Journey

I've worn barefoot shoes for 5 years and I had no idea how much my feet would change. It's been an amazing journey so far and I'm shocked by how much an impact barefoot shoes have had on my life.
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0:00 - Intro
0:27 - The Problem With Modern Shoes
1:05 - Why Barefoot Shoes?
1:26 - My Journey
3:05 - Surprising Changes
5:27 - Drawbacks
6:35 - Starting Your Journey
7:12 - Outro
#barefootshoes #barefoot #vivobarefoot

[@AJCsr]

When we were younger (teens) we went barefooted during the spring, summer and some of the fall. My feet would become so calloused that they were possibly as tuff as some of those barefoot shoe's you're showing us. It's amazing how incredible our feet can become and most look at them as if they are an afterthought.

[@justinblake420]

Yep im the same except im bare foot or thongs at all times except when i have to wear work boots whick are loose fitting on my feet and held in place by laces

[@bepreparedforwhatscoming4975]

God designed us with this in mind.

[@hetbet3879]

@@bepreparedforwhatscoming4975 I agree, evolution and the big bang got us here.

[@MrAvidOutdoorsman]

Not me,🤷🏻‍♂️be being a Pisces I'm always respecting the feet.🤦🏼‍♂️😁

[@bepreparedforwhatscoming4975]

@@hetbet3879 Darwin didn't know about dna. The study of evolution is based on a lack of understanding

[@wb2194]

I am 58 and I started wearing zero drop shoes several months ago. Previously I wore typical running shoes and suffered from chronic adductor tendinopathy, and achilles tendonitis. Since switching to zero drop shoes I have been able to spend more time exercising and increasing intensity without injuries.

[@paulwalther5237]

I’m shocked you saw benefits so quickly. It seems like you’d have to transition slowly.

[@zulu6ix290]

What kind of distance are we talking here

[@wb2194]

@@paulwalther5237 Several months.

[@wb2194]

@@zulu6ix290 walking 5-6 miles. Elliptical an hour, and stair stepper 1 hour.

[@taliyahs1918]

But doesn't it put impact on the knee? I thought cushioned trainers would protect the knees?

[@bastahoobi]

Just started the barefoot shoes a couple weeks ago after my realization that modern shoes are not shaped like feet. Looking forward to the added pinky-toe balance +1 buff. I think the part that seems so crazy to me is that no doctor or chiropractor I've seen has ever mentioned any of this. Says a lot about our medical educational institutions...

[@Riley_1955]

Exactly ..... Most medical professions don't actually want to cure you of anything .... They want you to be a returning customer for the rest of your life.

[@spindleblood]

My physical therapist told me about it! I switched to Vivos and never looked back. It just sucks when I want to wear a nice dress... I wish my more stylish/fashion shoes had wider toebox

[@Powerhungry5000]

Well chiropractors aren’t real doctors so…

[@SuperSlant]

This only means that you have become an adherent of the “Witnesses of Barefoot Walking” sect, which judges the internal structure of shoes by their appearance.

[@SuperSlant]

@@Riley_1955 And Hitler is still alive. He fled to Argentina, and then flew to the moon, where he is preparing a military invasion.

[@AlexandreLollini]

I'm 2 years into Xero. Now I never heel strike. iphone picks up 1/3rd of steps if in shirt pocket and drops only 20% if on the leg pocket. I walk without noise, faster. My feet have their own brain and reflexes and they send me detailed reports. My cognition is extremely boosted, all senses are more intense, focused, sharp. I do things ONCE good and fast. I don't run. I prefer uneven terrain. Knee pain gone, lower back pain gone. lost weight, sad when I can not walk. I am a new person, I am 200/10. I love life!

[@vash241987]

I think the fact that wearing flip flops about 80% of the day for almost 15yrs, transitioning to my vivos wasn’t too difficult. I honestly feel better walking in the vivo, even when playing disc golf and hiking.

[@nostromosolo6806]

I did the same thing, lots of flip flops, converse, and barefoot walking made my transition super easy

[@nabranestwistypuzzler7019]

Now stop wearing the Vivos and just don’t wear shoes like normal

[@Alicenwndrlnd]

Oh woww...actually my "problem" began one summer a few years ago where i walked the whole summer in flip flops and barefoot..later in the winter i got some wide boots that i liked and in the summer flip flops again..i didnt really notice but one day...i just realized that all the other shoes i have just hurt me so bad...i got blisters from all the shoes i tried to wear and then i discovered the barefoot shoes because i was trying to find something that will fit me

[@sueevans4519]

I wear flip flops for about 7 months of the year and I've done this for years and years

[@vash241987]

@@nabranestwistypuzzler7019 I would, but in S Tx we got stickers and even with shoes, they still end up embedding their nasty thorns into my legs 🤣…..guess I have to take advantage of working up here in VT then

[@LonestarGypsi]

Yes! I've been on the barefoot-shoe kick for almost 4yrs, and have experienced all of this! I am so thankful I learned about the importance of healthy and free feet!!

[@changed7226]

I seriously got a high five from an older woman this week for going barefoot! I was so incredibly happy!

[@eonoutdoor3251]

I struggled with knee pain for almost 2 years and after switching to solely to barefoot shoes my knees have been pain free for 3 weeks now. I wear them at work, when I run on the road and when I go on trails and no pain. When I run on grass I feel like a force of nature. My balance is much better and I overall feel younger. Being pain free has improved my mood alot and I am more happier and more proactive in life. Just got my 1st pair of Vivobarefoot shoes and im excited to use them.

[@laurab9518]

Becaus they are light. There are light shoes in other brands

[@eonoutdoor3251]

@@laurab9518 I wore lightweight running shoes from multiple brands and none of them worked for me until I found barefoot shoes. Not saying they're for everyone but they're definitely for me.

[@sandy_carpetsthesecond5013]

@@laurab9518 I don't really think so. No shoes are particularly heavy, even steel capped ones are pretty light, so I don't think the weight of a shoe would make much of a difference, at least not one your body can't adapt too.

[@frostedflakes55]

Placebo...just wait until you hit 3 months with this non sense. Snap city.

[@eonoutdoor3251]

@@frostedflakes55 Its been 11 months, still no issues. I'll wait 3 more and maybe then the placebo will wear off.

[@ronnipassmore8717]

Iv been loving the barefoot and my back, knees, neck, back, pelvis is LOVING IT!!!!!! It’s been 8 months now and lots of my shoes no longer fit because my restrictions in my feet and everywhere else is amazingly better drastically improved!! Iv never like arch in my shoes for a reason!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@richhmilesfattofit3152]

Since moving to the Philippines and started to wear flip flops and going barefooted a lot has definitely helped my feet to get stronger been three years now also it cured my plantar fasciitis,nail fungus and athletes foot ,I now struggle to wear shoes if I go to a special function, it goes to show wearing shoes does damage our feet , good video

[@theUnmanifest]

i experience the same benefits. one more positive point that was not mentioned is that it forces you to become mindful of how you walk, and to walk more gently without stomping, which can have a huge cumulative effect on the spine over time especially for runners and certain people heavier or more prone to stomping.

[@inkadvorakova4996]

Very nice explanation :-) I transitioned to barefoot shoes 9 years ago, I don't have any conventional (or modern) shoes in my closet anymore. During summer and also at home I often go entirely barefoot. And it's the best thing I could do for my health! My children are all in barefoot shoes right from their first steps, allowing them to develop natural foot shape and strong muscles from a young age. I live in the Czech Republic and barefoot shoes are in fact quite a trend here, especialy among parents of young children. There's a bunch of local manufacturers who make them (many of them starting with kids' shoes as there was a demand for them, and later adding models for adults) and quite a good selection in shapes and styles for what a small market Czech Rep really is.

[@luisa146]

Wow that's good to know, I live in Italy and I have to buy barefoot shoes from abroad, vivobarefoot is very expensive, I've just discoverd groundies which is a german brand that's less expensive, but I'll have to check Czech barefoot shoes as well!

[@kalpeshpatel2160]

Can you recommend any brands I wpuld like a pair if I visit

[@TheCswing]

How do you deal with the thin sole in winter? :)

[@0tispunkm3y3r]

It's interesting because if you notice, young children are forever taking their shoes off. They don't like wearing them, they like to run about barefoot. Maybe, they instinctively know something we've forgotten.

[@Magnulus76]

That's cool. Hopefully barefoot shoes become a global trend.

[@mrCUTNPASTE]

Been wearing LEMS zero drop every day for just about a year!. Knee pain gone and they have held up better than most shoes I have bought over the past 20 years. The sole is getting thinner up front( I'm a driver so not surprised) but amazed at how well the stitching along the base and and the rest of the shoe still looks brand new! Still awesome! Thanks Pedestrian Crossing in Boulder CO for suggesting them!

[@1130Tim]

I did this several years ago after having multiple running problems. After going completely barefoot all my problems went away. It didn’t take years but many months to get to a point of walking and running many miles. I loved how it feels as well

[@waedjradi]

How does it feel?

[@joyconmoy]

@@waedjradi as Well

[@tomy1645]

​@@joyconmoy 😂😂😂😂

[@aethylwulfeiii6502]

Except for the glass in your feet. Big risk these guys never talk about.

[@beararms6945]

Never stepped in glass myself ever wearing barefoot shoes lol

[@writingriver7992]

I personally wouldn't be worried about the shoes being socially acceptable. You do you!

[@viktoriaberg8706]

I transitioned summer of -21 after chemo ruined my proprioception and I started falling about and breaking bones. I started out hard, got a stress fracture, healed, and stubbornly went at it again. One and a half year later I have my body back. At 56, no back problems, no neck problems, great balance, big, broad, strong feet. I couldn´t recommend barefoot shoes enough.

[@kvnngkronos]

Thanks for the video. I also transitioned to barefoot shoes, around 4 years ago, and while our journeys might have been different, my experience pretty much mirrors yours. It has been undoubtedly a positive journey for my body.

[@lollipop3105]

I had chronic knee pain and almost every year bad injuries by dropping and falling with my high sole running shoes. I bought my first barefoot shoes 4,5 years ago and am absolutely painfree 🤗

[@AndreaWiget]

Love this video! I started wearing barefoot shoes about 5 years ago. It took some time to adjust but I am so happy now. I used to have lower and upper back pain after walking short distances. This is completely gone and I am able to walk as long as I like now without any back pain. And my feet are much, much happier too :-) My favourite brand is "Groundies" as they have a lot of stylish options :-) Nobody ever thinks that I am wearing barefoot shoes.

[@JohnSmith-il4wi]

An Amazon company called Whitin makes AWESOME beginner level barefoot shoes. Most prices are around $40 USD (2023 price)

[@curtisy6234]

I just got my first pair of whitin barefoot shoes for $20 on sale. I love them.

[@JohnSmith-il4wi]

@@curtisy6234 Awesome!! Let me know how the transition goes for you

[@wonderwoman6232]

I have worn Vibram Five Fingers for 15 years. They are the best physical thing I have ever done for myself. They eliminated my back pain, and have not had plantar fasciitis since wearing them. I am not worried about being socially excepted.😁

[@BalancingLaura]

LOVE LOVE LOVE this!

[@undefinednull5749]

Exactly ! Fuck yeah, onky toed shoes. Don't give a damn about idiots . Im looking for my first 5 toed shoes lately .

[@TEKKENMANJI]

I am way past the point of giving a #@$! with wearing VFFs day to day, so clearly I’m not looking for social acceptance. I think they are cool and minimal and I take pride in showing off the natural form of my feet where the toes should be separated and free, which allows the foot to splay naturally. Somebody made a meme of me wearing them in public, which confused me because last I checked 70% of the U.S. population are wearing Crocs, the most hideous shoes in the history of mankind. They’re literally a piece of foam rubber with a bunch of holes punched in them. So as far as I’m concerned, I will do what makes me happy and if it makes you uncomfortable that I’m wearing “toe shoes,” that’s okay, you can stare all you want. I’m gonna wear them anyway. As they say, “people fear what they do not understand. “

[@undefinednull5749]

@@TEKKENMANJI Exactly what you wrote , I whole heartedly agree 👍 , I have been wearing worn out shoes half fallen apart for a month or so , "fuck them" was and is my saying. The half fallen apart shoes were comfortable with my toes splaying out lol , That looked way worse than proper shoes with toes. No social obligations. I'm not looking for fleeting friendships nor idiots who judge books by their cover.

[@SKBKER]

Off topic but you don't really drive that monstrosity do you .

[@BeingIntegrated]

I just started transitioning to barefoot a few weeks ago and loving it. Never going back lol. I've also suffered from neck pain most of my live but overcame it from doing a lot of yoga and stretching, especially working on my forward bend and hamstring flexibility. Looking forward to seeing more benefits from barefoot walking.

[@BalancingLaura]

I’m so excited to hear this! Yoga and barefoot shoes have done a lot of great things for me physically and mentally. I hope things continue to go well!

[@oscarosullivan4513]

@@BalancingLaura Quackery. A lot of foot, back and knee pain could be argued on an obesity crisis and poor running posture.

[@alexisdecardenas9518]

Kate bush

[@crankskinatra6038]

High top Vans have much more room in the toe area can be found affordably, I have wide feet and tend to get ankle problems when I wear a shoe with any form of raised heel. I was also a barefoot kid and a skateboarder so I spent a lot of my life with a flat sole or no shoes.

[@BeingIntegrated]

@@crankskinatra6038 I also grew up skateboarding (and still do!). But it's not just about the flat soles or wide toe box, it's about the thin soles that offer more flexibility and force your feet to learn to support themselves, and also walking off road all the little bumps massage and soften and opened my feet.

[@juliebuol7622]

I am so glad to hear you say the same thing that I have found with transitioning to wearing all barefoot shoes. I also cannot wear any “regular” shoes anymore. And, my two favorite brands are Vivobarefoot and Feelsground. I have the same pink shoe and it’s so cute. I get a lot of compliments. But, when I tell people how wonderful barefoot shoes are, I get a universal strange look like “what are you talking about?” I share your passion. Thanks!

[@neiljennings8822]

OMG Laura - I so resonate with your journey. I too went barefoot shoes from 2019. My feet have changed shape, they are slightly longer, thinner and the arch is so very much higher. They are so much stronger now. My running injuries - non existent. i wear Merrell vapor glove 3 and they feel like wearing slippers even on concrete, I now look out for grass and rough ground to walk on. My feet have never been so healthy. I believe that our feet are designed like pivoting suspension bridges to function well. My posture is as it should be - upright and at 90 degrees to the ground and I have never get skeletal problems. I cannot go back to modern shoes now. Interestingly my mother (in the 1950s) ran competitively and then they only had cheap plimsolls, nothing else was available back then. She had never heard of running injures. This makes perfect sense now. We have evolved to walk with minimal foot covering. Boycott Nike Saucony etc. Keep up the good work.

[@marcgarc]

Amazing video! I transitioned to barefoot shoes about 2 1/2 years ago and I cannot go back to regular shoes. Obviously if there is a special occasion, I will throw on other shoes. I noticed the spreading of my toes (especially since I wear toe spreaders) and absolutely no more foot or arch pain in my feet even after I jog in my Vivos. I am currently in chiropractic school and I agree with pretty much all your points. Nowadays, the importance of shoes is overlooked when thinking about health… The feet are the foundation of the body. The feet can affect posture and both bad posture and bad foot mechanics can lead to so much more issues down the line.

[@FocusedLucas]

Yo thanks for this video, it convinced me! I just ordered some using your link, planning to jump in cold turkey and make a video as well!😅

[@alphawarrior2]

i can do 50 knuckle pushups (idk off topic lol)

[@Tequila628]

Yo yo mazafaka

[@undefinednull5749]

Can't wait until you do a toe movement training Challenge! with some five finger shoes of course 😊

[@shervinshares5277]

welcome to the barefoot cult :)

[@chrisgraham5128]

that was the whole point, to get you to CONSUME

[@donnawright3739]

I'm currently on this journey as well and I have been so relieved. It's a wonderful journey.🥰

[@gavenevans]

I’ve been looking into barefoot shoes a lot more recently. I’ve been running in a pair of them for six months now, but wanted to learn more about the ‘why.’ This is HANDS DOWN, the best produced video in this space 😂😂 Awesome Job! 🔥🔥

[@silentrocco]

Super well made and informative video! I transitioned in 2006. Never went back, never wore any non-barefoot shoes ever again. Also for me, one of the best decisions ever. I started with FiveFingers, and after going through a lot of brands, I‘m currently coming back to FiveFingers again, since that toe freedom is an extra, that really adds a lot for me. I a) couldn‘t care less about social acceptance (it‘s all about with how much self-esteem you wear them), and b) their newer model CVT LB (my fav shoe ever so far) is even kind of a fashion statement with its cool color combinations. People often even compliment me on them. So, to wrap up my way too long comment: YAY to barefoot shoes! And yay to your video!

[@seanbonvie7983]

I've been wearing barefoot shoes for over a year and can't get enough of them. I have learned in the process actual understanding how to use my legs properly, lol. This consist of having your running struck more forward so there is less weight in each strike, also focusing on pulling backwards in each stride to emphasize hamstring usage and third at the top of the stride to feel the squeeze of the glute. All three of these motions lead to good blood flow, less stress on joints, and further mind to muscle activation which I realized (being an athlete all my life), i had none of that until this last year :) The immediate feedback I got from these three tips: no longer tight hip flexors, significantly stronger calfs (higher vertical), and overall balance improvement. Thanks for furthering the education of living a healthier life!

[@masterbaiter327]

Each time I hike or go for longer walks, I try to walk on grass or any non-concrete surface. Then I feel the full potential of barefoot shoes. Getting into barefoot was the best decision ever

[@timmusaka9577]

Just received my first pair of barefoot. The journey has begun!!! Thank you

[@lour8862]

How is it going?

[@nickdallas8528]

I’ve been wearing wider toe box shoes and I bought a pair of Altras and so far it’s all helped very much. I had a bad toe that’s literally fine now and my ankles and knees feel better. Looking into Vivo or lems in the future

[@migjordanpayawal7856]

Switched to Xeroshoes a year or two ago. It was an easy transition because I walk barefoot at home anyway. Can't go back to modern shoes anymore and had to donate/sell most of the ones I had. My feet and the rest of my body feel so much stronger and more stable with the ground. This helps because I walk around and push/pull stuff a lot at work.

[@sidilicious11]

I ❤️Xero Shoes and have several styles.

[@AWholeVibe96]

I’m in the process of getting rid of my shoes. When I get a new job, I’m going to go barefoot as much as possible. I hate that I’ll be sacrificing some of my favorite brands though 😭

[@JohnHandle-]

Once I graduated highschool I stopped wearing shoes. I wear them to go out and am barefoot in every other situation. 90% of my day is spent barefoot and I absolutely love it.

[@childoftheuniverse3698]

I have ordered my first pair of barefootshoes two days ago and I’m exited for the journey! We wear shoes for such a long time during the day at work and I think it would be much more comfortable with bareshoes, especially in office jobs. In jobs where you have to wear safety shoes it’s a different thing, they don’t really have the opportunity to get used to barefootshoes unfortunately

[@antoniolascasas]

I’m totally agree with you! I have started to use Five fingers shoes by Vibram about 15 years ago, but, as you have a told in the video, are not socially accepted easily, especially in formal occasion. However I have completely revised my way of walking, I have a corrected some defects of my feet and I am now happy to see that there is a new kind of shoes with similar principles but more socially acceptable! 😊😊

[@TheRumblewagon]

After years of knee pain, shin splints and plantar fasciitis, I read the book Born to Run and immediately went with barefoot running shoes. ALL of those aforementioned problems went away. I only wish I had learned this from childhood rather than in my late twenties. Currently using Altras which have lasted for years

[@jimschlosser1621]

Altras are barefoot shoes?

[@TheRumblewagon]

@@jimschlosser1621 my Altra Superior 4.5s are.

[@makeracistsafraidagain]

I’ve been wearing Vibrams for about 15 years. Unless it’s raining they are all I wear. In the house I’m barefoot. I’m 70 and my feet are in great shape. As is my back.

[@angeldavis6947]

I really didn’t think I was going to watch the whole video, but I’m glad I did!

[@webuyhousesdenvercolorado]

Man after watching this my feet feel like a mess lol doesn't help I'm flat footed but I've been on a barefoot shoe journey for only a month. Can't wait to see what happens in a year!

[@Andy-br1hq]

I’ve had the same basic experience with barefoot type shoes. Wearing a more traditional shoe has become very uncomfortable plus I went up half a size in regular shoes, which I do have to wear for work “steel toe boots”. I just bought a pair of Lems boulder boot and I love how comfortable they are, plus I do still wear vibram 5 fingers

[@kimmidojo6102]

What a great video!! Thank you! .. and thank you for listing the brands 😊

[@ajmunn1229]

Haven't been on this channel in a while, glad to see it's continued to grow! Keep fighting the good fight!

[@ajmunn1229]

Sidenote how tight do you keep your vivo? Whole thumb at the end of the biggest toe or do you wear them a bit smaller?

[@aliyhatone-pah-hote3405]

I was diagnosed with Patella-Femoral Pain Syndrome and flat feet😂 I've started going barefoot so much that the bottoms of my feet are black by my end of the day shower, but my arch always stays clean🤔 So Im starting to think I just have an imbalance in my foot muscles that mimic flat feet🤯 Since Ive been making an effort to be barefoot ive noticed my pain going down slowly yet gradually! I'm very excited to see how this effects me in the future!

[@100hundert]

I started converting to barefoot shoes last fall and I kinda brute forced it more than I would recommend to other people, but around half a year later I was mostly comfortable in them and now, a year later, I'm 100% used to them and, yeah, I cannot STAND being in conventional shoes anymore (well... I barely have any of them anymore 😂). I own six pairs of Vivos (including winter shoes) and recently really enjoyed the Merrell Vapor Glove ones - these are relatively affordable and have a bit more grip. Fantastic video and great introduction to the subject 👏

[@betsyfraser2594]

I'm on about my third pair of Merrell Vapor Gloves! They work great for me as do Altra Escalantes.

[@aurih2o]

Wow I would have never been interested in barefoot shoes before watching this! But now I want a pair!! This is so fascinating!

[@The411]

Cool. I've been wearing flat leather mocs for almost 2.5 years now since working from home. When I go out, my normal shoes really do feel squishy. I never thought about the barefoot shoe thing. Will check into it.

[@khaii13]

As a filipino who wears flipflops 90% of the time (except for school and work or more formal functions) wearing barefoot shoes feels like coming home from using “conventional shoes” that i had to wear before this barefoot revolution.

[@latifx3944]

I grew up running around barefoot most of my childhood, (mostly still when near my house) and I get so frustrated when shoe shopping. My feet are wide and when I see all these narrow shoes I get so confused how anyone's feet can function properly.

[@adhamelabbasi2280]

Shoe shop keeper used to sniff out that I walk bare foot whenever I went shoe shopping with my mum as a kid. I didn't understand why I'm so fond of walking barefoot untill people like Laura here explained the difference.

[@Twiddle_things]

I don't run around barefoot as much anymore but my toes are still wide. I use crocs and sandals a lot because I feel like I can actually walk in them. Shopping for shoes is always a pain because I have to take some ginormous size to account for how wide my feet are, so it looks like I'm wearing clownshoes

[@latifx3944]

@@Twiddle_things I feel you. The struggle do be real. 💀

[@DoktorSick]

I started wearing zero drop shoes about 2 years ago and they are fantastic !! I don't have problems with my back, knees or heel pain like i use to and the shoes just feel so comfortable.

[@mhammondsub4]

Awesome vid. Lighting, pacing, story. Great work 👊

[@goldhawk151]

I regularly exercise barefoot especially with home workouts and because I’ve been training Taekwondo for the past year and I definitely feel a lot more coordinated and balanced

[@betsyfraser2594]

I'm sold (sole-d?) on zero drop shoes and it's almost all I wear now. Still searching for that stylish, comfortable perfect dressy-ish flat shoe. I hope it's out there.

[@craigbuckton8557]

Check out Anya's reviews... Some really good blog posts about all things barefoot.

[@the.Aruarian]

Belenka/Birchbury might be worth checking out. :)

[@Nadia24311]

Check out Xero shoes. They have a cute Mary Jane style flat

[@Elrimo90]

You could give groundies a try. They look like normal shoes.

[@jenv6846]

Groundies has some super cute ballet-style ones.

[@theidealist9793]

This is such a great video. You present a very relaxing image and theme. I feel like I’m being entertained but I’m learning. Nice trick!😊. Also, I freaked out when you showed your feet “before and after”. 😂

[@judycee4]

I’m 71. I bought my first pair of barefoot shoes a couple of months ago. I love them. I have flat feet and am getting root nerve blocks in my lower spine every 4 months. I still had a problem with daily pain in my left leg. These shoes have resolved that. I can go all day with no pain.

[@austinado16]

Great video. You hit all the points! I badly injured my left knee while training for a race in '97. Could not run at all after that. In July 2012, after asking around, I purchased my first pair of Vibram FiveFingers (the Bikila model) and ran 7-1/2mi up and down the trails on our local 1,200' peak, which included running a mile on pavement, to and from the trail head. I ran a total of 27mi that week in them. I definitely DIDN'T follow the recommended "transition" method. I'm still running in FF's year round, on our local mountain trails, and the only time I switch out, is when the trails are just too strewn with loose, sharp, rock. My other minimalist/barefoot running shoes are the original New Balance "Minimus" 10v1, and Merrell Trail Gloves or Vapor Gloves. I'm 59 now, and just got back from running my 10th R2R in 8yrs, at the Grand Canyon. I run there in the FF, including the 4 Rim2River's that I've done in the last 2 years. My daughter joined me in the FF's in 2012, and trained/raced in them for 4yrs in high school. They're not a fast shoe, so ultimately she was racing in flats. She was the only member of either the boys or girls teams, in both XC and Track, to never have an injury. She raced all distances in Track. 2 months ago, she joined me on my 9th R2R. It was her 6th. We have vids on the channel if you want to see us running in them. My work shoe, as a mechanic, on concrete floors, 9hrs a day, is the Vivo Barefoot Primus Trail. I have Lems as dress shoes.

[@JacksonS44]

I’ve always had wide feed meaning normal shoes never fit quite right for me. I got Birkenstocks and the more natural foot shape of the shoe brought me a lot of the benefits you mentioned here, a lot of random aches and pains I had went away.

[@djginandtronic]

Just got my first barefoot shoes (Lems Kourt) and they feel amazing!!! So excited to start on this journey.

[@ztzexplorer]

Great video! The last 10 years, I've been using barefoot all the time - for walking, running, hiking, backpacking, and working. It's one of the best decisions I've made in my life. Merrell and New Balance used to make more barefoot models, but not as much anymore, so I switched to Xero and love them. They even make an amazing zero-drop winter boot that I tested while backpacking in the Adirondacks of NY. I'll have to try Vivobarefoot even though they're expensive. I've also had luck with BareTrek, a Chinese Merrell knock-off. They're super cheap, not that durable, but really comfy.

[@Av1ance]

I have a problem with shoes being narrow. So I started doing research looking for grounding shoes. This is probably why this video popped up in my recommendations 😊

[@timseidl8705]

I haven't made the jump to full on barefoot shoes, but I have been slowly switching over to Altras for the wider toe box and zero drop. I have already seen a huge improvement in reducing running injuries.

[@nceebee6859]

I think they are a fantastic everyday shoe. Similar concept, but offer the comfort across man made terrain. Concrete, bitumen etc.

[@TheReg83]

Same as you iv came from brooks Ghost 12mm drop to Altra escalante 3 0mm drop.. I love the wide toe box!! and already feeling some benefits. Any chance I can go bare feet I do, so the changeover was not too bad for me. I have been suffering with left knee pain and lower back this long time, iv been told I overpronat and need stability shoes or insoles with arch support. Luckily, I went with the cheaper option. It made my problems worse from day one. I tried it for 6-months with no effect.. I decided to give the Ultras a go and slowly i was feel good after running. Now I am enjoying running again ❤❤ slowly training my body to midfoot strike again...

[@TheReg83]

Ah, and I worked on foot strengthening as well !!! Still do ❤❤

[@FetterWaschbaer1994]

Thanks for sharing this with us. You definitely know da way !

[@anastasjasringenwald1791]

Thank's for your work.I just LOVE barefoot shoes. I run now 3 years with barefoot shoes and i don't have knee problem's anymore...

[@mrj447]

The original Classic Slip On Vans are a great minimalist shoe. They are zero drop and the soles are very flexible. You just have to order a few sizes larger than normal so you have a wide enough toe box area. For example, I normally would wear 11.5 (Mens) before I got wise to minimalist footwear. But for extra room in the toe box I started ordering size 13. With size 13 I can wear Correct Toes toe spacers with the Vans on. Five fingers are still the most comfortable to me. But the slip on Vans are great for when the weather is bad. Lems also makes some good minimalist footwear boots for the weather (and other sneaker type shoes if interested).

[@Grayyy__]

I agree with this comment!! I wear a 6.5 and my friend wears an 8 and I fit in her brand new vans perfectly I was shocked when I realized this.

[@oldtymer9106]

Great video. I discovered Xero shoes a few months ago and am on the tail end of getting use to them. It is indeed a journey as your feet slowly, (uncomfortably and sometimes painfully) regain their strength and flexibility again. Like going from regular to synthetic oil in your car's engine, I don't recommend going back to standard shoes unless there is a special social occassion demanding it. They do cost more than traditional padded shoes, but free markets doing what they do best, I forsee them coming down in price as more manufactors get on the barefoot shoe bandwagon as they become recognized as being the healthier, more natural alternative. Again, great job getting the barefoot shoe word out. Be well.

[@BalancingLaura]

Thank you so much! I'm happy to hear that you've made it through the toughest part of the journey! It's so rewarding, and I think you are absolutely right about them coming down in price as they become more mainstream. Take care! 💜

[@markcorrigan3930]

@@BalancingLaura Have you tried the birkenstock Honnef Low or just nike running shoes BUT wide size?

[@michaelshover]

Thanks for mentioning Feelgrounds. Feelgrounds has the boot and high top shoe style that I've been looking into recently. They have the boot which isn't mainly a "winter boot" and the high top with a wide toe box.

[@SvetlyootSofia]

Thank you for the honest review!

[@monikabrachetti8585]

Great experience. I tried the barefoot shoes, but couldn’t wear them. But I made a similar experience by only wearing Dr Martens and Birkenstocks during Covid and they are wider in the toe region and flat. Since then no knee, foot or hip pain anymore. And I had to get rid of nearly all of my other shoes because my feet didn’t fit in anymore in narrow, pointed shoes 😉.

[@Stew-rl9qk]

Sounds like you’re half way there. You got the toes right but your arches are needing work.

[@silkroad1201]

There's no such thing as "socially acceptable" when it comes to fashion. There are things that most people adhere to that go in and out of "style", but as soon as someone sees someone else wearing something different, they're gonna wanna do it too (and if they have the balls, they will). It's incredible how many compliments I started getting when I finally kicked off the old sneakers and threw on some cowboy boots.

[@koffing2073]

only if the one wearing the new thing is a popular leader (actor, musician, sportsman) or else the tribe will shun him as a weirdo

[@z0uLess]

I started playing table tennis to train my brain and my coach has balance as the #1 principle in his philosophy. I found that playing with barefoot shoes helps on so many levels by making my body deal with the hard sideways movements -- giving stability through the foot instead of making stability in the shoe. I still have some ways to go in adjusting my pinkie toe and am trying differnt toe spacers to help with that. In fact, the body was giving me signals about this failure point on the outside of my right foot for decades of running, but I didnt listen.

[@mikewhocheeseharry5292]

I was mostly barefooted as a kid - mostly, because sometimes I wore flip-flops. It wasn’t by choice but because I couldn’t afford shoes. I learned to race other kids barefoot, jump-roped barefoot, hop-scotched on cement barefoot. I was so adapted to being barefooted that once I did wear shoes, felt like I could do those activities better without the shoes. Similarly to underwear… once I was able to afford underwear, wearing them initially felt constrained and not airy, -butt- got used to it after awhile.

[@kirkbrooks9447]

I totally agree about the toe box size, I've always made sure I get wider toe boxes but my arches are high enough that any barefoot shoe I've ever tried was pure agony. I'd be hard pressed to try them again.

[@sidilicious11]

I have super high arches and love barefoot shoes. I guess I’m lucky.

[@johnl805]

That means you need to be more focused on walking around barefoot and doing more foot, toe and ankle mobility for rehab to get your foot to a place to feel more confidence. Also wear toe spreaders everyday and wear them while doing these mobility and rehab exercises. Look into whole body mobility also.

[@papyrustheroyalguardsmen3446]

Goofy Aww Feet in the thumbnail 🦶🏻💀

[@axel_r_]

I am 68 years old and began using zero drop shoes a few months ago. Previously, I wore standard running shoes and struggled with ongoing plantar fasciitis and knee pain. Since changing to zero drop shoes, I’ve been able to work out more often and with higher intensity, all without injury

[@MamaTwoN2020]

Am soon starting my journey! as soon as my shoes arrive. So excited! I walk alot barefoot so i do hope i get a smooth jump to barefoot.☺

[@TadeuszCantwell]

I've been wearing zero drop shoes since 2014 and the lack of pain in the lower back is great. On the heels wearing out faster, when I do a brisk walk I land on the mid-foot, on the outside edge to the little toe. This is similar to how runners land but is not exactly the same. Grown and healthy has some videos on it. Or you can try taking shorter steps faster so your leg is under your body when you land, with the knee slightly bent. You might be over-striding when you walk which can be tiring on long walks.

[@JohnMoseley]

I've been looking for info on walking right since I switched to barefoot shoes eight years ago and easily the best for me has been Dr. Emily Splichal's book 'Barefoot Strong.' Wish I'd had it before. My gait was misaligned and I was getting left knee pain and the beginnings of right hip pain and mild soreness in my lower back. I was also putting pressure on my right heel in a way I couldn't seem to stop and that was hurting too. All this has cleared up and I have a gait that feels natural, comfortable and pleasurable and that allows me a vigorous long stride if I want it. I can feel beneficial effects in tension release right up to my shoulders and neck. I've had the book a few weeks now, but I sorted most of this out in the first week using Splichal's exercises.

[@rickyalyhak1891]

I’ve been wearing them for almost 3 months now. I’ve finally gotten to the point where I’m strong enough to start going for short runs. My transition wasn’t that bad because I always went barefoot around the house. Since I was 17, I was having horrible recurring shin splints and back pain when I ran in my old shoes, which shouldn’t happen at my age. It was so demotivating to wait weeks just for it to immediately flare up again. They’re gone now, and I’m so happy that I can finally run regularly with no problems. The only pain I feel after running is calf muscle soreness, the good pain that means you’re getting stronger. My first pair was vivobarefoot, but then I switched to Xero Prio, which I absolutely recommend. They look nice, and they’re super comfortable, also fairly priced compared to others.

[@LiterallyAllNamesAreTaken]

how old are you now if I may ask? your roblox profile picture is telling me you’re still young so idk. I’m 18, and buying barefoot shoes are definitely on my to-do list.

[@rickyalyhak1891]

@@LiterallyAllNamesAreTaken I'm 19. This is a satire account, hence the Roblox profile.

[@tutes0133]

This is what will push me to try it out. I've had terrible and sustained compartment syndrome and shinsplints due to a short foray with wrong shoes.

[@fintanotoole6723]

Hey dude. How has it been for you now that you're on those shoes for over a year? I was in a similar position to you at 19 (now 27) but I only just got my first pair of shoes (Vivos) today.

[@Jim_Tabor]

I did enjoy watching you and your barefoot journey. Plus the 75 thousand steps , thanks for sharing 😊

[@kyrollos0208]

Barefoot shoes are worth it if they help one to improve their quality of life and avoid particular health issues later in life. Glad to hear that this has been the case for you, Laura.

[@Simon-dn9kv]

My barefoot journey started with shoes by Leguano and these really kinda force you to hit the ground with your forefoot first. Afterwards I got a pair from vivobarefoot with a higher shaft and I'm struggling since the area around the heel is a lot stiffer which makes it very hard to walk forefoot as there's not enough mobility in the ankle.

[@StacyO31]

Are you supposed to hit the ground with the ball of your foot first? I used to run that way and my track coach made me hit heel first.

[@Simon-dn9kv]

@@StacyO31 I believe it's the way nature designed us to run. Because it's the only way to run on uneven ground like meadows or in the woods (as we probably used to 100k years ago) without any chance whatsoever of twisting an ankle. I suppose running heel first makes one faster because less muscle energy is needed cushioning the impact.

[@StacyO31]

@@Simon-dn9kv thank you for your reply. I can’t help but wonder if that is why my hips are jacked up now.

[@Sapientiam]

My first "barefoot" shoes were vivo barefoot and I loved them but they didn't keep my feet warm in colder climate. They lasted for approximately two years (these were the only pair of shoes I owned and used. Walked for many hours a day in all kind of weather and terrain) and they got totally worn out around the heel. I struggled to find new barefoot shoes and panicked when I thought I might have to go back to "normal" tight shoes again. In my country I find it's difficult to find a shop either online or a physical one that provides with barefoot shoes. I had to throw away the vivo shoes and use my old all stars.. My pinky toe on both sides got so messed up from the small space in the all stars that I lost my nail. It hurt big time. Basically what had happens was that my feet no longer fit in the old shoes (they used to fit really nice) and so I had to find a new pair that would fit. I finally, after a whole year, got hold of a really nice website that sold barefoot shoes. I decided to try out a different brand called Be Lenka. I loved the new shoes! Even though I'm a minimalist I ended up buying five pair of shoes from the same brand just because they support wide feet like mine. For all year usage (icon), for hiking (trailwalker), winter (icon, only for winter with high ancles) and a couple more icon shoes just for the day when the ones I wear gets worn out. Never again will I wear anything else but barefoot shoes. I only whish I knew of their existence years ago when I was in my teens. Because then I wouldn't have had to wear shoes that cramped my feet so badly. I truly love my new shoes. Each day I look at them with such admiration and I praise the makers of these shoes that I got to buy and wear.

[@AWholeVibe96]

That’s what my concern was. If there were boots available that had a barefoot structure. Most barefoot shoes aren’t made for winter climates but I’m going to find some now!

[@tkralva.6668]

Just wearing wide fit shoes, and a size bigger than usual, has helped my old feet. But still wearing padded insoles. And metatarsal good pads. Has helped my feet big time. But going to a physiotherapist due to pain, was just told I was getting old! This all started after lock down, when spending 6 months barefoot at home helped ease bunion formation.

[@bdurushia]

Ah, 4.5 years later I have stumbled upon your channel again. Been wearing barefoot shoes since January 2020. I’ve gotten roughly 8 people in my personal life to transition. I’m going to save this video and send it to people who are interested that I interact with. The comments here are wonderful as well.

[@adamgibson9357]

Zero drop dress shoe (office shoe) recommendation- Lem's 9-5, comes in leather. I've had them over a year now. They have held up well and have a wide toe box. Great shoe!

[@allencrider]

I'm a fan of Lem's Boulder Boots.

[@calebmelton5989]

Not real leather

[@adamgibson9357]

@@calebmelton5989 their website claims it to be "full grain leather". Reguardless of what it actually is they have held up really well to abuse

[@calebmelton5989]

@@adamgibson9357 hmm. I'll have to look I to this

[@mattmoylan4226]

I love barefoot shoes, really feel like they helped with lower back pain ER RN on my feet a ton 😁

[@insightinspiration9922]

Thanks for sharing this important information!

[@joyruppert4710]

Interestingly, I find that barefoot shoes actually last longer! If you start midfoot striking, the heel won't wear down as much. The damage is more spread out but less fast. My first pair of barefoot shoes is 4 years old now and they wont die. And I've worn them a lot!

[@BalancingLaura]

That's amazing to hear! I need to be more conscious of my stride. I am a heel striker and I think it's because I've spent my whole life trying to keep up with people who are taller than me 😂

[@SPChef1981]

@@BalancingLaura hey there. Was wondering if these shoes make your feet stink?

[@nowster]

@@SPChef1981 Do your feet stink in other types of shoes? You can wear socks. I prefer toed socks like Injinjis as they allow natural toe splay. Also Vibrams come with washing instructions. If they get stinky (eg. mud) I put mine in a mesh bag in the front-loader washing machine on a cool wash cycle (30°C) then gently air dry them.

[@nowster]

@@BalancingLaura I had to relearn how to walk. Shorter steps and higher cadence, then gradually extend the step length as my leg muscles adjusted. My walking gait nowadays has me landing the forefoot first, with the heel landing a split second later. It's a very subtle change, and most people watching me wouldn't notice it. Watch a cat or a dancer walking, and you'll get an idea of how it works.

[@kalynosborn6435]

Thanks so much for sharing this! I am reading Born to Run and so interested in minimalist/barefoot running! I've started doing toe yoga as part of pelvic floor therapy and I have noticed such a difference in my ability to run uninjured.

[@Malaima]

Can i ask where did you get this? Toe yoga related to this?

[@kalynosborn6435]

@@Malaima Toe yoga is basically just working out your toes and helping to strengthen the feet for being barefoot and in minimal footwear, it's not really a yoga practice. It helps you to get your natural foot shape and spread your toes like she shows in the video! Did I answer the question? I may have misunderstood what you were asking.

[@jeltew]

So much into Vivo that you have a part of their logo mounted on the wall 👌🏼

[@chadbailey7038]

Thank you for highlighting the more casual and “everyday” wear options. I’ve been wondering what will work with jeans or khakis 🙌🏾 ⚡️

[@JohnMoseley]

Regarding effects further up the body, especially neck pain: I've been wearing barefoot shoes for eight years - and never looked back - but it's only since I recently got Emily Splichal's book 'Barefoot Strong' and started doing the exercises in it that I've directly felt the benefit in my posture and release of my stiff neck. Can't recommend it enough and I wish I'd had it long before. Seems to me to be essential reading for anyone transitioning to barefoot.

[@thetattooedguy1413]

Neck pain ? May I ask type ? Curious because I have horrible posture 6’1 or so and I had a pop in my neck while at work. Later that day and the next week I started getting dizzy spells and just felt off. Then started neck pain, headaches etc. Long story short I was diagnosed with Occipital Neuralgia. 3 surgeries later and it’s better but still not 100%. I work in a warehouse and I’m on my feet 12 hours a day ( no sitting whatsoever ) and the neck pain/headaches are starting again.

[@JohnMoseley]

@@thetattooedguy1413 Really sorry for what you're going through. Don't know if I'm able to say much to help.My neck pain's never been seriously debilitating, it's just tension and rigidity, especially on the left just at the base of the skull. If you're here because you're transitioning to barefoot shoes or thinking about it, I do recommend you try Splichal's book, though. It's about strengthening not just the feet, but muscles all the way up the leg to the glutes and hips that tend to be weakened by wearing traditional footwear. Again, I can't say for sure because I'm not a doctor or anything like it, but I can't see how all of that wouldn't help with your warehouse work.

[@WitchOfTheWild]

Barefoot shoes DESTROYED my feet and gave me chronic pain in my metatarsals. Altras killed my hike on the JMT. These shoes only work for a fraction of people and my podiatrist said they should be stayed away from. We all have very different feet making shoe fit specific to the individuals foot structure.

[@ChassieNix]

I needed to see this video. The last three years during cv19, I've been back in Mississippi and I am always barefoot out in nature...When I put on any type of shoe my feet hurt, which of course causes everything to hurt. I will have to invest in barefoot shoes. Thanks

[@dremspider]

I have been wearing zero drop shoes for almost 10 years. My gotos were Merrell Bare Access shoes. I liked shoes with some cushioning but still zero drop. I have tried shoes that have no cushioning and I wasn't a huge fan of them. It was great until Merrell stopped making them. I kept finding them in my size all over until I couldn't and then just bought regular shoes. I wore them for a week and ended up injuring myself within a week. I was limping around for a few weeks. I recently found Lems primal shoes and they have been working really well. I just hope that I can continue buying these types of shoes.

[@monkwushu2305]

Beat off to this proudly 😅

[@doomduck3298]

For free?!?!?

[@danandkiko]

I really want to get back into this. Good points.

[@michaelm2502]

Laura, you are spot on about the transformation of your feet. I lived for four years in Hawaii and worked on catamarans so I was barefoot 90% of the time. My feet went back to our ancestral shape. Basically monkey feet! Now my soccer cleats and dress shoes don’t fit! Tennis shoes even suck! I’m back on the mainland and doing construction so I’m in boots and now my feet hurt more than ever! I’m definitely going to get some shoes like yours for all the other times I’m not on the job site. Cheers and thanks for a great video. Love your energy!

[@americandissident9062]

Can someone please explain why barefoot shoe people are so invested in making their own feet look like muddy duck feet.

[@Oho_o]

Addiction