Barefoot Shoes CHANGED MY LIFE (As an unathletic nerd)

In this video, I share my personal journey into barefoot shoes (AKA minimalist shoes) and how they have transformed my feet and overall fitness routine as an unathletic nerd. After experiencing constant foot pain, knee pain, and back pain while wearing traditional cushioned shoes, I discovered the benefits of minimalist footwear and decided to give it a try. I started with a pair of Vivobarefoot Primus Lites and soon realized that my feet had been trying to tell me something all along. While the transition was challenging at first, I persevered and now have stronger, more defined calves, thicker callouses, and no more foot pain. If you're someone with wide feet or looking to try something new in your fitness routine, I highly recommend giving barefoot shoes a try.
My full barefoot shoe review: • My Barefoot Shoe Colle...
Shoes I've featured today:
- Lems Primal Pursuit: www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
- Xero Xcursion xeroshoes.com/go/paolo-garde/...
- Vivobarefoot Primus Lite 3 amzn.to/3YUO2K2
- Vivobarefoot Ultra iii bloom amzn.to/3XFoH5H
For Australian viewers, check out www.bprimal.com.au/barefootsh...
==================
Buy me a coffee! www.buymeacoffee.com/pgblanks
S E T U P
- Desk setup: kit.co/pgblanks/what-s-on-my-...
- TubeBuddy for analytics: www.tubebuddy.com/pgblanks
- Camera: Lumix G7 amzn.to/2VfvOaV or Nokia G60
- Tripod: Neewer Portable 56 inches: amzn.to/2Zxv67h
- Mic: Rode Videomicro: amzn.to/3yLt02K
- Editing Software: Filmora 11
- Thumbnails: Canva partner.canva.com/c/2615402/6...
==================
Music by @HoobeZa
Links
- • [No Copyright] 10 Minu...
- • [No Copyright] 10 Minu...
- • [No Copyright] Chill L...
==================
#barefootshoes #minimalistshoes #barefootwalking
Tags for SEO
barefoot shoes,barefoot shoes benefits,barefoot shoes review,vivobarefoot,vivobarefoot review,barefoot,barefoot shoes for lifting,barefoot shoes transition,barefoot shoes vs regular shoes,barefoot shoes that dont look weird,barefoot shoes for work,barefoot running,foot health,are barefoot shoes worth it,the benefits of minimalist shoes,minimalist shoes,vivobarefoot shoes,the best barefoot shoe,xero shoes,zero drop shoes,barefoot shoes changed my life,shoes

[@PGBlanks]

ARE YOU CONSIDERING BAREFOOT SHOES? Let me know down in the comments! Check out my other video where I review all of my barefoot shoes here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gorclIKtn5aon9U

[@edwardherzrec]

I have been interested in barefoot shoes for a long time and its nice to finally see the opinion of someone who isnt sporty and wants these shoes for everyday use.

[@PGBlanks]

Yo that's exactly the reason I felt compelled to make this vid! Check out some of my barefoot shoe reviews, they're meant more for casual wear rather than for high performance sports. Let me know if you have any questions!

[@3ggeckos519]

same...good stuff for anyone who just wants to wear them for everyday use and not for sports of any kind.

[@MinhNg180]

danm , this come from a "normal" human rather than some big brand or reviewers make it look even more legit. Keep up the work!

[@PGBlanks]

Thanks that means a lot! This is exactly why I tried making this video -- to make barefoot / minimalist shoes appealing to normal everyday people, and not just for high-performance athletes / marathon runners etc. Have you tried barefoot shoes yet?

[@MinhNg180]

@@PGBlanks sadly I'm in Vietnam, the barefoot shoes "hype" did not reach my country yet. But I already made 1 pair for myself. I'll make a video about it soon.

[@PGBlanks]

@@MinhNg180 Oh nice! Which style you make? The hype isn't there yet either in Australia. There is like a 30% premium to all the barefoot shoes compared to US prices 🥲

[@dgphi]

I have those same black shoes. I have problem with my left foot called a Moreton's neuroma. What happens is that a nerve gets inflamed, and it feels like I am being stabbed with a knife. A podiatrist gave me an orthotic pad to put in my shoe, and that works, but the pad itself becomes uncomfortable after waking on it for a while. But with the barefoot shoes, I don't need the pad because my foot can spread out sideways. I can walk all day without a problem. I asked a podiatrist once (a different one) what she thought about minimalist shoes, and she was horrified. "You need support, blah, blah." But what do they know? The shoes fixed my problem, so I am happy. I've also never liked the feeling of my big toe being squashed with regular shoes.

[@thomasandrews1942]

I AM super active, since switching to barefoot shoes, just WALKING feels SO GOOD!! Like a combo of a stretch and a foot massage!! Xero offers GREAT value and frequently have serious sales!!

[@user-lr5vr9ij8f]

Amen brother

[@nowster]

Same as you. Sedentary nerd. Sore feet when standing around. I had flat feet too. I never ran. I started wearing Vibram FiveFingers about twelve years ago. Within six months I noticed that I had arches. I didn't start running until three years ago and I now love it. Never going back! I have a few pairs of Vivobarefoot shoes for when it's wet.

[@PGBlanks]

Thanks for sharing your story. Arches just redeveloping is crazy! Just curious, what vivos do you use for the rain?

[@nowster]

@@PGBlanks Like you I got my first VB shoes off eBay. I have a pair of Stealth II and a pair of Primus Trio. Also I bought a pair of Ra II for formal occasions where toe shoes wouldn't be appropriate. The problem with Vibram FFs is that they let the water in, mainly through the toe gaps. It just wicks up, even if the surface is merely dampened.

[@kyx5631]

This video is how every video should: Clear, practical, down to the point, informative. Thank you so much. I was recommended another shoe video, and before you know it I watched like 3 or 4 of them from different sources. Yours is the one that convinced me to try it out; I just ordered 2 pairs, let's see what happens.

[@PGBlanks]

Thanks so much! What shoes did you end up buying?

[@kyx5631]

@@PGBlanks Another video recommended amazon's own brand whitin as a not so costly starting point, so I got those. I love wearing them, let's see how long they stay in one piece.

[@Nestor_Suarez]

I'm like you!! My turning point was realizing that no matter what shoe I bought, it felt like my toes never had enough space at the end of the day. Like shoes not having the foot shape. Incredible, right? Felt that for many years but I was not able to verbalize it until a video of wide toe box shoes showed up on my feed. And bam! Barefoot shoes! Bought my first pair or barefoot shoes 45 days ago. First 2 weeks my feet were tired, by just walking my dog a few blocks, because I have never used those muscles before! Nos I'm walking more than ever! And 2 weeks ago I realized that thanks to the heel pain of the first weeks, I'm not heel striking anymore! And most importantly, without thinking about it!

[@PGBlanks]

It's incredible how quickly our bodies adapt, I think we were lucky as for some people it takes a lot longer. What barefoot shoes did you get by the way?

[@Nestor_Suarez]

@@PGBlanks I bought the WITHIN sneakers at 45 USD on Amazon + shipping to Europe. They are 5 mm thick + 2 mm insole (I tried to measure this because they don't have official numbers). I know that there are thinner shoes, but I decided to buy this ones because of comments saying they can be a good transitional casual shoe. I'm now considering buying the Xero Trail sandals for summer because I'm still doing my transition and they are 10mm thick. I'm slowly increasing the distance that I walk with my barefoot shoes. I started with 500 mts each way while walking my dog twice a day during the first 2 weeks. When the heel strike and heel pain stopped, I started walking my dog 1.5km in each direction + 500 mts in the mornings + any other short distance walk from home, like going to the supermarket and other shops around (I live in Valencia, a "15 min city"). I also started being barefoot at home 2 weeks before getting the shoes. I was wearing flip flops before, and I work from home, so that helped a lot. My feet was very tired just from that, but obviously I didn't use those muscles before... I also found out that barefoot shoes are very good for long distance travelling, like when flying or a train ride, since walking distances are not long but we wear our shoes for long periods. The toes can spread inside the barefoot shoe instead of feeling cramped by the end of the trip.

[@tz12346]

Great overview, thanks!

[@Rhirhi_b]

This video is so refreshing, it’s awesome to see someone who started wearing barefoot shoes for the same reason I am looking into them. Thank you so much for this video

[@cbn7239]

Thank you for the great video. I ordered my first pair 2 days ago.

[@PGBlanks]

you're welcome! which shoe did you get?

[@yannr.3782]

Same here! I'm a mid-40 homebody with an office job. Transitioned to barefoot shoes about 3 months ago, from 0 to 100%. I would never go back. And I really started to enjoy walking long distances. It's fun! There are days I have to wear my formal leather shoes at work. Man, this narrow shoeshape looks sick and ugly to me now! And it feels sick, too.

[@PGBlanks]

Thanks for stopping by and love to hear this because us normal folk are the reason I wanted to make this video. What shoes have you tried and liked? Let me know if you want to see more barefoot shoe content!

[@carolynatherton2106]

Zaqq (German brand) has some great leather dress shoe options for men

[@afiiik1]

​@@PGBlanksi really like Peerko and BeLenka or Barebarics. Anatomic are a low cost brand here in Europe and they make converse like shoes but barefoot.

[@regrr1774]

Hello fellow nerd! I'm glad to finally find someone else who also got into barefoot shoes just for everyday wear and not for athletic reasons. I've got really flat feet and bunions so looking for wide shoes were always a struggle until I heard of barefoot shoes. Like you, my step count also went up when I started wearing barefoot shoes and I think it's because I don't overstride anymore so I have smaller and more steps but also faster walking without putting too much effort. I only set my daily step count to 2500/day which I barely even reach before haha. I've been hitting at least 5000/day straight for the past week and I didn't really change much on my daily routine aside from the shoes... or not consciously at least. I completely forgot to checkout ebay before buying my Vivos so I kinda spent a lot for my first pair (brandnew) but I got lucky and got the size that fits me well. Whew. I'll probably check out ebay the next time around for my next pair. 😅

[@PGBlanks]

thanks for sharing your story! what vivos did you get for your first pair?

[@regrr1774]

@@PGBlanks I got the Primus Lite III! Of all the designs it was the one that looked discreet enough for work and everyday wear. Have you heard of the Wildlings shoes? I want to try them as a second pair so I don't wear out my vivos too soon.

[@rockysanify]

Exactly the video I was looking for, I usually can walk for 10 kms without and pain in arch and heel area, but for the last 7 months, have been getting high pain in arch and heels and been trying arched insoles, but still had pain. Only yesterday came to know about the barefoot shoes and this video exactly shows from a normal person POV instead of trainers.

[@PGBlanks]

Thank you! My only tip, I suggest pacing yourself and starting slow, going straight into a 10km walk is no joke. So try thicker barefoot shoes like Lems if you would like to maintain the 10km or if you want to go super minimal like Vivobarefoot, slowly ramp up your walking. Hope that helps!

[@alexanderstevens145]

That’s interesting you started using those muscles that were under utilised just from changing shoes, good job man

[@debnn4854]

Merrills work fine for my narrow foot. Now to try them outdoor .! 😅

[@unicornnightmare]

Thank you! Awesome content!

[@PGBlanks]

Thank you! Have you tried barefoot shoes yet?

[@unicornnightmare]

@@PGBlanks yes! I've been wearing Xeros for months and I love them

[@PGBlanks]

I have only tried one pair of Xeros so far (their hiking boot), but they aren't super available in the used market here where I am (must be a good sign!). Do you have a favorite model?

[@unicornnightmare]

@@PGBlanks So I originally got the (original) Prio and they felt great but completely fell apart after a few months (I did wear them constantly). However, I've now been wearing the Prio Neos for a couple of months and they've held up perfectly and feel as good as any barefoot shoe I've tried. Since I started following Xero, it looks like they're moving towards higher durability and also more stylish/mainstream-looking shoes, which I think is good.

[@ThomassenStudios]

So relatable! Did exactly the same 😂

[@nowster]

As you say in the video you do have to re-learn how to walk to avoid hurting yourself. Adopting a more cat-like tread, not landing hard on the heel, but more mid-foot or forefoot.

[@PGBlanks]

Do you walk on a mid-foot strike now? I've seen conflicting views from barefoot gurus. Some say that mid-foot strike is the only way, some say it's okay to walk with a heel strike as long as it's gentle and it rolls. I still have a slight heel strike but nowhere near as high-impact as I used to.

[@nowster]

@@PGBlanks It really depends on the terrain and how tired I am. When walking I do occasionally still land on the heel, but never when running. Shorter strides and higher cadence is the trick there.

[@childcrone]

@@PGBlanks Yes, I think it is very natural at casual pace to land with the heel just barely first and roll through. I think the most helpful key for me about natural gait was to land with your foot under your center of gravity, not out in front. Thanks for the video!

[@axlcrush]

1:25 lol I came to the same revelation. I was reminded of the fat and food pyramid lie and how we know now sugar and refined carbs to be the problem.

[@tanmaysaxena6214]

This was lovely. Thanks for this. Quick clarification: I live in Germany and the reason i wear heeled shoes is because a lot of the public pavements are littered with glass shards (germans drink loads of beer/ public drinking is allowed/ legal age is lesser etc. etc). DO these barefeet shoes get punctured if a small glass shard is underneath??

[@Jaigarful]

I like my barefoot shoes, but I won't run in them. I get way too much pain and I'm just too heavy to effectively do it. Instead I wear them around whenever I can. They're definitely the most comfortable style of shoes I've worn.

[@alidalavezzari4103]

Good video. I want for everyday use too. I have fascite plantar and only with barefoot I fill very much less pain. I tray to find the shoes to buy but I am in transition and I have very wide toe. It is pain but it is a no go back foe me: barefoot is the best solution.

[@PGBlanks]

Have you tried any barefoot style shoes yet?

[@alidalavezzari4103]

@@PGBlanks not yet, I trasformated some shoes for the purpose buing bigger size and bring away insoles.

[@ryanhi6199]

Just bought the JJF shoes $200...jesus christ man. These shoes better last a year. I bought two bearfoot shoes last year and they each lasted 6 months.

[@manny9025]

How are they so far? Ive been thinking of getting a pair but im also worried that a pair that cost that much wont last that long. More so from the bottom thread

[@ryanhi6199]

@@manny9025 it took me 2 months to get used to it coming from bearfoot shoes (they have so much room for your foot). The JJF are more narrow and much longer length wise. I ordered a size 10 and I can fit three fingers behind the heel. I like the JJF so far because it looks and feels more durable. I walked on them all day at disneyland and my feet didnt hurt at all. I also paired them with injinji socks.

[@thomasandrews1942]

Splay are also very reasonably priced!! More of a vans style barefoot!

[@galaxxy09]

Since these shoes have minimal or next to no cushioning, did ever encounter pain while walking on concrete all day?

[@OngJarupongChantriya]

Now i’m in Sydney but I don’t know where to try Vivobarefoot on feet.

[@PGBlanks]

Unfortunately I haven't seen any brick and mortar barefoot shoes here either. I just order used ones online and go by trial and error. Vivobarefoots are true to size though from what I have seen.

[@BRANDON_MILLER]

Without heel striking I walk so much slower than my freinds, and just slower in general i don’t want to wear shoes that slow me down

[@mikeregan3265]

Part of the barefoot rabbit hole is discovering that many brands are lacking in toe box width. Think extra wide when purchasing a first pair so that your toes have enough room to spread especially on the pinkie side.

[@PGBlanks]

For sure! I've also discovered that I needed to size up already within 6 months of wearing barefoot shoes. Not sure if my feet have genuinely expanded or if I'm just craving a roomier fit. Do you have favorite brands that are extra wide?

[@xander9460]

I HATE narrow toe boxes. Sure, they look great. But they've tortured my feet my whole life. Also, there's now some really affordable ones from Geweo. 50-60 bucks. About as good. Just not paying for the fancy brand. AND DON'T JUST START WEARING THEM 0-100! Look up how to walk on them, and practice. Maybe only wear them at home at first and slowly get used to it. Maybe do some shin ups and other leg strength exercises.

[@XtianApi]

Nice huge car accident involves someone teaching you to walk again. But in a much more painful crying type of way

[@PGBlanks]

I think my transition to barefoot is not nearly as painful as that lol

[@timdoom]

difference between barefoot and zero drop?

[@PGBlanks]

Hello! Zero drop just means that there is no difference between the height on the heel and the front of the foot. Traditionally shoes always had a bit of a heel drop. But you can be zero drop and still have a thick sole (shoes like Altra have this). Barefoot shoes generally have to be zero drop, have a wide toe box, and a thin flexible sole (less than 1 cm)

[@josieb3238]

My balance hasn’t been good even though I walk 3 miles 3x a week. I’m just getting into barefoot shoes. I’m 74

[@mikemikemikemikemikemeup]

Just in case anyone has a similar experience to me I want to do this comment. I absolutely hate the VIVO barefoot shoes. They are not bad barefoot shoes, because they do a very good job of being a Barefoot shoe. But they are the ugliest shoes I have ever worn in my life. I have a pair of feel grounds, and I also have a pair of wildling shoes. When I wear the VIVO, barefoot shoes, people constantly point out to me that they look water shoes. But when I wear the other two people don’t notice and i have even gotten compliments on my wildling shoes. The VIVO barefoots are also really cheap feeling to me and they don’t feel very good on my feet. If this has been your experience, and you don’t like VIVO barefoot shoes then I would recommend Wildling shoes. In my opinion, they have a lot of cooler looking styles, and they feel like quality shoes. I know that the VIVO barefoot shoes are good quality but they don’t look it and they don’t feel it. I’ve torture tested them, so I know they’re good shoes, but they just aren’t good for me. I think VIVO barefoot is made for more athletics, and the wildling shoes that I own feel like they’re made for casualwear. Thought I would just say this because I know everyone talks about VIVO barefoot but those shoes just aren’t good for everyone in my opinion. Don’t give up on barefoot shoes just because you didn’t like a certain brand.

[@ForteanEnquirer]

I wonder which of the styles of Vivobarefoot you were wearing, I have various boots and shoes of theirs - mostly the wild hide leather ones and I have been very happy with them.

[@PGBlanks]

Curious what model of Vivos you have? I agree with you on some of their models (I have a Primus Lites and they look a bit clowny), but also I feel all barefoot shoes look a bit goofy and that's the only way to really have the wide toebox. Lems look a bit more aesthetically pleasing for me but aren't as minimal in the sole. So I've just lived with it for now lol :D

[@ForteanEnquirer]

@@PGBlanks I have their knee high leather boots, tan leather gobies desert boots, leather tracker hiking boots, black Ras, and some black Kasana winter boots - I also have one pair of their running shoes, grey primus - I am less keen on the look of those.

[@PGBlanks]

@@ForteanEnquirer I do really like their boots, the hikling boots, and the Ra line, very nice (albeit a bit expensive!) -- agree the Primus line is a bit weird because of how narrow the midfoot is and how wide the toebox is in comparison. By the way I did a review of the Vivobarefoot Ultras just today if you want to check it out. They also look a bit strange but it suits its purpose!

[@mikemikemikemikemikemeup]

@@ForteanEnquirer I got the primus lites for ViVo and and tanuki (I think that’s the name) for wildling. I got the primus lite because that’s what everyone recommended and I got the tanuki because that’s what others recommended from wildling. Maybe other ViVo styles are good but I liked the wildings most out of the two by a long shot so I find it hard to justify buying more ViVo when I didn’t like my first pair. If the shoes where cheaper I would give more styles a shot but for me I just don’t want to risk spending that money and not liking another pair of there shoes. I know ViVo has a good product but at least with primus lite I can’t say it’s good for me sadly.

[@multitablez7825]

(edit) i jsut aw you already knew this... then not sure why you are heel striking at the start of video... looks so painful for knees. The way you walk looks very painful on your heals and all your body. You hit the ground with your heel first. Which, imo, is fine in padded shoes, but barefoot shoes, is insane... walk, heel first as you are, with your hand on your head, and you will feel a massive jolt... now, walk forefront / frontfoot first, and its nice and smooth, you muscles in feet, legs, and butt take the impact.. i have been using barefoot shoes for only a week, but i can walk in them 100% of time. Because i have walked frontfoot first for a month in normal shoes to get used to it, and, barefoot shoes, its amazing. muscles get a better work out, and no more pain in legs and hips. i look forward to walking so much in them. search youtube channel "Grown and Healthy" he explains it very well. it is weird at first, but so far so good for me.

[@childcrone]

At 3:45 That's her fashion industry indoctrination talking ;~)

[@PGBlanks]

slowly trying to convert her to barefoot shoes haha

[@albertsthao9465]

Algorithm

[@PGBlanks]

Love it! Are you into barefoot shoes?

[@albertsthao9465]

ye, been wearing Vibram's for almost a year. Loved every step of the experience so far. pun intended

[@jzila9900]

nice i noticed that asians walk that way

[@PGBlanks]

lol which way, big heel strikes?

[@jzila9900]

@@PGBlanks yes sir

[@mgigelli820]

Barefoot shoes? That's called an oxymoron, isn't the whole purpose of going barefoot to actually physically get back in touch with earth, or to "earth" oneself, with no rubber layer insulating one's feet from the earth ?

[@purityandplants]

Gotta learn how to walk properly and breathe properly 😅😂

[@dosenkaffee]

noob

[@joeenglish4100]

Anyone who had Achilles tendonitis or heel pain while transitioning?