cushion vs barefoot running (what i learned after 3 years)

[@captainspirou]

I've been doing barefoot/minimal for 8 years now. My advice when starting is to go totally shoeless. Not even minimalist. Why? Because with minimal footwear you'll try to run how you always did and at the same speed and you'll get injured fast. When going totally barefoot you'll be forced to slow way down and you'll be much more aware too. You will quickly see that heel striking is uncomfortable and you will change to the forefoot to compensate. You'll probably get blisters, which sucks, but you can recover from blisters much faster than leg injuries. The blisters are letting you know you're pushing too hard too early.

[@captainspirou]

Basically barefoot keeps you from overtraining.

[@AndrewFolts]

"You can recover from blisters much faster than leg injuries." So true. I've been running completely barefoot lately, even on pavement, and it's tough, but super rewarding. If I started all over, I'd go full barefoot from day one.

[@The-ul6fd]

The sandals are a good halfway house. Between shoeless and barefoot runners. Had the vivo running sandals and running technique approaches shoeless technique

[@AndrewFolts]

@@The-ul6fd The Eclipse ones? Been wanting to try them. How did you find the straps-did they rub at all?

[@The-ul6fd]

@@AndrewFolts yes or an earlier version. They are white and light grey, got them around 6 years ago. Little bother with rubbing really. There’s always going to be some fabric to foot interaction...but nothing much.

[@tactnastyv2]

“I didn’t feel the need to change anything about my body” damn. That’s bliss brother

[@AndrewFolts]

Took thirty years to realize I was fine the way I was, ha! (:

[@eyeballin2901]

Did not expect to sit through the whole video but it was super chill and engaging. Good job. :)

[@AndrewFolts]

Ha, thank you. Glad your eyeballs enjoyed it! (:

[@chrisswan4257]

Yeah great video Andrew - very easy to watch. Very informative too 👍

[@huskiehuskerson5300]

Oh thank you for that, your majesty

[@spectazular7489]

It's only fucking 6 minutes

[@Blood-Talon]

@@spectazular7489 Lmao I know this dude must be a goldfish or something

[@earthsskin]

2022: ive given up running to chop wood, carry water and fulfill my need for exercise through daily tasks

[@AndrewFolts]

I'm down with that philosophy! (:

[@danielgibbs514]

I feel like you’re referencing the book. I love that book! Good job!

[@valdo9482]

@@danielgibbs514 what book?

[@noahapollo]

@@danielgibbs514 What book?

[@brophetic4456]

What book?

[@VisUnchained]

I thought ,my running days were over because of low back problems until I started transitioning to minimalist and full barefoot running. It has changed my life for the better and I have begun to crave the additional texture of the ground when i am barefoot.

[@AndrewFolts]

"crave the additional texture." Know just what you mean! It's like hearing a language you used to know after years of missing it.

[@andrewhale337]

Exactly my feeling as well! After below freezing temperatures, running every now and then on minimalist windsurfing slippers.. I‘m back to barefoot! it‘s like throwing off weights!! .. and the direct contact to the ground, hard to describe to shoe-joggers. (not to mention the benefits to toes, knees & back!!)

[@leevancleef553]

OoOoOh... i've been running barefoot for almost a year and hadn't noticed my lower back pain is gone. It was never debilitating but it was constant.

[@thetruths7389]

How about you step on glass, stones, twigs? Don't that botther you?

[@VisUnchained]

@@thetruths7389 go eso it usually. Most glass is laying flat and not pointed up and most twigs and rocks can either be avoided by watching where you step or you can tread more gently. The beauty of the way feet are created is that they are incredibly responsive. There is an occasional bruise or laceration or puncture but most of the time I don’t even really notice that until the next day

[@nothersheep]

Dude, I LOVED those graphics.

[@AndrewFolts]

Thank you! Bringing them back for my Barefoot Transition guide (coming soon).

[@tishguerrero]

I’m 3 days in taking a dive into barefoot world. Sore calves but not alarming. Definitely feeling more grounded and less anxious. Thank you for your advice & post. ✌🏽

[@AndrewFolts]

That's great, Tish! Take it slow, and your calves will get stronger in no time. (:

[@pajerry33]

I have sore calves from 1km walk then 1km x 5 intervals around a grassy field at max pace or close to it. I already have big calves due to my flat feet. I will try practice.

[@adamwesterbur5758]

This was really insightful and encouraging. Being a skinny guy all my life I’ve spent more time trying to “correct” it with weight training which only leaves me feeling injured and worse about myself. I really respect how your journey brought you back to appreciate your genetics and celebrate them.

[@AndrewFolts]

True that! Took me ten years of lifting to realize I actually like being skinny, but now I'm living it up. Skinny strong!

[@dr.sharkmonk374]

​@AndrewFolts I have been skinny my whole life and all of a sudden in med school I wanted to get bulky to look good just to come to a realization last year that man do I feel so free in my natural genetically god given body and that gifted high BMR, why was I trying to gain those extra hypertrophied muscles that I will have to maintain everyday with chuking those extra proteins and weight training and having to maintain it for ages to come just to satisfy the general norm.. I am so glad I am out of that route and clear in my head .. I just do what I like sometimes basketball, sometimes HIIT, sometimes BFR and sometimes running take protein as a recovery and not as an absolute must need. Happy natural gang.

[@timonrittinghaus6873]

I was always avoiding running because of my weight and I feared for my knees, but because with barefoot running your body works as it is supposed to be I never hat the issues with my knees that I was scared of. Started slow though, but by now I can run 10ks and looking forward to a half marathon, took me only a year from never running before at all. :) Btw, I run with skinners-socks, but I want to try Shamma Warrior Sandals now!

[@AndrewFolts]

Dude, you're killing it! This is such a cool story, and I'm glad you're out there knocking off 10k's and half's. How do you like your Skinners? Does the fabric breathe well enough?

[@mauxmere]

I also want to try the warriors once I wear out my shamma chargers, 600k and starting to fall apart.

[@ellenj9969]

Love your vid, well done. Also, my dad was an avid runner all his life and, like me, he never stretched or warmed up before a run, and all went fine! He always used to say, just start out slowly on a run, like you are hardly moving. That very slow pace at the start of the run worked as a warmup, and he’d gradually increase speed as he warmed up. I have been doing the same thing, at his suggestion, for decades now, and it works great. I’m glad you found a method that makes you happy and makes running fun (as it should be). I love the simplicity of it, and am carefully starting to experiment with minimalist running shoes- which is another way of simplifying running and thus making it more enjoyable.

[@AndrewFolts]

Your dad sounds like a savvy runner! I agree, I think just slowly increasing your speed is the best way to warm up without hurting yourself. Simplicity = happiness! (:

[@mikewellwood1412]

@@AndrewFolts By the same token, is it really necessary to cool down at the end (or "warm down" as some people say)? I don't run actually, but I Nordic Walk, and the groups I've walked with are very fussy about warming up and down. When I walk on my own, I hardly ever bother. For cooling down, I just slow down towards the end.

[@AndrewFolts]

@@mikewellwood1412 True, a good run/walk should look like a bell curve with gentle tails at the beginning and end. (:

[@kris1103]

The thing about the barefoot running fraternity is the statement "everybody is injured" but most runners I know including myself who've ran thousands of miles for years without any injury. I have a pair of barefoot shoes, I'm not shitting on them, but the assumption all runners in mainstream running shoes are injured is just false. I have however seen plenty of barefoot runners limping in pain ⅔rds into marathons.

[@AndrewFolts]

Most barefoot runners I know are hardly social butterflies, so I don't think we'd like forming a fraternity. Also, I know more women barefoot running than men, so let's at least call it a sorority, ha! Every running tribe has their village idiots. I can't tell you how many times I had customers come in when I was working at a run specialty shop and complain that they went for one run in some Nike Free's and got plantar fasciitis. I can't speak to the general population, but I can tell you that 99% of the people I fit at that store were using cushion shoes, and most of them were coming in with injuries (or having just recovered from one). We can disagree about the shoes themselves, but a big factor is also probably that more newbie runners are using cushion-and newbies get hurt more often. For the most part, people don't start out in barefoot shoes, so by the time they buy a pair, they likely have more experience and less chance of getting injured.

[@henrystartt]

@@AndrewFolts I agree with the advantages of barefoot running but I would not say that the cushioning system is the problem. If 99% of your customers with injuries wore cushioned shoes this is probably due to 99% of the population wear cushioned shoes. If you are happy with your shoes and not injured you are much less likely to ask someone for help finding a shoe so, a disproportionate amount of people looking for advice would be experiencing an injury. Also, if someone is wearing barefoot runners I would assume they have done more research into running as the average person would not know about them or wear them without looking into them.

[@AndrewFolts]

@@henrystartt I'm sure you're right, a lot of confused and injured runners go to run specialty stores. But the problem with cushion remains, which is that it wears out in 300-500 miles, often sooner. So you're basically running on a slow-motion time bomb. A very expensive time bomb, ha! Better to run in a barefoot shoe, which lets you feel the ground and performs as well on Day One as when you finally throw it in the trash because it's falling apart at the seams.

[@henrystartt]

@@AndrewFolts I guess it boils down to putting time into training your body to adapt to barefoot shoes or putting money into cushioned shoes! Not everyone has the time or determination to go though the change and learn proper technique to not have to rely on the cushion. For many people who run 3-5 times a month such as my parents its more comfortable for them to buy a new pair of shoes every year or two then spend a year in pain switching over.

[@AndrewFolts]

@@henrystartt Yea, makes sense in that use case, for sure.

[@mladentase]

I stopped getting injuries as well when I transitioned. I started fully unshod and after some while got minimal shoes. Now I run both unshod and with minimalist shoes. Taking it easy is the most important thing since simply putting on minimalist shoes doesn't solve the problem. Your body has to adapt SLOWLY. Stretching and warm up is still something I do and preach.

[@AndrewFolts]

Truth. So many injuries happen simply because people say "YES" at times when their bodies are telling them "NO."

[@РоманПросветов-ъ3ы]

Glad to see, that i am not the only man with this same 'weird' story... Thank you for sharing!

[@AndrewFolts]

We're all weirdos, secretly! (:

[@joebobmarley2854]

Me too..

[@John81oConnory]

I wore vibrams as my daily shoe for two years straight to finish high school, but always took them off to run. Never felt more perfectly made in my own body in my life. 200+ lbs at 5'10" and no pain. Ever.

[@AndrewFolts]

@@John81oConnory Ha, wish I had known about Vibram's in high school. Even more, wish I would have had the guts to wear them! (:

[@recyclinggremlin6827]

I love the way you format your videos ! Legit the most creative creator on this site :o) Thanks for sharing your journey !

[@AndrewFolts]

Haha, thank you. Had fun doing this one!

[@bemde]

I highly recommend "born to run", it's a fantastic book about a similiar journey: not understanding how running causes so many injuries when it's something humanity has done since.. well, being on two feet. I'm back to running barefoot too (but starting really slowly, I'm back to 6km in 40min after I had some unrelated injury). I would love a video on how to run barefoot faster as I feel pretty much stuck on one pace (but keeping that for longer would probably not be a problem). Any tips from people in the comments?

[@AndrewFolts]

Love B2R! People keep knocking me for being a "sample size of one," but I'm like...my sample size is all of human history up to the 1970's, ha! What tires first-your muscles or your lungs? Or is it something else?

[@Actualhumanlive]

I have arthritis in both feet from wrecking my big toe joints in barefoot shoes running up hills. I also pulled my calf muscles so much I had trouble walking. I used the shoes for about three years and had to give up running thereafter. I vote... a no.

[@AndrewFolts]

​@@Actualhumanlive How long is your stride? Just wondering because the farther out it goes, the more the toe bends, especially on hills. We've been barefoot running and hiking for the same amount of time, and I've never had any calf strains. Although they were very sore in the beginning, ha!

[@joebobmarley2854]

@@AndrewFolts exactly, modern tennis shoes are a very new thing for humans. I wish I was barefoot my whole life and didnt have to sit in a desk at school all day

[@joebobmarley2854]

@@AndrewFolts are you barefoot running or wearing Vivo's?

[@chrishunt2835]

Awesome video! Loved the story telling and the artwork on the note pad beautiful work.

[@AndrewFolts]

Ha, thank you. Had fun making it!

[@cindiluv6861]

Awesome storytelling and editing skills 😊 Thanks so much for the research and information highly appreciated 🤗

[@AndrewFolts]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching, Cindi!

[@Justine338]

Fantastic video! Great story telling and loved the editing! Thanks for sharing your story!

[@AndrewFolts]

Thanks, Justine! Appreciate you watching. (:

[@thezeroconditional2287]

I gave this a go a few years ago after reading The Barefoot Runner and Born to Run, but unfortunately I got terrible Achilles and calf pain. And yes I did try to build up slowly. I was so disappointed because after reading those books I was really excited and hopeful that my flat feet weren't a flaw in my design but just not being served by the shoe industry. Still running now, and I do seem to struggle with whatever shoes I wear but I've just recently been to a podiatrist/posturist/bio-mechanic and she's given me exercises to strengthen all the supporting structures in my knees, calves and feet etc. I hope this helps. If I lived in the countryside or near trails I'd like to give minimalist or even barefoot running another go.

[@AndrewFolts]

Yea, trails are definitely better for barefoot running (or really any kind of running). More of a "balanced diet." If it helps, one of the missing pieces for me was not stretching. I feel like calf stretches in particular caused a lot of my PF symptoms. When I went 100% in my Primus Lite's (walking and running) and stop stretching and doing warmup drills, my PF symptoms went away permanently. But, yes, zero-drop and barefoot require a lot more calf strength, and you will be sore for months, no matter how you transition. Sore is ok, but obviously you want to stay mindful and get lots of rest so sore doesn't turn into strained.

[@syrus3k]

@@AndrewFolts I began by losing almost 10kg of weight, that helped a lot.

[@AndrewFolts]

@@syrus3k Woah, nice work! It's the simple things that make a huge difference.

[@AlexandraForToday]

@@syrus3k For me things started to change for the better after reading 'Older yet Faster' . Coming from tendonites.

[@dananderson6459]

Great video! I'm also on a running shoe journey and looking towards the minimal options. One thing I have had help with inflammation is.....reducing sugar and carbohydrates. I know, I know more fad diets but it has eliminated the pain in my scar tissue from previous injuries and maintain higher levels of training than before without injuries. I was very skeptical before and attempted it as a way to prove it wrong but ended up feeling amazing. Just sharing my experiences. Thanks for the video.

[@AndrewFolts]

Yea, I agree. I eat a higher fat diet and usually fast on tea and a bit of cantaloupe in the morning. Definitely helped keep things calmed down!

[@DaroLinguiniJohnson]

What the shit?! KZbin please give this man the subs he deserves

[@AndrewFolts]

Ha, I wonder if the KZbin algorithm takes into account comments that say you deserve more subs? If I have 100K tomorrow, I'll know who to thank! :)

[@DaroLinguiniJohnson]

@@AndrewFolts really hope it does tho

[@Monorijder]

+1 :-)

[@sapientia_et_virtus]

Yeah, man. You deserve them. Hopefully since your content is so good, they'll come rolling in soon.

[@mrsam2026]

Two weeks in and experiencing the feeling of foot arch muscles dancing when I'm at rest. 🦶 Thanks to the algorithm for bringing me to your channel. Thanks to you for the impartial product reviews.

[@AndrewFolts]

Happy feet, happy life. Appreciate you checking out the video! (:

[@izzyh.3581]

The almighty algorithm 🙏🏽

[@MichaelKraeuter]

Thank you for sharing! I started to wear barefoot shoes years ago and love them! I've been working on foot flexibility and getting my toes to splay naturally. It is a journey to get back to how we are intended to move.

[@AndrewFolts]

Journey is well worth it. Those toe spacers can really help, I've heard. Cheers!

[@ABSENSEOFSENSE]

After countless reviews on on a multitude of shoe brands coming across this video has been refreshing and welcomed and obliterates all the nonsense that's coming from so many cushioned shoe brands. Really good video mate and I will be taking your advice.

[@AndrewFolts]

"obliterates all the nonsense" Ha, love it! You might like the "zero-drop/minimalist" video if this one was helpful, and I'm coming out with a full-barefoot running guide soon, so watch out for that. Cheers!

[@elsarovira4994]

I started using my Xero Shoes and this time is forever ❣️

[@AndrewFolts]

For-ev-ooooooooooooooor! (:

[@Kaal_Bhairava1]

Quite engaging video. Easy flow in conversation made me stick to the end. Thanks for helping out.

[@AndrewFolts]

Thanks, Kun! I accidentally get sucked into rewatching it myself sometimes. (:

[@amyfrederick2025]

I merrells, just as everyday shoes when required. I love it and prefer my feet to be unhinged these are the next best thing.. thank you

[@AndrewFolts]

"unhinged" Great way to put it!

[@TMBfan]

Brother, you’ve earned each and every one of your subscribers and I absolutely love your videos and presentation. You’ve got another sub!

[@AndrewFolts]

Thanks, dude! Making videos is a ton of work but a lot of fun, and it makes me happy when people have just as much fun watching. Appreciate you!

[@abdolreza82]

Barefoot running on pavement (asphalt etc) will eventually damage your feet, legs, heels, hips, knees and etc. We are not evolved to run on these hard surfaces. If you want to run on a hard surface, you need to have cushioned shoes to emulate what you are supposed to run on. The lawn along the pavement (when it's not wet) is the best part of the sidewalk to run on.

[@mvhsguys]

Underrated comment

[@AndrewFolts]

I ran in 3mm barefoot shoes for two years on pavement and the hardness never bothered me, but I do think the tilt and uniformity are a problem-and cushion doesn't solve it., since you're going from firm and uniform to soft and uniform. Trails definitely provide a more "balanced diet," no matter what shoes you're running in.

[@abdolreza82]

@@AndrewFolts Great channel Andrew. It depends on where you run and how many runners use the trail. My rule of thumb is impact=injury! Running is amongst the most famous high-impact activities one can do! As we age our joints will deteriorate faster and cushioned shoes can be more forgiving and exert less force on our joints. And I prefer to mix running with low-impact cardios like swimming, rowing or cycling. Stay healthy my friend and cheers!

[@plyzogyz]

source for this pls? the whole point of barefoot is that ur calves is the new hard working cushion, shouldt matter which surface you run on. Cushioned shoes dont actually have an impact on the actual force shooting up your leg either

[@bigboxerable]

Yeah, I have given up on minimalist shoes because it is simply so miserable running on hard surfaces. The jarring was too much. As you say, we did not evolve to run on hard tarmac. It was a real pleasure to get back to cushioned shoes.

[@davidr5685]

I use to be a sprinter/powerlifter until someone told me "you can't do both".my response "watch me". Like you, I love the feeling of the ground and the no loss of power. I'm currently training for my 4th ultra 150 miles, average 220 per month. Most injuries, like you said, have been tied to too much shoe = loss of mechanics.

[@AndrewFolts]

So true. I remember the first time I leg pressed 500 lbs in 3mm Vivo's. I thought: "There's no way I can do this without cushion." But turns out it was easier and didn't stress my feet at all. Three years later, I'm barefoot running on pavement and still loving it. Human body's pretty amazing.

[@davidr5685]

@@AndrewFolts you are so absolutely right! I never made that connection but yes power lifting shoes are basically like socks! That might be why I've had success transitioning. Could you please do a vid about how you handle rocky trails or types of socks or lack of? Your feet do build a tolerance but it's hard to run really rocky trails for hours without rethinking about zero drops. Hahaha

[@AndrewFolts]

@@davidr5685 I think you will be pleasantly surprised with the next video I'm about to released, ha. For long-distance barefooting you need a ton of callus for padding, but you can only get it from abrasion (not simple impact). Running on rough pavement will help you build it pretty quick, but be prepared for lots of little cuts and scrapes.

[@Gerhard2770]

I changed to bare foot running and after 6 years developed an osteochondral defect of my ankle. Now I am not allowed to ever run again....Walking is still painful sometimes after more than a year’s rest. So be careful.

[@AndrewFolts]

Yes, self-care should always be the #1 priority. Curious if you full barefoot running or using a barefoot-style shoe? If so which one? Sorry to hear about your ankle. Hope it keeps improving!

[@Andre-bi3gq]

Did you take rest days?

[@Gerhard2770]

@@Andre-bi3gq I use to run 3 times a week and did atleast 1 half marathon a month.

[@Gerhard2770]

@@AndrewFolts The way I see it, is you can't punch a brick wall everyday with your bare hands. You will get into trouble.You need boxing gloves. PS. I ran in the same pair of Nike free for 6 years.

[@AndrewFolts]

@@Gerhard2770 Ha, why would you punch a brick wall? Metaphor doesn't translate. With barefoot running, you land softly with open toes that roll smoothly, so it's like doing finger pushups on a brick wall, which you could easily do every day.

[@SkyyThePuffin]

Excellent video and presentation, thank you! I've been on a journey where I am trying to love running again after many of the same problems. I have spent the last year improving my neglected strengths that were sapped from years in cushioned shoes. I'm not 'there' yet, but these type of shoes have been saving my health.

[@AndrewFolts]

That's awesome! So glad you're regenerating your strength. Cheers to a full recovery!

[@_cineris]

Last summer I picked up some Merrell Vapor Glove 3's and gave it a shot. Long story short, either it's not for me, or my form sucked or something. After only a handful of runs in them, I'm still dealing with the achilles tendinopathy, 9 months later. I'd had no injuries up to that point (2 years of 20-30 mi/wk), but was convinced by videos similar to this to give it a try, something I now very much regret. I do appreciate the content and sincerity in your video. I just think it's worth pointing out that your mileage may vary, and that if you don't transition properly (and perhaps even if you do) there is a very real possibility of injuring yourself.

[@AndrewFolts]

Running is a combination of many factors. It's hard to know exactly how or why injuries develop. As you say, could be the shoes or the stride or many reasons. Most frequently, people just do too much too soon. No sure what milage you started with in the Merrell's, but my first barefoot run was just to the end of the street and back. I took it very slow, and if I had gone out right away on my usual 3-5 mile runs, I can guarantee you I would have gotten hurt-because it's a whole new skill set. If you ever had the interest to try again, I would suggest starting from zero. Literally just a five-minute run. Injuries don't just appear out of nowhere. You body gives you signs, so, especially in barefoot shoes, it's very important to listen and stop when your form starts to break down or you feel pain. There's no rush at all. Happy running! (:

[@_cineris]

​@@AndrewFolts Thanks for the reply. I had originally intended to do the first 2-3 minutes of an easy 3 miler, then switch to my normal shoes to finish. But it ended up feeling really good and I wound up running the whole thing. Did something similar, including some speed work in the Merrell's over the period of a few weeks, and then BOOM. I've been working my way to lower and lower drop (0 drop trail shoes now!), and less cushioning over the past months since. So there's a good chance that I'll revisit it, more cautiously in the future. Happy running!

[@rosemarie9932]

@@_cineris it is the Merrell Vapor shoes that gave you injuries for sure, as all their barefoot shoes have a built up arch which is not natural at all! Best stay with completely flat natural barefoot shoes with no support at all!

[@goodvibekidd696]

Love the drawings with the story, very engaging. Like I said before, your editing is great.

[@AndrewFolts]

Thanks! Learning a bit more every video. (:

[@eoinnaughton3234]

how does this great guy only have 100 subs deserves a lot more

[@AndrewFolts]

KZbin fame, here I come! ;)

[@eoinnaughton3234]

@@AndrewFolts hopefully great vid:)

[@teatarstudio9237]

This video is so much more than just a video about running and shoes

[@AndrewFolts]

Was a very successful accident, ha. Glad you vibed with it, cheers! (:

[@22ryanoc]

Just keep those Achilles strong. It’s taking me so long to fully recover from sore Achilles/heels. I got a spin bike and inline skates in the meantime.

[@AndrewFolts]

Yup, it's called the "Achilles Heel" for a reason! (:

[@fju2112]

Great video. I started running early 30s and found that over-cushioning the feet was to my detriment. Even now I'm not using anything as minimal as we see in the vid, but it's motivating me to try. I run 5-6 times/week and thankfully injury free, also stopped stretching years ago. Loved the point about not being built to run on sloped marshmallows :)

[@AndrewFolts]

Right on! Well done going injury gree. Just take it slow with your transitioning and you'll have a lot of fun with barefoot shoes. Keep up the great work!

[@awos6559]

Interesting. I used to run on pavements and my knees started hurting after runs. I changed to trails and they stopped hurting and I love the scenery!! And it’s more challenging. And I use altras. Can’t understand why people put on dropping shoes or pointed ones!!

[@AndrewFolts]

For sure. I think the "balanced diet" of trail running is much better than the blandness of road running!

[@txips]

Another great video. I love your paper cut illustrations 😊 Can I ask what is the music that starts playing at 4:20 min? Cheers

[@AndrewFolts]

Yea, these are fun to make! The song is the same one from the start. It's some royalty-free track, but I'm not sure what the name was.

[@txips]

@@AndrewFolts i'ma try to find it, really liked the tune, pretty chill. ☺️

[@SGF08Y]

Fooled me into thinking you had 1000's of followers! Enjoyed your video man and thinking of buying some minimal shoes now.

[@AndrewFolts]

Heh...I wish I had a thousand followers. Gettin' there. Glad you enjoyed it-ditching cushion for barefoot shoes was probably the most life-changing decision I've made. Have fun out there!

[@thelthrythquezada8397]

Last week I found you and a few other barefoot channels. I stopped wearing shoes THAT DAY. I am blessed to work for a family business and they don't mind that I am wearing these runner soled "socks" I FLIPPING LOVE THIS! I don't have pain. the only bother I feel is all the muscles of my lower body is sore from not being awake for all these years. But as the days go and getting good sleep, eating clean I am able to recover after sleeping.

[@AndrewFolts]

Heck yea! Your feet'll wake up quick once you start using them, and the pain will go away in no time. Enjoy your new freedom. (:

[@Julemand1997]

Hey didn't understand the part where everything began hurting again in 2019? Why did it do that?

[@AndrewFolts]

Still figuring it out. Working with a coach, doing testing, and experimenting with different nutrition. Pretty sure it's a thyroid issue. I'll make another video on that if I find a consistent solution.

[@zachpw]

@@AndrewFolts Feel like this is obvious but do you have a sodium/potassium deficiency?

[@AndrewFolts]

@@zachpw According to the HTMA test I just did, my K and Na levels are actually too high, but Na is low in relation to K.

[@chrisswan4257]

Great to hear your story. So many things ring true for my journey. Despite being active and trying to look after myself, I've spent most of my adult life injured and dealing with pain in my hips, knees, lower back. I had pretty much given up on the thought that I might be able to sustain running as an enjoyable hobby. I've been to chiropractors, physios, had scans and had no end of advice on stretches, strength building exercises - you know the story! Anyway I got to the place where I just decided that I was bio-mechanically cursed. Then at the age of 42 I got given a pair of old altras, watched a vid on barefoot technique and got myself running. The effect on my whole body has been incredible. I've ditched all but a few of my strength exercises and stretches but have become stronger and more flexible. Ive just transitioned to vibram five fingers and just can't believe the difference its made to my sense of well being. I find it quite funny that I've spent twenty two years trying to fix various parts of my body and all along it was all about the feet.

[@AndrewFolts]

Wow, what a comeback story! I was almost thirty by the time I discovered Altra's, so I can totally relate. Barefoot shoes introduced me to the idea of "less," and ever since then I've been applying it with a lot of success to other life problems. Have fun with your Vibram's!

[@fernie51296]

Whenever I train, I do it I’m barefoot shoes. Whenever I go on run, and whenever I go to work (I work in a wood shop). I’ve now reintroduced cushioned shoes though for when I’m going out. Purely for aesthetics reasons. I’ve realized that since I’m used to barefoot shoes and wear them MOST of the time, my gait doesn’t change when I put on a heeled shoe. Still isn’t great because of the toe box. But it’s all manageable. 👍

[@AndrewFolts]

Yea, shouldn't do much harm if it's a small percentage of your day. Maybe someday there'll be a Gucci Barefoot line. Then we'll know it's really caught on. ;)

[@codywinter4818]

I'm a Parkour practitioner and I've also been experimenting lately with putting on some more padded but still no-drop shoes -(hard to find! But I can't do the drop anymore, it drives me crazy even more now than it used to.) - for only when I'm doing more impacty stuff. I'm unsure how I feel about it yet.

[@AndrewFolts]

@@codywinter4818 Ha, I know. When I put on my old shoes with drop, my feet are like YUCK, get this stupid thing off me!!! I would check out Lem's. They're zero-drop with a bit of cushion and a wide toe-box. I bet they would be pretty good for parkour.

[@codywinter4818]

Haha for real, Idk how you're supposed to walk with those clompers. Thanks @@AndrewFolts !

[@AndrewFolts]

@@codywinter4818 Ha, "clompers." That's the perfect word for them.

[@jennifercollins6716]

Great video, very creative and out-of-the-box! I just discovered and purchased my first two pairs of barefoot shoes, Xero Genesis sandals and Vivo Barefoot Primus Trail SG. I have always loved going barefoot. There have been many times while on long walking days at amusement parks or out hiking that I wished I could just kick off my shoes and go barefoot. Now I can get that same barefoot feeling with these shoes! Looking forward to more videos.

[@AndrewFolts]

It's so funny because people are terrified of going barefoot on hard surfaces, but it's much easier on your feet than cushioned shoes. I think we should change the rule to "No Barefoot, No Service," ha! I have the Primus SG, too. Lots of fun on muddy days! (:

[@duckyluver12]

This is so interesting. I had a really similar story working in footwear at an outdoor store. I had foot issues my entire life, and the more I learned about "good" shoes the more I doubted them. So I did the same deep dive as you did into foot shaped shoes. Now I only wear barefoot shoes.

[@AndrewFolts]

In the beginning, it's hard to accept the truth...because how could so many people be wrong, ya know? But the older I get, the more I realize that Tim Ferriss is usually right: "Everything popular is wrong."

[@lifeisbeautiful1562]

Nice content... My only problem is pebbles, glass pieces etc.. Since I run on roads there are plenty of it.

[@AndrewFolts]

Yea, it's a challenge and you have to be constantly scanning the ground. There's a list avoidance techniques in my Barefoot Transition video here that might be useful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYa4lYydfdupbZI

[@Freestyle4evr]

I actually switched to barefoot running for a while, loved the nb minimus, then the altra escalante, but overstrained and picked up plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis. Rested and rehabbed then tried to go back to barefoot or minimalist shoes, and actually reinjured. Have had to go back to cushioned shoes and besides some shin splints at the start as I got used to running again, haven’t had an issue I do think it’s an amazing feeling to run in minimalist shoes, but not always the answer - I think having rotations of shoes for those that can afford it is the smartest way

[@AndrewFolts]

I had the same experience-got borderline plantar fasciitis from the Escalante. It's a great-fitting shoe, but the cushion got sloppy in less than 200 miles, which was disappointing. Both the Escalante (25mm) and the Minimus (23mm) are "minimalist" shoes, but not "barefoot" shoes. Barefoot shoes have no cushion and a thin sole (3-12mm). I found no benefits from minimalist shoes. It was only going to a 3mm Vivo Primus Lite that led to zero-injury running, so if you ever feel like taking a crack at barefoot, that's what I would recommend. Totally different experience than minimalist shoes. Cheers!

[@hammill444]

Bingo. I seriously hurt myself with some merrell barefoot shoes. I wasn't even running. Just walking. Never again.

[@JerryBisMe]

I ran competitive cross country and never got injured because I fixed my form to forefoot running early on. All my peers got injured (some severely and frequently) because of what is being covered in the video. If I was running thousands of miles a season without problem, I definitely think it’s inevitable that people who run need to change their form or forever deal with the consequences of inaction. Also you get very nimble running on trails because your body is more in tune

[@AndrewFolts]

Nice work! Yea, I was a heavy heel-striker in HS track and was injured all the time. No one ever told me this was wrong, and the local shoe store just kept trying to correct my "overpronation," which was really jus caused by overly cushioned high-drop shoes and an incorrect stride. Once I switched to forefoot and barefoot shoes I was never injured again. Seven years and still injury free. Cheers!

[@Halogalandwanderer]

people can say what they want about five fingers but they cured my chronic shin splints

[@AndrewFolts]

They can have my money too! :)

[@gabbechico8471]

how? i mean, how did u start? dosege? and so on? going from 20-35mm in the heal to what 2-5 mm is not good for nothing in the body at the begining, ! tell me! i have shin splints that dont go away, and i got altra, joe nibles, hoka, nothing helps.

[@MaxGalofre]

What cured your shin splints is probably your calves, tibialis, ankles, feet, and toes doing what they're supposed to do. The shoe just allows it to happen, but I don't think they did a miracle.

[@gabbechico8471]

@Scott Sid been using Joe nibel shoes for pver 6 month now, still my shins dont want to heal propelry! but i hear you!

[@Halogalandwanderer]

@@MaxGalofre that is true, I wondered about my wording after I posted the comment. It seems to me that the shoes, or the lack of cushioning merely allowed my legs/feet/ankles to strengthen and operate in the way they’re designed to operate

[@lean4real_11]

thanks for sharing your story, and everything else you share in your videos. just subcribed !

[@AndrewFolts]

Thanks, sky! Appreciate you watching! (:

[@JohnMoseley]

Me in London running shops: "Do you do any barefoot shoes?" Staff (with dead eyes): "No."

[@AndrewFolts]

I know what you mean...when I worked in a running shop, I used to wear Vibram FiveFingers, and everyone thought I was bonkers, ha!

[@JohnMoseley]

@@AndrewFolts At the risk of hyperbole, this feels a lot like what Marxist theorists call being "embedded in ideology." I doubt if most running shop people are thinking about it, but financially, it wouldn't work as well for them, would it, to offer barefoot products? I mean, in the right weather, you can have a great run completely barefoot or in sandals made from a Xero Shoes kit that costs about £20 - and as various companies are now showing, you can make great barefoot footwear that doesn't have to cost as much as the premium brands like Lems, Softstar or Vivo. In lots of ways, mainstream, non-barefoot athletic footwear brands manufacture dissatisfaction and a consequent sense of need in its consumers: they put people in inherently uncomfortable and damaging footwear made to look as if it offers ever greater levels of comfort, and people think, "Oh, these gave me shin splints, but maybe with even more cushioning and spring..." There's a Cowspiracy type film waiting to be made here. Enjoyed your video, by the way. 🙂

[@AndrewFolts]

@@JohnMoseley Ha, yes, I just uploaded a video on this a few days ago. Running stores don't sell barefoot shoes because they last too long, and with a negative 10x hit in revenue, they'd all be out of business within a year. I own some Xero sandals, but I don't care for them because they're 5mm instead of 3mm, like my Primus Lite's. I've run 3,000 miles in the Vivo's thus far, so I think the $130 price tag is totally justified. Funny you say "conspiracy film" because VivoBarefoot literally has a video called "Shoespiracy." It's quick and worth watching. Also, you're right. The problem, as usual, is "more." Everyone's first instinct is always to add more cushion...more stability...more support. That's ultimately why I quit my running store job. They brought in this bogus arch insert machine and I couldn't stand working in Idiocracy any longer! How about "less" for once???

[@JohnMoseley]

@@AndrewFolts I'm grateful for Vivos because without their London shop and the very helpful staff there, it would have taken me a lot longer to find out about barefoot shoes at all. Also, their tracker hiking boots got me through a couple of winters. Whatever works, and if it got you a shoe you love and that lasts, no question, the investment's worth it. But most of their shoes don't give me the toe space I need and I don't find the sole as flexible as it could be. Am currently deeply in love with my freet Connect 2s, the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned, and a lot cheaper than Vivos. Was just looking up the thickness of the thinner sole offered for the Xero DIY kit sandals, and their websites are so bad that I actually can't find it, but, from memory, the thinner soles - the ones I have - were only 2mm. I've just measured them and this seems right. At any rate, they're wonderfully floppy. Sadly, here in the UK, they seem to have stopped selling them. I've seen the Vivo film, but I think what's really needed is one not made by a brand and that really gets into and undermines the psychology of standard running shoes: the logical fallacy that assumes the manufacturers must know what they're doing and must have runners' best interests at heart, and looks in general at the history of shoe manufacture and how we ended up with such odd-shaped, damaging things as normal, and how "normal" is something that can change radically over time. Holbein paintings like the Ambassadors and portraits of Henry VIII seem to indicate that men at the time wore very flat shoes with very wide toe boxes. It would also be great to go in detail into the damage caused by normal footwear, not just to runners. There's a great video from Northwest Foot and Ankle of an old lady who's started making her own shoes talking about how every single person of her age she knows has foot deformity of some kind. She sees the shoe industry as almost as bad as the tobacco industry.

[@AndrewFolts]

@@JohnMoseley Oh man, I wish there was a Vivo store in the US. At one time, had thoughts of starting a franchise! ;) I do think it's disappointing they don't have wides. I have narrow feet from playing soccer, and they get a little tight in winter if you have more than one layer of socks. I don't like Xero at all. They just seem like a scammy company, in general. It's too bad they stopped making 2mm sandals, though, because I actually like the Z-Trek's I have (except for the thickness). Could be cool if the major barefoot brands teamed up for a documentary. They'd have plenty of business to share if they knocked off even 25% of the cushion customers So awesome about the lady making her own shoes. I want to try that when I have the time. Cheers!

[@tonino5]

Great video! I've been running on my treadmill for 2 years now barefeet...I do about 30K per week with inclination & even combined with some killer HIIT sessions sometimes. No injuries, no pains whatsoever. I highly recommend it!

[@AndrewFolts]

Sounds like a pretty intense treadmilling! (:

[@tonino5]

@@AndrewFolts hehe it is...I started building it up slowly tho but since I have no injuries and no pains, I just keep going. My feet became stronger too =) barefoot running ...best decision ever!

[@heyrmi]

2:54 I felt that. Deeply.

[@AndrewFolts]

Groundhog Day. 😫

[@momekh]

Precise. Entertaining. Educational. More videos should be like this. Bravo, good sir, bravo!

[@AndrewFolts]

Thanks, Momekh. Will keep 'em coming! (:

[@InfiniteQuest86]

1400 was such a breath of fresh air. Great shoe. Xero shoes are pretty amazing too.

[@AndrewFolts]

Yea, I ran some good races in the 1400!

[@Ocean.DreaMz]

Just gwtting into the barefoot shoe, but i knew i needed to get wide toe bix for a few yrs now but didnt want the "clown wide" look. Thanks for the tips & story 👍🏽

[@AndrewFolts]

Nice! Yea, your feet will tell you what's best if you listen. There are def many barefoot shoes that look normal now. You can check out the shoe finder tool bit.ly/49U1Ryo on my website to filter by width, activity, etc, which is helpful in narrowing things down. Cheers!

[@nordfresse]

Running itself puts a lot of strain on the body, barefoot or not. Walking/hiking is so much better...

[@AndrewFolts]

With a proper mid-foot stride, I've found no difference in strain or injuries between walking and running. People all over the world run barefoot 10-100 miles on a daily basis and experience no health problems whatsoever. It's what we evolved to do. Like everything else in life, though, it probably comes down to genetics, diet, etc. Every person's body breaks down at a different rate.

[@nordfresse]

@@AndrewFolts We have certainly not evolved to run 10-100 miles a day. Why would we do that? It is pretty obvious that running puts more strain on the joints than walking. Over time everyone will notice it.

[@AndrewFolts]

@@nordfresse To chase game. One look at the human leg will tell you we're designed primarily for long-distance running, not walking. The mid-foot stride creates a spring-like action, while walking results in shock that goes straight up the leg from the heel-which (unlike the toes) has no flexibility.

[@nordfresse]

@@AndrewFolts Sure, we are able to run long distance and very efficiently, but that doesnt mean thats our default way of moving. Much like a deer can run pretty fast but doesnt do that all the time unless it has to run from a predator. Running as an exercise in order to burn calories and stay lean had never even occured to a human being before the middle of last century. Because most people had no extra calories to burn. The mid-foot stride is great for running but as any spring-like action it will eventually wear out. Walking does produce some shock up the leg but thats ok, in fact a healthy amount of shock keeps the cartilage in our knees in tact since it needs regular sqeezing to get nurtured. Can you really imagine early human beings running around all the time burning calories they then have to struggle to refill again. They did that for hunting ever so often but thats it.

[@AndrewFolts]

Look at any indigenous culture and you will find that running is a natural part of their daily routine from birth to death. Kenyan children run everywhere-not to burn calories but because they love it and because it’s what human beings are meant to do. Need we be running all day long? Of course not. But people can and do run miles every day for their whole lives without breaking down. Everyone has their own preferences, and that’s totally fine, but, for me, life would not be worth living without running.

[@ieeetransoncircuitssystemf1101]

the same, 15 months into barefoot running, 20km short of 1000km mark, and pure joy, no injury.

[@BreaktheKarmicWheel]

"I just felt like runnin"

[@AndrewFolts]

Run wild n' free! (:

[@sturmunro]

Cool video, I like the little graphics! I have had a similar experience but stopped at the Altra stage - zero drop with cushion. Love the combination!

[@AndrewFolts]

Altra has a great fit. Definitely what I would use if I was in the market for a cushioned shoe!

[@ifirexx5673]

“Yes” to all the answers to your questions at the end of the video pls!! 😁

[@AndrewFolts]

Working on a barefoot transition video as we speak! (:

[@ArtOfHealth]

@@AndrewFolts why transition? In 2008 at 54, I bought three pair of five fingers. They fell apart and became unglued and they still do. I tried Merrell and both pairs were horrible quality. I am moving to Xero. Good luck to you!

[@AndrewFolts]

@@ArtOfHealth Just had another comment about that (100 miles). Then again, also talked to a guy who got 5,000+ miles from his Vibram's. Who knows. Glad Xero's are working for you!

[@painedforever]

I've been running barefoot for 3 years now, and I started with Vibrams. I picked them because I couldn't figure out what sort of shoes to get. I didn't know if I over-pronate or under, or what sort of stride I had. Barefoot seemed simple, so that's what I went with. And y'know what? I'm pretty happy with them. No injuries, no persistent aches and pains. I do, however, change up my workout, sometimes working on my shoulders, sometimes on my core. I'm not trying to lose weight or get buff, but just trying to keep myself strong and build up endurance.

[@AndrewFolts]

Nice! Vibram's are a great place to start. Most over-pronation is just caused from running in cushion shoes (which are too soft) or stability shoes (which make your ankles weak). We did a gait analysis at the run specialty shop I used to work at, and 9 times out of 10, when you had people take off their cushioned shoes and run in socks on the treadmill, their over-pronation disappeared! Glad you found the road to zero injuries, strength, and endurance! (:

[@jkeiffer]

So you started having all these pains, but you don't know what caused them? Are they gone since you can't go to the gym anymore?

[@AndrewFolts]

Definitely improved since ditching the gym and weightlifting, in general. Most-likely thyroid and autoimmune-related. Still experimenting and getting tests.

[@sarahjensen2473]

Good luck with the widespread inflammation! I have chronic inflammatory issues and I feel best with time-restricted eating, and low-carb/high fat. Low doses of prednisone to stop a spiral down have been a lifesaver, even with the risks involved. Diet and exercise don't get recommended enough by doctors because they expect us to want a miracle pill. I hope you have a good medical team who supports the hard work approach! I'm glad this video popped up for me. It verifies my own observations. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@AndrewFolts]

Thanks, Sarah. Yea, inflammation is a tricky. Fasting in the morning helps, and low-card/low-sugar too. Also, my Cu was low, which is apparently common for joint inflammation. But...yes, there's nothing better than good old fashioned exercise. Hope you keep feeling better! (:

[@jackryan2135]

From Hoka's too vibram's, running wrecks my body.

[@AndrewFolts]

Impossible to say without seeing your stride, but the #1 cause of injury in any shoe is doing too much too fast and not taking time to let your body recover. Listening to your body plus a using a smooth forefoot stride, and you can run barefoot or nearly barefoot with no pain on any surface! (:

[@jvd1111]

One thing that gets overlooked more than anything else is form as it relates to running. One of the reasons you likely feel less injury prone from your barefoot running is that your body is forced to execute each step in a more natural alignment. Your foot strike and the proprioception you feel in your feet forces you to run on your mid foot and engage muscles that would potentially lie dormant with the aid of super cushioned shoes. In short, by being barefoot you feel your body. It hurts to run on your heel barefoot, so you adjust and run correctly and engage your hips, glutes and the rest. The cushion shoes aren’t the problem, it’s usually the runner with poor form. The form is the variable here, in my opinion.

[@AndrewFolts]

For sure! Cushion shoes allow you to get away with bad form, but then you pay the price with chronic issues that sneak up on you. Barefoot or barefoot shoes teach you VERY QUICKLY not to run with bad form! (:

[@rubencohen2936]

Andrew thanks for spreading the message on what we've known for years. It's great when our feet start thinking for themselves. Live long and prosper my brother. 👣 👍 🇺🇸

[@AndrewFolts]

Much appreciated, Ruben. Vive la (barefoot) révolution! 🔥

[@robburdick]

nice video, just got a pair of tesla minimalist running shoes and remembered how different it feels. I have sore calves and I am running slower but it feels like the right thing to do. Cool way to animate by the way.

[@AndrewFolts]

Thanks, Rob! Yea, I know what you mean. Even tho it's hard in the beginning, you know you're on the right path, and that feels really good. Cheers!

[@cheeriosaltcream]

whoa whoa whoa. So what ended up being responsible for your aches and pains in your fingers and hip pain and your whole body? you just gave up weight/body weight training? That's it? That's sad

[@AndrewFolts]

It was super disappointing at first. Like ten years of leg pressing 500 lbs and working on my strength just down the drain. But it's weird because now I actually feel "stronger" being skinny. Like I have twice my normal endurance-I can just run and run and run and not get tired. Honestly, would not go back to weightlifting. But still figuring out the aches. Pretty sure it's a nutritional issue and thyroid/autoimmune related. I did manage to clear up my brain fog with seaweed (iodine) and I'm trying out some Mg and Cu per test results.

[@zoobdo]

@@AndrewFolts Elimination diet!

[@AndrewFolts]

@@zoobdo Yea, been experimenting, but no change in symptoms yet.

[@Barrrt]

@@AndrewFolts Could it possibly be rheumatism? I'm just an idiot on the other side of the screen so don't go worrying over what I say. Thanks for the good vid!

[@AndrewFolts]

@@Barrrt Yea, I've thought that since it's all over. We shall see!

[@colvinscorner]

You are the only person to actually explain what zero drop means. Every other article i have read or video ive watched never says, the difference between the back and front of the shoe, thank you sir

[@AndrewFolts]

Glad it was helpful!

[@AsianThunder0]

Uh, dude, you should get that whole body pain checked out. Cuz . . . that ain't normal

[@AndrewFolts]

I'm working on it. Getting tested and such. Seems like a thyroid issue. Will make a video on it if I make progress.

[@IrishMexican]

Tension Myoneural Syndrome? It’s what I had and now I’m back at it!!!

[@AndrewFolts]

@@IrishMexican Don't have back pain or cramps, so probably something different for me. Glad you're back in action!

[@ericpetersen8645]

Max shoes have allowed me to run fast, high mileage into my 50s. I was injured using previous generation designs. The stack height replaces worn down cartilage and compressed joints. You’ll understand in 20 years...all your pieces are barely broken in!

[@AndrewFolts]

Oh, I understand right now. I have some kind of rheumatoid-like arthritis throughout my entire body. It causes me to have chronic insomnia, and I had to give up weightlifting completely. For me, cushion just causes me to have a clunky stride, which results in higher impact. Barefoot running is the only form of exercise that doesn't cause me instant inflammation. I've gotten comments from people in their 60's and beyond who are running barefoot with arthritis, as well-same story. Cushion just doesn't work for them. But I fully get it...when you have joint pain, just do whatever works!

[@jeremyboley2259]

Great video. I made the switch to barefoot running, with toe shoes, 13 years ago and have not had a single injury. I think the key is to move from a heel strike to a mid toe strike extremely gradually. Listen to your body.

[@AndrewFolts]

Right on! Yea, the gradual part is where most people go wrong, trying to do too much too fast. Which toe shoes do you have?

[@jeremyboley2259]

@@AndrewFolts Vibrams.

[@Rickles]

I ran in old nike frees for tons of miles and ended up with a forefoot strike that has led to metatarsal pain which recurs year after year. Took two years off and noticed it after my 2nd run back. I've moved to slightly more cushioned shoes over this time but they haven't helped. I don't think barefoot running is for everyone so I'm moving to a "max" cushioned shoe to see if it helps.

[@AndrewFolts]

Hey Rick, the Nike Free is a "minimalist" shoe (23mm), which means that it has a small amount of cushion. "Barefoot" shoes are much thinner (3-4mm) and don't have any cushion. This matters because once you go thicker than 4mm, your feet can no longer sense the ground properly, which makes it impossible to eliminate shock. In other words, if you're above 4mm, you might as well go high cushion because minimalist shoes aren't giving you the benefits of barefoot running. When I worked run specialty, the Free was probably the most injury-causing shoe we sold-the cushion gets trashed in under 200 miles, and then your feet sink into the foam. No bueno! If you pursue the maximalist route, Hoka might be a good option. I liked my Bondi's when I was still running with cushion, because the curved shape did help take off some impact. Good luck! (:

[@lukefromowitz4514]

Awesome Andrew. I am a bit late to your channel and watching older videos now. What ended up causing pain in your hands and inflammation?

[@AndrewFolts]

Hey Luke, it's likely a myelin sheath (nerve) issue with some chronic overuse mixed in from years of heavy weightlifting and racing. I've been having success with using supplements to balance out my nutrition, along with not pushing my body and just running for fun. Glad you're enjoying the videos, thanks for hanging out!

[@lukefromowitz4514]

@@AndrewFolts glad to hear you’re ok!

[@JERZEEHOTBOY]

Sounds good would like to try it but Running Barefoot in NYC/NJ isn't such a good idea though.

[@AndrewFolts]

City's can def be hazardous for full barefoot, but you'd be fine in a thin 3-4mm pair of barefoot shoes, which get you close to the same feeling. Vivobarefoot kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5XJYoVoj5d-d7s, Mukishoes kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJTYloOneLWZnc0, and Wildling kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHa3oWuXj9Clj9E all have great sensitivity with some protection from glass and such. You can also browse/filter more options with the shoe finder tool at my website: bit.ly/49U1Ryo

[@JERZEEHOTBOY]

Ok cool thanks for the quick reply 👍🏿

[@mryder66]

I run barefoot whenever I can, otherwise it's minimalist, zero drop shoes. I tried fluffy marshmallows once a while ago, and it was just weird. I'm definitely interested to hear others' thoughts on ground temperature challenges. Winter is particularly tough, so much so that I find myself wearing shoes for 3 or 4 months each year. By the time it's warm enough to go outside barefoot I have to slowly work on building up the toughness of my soles again. I think one sacrifices a little speed running barefoot, but the feeling of freedom and the feedback you get from your feet makes up for any pace loss in spades.

[@AndrewFolts]

I really like the VivoBarefoot Primus Lite for this reason. It's only 3mm and provides a 98% barefoot feel-plus, you can put their razor-thin Thermal Insole in if your feet are too cold (space blanket material). I did a video on winter barefoot running, which might be helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5y6mYGbq7SdoNk

[@mryder66]

@@AndrewFolts Thanks. I appreciate the follow up. I live in GA, so we don't get the snow and ice. We do get cold days though. I guess my gripe is feeling the soles of my feet becoming more gentrified as winter progresses. I try to run barefoot on the treadmill, but it's not the same and the heat build up on the belt gets uncomfortable after a while. I guess I just need to suck it up and accept that I'll need to re-season my soles starting in march each year. Sunday will be day one of seasoning on the trail. It's gonna hurt a little

[@Mystic_Christopher]

I first bought Xeroshoes 2 years ago. Haven't gone back to regular shoes since. The Mesa Trail shoes they sell are amazing!

[@AndrewFolts]

Sweet! Still have my Z-Trek's. The durability is crazy. They probably will last 5,000 miles, like they claim. I bet even more!

[@markshieldwarjri3397]

You got a gift in story telling... Enjoyed your video

[@AndrewFolts]

Thanks! Had a lot of fun making it too! (:

[@davidm4025]

GASP....Yes!!! I had almost a mirrored experience. I worked at a big box sporting goods retailer in the shoe dept mostly. I drank the koolaid brooks reps said about Cushion/support. Then born to run/five fingers happened and that changed everything for me on footwear and movement in general. The next time the brooks rep gave a presentation to customers and employees at the store I asked “if barefoot running form is the correct running form for almost everyone , why design a shoe that allows someone to run in an incorrect form.” Brooks rep said it’s everyone’s choice on how they want to run. Next question I asked was why does anyone’s foot need support or cushioning. Brooks rep did not like that question and said would speak to me after presentation. There was no talk after the presentation. Next day I was moved to apparel, and next month looking for new job. Love the content...keep it up. :)

[@AndrewFolts]

Lol...this sounds very familiar. I used to wear Vibram's into work and tell customers to run barefoot or in minimalist shoes. I finally quit a couple weeks ago (after a year-long Covid hiatus), but it's amazing that I wasn't fired before that. Right before everything shut down, they brought in this insert company called Aetrex. They had a bogus foot measuring machine (kind of like Dr. Scholl's). It never gave the same reading twice, and when I asked the rep about it, he did the same thing-hemmed and hawed, and then just ignored me the rest of the day. The sad part was, it was a well-meaning, family-run shop, but they were struggling financially and I guess it was either sell snake oil or go out of business. Really difficult choice...I feel bad for anyone running a brick-and-mortar store right now.

[@scottconceicao6309]

Awesome, cool honest story. Thanks for letting us in and making us think.

[@AndrewFolts]

Thanks, Scott. Glad you enjoyed it. Cheers!

[@loonyhype9527]

I remember Bob & Brad talking about mid-foot strikes and tbh I’ve been confused ever since. Hope I can learn more about them from you! And this is kinda unrelated but your elf ear is adorable (one is more spiked than the other)

[@AndrewFolts]

My zero-drop video should help. There's some footage in the middle where I show how to develop foot strike technique. Also, literally walked to the mirror after reading your comment and was...ha, I'm totally half elf and never realized it.

[@loonyhype9527]

@@AndrewFolts thanks a lot! I’ll be sure to check that video out Being a half elf also suits the whole “running on trails” (5:00) vibe lol

[@AndrewFolts]

​@@loonyhype9527 Ha, can see it now..."Trail Elf" starring Will Ferrell.

[@Liam-B]

I've worn jikatabi since I was twelve (after a skiing accident sprained all my lower joints) to help with inflammation and natural strengthening. 14 years later, after walking, working while standing, lifting, hiking, skating, and mountain biking, I have zero issues with stiffness or inflammation of any kind even standing for 18 hour shifts at work, or hard workouts. Plus it's a great way to flex your work ethic to encourage others to do more with less, and do better. I genuinely can't live in regular boots or shoes for more than a few days without having lots of weird issues.

[@AndrewFolts]

Congrats, Liam, that's amazing! How'd they work for skating? I had a comment from someone asking about barefoot skating shoes but wasn't sure if the thin sole would work.

[@Liam-B]

They work great! I'd imagine there is more risk of injury if you do lots of tricks though.

[@cavankoebel5590]

Great video, thank you for sharing your story. Did you every figure out what as causing all your pain, hips/fingers etc?

[@AndrewFolts]

It's an autoimmune thyroid issue. I've been working on it with dietary changes and nutritional supplements, etc. Hopefully I'll be able to make a video about it, like I did for barefoot shoes!

[@mfh2112]

Not sure if you are able to get a pair of Skinners 2.0 and compare them to the Vibrams but I would definitely be interested to see what your observations are. I'm not a runner. I'm a trail hiker/camper guy.

[@AndrewFolts]

Yea, I’m interested in them too. Might try a pair this summer, and I’ll def do a review if so.

[@mfh2112]

@@AndrewFolts I backed them on Kickstarter. They sent me the wrong size. They also won't exchange them. So as far as a company goes they are crap. If you have 28cm size feet I will send you a pair.

[@AndrewFolts]

@@mfh2112 No, I'm a 10 US (27cm). That's a bummer about their customer service. Does your 2112 by chance refer to Rush?

[@mfh2112]

@@AndrewFolts Yup and Yup.

[@barbarajendryczko5441]

What a great way to visualise what you're talking about 👏🏻

[@AndrewFolts]

Thanks, Barbara! Glad you enjoyed the papermation!

[@Abcdefkppppp]

Waw... I LOVE YOUR VLOG, YOUR STYLE IS AMAZING, THE MUSIC, AND THE PICTURES.. GO AHEAD

[@AndrewFolts]

Thanks! Appreciate the watch. (:

[@raphaelv8062]

Switching to minimalist/barefoot shoes has been the best decision I've made regarding running, by far. Only downside is they get damaged faster than padded running shoes.. and it's easier to find them online than in shops which means you can't try them on..

[@AndrewFolts]

Which shoes do you have? Milage is weird. Every cushion shoes I've ever owned was shot in under 500 miles, while my Vivo Primus Lite's have lasted 3,000+. But then, some people get 1,000 miles out of their cushion shoes and plow through minimalist shoes. Lots of factors, who knows!

[@scottpatrickvest]

that new balance racing flat was my favorite shoe ever, why is it gone! why!!

[@AndrewFolts]

When I worked run specialty, people always complained about brands updating best-selling shoes. I've never understood it, but I feel your pain!

[@Conqueroru]

I grew up playing basketball with flip flops on gravel driveway. I'm vulnerable to injuries, it didn't stop me. Now I'm training for boxing with stubborn trait in me -- when it hurts, suck it up and theres light at the end. I ran around barefoot on grass every time I had chance, never liked wearing shoes when I play as a kid. Played soccer and baseball barefooted. Sometimes would go barefoot on basketball court, when you jump so high then you have to land must be like to squatting or swift away quickly to reduce impact on feet.

[@AndrewFolts]

Yup, you learn how to cushion yourself REAL FAST when you go barefoot! (:

[@pajerry33]

Great graphics and editing Andrew. My 5k time dropped almost 2 mins by going to barefoot. It is pretty much all on grass and where there is tar you can still run on the grass. So will try barefoot again next weekend. Park Run, barefoot. And I have flat feet too. My goal is to go sub 30 mins again. Oh, and I got a blister which popped on that first 5k barefoot. I need to get used to it.😊

[@AndrewFolts]

Way to go, Patrick! Were you full barefoot or in barefoot shoes? Just listen to your body and get lots of rest when needed. Happy barefooting out there!

[@pajerry33]

​@AndrewFolts I was barefoot. 2nd attempt. The barefoot shoes I bought a week later. I find the area behind my Achilles tendon the back of the shoe almost slips off. Maybe a different barefoot with a higher back?

[@AndrewFolts]

@@pajerry33Maybe, but also make sure the heel has enough of a curved shape to lock your heel in. My fav road and light trail shoes with a snug fit: Vibram V-Trek kzbin.info/www/bejne/nX-TaJehhNGii5Y Vivo Primus Lite bit.ly/3KDiYK7 Xero HFS kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqWah6ZjZ8aKgrs

[@180sxdeano]

I’ve got the altra escalante, just getting my calves up to speed at the moment! Still aches at 5km mark, yet got a triathlon in two days and it’s a 10km run!

[@AndrewFolts]

Oh jeez, ha. Well take it slow and maybe walk a bit if you get achy/ (:

[@180sxdeano]

@@AndrewFolts done it! 10kms in 47mins, my quads cramped in the first 3.3km lap! Then just went away and picked my pace up! It's so odd running after a 40km ride! Changed my running technique abit and calves held up ok

[@AndrewFolts]

@@180sxdeano Heck yeah! Sometimes your body surprises you with more energy than you though you had. (:

[@fidru]

@ 3:50 stretching routine or warmup for a normal run? who does this anyway (especially at your age and fitness level)? of course its comon to dynamic stretch after the warm up of an Intervall session (before drills and strides etc) and maybe static stretching after the cool down or at the next day. maybe its an "US-thing (like hydration and refueling even during short runs) but in europe/germany nobody warms up or stretches before a run 🤷‍♂️

[@AndrewFolts]

Ha, yea...after thirty years, it's gradually become apparent to me that America is full of idiots. I get comments from people abroad all the time like: "Who wears shoes inside???" In high school track, we had to warm up for fifteen minutes, then do another fifteen of static stretching just to go on a half-hour recovery run. It was crazy. When I worked at a run specialty shop, I got people asking me what kind of nutrition they needed for a 5K, and I was like..."Umm...what?"

[@fidru]

@@AndrewFolts glad your not offended. I was really confused when the track coach suggested rope skipping as a warm up for running while the boxing coach did a running warm up before rope skipping 🤔

[@AndrewFolts]

@@fidru Ha, sounds like they got their wires crossed!

[@cacapupu1234]

Wow this video was very engaging! Great stuff!

[@AndrewFolts]

Thanks, Adrian. Appreciate the watch! (:

[@jefffoster695]

Interesting perspective. There's plenty of research now that agrees with you that stretching is taboo. I always have loved running but had some of my best miles and fewest injuries will less cushioned shoes.

[@AndrewFolts]

My dog taught me everything I know, ha. She never stretched. Just a quick full-body extension, then off to the races! Cheers to many more miles and as few injuries as possible! (:

[@MagnusOron]

I love this video. Starting on my barefoot journey. Just got a xero for day to day and vivo for hiking. A little scared to buy my first trail and running shoes totally barefoot. Any tips on easing into it?

[@AndrewFolts]

Hey congrats on taking the leap! The best way to transition, for running especially, is just to start with whatever feels comfortable-even five minutes-then turn around. You can do the rest of your milage in normal shoes and gradually up your miles until you're 100% in barefoot shoes. That way there's no risk of injury. Just listen to your body, and you'll be fine. (:

[@MagnusOron]

@ sound advise thanks, and keep up the channel. Much appreciated

[@cantolin4]

I also switched to barefoot running three years ago. Before I switched I was struggling with plantar fasciitis. Not only did running barefoot reduce injury, the tactile sensation of the ground on my feet made running much more interesting and enjoyable. I ran track in high school but only after running barefoot did I feel I had learnt “correct” running form. Running barefoot taught me not to heel strike and to distribute my weight between the ball of my foot and heel upon landing. These days I couldn’t imagine spending $100+ on running shoes like I used to. I would much rather spend that money on something fun like rollerblades. Great video, I hope barefoot running becomes more popular!

[@AndrewFolts]

I sometimes wonder how my coach would have reacted if I had worn barefoot shoes in high school track. Probably would have flipped out! (:

[@runforyourlife7229]

Cool video and thank you for the insights! I'm still a bigger fan of cushioned shoes but i'll give it a try again with minimalist shoes after having watched this!

[@AndrewFolts]

Glad it was helpful! I'd definitely recommend the Vivo Primus Lite (3mm sole). But whatever you try, just take it slow and listen to your body-that's the best way to build strength and stay healthy. Good luck!