Don't Buy Barefoot Shoes Before You Watch THIS

[@JakeTubefication]

2021 expectations: *flying cars zooming around* reality: *adult people learning to walk again*

[@wellnessdaddy]

hahahahah loooool

[@wellnesspathforme6236]

Exactly! The Empire of Lies strikes back!

[@kpdelaney6460]

lmao

[@HonkyMonky]

Bunch of walking deads everywhere...

[@markelbas]

First things first!

[@JJ-iu5hl]

I don't know why I'm watching this. I don't have legs.

[@eddieochoa8058]

Awe man. My father dont have any either. Well he does but they dont work. More of a burden to him sometimes. He does a lot tho! More than some people that do have good working legs

[@luigiA.M.]

Kkkk at least you got a Sense of humor

[@alifelekoglu5139]

L

[@mj6463]

Was not expecting that second sentence lmao, God bless bro!

[@HypotheticalX]

Me too. LMAO. Though I have them. They just won’t work due to back injury…🫥

[@troyfreedom]

I’m a Kaiut Yoga teacher and this video is screaming the importance of good movement throughout all the joints. I throughly enjoyed it.

[@wellnessdaddy]

yuppp! happy you liked it

[@JCDhmr]

I walk regularly but don’t run. I’ve gone barefoot indoors my whole life (I’m 60+) so transition to Xero shoes a year ago was smooth…for my left foot. My right foot arch hurt for three weeks. Did exercises. I LOVE minimalist shoes and have 4 pair of Xero, including hiking boots and trail sandals. Just wish they looked a little less weird 😄.

[@wellnessdaddy]

Check out my newest video for a minimalist shoe that isn't weird looking!

[@lisandraguizar2713]

Vivobarefoot look the best in my humble opinion :) specially the geo racers

[@mattdeans9873]

Im 72 and am thinking of Xero shoes and sandals. My ankles and feet have minor edema. Have never worn shoes in the house. Thinking I need the Xeros to help with balance and that full open toe area. I cant run anymore so its just for everyday errand runnings. Any thuoghts?

[@cliffordstanger8960]

Ikr, reason I don't want but the weird looking ones, I just started back up with zero drop Altras but not the same as true minimalist shoes. I'll have to check out some more

[@straykitten4998]

I can only wear softstar primals with toe spacers. I like looking at all the weird looking pointy shoes people wear ☺

[@Mikemummy33]

This title is so misleading a trash. Barefoot shoes compared to regular shoes are so much better. Yes you should build up slowly. Why not title this barefoot shoes are awesome but slow build into them. This title is trash and just click bait.

[@wellnessdaddy]

Because no one will click that video, and then no one will get the content about how they need to transition slowly and how to walk properly so they don't fuck up their joints. If you're gonna be on youtube you gotta play the game Don't hate the player hate the game : p

[@Mikemummy33]

@@wellnessdaddy I love that response. It got me to click. Was like no way these guys are hating on these things. Watched like two mins and was like who that title is misleading. People just read titles no a days. I actually watch and read content. Just might steer some low attention span people away. Barefoot shoes have changed my life. Can dunk and run so much faster and jump so much higher. My legs don't feel restless at night anymore either.

[@wellnessdaddy]

@@Mikemummy33 i agree they are amazing, and so i'm willing to click bait to get the information in front of more people

[@blakeslocum2732]

@@wellnessdaddy I thought the same thing, but you’re right. KZbin is seriously trash. LinusTechTips and a few others once thought of creating another platform. It’s difficult tho

[@DeanTheDoctor]

I believe many of us are more interested in content than titles. Thanks for getting the information out there either way. 😌🌎✨

[@ALAKAZOOVOLANT]

Such a beneficial Video for those who want to start their journey to barefoot shoes. I did my transition 10 years ago and today, I try to get as many people to learn about the benefits of barefoot but a lot of them are scared. There are still a lot of misinformation about barefoot and this video goes a long way in explaining the transition. Good job..

[@brettgallagher5306]

I thought the whole point of barefoot running (and jogging) was absorbing the impact by landing on the balls of your feet. This guy is still landing heel first where there is no shock absorbance.

[@wellnessdaddy]

glad to help!

[@ALAKAZOOVOLANT]

@@brettgallagher5306 I think gradually as you wear flat shoes exclusively, you gradually migrate to a front striking stride. That’s what happened to me anyways. Just like how when I go down stairs now I grab the edge of the step with my toes.

[@mariposawilke75]

The only kind of shoes I wear now

[@ALAKAZOOVOLANT]

@@mariposawilke75once you transition, it’s almost impossible to wear anything else.

[@sarahelizabethfoster]

Many adult ballet classes begin with these exercises. The teacher talks about rolling through the feet and begins with that. You might be able to find some ballet classes on youtube and do the beginning exercises. Of course if you do the full class with a teacher you will really work out your feet, but watch out for practicing without a teacher and getting wrong technique into your muscle memory. Pilates also has exercises for the feet incorporated into the class.

[@wellnessdaddy]

interesting!

[@lefi8435]

When it comes to calisthenics, the barefoot shoes are amazing, not having that extra weight on my feet really helps with the skills like the front lever and planche, every shoe has its advantages and disadvantages.

[@Wolefie]

why not... take off... your shoes...

[@tvthecat]

@@Wolefie Some people do calisthenics outside and they don't want rocks to puncture their feet.

[@wetl2628]

Why is everyone overcomplicating this? For walking: walk as much ass possible barefoot and minimal shoes. Do this a lot to retrain your brain. When you doesn't feel the minimal shoes anymore and everything feels normal start jogging from time to time. Best to do this on a hard surface or pebbles. Your brain will do the rest. When you heelstrike on a pebble, you'll avoid it in the future. And squat. If you can't sit in a squat for couple of minutes, there is something wrong with your mechanics. I've done 100k walking/running in one go in vivobarefoots so I know not to overcomplicate things. The brain knows how to walk, you just need to create the condition to let it function wel.

[@sebastianbolt7886]

♥️💥💣

[@DeanTheDoctor]

We let our bodies and feet do what they do best. We let them flex, rebound, heal, and grow. These beautiful bodies of ours deserve to be in motion. 😌🌎✨

[@sebastianbolt7886]

@@DeanTheDoctor yes sir🙌🏽🌟

[@n0zyk]

Same here. Bought the first pair of Vivos for regular walking and jogging for more than half a year. Recently bought another pair for running, learning it now

[@tango_gru]

common sense is not so common and hence the overcomplication of everything around us.

[@healthywildfree]

Awesome video, thanks for sharing! I've tried 3 barefoot minimalist shoe brands and landed on Xero shoes. I find their designs to be the truest barefoot/minimalist design. Love them!

[@wellnessdaddy]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@beardedgarage]

great video, seriously. I thought first this would be a shoe review, but it's much more of a mechanics story needed for barefoot shoes. I've had foot problems for a VERY long time and I found barefoot shoes when a sports medicine doc gave me Born to run over 10 years ago. It's the only thing that allowed me to walk/run without pain. I literally have a dozen pairs just to try everything I can. This excites me so much!

[@adamkreuz9068]

It does take well over a year. I just recently became comfortable walking on a hard surface with minimal shoes. Did not think about toe socks though

[@sooofunny37]

Same

[@skyejacques]

Same too... Now need to find them, or use them barefoot

[@riverlan4215]

really appreciate this information KYLE.people probably will pay to learn. education save lives, this can change a lot of people's lives and prevent lots of injuries if they take it seriously

[@wellnessdaddy]

Thank you! I hope it does!

[@AlexandreLollini]

When walking in mountains, it's the downhill that's the hardest hitting, but in fact we should focus on shock absorption ALL THE TIME, the fast runners are almost silent too, and when sprinting it's like the feet are touching the ground very short time. Even walking it is needed to THINK about shock absorbing in order to last longer. in france we say "walk on eggs"

[@mumpygumboo8554]

You only need to walk on one egg... because one egg is an oeuf!

[@tentimetex]

I think Its a good idea to mix: barefoot shoes perhaps 40-50% and then shoes with some kind of cushioning 60% of the time. Cushioning is also important to protect joints and back, especially when walking a lot. We no longer walk on grass and earth like our ancestors did, but on hard concrete. Therefor we need protection. However, switching up with barefoot shoes from time to time is also a good idea so your foot doesnt get used to cushioning all the time. Personally i walk bare foot at home, which is already the 40%. So i dont need any barefoot shoes. (Also, another problem is that most sneakers have too much cushioning. Choose a pair with cushioning but not too much where it feels like youre walking on sand). P.S. you can also get regular shoes with proper cushioning, which have a wider toe box. (For example, Birkenstock sneakers, Clarks, Mephisto...make shoes with a wider toe box but also more depth, which is height for your toes).

[@shailendrashetye1232]

Hi Kyle, I just moved on to the barefoot shoes and after my 2nd run got some pain in my left shin and calves. Thereafter unknowingly I was doing the exercises mentioned herein and I did get a lot of relief. Now, I’m pretty sure that these have to be a part of my regular regime. Great info !! 👍🏽 thanks 🙏🏽

[@wellnessdaddy]

dude that's epic! so happy to hear that!

[@richielavey1565]

I have recently switched to minimalist shoes and I’ve noticed a couple things: 1) Sprints make a lot of blisters 2) Blisters get harder and if you don’t overdo it and tear your foot open then you get less blisters as time goes on 3) I used to wear socks all the time inside my house, sleeping, etc, now I am painfully aware of how they squeeze my feet together

[@WideAwakeHuman]

Not sure which brand you're using but I was trail walking/jogging in my Xeroshoes within the first 2 weeks and never even had a hot spot, much less a blister... But having done a ton of all out sprinting either so maybe that's some of it

[@richielavey1565]

@@WideAwakeHuman do you wear socks with yours? I feel like that may make a difference but I used tadeevo running shoes, I can run about 8-9 miles now before blisters

[@justinevans2118]

Blisters is only a side effect of the skin on your feet being soft. Blisters are a good thing.

[@richielavey1565]

@@justinevans2118 yeah, I’ve been getting them less as time goes on

[@xdave4277]

Hey Richie can you answer me I'm thinking of getting Vivo minimalist shoes and slowly transitioning by just wearing and walking will that be good? I walk barefoot on stones already

[@duvvuric]

I have been into barefoot running since 2013. I started with vivobarefoot, merrell and then VFF. Breathability has always been an issue with these shoes. I shifted to Skinners and had the toe box cut across for breathability. Ordered my first pair of Luna sandals and can’t wait to try on. Barefoot is the way to go. I tried complete barefoot for a couple of months but gravel and pebbles wreaked havoc

[@wellnessdaddy]

haha yeah watchout for that gravel!

[@multitablez7825]

do you walk forefoot first?

[@duvvuric]

@@multitablez7825 yes. Transition has to be gradual

[@multitablez7825]

@@duvvuric cool thanks. yep, frontfoot first... just this guy in this video is walking heel first in barefoot shoes, which is extremely damaging.

[@nancyreese80]

What are VFF, please.

[@danielrodgers6939]

I was hoping you guys weren't trashing vivo...this is a great video proud of yall...I have 3 pairs of vivos. I'll never wear another shoe again. I've played soccer my whole life through college. I'm 34 now...I've been doing flow arts and acro dance for the past few years as part of my training. It's amazing how much stronger and more aware the lower half of my body is. I hike in the vivo tracker 2's as well. I work 10 hour shifts on a concrete floor where I where the tracker 2's also. Never back to regular shoes. Good video fellas.

[@mlmeech2607]

How do your feet adjust to cleats now that you’ve adjusted to a barefoot lifestyle

[@danielrodgers6939]

@mitso 21 I haven't worn any soccer kicks since br barefoot journey...however good soccer kicks IMO don't have much in the sole which allows you to have more feedback from your movement and the ball. Other than the obvious cleats...the only think completely different comparing the two is that soccer shoes don't have the wide toe box.

[@shelbynichole32]

Barefoot shoes changed the structure of my feet in 3 months. I now hate wearing all other shoes. I absolutely LOVE my vivo’s. The first 2 weeks my tarsals cracked and popped a lot.

[@katie_moore]

i feel like years of wearing toms and vans has destroyed my feet!!!

[@wellnessdaddy]

looool

[@notsomuchhere1387]

Thank you so much for this very informative video, I've been having knee and foot pain since 2019 and it just got so much worse, I went to Drs and did an MRI, but all is clear, I know a large part is my weight and the shoes that I wear. Regular sneakers especially the super cushioned ones kill my feet. I'm finally going to order my barefoot shoes to see and experiment them

[@movemorenowjames]

“Old men last a long time” brilliant quote. Great video.

[@wellnessdaddy]

thanks my guy!

[@ShervinShares]

This video explains why my shins are always sore when I wear my barefoot shoes!

[@wellnessdaddy]

lol hit those tibs man!

[@slavasss2189]

Why?

[@Crazywaffle5150]

LOL. How the fk that happen?

[@megusta9045]

I bought them before watching this....nothing to fear they're great.

[@Ricky-ez2nh]

Another well-known KZbin channel that recommends no heel striking at all when walking. Use forefoot / mid foot for everything.

[@alen-commentnazi8774]

why's that

[@slavasss2189]

All of them say that in fact...though its very difficult for walking... ( easy for running)

[@mmay4121]

I bought vivo barefoot shoes and have a new lease of life, fantastic

[@wellnessdaddy]

Love to hear it!

[@christopherbloor3901]

This is a great video. Cheers. I've found that to help condition your feet and legs for barefoot shoes, take your shoes and socks off, splay your toes out as much as possible and grip the floor with your toes and then balance on the leg with your foot out front for two minutes. It burns like hellfire but that's just the new stimulation that your legs have probably never or barely experienced. One quibble though. Nose breathing is only good for short runs in nice weather. It's no good for long runs and/or in cold weather because of mucus build up. Concentrating on breathing also takes your mind away from the running, so you might not get as much out of run as you could. Just deep, steady breaths (steady relative to intensity) is fine.

[@wellnessdaddy]

Thanks! that is good to know

[@Freshanatha]

No you are designed to breath through your nose. Mouth breathing is generally only for extreme paces (end of race, sprints, etc.) You just have to build up to it because most everyone over breathes. I used to not be able to breathe through just my nose while running at an easy pace. Now I run half marathons all while breathing through my nose even in sub 20 F weather. Whenever you first start trying there will be a ton of mucus but after a month or so it will go away. For more info look up Patrick McKeown on youtube

[@kenankaptanoglu9194]

Great editing! You did not have to keep that attention to detail through such a long video but you did. Thank you and keep it up!

[@Kayumari]

Honestly a fantastic video. Really learned a lot seeing someone run in barefoot shoes.

[@vincentreed5167]

Great video chaps! I have been in minimal shoes for 7 months now. It has transformed the way I move from walking through to running. All lower back and knee pain has disappeared. Its such a shame that this is still in the background due to the brainwashing shoe brands! hopefully, it will change over time! Thanks again for your time creating this and educating others. Much appreciated!

[@wellnessdaddy]

that's great! i am glad it has been a good experience

[@ErraticFaith]

Nobody is brainwashing anyone. You act as if the independent companies and brands haven't researched your hilarious drivel before. It was done decades ago - dismissed as the bullshit it is - and we moved on. There is a reason the support was created. Man wasn't meant to walk on 99% of the worlds artificial and altered terrain. Now if you're done insulting the industry like a toddler; go do something useful. Like actually researching the lies of barefoot.

[@Brickwood70]

Thanks for sharing. I am early in my journey. Got rid of inserts and working on form building strength and range of motion.

[@wellnessdaddy]

that's great! let us know how it goes as you progress

[@maureena8399]

I love that you bring excitement and knowledge to people wanting to go barefoot. I’m disappointed because you’re referring people to get medical advice from an unlicensed person- I’ve seen this a lot on KZbin. If this guy is so passionate about what he is doing, I’d be really excited to see him pursue formal education and get a license to practice medicine in some capacity so he can 1. Do this legally and 2. Sleep at night knowing he isn’t leading people down the wrong path causing further disability. There are thousands of PTs who have the same background and passion in the barefoot movement but also have the education and experience to help you! If you are healthy than you can watch some videos and get started, but if you have any kind of diagnosis: plantar fasciitis, Sciatica, hip labral issues, IT band friction syndrome, knee ligament or meniscus injury etc etc etc see a professional 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽! And bonus: instead of paying out of pocket, you can usually use insurance.

[@yadealone]

Just ordered toe socks with injinji. Thank you! Just subscribed. I land fire door not heel in barefoot shoes. I do not walk here to heal like I used to. I watched the grown and healthy barefoot channel loved your video. That’s the only part I disagreed with at 66 feel like I’m just reinventing myself.

[@kathrynemason1673]

I reverted to wearing no shoes - unless I'm hiking over rough ground and I can't see what I'm walking on - as I did until the age of about 40. I used to keep my work shoes under the desk at work and only slipped them on when moving around the office. At 60, my back ache has disappeared and my posture is improved. We weren't born wearing shoes and I don't believe we are designed to wear them.

[@James_Hallam]

The great shame of it all is that if we weren’t put into silly elevated shoes in the first place none of this would be necessary. The need to teach adult humans how to walk and run again is mind blowing!

[@cliffordstanger8960]

Had this calf strain for 2 months, lingering. Watched this and other videos. So I have a couple pairs of Altra collecting dust, so I went back to these Altra zero drop. Tested it out today, planned a 2 mile run. Ended up doing 9 miles, calf strain is there but it didn't have any effect vs my high heeled Hokas. Man I may just switch it up. Dang and I have 6 pairs Hokas 😂

[@JJ-iu5hl]

You can recoup some of your costs if you sell the ones that still have some life on ebay

[@skiziskin]

If you remove the footbeds from the Hokas they get a lot flatter. I don't run in them anymore but I can walk in my Hokas without footbeds. Every other shoe I have now is zero drop. Some Altras, some Merrells, and some Lems. Anything with a raised heel kills me knees but with zero drop my knees feel totally fine.

[@cliffordstanger8960]

@@skiziskin I have 6 pairs Altras, 2 pairs Xero sandals, 2 pair Xero shoes. Totally switched over, feel it's strengthened my ankles, feet.

[@DaMelloKittyy]

I have been minimalist running for a few months and have been getting consistent Achilles tendinitis. After watching this video I realized I have been running with sprinting mechanics. Everything makes sense now.

[@Sharetheroad3333]

You get Achilles tendinitis because you didn’t transition slow enough.

[@HANDJOBBY]

Hi, Cesar! Actually, running with sprinting mechanics is fine. Sprinting down to running down to jogging all the way down to walking pretty much use the same mechanics. The things that are changing from walking to sprinting, as far as foot/leg mechanics are concerned, are your cadence (how fast you're churning those legs), the tightness of the spring that is your muscles/tendons/ligaments, and the ground contact time. But those are just sight variations of the same thing. Regardless of whether you're walking, sprinting, or anything in between, you're still 1) landing on your forefoot/midfoot first, 2) keeping your feet directly under your center of mass, and, in the case of sprinting, 3) extending your hip/femur/leg and using your glutes to put force into the ground to propel you forward. There's a lot more to it, but for the sake of staying on topic and brevity, I'll stop there.

[@trees5338]

Fascinating, I've just purchased toe socks, I also have spacers, now I know I'm doing this in the correct order. My next purchase will be minimalist shoes, thanks guy's.

[@wellnessdaddy]

happy to help!

[@shafikmahomad6629]

still use a heel-strike while walking ?? weren't supposed to not use that ?

[@TejaSunkutheoriginal]

The explanation about the toe extension muscles is helpful, since it explains why I get pain in the front of my leg when I try to walk really quickly

[@wellnessdaddy]

Glad to help!

[@n.m.dimmick194]

I clicked on this video out of curiosity as I've been on the fence about even trying barefoot shoes given I have to be wearing steel toe work boots most of the time and was very pleasantly surprised to get a bunch of exercises I can use regardless.

[@cannon1969]

A lot of this information is very good. But there is a major difference between are left and right side. Learning Postural restoration (PRI) is so crucial. When he talks about stabilizing the feet and ankles so your neck and head are aligned, he’s exactly right. Most people are stuck in the left AIC pattern, meaning they push harder into the ground with their right side and pelvis then the left. PRI teaches you how to transfer weight and move the left and right side in an asymmetrical movement. PRI POSTURAL RESTORATION INSTITUTE PRI IS SO IMPORTANT TO LEARN

[@cclambie]

Great video. The thrive dojo link doesn't work... Is that temporary?

[@Amanda.c91]

old man jog is my fave! thats how you go for MIIIILES man! also, got my first pair of vibrams on the way :)

[@wellnessdaddy]

lol let us know what you think of them

[@frankytanky5076]

Even though it's a super minor point that he goes over quick, your abdominals, glutes, and hip flexors will take a beating the first couple months and maybe a lot longer for people who are used to only cushioned footwear. Yes, the calves will get incredibly sore sometimes, but the whole chain above it also will too, and you'll see how connected most of these body issues are to walking and running.

[@migueltrujillo341]

I just bought some vivos I feel like I went into this blindfolded what do you guys recommend I do to avoid injuries as I try to get used to this switch after wearing them a couple hours I noticed I feel like I just hit a hard leg day send help

[@nowster]

Don't run in them to start with. Make them your everyday walking shoes first. Then, after a few weeks, only do very short runs before gradually extending distance over several weeks. You will be relearning how to walk and run. This video is a very good introduction to it. Your feet and your calf muscles will get sore to start with as they aren't accustomed to being used. Don't overdo it. Your ankles will take longest to adjust and strengthen. (Ten years wearer of Vibram FiveFingers here.)

[@Skuidrizz]

@@nowster yes this is exactly what I did! I took it easy the first month and was sore, I’ve been wearing vivos for 3 months

[@danielwilson3976]

@@nowster, interesting, I went straight into barefoot shoes did running, weight lifting, and everything right off the bat. A year later of daily use and activities and no injuries which before I was injury prone.

[@bennyhill6161]

Don't be such a wimp, keep wearing them and you'll eventually get used to it, the people of Uganda would be laughing at you.

[@DannyBarren]

The human foot knows better. The issue isn't with the foot. The issue is years of restricting movement and then trying to recover that mobility too quickly, which leads to injury. Take it slow, acclimate over time. This video does a pretty good job of explaining the amount of work and time required to get that mobility back

[@healthywildfree]

Good stuff brother. So important!

[@wellnessdaddy]

Thanks dude! Agreed

[@chrismjkelly]

Yo, I may be biased but this video is pretty f**king good!

[@wellnessdaddy]

haha thanks dude!

[@V4K4R14N]

I guess I'm a bit confused. Every video I've watched prior to this, implies that our "modern" way of walking (hitting heel first) is horrible for us, from the bottom up, literally. Even just re-learning how to walk, not even looking at jogging or sprinting, and modern shoes, have only compounded the problem.

[@yabs9642]

ever since covid started... ive been barefoot ever since.. now that i go back to work i get extreme foot pain in normal shoes.. i think my feet reverted to how they should be. got barefoot shoes and now i dont have feet or knee pain anymore even after 13-15 hours of moving around.

[@johnbaretta4375]

4:59 minutes of un skippable & intelligence insulting ads before the video starts - Google has gotten greedy. The video content was informative & excellent.

[@MistahMolosser]

Just start carefully. We as humans know how to move barefoot.

[@SkipKelly]

Yes yes! 🤙🏼

[@g.berwald5312]

True

[@toasttea32]

When you jog or do any sort of running motion, I thought the idea was to train your “spring muscles” by always landing on the balls of your feet. You may correct me if I’m wrong but the method you teach has you landing on your heal to initiate a roll out of your step. Wouldn’t that send shock up your to your shins, knees, even hips still?

[@yeahllowcow]

I was also thinking of it, I said it right but demonstrated it wrong. During Jogging and Running you should never land on your heels, always on you forfoot or midfoot to absorbe the impact through muscle activity. If you land on your heels your joint will absorb the force.

[@toasttea32]

Okay nice! That was what I was thinking, thanks for the reply man!

[@HANDJOBBY]

@The Thrive Dojo I understand why you might think that "rolling into a midfoot or forefoot" isn't heel striking -- but it's still heel striking. Any time your heel touches the ground first is heel striking, which always generates a spike in ground contact force as compared to the smooth application of force with gently placing your feet on the ground. Is it possible to create smooth, fluid motion using a rolling technique? Yes, we can mechanically do that and we can adapt to that motion, but that's not the optimal use of our bodies because that's not how our bodies are designed to be used. Whether you're walking, jogging, running, sprinting, or ascending/descending stairs, you should always land on your whole foot, midfoot, or forefoot first -- but never your heel first, even for the purposes of "transitioning" to minimalist footwear. @yeahllowcow

[@HANDJOBBY]

@The Thrive Dojo I appreciate you not writing me off for sounding preachy, if that's how I sounded. I am just speaking plainly. I also appreciate you being open to learning. For what it's worth, I started my minimalist/barefoot journey this past January after my friend introduced me to Xero shoes. I've taken a deep dive since then, learning a lot from research, The Movement Movement podcast (hosted by the CEO of Xero), and practical application. I work in restaurants, so I basically walk for a living. This has given me the fantastic opportunity to gait train 4-7 hours a day, 5 days a week. In the past 10 months, I've messed around with pretty much all possible combinations of gait patterns in different styles of Xero shoes and bare feet through restaurants, roads, trails, inclines, and declines. What I've learned from all of the above is Natural movement is the key, as in using our bodies the way they have evolved to be used over millions of years (if you haven't already, I really encourage you to read Born To Run by Christopher McDougall). A quarter of our bones and joints are in our feet, and don't forget all those little muscles, tendons, and ligaments that act in conjunction as springs. When you lay your front foot down on the forefoot as you're walking, you allow those muscles, tendons, and ligaments to gradually absorb the shock instead of taking it all in one shot through your heel. With that said, it's not all about foot strike, right? There are so many other things to take into account when moving through space, such as where your foot is landing in relation to your center of mass, the muscles being used, stride length, cadence, and gravity. However, for the sake of staying on topic and keeping my comment "short", I'll leave it at that. Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk 🤣

[@HANDJOBBY]

@MakeUCry Haha, yes yes, you will feel and look very strange as you learns to change your gait. Even after you stop feeling strange and your new walk starts feeling natural to you, you're still going to look strange to everyone else 😂 The key for me was realizing that my desire for a better quality of life (changing my footwear and gait have literally changed my life) was way more important than anyone else's perception of me. In other words, I stopped giving a fuck what anybody thought. The best cue I've been able to come up with so far for learning efficient walking form is marching, like a military march or a marching band. Start with an exaggerated march in place -- knees up high. Notice how your feet land on the FOREFOOT and UNDER YOU. Now take your first tiny step by leaning forward just a little, and start marching forward inch by inch. Keep exaggerating each step, knees nice and high, and begin to take bigger steps (not too big). Eventually you can stop exaggerating your steps and you'll basically be able to shuffle along with your feet basically hovering just over the ground. While you're practicing, the main things you have to keep in mind are: 1) Keep your stepping foot (front foot) UNDER YOU. 2) Take SMALL STEPS. This will help ensure that your feet stay under you. 3) Land on your FOREFOOT. There are a lot more intricacies to truly efficient walking, but these are the basics that will help you get to the main goals of aligning the chain, dampening shock, and energy retention. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any questions! Good luck!

[@wellnesspathforme6236]

So what is your argument (logically assembled data) that pose running (lean forward, mid-foot strike, hamstring snap) is not as safe as this? The idea is that you don't heel strike, which is where much of the shock rises up above the ankle/calf, running is much easier on your upper body. Having said that, the calves and ankles take most of the beating, but so those need to be trained well over some time to avoid injury trying to run beyond one's training level.

[@innerzg6547]

Isnt the knee absorbing all the impact when you land on heel.... and if you do that with no cushion its even worst, you gotta learn to walk different and let the forefoot absorb so you dont hurt your knees, well that what i heard so be careful

[@SkipKelly]

Only if you walk stiff legged and strike and roll no force forwards into the rest of the foot and arches.

[@domzbu]

Bend your knees a little as you walk. Knees are supposed to absorb some shock, that’s one of their primary jobs

[@guzgrant]

Takes a while but ultimately it makes running on kind ground up to about 12 miles more pleasant . There are admittedly times when cushioning and protection make more sense than piety . Also it is fair to say some people are ultimately better suited to regular shoes because of their use , their gait etc . I have always been forefoot runner almost tip toe so barefoot took no great adjustment but I run with people of all sorts of foot strike . I can’t say that labouring the retraining required to run barefoot at our age is prudent .

[@saeliossk8ss654]

my barefoot journey. when I got my first pair (xero ground) would walk 1 hour a day. I was already wearing vans x beams which were VERY flat (not zero drop though) and a fairly wide toebox same with fallen footwear some wide toeboxes. loved em before I would wear Cole Hanns for work and my back, knees, ankles, everything would be in pain I did this for about a month of walking 1 hour everyday. I wore them to work for an 8 hour shift (bartending) when I tell you my legs felt still fresh no backpain no knee pain I felt I could work another 8 hours!? did this for about 6 more months. i rollerblade still dont really run I think attempting to run immediately is very risky. there needs to be a transition period to let your body adapt its muscles 6 months to a year before trying to run long distances on pavement. definitely better running on a grass trail. happy barefooting!

[@wellnessdaddy]

thanks for sharing your story!

[@ShervinShares]

Scientific Research - can we get links to the papers & stuff? I don't see any in the description

[@wellnessdaddy]

that's just a place holder i put in the description if link to anything

[@ShervinShares]

@@wellnessdaddy ooooooo

[@SkipKelly]

@@ShervinShares anything in particular you want me to send your way for fun?

[@ShervinShares]

@@SkipKelly I'd love to know more about the research: - why you should wear Barefoot shoes vs classic Nike/Addidas - potential injuries if you go 100% barefoot too fast - barefoot vs Adidas Ultraboost for running (joint & muscle impact long term?)

[@SkipKelly]

@@ShervinShares ah sounds like a separate fun video on ‘’why to wear barefoot shoes to begin with’’ I’m on it although some of these answers need to be extrapolated from research as the funding tends to focus on other answers. I’ll do my best !

[@wellnessdaddy]

What is your favorite barefoot shoe company?

[@healthywildfree]

Xero shoes, their sandals & prio are legit. Vivo's look great though, and Lem's are nice. My top 3!

[@StefVermeer]

My favorite is skinners

[@ErnieTheDachshund]

Splay

[@jermained5353]

Merrell Vapor Glove and Vibram Five Fingers!

[@wellnessdaddy]

@@sketchur Im glad you like them. Hopefully your size isn't sold out soon!

[@lauriejoy7]

This is a great informative video thanks! Also just wanted to mention that when I was living in Japan in the late 90's toe socks were everywhere - considered high fashion. I will share this with my clients as I am teaching clients about foot health and body alignment. Anymore research or information for seniors?

[@jamesfrederick.]

My toes are to long for the socks

[@CashMoneyMoore]

Incredible information!

[@wellnessdaddy]

Glad it was helpful!

[@yzy777]

I still don't get it, there is so much information and it is so different from one another. Some say, that once you go barefoot, you shouldn't heel walk - because you don't have the protection there anymore, you are claiming that you should go on the heel. Been wearing barefoot shoes for almost a month now non-stop and I still find it 'uncomfortable' or 'weird' to walk.. No pain in particular, but just 'weird'...

[@DigitalWaqf]

A year later, any feedback for those about to get into it?

[@richyansen]

The problem with barefoot shoes seems to be that we wear cushioned or pointy shoes to begin with, which makes the transition difficult.

[@wellnessdaddy]

that's why it is important to take the appropriate steps and progress slowly to get there

[@aaronwalakay]

I would say start slow. Wear them while walking and don’t go straight to running

[@QuantumKayos]

im hoping my transition wont be too bad. I dont wear runners and most of my shoes my life have been converses and vans. So well theyre not close to the ground but does usually feel like my heel and forefoot is placed at the same height, and I walk around a tiled house barefoot everyday as well. Very hard to find a range of barefoot socks here in australia, i think the toe socks are the only thing im not sure on with me beign autistic and my feet are sensitive, I cant even wear thongs (flip flops) because i hate feeling something between my toes. Also when I sit at my desk i I really enjoy stretching and splaying my toes out quite frequently everyday. Im not even an athletic person, but Im huge into pokemon go, which means there are days where im out on my feet for like 3 hours straight walking around. Sometimes more, and usually my feet are so sore, my hips and I always get such bad back pain. Hope this means I might have an easier time transitioning than most people!

[@wellnessdaddy]

let us know how it goes

[@jambajoby32]

A year later, how is it? I wore my first Vivos yesterday for half a day and it was amazing. I can already feel my body mechanics dialing in

[@racothran]

Look at CARS (Controlled Articular Rotations) for the toes! They are fabulous if you try the first step of exercises (raising up to feel stretch in the shin) but you don't feel strong and/or engagement. Wearing sofa shoes (as I call them) all the time takes away the mind/body connection and sometimes we have to consistently bring awareness to that area for better mobility!

[@wellnessdaddy]

interesting, thank you for the information.

[@racothran]

@@wellnessdaddy of course! Those rotations/exercises made transitioning to barefoot shoes a lot easier for me~

[@mdforbes500]

He sounds just like Adriene from YWA - its awesome the overlap between yoga and physical therapy

[@cjlovasco6977]

This really helped this make alot of sense, thank you🙏

[@wellnessdaddy]

no problem!

[@Sofia-dp7yl]

Thanks for all the information! Very helpful

[@wellnessdaddy]

you're welcome

[@SabaInShambles]

Great info but how can you promote heel striking while jogging? That is not good, period

[@SkipKelly]

Feel free to use any of the 3 forms for yourself, each person is going to have different feelings with the different strides.

[@timweber406]

If you run barefoot, that heel strike will fix itself. Heel striking while barefoot will jar your whole body. Going barefoot promotes a soft landing.

[@chefranylaitenu7731]

This video is Golden!!! ❤️❤️❤️🏃🏽

[@wellnessdaddy]

thanks!

[@MzClementine]

I worked at camp growing up. I couldn't afford this camp. It was so expensive. But I worked at the camp, I was a stable girl. The rich girls would make fun of me. It was very difficult at first. In the beginning you have to stay in the larger cabin. Well I was much more advanced, and wasn't there to make best friends I was there to enjoy myself. In fun activities that were physical. 3 years of ropes course rock climbing and splunking. We had graduated to one of the largest caves. 3 miles uphill 2 miles downhill. And the cave was 2.6 miles. Walking up the hill I felt very bad for everyone. I ran to the counselor and said, I think everyone's going to be really sore tomorrow. I said nobody is used to this. This is our advanced walk? I guarantee and nobody's going to be able to move tomorrow.. one of the counselor says well don't worry because it won't be that difficult we'll have three miles downhill. I said sir, people's Achilles are being stretched out right now going up then going down there tibialis anterior muscle your shin muscle. Everyone's calves and shin muscle is being stressed. This is full flexion. I said this isn't really going up a hill this is going up a mountain. I said sometimes it seems that the ground is almost meeting our nose. And now that we're heading downhill, watch your shins are going to burn. We took a few breaks. Went through the whole cave. Magical wonderful experience. I warned our guides, you're going to drop me. Your clip is going to fail. When you guys passed me through something, if you don't put an extra clip on me you're going to drop me. The one fella said I've never dropped anyone. You'll be fine little one. But the other guy raised his eyebrow and said, interesting. She may be gifted. Don't knock what she says. As we're going through, the man goes to pass me over and I hold his hand and his arm really tight and I said do you have an extra clip on me he says I have your clip on don't worry. The other fella said yeah I'm not I'm not taking her unless you put an extra clip on her. He said she's fine this works fine it's good. The other guy refused to put his hands out until he put another clip on me. What do you know that clip failed. I slipped through both of their hands like butter cuz we had mud all over us. Thank goodness he put that extra clip on me. Getting over the men were shaking. I was like thank you. We were moving into a part in the end where it was like a snake cavern we had to crawl out on our tummies very small. I said I need to stand behind her. The fella he's a believer. He says me put her behind her now. The other fella says it's okay let the kids go and he goes no. She's gifted. And these caves can bring that out of people the energy that runs through here I want her to stand behind her. He said is there going to be an issue? I said yeah she's going to get stuck. He said you can handle it I said yes sir. Of course I can I know I can. Like clockwork she got stuck. I reached my hands over her ankles. Made everyone get really quiet and her and I just talked. I calmed her down let her know that she could feel me. And told her that she wasn't stuck it was her helmet. That she had to wiggle her arms up and get her helmet and turn it to the left as hard as she could. She had to do this with her head laying flat on the ground. Unattach her helmet and then turn it hard and she got unstuck. I got a huge award that year. And, the next day was exactly as predicted. The next morning everyone was hurting so bad some girls were crying. The nurse had to come to us. Everybody was eating advil. I had an off morning at the stable. A lot of these girls were mean to me. Whenever I first started the camp, I didn't have all of the riding pants or pretty black helmet or beautiful black leather riding boot.. the proper equestrian attire.. My stage hand, my boss was so good to me. She said to me, we finally got in your trunk. I looked a little confused and she said come on let's go. Let's go get it. She took me into her office and opened up a trunk I said that's not mine. She said it is now. It had equestrian wear. Top of the line beautiful boots. Helmet everything. I had no idea she had went to my counselors and asked if she could peer at my sizes. She went and bought the whole nine yards for me. She winked at me and said, loudly. Funny how they lost this thank goodness you have it now. I thanked her. She said no one should ever make fun of anyone for not having anything. She knew, rich girls can be mean. That day we woke up. Barely any of them could move. Three of them were fine. Why? They too were in gymnastics and ballet. I would have 3 hours of dance and 3 hours of gym. After school, I didn't get home sometimes until 8:30 or 9:00. On the weekends. My weekend was no more than dance and gymnastics. Friday evenings we would work up until 11:00 p.m. until I started attending the performing art School of pittsburgh. What a godsend that was.. the only reason why I got accepted into the school was because of my skill. Dancing since I was three, normally one wouldn't go into point at 8 years old. But because of my hypermobility, and doing ballet since I was three. I was much more advanced and stretch and strength compared to the other individuals. I was scolded for doing gymnastics because it made my muscles big. But, no other girl could do what I could do. I didn't care. Although it's hard being the student that is always pointed out because then you have absolutely no friends. Sucks. It was really hard going to a camp with a whole bunch of rich girls. But I never knew, that caving adventure. Would Bond a lot of girls to me. I had off one day but the next day, I had to go back to work at 4:30 in the morning so I requested everybody wake up early with me if they wanted stretching. Shocking everyone did because it worked that good. I brought my rolling massager. And my foam roller. I had exactly 1 hour with them. I ran down got breakfast, got everyone up, we started our stretching class. The camp gave them five days off because they were in that much pain. Everyone was so grateful. I received the honorary best camper award that year. I cried so hard. I completely forgotten about the girl that I helped and saved in the cave. The counselors were really thankful and grateful for my help in stretching everyone out. And this was a Christian camp, I had suggested can we add in a yoga class. And yoga is considered evil. But I was like there's nothing evil about stretching. Why don't you just make it about stretching for god. It will help a lot of individuals this is a very physical camp. I stretch every morning before work. I stretch a couple times a day. Since I had such a good impression on everyone. We actually started a yoga class before lunch.. and for the first time when I went back the next year. Everyone knew my name. One of the counselors she was really close to me. I got emotional about it and she said sweetie why are you crying? I said all I ever wanted was to be accepted. It's hard being poor. And individuals not giving you the time of day. we were actually walking to yoga class. And she said do you realize this class is because of you? You are absolutely right. This camp is extremely physical. Everyone loved the yoga class so much they also opened one up in the evening. We had sports, we had white water rafting, we had ropes course spelunking and rock climbing. That was my forte, and of course my beloved. Horses. The nurse was so worried. And I assured her it's okay we all have to stretch. They'll be fine. They need magnesium. Epsom salt baths. Absolutely impossible at camp. So the chefs were nice and up to our magnesium intake in our food. The next year I was finally old enough to go into the cabins where you have no counselors watching over you. The rich girls always stayed in the very large cabin. I couldn't wait to get to the singular cabin where you had just two to three individuals to deal with. Serendipity. But I think a lot of them understood. They were so mean to me over the years. Having that solitude and comfort by myself was very important. Especially because, those people just aren't my cup of tea. I explained to a few of them just because I'm not in the same cabin doesn't mean that we can't be friends and hang out. But I work so much. And whenever I was free I was doing so many activities. It wasn't my game to go there and become popular. It was my game to have fun. I love that camp so much. It was so much fun. And thank goodness for all the little angels that watched over me and made camp a lot easier for me. But that experience. Changed my life at that camp. Change the way these people treated me my other peers. You are absolutely correct about having to stretch and walk differently and move differently. Individuals that aren't used to this type of footing they are going to tire. Stretching helps so much. I cannot stress that enough. It's very important to your healing process. In building strength and reflection within stretching. Pretty soon you'll be bouncing back twice as fast and then you won't even notice it anymore. But I can't stress how imperative stretching is. The most important the backup to building stretch and strength and comfort. Quite interesting on how so many of our shoes are very incorrect for our feet. I have what's called a fallen Arch. I'm extremely flat-footed. So these muscles have been built into me. From the beginning. And doing ballet. My tibialis anterior muscle was much stronger than many of my peers at camp. Even the counselors. Poor things. It was such a loud cabin. Everybody crying. Until I taught everyone how to stretch... 😂😂😆🤣👍

[@annieclark-maxwell5570]

I have really small feet with a really high arch. All my life I have chosen to wear shoes as little as possible and now I understand why my feet naturally choose to lift my toes up when I walk. I have always been told to stop doing that but I am naturally dorsie lifting

[@allysonvollmer7223]

wear them on errands and start with short walks. Heel cups help a lot. Lot of great transition shoes : ALtras!

[@wellnessdaddy]

Thanks for the input

[@straykitten4998]

What are heel cups?

[@allysonvollmer7223]

google heel cup. They are extra cushioning that goes under the heels. @@straykitten4998

[@hallonsylt6729]

Absolutelly no need for a heal stride when walking. Absoluttelly no need to skip the spring in the foot where the first shock absorbtion occurs.

[@kelvinnguyen6048]

WOW 😳 what a wealth of information ℹ️. Thanks bro 😀😊

[@wellnessdaddy]

thanks for watching

[@roseinkpictures1782]

Great video

[@wellnessdaddy]

thanks, glad you found it helpful

[@RealOrbit-Australia]

Yea I just bought them and wore them. All good. Calves felt tired for a few days but I walked for ages right off thebat. 40 years old weak feet....

[@wellnessdaddy]

awesome to hear

[@doatmidnight8540]

I never imagined I'd be 34 googling "how to walk". Thanks for the video.

[@wellnessdaddy]

my pleasure!

[@tyreewadsworth1593]

Dude thank you, I've been looking into this, because my feet are to wide for normal shoes and I was planning on transitioning to minimalist shoe

[@wellnessdaddy]

You're welcome! Let us know what you think

[@motosashi6971]

I'll never trade my barefoot sneakers for anything. For me its great for walking and short sprints but terrible for long distance, fortunately I'm not a long distance runner. To each their own.

[@wellnessdaddy]

glad it works for you!

[@kaya5754]

Nice thorough video, thank you

[@wellnessdaddy]

Thanks for watching

[@DMHal01]

Excellent video guys!

[@wellnessdaddy]

thanks!

[@rossw6001]

I love my Vivo Barefoot and would never switch back to thick based trainers for running/exercise.

[@wellnessdaddy]

That is great!

[@carpepedes3520]

Hey guys great vid here. I have been walking and hiking in Alta shoes with a wider toe box for the last year or so and I can really notice the relief and difference, especially whenever i return to wearing a casual shoe with a pinched toe box. I’d been curious about taking it a step further with minimalist footwear and I like the way those shoes make the feet look/feel. This vid really helped to break down that decision. I admit I am a foot enthusiast and was drawn in by that (great healthy looking bare feet by the way, guys. The killer camerawork! 😆), but I stayed for the great set of information and expertise that was being shared. Very well done vid! Easy to watch. Liked 👍🏾!

[@wellnessdaddy]

great, glad to help!

[@danielemilazzo432]

Altra Superior, I bought it and I can’t believe how good it is.

[@carpepedes3520]

@@danielemilazzo432 Yea, Altra’s are great for running and everyday lifestyle use too. Love wearing them. Not sure how good they are for the feet though.

[@cjjams7930]

@@danielemilazzo432 same loving the superior 5

[@pacoboschlloveras6126]

Hello! Amazing video, I really enjoyed it! I have a question, what do you think of starting my barefoot journey of barefoot shoes 5 days befora an ACL surgery? Or better to start once healed?? Thanks!

[@wellnessdaddy]

I would start after because it will be inconsistent otherwise because of the recovery from the surgery.

[@corail53]

Those cushioned shoes generally have low drop as well . There is a very good reason why you see pro marathon runners using them - they are designed for lots of time on concrete. Pro runners mid foot strike just the same as barefoot should be doing. No one doing competitive running does so in minimalist shoes or barefoot.

[@Apollo_Blaze]

Awesome video...Thanks for making it! 🔥

[@levilevi9621]

Don’t listen to the haters. This was a very informative video.

[@davidrosenthal5795]

Just stick with… “Don’t buy barefoot shoes”

[@mightywarrior7896]

I was always in the gym did calf raises and doriflexion. All of this teaching is good. I fell down the stairs and since then I'm still recovering and feel it in my hips, back, shoulder, neck. Do you still recommend barefoot shoes. I usually do asics or brooks?

[@Mamonar]

Great content. Excellent video.

[@wellnessdaddy]

thank you!

[@SigneofHorses]

Omg my old ladies run is actually very effective! I was told my toes went up too much and I wasn’t of the ground high enough. So happy to see it was just natural movement. Need to work on the walk though. Amazing tips.

[@MA-di9zh]

That's a great useful video. Thanks a lot! 🙏

[@wellnessdaddy]

no problem!

[@Leonarducray]

Thanks guys ! I learn a lot more about feet mechanics !

[@wellnessdaddy]

happy to help!

[@anelimTS]

really interesting video! I'm surprised you didn't talk about building up the arch of the foot and checking in with the mechanical axis of the leg as a good basis of a stable, healty stance since many people have problems with these areas!

[@wellnessdaddy]

that is interesting

[@slavasss2189]

9:46 strange...i saw many videos on barefoot walking- all said u need also land on forefoot, as its not healthy with minimum cushion to heel strike ( especially on concrete as we are living in cities).... i try to walk as normal in minimalist shoes- confirm, heel pain...so after couple of years struggling- i run in altra with forefoot landing...but walk in traditional shoes only...