STOP Running In Barefoot Shoes...or else

I'm a huge fan of barefoot shoes, and I'm making some progress with my running. But I had to stop running in barefoot shoes in order to run faster...
I'm interested what shoes do your run in and have you tried running in barefoot and normal running shoes? Let me know in the comments!
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My current running shoes
Altra Torin 6 👉 amzn.to/3Yqv1PZ ✅
My current daily and gym shoe
Vivobarefoot Tracker Decon Low FG2 👉 tidd.ly/3ye22Ud ✅
Use code: "ALEXFIT10" at checkout
Got a question? ⏬
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#runninginbarefootshoes #barefootshoes #running

[@alexreader]

Thanks so much for the feedback on this video about the audio! Hopefully it's fixed now. Might tank the views and watch time but thought I'd sort it :)

[@luca_sbll]

Audio seems to be working fine now! Listening with headphones and both ears can ear just fine

[@alexreader]

@Luca Isabella thank you 💪💪

[@adco8672]

I only hear your voice in my left ear and music more in right ear

[@alexreader]

@@adco8672 oh dam, is that through the entire video? Thought I sorted it 🤦🏽‍♂️ apologies

[@prophecyking3448]

From 4:45 the audio in the video goes absolutely horrible, physically painful to listen to. Voice quality is horrible (too much gain on mike, or the mike is not up to the task?) and all voice goes to the left channel, but music and everything else still goes on both channels. You probably figured out what went wrong already, and fixed it, but just letting you know that there is still an issue in the later part of the video.

[@Sharpie951HD]

I don’t think people buy Minimalist shoes for speed and competition

[@alexreader]

Yeah possibly a good point. Do you have a pair?

[@rgb181]

​@@alexreaderI have one for a tendon injury thats slowly getting better. being able to use my toes while walking is really helpful to my particular problem

[@Thebirdemoji]

I certinley do

[@codyquick7145]

I compete barefoot

[@jackhanson1852]

I’m fairly heavy, around 92kg, and have transitioned to running with no shoes at all. I’m the slowest but the happiest I’ve ever been. I can’t run on concrete, only on grass and dirt because hard surfaces for distance jarrs the body. Having done this for a couple years now I completely agree, “pick the tool for your goal”. I want to waddle along at about 4-5 mph in the mud, no shoes is great. However, for most people, going barefoot is just adding unnecessary complexity to an already difficult thing to do.

[@alexreader]

Thats a really great summary 😂! Very true, especially for people just starting running. The easier you can make that start or transition the better than chance of sticking to it and building up 👏💪

[@jackj5368]

Makes a lot of sense. Thank you, Alex.

[@JamezGrimm]

The problem for me is that my feet ache like crazy when I run in normal shoes and my arches swell up and I end up giving up on running for months and months. For years I’ve been told to wear arch support, more cushioned shoes and no matter what it was the same thing, unbearable pain and swelling…. Welp, started running barefoot in my basement, playing with my puppy back and forth and my feet never hurt… I bought a pair of barefoot shoes and have been running for about two months and I haven’t had any swelling or pain. I think switching to “cushioned” or “barefoot” shoes is different for everyone, in my case I don’t have a choice 😂 but if cushioned shoes work well for you, that’s great! I’m jealous.

[@alexreader]

Absolutely, I think you summed it up well there. It's different for everyone. I spent 95% of my time in barefoot shoes. But run in these cushioned, zero drop wide shoes. Works well for me at the minute. I think overall if you can go barefoot that's going to be best for foot strength and balance in the long run!

[@alexreader]

Absolutely, I think you summed it up well there. It's different for everyone. I spent 95% of my time in barefoot shoes. But run in these cushioned, zero drop wide shoes. Works well for me at the minute. I think overall if you can go barefoot that's going to be best for foot strength and balance in the long run!

[@the_flushjackson]

Alex, maybe take a look at the base mobility training of "knees over toes" (and the practitioners they drew from) and incorporate some of that into your training. Building rock solid mobility and joint strength will help just about anyone.

[@alexreader]

Yeah definitely good advice. I'm currently doing tib bar raises and calf raises everyday for 30 days ha! almost at the end of it now

[@MrDipaholic1]

Thanks for the video! I have to same goal currently and you helped me make a decision.

[@alexreader]

No worries Nathan! Glad it's not just me ha

[@Tarnie495]

Good video. I dont think its controversial to say that wearing padded shoes will make average runners faster if that's your thing. I've ran in Altras (kayenta which was their lowest cushioning) and 5mm thick xero sandals, some freet feldom and my day shoe is the lems primal 2. I like to alternate every now again but above all I like being un-injured and having fun and that's why I favor minimal above all.

[@alexreader]

Thanks Rob, yeah love that staying injury free is priority one!

[@rudilewis7026]

Yeah agree with this, although I love to run fast, the injury prevention benefits of a minimalistic approach far outweigh that desire to run fast.

[@jerryx2000]

would you recommend these shoes for sprint training on road? 10-100m.

[@Kilcobert19]

I used to run in vivos all the time... Then I started boxing and started to develop pain near my big toe. The pain was excruciating but all the Dr could tell me after assessment and MRI is that I had Hallux rigidus; big toe joint fused. This shouldn't have happened. I was wearing barefoot shoes everyday, not at work where I have to wear boots, but otherwise everywhere else. I had a steroid injection in my toe but that was a temporary fix. Running after some time off became impossible in barefoot shoes and I was landing way over on the outside of my foot to avoid the toe flexion. It was only when I got some Altra paradigms (after many shoes in between and stressing over making the change to padding) that running became comfortable. I'm back down to the torins now and I wouldn't be able to run without them outside. Barefoot shoes are resigned to every day and the gym but they don't run with me anymore. I'd love to run in them but it's not something I can do. Altra shoes gave me running back and I'm very happy about it.

[@alexreader]

That's really interesting, glad you’ve found a bit or a solution!! Is the plan to slowly reduce the cushioning in the shoes? I love my torins and vivos 🤙 but like you can't really run in the vivos atm

[@TylerCrowl]

Wild. My story is identical to this like word for word😂

[@ichewtoast111]

Mines in the exact opposite direction lol

[@HenrikMyrhaug]

In my experience, barefoot shoes are great for running distances on surfaces where forefoot running is sustainable, however at some point your feet will get tired and your running form changes more towards a heel strike. If you keep running past this point with your barefoot shoes, you'll probably be doing more harm than good as you have no cushioning protecting your feet/joints from the impact forces of heel striking. If you are running on softer surfaces like mud, sand, or forest trails, the surface itself can usually absorb the impact just fine, but with hard rocky rurfaces you shouldn't run too long with barefoot shoes.

[@tesserwithpaul]

I am preparing for my 5th marathon, dreaming of a 2024 BQ time, so a sub 3:10 (at my age). I walk and do life in vivobarefoot shoes. But I run in Saucony (trainers, trail, & carbon plated super shoes). Sub 3:30 is a doable goal. Sub 3:10 still feels out of reach. Anyway, thanks for the video. Keep running!

[@alexreader]

💪👏😵Sub 3.10 would be amazing, good luck!! Awesome to hear you wear vivos daily to

[@johnstacey8794]

I decided to stop running back in 2015 due to 'mysterious' aches in legs and feet , tried different things including gait analysis ,wearing orthotic ,Gonstead chiro , acupuncture , enzymes ,raw food [partly] . Part of the problem is damaged meniscus and arthritis [ I am now 63] .Had a keyhole surgery back in 2019 , I guess that didn't really work , MRI shows loose bits in knee area. What brought me to BAREFOOT shoes is a hope that in time form follows function and maybe by removing the possible stressor of 'regular' shoes that whatever is wrong can return to nature and maybe make SENSE of my distressing conditions .Taking it easy , learning to walk then run again... we'll see.

[@alexreader]

Crazy journey. Hope the barefoot shoes help you to increase your foot strength and reduce some pain!

[@alidalavezzari4103]

I have problems and decided to do barefoot, I am in transition but I started to see the improving of difference: I don't go back. Have a nice life.

[@johnstacey8794]

@@alidalavezzari4103 I wont be going back to foam padded.

[@TadeuszCantwell]

I found that my speed and endurance was improved by doing short hill repeats and intervals, especially to get more of the quad muscle fibers activated. I've been using the Xero HFS and Speed force. I also have been reading Born to Run 2, which is a training guide and The lost art of running which has some different opinions to the first book, but is interesting to compare and contrast, but I'm not a fan of the tripod landing.

[@ericp4215]

Which ones do you like better? I can't decide between the speed force and HFS? What's the difference in how they feel/ the grip? Thanks

[@TadeuszCantwell]

@@ericp4215 I prefer the HFS because the sole has a separate strip on the outside edge to help get that landing right. I got the speedforce because they were heavily discounted and I take them out for short faster runs mostly as a reason to have a shoe rotation. They are slightly more flexible, which means thinner which may matter to you. The grip is roughly the same. Maybe a bit more in the HFS whose thread pattern I think suits longer runs.

[@ericp4215]

@@TadeuszCantwell thank you! I appreciate it

[@ericp4215]

What size did you get compared to normal running shoes? In normal shoes I wear 9

[@TadeuszCantwell]

@@ericp4215 I'm a U.K 11.5 or EU 46.5 which means there are no half sizes in the Xero's. The 46 does fit fine, except for the Terraflex II which has a reinforced toe and is a bit tight.

[@adaptablerubenvideos3097]

I really wished there were a lot more manufacturers making cushioned running shoes with properly shaped toe box so more people can run on concrete since most races are in this kind of surface.

[@laurahindle2859]

Me too. It makes sense that some people choose cushioned shoes for concrete running. I would love more options with cushioned boxed toe shoes 🎉

[@myralchista]

Great info for barefoot runners! subsribed I'm trying to run with barefoot for now, have a bit of pain, maybe I'll get used to it, if not altra seems like a great option, never heard of it, so thanks

[@alexreader]

Awesome thanks!! Yeah definitely is a good option. You can picking from more minimalist ones to more cushioned ones too and they're all zero drop, wide toe box

[@RmDIrSudoSu]

If I had the means I would love to make a study about how many percent of performance improvement are made by the shoes. It would be really interesting to know how much performances are linked to the shoes and how much are linked to the runner. That would be nice to know, it would be also nice, if the difference is significant, which I think it is, that they would make a separate branch for barefoot running, if people take more interest in it. I know it won't happen, but I stopped running competitively years ago so I don't care for performance anymore, I mainly run barefoot nowadays and would not go back to my old shoes. But yes if you're after performances, there is no denying that barefoot shoes are not what you would call performance shoes.

[@garethmatthews3161]

So I don’t normally comment on these sort of things But I’ve had a similar experience iam a year and a half into my barefoot journey. Having recently completed a triathlon I found that my feet were very sore and I needed a rest. So iam back in my Altras (lone peak 5) which are zero drop wide toe box highly recommend for trail runners. So your not on your own so to speak but ultimately I would like to be back in barefoot asap !!!

[@tombarnes2652]

Are you using a tib bar? I've recently bought one. I've only done one run since but it my shins didn't feel as sore as they usually would have after a parkrun (which was also first run in a over month) Defo worth a try as no one trains it then wonders why it hurts

[@alexreader]

Hey Tom, thanks for bringing it to my attention!! I'm not but your right probably a good idea and something to fit into training. Where did you get it from? Park Run for me tomorrow too 🥳

[@tombarnes2652]

@@alexreader I got an iron soul one using code TIB20 seems to be a solid piece of kit that feels like it should last a lifetime. I'm trying to implement a few more bits from kneesovertoes/ ATG as especially in winter going out for a run is grim :D time to get into cat C on Zwift.

[@alexreader]

@Tom Barnes 🤣sounds like a good plan to me. Kneesovertoeguy is awesome. Ha I didn't a cat C race yesterday and got destroyed 😭 going to try a B and an A race to for my next video aha. See how hard they are 🤢

[@Jaigarful]

I always hesitate to look at what the pro's are doing, mostly because I'm not a pro, nor am I trying to become one. When you run at such a fast pace, you have significantly more stress on your body. But I'm not someone looking to achieve a 5 minute mile pace. I'd be happy if I could eventually run a half marathon at an 8 minute pace. That said, Cushioned Zero drop may be the way for me to go as well. I'm considering picking up some Altra Escalante's as walking shoes to start to transition over while wearing my Saucony Kinvara wides (4mm drop) for my runs. I got some ankle mobility issues and its definitely noticeable going from an 8mm drop shoe down to 4.

[@alexreader]

Yeah that'd a good point. Although a lot of the pros are about 20kg lighter than me so in terms of forces that's absolutely huge too ha. I've wanted some of the escalantes for a while, probably next shoe!

[@andydt82]

Torin seems an odd choice going from Vivo's - why not Escalante? I assume you're aware of Eric Orton's channel, worth a look RE technique & drills. Personally, I have worn "barefoot" shoes for everyday use for years - even before Born To Run - but very rarely run in them. 95% of my running is off road, and I prefer minimal cushioning and 3-6mm drop rather than the Altra approach of loads of cushioning but zero drop.

[@alexreader]

I actually planned on getting both the torins and escalantes, torins for longer runs or recovery runs. And escalantes for faster/shorter runs. Just felt really good in the torins so have kept to that, still plan to get some escalantes at some point. What shoes are you running in at the minute?

[@raziyaswanart6621]

I just broke down and bought some Altras. Not sure if I shouldhave though. Isnt that going backwards?

[@alexreader]

It depends. I can understand the idea of it going backwards. But if it allows you to do more millage or train with better intensity I think it's useful

[@jdaws4896]

I have vivos and altras superior 5 . I use both, sometimes l need to feel the ground. I’m also a big fan of vibram five fingers, ran sub 40 in a 10 km wearing them so not slow.

[@alexreader]

I have the superiors to, they are a nice middle ground and decent grip for the trails. That's a super impressive 10km. Still never tried the five fingers, yet! Ha

[@detmerhubbeling3955]

Thank you. I change (in running) between Vivobarefoot Primus with Altra Torrent and Topo's (do you know about the last?) I don't experience significant difference in speed between them, I just change for health and not being mono-enthousiast. Because I'm 56 years old I think I get slower, instead of faster....alas...

[@annagoes]

Just got Topo's yesterday. Took them out for a spin and I loved them!

[@alexreader]

I just had to Google the topos! Never heard of them, so that's cool. Yeah I think it's good to switch things up.

[@alexreader]

@@annagoes nice, are these zero drop? And what's the stack height like?

[@annagoes]

@@alexreader They are zero drop and ST-4 has 16mm stack height. I think it's a great transition into bearfoot shoes especially if you run on cement! I got them because i started having knee pain (I am in my early 20s and while I do have scoliosis, 23 is too early to be dealing with that) so I started researching and thats how I found your channel. Love the content, subbed 👍

[@alexreader]

@Anna thats awesome, sounds a bit like the altra escalante! Really appreciate that 🙏 23 is definitely to early 💪💪💪

[@Billy-ho5ms]

I wear barefoot shoes. Xero saguaro shamma but to build up running i got the Altra Escalante 4. I hope to lower the stack height over time but the cushion helps for now.

[@ishanparekh5309]

Has anyone experienced top of the foot pain / injury from running in barefoots shoes? I have been running in the xero HFS for 2-3months and I am a beginner and I have this top of the foot pain and I have stopped running since a week. Would love to know if anyone else had a similar experience. Thanks.

[@KevinHoegler]

I've been using Xero shoes to train in and also walk around in. I plan on starting to build up to running in them. I want to have my feet be as strong as possible. I do the opposite of you, more running, I do ultras and some lifting. With that being said, I do a similar thing, I run in altras. The escalante and the torin are my favorites.

[@alexreader]

That's awesome, if you can be patient enough it will be pretty cool to do all your running in barefoot shoes. I love the torins but I'm definitely gunna get some escalantes at some point

[@KevinHoegler]

@@alexreader yeahh patience is definitely something I need to have with it!

[@johnatyoutube]

You should have your gait analyzed. Barefoot shoes will highlight your deficiencies in foot/leg/hip alignment and form. They force you to address your deficiencies. I can see some gait issues in your video. Some channels I've found most useful resources are Northwest Foot and Ankle, Grown and Healthy, Upright Health, and Strengthside. Each of these channels goes deeply into natural alignment, movement, and strength - each with videos on foot health and barefoot running. The owner of Northwest Foot and Ankle, a natural podiatrist and barefoot runner - Ray MaClanahan, created Correct Toes. I've found that they immensely help my foot balance by stablizing and encouraging natural toe splay. They also have a series of videos on how to learn to barefoot run properly. Don't give up. Good luck!

[@alexreader]

Thanks John! Definitely interested in correct toes, might try them at some point. Barefoot definitely does highlight deficiencies. I actually previously did some gait analysis and studied biomechanics at university, very interesting :D strengthside is a great channel too

[@chris_1988]

To me it depends on the type of goal you want to achieve. Wanna be the strongest / fastest etc.? Use all the (legal) gear that you can to achieve your goal. Wanna achieve the healthiest "base form" in terms of your own body? Strip away as much gear as possible and see how far you can take it. For weightlifting, I avoid using straps or belts when doing deadlifts or squats. I want all parts of my body to be able to deal with the load and not just skip building grip strength in order to get the highest amount of weight off the ground. Same with squats; I often don't put on more plates cause I get worried that my lower back rather than my legs might be the limiting factor. I still refuse to use a belt for stability and instead opt to stay at a lower weight that my body as a whole can handle. I just feel like that's the more sustainable method in the long term since I only work out for me and not for a competition / trophy / whatever. Same with running; I switched to barefoot shoes about 1½ years ago. I'm a very irregular runner (a.k.a. I'm often too lazy to run) and I still haven't fully made it back to my former (still very mediocre) pace or distance because it takes more effort in these shoes. It's still the only way I can imagine running these days and since I'm not trying to break any records, I'm fine with slowly getting used to this new type of shoes. If I wanted to go for max speed in a competition with others, I'd probably go with the Altras too since there's really no excuse for the ridiculously narrow toe boxes of most other brands. (btw, for weightlifting and general activities in the gym, I don't wear any shoes, just socks for hygiene reasons. Shoes are pretty much unnecessary for most exercises in my gym, so why bother?)

[@coolissimo69]

Hi Alex, been doing barefoot shoes now , and bought the vivo barefoot boots.

[@alexreader]

Ah man that's awesome. How are you finding it,

[@coolissimo69]

@@alexreader If you remember from the other video, I bought the Tracker Decon FG2 Acorn.They are my 1st bare foot boots and I love it, very stylish, a lot of compliments. They have some few issues at the beginning, however after breaking in does not hurt me. I don't use to go trail , I use to go out or if is raining. They are quite warm , makes me sweat if is like 8 degrees. Overall I am very happy. However my right outside foot , hurts, after walking some time. Most likely being the way I put the foot on the floor . Today I saw Vivo had the Magma FG same color, at that time didn't know or might have bought it instead. I did some small running and its good also. I am very happy.

[@alexreader]

@Coolissim0 Unl1mited yeah I remember talking to you about them. That's great! Definitely one of there best looking shoes. I want some 🤣 Good to know that they are pretty warm, also hard with barefoot shoes in the winter months. Pretty good you can run in them to 😀

[@jakobmorningstar]

That Altar doesn’t look like a zero drop shoe. The heel has much more cushioning than the toe.

[@skinnylegsbarefootshoes]

Hi interesting video. I have run solely in barefoot shoes for just over a year now and swapped out most of my other shoes for barefoot versions too. However I made the London marathon ballot so I’ve gone from doing perhaps a 5k during the week and a 10k or 10 miler at the weekend to doing four runs a week - last Sunday I ran a half marathon in Vibram five fingers and as part of my training this week I’ll be doing a 16 mile or 2 hour 45 minute run (whichever comes first) in barefoot shoes. So I have been reaching for the same shoes as yours, but an older model, the Altra Torin 4 for some of the runs. I find the cushioning actually sucks some of my energy and I run slower in them, but it is nice to mix it up between the cushioning and barefoot stylees. I’ve also an ultra Marathon 3 weeks after London (makes me sound like a hardcore runner but I’m not really) 50k in Northamptonshire which I still need to find shoes for! Ran it s couple of years back in the Altra Superior but fancy trying it this time in barefoots 😁🦶🏃

[@alexreader]

That's really impressive, and congrats on getting a space for the London marathon! My favourite altras have actually been the torin 4's, I think they are better than the newer models. That's interesting you find that they slow you down, I do often "feel" faster running barefoot but I think that's more of a feeling due to the increased cadence rather than actual speed. I'd like to be able to interchange with no problems but doing hard sessions in the barefoot shoes I find to difficult at the minute. You've got some exciting stuff coming up, be interested to hear how you get on! I'm doing the "grizzly" this weekend, 20 mile trail run :S ha

[@skinnylegsbarefootshoes]

@@alexreader Wow good luck for your 20 mile trail race event this weekend 😁 And I agree regarding the Torin’s the 4 suiting me much better, and the sizing and quality completely changed for the 5 imo. Enjoying your channel content Alex 👍

[@alexreader]

@Skinny Legs, Barefoot Shoes cheers! Going to check yours out today:D

[@raziyaswanart6621]

For the last year I have not been able to run the way I want due to the transition to barefoot shoes especially on the road and concrete. It is improving though.

[@alexreader]

As long as you're going in the right direction and your happy with the pace, that's all that matters right 👌

[@raziyaswanart6621]

@@alexreader No. I am not all happy with the pace. I cant run fast anymore, not with barefoot shoes.

[@alexreader]

@@raziyaswanart6621 altras might feel good then 🤞 which ones did you get?

[@KOATOP]

Vivo are ultra low volume, low instep, ultra stiff thick rubber sole. Tried the Xero HFS for 2 years. They are comfortable but not for hard surfaces. Too much foot damage. Converted to Altra Paradigms \ Lone Peaks.

[@carlos36917]

I think you are wrong, Bikila won a marthon in 1960 in barefoot, just after shoes companies starting to cushioning shoes making the runners to don stress to much. What I am trying to say is cushion shoes is justa a helper, but barefoot really make you better runner, plus make you don suffer osteoarthritis when you get older as your joints don't stress as mucha as when you running in shoes.

[@travispfeifer1979]

Your form and heel strike probably led to injuries. Your body will slowly change to a forefoot strike if you start SLOWLY. Don’t jump into running straight away.

[@salooms5761]

I didn’t heel strike when ever I ran, even with cushioned shoes and that’s because I used to play football barefoot 😅

[@fabulously695]

I suppose we forgot we’re animals at the end of the day. Concrete and asphalt running aren’t natural. Horses for example can be kept barefoot, but shouldn’t be allowed to walk fast or run on concrete or asphalt without shoes, it’s damages their knees.

[@giselak7736]

Hey, very interesting, do you know Joe Nimble shoes ? , in Germany they have altough a big toebox ...

[@alexreader]

Hey, I haven't heard of them unfortunately. Are they zero drop to?

[@giselak7736]

Yes

[@giselak7736]

The Shop is the Bär Shop, thereyou can by joe nimble.

[@alexreader]

@@giselak7736 sounds cool!

[@MarkWard]

Seems like you are trying to bypass the feedback your body was/is giving you when you upped the distance/speed by adding padding between you and the ground? May be better to listen to the feedback and up the speed over time with dedicated speedwork sessions within your programme. What you train in and what you race in may differ, however 'racing' should be a small and infrequent part of your overall load.

[@alexreader]

Yeah that's very true. I feel like I had two options really, one was to listen to the body more and build things up slower. But I went the other route to allow me to train the endurance system more for racing. And I guess the other thing in my mind is most elite runners are running in cushioned shoes. What do you run in?

[@tlufo]

You should try researching the taraumara (people)

[@alexreader]

Il take a look! Guessing barefoot based?

[@tlufo]

@@alexreader quite literal barefoot, they're indigenous to northwest Mexico. IMO they are the best runners we have in Mx. I believe some Americans have done some research on their running culture.

[@alexreader]

Thats awesome, born to run was a bit of any eye opener in that sense for me to. Super impressive

[@petrolekh]

Competitive running is awful and destructive, as are Marathons. I've enjoyed running injury-free in minimalist shoes for years and never consider going back.

[@cranebeg]

Have you got varicose veins there bro?

[@alexreader]

Yeah buddy! Started when I was about 20

[@cranebeg]

@@alexreader Not down to the shoes then, or you've just turned 21 🤔Sorry if that was rude but I'm like Catchphrase "say what you see". You're in better shape than me anyway, keep it going 💪

[@ingloriouspancake7529]

I hope you buy a better rode microphone but keep making content regardless

[@alexreader]

🤣 cheers mate. I've got a better set up now so 🤞 nice rode one

[@deersakamoto2167]

> listen to what top performers say This is how people end up doping Lance Armstrong style, or have LeBron James' f-ed up feet Barefooters optimize health, not performance, right?

[@sman53]

I love my Altra trails but they don’t last long with upper degeneration

[@alexreader]

Which ones do you have? My superiors seem to be lasting okay, not a huge fan of the tongue though

[@sman53]

@@alexreader all weather trail , both formed stitching tears at big toe pretty soon but otherwise doing the job

[@alexreader]

@S Man ahh yeah I know exactly where you mean! Kinda frustrating that can happen relatively quickly but then the rest of the shoe can still look new 🤣

[@sman53]

@@alexreader superglue has sorted it 😊

[@alexreader]

@@sman53 👌

[@martinbCZ]

I really strongly disagree. You could get faster in barefoot shoes. Also, Saying that professional runners are faster, because they use cushioned shoes is wrong. Correlation does not imply causation. They are faster, because they train MUCH more than normal people. And they run in cushioned shoes, because that is the current social environment. Abebe Bikila won Olympic marathon barefoot. I personally think, that in 10-20 years we will start to see professional runners running in barefoot/minimalist shoes. BTW, I am just training for a marathon and I am running in barefoot shoes. And I definitely don't think they are slowing me down 😅

[@alexreader]

Yeah I definitely could, I just feel I would have to sacrifice a lot to do so at the minute. I didn't try to say they are faster simply becuase of the shoes, it mearly points out what's currently be used in a lot of cases at the top end. So in terms of running performance not being barefoot that shouldn't be a limiting factor. Additionally, there is studies that have seen causation that they can be faster, yet I haven't seen the reverse. So if we are talking about data rather than anecdotal evidence its probably on the side of the cushioned carbon plated shoes at the minute. Maybe not conclusive and always subject to change There's probably millions of barefoot runners faster than me, and I'd love to start seeing more of it. But in terms of my current capability, performance, time I have available, going for the cushioned shoe I feel is more efficient, which is why I stopped running In the barefoot shoes. Big respect for going the hard route for your training 💪

[@Marco-wu9sm]

The big Brands Sponsor the runners...they cant say that Barefoot shoes are the best because then they cant sell the other cushion shoes...Its all about Profit and Marketing.. when Barefoot ist the best you cant Develop every year a new crazy cushion system

[@alexreader]

@Marco ha that's a great point, didn't think about the continual upgrades/sales. Although vivo seem to do pretty well bringing out new models.

[@Marco-wu9sm]

@@alexreader Last year in may i ran 250 km in Nike free ...after that month they were destroyed... Xero f.e. gives you a 5000km? Warranty? I think the durability from Barefootshoes ist way longer

[@alexreader]

@@Marco-wu9sm yeah, I guess what they could do is make them thinner and lighter, more supple and less durable. And play round with those things to make money year over year ha

[@clementerosauro9127]

l totally get the point on this video but l cant agree with it. l also have used altra (5peak) and enjoyed them but it looks to me that you are jumping into conclusions too quickly, just like when you signed up for that ultra run with no previous training. holding on to barefoot would have brought you rewards soon....

[@alexreader]

Thanks for the feedback! I still wear barefoot shoes 90% of the time, so feel I get a lot of benefits from them. Just with my current goal to get quicker the altras seem better for now. Long term I will likely go back to running in barefoot shoes. I did do a lot of running up to around 20 miles a while back, and it was good, but then switched to more cycling. What are you running in at the minute?

[@clementerosauro9127]

Thanks to channels like yours, the barefoot community is growing and taken more seriously, thanks! l run in five fingers evo. I have worked on my technique for years and eventually it pays off!@@alexreader

[@alexreader]

@clemente rosauro awesome 👌 what's sort of distances are you doing in those?

[@clementerosauro9127]

@@alexreader 10ks with 5 to 7 hard hills are my go to in the winter. ln warmer weather l like doing longer ones and also fast 5ks on a tarmac track nearby. never been quicker than now at 43 and barefoot (: thanks for asking.l hope you keep enjoying your training!

[@asakyuu]

vivo shoes are expensive 🤷‍♂️

[@codyquick7145]

Easy you are sponsored

[@alexreader]

Sadly not 😭

[@norincurcan8827]

Those athletes are sponsored by these companies…. They will not run in anything else…

[@alexreader]

Yeah good point! Lots of money on the line. Although if there was something faster I'm sure they would opt for that. The point is, if anything the seem faster. It's definitely not conclusive, but when it comes to picking I'm swayed towards those at the minute.

[@norincurcan8827]

I for one am trying to stick it out with barefoot shoes with the aim being a half marathon in August and my long term fitness and foot health as my goal. Definitely not going for fast times….

[@alexreader]

@@norincurcan8827 aha that's probably more adorable 💪 will be good to know how you get on. Maybe on the future il try something similar!

[@robertomedina9824]

Wish I was skinny. Don't know why you saw a problem with being skinny. Why? to fight off people bothering you? You do know that there are equalizers available right?

[@alexreader]

I guess it depends on your environment and those beliefs around you. Mainly because I played a lot of sport and being stronger/bigger was always seen to be superior

[@robertomedina9824]

@@alexreader I never played team sports. I just wasn't for it. Did focus on boxing/MMA/Karate. I never liked the team based winning or loosing but rather left it up to self. I appreciate your reply and answer! Regarding barefoot shoes.... don't know enough as you so I subscribed and ofc hit like. Thank you.

[@alexreader]

@Roberto Medina looking back I probably should have done more of those individual type sports! Thanks really appreciate that. No worries, any questions let me know :D

[@serily4524]

no thank you people need to slowly get used to barefoot shoes to be able to run in them, normal shoes will ruin ur feet

[@its.lela.]

Fixing your biomechanics will help to run faster👍🏼

[@alexreader]

Easier said than done 🤣😭

[@its.lela.]

@@alexreader I'm fixing mine with Functional Patterns. Just takes time and effort 🙌🏼

[@alexreader]

@@its.lela. will be interested to see how you get on 👌

[@jayeye89]

mate, I dont agree with you about the poor genetics. Genuinely I don't think youre correct. I think if you wanted to be a runner you could be.

[@alexreader]

Yeah actually I'd agree with you, I think anything is possible I just don't prioritise it enough or want it enough to be a decent runner. Happily be above average though and be able to do other things well too

[@wesley290]

Fake news