The Dark Side of Barefoot Shoes

[@ShervinShares]

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[@MeggaMortous]

My dude, the most important part is to have a shoe with a natural foot shape. The amazon one, while ticking other boxes, DOES NOT have a natural foot shape. You can see it when you compare both of the shoes from the bottom the one from Amazon is not going straight where you have the big toe part but it's actually curving inwards.

[@STARLIGHTRAYS]

You were not created to be a runner....you were created to RUN JUST IN CASE YOU NEED TO RUN. To be a RUNNER is 100% ANTINATURAL.

[@KinseiSensei]

Still don’t understand why shoes aren’t shaped like feet. Why would we smash our feet into weird shapes?

[@thaboseane502]

Aesthetics! Same reason why coursets and heels exist, heck the whole fashion industry.

[@2to5Raccoons]

​@@thaboseane502 Their modern warped use is for aesthetics but that's not why they were designed. Pointed shoes were designed for riding horses. High heels were designed to keep people out of the street muck. Corsets were designed for support and don't mangle or constrict (especially if they're made and fitted correctly). The tiny waists that people associate with corsets are made with padding and over exaggerated image manipulation.

[@lisaphares2286]

It’s also cheaper to make shoes narrower and most ppl think you need arch support. But if you ask an engineer, arches are stronger with force being applied to the top forcing downward, if you apply force to the bottom forcing upwards, the arch fails.

[@skyejacques]

​@@lisaphares2286 That's so interesting 🤔 thanks so much, I love that I learned something new today.. I have a bunch of arch insoles that I thought were helping and now see they might not be

[@treeman5263]

I think it started because of horses riding pointed toes make going in and out of the stirrups easier. And than it became a goofy fashion thing. Don’t quote me on it I’m not sure but I think that’s how it started. Doesn’t make any las stupid though. Lol 😂

[@SantiagoGT15]

I recently started using the five fingers and people have openly mocked me, it’s fun, I’m out there walking super comfortable and that’s all that matters

[@AdamManley7]

Try out Xero shoes they’re nice and wide plus they looks lot more natural being a barefoot shoe rather than the five fingers

[@JeremyBWallace]

I recently started wearing the fivefingers and I've had the opposite response - at least those who speak up with a comment. Plenty stare and don't say anything. I absolutely love them regardless.

[@snörre23]

I don't now why anybody would wear those - there are so many good options (without "toe fingers").

[@JeremyBWallace]

@@snörre23 They seemed like a ridiculous option to me before I tried them. Now, surprisingly, I can confidently say they're the best shoes I've ever owned. 🤷🏼

[@PhatGuSS]

Screw all those people! I've been wearing five fingers for 15 years now, love em! People may say things and i just tell them that I like them and fortunately their opinion doesn't matter, lol!! They shut up pretty quick!

[@abandonedotter4270]

I went completely barefoot for 8 months. No, I didnt work at the time. Long story. But the point is this: My balance imroved, my feet loosened up, back and knee pain were negligible. The minute I had to wear boots again knees, feet and back hurt again.

[@youdontknowme9068]

That's the importance of strengthening and stretching in general, they'll make up for the obligations you have on your day to day basis

[@_munkykok_]

That's why you probably need zero drop shoes. Good luck finding some that fit.

[@bjwkusgxjdks]

How do you go barefoot dude? Don’t your feet get crusty and dirty?

[@sonja4164]

​​@@bjwkusgxjdksoap & water solve that problem. Foot file & other foot care products too.

[@gerardvila4685]

I remember someone who did that. She was enjoying it a lot... then she stepped on a nail... 😣

[@sacredtime9093]

Bought my first pair of Vivo Barefoot shoes in August 2021 and now I have a total of 4 pairs (for different occasions). For 30+ years I had flat feet and no natural arch in my foot, since wearing barefoot shoes I have developed an arch, my posture has improved and my feet feel so much better.

[@ShervinShares]

wow that's amazing to hear! have you shared this with any foot doctor? i'd be curious to hear their perspective on how your feet have changed

[@sacredtime9093]

Hey Shervin, no I haven’t shared this with any foot doctor. It was only when I went to the Vivo Barefoot store in London (was in there for over an hour), that I’d learnt about the importance of space around the toe box and that I’d been wearing the wrong size for years 😊.

[@jdaws4896]

Have you had to remortgage to fund this new habit 😂

[@guille8756]

​@@jdaws4896 there are some barefoot shoes for like 50-60 bucks

[@AlecFortescue]

Ive developed plantar fascitis and patella tendinitis wearing plenty of shoes with arch support and custom orthotics. Dealing with with this for years, I'm not overusing my legs, I can't even run anymore. I just got a pair of vivos, they fit really well and I hope they can help some issues go away.

[@hannahdeforest9148]

For two years I have suffered with increasingly severe, debilitating pain from plantar fasciitis. It's only been a few weeks since I started going barefoot and wearing barefoot shoes when I go out, and the difference is night and day. I used to be in such pain when I woke up that I would have to roll and massage my feet for 5 minutes each just to be able to walk. I was temporarily immobilized. It was embarrassing to gasp in pain when I was with friends. But by going exclusively barefoot and wearing minimalist shoes when I go out, I have reversed two years of foot trauma. The conventional wisdom of physical therapists told me to buy shoe inserts to support my feet, but they only ended up making the problem worse. The exercises worked, but the orthopedic inserts counteracted any good it did. What I'm saying is that strengthening and stretching my feet has put me on a surprisingly fast path to healing. Praise God!! ❤🙏🙌❤

[@johnlesoudeur3653]

Praise God...did Jesus wear barefoot sandals?

[@LovveArrt]

@@johnlesoudeur3653 This comment had me in tears from laughter...but....i think he did...lol

[@rossanasierra8773]

Shoe inserts need to be made for order from a professional doctor for length and height. Store one are generic. It makes it worse.

[@purehum]

I went thru the same thing with added tarsel tunel and these soless shoes saved me also! heh

[@Ghostvix]

Foot inserts should be moldes for the feet. I have fallen arches and these made my pain hardly there. But as I kids I’d be barefoot like 90% of the time. Now going barefoot hurts more.

[@veljkoblur]

Was not prepared for all these Tarantino foot shots, you've definitely made someones day with this vid.

[@TheOneAndOnlyTed]

The more I've been looking into getting barefoot shoes, the more I realize I already use something kind of similar. I used to skateboard a lot in my teens, and for the most part I've worn skate shoes ever since. They tend to have no height difference from heel to toe, are wider in the toes, and they're relatively thin and flexible so you can feel the board better underneath you (depending of course on which ones you get, but I'd say the majority and the ones I get especially are like that). They do give a bit more cushion for impacts than I believe a barefoot shoe would of course, but they seem to be a good middle ground from what I can gather, and might even be the better option for certain people from a budget angle and a transition point.

[@gandito4058]

Which shoes did you get? Need something for transition

[@TheOneAndOnlyTed]

@gandito4058 I've gotten nike sb's the last couple of times. Really any will do, though. Nike, Lakai, Vans, Adidas, etc... all make good ones. I would try to feel them out in store, and sometimes they can be stiff at first, but when I skated, we always bent them in every direction for a while to get them to loosen up.

[@BrentStrition]

I was literally having this same thought recently when looking into barefoot shoes. My skate shoes have all the qualities you mention but still give you that extra inch when standing too 😂

[@Ghostvix]

It’s more about the size of the toe box though.

[@TheOneAndOnlyTed]

@Ghostvix That's definitely an issue you can run into, which is why I'd recommend trying them on first. I've usually noticed there is more room than running shoes, though, where my toes are always squished.

[@sjharris1991]

My understanding is Vibram settled the lawsuit (without accepting any fault) because they didn't have the scientific evidence to back up the claims they were making, that doesn't automatically mean that those claims were false. Very few minimalist shoes studies existed at the time. The people bringing the lawsuit also had no proof that the claims were false, just that they had no scientific merit behind them. The previous CEO of Vibram, who had left before the lawsuit was filed, said he wouldn't have settled, he would have fought it.

[@nicolasm400]

Very good details to know!

[@jdaws4896]

I love vibram five fingers, l bet Nike caused the lawsuit to stop the moment. They have make running fun , it’s great having full flexibility off the foot 🦶🏻.

[@loganmedia1142]

They made claims and then when challenged admitted they had no evidence to back up those claims. That effectively makes the claims false. The company lied.

[@nicolasm400]

@@loganmedia1142 Yet those " false claims ", as of 2023, are now backed up by studies, researchers, coaches, physiotherapitsts and athletes hahaha. You cannot conclude that something is false or true just because there is a lack of scientific evidence, you can't conclude anything by definition. That was the point of the original post and it seems you didn't catch it. it takes time and ressources to do science Another exemple. Until very recently, there was no rigid scientific evidence for the benefits of fasting. Yet for thousands of years, fasting was already part of many cultures and communities. People somehow had an instinct about its benefits, benefits that were very true & practical even though there was no studies (as we know of them today) backing up fasting

[@sjharris1991]

@@loganmedia1142 These were the claims Vibram made in their ads 1. Strengthens muscles in feet and lower legs. 2. Improves range of motion in ankles, feet, and toes. 3. Stimulates neural function. Important to balance and agility. 4. Eliminates heel lift to align the spine and improve posture. 5. Allows the foot and body to move naturally, which just feels good. So you're saying that because Vibram didn't have scientific evidence to back up these claims, that means every one of those claims must therefore be false. Seriously?

[@Sypossc]

There's definitely a health benefit in wearing the footwear that is most comfortable to you. I was yelled at a ton as a kid for walking outside without shoes on, so I naturally enjoy barefoot shoes, minimalist sandals, five fingers for walking, hiking, working out. But you really have to ease into minimalist footwear if you aren't used to walking without support. IT WILL CHANGE YOUR GAIT and that is an uncomfortable process for many people. You have to build up the muscles that you weren't using, and people tend to fatigue during this process and just slam their foot into the ground when fatigued. This can easily cause ligament strain and shin splints.

[@terina32]

thanks for your comment, I will bare that in mind!

[@loganmedia1142]

I suppose this is an upside of living in a place with a fairly mild climate. Walking barefoot often is normal.

[@THICCTHICCTHICC]

@@loganmedia1142 yep, it's a huge thing in NZ and coastal Australia

[@MiMiDixon-np8wm]

Do you think it's easier for people who wear flip flops all the time to transition to barefoot shoes??

[@Petaurista13]

@@loganmedia1142 if I tried to walk barefoot for like 1/3 of year here I wouldn't need any shoes at all. Or even toe clippers XD And for the rest people are throwing shit on the ground so still probably not good idea

[@alinciocan5358]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:00 🧐 Barefoot shoes claimed to have health benefits, but are they as good as advertised? 01:27 🦶 Wide toe box in barefoot shoes benefits foot strength, balance, and posture. 02:53 🏃 Zero drop heels in barefoot shoes promote natural posture, ankle mobility, and reduced strain. 04:21 🦶 Arch support vs. no arch support in barefoot shoes, impact on foot strength and injury prevention. 07:13 👣 Thin, flexible sole in barefoot shoes enhances ground feel, sensory feedback, and natural movement. 10:10 🤔 Science isn't definitive on barefoot shoes, critical thinking and personal preference play a role. Made with HARPA AI

[@Tubeytime]

Exactly what I was looking for, bit surprised actually

[@Petaurista13]

And through the whole video only personal experiences

[@PGBlanks]

I think the most important thing is to listen to your body. If you're in pain even if you've followed all the "right steps" in transitioning into barefoot shoes, then maybe don't force it!

[@ThePandafriend]

Not nessecarily. The pain is caused by rebuilding the stuff your shoes did into your feet. Of course severe pain is a different story. Reshaping a bodypart is always painful, if it's done over a short timespan.

[@Magnulus76]

The first step should be walking barefoot indoors. Maybe using toe splints if needed.

[@RelUnrelated]

Barefoot shoes cured my cancer!! [I'm kidding, of course, but it IS related!] I had neuropathy following chemotherapy twelve years ago. The pain and tingling when walking was annoying at best. I switched to barefoot-style shoes (Vibram Fivefingers in my case), and my feet felt MUCH better almost immediately. I've been wearing barefoot-style shoes ever since. Thanks so much for the informative video!!

[@Genghis420Khan]

The default state for humans is barefoot. The burden of proof is on shoe advocates to explain why footwear is superior. The science of cushioning, heel drop, etc, is lacking.

[@marymissmary]

I’ve been wearing my creepy toe shoes (vibram 5 fingers) for a decade now! I love ‘em. I feel awesome and am never going back. For reference, I’m 48, CrossFitter, yoga practitioner, and generally feel awesome most of the time. Longest run in vibrams: 10 miles. Longest hike in vibrams: 50 miles in mountain terrain.

[@marymissmary]

The only thing I don’t like them for: olympic weightlifting. For that I wear Nike Romaleos 😊.

[@bigbattenberg]

The only thing I regret about minimal footwear (Merrell VG in my case) is that they did not exist 30 years ago and that I was completely in the dark anyway about the barefoot/ minimal concept. It's worked out for me great both for running and leisure. I only (very reluctantly) put on safety shoes in my shop, and then only when the work requires it.

[@_munkykok_]

Chucks existed though. Zero drop since many decades by now. Not a wide toebox though... But zero drop. Pretty minimalistic.

[@RedHanded1969]

Were you born w shoes ??? Did you never walk barefoot or wear cheap sandals b4.. Hellooo.. 😮

[@bigbattenberg]

@@RedHanded1969 I am especially talking about running and sports in general. I live in Holland, climate and the culture I was brought up in always prescribed sturdy, quality shoes. Anything with little to no support was considered bad. Back in the day when I was running competitively (30+ years ago) no one wore anything 'minimal' except for track spikes as I remember.

[@RedHanded1969]

@@bigbattenberg How many hrs do you run n do sports ??? How many hrs are you at home or around the house wearing nx to nothing sandals ?

[@Petaurista13]

@@_munkykok_ they could exist, but I was freshly born, it's not like kids have too big influence on what they wear, eat etc. Like my friend say: "we suffer from knowledge of what our parents screwed up and hope we won't for our kids"

[@madameblatvatsky]

Somehow humans survived for hundreds of thousands of years without wearing wedge shaped marshmallows on their feet.

[@knotengajin7359]

Humans weren’t standing on hard concrete for 8 or more hours a day, five or more days a week, during those hundreds of thousands of years.

[@hektor6766]

We haven't devolved to clown feet, though.

[@madameblatvatsky]

@@hektor6766 only clown mind

[@Damian-rl7bz]

bwhaahaha goold answer

[@rioscloud9167]

​@@madameblatvatsky and for that hundreds of thousands of years, people didn't walk on concrete or asphalt. I'm tired to see some stupid comment like this, you guys always talk about history from thousands years ago, you guys talking like if we didn't invent cushion shoes then human can have stronger legs than horses. Let me remind you, human create TOOLS, depend on what you need, then you choose the right tool. You want hiking ? Pick some hiking boots Want to swim, diving ? Pick some diving suits and diving shoes Want to play football ? Pick some football boots Want to do some heavy work ? Pick the work boots, with steel toes if needed. What annoying me is that eveyone of you talk about barefoot shoes like an all-in-one footwear, sound like a stupid marketing thing. I dare all of you to run on barefoot shoes, on concrete/asphalt, for about 7km or more, 2 or 3 times a week, for a bout 2 months, then back here and we will talk about your problems (because I know you guys will have problems). I've never see anyone of you guys share a routine like above, because you don't (or can't). But that can be a very normal routine for someone who use a pair of cushion shoes, because their feet and join will not take much pressure like you do. Cushion shoes were created for runners, that want to run a long long distance, even on a race. You see anyone win a race with barefoot shoes ? Or you see anyone wear barefoor shoes to play tennis, soccer, basketball,... ? If they really good as you guys said, then we already have superman, because it's been many years since the first barefoot shoes was created.

[@HolliNiesen]

I sprained my midfoot somewhere around 2016 and had pain every now and then for years after. I spent about a year transitioning to barefoot shoes and haven't had pain from walking too much on it in over a year. Anecdotally, I'd say barefoot shoes for the win

[@antheablackmore5838]

I had a crippling mid foot injury, low back pain, bad knees, against all advise by podiatrists and consultants I went down the bare foot / shoe, and correct toes route, absolutely extraordinary results , within a matter of weeks the pain subsided after years of suffering, within a year all pain gone, absolutely adore vivos !

[@umartdagnir]

I've sprained my midfoot while running in barefoot shoes. =P There is no single recipe for all.

[@HolliNiesen]

@@umartdagnir Not suggesting it is. Simply pointing out that a very slow transition and gradual muscle build up did wonders for me

[@lizzaangelis3308]

The arch support… the bane of every shoe I ever had…. Arch support kills my feet. My arches are in weird places for my foot size and so every shoe hits it at the wrong place and it ends up hurting me so bad! It even dislocated a bone in my foot! (No BS-ing about that one!)

[@JayTeeLofton]

When Shervin drops on the weekend, the weekend is better!

[@ShervinShares]

Let's gooo Micah!!

[@jecob11111]

I switched my gym shoes and running shoes to barefoot shoes recently. .Based on experience I’d continue to slowly transition to barefoot shoes, with the available options in my country.

[@skateata1]

I can't make it through a 6 mile run in barefoot shoes on concrete. Too painful. Bought a regular shoe in wide size. Problem fixed.

[@erickeytie173]

@@skateata1 You could have fixed it with. $3 flat gel insole

[@vanessadacosta112]

The ankle mobility increase from using zero drop shoes isn't has much coming from the strengthening of the tibialis anterior (front shin muscles), it is more coming from the fact that your gastrocnemius and soleus aren't being constantly shortened throughout the whole day in that heel lifted position, therefore, decreasing their flexibility and decreasing the amount of dorsiflexion you would normally be able to get.

[@SqueakyBarbarian]

I have been wearing a pair of these for a year now to walk. I work remotely and don't put on shoes around the house. When I go out, many times I wear my barefoot shoes. The pain in my knees is significantly less with them. And I find that I walk like I did as a kid in them. Not sure how to describe it, but it feels natural.

[@gomergomez1984]

I miss the days of shoe stores with proper foot measuring tools and a selection of shoe sizes to fit my feet. I might need some of these barefoot shoes.

[@joescheller6680]

They do still have shoe stores that properly fit you to a shoe.just need to look around they are there.

There is a whole difference that should be made between "unsubstantiated claims" and "wrong claims". Vibram settled the class action because they were a bit reckless in their claims while they have no actual proof to defend them. Nothing says these claims were right or wrong. Now, if you think about the biomechanics of feet and legs, what they say makes a lot of sense : having shoes compressing the toes distorts feet over time (just look at the feet of women in their 50's who have worn "sexy" shoes for most of their life… nothing sexy to look at after a couple of decades) and it's just common sense that reducing foot surface reduces stability. Then, thick soles only dampen "wrong" (brutal) foot strokes and surely makes leg muscles lazy while letting people take wrong habits. Human have evolved to be moving mechanics, and it turns out that most technologies allowing human to avoid effort and reduce motion are actually detrimental to our well-being because… we just need to activate those muscles to be well, since a lot of biochemical reactions depend on juices flowing. Motion is life and muscles are the way to move. Vibram marketing and their lack of scientific background doesn't mean they are wrong, they are most likely too forward and should probably invest more in research and less in advertising.

[@jeffreyhall8195]

You're correct, it doesn't mean they are wrong, but it doesn't mean they are right. They should be able to back their claims. Otherwise, who do you trust in the minimalist shoe world if anyone can lay unsubstantiated claims?

[@BeWilDuhBeast]

Great video. I enjoy listening to people who also like minimalist shoes. Good content and good information. I've been wearing Vibrams since 2013 and I absolutely love them. I would wear them every day when I took my walks, which were anywhere between 4 and 12 miles a day. Of course I had to transition into them properly, which I did on a treadmill in my Ohio basement. The rest of the time I had to wear shoes appropriate for an office environment, or NB sneakers, which were recommended by my FIL who was a podiatrist. He used to be totally against minimalist shoes, but after examining my feet after the first year, he started to understand the benefits. I now live in Florida and since Covid made everyone homebodies, I've been working from home and really have very little need to wear actual shoes at all. When I do go out anywhere, I wear my Vibrams. So basically for the past 3+ years, I've worn either Vibrams or went barefoot almost exclusively. My feet are definitely stronger and much wider than before. I don't ever want to go back to "traditional" shoes.

[@O8WRx]

I loved my barefoot shoes. I started them into my run rotation on the shorter runs, and then slowly but surely into the longer runs (5k+). I ended up using them for most runs within a few months. I backed off initially during the transition due to over use pain in my feet. While I have good arches, I don't think my feet were ready without any support. Once I got over that I really enjoyed them. It was weird having your toes separate on uneven terrain at first. Once they got stronger though it was very noticeable for stability and mobility as a whole. I will be getting another pair.

[@johnnyovermind9830]

The most neutral non biased video/opinion one could witness. You should look into reviewing politics as well it would be the birth of a completely new style of news

[@michaellengyel33]

I've fully transitioned over the past year to zero drop shoes. I wear Altra's, Lem's and Birkenstocks QS 700 steel toed boots. I do have a couple of Witten shoes too.

[@feldgraufox4927]

Same here, few pairs of vivos and qs500 for work. I used to suffer with squashed toes and calluses. Now I don't suffer with any of this.

[@JakeLeary]

Great video! Seeing the high line and intrepid makes me miss NYC, but remembering storage spaces does the opposite haha

[@ShervinShares]

hahah getting both feelings in the same video

[@Belhade]

@@ShervinShares I live upstate but like to visit the city. Earlier this year I started "urban hiking" in my VFFs and my first was the High Line and Central Park. Such a nice walk.

[@Km30031]

Am still curious why shervin has only 30k+ subscriber 😅 It should be way much more than that💯 Don’t give up man! You’re time will come💯💯

[@ShervinShares]

Working on it!

[@aramos1557]

My lower back pain from running disappeared with zero drop shoes. The Vibrams gave me multiple stress fractures though, so now I use Hoka shoes with virtually zero drop. Works for me.

[@Mazeingpower]

This is my take away in the gym people go for minimalist shoes, but what I notice a lot is that people in the gym raring every run for distance. I think I pick up a pair but just to see how strong I can get my feet. I do a lot of delivery so ill have to see how it effects me. Good video on all the effects and gains of these types of shoes with an unbiased perspective thumbs up.

[@terribohn7588]

I love Whitens! 72 year old woman who after 20 years trying to strengthen my problematic hip decided to take a different approach and try barefoot shoes. Started with Whitens and with a few weeks had three pairs in different colors! Everyone said start out slowly but my feet felt so good in them I couldn't take them off. I am doing foot exercises and toe spacers in the evening and I can already tell that my arch is strengthening after only two months! Never going to back to regular shoes. Lucky that I am old, no one looks at what I am wearing anymore. Oh BTW my hip pain went away with 24 hours of wearing these shoes and hasn't come back since!

[@barrylewis8916]

Critical thinking is key. 'Off road' I have moved to thick soled boots - to cater for clumsy walking, and maybe not paying attention to surface undulations. For larger distance I have enjoyed paratrooper boots - heavy, but have felt like they limited stress. As a teen, people seemed to play a fashion game and used heel height to gain overall height. I have definitely noticed ankle boots appeared to limit / weaken my ankles. As I grew older I gained more back issues. Moving to Five Fingers has made me more aware of my feet, and how they affect my structure. So far it is helping, and allowing greater rotation / flexibility / control. I am easing my way in by wearing on weekends - and being wary of heel strike when tired.

[@saske11711]

you could say it's the dark souls of walking

[@toscadonna]

I’ve been wearing barefoot shoes since 2009, and they DO make your feet stronger, healthier, improve you balance, and makes your calves stronger. I’ve had flat feet my entire life, and I actually got a little bit of an arch from wearing these barefoot shoes.

[@Ghostvix]

How long did it take? I have no arch on one foot and a small arch on the other. I have orthotics very cushioned shoes and use tape sometimes to help. But atm it’s so bad walking barefoot hurts more than with the arch supports.

[@hernehill6282]

@4:04 'Check me out in those giant windows, not bad, baby!' lol

[@Goteiii]

Haven't tried barefoot shoes yet, BUT, I have switched to walking landing on mid-front part of my foot and I can definitely say that my lower back and knees have stopped aching after walking big distances. Also, the flatter the shoe the easier it is to walk landing on mid-front foot as opposed to landing on your heel which is what the casual shoes are made for. So there is probably truth to the health benefits of barefoot or minimalist shoes, especially combined with changing the way you walk.

[@konstantin122]

So basicly no dark side of barefoot shoes? I live in germany and bought a german barefoot shoe for 50€, which turned out to be best investment this year so far. I can wear them while jogging on trail, without socks, 13km no blisters, no pain, no problem. My back feels better, feet feel better, more comfortable, more airflow... Normal shoes seem like a bad idea to me now.

[@krane15]

No dark side? Read my comment.

[@konstantin122]

@@krane15 I was referencing the video title. But sure, If you have problems with shoes, then just buy others. There are so many options. If a person looks decent, then the shoes can look ugly I guess...But I would never judge a person by their shoes :D

[@krane15]

@@konstantin122 "But I would never judge a person by their shoes :D" If you say so. But we absolutely judge people by how they dress. Even if its sometimes unconsciously. As for the idiom about men and their shoe choice, I didn't make it up. But I have to agree, there is a lot of merit to it. In fact, some consider it a science.

[@konstantin122]

​@@krane15 Sure, maybe there is science involved regarding looks. But then again, I dont find them that ugly...What shoes you had?

[@krane15]

@@konstantin122 For running, I typically chose Adidas brand. For general athletics, a crossfit will do. I avoid flat shoes like most in this video the plague, except for specialized shoes such as a shoe made for sprinting or wrestling. Unlike gym shoes, nobody walks around in those. At the moment, my current athletic shoe of choice are K-Swiss. Roughly 30% are wide. At last count, I have 5 pair of those.

[@iapplethis]

Personally I enjoy the strength Ive gained in my feet for the 5months Ive been wearing them and how my feet have become the bottleneck of my performance. In the past Ive pushed further with regular shoes and I always got injuries in many places because I was pushing further than my body was ready for, and now I cant even if I wanted to so I like how they keep me from overdoing it. Also I never care about all the marketing, just try it out, see what it does for you.

[@axelwilde1081]

I've been wearing Vibrams for 15 years straight now. I run on a regular basis every monring for 3K-4K. Vibrams encompass about 80% of my entire shoe range. I'm 52 and have never (touch wood) had any probelm with my legs or balance, or posture. Back before I made the change I was constantly experiencing shin splints, back pain, and shooting pains in my leg muscles on a regular basis. The five finger shoes work for "me", and still continue to do so. I had a complete medical done a year or so ago and had my gait and posture etc analysed with no abnormalities whatsoever. I cannot advocate that these shoes 'work', but they do indeed work for me.

[@356reaper]

Beware the thin padding. I love zero drops but was road running with no padding and a little barefoot - after a few years got bone spurs. I learned: - med-high padding for long road running - strength train your calves!! - talk to a podiatrist sooner than later to help or if you have any pain. Hope that saves some hurt!

[@downtownnikka]

After seeing Cody Lundin's Calves and how powerful his legs are, I trust barefoot shoes. He's a survival expert that purely walks barefoot EVERYWHERE. hes a beast

[@marcc5768]

I only recently started wearing barefoot shoes. Been about a week now. I was interested in barefoot shoes due to having to deal with diabetic peripheral nueropathy in both my feet. I have noticed a difference in the pins and needles sensation. Now I am not a runner, due to I also have a knee injury. Using the barefoot shoes around the house it feels different that wearing beach slippers or even moccassins. (gift from brother in law). I like the barefoot shoe feel, and the reduced pins and needles feeling. I am also considering the toe socks..since as stated our feet having been trained and conditioned to being squished in narrow toe box. I could see the changes of my feet over the years especially the big toe on my left foot due to the normal shoes, the left big toe was being pushed inward sometimes under the next toe beside it. I'm glad I started the journey to barefoot shoes...I'm 49 years young, I wish I knew about barefoot shoes years ago.

[@SteveBIRK]

The point you make at 10:48 is how I feel too for the most part. I also have wide feet and I think situationally the barefoot shoes tend to be better. I have a pair of Tolos that I use on leg day because they give me that extra stable feeling. And I have a pair of Icarus for daily wear. I have tried to run in Altra (Olympus Via) but the foam is terrible. I just go back to my wide width new balances. I do wish the barefoot market had better looking shoes. I mean I can't really wear any none barefoot shoes that look good because they come in narrow width only. At the end of the day I am just glad to have some flat, wide, comfy shoes for most situations. I don't care too much about the potentially exaggerated health claims.

[@Negniwret]

This is the 4th video I've clicked that promises to provide a more critical view on barefoot shoes, only to provide affiliate links instead.

[@MJorgy5]

I just got my first pair because I drive for work and wanted the freedom to move my toes while driving. I don't take a lot of steps at work, so thought that'd be a good way to start with barefoot shoes. Even after wearing them the first 2 days I noticed muscular pain in my foot and big toe after years of wearing traditional running shoes. Kind of like a post-workout type of thing. This proves to me that the concept works. My toes feel better. The shoes actually fit so well, I pulled the laces out completely. I'll continue increasing their use into other activities to see if I can strengthen my toes and feet. They do look a little silly, but the comfort of being able to use your toes is worth the minor fashion faux pas.

[@Ivan_KV]

What I noticed is that for some people that lived inside shoes their entire lifes, the toes became shaped like the narrow shoes. Here in Brazil i spent my entire childhood playing barefoot, so my feet are pretty wide and my toes are very splaied. Here in Brazil we mostly use sandals, thats why barefoot shoes didn't became a thing here yet I think. I mostly use them because my feet are so wide that using normal shoes are very uncomfortable. I actually have to buy 1 or 2 sizes so it is bearable, but I keep tripping on my self because the shoe is so long. Minimalist wide toe box shoes are just perfect for me because my feet never got deformed anyways.

[@pedro.almeida]

Transitioning to thin zero drop shoes after reading “Older but Faster”, let’s see how it goes.

[@ShervinShares]

ooo keep me updated! i'll have to check that out

[@purehum]

man five finger shoes saved my qulity of life!~ I couldn't walk. Multiple spine surgeries...Bunyons, nerve issues and horrific tarsal tunnel! Because I already couldn't walk...I didn't have to take it slow and gentle. I put these on and didn't take them off except to wash them and shower for 2 weeks! I also did an extensive amount of research on my feets. I don't sleep in them anymore but I wear them every moment of the day. Hiking -shopping -walking my dogs -cleaning...-every moment. They taught my brain to re-learn what my feet were actually supposed to do for my body. I can control more muscles and have more strenght in my feet now and walk with confidence. I have a super high arch and my arch is still high with more muscle. So happy I made the life switch. And it really is a lifestyle change. LOVE

[@1carus1]

Very helpful vid. I had loads of problems moving to bare foot runs but I accept I did too much too quickly. I’ll still be sticking with my cushioned shoes but I found this vid helpful. Thank you.

[@Zyphera]

Nike instead of trying to stop the movement by lawsuits and slander; Join the movement and make your own barefoot! Don't be like Kodak or Nokia.

[@JSfer-11]

Changing to barefoot shoes was the best decision i made over the last years. I run for about 15 years and in the last 5 years it was impossible to run without knee pain. It was a slow and gradual process, but it was all worth it. In the beggining your calf msucles get really sored, and you feel muscles in your feet that you never felt before. Now i run more than 20 km without feeling any pain in my knees. It feels fucking amazing.

[@randygeyer7673]

I can’t remember barefoot shoe manufacturers claiming they’ll reverse your back problems. You need to figure out why you have back issues then go from there.

[@krane15]

Back problems can be caused by a hundred things. None of which has anything to do with your shoes.

[@johy9824]

I've been thinking about barefoot shoes since last summer, when I made huarache sandals and started wearing them slowly on the beach and grass (simply not on concrete). I was a bit put off by the price as a student though, so I abandoned the idea of switching to barefoot shoes. But as I started a new school and a new city, I found myself seeing barefoot shoes around more and more. Whether out on the street or among new classmates. Now in the spring I've gone back to regular sneakers and knee and hip pain has set in. Now in the spring I've gone back to regular sneakers with a raised heel and knee and hip pain has set in. I was kind of surprised. About two weeks ago I started wearing barefoot shoes (about 6mm) and the pain is gone. I'm totally satisfied and can't wait to start slowly reducing the thickness of the sole.

[@Mike-dx1ul]

During Covid, I spent the majority of my workday barefoot. When I went back to the office, a lot of my shoes were WAY too tight.

[@jon-williammurphy9780]

I read Born to Run and that author becomes obsessed with barefoot running. This is almost 20 years ago. After reading it Ive started running barefoot on grass and it feels like my feet and calves have gotten significantly stronger.

[@kfung4]

Lot of people are buying their running shoes or dress shoes wrong if they complain it’s too narrow, just get it in wider width, that’s the whole point of having D, E, EE, F width in shoes

[@thepaintedsock]

Good video, but the argument for not having arch support is to let your foot arch, when spread out as it lands, act as a bit of extra suspension. I actually got more knee pain when I added arch support.

[@The_Conspiracy_Analyst]

My recommendation is only do the barefoot thing for running after you're down to a BMI below 22. And even then EASE your way into it. If you try to do barefoot running while too heavy, it's the road to injury for sure! Sometimes only running a mile or less per day, switching to a bike or something for the maintenance of your conditioning (cross train). But yeah if you do it right it will knock MINUTES off your pace. Like say you're doing a 9:30 pace now, if you went below 22 bmi and continued to train I'd say you'd be at 8:30. After transitioning to barefoot to perfect your form at that point you'd probably hold a 7:00 pace real easily. If you really wanted to continue marathon training and do advanced training stuff you could nock a bit more off after that (lots of threshold training, perfecting nutrition etc). Most people aren't gonna get beyond a 6:30 pace tho, unless you have a tiny frame or do drugs. But yeah, most of your progress is going to be in 1: losing weight (this goes for EVERYONE). i.e. getting down to race weight with perfect body comp, and 2: perfecting form.

[@CaneFu]

Just do what I do, go barefoot 99% of the time. YES, that is easily possible today if you work at home on a computer. In fact, I can't remember that last time I put on a pair of shoes.

[@IkkemMR]

As a podiatrist, I recommend my patients to use whatever they feel comfortable as what we are wearing, within a range of confortability it is better to be varied and different. Just make them know that there is no magic recipe different than strengthening and being lean. Biomechanics, though, make hard to recommend barefoot as main shoe as we move in non natural environments and that has a cost for our joints, mainly metatarsophalangic joints. Also want to point that there’s already in the market, for years, minimalists shoes as vans and converse, the most common problem with them is that people don’t choose the correct size.

[@claycon]

Love it. During the COVID lockdowns I worked from home, trained barefoot & spent all day barefoot. After the lockdowns my stability shoes almost made me fall over. I now wear only minimalist shoes 90% of the time, but it is important to transition slowly with the right shoes. Xero shoes were the winner for me. Vibrams did not have enough shock absorption. Also I do wear Altras on my treadmill or for long distances on concrete. But mostly xero shoes ALL DAY! 😅

[@Raiugabe]

I started with Astral, their water loyak shoes are awesome.

[@claycon]

@@Raiugabe thanks for the info! They look nice :)

[@carefree.hounds]

When plantar fasciitis ended running for me, I briefly tried more cushion and more support but it didn't help. I started exercises and stretches and even went the toe spreader route. It was so painful at first; I could only wear my Correct Toes for an hour before having to take them off but eventually I could wear them for a whole 6-hour shift in my Merrell Vapor Gloves while standing and walking on a concrete floor without knee or back pain. I seriously don't understand why more people with heel pain don't go this route.

[@Jason-lm8ni]

i see a lot of barefoot shoe video recently but yours is most comprehensive & interesting video i've watched. Thank you. and its my time to wear my first barefoot shoe now.

[@diomedes39]

The way shoes were made when I was a kid caused my pinky toenails to crack constantly and sometimes bleed. Now they don’t and barefoot dress shoes are things I actually want to wear.

[@Moultronn2.0]

Awesome video man, all I know of I've been struggling with osteoarthritis in my right ankle, it even started messing with my knee and hip. I started noticing a difference in my pain while working from home being barefoot all day. I just bought some Xero shoes and wore them out yesterday. It felt amazing!! The toe box and 0 drop I believe make a huge difference for walking and daily activities. I'm sore today haha gonna go do some mobility and stretching now. I look forward to seeing if this improves my chronic pains 🤘🏼

[@CoutureButcher]

you can measure it by less injuries, increased performance, mobility, strength, balance

[@Lasse3]

Fact: Cramming your toes into the narrow end of regular shoes, does result in misaligned bones, tendons and muscles, and ultimately bunions. Fact: walking on a thick soft cushioning shoe with toe-drop, will prompt you to strike heel first, this takes away the need to soften the impact by using the fine muscles of the foot and arch yourself. Therefore you will lose mobility and strenght, you'll walk in an anatomically incorrect way that logically speaking would lead to unnatural posture. Walking daily in a 2mm vivo sole (without in-soles) I will have to carefully activate the arches and "roll" on my entire foot to brace the impact of each single of my +10.000 daily steps. I only use Vivo, don't own regular shoes.

[@frannelk]

Mate, first thing first: "You are making really good content, congratulations 🙌🙌🙌🙌". Second: I have been using Barefoot shoes for 2 weeks and I feel like a finally I got real freedom on my feet, sometimes I just forget that I'm even wearing a shoe at all.... ... I researched a year before making a move and the most valuable tip is to don't know run on them before many months, you will fracture something in your feet... I have been squating, pulling the sledge, walking all over (city) and they feel unbelievable amazing, I do go fully barefoot when I go the country side or the beach, mountain, but if you want to trek you should get some special barefoot shoes, just mind the soil quality. Anyways it is worth to at least try it. Cheers.

[@Seyir_Kanali]

For the last six years I have been using New Balance running shoes with arch support and shock-absorbing soles as all-day shoes. For a few months I have been experiencing knee pain. Maybe I'm getting old. During my childhood and adolescence, I used to spend the summer months in beach slippers and played soccer almost every day. There was a speculation that Brazilian soccer players in Turkey like Alex were less likely to get injured because they played barefoot soccer on the beach as children. I don't know Altan. Footnote: I saw a video that Einstein was always barefoot at home.

[@steveboutcher80]

I don't ride horses, so I have zero use for pointed, narrow toe box shoes. I haven't worn "normal" shoes for about 6 years. My feet are permanently messed up thanks to big name brands like Nike, Reebok and adidas... That being said, since wearing wide toe box, more minimalist shoes, I have seen some improvement. Some cushioning is a good thing in my opinion, as we aren't really designed to walk around on rock solid surfaces all day every day. Topo and ALTRA make good wide toe box shoes, but still have some cushioning.

[@X33Ultras0und]

I say it depends on the activity. A wide toe box is always good but if you're going to do an 8hr retail shift, then cushion is needed. But if you're just heading out to buy some groceries or to hang out with some friends for a few hours then you can go without the cushion. Maybe of you want to attempt to strength your calves then also going no cushion could work. As for arch support, it's your choice. It might not be a massive need, a stronger body does make getting "older" happen slower.

[@sz9855]

They’re shaped good, flat and don’t have weird unnatural tilts, feel natural and I don’t have to pay for both running shoes and powerlifting shoes. They’re a two in one.

[@waylinar]

I am very overweight and have always worn sturdy shoes that just narrow the foot. Now i am lucky that the company i work for is very concerned about the health of their employees and that's why we had a visit from an orthopedic doctor. He told me straight out that walking and standing barefoot is more stable and safer with the overweight because the body can stabilize itself with the feet. I tried it and bought barefoot shoes and since then I been able to walk longer distances with less pain. Knee pain is almost gone and I lost 34 pounds in weight in the last 5 months since the increased mobility I gained. I stick to barefoot shoes because they just work really well for me. I can only recommend that everyone try it out for themselves to see if it improves anything.

[@Ghost_M5]

what about winter what is the solution for cold weathers

[@freespeech7747]

45 y/o male with wide feet and since 15 I suffered with plantar fasciitis, shin splints, Achilles tendon issues, tight calves and hamstrings, a forward rotation of the left pelvis and issues from my lumbar spine right up to my C2 vertebrae, 18 months ago I became fully barefoot and working from home using an electric standing desk and nearly every issues has corrected itself leaving just my c2 issue, normal shoes screw up your body

[@lg_believe333]

I’m flat footed and I run a lot and cycle but I have neglected the health of my feet for a long time which is why I have a slight bunion on my left foot and I’m flat footed. I was in two minds to purchase LEMS Primal 2’s barefoot shoes for running because I fear they will cause injuries to the calf muscles, knees and lower back when your heal strikes the tarmac. So, I think it’s best to use Altra running shoes with cushion support for running and LEMS Primal 2’s for everyday use, like walking.

[@greenmarine5]

Going barefoot also plays a huge role in overall health. Your body absorbs the electrical magnetic pull from the earth helping your cell structure be stronger. Of course I have no idea if that is actually true or not, I have read it in multiple health journals.

[@user-lv4ne7nq1h]

Note, for running you should never land with your heel. You might think you should because of how thicc the shoe heels are, you shouldnt. Landing in the heel is great for walking and walking fast but never for running.

[@jimhovater8755]

I used to be an avid runner...until my knees betrayed me. I'm new to the whole 'barefoot thing'. I've only had mine for 2 months. However. In that 2 months, I've had my first pair, I'm convinced enough in what benefits I've realized to order 2 more pairs.

[@georgeginsburg545]

I found Saguaro barefoot shoes are the most comfortable, only $40, but they don’t last all that long before showing wear. My Altra running shoes with wide toe box and zero drop heel, are at least twice that price (depending on color). With a thicker sole they offer greater lateral support when playing basketball or tennis. But with the Altra, you don’t feel the ground as well as you do with the thin soled barefoot shoes. Could never go back to conventional shoes.

[@Formulka]

There are wide running shoes and even special wide and extra wide variants of normal running shoes.

[@RichardBuckerCodes]

I've rolled my ankle in a "running shoe" and that SUCKED. Once it started to roll it was not controllable and ankle was at nearly a 45 degree angle.... hurt like fire.

[@otum337]

Started wearing barefoot shoes in the gym and even doing treadmill runs/sprints in them, as soon as I have to change into normal shoes again, I'm in foot jail

[@alexandrospapachristos3520]

Something to keep in mind is that if you have a condition on your feet like flat feet, barefoot shoes are probably not for u. Your foot basically has structural problems and its "natural" shape wont do it for u. So your more likely to be needing specific made insoles

[@frasermay7825]

I don't run anymore - I'm 75 and have had injuries to my feet in the past. They tend to come back to haunt you when you get older, trust me. The problem I have with barefoot shoes is the makers seem to think everyone has the same shape feet. We don't. My second to is the same length as my big toe. Called, I understand, a 'Grecian' foot. Whatever. I'm wearing a pair of Merrel Vapor gloves and they're pretty comfortable but rather wide. though I can't say their helping my flat left foot. That was down to a rather heavy oak bench which dropped on it when I was lifting it onto a table - then add a few big horse feet... Any comments or suggestions? Cheers.

[@childcrone]

Those Whitins are better than mainstream shoes. You can see, though, they still taper at the big toe. I also wonder how long they will wear? In some comparisons I've seen, a Vivobarefoot shoe or boot will actually cost less per mile as you go through 3 pairs of the lower priced shoe over the same usage. My favorite over the past 2 years is my Forest ESC boots, just like the ones you showed.

[@avisehmbi7279]

I've been wearing my barefoot shoes for about 4 months, I am naturally pretty flat footed. I had no problems initially but recently, I have noticed that i easily keep getting cramp in my feet and sometimes calfs. I wonder if im doing something wrong? Is this part of the process? I definitely feel like my feet are stronger but this cramp situation is worrying. Any advice would be great!

[@southbug27]

There’s a reason why the American military rejected recruits without a good arch even during WWI & WWII.

[@rinotz7]

I went to check the Vivo shoes and I just cannot believe how much they cost, there's no way they're even remotely close to their actual value.

[@Schmidteren]

For reals. My posture has already increased in like a week. It's insane. I also walk a lot, less back pain when sitting down, and shoulders just doesn't bent forward as much. It's good. :) Feet is destroyed though, but in a good way. They been working real hard. :D

[@joshhall3755]

I believe the main reason for arch support isn't to directly support the arch but to prevent pronation. I'm also tired of people with flat feet telling everyone else they need to wear barefoot shoes. People are born with different feet. Get yourself biomechanically analyzed and buy shoes based on your foot. Get an arc based on your foot. Some people are born flat footed so arch support usually hurts for these people. That's why flat foot shoes are better for them.

[@GoufinAround_]

I was about to waste my money on barefoot shoes due to plantar fasciitis, but instead I focused on strengthening my feet. You just need shoes that fit your feet right. I think one of the biggest problems that we have in modern footwear, is that people keep wearing highly technical running shoes for everyday wear. I think that is more detrimental than anything. If you're lifted off the ground with a super squishy midsole vs a firmer midsole that isn't as thick, anecdotally from my experience, that is far far worse for your feet. People may like hokas etc for walkign around, but I think it's very bad

[@adrienneemmett4212]

I have just gone to minimalist shoes after a long discussion with my boss. I have large wide feet for a woman and much prefer no shoes. The difference since changing, I had planta issues and Achilles tendonitis. I have calcification on my right heel and very high arches. My lower back is better and I don't seem to have the lower back issues I use to. Will see how I am in 6 months.

[@melesis06]

How are you doing now?

[@Angelstealth]

I’m a happy user of barefoot shoes since a couple of years, but sometimes I think about the lack of cushioning, and if it would cause some joint problems (knees for example) in the future. The fact is that nowadays we walk over concrete all day long. Someone has the same doubt?

[@standish250]

I've been in Altras for years. The Lone Peaks are by far my favorite trail shoe, I love them. Born to Run 2 came out late last year and inspired me to once again pick up my Lunas and go for a run. I loved the enhanced ground feel. At 15 mm these were 10 mm (+ insole?) less than my Lone Peaks and 15+ mm less than the Timps I was rotating in and out. I loved it so much I got some Earth Runner Circadians (8mm) recently and took them out for a run. What a difference another 7 mm can make! I feel so many more features of the dirt/grass/rocks/roots. The Lunas by comparison now feel very soft, and wearing any heavily cushioned shoe just feels so numb. At first you feel every rock, but amazingly the brain takes over and within like a half mile you don't really notice them any more. We have some decently rocky and rooty terrain near us which made me believe I needed rock plates and super maximal shoes to run it which is just plain false. I've found my running posture and cadence are _way_ better when running in the sandals. That's not to say I can't maintain that form in the Altras, but it's very easy to get sloppy in the cushioned shoes. Now, I'll admit, 8mm is thin and I am not quite ready a long run in them. Most I've done is 5 miles so far. Zero drop is no problem, I walk around barefoot/in sandals and run in Altras all the time, but the thinness is something to get used to because there's no midsole to absorb the impact.

[@anthonycofrancesco7137]

Picked up vivobarefoots for volleyball and those same whitins for my suit! love em both!

[@ShervinShares]

nice!!!