The Issue with Barefoot Shoes

Despite barefoot shoes popularity, they do have an issue.....
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- I Wore Barefoot Shoes for 3 Years, this is what happened: • I Wore Barefoot Shoes ...
- How To Transition to Barefoot Shoes: • How To Transition to B...
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[@fifbadaki015]

I enjoy the typical Laura Try 40-minute deep dive into a particular health topic as much as the next person, but these shorter, more casual, almost conversational videos are a welcome addition to the repertoire. Plus, I imagine they're much less stressful to make.

[@LauraTryUK]

It was a cheeky one wasn’t it. I genuinely was hanging out the washing and I stopped midway through and pretty much wrote the whole script. You’re certainly right for them not taking as long! I’m pleased you liked it. I appreciate your comment 🙏

[@yowie6747]

It’s great to have both isn’t it and KZbin is great for that variety. I often look for something that goes for 40 min plus to watch while doing an indoor row but at other times look for something shorter when I’m a little time poor.

[@yowie6747]

It’s great to have both isn’t it and KZbin is great for that variety. I often look for something that goes for 40 min plus to watch while doing an indoor row but at other times look for something shorter when I’m a little time poor.

[@Andy-co6pn]

Sadly through marketing we get shoe shaped feet instead of feet shaped shoes

[@stevej.6674]

Yep, you can thank Nike and Adidas etc for all those bunions, sprained ankles & the like. If it aint a foot shaped shoe - i aimt wearing it!

[@mafurock33]

I love how you are holding space for your sense of humor after how awful and frustrating it must have been after your recent video was demonetized. That video was amazingly well done and you deserve to be paid for your amazing work. Also, I started transitioning to barefoot shoes after I first saw you talk about them and I have never looked back. I am so happy I did. You are a fantastic ambassador for Vivobarefoot and have definitely won them some business from me.

[@LauraTryUK]

Thank you! 🥹

[@qscmplx]

I grew up wearing vans and converse. My mom always warned me I was ruining my feet because they have no support. I'm the only one in my family with an arch. I've also always been barefoot around the house. Even with these things it still took about a year before I could run in barefoot shoes. About 5 years in now

[@Brandon-qp7gq]

same story for me. I grew up wearing converse, people told me I'll ruin my feet because they have no arch. The people that said that themselves have no arch. I have the highest and strongest arch of anyone I know. My toes are a little squished though because of the converse (even the "wide" versions are not that wide). Been transitioning to barefoot shoes the last 4 months. My feet are slowly widening out and it feels great to not have my toes squished.

[@lafamillecarrington]

Transitioning to barefoot shoes appears to be a very personal thing. I am 68 and, after a lifetime of wearing 'normal' shoes, changed to barefoot shoes last year. I wear them (or go barefoot) pretty much all the time and have had absolutely no problems, and my feet are definitely thanking me.

[@daven.7685]

Same, 62. Three months into the transition, and I can no longer comfortably wear my old, conventional shoes. God help me if my daughter gets married (I wish!), I don’t know what I’ll wear for footwear!

[@frannypeony2076]

@@daven.7685 Barefoot shoes perhaps!

[@defeqel6537]

Probably has a lot of variables, ranging from genetics to strength training to shoe selection

[@NicoSmets]

When I was a child people were arguing how sad it was for african children to not have shoes and were not able to go to school. Who knew, that our shoes and schools were actually the big scam hurting us. Not to mention our food, our media, our medical system, ...

[@ptanji]

Perfect. I was just in Kenya and watched children run very fast with no shoes on. Well, in the countryside.

[@CosmicLightSource111]

100%! Well said.

[@loulous9287]

Yes, so true 👏👏🙌🙌

[@davidblyth5495]

In Africa we prefer being barefoot I do wear shoes where there are many thorns or snakes

[@luceinbattaglia9425]

🔝👏

[@kiafreeman8778]

Personally, I think anyone looking to transition back to a more natural foot shape and function should also try using toe spacers with barefoot shoes. Spacers help move the toes back into a more natural alignment.

[@LauraTryUK]

A great suggestion, and one I mention in my ‘How To Transition to Barefoot Shoes’ video.

[@togood4u1]

I'm 50 but learned pretty quickly as a teenager, that my feet HATE shoes. Luckily, I live in sunny California and have been wearing zero drop shoes, Birkenstocks or Asics my whole life.

[@amandaaustin4883]

I had severe hip problems to the point that I could hardly walk or had to rest all the time, I tried orthotics which just made everything worse then I transitioned to barefoot shoes and now have no hip problems, I am well balanced and can even stand on my vibration plate for 4 minutes on one foot. Also I live on a farm and walk up and down hills on uneven ground and I never fall over on slippery ground, something I used to do quite often before, I seem to be more balanced and have stronger feet. Hope this helps anyone wishing to transition, it is worth it, it just takes time. Thanks for the great video Laura.

[@markparker5585]

For those wanting a more gentle transition, they could also have a look at Altra shoes, as they do models that have a wide toe box and a flat sole, albeit with more traditional levels of cushioning. Personally, I got used to my Vivobarefoot shoes relatively quickly, a few months. One thing people will notice is their balance improves, as their toes and foot muscles are more active during walking, especially over uneven surfaces.

[@kbc1883]

Many of us who used Altras in past years have started using Topos instead because Altras have decreased in quality. I find that the Topos provide the same wide toe box and zero drop, but work better for me on the rocky large gravel and dirt mountain roads that I walk on because my foot doesn't slip around as easily in the shoe..

[@markparker5585]

@@kbc1883 Good to know. Last Altras I bought were 2 or 3 years ago, and were on clearance when they were releasing some new models. I think I may have seen a few posts then that the newer models weren't as good, so maybe I just got lucky buying the previous model.

[@MicroFourNerds]

I love my altras so much I bought the same pair in 2 colours

[@kbc1883]

@@markparker5585 Yes, exactly right! Most people are finding the older versions to be better quality and last longer. I bought up several pairs of the older versions two years ago (so maybe they were the 2021 or 2022 releases) until I could find no more in my size in the outlets. My local running shoe store, Fleet Street, also confirmed the Topos popularity over Altras because so many of their customers were seeing their newer Altras bust out at seams and wear through in the back. The final straw for me was when I rolled my ankle in my Altras because they are looser in the mid and back foot. My 5th metatarsal has a healing Jones fracture and I just can’t risk that amount of slippage right now.

[@G2thesecondpower]

I wish ultras worked for me. The lone peaks are too wide in the toe box, but even the narrower models crease over the top of my foot so they are not comfortable. :(

[@NicoSmets]

Thumbs up for the blurred cat.

[@LauraTryUK]

LOL!!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@birdlover7776]

That was funny 😊

[@Liliquan]

Thumbs down😂

[@nealchambers2306]

I wore barefoot shoes for over 4 years and all was going well. Then suddenly out of the blue I developed a Morton’s Neuroma !! I think barefoot shoes are great but humans weren’t meant to walk for hours at a time on pavement. This is what caused the damage i think. I need more cushioning in my shoes to do this.

[@northwestcoast]

Yeh this is a good point. Although that tribe out of the Born to run book run on a lot of boulders. I think our body weight is probably a major factor; a healthy 6ft tall male ideal weight is probably around 11 stone and a 5ft5 female around 9 stone. Looking around, we ain’t that. Less doughnut/more barefoot 😅

[@survivaltrotter-com]

@@nealchambers2306 The are general things and part that are personal. I don't think that your conclusion/oponion is right. Science in combination with the experience of many will give more information.

[@WMeier-kd8hz]

Try Koel shoes. Tehy have the space, are zero drop , but at the same time are cushioned and beautifully made.

[@EmyN]

Yeah, don’t wear barefoot on concrete, there’s no bounce

[@FenrirAldebrand]

I have collapsed arches, severe over pronation, joint hypermobility disorder, and chronic pain. My transition to Vibram Five Fingers is instant every time I buy a pair. It's astonishing how well they work for me. It's got to the point where I lace up conventional shoes and I already have instant pain without standing up. Even though I wore conventional shoes for decades, my feet just never adapted. Maybe from the hypermobility, I'm not sure.

[@edpikestone6800]

I made the transition to barefoot shoes about 3 years ago. I have flat feet and a locked big toe. They have helped, but I still have some way to go. One piece of advice I would give anyone transitioning is when they get home is to take their shoes and socks off and spend as much time like that as possible. It helped me.

[@emilybemily4397]

Covid and the subsequent working from home has really helped my feet. I spend days on end barefoot around the house and I think my feet have benefitted.

[@elmadas]

I completely agree!

[@micheleoster9413]

During the pandemic, I worked from home and spent a little over a year either barefoot or in Crocs slides (Crocs generally have a wider fit) and I accidentally widened my feet. LOL It pained me to get rid of some of the shoes I had (Doc Martens in particular) but I could no longer wear any of them comfortably. Now if I want a more fashionable shoe, I buy it in wide, go for a lower heel, and more rounded toe box. Recently, I tried Hoka sneakers because I workout in the basement on a cement floor. Just walking in them was a workout. The calf burn was insane and I had to send them back and just install a spongy floor tile instead. LOL Also, weird note, before the pandemic I was dealing with plantar fasciitis and about a month into working from home, it magically went away and I no longer felt I needed the orthotics that were waiting for me at CVS. Hubby also developed PF and I talked him into a barefoot shoe and his went away as well. Love all you do!

[@syrus3k]

I'm 42, and I switched to barefoot shoes (for running) about 4 or 5 years ago.. LOVE THEM. Took ages to get used to them but would never go back.

[@syrus3k]

Why do I love them? I can run much further now without pain in my knees. First off I got properly a pair of merrels.. can't remember the model but they had about a 1mm sole.. they were far too rough for anything other than nice smooth tarmac, and then I moved to yorkshire where I do trail runs so I got a pair of altra superiors which are zero drop with a wide toe box but have padding - they're really good! I had to conciously change my running style but then after a year or so it all just fell into place. One of the best things, is I *feel* like I run naturally now, which is amazing. Well worth the investment of time, you can run in a toe/midfoot strike style with regular trainers though so don't feel you have to spend money.

[@4amyoutube432]

​@@syrus3k Thank you! 🙏

[@Chris-lp2dk]

Transitioned to barefoot shoes (Xero Prio) 3 years ago and it fixed my plantar fasciitis, something I'd had for 9 years. Took 12 months to acclimate to them, but was more than worth it. Won't ever go back.

[@l.williams6249]

😂 Thank you so much for leaving that part in! You made my day😂🐈‍⬛❤️

[@lifelonglearner56]

I have flat feet and mild bunions, but I transitioned to Vivo Barefoot shoes about four years ago with absolutely zero problems. But I must say that prior to transitioning, I have always been in the habit of going shoeless whenever practical.

[@JaqsMIDIMatrix]

Thanks for info. I ordered some a few days ago and used your promo code. 😊

[@vidz953]

Love the indirect comparison to corsets, etc! 👏

[@neiljennings8822]

I have worn barefoot shoes (Merrell vapor glove 3's) for 5 years now and agree with every word Laura says. I cannot and will never go back to conventional shoes. The shoe industry only care about profit and not health. we are all cavemen living in a modern world and should treat our feet like cave man. Barefoot shoes do this without looking silly. Transitioning takes time but for me it has eliminated all foot, back and leg pain, it feels soooooo good to walk now. Well done Laura.

[@topsysdad1]

Been wearing barefoot shoes for two years now and have no regrets. Agreed, the transition must be done gently, as you point out our feet and whole body have changed to accommodate our shoe choice

[@Talon6551]

I started wearing the Vivo Barefoot shoes about 3 months ago. Going to the gym (resistance training) didn't cause any issues for me. However, wearing them to take a brisk walk was different. I noticed that the way I had always been walking - heel striking the ground first - did cause some leg pain, mainly in the calves. I even had some lower back pain. But, wearing them for several more weeks, the pains have gone away as I have gotten used to them. The interesting thing is that the traditional shaped shoes I was wearing, now feel uncomfortable as it feels like the toebox is just too narrow.

[@LauraTryUK]

My feet grew one whole shoe size in 3 years when I started wearing them. My feet grew longer and wider from the foot spreading out. Madness! I now cannot wear a ‘normal’ shoe, my foot is too wide.

[@joan.nao1246]

Same! Some family cannot grasp that my entire foot didn't widen, as in needing a 'wide' shoe sz​... my forefeet have spread into what I call Primal Shaped that no longer fit into traditional shoe shapes without wider, functional toe boxes. @@LauraTryUK

[@kevinpeterman7127]

So you're saying you switched from heal strike to mid or toe? Very interesting.

[@emmalouise8309]

Thanks Laura!! Ive been meaning to try these so i just ordered the pair you recommended! Looking forward to feeling more grounded and connected to nature🌸🌻💜

[@BrassLock]

Thanks for another fascinating chat (this time over the back-yard fence/washing line) Laura. It's always lovely to hear your thoughts on such a wide range of real-life topics with your friendly sense of humor.

[@drunkn3450]

Runners could switch from high cushion shoes to lower cushion shoes over time to eventually barefoot. Just make sure the socks you use allow your foot to expand.

[@rainbowtravelingyogi]

Great point to make. ❤

[@lisalanasa8740]

I went from standard running shoes to minimalist running for a few years (with standard shoes the rest if the time), then barefoot shoes for everything. It was a good transition for me.

[@paulacharman]

I've been considering barefoot shoes for some time now (mostly due to your videos) and I now feel better equipped to deal with any issues I may experience. (PS: I love your shirt so much!)

[@BirchPortal]

This was helpful & encouraging. I finally decided to try some barefoot shoes & experienced great pain after. The bottom of my feet were too tender to touch after a work shift & my knees, calves, & neck hurt in a major way. I've tried wearing them for shorter shifts as practice with the same results...after watching this I felt inspired. I know things take time to change, like diet, habits, and trying new things in general. I'm going to try shorter intervals with barefoot. Thanks!!

[@glamdragon]

Thank you for this shortie, Laura! I've been on my own "adaptive" journey by wearing non-slip socks at home. I work from home and stand in front of my computer, so it ends up being quite a few hours a day. Would love to get a pair of Vivo shoes, but I would have to order them online and am unsure if I want the hassle of having to send them back if they don't fit. 🤔

[@LauraTryUK]

The non-slip socks at home sound like a great start 💪

[@YevheniiaKo]

I started working out just in my socks recently and really enjoyed the feeling. Also I’ve been wearing flip flops a lot because this is the nearest barefoot alternative available for me right now. All my life I was thinking there is something wrong with most shoes that now I’m so curious about barefoot shoes. You finally convinced me 😂

[@number8533]

I work out barefooted or with socks on and the difference in difficulty shocked me. I have to work much harder with my balance. Goes to show how much work shoes are doing for you!

[@juuuzer]

I used to wear only barefoot shoes, but while living in Thailand, I walked daily in thin barefoot sandals and developed plantar fasciitis. Initially, I thought it was muscle pain from yoga, but after some googling, I realized the true issue. I had to stop wearing barefoot shoes and sandals altogether, and it took a couple of years for the pain to fully subside. Lesson learned: human feet aren't meant for walking barefoot on hard, flat surfaces like roads and pavements. Now I only wear barefoot shoes with a terrain undersole and add a soft Birkenstock insole for cushioning.

[@curleycale8274]

oh my goodness Laura, you've come up with some right shockers there. I had my hands over my eyes for some of them. So glad that you are an advocate (maybe the wrong title) for Vivo barefoot shoes. I imagine that making a product that has to be so robust that we can take them anywhere safely, and at the same time being sufficiently responsive in the sole that we as wearers can remain safe and attuned to the walking/running surfaces. But having said all that I do wish that there were ways to reduce the costs. I know there are Revive shoes available, but it is a lot of money and I feel sorry that more people will not be able to have them.

[@user-cr3fz8lz2i]

I use barefoot shoes to work out and I feel more balance and control. You said it LT…our bodies will adapt to support our goals or perform a task…but not always in the best way!!! Problems with shoes and our feet are just a sample. 😊

[@sallyalli4417]

Hi Laura thanks for the new vid. Just wanted to say you were one of the inspirations for me switching to barefoot shoes around four years ago in one of your early videos where you were talking about barefoot shoes. I was down the deep rabbit hole of searching for solutions to my foot pain that didn’t involve surgery! I’ve been following ever since and always look forward to your new content. I went cold turkey with my switch over and lots of things got better pretty quickly. But like you say after 50 years in conventional shoes it’s not an instant fix and even now after four years I get little niggles that seem to move to different places. But I’d much rather have that than continuing on route for totally debilitating bunions and more. Thanks again. Ps I’m glad I got to see your recent psychedelic truffle journey retreat before it was side lined. I really hope you are able to sort that because it was really meaningful and may be helpful to many. Thanks for all your great content 🌸🌈

[@eps-nx8zg]

luckily I was able to just swap to barefoot shoes right away, I'm young and I only ever wore shoes when I went out.. which wasn't very often to be honest.

[@Debsedoo]

I love my Barefoot shoes . Does anyone know if you clean them in the washing machine?

[@wycheywisdom7377]

I have washed several pairs of vivos in the washing machine over the years . They don’t last as long as long as those I haven’t washed.

[@toriwolf5978]

Wow so expensive for the amount of time you get out of a pair for the cost of everything today ! Think I will stick to just going barefoot 😂works for me

[@Meredith36]

Groundies also has amazing barefoot shoes. They're very stylish. I've been wearing them for years along with Vivos

[@StellaM22]

Yes! I have the knee high boots they are so comfy

[@lisalanasa8740]

I love Groundies and Shapen for more stylish barefoot shoes. There are, thankfully, many options now.

[@katn1952]

Groundies in summer, zaqq in winter and for hikes, belenka for style and whitins to work (as you can put them in the washing machine with no harm for the shoes) ❤

[@katn1952]

Oh, and I forgot ZaMi (sandals) when it's really hot ❤

[@Meredith36]

@@katn1952 this is a very helpful list. Thank you!

[@lucylontay5675]

I’ve since I can remember always wore shoes where my toes had room to spread as I never liked them being squashed, my feet always swell in size during the day. I was lucky to have been in a place during lockdown where I didn’t need to wear shoes for two years. Hence when I needed shoes I bought barefoot shoes. The trainers you showed I have and like. I also had the boots. However as someone who loves going on long walks, I have developed extreme pain in my feet. I feel that I’ve pulled the tendons in my shins and have extreme pain at the bottom of my heel. Now I can hardly walk on my feet and have had to invest in cushioned shoes. Although your theory makes sense, it doesn’t in my case. Barefoot is not cheap either and I feel frustrated as I love the space they give for my toes to spread, but my feet feel destroyed

[@helenr3242]

I’m sorry you’re in pain, I hope you recover soon. I never lost my natural foot shape, going barefoot a lot growing up and not liking my toes squashed either. I got into barefoot shoes in my 20s and it really helped some mild hip and back pain I was starting to get working in a restaurant, I gradually transitioned, did foot strengthening exercises, did everything right, and after a while of only wearing barefoot shoes and standing on hard floors a lot, walking on concrete, moving to a home with hard floors, and then ramping up my high impact exercise, one of my feet became really hyper mobile and the arch flattens under pressure, which cause more pressure on my second metatarsal and I got bad pain. I tried to walk it off and strengthen it, and it just got worse. So now I have to use some padding in my shoes, and I need arch support to not have pain. I felt so bad about it, and I can’t stand regular shoes now. At least as long as I have a wide toe box I’m happy. Sometimes our tendons can only be pushed so far.

[@JessKaplan]

This is suuuch an interesting take! I haven’t really heard this broken down like this before. 👏

[@helene3]

I’ve been transitioning to barefoot shoes for 4 years. I ended up with a stress fracture in the foot by running too much at first. After recovering I had to very slowly transition again. I wear barefoot only in the gym but I struggle doing walking in barefoot because I have ended up with a heel spur. I now wear Altras, with wide toe box and zero drop, because I need some cushioning until I recover from the heel spur. I’ve heard that natural feet are not made to walk on hard pavements. I wear my XeroShoes when in the woods and country trails (walking or running). Transitioning is definitely difficult !

[@LauraTryUK]

Thanks for sharing your experience and shoe recommendations 🙏

[@dodgygeezerdandy]

I tried barefoot shoes many years back. Unfortunately they didn’t work out for me. I have a leg length discrepancies and my longer leg was taking the “hit” even more.

[@MrJofArnold]

100% I can support this. After 30 years of "normal" shoes I've been wearing barefoot only for the last 15. However, when people ask whether I can recommend them first I ask if they have foot problems and then - if not - warn them it'll take years to adapt. When we compare our feet they appreciate just how different mine are; they are muscular and wide with big gaps between the toes. That doesn't happen over night for sure. In terms of shoe recommendations I used Vivo since they were founded but after trying different shoes over those many years I can safely say Freet at by far the best. Their range is excellent, the soles aren't super thin (vital for transitioning on the hard day-to-day surfaces we experience) and the last ages.

[@affliction6911]

Very good video.. my wife has bunions and her feet, it's so difficult for her wear certain shoes or even sandals. I have worn shoes and sandals for many year.. but mostly now I usually go barefoot in the house because I usually don't wear shoes indoors I was raised to wear shoes inside the house because of my father's believe. Anyways I've noticed now that when I put shoes on and I go out anywhere my feet are in a lot of pain. So to make this a shorter message, its as you mentioned.. the body does adapt and it takes a long time for it to get use to a change. Thank you for your videos

[@mbrochh82]

Incredible video! Thank you very much for this.

[@clairemartin8144]

Exactly !! Why aren't our shoes made to true foot shape. One of life's annoyance s.

[@Marqan]

Can definitely relate to this. Not only my feet hurt in thin shoes (like the classic converse), but without wearing the special padding for my flatfoot I get knee pain as well. I expect it to be a somewhat painful transition, but I imagine in the end it will prevent more pain than it causes, so it's worth.

[@yowie6747]

Really interesting, I went barefoot many years ago when I started running again. I transitioned really quickly. The thing about modern running shoes is many people heal strike while wearing heavily cushioned shoes. This is quite unnatural as it is basically impossible to heal strike when barefoot running. Watch any young child running and you will almost certainly see what it looks like to run naturally, they will be impacting on the forefoot. As you stated Laura the foot when barefoot our brains absorbs a lot more information from the foot and responds with the bodies natural shock absorption system. ‘Born to Run’ is a really interesting book to read . It gives an insight into how running shoe companies have used propaganda to continually try to highlight the advantages of using ‘their’ shoes to give you an advantage. At the end of the day though each to their own and anybody that’s out and about trying to improve their health and fitness is vastly better than being a couch potato. 😊

[@humility-righteous-giving]

yep,i got into it due to running as well, i had a bike that was hurting my knee just after 7 mile ride,a good bike has let me ride to my hearts content with no knee discomfort at all, so when i got into running i right away started looking for the best shoe to protect my joints ,and hilariously found out that the best is no shoe at all!!! i have run 5+ miles with just toe spreaders many times, i am not sure how to improve my forefoot strike to start each strike at the pinkie toe, but i feel that completely barefoot makes it a bit better ,training to forefoot strike was not easy but pretty straight forward, but refining it to a perfect pinkie side start for optimal shock absorption is still a struggle, any ideas? i sometimes get discomfort in ball of the foot as a result ,going 100% barefoot does help the landing be better

[@yowie6747]

@@humility-righteous-giving interesting my knees were my problem also and likely caused by bike riding , specifically time trial / triathlon bike riding. My ITB was giving me incredible grief walking up/ down stairs and running and couldn’t trust my right knee it would be painful but give way randomly. Going barefoot and using Vibrams (sorry Laura 😊 if that’s not the brand you endorse, but same concept ) fixed the ITB issues really quickly. Like I said previous comment transition was a breeze for me but it seems most seem to take some time, I must have been lucky with my physiology, maybe . 🤷‍♂️

[@lauracamellini7999]

It's veen 5 months now, with barefoot shoes, I always had a thing for good shoes (neck orthopedic problems) the feeling of freedom is wonderful, my feet are a little more grateful everyday 😊

[@graceenglish9169]

I've always had wide spread toes and finding shoes that fit was a chore. Vivobarefoot fit like a dteam gor me and make returning to "normal" shoes very uncomfortable. They have a good selection of leather shoes that no one will look at curiously - like lots of barefoot shoes which are a bit odd looking. Definitely worth trying

[@Max11551]

Interesting! Literally stuff I never thought about before.

[@nicoleellis21]

Love your work!

[@bobbysteurer8631]

Glad to see the speed cube still kicking around. :-)

[@rebeckamattisson5083]

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤❤ You inspired me to start wearing barefoot shoes, my son started at the same time. He was 12 then, and he loved it immediately. I had to adapt more slowly, but I feel so free in those shoes. 😊😊😊😊😊

[@troypeterson6057]

I was intrigued by the idea of going barefoot since I recently heard about it. I immediately started going for barefoot walks around my neighborhood and jogging in the grass at my local beach. I had heard about how transitioning to barefoot can be difficult and painful and I’m happy to say that I’m not experiencing any of those problems. It just occurred to me that maybe an advantage I have is that I am 47 years old, and the majority of my life has been spent in a pair of basic Vans. They aren’t exactly barefoot shoes, but I would consider them zero drop, minimal support shoes. Just a theory

[@dmdunn]

That's great. Can I ask, are you overweight? I ask only because anyone that I've ever known who's made a successful transition to barefoot shoes completely has always been pretty close to their normal weight range. Making the transition as a categorical "obese" person seems to be a whole other proposition that proponents of barefootedness don't seem to want to address.

[@troypeterson6057]

@@dmdunn I lost about 80 lbs a year ago and got down to a very healthy weight. I think you are absolutely right.

[@tammiehammett5054]

I tried Earth Runner sandals but after about 3 days my heels had cracked so bad they were bleeding and I was in a huge amount of pain. I tried it again after they'd healed. Same thing. I wear flat wide shoes and have never had a single foot problem. I think it's because I walk hard on my heels like a monster. I gave the shoes away.

[@LauraTryUK]

Earth Runners are hardcore. Vivobarefoot just released a similar sandal. Very minimalist! It taken me some time to adapt.

[@tammiehammett5054]

@@LauraTryUK Love your videos by the way. You remind me of British me. 🩷

[@toriwolf5978]

They are so costly though ❤

[@TheNerdistheWord]

That’s crazy. I’m barefoot almost al the time and wear vibram 5 fivers when working out or hiking and whenever I wear “real shoes” I get extreme foot and leg pain.

[@anidancinglight]

I loved this short, humorous video, Laura. :) My husband began wearing barefoot shoes a few months ago and has had no problems so far. When he was first considering barefoot shoes, I noticed he could not flare out his toes and couldn't even get a finger between them. Remembering I had a pair of toe separators from the days when I used to paint my toenails, I suggested he wear these around the house, and he has begun to notice improvement. He was involved in a very serious motorbike accident a couple of years ago, and as a result, he now has a bad limp in one leg and had to wear an insert to stop his leg from buckling inwards. Since wearing the barefoot shoes, he no longer has that buckling.

[@pinkiebrain7597]

Transitioned almost 5 years ago and I will never going back.

[@desangesquinous]

I transitioned to barefoot shoes after fracturing my ankle - I could not run very far at all, at first. Being forced to take a slow, gradual approach, I was able to fully transition within a year.

[@teresahay3265]

I have been wearing barefoot shoes for about two years now with no problems until about a month ago. I now have pain in my heel which I think is plantar fasciitis. It it usual for this to happen after such a long time?

[@LauraTryUK]

I’m not sure but get a golf ball, or small ball under their and roll, roll, roll.

[@sarahandrews340]

I have a question about socks! It’s winter where I am right now and I get really cold feet but I find socks very restrictive around my toes which seems counter productive with barefoot shoes. Do you use toes socks? Or have some other recommendation? In summer I tend to go barefoot a lot anyway but I’m looking for more winter options for the ice blocks on the end of my legs 🥶

[@toriwolf5978]

Oh yes agreed I need socks that don’t strangle my toes 😂 can’t find anything

[@ElizabethEllisCoach]

Excellent!! ❤My faves are still my most minimalist slip on Vibrams for the past 8 years. I feel like a Vibram toe type is a great beginner barefoot shoe as well, because it helps put the foot and toes in the right position, stretching out the toes a little with the separation between toes. Wish I’d known 50 years sooner. Also, lot’s of walking on the beach barefoot and on soft ground, grass to begin with make a huge difference.

[@landonward1647]

I'm interested in barefoot shoes but I wear a size 17. So any shoe choice is limited and specialty shoes are even more limited. Is there any other large foot people out there who have tried and stand by a brand who makes larger sizes. I'd greatly appreciate some info and help. Thank you in advance.

[@gedbretherton1597]

Hi Laura, I started wearing Vivos just over 12 months ago after watching one of your videos. I have a pair of Primus and a nice pair of boots. Although I can't run in them yet I just can't go back to conventional shoes. You feel so much more connected to the ground and can distinguish between different surfaces. I love wearing them and now wonder why I used to wear orthotics. Walking naturally is the best way forward. Thanks for posting.

[@tomatomate45]

I experienced pain at the beginning a couple of times, but now I think they are the most comfortable shoes on the planet.

[@Cloxxki]

I'm a semi barefoot runner. After long injuries/laziness I want to get back to running, but no-one makes racing flats anymore? How are the thick cloggs?

[@annelif6984]

Dr Chatterjee had a very interesting podcast with Vivobarefoot years ago and they mentioned a conversation with the marketing team of a German well known shoe brand. Worth listening to.

[@wyb01]

I transitioned 2 months after my last pregnancy (which is 6 months ago). I want to say "I just did it, no problem" but I never really wore heels or the narrower shoes, or the overly cushioned trainers. My feet got tired in the beginning but quickly caught up with my increasing stamina postpartum. One thing I can't explain is that now every morning straight out of bed my ankles and/or feet hurt a bit for a few steps, as if they're stiff and need to warm up. I'm on board for these shorter vids as a change of pace!

[@joan.nao1246]

I learned, because of women's hormone adjustments and how they affect our ligaments & tendons too, to stretch my feet, ankles & calves before I got into bed every evening AND before getting out of bed every morning. Makes a huuuuge difference in comfort 😊

[@wyb01]

@@joan.nao1246 thanks! This is new to me. It's just a few steps but still, weird.

[@LauraTryUK]

Thanks for the comment and I’m pleased you like the snappy vid 😀

[@TheSUPERHAPPY1]

Are Crocs (or Crocs off-brands) a close way to get the wide toe box? They have padding, but I find my toes are not squished at all in Crocs. I also use toe seperators - it's amazing how your toes/feet feel more alive when using them

[@user-dt1vz4ce2w]

Thank you for discussing this subject 👍❤️🌹

[@aquinning]

I feel blessed I was able to buy my first pair of Xero shoes a year ago and just run with it. No underlying issues. I haven't seen the amazing transformations in my feet yet but I have donated all my old shoes and now have a barefoot shoe collection that covers every occasion. So don't worry anyone reading this comment, sometimes it just works with no issues!

[@shellyrubio3207]

I REALLY ALLEVIATED THIS CODE VIDEO!!! Thank you, Laura!!!

[@bildotunechi]

I agree with you, and have worn barefoot shoes for many years, but I don't feel the need to have a gigantic Vivobarefoot logo on my wall.

[@LauraTryUK]

😂😂😂

[@markwilliamson9140]

Good video by the way. Very informative.

[@perTablet-kp6rm]

Can we use your discount code to buy that shoes outside England? I live in Italy

[@LauraTryUK]

I think so! Let me know if it works, or not, and I’ll see what I can do.

[@kristinek7436]

I wear barefoot shoes all the time, Except when I want to do jumping. I am older and tore a meniscus years ago. So now, if I do any high impact type of cardio, I have a pair "conventional" gym shoes with the widest toe box and padding. I am so happy to switch right back to barefoot. And my knee is happier also.

[@rainbowtravelingyogi]

Loved this❤❤❤❤😊

[@emmaslow]

I tried Vivobarefoot many, many years ago as a throw of the dice after 5 years of trying to recover from a bad back injury that had me barely mobile. I feel really fortunate that they were the exact right answer for me and my recovery came on quickly from there 🙏 My only sadness is that Vivo stopped doing the Breatho Trail, which I just love (& even had a pair posted from the US by a friend when they discontinued them!), and I'm still wearing them for gardening now, well over 10 years later - they are rags but I just love them. If I ever won the lottery I'd pay to have more made 🤣 For now, I've had to go to another brand for my daily barefoot shoe as none of their models since have been so lightweight yet sturdy, plus Vivo started with nice muted colours but now seem to only like dayglo chaos which is not my vibe 😂

[@HarryPotterFan2110]

I started buying and wearing barefoot shoes around the time I found your channel 2017. I could start to see my big toe going at an angle inwards and bunions made me squeamish 🤢 I just went full in. Didn’t progress into it just bought a pair and they were my only shoes. I was working as a postman at the time so walking on all ground surfaces, 10-15 miles a day. At first it did hurt. My feet got tired quickly and if I walked on gravel driveway I would be whimpering. But I would NEVER go back now. My feet have adapted and I have impressive calluses on my feet now. I even don’t wear slippers anymore just socks and all my shoes (even my wedding shoes) are barefoot shoes from a few brands, mostly all vivo’s though thanks to your code 😉

[@gotteskind_7]

If anyone wants a lil hack cause barefoot shoes are super expensive....look into water shoes. There are some that look identical to barefoot shoes, foot-shaped with wide toebox, breathable, snug yet comfortable...and almost a quarter of the price. Just a thought. Moccasins are a great choice if you'd rather have more natural materials, although they will cost you to have them custom made. Well worth the investment IMO.

[@toriwolf5978]

Some great ideas thanks

[@denisea3465]

Question: we don't ever wear shoes in the house. So going barefoot at least 50 waking hours per week. I have considered buying barefoot shoes to wear around the house to adjust but maybe it's totally unnecessary? Shouldn't actually barefoot be as good as barefoot shoes, or is there some benefit? I am working on transitioning my outdoor shoes but am having a hard time finding a good fitting barefoot shoes suitable for harsh wet, freezing winter weather. I have plantar fasciitis and am looking for relief.

[@MishelleBee]

Shoes are totally weakening our feet. The muscles are atrophying. I’m a reflexologist and see so many poor deformed feet. The older people are the worst that some cannot even walk!!!! So glad you are speaking of this. The education is necessary. I transitioned fully with no issues. But building up my running again. Personally I find Vivos too narrow! I like my Xero’s though…. Check out Freet, and also Bahe Running and WildSoles - all based in UK

[@katrinastarkweather2074]

I have hips pain, leg pain, and my left foot is a mess with plantar fasciitis. I am wearing shoes with support and orthotics and not getting better. Should i try barefoot shoes? Why wouldnt just going barefoot in my house prove that going for barefoot shoes would be helpful? Thoughts? TIA!

[@JandG2]

What do you wear when you have to dress up or even wear to work? I would like to wear barefoot but so far haven’t found any options that look nice.

[@noonenowhere6920]

I only wear shoes during winter. To protect from frost bite. Spring summer and fall, I'm barefoot.

[@toriwolf5978]

Smart idea❤

[@monkswhiskers3354]

What is the pink piece of apparatus on the shelf behind you?

[@ElwoodPDowd-ed7pc]

I agree, thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@carlfielding2082]

Laura what do you think about Crocs to begin with? They allow your feet to widen but still offer comfort?

[@gbone7581]

I wear slippers (stokies) a lot so my feet should be ok, they are just like barefoot shoes but much cheaper?

[@toriwolf5978]

Love it lol I wear a pair of moccasins works for me

[@stephenmiller5004]

I totally agree with you Laura. I brought my children up in the Caribbean, and for years they ran and played with local children without any shoes, through the bush, into town, everywhere without shoes. Later in life they had to wear shoes to conform to society. They hated it. However, you try and find shoes that will fit their feet, we almost have to get them specially made, because their feet are now so wide. One is now a surgeon in the NHS, and is on his feet 11 or 12 hours a day …..his feet have changed shape to fit the shoes.

[@Drrck11]

I was thinking about getting barefoot shoes. Thanks for the tip.

[@alisonS4708]

I've been wearing Altra running shoes for years now and along with yoga I can physically spread all my toes now. I have just bought my first pair of Vivo to try out on the trails. Couldn't use your discount/link code as I am in Australia but I wanted you to know I tried :(

[@TerryManitoba]

Who doesn't walk around the home barefoot for an hour per day . . Isn't that enough of a break in period for wearing barefoot shoes instead of actually having to purchase a BF shoe. 15 years ago I bought my 1st zero drop shoe - I had no pain what so ever (cuz I am barefoot in my house!). That was after for years wearing work boots when I was in construction & dress shoes when I transitioned to an office. Lets put barefeet back into the BFS

[@65johnmc]

"Interesting", I am older than your friend but also experience the same issue, flat feet & fallen arches, now early stage arthritic ankle due to misalignment, bloody painful!

[@LauraTryUK]

This is sad. I hope you find some solutions.

[@ellenm1937]

About 10 years ago I broke a couple bones in my mid foot. Standing was no problem but walking caused me pain well after the bones had healed. My podiatrist recommended rocker sole shoes like MBT to help my foot break over, but the pain came and went continually. During COVID I was working from home, rarely went out and was barefoot nearly all the time and my foot pain all but disappeared. So I investigated the barefoot shoes and bought several pair of Lems and Xeros. My foot feels normal now during all activities, so no going back for me.

[@marek298]

You described my problems and actually my thoughts and conclusions. If you wore conventional shoes for decades transition may take some time, even years and can be painfull...

[@youtubeaccountt100]

I think the problem is wearing them on the concrete and there’s simply too much concrete around us. I could buy barefoot for when I’m walking in just grass etc but then that would not be often

[@Britbabe53]

I wear Vibram Five Fingers, but not on a daily basis. I've never had an issue but I imagine if I were to do so full time, I may experience some of these issues.

[@MarieForet]

I haven't tried Barefoot shoes yet, but can't wait to do so. Unlike a lot of people, I love their style! I've never worn high heels in my life, never worn very "feminine" shoes. I've just always loved being comfortable. I remember buying a pair of Lowa shoes about 20 years ago (don't know if the brand still exist)... I was in heaven! Then, many pairs of Keen shoes and boots. Also many, many pairs of Birkenstock sandals... not shoes, but they do make some. And my beloved Blundstones boots which at first felt a bit too wide and too big on every side, because my feet would move around, but I got used to it, and have loved and used them for a good 8 years. Need a new pair now... I guess my point is, even if personnaly I really want to try Barefoot shoes and think I won't have any problem with them, far from it, if people don't like the Barefoot style or if they're not a good fit for them, then they can still find good quality shoes that won't destroy their feet, and that will be comfortable, with a lot of space for their toes. My feet are pretty wide, and my toes are not at all squeezed.

[@LauraTryUK]

Love this!!!!