Walking, 🏃‍♂️running hiking and backpacking in minimalist shoes (FiveFingers, etc.)

[@jamesblaser5329]

Best shoes ever I love vibram

[@KurtPapke]

I still wear 'em. Can't run due to arthritis, but they are great for lifting weights.

[@jamesblaser5329]

And great video man

[@KurtPapke]

thank you James!

[@TomSimak]

I love my vivos and the feel they give running!

[@KurtPapke]

Ya know, I never tried Vivos, but they look great. During the pandemic I started jumping rope on my non-running days, and barefoot style shoes are great for that activity too!

[@TomSimak]

@@KurtPapke Totally agree, love some good jump rope for a solid calf workout!

[@rickwebermusic]

I just recently got into sandal hiking and found that I love it! I went with the Bedrock Cairn adventure sandals. They are a little thicker than VFFs, but are still quite flexible, zero drop, have superior grip, and are extremely durable. I love how refreshed my feet feel after a long day of hiking in them, as well as the ability to just walk through water without having to worry about wet shoes & socks. It's also nice not having to pack a separate pair of camp shoes.

[@KurtPapke]

I don't hike in sandals as much as I used to. The trails in Arizona are just too rocky. If I still lived in Minnesota I'd be hiking barefoot :-)

[@rickwebermusic]

@@KurtPapke I do most of my backpacking in the Arkansas Ozarks, so I'm with you when it comes to rocks. For me, as long as I have enough underfoot protection, it doesn't really matter if there is any protection on the top of my foot. The Bedrocks (at 14mm stack height) do a much better job of handling rocks than my VFFs (at 6mm stack height). Regardless, minimalist hiking is much more enjoyable than having to tromp through trails in heavy, rigid, thick footwear!

[@whatilearnttoday5295]

@2:50 look at that, a foot working the way it was evolved to work. All that shock absorption, worth the weight of 100 pairs of boots.

[@KurtPapke]

+What I learnt today Yep. People ask me if it hurts to run on concrete in my Vibrams. Not a bit.

[@whatilearnttoday5295]

+Kurt Papke A mate who is a little odd and likes to challenge peoples thinking, would point at his foot, press it down into the floor and show how the bones/muscles spread out the force... Then ask "How much force you think that can absorb?".. Shock absorbers on your feet, I'll take 2 thanx.

[@scruffy281]

totally agree with you.

[@Adamjen]

i find this video surprisingly soothing

[@KurtPapke]

My voice puts people to sleep :-)

[@4angayoga]

Great information. Thank you.

[@KurtPapke]

Thanks Chris. That video is getting long in the tooth, but everything still holds. I still run (and jump rope!) in my VFF’s.

[@kaiyote4717]

great stuff. thank you so much! I am in the middle of my transition. these are allowing me to get back out in the woods after two nagging knee injuries

[@KurtPapke]

Great to hear! Thanks for the feedback.

[@austinado16]

Excellent video! Like you, I'm about 5+ years into the Vibram FiveFinger running/hiking/backpacking, and what a great difference. I wouldn't touch a pair of traditional hiking boots if I were paid to use them! I'm not a fan of the hiking poles/walking sticks though. IMO, they falsely alter the posture and the way a person walks, not to mention the false support they give. Again, just my opinion, but I think it's better to allow the body to gain strength and real balance, by not using them. I'm 53 and my teenage daughter and I run rim to rim in the Grand Canyon in our Vibram FiveFinger "Spyridons." Thanks for taking the time to put this video together. It's great info!

[@KurtPapke]

Thanks for the quality feedback, especially from someone with deep experience with minimalist shoes. I envy your ability to run R2R, and it's good to hear others have had success with the Spyridon shoes.

[@joshuavr452]

Hi what would recommend as the best hiking/Running Vibram?, there are few on the market and i wouldnt know where to start. Thanks

[@scruffy281]

Great information! So appreciated........thanks so much.

[@rydelljr6262]

Exactly what I was looking for and wanted to hear

[@KurtPapke]

Glad to hear it! Best wishes on your minimalist journey!

[@wolfking2281]

Using 5 fingers for 3 years ...75% of my back and neck pain went away! Plus my foot is so strong I can defeat superman with one kick 😎🦶

[@KurtPapke]

Superman is quaking in his cape ;-)

[@lonakutty5280]

properly explained video .... great stuff

[@KurtPapke]

Thanks Iona, I appreciate your kind words!

[@lotsofwood]

i'm 6 weeks out from an achillies laceration with an axe. i'm using barefoot minimal shoes now to rebuild the tendon and leg muscles. they are outstanding.

[@KurtPapke]

Ouch! I cringe just thinking about such an injury. Take it slow!

[@kamperkurt3084]

Interesting review. I have talked with some friends recently that do barefoot running and they have realized similar benefits. I had not considered it for hiking. I do so much hiking on rock that I like the thicker/stiffer sole that a boot supplies. Three questions for you. 1. You mentioned rocky trails being harder on the feet. Could you through hike 15 miles per day for a week or would that just be too much strain? 2. How well do the minimalist shoes do when hiking in rain or wet conditions? Does it cause any problems? Was also wondering about using them on slot canyon hikes like Pariah Canyon or West Clear Creek where you are in and out of the water all day. 3. How cold can you get with them? Is snow completely out of the question or can you keep the feet warm?

[@KurtPapke]

Kamper Kurt 1. Depends on the type of rock. If it is fairly smooth, no problem. I've done 4-day Grand Canyon hikes in my Vibrams. 2. Excellent because they dry so quickly. I'd go sockless in a slot canyon to minimize water retention. 3. I've hiked on snow with them, no problems, but I did wear socks. Good questions!!

[@eddiej9733]

Great overview. From walking, to running to trails. Exactly what Im after, and exactly what I found here. I am going to give the Vibrams a go, and am after an all in one shoe. For some dumb reason I thought I could just take to it easily (nearly 50) and have been alarmed at the amount of calf pain I have )mind you its only been three weeks :-) ) - so your timeframes, and whhat to expect (the pain, that will recede) is heartening Cheers

[@KurtPapke]

Eddie J Thanks for your comments, glad you found it useful!

[@blickluke]

I've heard a barefoot/minimal approach can fix flat feet, I really need to give this a try but weather here in Scotland is so cold and wet all the time lol

[@KurtPapke]

It's a long journey to getting your feet strong again, but running barefoot-style it is the only true cure. There are people who run in minimalist shoes in the snow. Check out the Facebook Barefoot and Minimalist Runners group for advice and moral support.

[@jgsk78]

There are options out the, like the synthetic Gobi 2 by Vivo, I think that's water proof, not made for hiking but very versatile. Other brands too..

[@Lilacleaf49065]

I have 2 pairs of vivos and find being in North england they're fine. I have some small very flexible ones which aren't waterproof due to upper mesh material but they can defo withstand mud and light rain and keep. I have a pair of vivo hiking boots and honestly they're the comfiest walking boot I've ever had. Waterproof and warm with a minimalist removable sole so if you need to put on thick socks you can . There will be something for you!

[@lunchbeast9899]

Kurt, what's your experience with minimalist shoes and thorns? I've been wanting to try these for hiking, but while I don't fear the rocks and and larger hard debris like you show in your video, the prospect of cactus and tree thorns have so far kept me in regular hiking shoes.

[@KurtPapke]

Great question. Tucson where I live has more cactus than just about anyplace else, and it’s never really been a problem. Most of the thorns are well away from the trails. When I do a bushwhack, like Ragged Top in Ironwood NM, I will wear more rugged boots because the chances of stepping on cholla are pretty good.

[@luisdeluna5095]

Great video sir

[@KurtPapke]

Thanks for the positive feedback!

[@mkscott12]

I am wearing Treks Airo and will never go back to regular shoes.

[@scottydoo330]

This was very informative. The others did not address the issues I was having. I’m definitely doing the tie and mid strike. Is this ok to keep doing this? I have noticed my feet seem to like this. Do I need to try to get away from the mid strike?

[@KurtPapke]

If your feet like it, it’s good!

[@Lilacleaf49065]

Ive been doing shorter hikes and working out with my barefoots for a few years. I've found my feet are okay with transitioning to harder trails and more climbing - but I definitely feel like I've had a huge workout in my legs after quite a small amount of steep inclines. Not sure if this is linked to the barefoots or not, but I have a feeling it might be. Wondering if anybody else has experienced this?

[@KurtPapke]

Yes. I found it is both physically and mentally fatiguing to use truly minimalist shoes on steep, rocky trails. I found it useful to carry some shoes with more support for the descent (Altras, etc.). Arizona trails can be incredibly rocky, and that was a bigger factor for me than the incline.

[@rogerdavies1234]

looking at your walking gait early in the video, it looks like your feet are externally rotated and you over-pronate too. I have both of these issues and wondered if you've ever tried any corrective exercises, or had your gait analysed. Thanks.

[@KurtPapke]

I did some PT for my lower back last year, and they also looked at my gait. They didn't seem to think it was a big deal. FWIW been running for 40 years, and still have pristine knees, so whatever is going on it doesn't seem to be too detrimental.

[@austinado16]

His feet are operating correctly. Pronation is correct. It's how the foot "senses" the type of surface, angle of the surface, etc. and transmits that instantaneously to the brain so that the brain can balance out the body. You don't get this function wearing regular shoes. For example, ever twisted/rolled your ankle in a fancy pair of running or hiking shoes? This never happens in shoes like the Vibram FF's, or New Balance Minimus, or the Trail Gloves. In those minimalist shoes, if the foot goes off camber, the brain instantly responds without you even realizing it, and all of a sudden that wayward foot has been unloaded, the entire event is over, and you keep on going....meanwhile, you're thinking, "Wow, that could have been really bad." Walk or run barefoot and watch what the foot does naturally. It's actually really cool, and you don't have to think about it.....it just happens. You can see it in the slow motion shot he has of his running stride; the foot pronates, and then lands on that outer edge, just behind the pinky toes. Then the foot splays out, rotates slightly inward toward the big toe's knuckle, and this is when the brain is receiving all that great "surface conditions" info. Then the heel just touches, and off you go with a nice big shove from the big toe knuckle, and an energy return from the calf muscle which is acting like a spring. It's very efficient and smooth!

[@scotth.1393]

austinado16 described so well. Thank you.

[@Aleadergear]

Great shoes

[@D0J0P]

Ssssssweet Jesssssusssss

[@Aleadergear]

Wonderful! What shoes were you wearing on the hiking trail?

[@KurtPapke]

Merrell Trail Glove 3

[@frankgerardlobitos6119]

nice video man. i always injoy othere video that injoy this kind of hobby. o man i just want you to say in the philippines at Davao city on august we had a marathon of 400kilo meter that must finish only 4day. i do not known how must the award but it is challenge.

[@darrinmcgann]

Still not sure how I feel about this. Gotta say, I didn't know us "old" folks could do this sort of thing! I thought toe shoes were just for kids who hadn't ruined there feet yet! Interesting

[@KurtPapke]

I still run in them exclusively at age 64...

[@Maynza]

If you’re a strong heel striker, does that mean you shouldn’t wear minimalist shoes?

[@recurrenTopology]

If you don't want to change your running gait, then yes you shouldn't wear minimalist shoes as a heel striker. Heel striking when running barefoot or in minimalist shoes is quite painful, and you will either be forced to change your gait (not necessarily a bad thing) or will eventually injure yourself.

[@Debo65Tor]

Hey Kurt, I am about to hike the JMT in VFF. Have you done any long hikes for 10 + days in a row in VFF? I would like your minimalist shoes recommendations for this. I run in VFF and have used them in a one day 10 mile rough terrain hike, but never for 10+ days in a row. Would love to hear your input.

[@KurtPapke]

My max so far with them was a 4-day Grand Canyon hike. If you are concerned about your feet holding up, shouldn't be a problem. My experience has been that running in them is much harder on the feet, achilles and calves than hiking. I have only done a short section (1 day) of the JMT, and that was in Xero sandals, which worked out really well. I don't know the JMT very well. I find that very rocky trails are the toughest on my feet with minimalist shoes of any variety. If your "tough terrain" hike was representative, I would think you'd do just fine.

[@Alien2799]

Great video Kurt. Thank you! I think that you made me change my mind. Foolishly I was looking at some transition minimalist shoes for backpacking/hiking. I realized that I would not be able to hike for too long in them (even if they are not truly barefoot) not having any experience with this type of shoes. I will do what you say: get a pair of real barefoot shoes and then gradually get used to them and then do hiking. Do you recommend the shoes you wear for a beginner? Anything else? Thank you.

[@KurtPapke]

A good transition shoe are the Altra Lone Peaks. They have reasonable foot protection, zero drop between heel and forefoot, and a wide toebox. They are becoming very popular among through-hikers. They will strengthen your achilles and calf muscles. Hope that helps.

[@Alien2799]

Thank you Kurt for such a prompt response. So what you are saying is that I could try to go more minimalistic on trails right away without the acclimatization period for a year or two? Yes, the Altra are on my radar. The only thing is that I am looking for something that can dry fast when stream crossing or when it is raining. I think that they take long time to dry, don’t they? Also apparently they are not very grippy? I am looking for something that makes me feel like a gecko (LOL)

[@KurtPapke]

The Altras are a good transition shoe, lots of people have been able to use them successfully for hiking. They will take longer to dry than sandals, but are still very breathable. To feel like a gecko you'll need Vibram Five Fingers, but that's almost like being barefoot.

[@sipr6]

I see you have the Vibram V-run in the beginning. I see they have a thinner sole. How long (mile wise/month wise) do they last? Are they still going? Thinking of getting those. Thanks!

[@KurtPapke]

They were actually a pair of Bikila's and they last about a year. The V-runs should be pretty similar.

[@sipr6]

Cool. Thanks!

[@millionairebillionairetril3937]

Is it durable for several years?

[@KurtPapke]

I seem to get around 500 miles out of my Five Fingers

[@vedymin1]

Any thoughts about fox walking in these ?

[@KurtPapke]

Good question, but I had to look up what fox walking is! Should work just fine, but try it and let me know!

[@Tyrexl050]

What shoes were you wearing on the hiking trail?

[@KurtPapke]

+Tyrexl050 Merrell Trail Glove 2. I have since worn them out and replaced them with Merrell Trail Glove 3's. If you want a pair, better get them soon as this Spring Merrell is going to stop making the Trail Glove model.

[@johnnysachu9020]

Since breaking a toe with these shoe's, stubimg it on a tree root in the Tetons, I can't recommend them. Since switching to everyday soft shoes, old style runners, my feet are much happier and better protected. They're great for running and walking, the FiveFingers, etc., on flat surface areas, as mentioned here in the begining, if one likes but I don't care for them at all these days. Good perspective on these items. Thanks for your thoughts.

[@KurtPapke]

+Johnny Sachu Quite so, minimalist shoes are not for everyone. They require a high degree of concentration while hiking so as not to stub a toe, etc. Thanks for your comments!

[@fernando96061]

Prima si appoggia a terra l'avampiede poi il tallone....

[@abitofthisabitofthatwithda5379]

are you talking just vibram shoes or are you talking about what you call minimalist shoes in generale?

[@KurtPapke]

Minimalist shoes in general, though I do most of my running in VFFs

[@abitofthisabitofthatwithda5379]

thats what i thought. thanks.

[@Dinu-desculţ]

Barefoot is better !

[@KurtPapke]

+Dinu Desculţ There are a small number of hikers who hike barefoot, but it is nearly impossible here in Arizona with the sharp rocks, cactus, etc.

[@Dinu-desculţ]

@@KurtPapke Going barefoot is the gentlest way of walking and can symbolise a way of living - being authentic, vulnerable, sensitive to our surroundings. It’s the feeling of enjoying warm sand beneath our toes, or carefully making our way over sharp rocks in the darkness. It’s a way of living that has the lightest impact, removing the barrier between us and nature. - Adele Coombs, “Barefoot Dreaming”

[@CptAngelKGaming]

@@Dinu-desculţ Let's see how your "barefoot dreaming" serves you once you've stepped into some glass or other shit laying hidden in the ground. Injuries and infections are also part of your "dream". No thanks, I'd rather go with a minimalist shoe and get almost all the benefits with no drawbacks, without having to wonder whether I'll get back home or for a trip to the ER.

[@dddddddd9870]

Why you don't walk forefoot? It's destroy your knees

[@KurtPapke]

Not true. There is no evidence that *walking* with a heel strike will cause any issues. Running is a whole different story of course.