Why People Quit Wearing Barefoot Shoes

Why do lots of people quit wearing barefoot shoes?
That's what I'm here to find out!
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Questions? Use the comment section below and let's chat!
#barefoot #VivoBarefoot #BarefootTraining #barefootshoes
00:00 - Why People Quit Barefoot Shoes
00:28 - What is a Barefoot Shoe
02:30 - Common mistakes people make
05:22 - Knowing warning signs
08:15 - Good barefoot shoes for beginners

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

New To Barefoot Shoes - Checkout Our Barefoot Transition Guide 🚀: www.barefootstrengthproject.com/barefoot-transition-guide

[@BAROMETERONE]

Barefoot shoes are common sense. I bought my first pair almost a year ago. Here's my analysis. I've been athletic all my life and I'm now 60 years old. Both of my big toes were bent, had bunions and pain as a result of wearing improperly designed footwear for a lifetime. After about 3 months of wearing the barefoot's I began to get pain in my arch's. I'm guessing for some, this is where they stop wearing them. I attribute the pain to my feet changing slowly over time as the constrictions on them were eliminated. I had anticipated this and continued to use them with the pain subsiding and gone after about 6 months. My toes have slowly and steadily moved into more natural positions with the bends, the bunions and the pain on the big toes essentially completely gone in about a year. For those that didn't know...your bones are malleable. They will change shape over time based on natural growth and external pressure(s). Crappy designed shoes, debilitating us, should have been banned decades ago. My feet are becoming stronger and the lack of pain in my toes have eliminated hesitation and tentative behavior in my athletic performances. Pain will always make you hesitate or avoid making specific movements. Barefoot's are simply common sense.

[@jasonjames6870]

It's insane that shoes being foot shaped is a new idea

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

😆 I know, mad.

[@mariog4707]

Not trying to be clever but are the “plimsolls” I used to wear back in the day not barefoot shoes?. I remember I used to live in mine during the 60’s and 70’s - white for sports and black for general use. You can still buy them today in child and adult sizes and they are very cheap - my grandkids have some.

[@jasonjames6870]

@@mariog4707 pretty much yer just without the wide toebox. I used to wear those types of shoes all the time along with skate shoes and still occasionally do. But the wide toebox is a game changer for me, the only issue I have with barefoot is is the price

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

@@mariog4707 Pretty much, the only thing missing is the wide toe box but otherwise they're on the money 🙌🏼

[@user-kb4oc6be3i]

Foot shaped shoes is not a new idea, thin soles is.

[@tacthom]

I've become barefoot full-time for the past 36 months. I started working from home during the pandemic and don’t wear shoes in my home. I switched to barefoot shoes when I go outside. I still can't run, but I can walk around 14 miles no problems.

[@krazatos]

The sensory feel of walking in barefoot shoes is addictive. If i'm waking and I see sand- I have to walk on it just to feel the difference.

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

😆😆 ditto and tree roots. I love seeking that stuff out

[@krazatos]

@@TheBarefootStrengthProject even cracks on the sidewalk, I find myself trying to step on each one

[@user-bq3mu5id3d]

absolutely. I am new to the thing - actually I don't even use barefoot shoes, I have some cheap chinese wide toebox shoes with flexible and thin sole but they're very far from being "barefoot", and yet after just a couple of months of gradually progressive use the difference I feel when I put on "normal" shoes is shocking. It's like going deaf all of a sudden. And when I put on high drop shoes without thinking about it lmao I almost fall forward

[@TteokbokkiNari]

Did it the other day. Felt so good ~

[@TayWoode]

I’m so glad you said “addictive” and not “addicting” which everyone seems to say these days coz they don’t know it’s wrong

[@miken7629]

I am 69 and switched to barefoot shoes because of knee problems, they solved my knee pain issue since these shoes make me come down on my forefoot instead of my heel, my knee is bent on every step so leg muscles working as shock absorbers relieving impact shock on my knees. Down side, takes 6-12 months to adapt to new method of walking, while hiking on Appalachian Trail the thin soles caused me to feel every rock & root on the trail. I have some zero drop shoes that have a 1 inch sole for next hiking trip that will give a little more cushioning. Checked into history when raised heels were added to shoes, was in 13th century when more people were riding saddled horses for transportation and heels were added to lock the foot into the stirrup, raised heels were made for riding horses, not walking, but since the wealthy were the only ones that could afford saddled horses and raised heels made those people appear taller, raised heels became a status symbol.

[@meathead365]

Wow, very interesting, thanks

[@jepleas9159]

Same for me. My knees stopped hurting in 2020 when I suddenly started working from home (barefoot) and I made the connection to barefoot shoes. Since my knees stopped hurting, I returned to backpacking. Now I wear zero drop Altra Lone Peaks with 25mm soles for backpacking on the Pacific Crest Trail.

[@michaeldunigan5839]

I am 3 years into wearing barefoot shoes. I used to roll my ankle about once a year, and I always had arch pain with traditional shoes. Now I don't roll my ankle, and my arch pain is gone. The biggest downside is my feet hurting after long periods of concrete walking. But I will take that trade off for the benefits!

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

That's awesome dude! Sounds like a win win win (apart from the concrete bit, but I bet that'll get easier with time!)

[@_stealth_y]

You could also try a sole with a sole that is a little thicker so you’ve got a tiny amount of cushioning for the concrete surface. We’re not really made to walk on such a hard surface anyway

[@Amanda-uc5jq]

I have a pair of zero drop shoes that have slightly thicker soles, still flexible especially in toe area, but much better for hard surfaces.

[@CrazedCorgi]

I have different types of barefoot shoes. I can walk several miles in my trail shoes over the flats. I do like my flat since i can slip them on easier without retieing the shoes.

[@Walkerxy]

The not rolling my ankle anymore was the drug that got me hooked on barefoot shoes like 4 years back now.

[@antheablackmore5838]

I’ve been barefoot shoes and bare foot for nearly 10 years, after a severe mid foot injury, ignore podiatrist’s advice, consultants advice to have surgery for arthritis??!!….I ignored them all now and within a short period of time…low back pain, gone, foot pain , gone….best decision I ever made

[@ganapatikitty]

Do you have any brand(s) you like?

[@trisopie]

Just wait till people realize the same can apply to beds and the way we sleep. Barefoot shoes helped me transition to firmer beds!

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

Careful, you might blow some minds talking like that 😉. Firm beds definitely for the win, bonus points if it's a shikibuton

[@Lee-ic2yn]

You'll be sleeping outside next 😂😂

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

@@Lee-ic2yn next video... "I slept in a cave for 7 days"

[@xristinarose2409]

Went to Japan last year and we did very traditional inns. I went from my very soft mattress to a hard futon on the floor and tbh i had little to no complains, which was unexpected. My husbands back pain went away also. Who knew..

[@DouweBuruma]

@@xristinarose2409 it’s different for everyone, I went from a normal matras to a hard futon, I slept very well, but I always woke up with back pain (I am a side sleeper).

[@BigHairyDwarf]

It took about two weeks for my calves and ankles to adjust which I believe is stretching of tendons and muscles to a natural position. Sore and tender every night during adjustment. Funny enough I went I guess the tough route. I wore them for my job on concrete 8 hrs a day for a month. I love them. I will say for anyone choosing to. Learn to slow down. I am a fast walker and barefoot shoes make you highly aware of stepping and how exposed your feet are. My pace was cut in half. It's as if you came from 24/7 wearing thick winter gloves to wearing disposable latex gloves. Be kind to your feet give everything time to adjust.

[@lukepaulson3428]

I spend nearly all my time in barefoot shoes but I just don’t enjoy running in them. Instead, I prioritize a wide toe box with a “minimal” drop and “minimal” cushioning.

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

That's fair - I'll sometimes use the Altra Lone Peak 7's on really long runs. What do you go for?

[@lukepaulson3428]

@@TheBarefootStrengthProject Altras for sure. But honestly, converting to barefoot shoes has trained me to run with proper mechanics. Now, I can run in anything including my current New Balance.

[@kd_76]

What I realized is that it hurts to run barefoot if your posture/form is wrong. I began focusing on that, then running barefoot became much less painful

[@1234scann]

@@TheBarefootStrengthProject I ran a 55km trail race in those... I still switch between barefoot and regular shoes for running though.

[@EmmaVZ]

Whats the minimal drop and minimal cushioning shoe that you went for?

[@Me_Caveman]

I had leg issues until I started wearing barefoot shoes. Now my legs and feet are stronger. I don't understand why everyone doesn't wear zero drop shoes. It's like weightlifting at the gym, except the hardest part (getting youreself there) is already done.

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

Well said!

[@franny5295]

My feet look like I'm designed to not sink in sand. The bottom line is I live in a region that I'm not adapted to because my people were kidnapped and forcibly relocated. I have to have some support somewhere, kind of the same way very fair skinned people can't handle the sun the way I can. Edited to add: There are tribal people that climb trees and their feet look more like hands. Their toes are actually functional.

[@getAliKhan]

I've started running in barefoot shoes and it's like recovering from an injury. I'm 51 this year and also started working on pistol squats to engage more of the stabilizer muscles around my ankles. It really is like starting from scratch but I feel like I'm standing and moving differently, better.

[@mebschoudhury]

7 months for me since I started. Wanted to just say this channel helped me a lot. Still haven’t tried a long run in them but can finally walk on concrete for 10km+ walks with no foot pain. The strength gains are brilliant!

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

That’s so good to hear! Appreciate the support and look forward to hearing how a long run goes (when you do try one!)

[@georgeacosta246]

Been in barefoot shoes for a while. Started with Vibrams and it instantly tells you that there is more reactive feedback from the ground. Injuries are pretty much people being aggressive on the transition period. I got a pair for my brother who's used those bulky soled shoes and told him "walk in these untill your feet and calves feel comfortable, then up the pace and use" so far hes had a good transition.

[@Paraclef]

Walking forefront is definitevely harder than running forefront. The heel exists for a reason, the worst one, the loss of the prehension of the nails.

[@marcallain]

one of the drawbacks that i've heard from people is that they are more expensive, but I tell them they tend to last longer but they don't want to hear it.

[@pppetra]

You also need less pairs, cause they are ugly under whatever. A pair of sandals for summer, hiking boots for autumn, winter and spring and a pair of sneakers for the dryer not to cold days. Done.

[@nightsky212]

​@@pppetra except that you need sandals, sneakers, snow boots, boots for cold, shoes for dry weather but cold , shoes for dry weather but hot, whateverproof ones and official ones as well. And they might be ugly but i still need to colour code and shoes start to smell if you wear the same a fez days in a roll

[@pppetra]

@@nightsky212 my hiking boots are fine till minus 25 °C. Great for rain, snow, ice, cold. Waterproof. My sneakers are fine for anything from minus 5 till 25. My sandals are good for 20 and above. So i have all i need with just 3 pair.

[@LiefRunsFar]

​@@pppetralol. Luna Sandals all year round. A thin pair of socks if there is really wet slushy snow. Lol. Done.

[@pppetra]

@@LiefRunsFar we are into autumn month 10 in a row. There is nothing but much and water here.

[@nurseruthie11]

I eased into barefoot shoes over a period of 3 years. My first pair were zero sandals. Now I have several ballet type dress shoes, sports shoes & hiking boots, all barefoot. No regrets with taking it slowly to get my muscles & joints used to working differently.

[@patrickfeige6390]

I got myself a pair of Altra Escalantes and can never return to wearing normal shoes as I no longer have running injuries. I am barefoot at home all the time and now only wear vivos/xero shoes. It is a slow process and when I run in vivos my calves are on fire afterwards, showing muscle imbalances. I’ll also go out for runs barefoot in the grass, it greatly improves my running technique. Wearing barefoot shoes is a free workout for your feet, with all the added health benefits!

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

Definitely agree! And top tip, skipping is great for the calf x achilles conditioning needed for barefoot running 🫡

[@levigriffin5553]

Love my Escalantes

[@austinado16]

Shoes are not a religion, they're a tool.™ Choose the correct tool for the job. At age 48, I started wearing Vibram FiveFingers in July 2012, and the Bikila model was my first pair. I hadn't run in 15yrs due to injuring my left knee badly, training for a race, wearing traditional, high-heel, running shoes in 1997. I'd tried to start running again several times during that 15yr lapse, but couldn't get further than about a half mile before the pain in that knee was searing. The first day in the FF's, I ran 7-1/2mi on the trails of our local 1,200'/366m peak, and that included a mile on pavement, to and from the trailhead. I ran 27mi that week, on a mixture of all pavement, and more trails. I was so sore I could barely walk, but my knee(s) both felt great. Of course this was not the correct way to transition, but I was so excited to be a runner again, that I just wanted to be out there. As you say, the experience of "feeling" the terrain was amazing, and also, the instant change to running and walking, both in form, and posture, was amazing. One of the fantastic things about FF, verses putting on a minimalist shoe, is that the FF's trigger the brain to immediate put the body into; "I'm doing this in bare feet" mode. So immediately, both running and walking, are done in correct human form. Many times people will buy a pair of minimalist shoes because they don't want to look stupid in a pair of FF's, and then they are miserable, or injured, because their brain is still in "I'm in a shoe" mode. So the person is still heel striking, but now they're in something with no protection for that level of impact. Of course the shoe gets blamed for the injury. I commonly hear, "Oh I tried those stupid shoes once. I got injured in them, and so did my buddies. They're a fad. You know that company got sued, right?" I'm almost 61, and still in the FF's, running year round. My knees will never be great, but I can get out on the trails and run 3 to 3-1/2hr training runs with a ton of vert, and I run Rim2Rim at the Grand Canyon twice a year as an XC run (no poles, no walking), and as a marathon distance. I also run Rim2River (aka: the cowboy loop) at the end of May each year, and will be there again in a week. When the trails become to packed with exposed stone, I run in a minimalist shoe with a little more protection. A couple favorites are the old New Balance Minimus 10V1 and 10V2, and their MT1010, which are easily found on mercari/poshmark/ebay. I'm also a huge fan of Merrell Trail Gloves, and Vapor Gloves. When I race a trail Half, I wear one of these, because the FF's are not a fast shoe, and they are not for real racing, and putting down real power and speed... hence my initial comment: Shoes are not a religion, they're a tool™. About 5yrs ago I started wearing Vivo BareFoot Primus Trail FG's at work, as a mechanic, 9hrs a day, on a concrete floor, covered in oily grit. My normal "oxford type mechanic shoes" were causing a ton of knee pain. As soon as I switched to the Vivo's, my knee pain went away. I wear them as my daily shoes as well. I have vids on the channel of my daughter and I running in the Grand Canyon and other places, in our FF's. She joined me in them at age 12, trained in them and even raced in them for a while in HS XC and Track, and was the only team member on any of the running teams, who remained uninjured. All the while, her coaches were preaching to the kids that if they didn't run in thick soled, raised heel, motion controlling, shoes, they'd be injured. Guess who had 100% of the injuries. Thanks for continuing to put the message out!!

[@sidny0426]

What are FF'S?

[@austinado16]

@@sidny0426 Vibram FiveFingers

[@lsh-zi2lc]

@@sidny0426 FiveFingers

[@greenmtnprepper9241]

Vibram, “Five Fingers” (thus, FF)

[@nowster]

Ten years in Vibram FiveFingers here. I'm 55 now and have ceased to care what people think about my footwear. Best thing I ever did was to change away from conventional shoes.

[@Dr.Shankenstein]

I'm one year into wearing barefoot shoes. I work 10-hour shifts walking around on concrete. My feet feel much stronger however I do not include running on a hard surface as part of my exercise program. If I run I do it on treadmill but I mostly use stair machine and cycling

[@elisabethm9655]

As a 73 year old, I’ve always gone barefoot as much as possible all my life. The only reason for heavy footwear is dangerous terrain. The only injuries I’ve ever had have been in ‘regular’ shoes. I now have a couple of pairs of barefoot style shoes. I really love them and wear them all the time now. Though I still have my regular shoes gathering dust in the closet, I’m well on my way to buying some barefoot style boots for winter wear and I really wish there were more ‘formal looking’ styles for business and celebratory occasions. Though frankly, at my age if anyone comments on my informal sports wear, I just play the silver card and claim I need them for my health…or just stare ‘em down.

[@KateKnolls]

I haven't worn barefoot shoes yet, but I've been seriously considering it. Your video was really helpful, thank you!

[@BarefootAthletemailbox]

I had plantar fascitis last year, and through an intense transition that I don't recommend I am running again pain free. Take your time, start with 30 minutes, and if your not sore do more. If you are sore take a break immediately, and put on a comfy shoe. Even when I got to the point where I could wear them all day. The next day I wouldn't wear them at all. Treat your foot muscles like regular muscles. Don't workout sore muscles.

[@ronster59]

Been barefoot for about 6 months now, I'm a caddie so plenty walking. Can't even look at my old trainers now. Just subscribed as this guy is on point.

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

Thank you 🙌🏼

[@camillarich]

Been in barefoot shoes almost 9 years now. Never looking back.

[@dylanboswell3810]

My feet now hurt more if I wear shoes with Cushing. Even my wide toe running shoes. Altra is the brand. I like them but Still get aches

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

I'm in the same boat, barefoot or nothing ❌

[@Clav08]

yup 6 months of pain until i felt comfortable to start working out in it. I tried working out before that and it was very painful

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

Short term pain, long term gain. Hopefully those 6 months were worthwhile!

[@matthewcollis6259]

I got into barefoot shoes around 2 years ago after being run over, I suffered from chronic knee and ankle pain and went down the 'more support is better' route at first - if anything my condition got worse. I had read/watched a lot of stuff on barefoot and decided to give it a go, bought some Vivo's and wore them around the house at first, then short walks down the canal/local paths for a month or so. I now wear barefoot all the time - but I do tend to wear Altra's for longer walks up in the Lakes where a bit of cushioning helps out on long treks (i'm comfy in my Magna Forest Tracker SG up to about 20k's per day but over that and the Altra's come out) one thing that is annoying is the price of them!! At least here in the UK you can use the Revivo service and get shoes resoled at a reasonable cost

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

Sounds like you went about the transition the right way! If you know the lakes well you might've spotted me heading up red pike in my Hydra review video 😆

[@MichaelSheaAudio]

I was lucky enough to find the education before stepping into barefoot shoes. I always thought my feet were flat, but I just have low arches and a bad habit of overpronating. After getting into the shoes, changing my gait, and taking things slow, I'm pretty much fine now, almost 9 months later. I did run into posterior tibial tendon issues, and I do get shin pain when I run, shin splints I imagine, I'm still doing fine. Sore feet is way better than sore joints in my ankles and knees, and a bunch of other things have changed for the better as well. My balance is still very poor too, but I have a lot of work to do just because of where I started. The education is the most important part.

[@Bread_n_Butter.]

As a nurse walking on a hard floor for 12 hours, I focused on comfort and cushion. Now I want to focus on making sure I keep/get my feet strong and functional. But no way I'm wearing minimalist shoes on a hard floor for 12 hours. BUT... I'm thinking approach it like working out, where I schedule periods of the week where I just wear those type of shoes and allow my feet and legs to adjust.

[@audibleadventures9004]

Well yeah, that's the problem with this we arnt designed to be walking on hard surfaces. Not to mention used needles and other horrible things people throw everywhere.

[@theoldaccountthatiusedtous6767]

I just bought my first pair of barefoot shoes. Growing up I did dance so I was used to ballet slippers, so I think I have an advantage. Still, I went for a walk yesterday in my new shoes and felt like it was putting more force on my heels/knees/low back, so I started putting my weight more to my toes naturally.

[@LiefRunsFar]

No, it's using your muscles differently. They have to strengthen, stretch, and learn this new way of walking.

[@citedcanvas85]

Im mostly barefoot at home. I have barefoot shoes but dont wear them every day. I tried going for walks with them. It hurts too much the next day. Its a slow process for me

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

Slow and steady wins the race! Try and keep the walks short to start and gradually build them up over the course of weeks & months and whatever you do, don't quit 😉

[@wills.789]

Using barefoot shoes as every day slip-on shoes for making trips to the store has helped my foot strength, leg strength and my gate tremendously. Wearing them while working out has helped a lot too. The arch of my foot took a while to strengthen little by little.

[@cameronelliott9709]

Wearing barefoot shoes gave me a uncontrollable desire to post on social media about barefoot shoes.

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

One of the most devastating side effects… I hope you recover soon ❤️

[@user-cq8gf7fu2d]

Yet again, this is an excellent video from you. After 12 months I now own 4 pairs. Love my Motus for the gym & Primus knit Trails for every day use. I’m wearing my Magna Forest FG”s tomorrow for the first time. After a lifetime of running I’m the proud owner of two replacement knees so thought Vivo’s would not be suitable for me. How wrong I was. My foot strength, balance & mobility are now much improved. It’s not an exaggeration to say they’ve completed changed me. Many thanks for your excellent videos & best wishes 👍

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

Thank you - I appreciate the kind words and it’s amazing to hear how well they’ve worked for you! Good luck with the Magna Forest FG’s, let me know how you find them ✌🏽

[@siredc4182]

I started wearing vivos at work, where i sit at a desk. The only walking i do is up and down the stairs and walking on my breaks. This helped me ease into it, and i did have tightness in my achilles in the mornings when i woke. Sometimes i would get achilles pain while walking on concrete. It went away after a while and i waited too long to do the calf stretches. Those helped instantly and after a year or so, i rarely have and tightness or pain in the AM

[@helenfoong3696]

I've switched to barefoot about a month ago. Absolutely love it and had no problems transitioning at all. 100% vivo!!

[@PerryScanlon]

It's great to see a balanced view on this subject. Keith Baar's research on collagen synthesis suggests that 10-minute workouts may be best for strengthening tendons and ligaments.

[@alexstone9099]

I did get achilles issues and generally the ball of my feet and my heels were hurting after a short walk on concrete when I first started. I took almost a month break while my achilles recovered and slowly integrated them back in and over time without really thinking about it I've just ended up wearing the barefoot ones wherever I'm going, and I go out quite often for long walks in the city for long distances on both concrete and grass and my feet certainly were not able to do that a year ago when I started wearing them, so definitely respect the adjustment period and what your body and feet are telling you. Now I definitely feel my feet are stronger and more resilient otherwise I wouldn't be able to walk as much as I do now, so I would definitely recommend trying it out.

[@earthmamma85]

Been wearing barefoot shoes for about 10 years. I suffered with foot and toe pain since I was a kid and eventually knee pain as the years went on. A light bulb went off one day while I was barefoot outside… my feet don’t hurt when I’m barefoot. So did some research and found barefoot shoes. Now I am blessed to be barefoot most of the day and when I go out I wear barefoot shoes. Feet have never been better.

[@emmmahezw]

Thank you for this great information! I’ve been wanting to get into barefoot shoes for months now, but money has been tight. Hopefully soon, I’ll be able to get myself a pair! I walk barefoot quite a bit, but it does suck whenever you step on something unexpected. I’m happy I found your channel; I just liked and subscribed!

[@LiefRunsFar]

They last at least twice as long since you step lighter.

[@laleilha]

I'm 47 and started 3 years ago when barefoot shoes became available here in Brasil where I live. Had a lombar injury at the time. Transition was somewhat slow for walking but helped immensely with my recovery. The first benefit I recall is walking long distance (10+km) without shins' pain or leg fatigue. I traded muscle pain for blisters 😅. An 3 years later and pain free from my back I returned to running. Calves on fire the first few months and now I feel like I have iron legs, very resistant. Did my first 5k trail run last weekend and only got sore from the knees up.

[@user-sk9sp7pe4y]

Broke my big toe, and I strongly believe because I've switched over to vivo barefoot shoes it has helped me heal the big toe somehow. My flexibility is back and arch and everything just feels better.

[@MrDaros89]

Started with barefoot shoes a bit over a year ago. I feel so much better in my back, and my knees have become straighter.

[@pauldupre2269]

I've been wearing Vivobarefoot shoes for about 8 months now, I have four pair. Been fantastic, solved me knee ache. But recently my heels have been causing me pain. Certainly not going to go back to the usual 'fashion' shoe as I don't like the narrow toe box, but the pain isn't half annoying

[@luceinbattaglia9425]

Me almost 13 years experimenting with barefoot shoes. Now I can’t even wear normal shoes. I feel such a discomfort that is almost impossible to don’t think about it. Real game changer!

[@Lee-ic2yn]

Interesting that I can go from walking barefoot to putting shoes on and feel nothing Just buy shoes that fit lol

[@donkeyhead68]

I have switched to barefoot shoes just like that and I've been experiencing achiles tendonitis for more than 6 months. I'm starting physiotherapy now. I want to go back to wearing them, but for now I cannot.

[@Jsarson1976]

Been wearing them for 6 months, it was an adjustment and I can’t go hiking in them but everything else I feel really comfortable and I have less foot pain than I had before. I wear them 80 percent of the time, but they’re not good for every type of terrine under the feet.

[@10stephenrose]

I gave it over 6 months and just didn’t enjoy running as much in barefoot (and admittedly, some zero drop only) shoes. I wasn’t having any issues with “traditional” shoes so just swapped back. I would consider running in zero drop trail shoes in the future, I enjoyed altra lone peak

[@martinzendejas8423]

I love that some people try to hardcore and get a shoe that is meant for people that have been wearing barefoot for a while. They don't like it and I can pick them up for a better deal 😂

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

Discount shoes for the win 🤣

[@nowster]

Most of my shoes are eBay specials. 😆

[@lafamillecarrington]

The main problem that I had transitioning to barefoot shoes was when cycling. I have flat pedals and initially found them to be very uncomfortable, so used other shoes for that activity. After a couple of months, I forgot to change, and there was no problem. I assume that my feet had just become used to feeling more.

[@ChristopheStrobbe]

I had been walking barefoot at home for years. So when I bought my first pair of barefoot shoes, I started using them for entire days from the start. I never had any issues because of them. But most people's feet have been conditioned by being in "foot coffins" all day long.

[@JBuchmann]

That makes total sense. I work from home and am practically barefoot all day (I wear socks) and stand 90% of the time at my desk rather than sit. Also after work some days I do lots of bodyweight exercises like jumping lunges, jumping squats, walking lunges, etc all in just socks. After years of this routine I feel like I would hit the ground running if I get a pair of these shoes for outdoors.

[@barbarrossa1969]

I am now a half year into barefoot shoes,i am hooked. i did the same walked extra over different terrain 🫣 stepped in hidden 💩 last week i got outside to get my bin back without shoes, i got looks from al sides, i. my surrounding i did nit see once a person in barefootshoes

[@Rustle.76]

I started wearing Xeros as gym shoes for weightlifting and walking on track and treadmill. I don't sprint or distance run, except during warm ups for martial arts (which is barefoot on a mat). Just bought another pair of Xeros for outdoor wear. I have wide feet. I always ran around barefoot as a kid and I've had a pair of Birkenstocks since I was like 12 (hippie parents), so the transition to barefoot shoes has felt very natural. Getting back to a wide toe box and not having an ultra squishy sole just feels so damn good. I'm not 100% sold on every aspect of barefoot shoes, but I wouldn't go back to a conventional shoe.

[@krazatos]

I started with Altra zero drop running shoes to help with my planters fasciitis, wore them for about 3 years and just got into Vivobarefoot shoes 6 months ago because I was developing bunions. - I didn't have issues transitioning because I lift weights barefoot, at least I think that is why. Already on my 3rd pair. I have the Primus lites for the office and walking around town. The Leather Magnas for winter wear and cold weather hiking and the knit trails for hiking. No more Planter's Fac and no more bunions. I would recommend getting zero drop shoes before switching to complete barefoot shoes.

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

I agree, a little cushioning goes a long way at the start! Did you have the Lone Peak's?

[@krazatos]

@TheBarefootStrengthProject lone peaks and then the Olympus

[@jackdixon1871]

Been over a year now and will never go back. It feels so good walking and every time I wear non barefoot shoes it feels really uncomfortable and doesn't feel natural. Definitely a game changer.

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

Massively agree 🙌🏼

[@AlexandreLollini]

Yes, it's good to go into this progressively. The Prios are delivered with one removable sole, I kept it for 2-3 months and then tried without and that is the moment I fell in love with the concept and rediscovered my feet. I think this also upgrades the brain, because this opens new sensor input from those two additional hands we have at the bottom. Now I am sad when I have to put on normal shoes for rare events ... so I enjoy going back to those wide toe boxes.

[@itsamodernmess]

I absolutely loved wearing my barefoot shoes from 2019 until 2023 eventually got Achilles issues on my right side when I started training pretty fast VO2Max. I use to sprint in my barefoot vivos but I guess the higher intensity was not kosher for me. Now I looking at getting BPC 157 somewhere in NYC - let me know if you have any hints for me!

[@sarahb.6475]

I have been wearing barefoot style shoes since at least 2016 if not before that. I have hEDS and I just cannot wear "normal" shoes with arch support or those raised heels. They mess up my feet SO bad as my feet are very hypermobile and then the "normal" shoe gets horribly crooked! But a barefoot shoe solves this!

[@nowster]

I also have hypermobility and suffered thirty years of corrective orthotics for flat feet. Six months in barefoot shoes were better for fixing my arches than anything the podiatrist made for me.

[@kenziedayne4234]

Going barefoot around town is how I got plantar warts on the bottom of my feet. Never had an issue going barefoot in the country on the grass. But a few weeks on the concrete of the city and they popped up. Stays in your body for life since it's from a virus.

[@YSLRD]

I had them decades ago, but when I had kids and stopped going barefoot ( couldn't risk injury) they disappeared and never came back.

[@GreatGreebo]

Very interesting video. I walk around actually barefoot as much as possible when the weather allows. I’m in the Pacific Northwest of the USA so it’s May to October. Maybe I should look at some of these shoes so I can remain “barefoot” in the winter months 🤔 Thank you. I just subscribed and am very intrigued.

[@jorgends]

It took me a year to transition to barefoot shoes. First, I switched from Nikes to Altras for six months to get used to zero drop. Then, I transitioned from Altras to Vivobarefoot. The sensation was immense. It took me six more months before it was completely comfortable. I have been wearing barefoot shoes for 18 months now, and I am not looking back. Why did I go through the hassle? I firmly believe that we are meant to walk barefoot and that regular footwear weakens our feet and numbs our senses. I use barefoot shoes for work, walking/hiking, gym and running.

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

That’s a smart way to do it and sounds like it was definitely worth the time and effort. No going back now!

[@jorgends]

True, good things takes time 😊

[@kswiftful]

Vivos + trail = bliss

[@karlkrassnitzer6819]

Four years ago I switched to barefoot shoes for running becauce of knee pain. I am 66 and run approx 40 km per week mainly on concrete. I adapt very carefully. and alternative I wear zero drop cushioned altra shoes especially if I am a little tired. I swear of barefoot shoes. No pain more. But I am carefully and switch between barefoot shoes, plain water shoes and zero drop Altra shoes.

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

Sounds like the right strategy to stay injury free - do you find you change your stride when you bounce between them out of curiosity?

[@karlkrassnitzer6819]

@@TheBarefootStrengthProject not really. similar appox 180 steps/minute , forefoot-midfoot

[@cominatrix]

Make sure to strengthen ankles, knees, and hips to help support foot muscle support too. It made a lot of difference for me to get the support structures in better shape and reduced/eliminated most of my plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.

[@chiffonkek2]

I’m super curious to try barefoot shoes but man it’s so hard to find any brands that offer barefoot shoes at all jn Malaysia, cheers for your great content!

[@Simon-pl2zi]

I have strong feet, and can walk for days. But occasionally when I start walking on the pavement, I find it takes a little time to adjust in my Vivo barefoots. Good news is my toes are starting to spread, which is how they should be.

[@mick4300]

Started wearing barefoot shoes last year.. I wear lows from an Australian brand called Paperkrane. The most comfortable shoes I think I have ever worn, like walking on a cloud ☁️ 😍

[@nowster]

I've been in Vibram "are those things comfortable?" FiveFingers since 2012. Can't wear "normal" shoes without discomfort nowadays. I've also done a bit of truly barefoot running in the last few years (max 5km) and the hardest bit is dodging loose bits of gravel. Smooth concrete is easy but high friction asphalt surfaces want to shred your soles.

[@sammy_lu552]

Thanks for the video. Just ordered my first pair of barefoot shoes for running. Will take your advice and start slow :) Thank you very much!

[@FlatToRentUK]

Have a look at some videos for running form. No idea how you run at the moment but it is different trying to land on a bent leg underneath us instead of bashing our heels down with a fairly straight leg. It's tough on the calves which is where I had a few strains but I took this as a good sign that I was doing it right.

[@LiefRunsFar]

​@@FlatToRentUKyour body naturally adjust. Don't over think it.

[@FlatToRentUK]

@@LiefRunsFar Not in my experience and that's not the experience of others I've listened to. If you spend 30+ years doing something one way it's not easy to change. It's been 2 years for me and I still have to mentally focus on several things. Looking forward to the day it all happens naturally!

[@LiefRunsFar]

@@FlatToRentUK in barefoot or minimalist shoes type feet get the input they need to act appropriate without stomping, like you would in cushioned shoes. Also, without cushioning your muscles and tendons so the work that the cushioning did poorly before. Hence almost zero injury rate without the modern shoes.

[@topsysdad1]

I love wearing barefoot shoes, I had terrible issues rolling my ankles. After wearing barefoot, this hasn't happened.

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

Definitely a quirky perk!

[@mad_scientist5597]

One thing I find barefoot shoes to be quite undesirable for is cycling. People don't really talk about that so I don't know the science behind it, but I feel a lot more comfortable on a bicycle with normal shoes. Cause the sole is rigid and helps transfer the force to the pedal without bending the foot. Kinda annoying if you want to combine cycling with walking (like commuting or a trip). Short distances are okay. Longer ones I just put normal shoes on. I've been wearing mostly barefoot shoes for about I dunno 3 years now? I remember the start being kinda rough and that's with only really walking around in them. I could've gone softer on the transition but also a lot harder. This video makes sense to me from that perspective. Do not underestimate the change people!

[@claudiaarcand2768]

I personnaly like to walk and cycle without any shoes

[@MarmaladeINFP]

I bicycle with barefoot shoes or barefoot sandals. It hasn't bothered me at all. But I'm used to going barefoot. And I have strong foot musculature. I find it easy to push my pedals with my toes. Also, like the other guy, I will also walk and bicycle without shoes. Most of my time, in fact, is entirely barefoot.

[@RagnarHoff]

And i think people give up on it because they don't see the importance of toe freedom so they wear barefoot shoes that restricts the big toe a bit without realizing it. They just feel pain and give up. No cushioning means your foot is on your own without support and the toes plays the most crucial part in that. After 7 years barefoot, i get metatarsal pain if i try barefoot shoes that restricts my toes. But in my fivefingers im on my feet all day at work 8 hours completely pain free.

[@Winstonsmom]

I absolutely love my barefoot shoes. I run barefoot on my treadmill, as the arthritis in my big toe joint makes running shoes impossible. The only shoes I ever wear outdoors are barefoot shoes. My arthritis pain is pretty much gone now, though the mobility hasn’t improved. That’s ok, as long as I can still be active I’m not concerned.

[@christianpraisedance]

I wear mainly barefoot shoes for about 6 years. I suggest people to look unto them yet always preface because i used to dance and was always on my toes the transition for me was short yet still a transition. The second thing is that while i do believe everyone can benefit it must come down to individual choice. For those who choose to not wear them if the work is put into strengthenjng foot muscles, stability, etc it can only help to strengthen the body overall. Some can and others can not that just comes with the territory and knowledge can only be shared. One oversight i am being challenged with is coming back to normal activities after a fractured ankle as well as continuely need to not forget stretching and strengthening.- foot about 5 months much improved. It does get overlooked even by those who are barefoot and barefoot shoes. The impact is more than can be expressed since the ankle and foot are so intergral in movement and how we go about our day daily. If you can walk and choose not to wear bearfoot shoes please strengthen you feet as injuries that can be avoided only make one better off. Again knowledge is power if taking it to apply to you and making a decision for your personal needs will always bypass what others think or want to inject into your life weather about shoes, clothes, etc. Use the knowledge and make an educated decisuon best for where you are now and dont rush transition or if frustrated a brake in any area is important to see it from whatever lense you need to to keep going.

[@sidilicious11]

Love barefoot shoes. I was beyond thrilled when minimalist hiking boots came out since all my hiking is in the woods. They are basically high tech moccasins.

[@christianpraisedance]

@@sidilicious11 I would be interested to try for sure... any suggestions on where to look for them?

[@chr103yod]

I've been wearing them for about 2 years. I haven't had any problems. I slowly transitioned into them. I would only wear them a few hours a day. I've gotten to where I can wear them all the time, and I can even run in them now. Great book about this is called Born to Run.

[@xristinarose2409]

Just ordered my very first pair to try. Gonna start with little walks and see how it goes. Only hope that the thin sole doesnt wears out to fast. My regular shoes last me 3 to max 6 months at best but are 1/3 of the price, i wont be to happy if the same happens to my vivobarefoot. Not planning to replace them every 3m. So i hope for the best

[@LiefRunsFar]

You walk lighter. So, they last 2.5 to 3 times longer.

[@TaylorWheeler]

I got Motus Strengths and realised that everything is concrete, i put Skate boarding insoles (FP Custom Orthotic insoles) in there and you get the barefoot experience without any problems from striking concrete, recommend. First 3 days of breaking in the insoles is horrible but after that a dream.

[@dennymarysumner9291]

I've been using barefoot shoes for about 4 years. I have always enjoyed going barefoot. The problem I have now is I have developed a nerve pain in my left forefoot. I also love my BMW F650GS 😊

[@valdius85]

I am half a year into wearing minimalistic shoes. Had some issues at the beginning, all gone now. At the moment I don't enjoy wearing anything other that minimalistic shoes.

[@omenvii242]

I've been walking barefoot/wearing barefoot shoes for about 2 years now. However, I still love my modern running shoes and the fun experience they provide. So when I go run, I'll lace up my modern running shoes. For everything else, I'm in barefoot shoes or barefoot.

[@Shevock]

I use barefoot shoes for lifting. I also wear them to work every now and then. But i always run in regular running shoes.

[@brittanyfehlings6838]

I cant even believe shoes have reached the insane shape they currently are. I have to buy all my foot shape shoes online because i cant find them anywhere near me.

[@0nly0NE.]

I'm very prone to plantar fasciitis. What helped me most with that was adding arch supports to my shoes. When I wear my shoes that I can't put arch support in for several days, I use arch support socks. Otherwise the plantar fasciitis threatens to come back. I really want foot-shaped shoes, but I'm not sure if my feet would like barefoot shoes.

[@750vfrman]

Do I agree with most of your comments/advice. Sort of. You see, as a lad growing up in the tropics, I seldom wore shoes & to this day, at home I prefer nothing on my feet, even in winter, UK. However, at 81 with now soft & tender soles of feet, my barefoot shoe is lovely, until I walk on gravel & small stones. Agony. I am now considering using an insert, so I get most of the benefit, but have that little extra protection. Not sure if any manufacturers make a Barefoot, wide toe box, flexible, flat etc but a more sturdy sole. Advice needed.

[@terribohn7588]

I purchased Northside insoles. They provide extra cushioning. Love them.

[@readingintrees]

Wearing barefoot shoes fixed by knee problems and averted the onset of bunions. My legs and feet are so much stronger, and now I can stand on the tips of my two big toes barefoot. :) I don't know how anyone who's adjusted to them could go back to normal shoes.

[@LiefRunsFar]

Running and walking are my spurts for exercise and biking, mostly, as my way to do errands and go places. Got Luna Sandals in about 2017. Rarely wore them till I had a lot of time and no job in 2020. Skipped the slow transition, right to 100% minimalist and barefoot (different). Oops! Had a bout of plantar fasciitis that was run when pain was low, about 1 to 2 times a week, and all other days it was awkward but walking as much as I would have been running and walking. Lasted a few months. I 💯 agree with what's said in the video. My stride has become shorter and lighter. Can't wear traditional shoes. They instantly hurt as my feet have become wider.

[@travisdiehl5350]

My best friend eventuality convinced me to try barefoot shoes, i wear the toe spreading one's, I'm 5'10" and weigh around 205lbs i suffer from planter,and they help extremely well with it i wear them wherever I'm not wearing my work boots, mostly around the house and to the gym, i keep some all terrain running shoes around but my Deadlift and Squat have improved.

[@willcool713]

I'm a dancer, ballroom stuff, salsa, and all of that is best done in heels. I don't do a lot of outdoorsy stuff besides hiking and camping, but my preference, even on the street, has always been super thin souls, shoes with toe dividers, or barefoot shoes. Clogs are great for standing around, boots for work, heels for dressing up and dancing, but gimme nothing for everything else, or next to nothing. As a kid I pretty much went barefoot every summer, all summer.

[@jordanfritz4166]

I decided 2 years ago that I would just transfer to only wearing barefoot shoes all day every day. Used to get some foot pains after long days, but now I can do full 12 hour shifts on concrete in them, and have much less discomfort compared to when I used to wear thickly padded tight toed shoes. My feet have become much more movable and I am much more stable then than I ever was when I wore standard shoes.

[@dayadaya2712]

I made a slow transition in a last few years. I started to wear Vibram 5f for workout and walking in the park in the grass. Then I wear it to hike or just walk in the city, but i alway changed to normal shoes when I felt like. Nowadays I don't use normal shoes (mostly use vivos), but I run on conrete in Altras (less soft type), and summertime I use birkenstock, becouse concrete could be very hot in barefoot shoes. I can walk without any problem on uneven and modaret firm gound to 20 km, but on longer distances or firmer terrian my feet and sole starts to hurt.

[@stephen300o6]

It's odd that so many folks have never taken their shoes off before.

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

Agreed!

[@gaypreator8547]

I know 😂😂 I went barefoot almost all the time, whined constantly when I had to wear shoes, looked for years for a minimalist shoe besides moccasins (which I love). I now have 5 pair bf shoes and love them. I have high instep high arches and bf are the way to go.

[@IaneHowe]

The problem is trying to go from wearing shoes, including at home to barefoot it will take a long time to adjust. I've been barefooted for 5 decades. I actually have issues wearing shoes with thick sole or heels.

[@Diegovnia]

Been using these for 2 years now, but when I go for a jog I tend to stick with normal running shoes for some reason I feel like my legs are giving up after like 7 kilometers... where as in running shoes I can easily take on 12 - 15 km run. It's an interesting thing considering some time ago I took barefoot shoes for a hike which according to my watch was slightly over 25 km, I didn't experience any pain

[@TomDrummer95]

Working on my barefoot shoes transition now. I'm a few months in and still getting a bit of discomfort in the ball of my right foot, but my left foot is fine strangely. Hopefully it dies down soon :)

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

Hopefully! Don't be afraid of dialling back the total daily distance for a couple of weeks to give it plenty of time to fully recover. It'll often lead to a faster transition time than just muscling through 🙌🏼

[@TomDrummer95]

@@TheBarefootStrengthProject I've been taking the muscle-through approach, but I think you're right, resting is probably wise to be honest.

[@UmamiPapi]

I wear shoes with barefoot concepts. I do enjoy cushion, which is not a bad thing in itself.

[@moonslave90]

Also: Stretch, stretch, and stretch. For me everything went fine with my foot arch, achilles heel, and even knees. I horribly hurt the tendons in my groin area though. When I keep stretching every now and then, I feel amazing walking on barefoot shoes.

[@clayed3311]

After wearing barefoot shoes for a few years I now have pain when I wearing “normal“ shoes.

[@KeepitcleanOC]

I'm 2 months into barefoot shoes, and it eliminated my plantar fasciitis in about 2 weeks that I had for about 6 months. I started working at Costco during the transition, concrete floors all day. First week was crazy pain in soles of feet and up my calves, then after 2 days off, even at 49 years old, my body responded excellently, i even tried to wear my wedge boots a few times at work and it just made things worse again. I can never and would never go back. My feet feel so incredibly comfortable all the time now, and when i get the chance to feel bumpy ground...oh so darn good! It feels even better to bend the bottom of your feet around some curb or stones etc. It's bizarre! The opposite, TOTAL opposite of what you would think if someone told you to not wear thick shoes. Yes, you must go through the pain of your muscles adjusting, but i believe the more you wear "normal" shoes the more you delay the incredible, life-changing benefits. I say go for it 90-100%, the faster you recover from those stupid foot-binding shoes we've been wearing the better!!! Thanks for great videos!

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

Thanks for the great comment! And you're right, it flys in the face of what most people expect but so SO worth it.

[@Propeler3D]

Just realized I wear barefoot shoes starting from 2005. It is almost 20 years already... And last 5-6 years I have exclusively barefoot shoes. Except of winter when temperature is lower than 0 degrees celsius

[@calebcohen4639]

I think wearing barefoot shoes vs regular shoes is like using a lifting belt. There is a time to wear them to strengthen your feet and a time to wear regular shoes when you need the support. For regular shoes I pretty much only wear jim greens for the wide toe box.

[@LiefRunsFar]

Not exactly a good comparison. Would be like saying you wear the barefoot shoes when you train and not in races. That doesn't make sense. You should wear barefoot or minimalist shoes all the time if you want strong foot muscles. If you're muscles are properly trained you don't need the casts they call traditional shoes.

[@NeilHaskins]

My only challenge with barefoot shoes is getting them in my size. I take a size 16, and extra wide, and it seems all the barefoot shoe companies only go up to a 15. I actually have a pair of Xero shoes sandals, from before they sold more than sandals. Just a piece of rubber and some string. They feel good, but sometimes I'l get a pebble between my foot and the sandle, and there are just some places where sandals aren't socially acceptable. I also notice that sometimes on a long walk (10+ km), especially when it's warm out, I'll experience discomfort, or even get a blister, on the bottom of my forefoot. It would probably help to have an actual shoe, so I could wear socks with it. And those lugs you mention are long gone from under the forefoot.