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Are zero drop and barefoot shoes safe for running? (lemmy.ml)

submitted 2 months ago by merlo@lemmy.ml to c/running@lemmy.world

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Hi, It's been a while I feel like I want to try barefoot running but I'm not sure, I would like to hear more opinions. I've always been more confident walking barefoot, did Kendo for a bit, walked the Camino de Santiago multiple times, but I started running "seriously" only recently and I feel that every pair of running shoes I try is somehow hurting me or making me feel uncomfortable.

I tried watching youtube videos on the topic but the opinions there are quite conflicting, so I thought asking here!

Do you use zero drop / barefoot shoes? Do you use them to run? Do you know a proper "guide" on the matter?

Thank you in advance!

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[–] jboy 3 points 2 months ago (2 children)

I use them, not exclusively, and I definitely see some of the touted benefits. However, I think one "danger" in my case has been that they encouraged a running style where I land fully on my forefoot, which eventually led to some issues around my calf and Achilles tendon. I don't think they automatically force you into that, though. You have to be conscious of how your running style adapts.

[–] _wizard@lemmy.world 3 points 2 months ago (1 children)

Ran in toes exclusively for well over a decade and it was 3 years ago I started to experience the issues you mention. My pediatrist blamed the shoes so I switched to foam. I'm still not 100%. It's a crappy cycle of injuries I can't break out of. I now run in foam for at least 80% of my runs. I do miss running in my toes though.

[–] jboy 1 points 2 months ago

I hope you can break the cycle! It probably doesn't need to be said, but a PT with a good understanding of running can be a godsend.

[–] dandelion@lemmy.blahaj.zone 3 points 2 months ago

I found soleus stretches really helped when I ran into Achilles tendon tension and pain from running.