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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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[–] yatzy@lemmy.zip 3 points 2 months ago (1 children)

I've been using a combination of barefoot and more traditional running shoes for 4ish years now. I usually run some of my easy runs on barefoot shoes (once or twice a week), but longer and speedier sessions on Altras ( zero drop and good toe space still! ).

While bringing the barefoot shoes into my running mix I had occasionally some feelings on my ancles, but allways when such happened I reverted back to more cushioned shoes for some days. A definite pro with barefoot shoes is that it really helped with my running dynamics (naturally higher candence) and I feel it has made my calfs stronger, as they were commonly a bit sore after a run, when i started. As others already have suggested: start gradually

[–] Hominine@lemmy.world 2 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

Seconding this experience as I went zero drop/minimalist for a couple of years and have had much success transitioning back to regular shoes with a minimal drop. Occasionally I buy a pair of true minimalist shoes but they tend to wear out so quickly that transitioning back is just a matter of time. The big benefit from my POV is the above takeaway with respect to dynamics and cadence; forefoot running is where it is at in terms of smoother and safer mechanics, and minimal shoes demand that we take it slow and learn this or else.