It looks like the new altra escalante released this past week. Did anyone get them yet? Any reviews? Interesting that the weight appears to be higher than the 3 and 2.5 yet they say it's more like a classic escalante.

The original Denver leather insoles that warped after a short time versus the new ones. Hopefully they last longer and don't start moving up the back of the boot.

Hello, so as I mentioned on my last post here I am a beginner in this type of shoes and the first pair I got was the altras torin 7 wide size 46.5.

I really like them for everyday use and also for gym but for leg days I would like something more minimalistic and with less cushion and in a quick search the ones that caught my eyes the most were the vivo primus lite knit, which are dumb expensive but they seem to be running a 30% deal and at 120 I may give it a thought.

Does anyone have them and are they a good option and more or less also wide? If so is it recommended on the vivos to size down or go for same size 46 (which aligns with the 30cm of the torin's 46.5). Ty!

I'm looking for a pair of casual shoes that I also can do some occasional running in. I got my first pair of barefoot shoes 6 months ago so I'm still a beginner.

They will be mostly used in spring/summer on semi-rough asphalt (a lot of hills) but I would like something that can protect me from damp grass and dirt as well.

I've been looking into the KSO EVO and V-trek. The v-trek cost about 1/3 more but I've heard that the KSO EVO are quite fragile.. but I'm also unsure if the V-trek would be too warm for ~25°C (77°F) so idk if they're a good option.

I really would like a pair that are easy to clean and perhaps are not the stinky-pronest option.

Are any of these models worth considering or are there better options?

I can’t tell with my own times, because I never took running too seriously until I transitioned to minimalist 8ish years ago.

I’m constantly seeing posts and comments from runners talking about how much worse their times are after switching, which makes sense while you’re re-learning and building new muscles and callouses. But what about later?

Running is certainly more enjoyable now, and sprinting feels like I’m floating. After 8 years, my stride feels completely natural. Am I faster than I would’ve been if I’d just learned to run properly in Hokas? Does anyone have some metrics on this?

I am torn between two pairs of vivobarefoot shoes. They are the same model but in two different sizes. One is my size as measured on the vbf website, size 7 UK, and one is a size up. I already have two older pairs of vbfs of a different model. They're both size 7 and I remember that, even after removing the insoles, I still had to get them stretched out by a cobbler. They became pretty spacious but not perfect. I don't feel any restriction when I'm using them though. It's only when I actually concentrate on noticing the restriction. Then suddenly the 7s feel restrictive. But then again, you don't notice normal shoes either, and we all know what those do to our feet.

After trying the 8 in this new model, I thought that they were just too big. But after I got a 7 in the same model and tried them both on simultaneously, I feel a bit more indecisive now. I actually don't really know which one I want to keep. The 7 feels more secure and as if it becomes one with your foot, but the 8 feels more spacious and free. The 8 is looser but that seems to be both a good and a bad thing. My foot moves inside the shoe a tiny bit making it feel less secure, but also it feels more free and closer to simulating barefoot.

I'm torn. When wearing them, I kind of lean towards the 8 because of the space. But that's from just trying them on in the comfort of my house. If I'm using them outside whilst hiking and making difficult steps or running, they may feel a tad insecure. I need to hear people's experiences with sizing in order to make up my mind. Is the extra space worth the slight feeling of insecurity + lugging around clown shoes? It sounds like I'm overanalyzing but really I'm just on the fence and I have to choose one of them to send back lol. And the differences are really small but that just means I don't know which way to go.

I found this sizing chart for xero shoes

https://i.ibb.co/PgcmnNT/sizing-1.jpg

This indicates that 48 equals 330 mm = 33 cm = 12.9921 inch

This makes no sense and can't be right, can it ?

48 usually equals 31,5 cm = 12.40157 at most

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I love my Vivo Magna FG (W) and they don't feel too narrow. It's my first pair of barefoot shoes and I've had them for about 6M now.

I removed the sole and placed my foot on it. All toes fits inside of the sole neatly. However, if I get up on my toes and lean forward quite significantly (sprinting position), my pinky toes sticks outside of the sole a little bit. Does yours do this as well? I removed the insole from the shoe but unsure if it makes a difference.

I've been thinking about testing the men's version next time, but my heel+ankle+midfoot are typically too narrow for men's shoes. It's only the toe box that's wider (or, well, quite normal sized imo).

Hey all. I decided to switch to minimalist shoes after realizing playing basketball (specifically the shoes) were destroying my foot strength and toe splay. I play usually 2-3 times a week usually for 2-3 hours so it can add up quick. This is usually the most intense running/jumping I do during the week and so I figured it’s probably not good in the e long tun to use the worst functioning shoes for this activity. I bought Xero Z trail’s for hiking and wearing casually as well as Altra Timp 5 for running. I saw that Xero 360’s were recommended multiple times for basketball and so I bought those to use on the court. I have been using toe separators and going barefoot as much as possible while breaking in all the new shoes by going for walks/short runs/ playing spikeball etc. after 4 weeks of this I finally felt comfortable enough to try out the Xero 360’s specifically on the basketball court. After about 2.5 hours of play and cooling off. I realized only my left foot was numb, specifically the the top of it right before the toes. It is interesting to me because I have better toe splay in this foot. I guess I am just wondering if anyone else has experienced this or had personal experience of trying to use minimalist shoes for more intense activities such as basketball. Should I stop using them or try a few more times and see if this numbness goes away? Sorry for the extra details but I figured context is important. Thanks in advance for any advice or sharing experiences!

Does anyone have an idea how often they restock their shoes?

I looked at their shoes about 2 years ago, but they didn’t have my size and it didn’t interest me that much so I went elsewhere.

I’m now looking at them again to give them try and they still don’t have my size.

Is this a regular thing with them.

Thanks

I have the escalante 3s. Got my 3rd paid last month. They seemed really stiff but I thought maybe I forgot how new shoes felt. Now I have ITBS. My foot started pronating and I think that’s what caused it. But I also noticed that one shoe just kinda felt lopsided. I put them on without the insoles and the shoe seems slanted inward. Has anyone noticed any manufacturing errors? Super bummed that I’m dealing with an injury now. Not saying the shoes are 100% to blame. But maybe this slight difference in the new pair could have affected my gait?

Looking to get my first pair of vibrams and would really love to be able to try them on to find my size/style. I’m in a weird period of questionable shoe size right now so it’s a gamble to order online and have to return etc. I live near Dicks, Big 5 and REI but haven’t seen any so far.

Hi, I'm wondering if I'm doing something wrong. I never wore shoes as a kid and only converse if so did. There past few years I ran in Hokas, usually 30-40 miles per week up to 17 miles at a time. In January I switched to Vivobarefoot trail shoes. I know I was supposed to transition slowly, but my first run was 5 miles and I could hardly walk for a few days after due to pain in my achilles. Adjusted more slowly after that, but still not making the same mileage I used to. I get so incredibly tired after my runs and my ankles feel weak and achy. Yesterday I did a 10k and I just get so tired. I like the way they feel when I'm running. I just ordered some Altras thinking it might help. Any tips?

Long time shoed runner, who went on vacation and did a long barefoot beach run. Blistered up my feet but loving it, and now have a pair of vibram V Runs on the way.

I don’t live super close to the beach, so unfortunately doing that every day is not an option. What I’m really wondering is, should I just go for it on the sidewalks with shorter distances in vans like I have been with running shoes? Or is it better to start on a dirt trail , etc.

Sidebar spotlight: calf pain.

https://old.reddit.com/r/BarefootRunning/comments/wlsynj/sore_calves_are_common_but_likely_a_big_warning/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=usertext&utm_name=BarefootRunning&utm_content=t5_2rp0r

Im looking into buying the vivo primus 3, I'm a 19yo male, 6'2 , 85kg and lean in good shape. I measured myself from hill to big toe on both legs to be 28cm (and foot width is 10cm, also I like to wear toe spacers, I use the correct toes L size). Im saying this since I'm wondering whether barefoot shoe sizes are different. for normal shoes I make sure I have enough space to fit my index finger, is that still necessary for barefoot shoes? also as my feet muscles strengthen will they increase my foot's size? so yeah should I go a bit above 28cm, exactly, or below?

I know they are rare to come by and lot of people like them. I hope this post is allowed.

i have grown up wearing thongs probably because of the convenience and also the weather in australia. but im wondering if my constant wearing of thongs will help my transition to barefoot shoes as it seems like a fairly similar idea. after doing some research on transitioning, i have noticed that my toes are quite well splayed anyway, and put this down to thongs... not sure if there are any other benefits of having the freedom to move in thongs, but im going to find out!!

i have had plenty of ankle injuries when wearing high stacked sneakers through my life, but now determined to try and retrain my feet as best as i can. i was interested to read a study that shows thongs have actually been shown to increase ankle dorsiflexion, increase midfoot plantaflexion, increase midfoot inversion and reduce hallux dorsiflexion, so in that respect, very close to walking barefoot.

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https://jfootankleres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1757-1146-6-8

Hello! I've been wearing barefoot shoes for a little over a year now and absolutely love the Lems Boulder boots. With summer coming though I'm looking for a nice casual shoe. I really like the looks of the LL Beans Moccasins and Boats shoes (one option here). I have pretty narrow feet and find it only bothers me when the shoe is very narrow in the toes. I do love zero drop and no arch support though. Has anyone tried LL Beans shoes? What are your thoughts?

First pair of toe socks, luckily they fit even if I have 2 toes slightly webbed and one of my pinky toes goes the wrong way when spread, I do have 5 toes on each foot, enjoy them so far, cant wait to take them for a walk, get to many blisters from normal socks.

One thing I hate about having tried barefoot shoes is how I can’t stand wearing any of the shoes I used to love. So, I’m replacing them.

These were my favorite summer shoes. Any similar barefoot models? I like that they only cover about half the top of my foot.

I’m not a heel striker when walking, I land on my midfoot mostly. However these days I feel like my heel is more exposed, sometimes even reaching the bone when standing barefoot. Is there any way to reverse this?

I'm looking for recommendations for basic foot strengthening and ankle flexibility exercises or programs. I am *not* looking for a 250-page comprehensive guide to the theory behind foot strength, nor am I looking for links to influencer-bro videos ("your feet hurt until you started doing this"). Just some basic exercises that are realistic to do on a regular basis. Thank you!

Hey all, I’ve been dealing with an injury the past week however a lot of info online doesn’t seem helpful or exactly what I’m experiencing. I will go to the doctor/PT if this prolonged but curious anyone else experience.

Ive been wearing vivo primus for 2-3 years and have a pair of hiking boots, probably couple thousand kms in Vivos. I started running in my Vivos last month. 2-3 miles runs, 3 runs a week. I’d had done a handful of 3 mile runs and I had an off day and decided to do a 2 mile quick run. I ran my survey, wonky sidewalks and step offs etc. after my Achilles was sore or so I thought and felt like a club foot all night. I rested and stretched that night and for a week stretched, heel drops, calf raises. It felt ok so I tried a light run and when landing I just couldn’t handle pressure on my foot. It’s not my arch or really my Achilles sore but sort of middle. I attached a photo. Most pain is in the circle when pushing but I can feel it on opposite a bit as well it seems now.

Any personal advice is appreciated. I’m obviously just resting and doing stretches/light strength. Thanks in advance

I have had the Jim Green Barefoot African Rangers for 1 week now. I had questions at first but they are slowly fading. Boot is becoming more comfortable daily and ground feeling is coming out.

Backstory of me: I have been wearing barefoot shoes for 3 years now, started in 2021 due to a cns health scare (resolved now ☺️) that caused me to lose feeling in my right leg. I had no balance in regular shoes, switched over to lems then vivos and have been rocking the vivos since 2022. I have the Gobi Boots that I still need to make a review on here and the simple comparison between these two are (1) do you want a true barefoot shoe or (2) do you want a shoe that is going to last you for years with basic maintenance.

I don’t want to go in much more of a review since I have only had them for a week. When I have them for another few months I’ll try to wrap around and give them a full review. Let me know if I should do an independent review for the vivo Gobi boots or do a comparison when I get around to this one.

I'm on a tight traveling deadline and need them ASAP, so I cannot wait for the regular delivery. Any ideas of where to buy them in store in Los Angeles?

I would also appreciate the same advice for in store barefoot shoes.

Thanks!