I'm new to bare feet shoes and thought I start with toes socks. The problem I'm facing is my 4th and 5th toes tends to be too low for toes sock which causes the toes to slide out of their respected sections. Any recommendations?

…to transform your feet and body?

Hard to explain but…

I exclusively wear barefoot shoes now because I have Morton’s neuroma. But I find toe socks a hassle to put on every single time so I just wear normal socks. And I wear the Lems Chukka to work which I find overly cushioned and I find myself heal striking in a way I wouldn’t without shoes.

After going for a run in the thinnest sandals I could find (Shamma Warrior) I’m understanding what real barefoot means.

Everything below the knees is waking up and I’m enjoying the process.

But it makes me realise how restrictive socks and even barefoot shoes are.

So… will running twice a week be enough to see my body change back to a more natural state?

Or would I have to up my day-to-day barefoot-ness?

My gut says that an hour a week probably can’t offset the 40+ hours I’m spending in the Lems. But maybe the extra exertion and force can?

Hi! I just this week was looking for a new pair of running/workout shoes, and discovered the xero barefoot running shoes which I am strongly considering getting. I was originally looking for lightweight running shoes that take up less space in my suitcase for traveling since I have been traveling a lot. I was wanting to get the xero prio neo shoes and I’m also thinking about getting the sandals (in case I fly a budget airline and have to carry a personal item only). That being said, I am used to using regular running shoes with more cushioning support. I’m not anticipating giving those shoes up entirely, and still like using them, but I’m thinking of using the barefoot shoes on a more occasional basis. Do the benefits of barefoot running shoes still help if I am using them in addition to my regular cushioned running shoes?

Hi,

I had the Topo Athletics Ultraventure 3 and in the beginning, I was really satisfied with them. Comfort was great and my toes had plenty of space. But after a 3 day trip my achilles tendon inflammed due to the shape of the heel which is inducing pressure on the tendon and therefore more friction around the tendon insertion.

Now I wanna buy barefoot hiking boots and looking into vivobarefoot. The boots have to be high tops and the shape of some vivos are frightening me.

I mean, just look at the heel shape of the shoe.
The topos were really pressing against the tendon when walking downhill. I think any excessive stress on the tendon is to avoid.
And now look at the Vivos, I cant image they are near comfortable or good for your achilles tendon.

What do you guys think about this? have simillar issues?

https://preview.redd.it/l2smqg7kadyd1.jpg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bbf258a29693934371659a908bb09e351625d156

https://preview.redd.it/vj10og7kadyd1.jpg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=47a1b1cf83fd5985f33dfb439bb04f39c7403a9d

Hey everyone! I stumbled upon this subreddit while browsing through Reddit, and I have to say, it’s been the best discovery I’ve made in a while.

Let me share my story: I’ve been dealing with back and leg pain for a couple of years now. I’ve seen multiple doctors and had MRIs done, but nothing was found. The doctors suggested changing my shoes, so I tried various pairs, but none of them helped. It seems my left leg just doesn’t like any footwear. I felt much better when I went without shoes, and while I tried a few sandals, none were quite right for me.

In my quest to go shoeless, I started researching alternatives. A few weeks ago, I discovered Rainbow Sandals, and my feet began to feel better. That’s when I found this subreddit! I was amazed to read about people running in sandals. It’s inspired me to embark on my barefoot journey, and I’ve already ordered my first pair of Whitin CrossFit barefoot shoes. So far, my feet are happy! A couple of days ago, I also ordered Shamma Cruzers, and again, no complaints. I even picked up a pair of Hobibear sandals from AliExpress.

After diving into the posts here, I realize there are so many great barefoot sandal options out there. I’m eager to try a few more brands. I’m currently aware of Vivo, Whitin, Shamma, Xero, Earth Runners, Bedrock, and Luna.

With Thanksgiving coming up, I’d love some recommendations for a couple of other brands. What do you all suggest? Thanks in advance!

I don't wanna see a closeup of your damn blister when I'm browsing, no matter how big and impressive it is. You'd think spoilering that stuff would just be common sense, but if it started getting enforced we might save costs on eye bleach.

I tried the VFF for the first time and I noticed my big toe is touching the front of the toebox from the inside while the other 4 toeboxes are not even halfway filled. Anyone else having this issue? Do you think peluvas would fit me better?

I have some foot pain I’d like to get checked out. My assumption would be visiting a podiatrist would be the thing to do although I’ve never been to one. Ideally I’d like to go to one that has barefoot consciousness and won’t automatically blame my problems on my minimalist shoes. I know some podiatrists do appointments online but I would think in-person would be more effective but feel free to give more perspective on that if you have experience. I’m in the Montreal area (Canada).

which is better for feet where the toe is straight on from the metatarsal but the pinky extends far from the joint

Heyyyy,

So it’s cold, wet, and dark when I live and SAD has hit me so fast and hard - well, I need to do something. Running was a way in the past that helped me cope with the heaviness of depression and I’m wanting to start.

I’ve been wearing barefoot and minimalist shoes for a hot second, but I have no idea where to start with running shoes in the PNW. Would love recommendations for shoes that have great traction on very wet concrete.

Is this normal? I just started getting into toe socks and toe spacers such as Correct Toes and this previous week I would get terrible pain in my big toe where I have a bone spur and slight ingrown toenail, especially with shoes on. Do you think I should stop wearing them or is it the pair that I have? I've tried the thick wool and lightweight Injinji toe socks. I don't really have any problems with it when I'm in normal socks. I'm praying that I didn't make it worse by doing all this lol

After a nice long run, I was returning to my car and decided to walk through the grass. We call them “Goat heads”.

Hello am narrowing down my search of shoe option to the Lems Boulder grip waterproof, but im worried about durability, anyone have experience with daily usage? Planning to use them to walk alot and need the waterproofing.

I bought a pair of shoes during the recent sale. What a mistake!

I bought the Dillon shoes in the same size I've worn in every single pair of shoes I bought my entire adult life. I received them, put them on, and walked out the door to go for a walk.

After two blocks, I took them off and walked home barefoot because they were so small that I was in pain. It was like I was wearing at least a size too small. I kept checking the tag to see if there was some mistake -- nope, this is the size I've always worn.

Now they won't exchange them for another size because they are worn. (The underside is visibly dirty.) They sell me a defective product and won't even EXCHANGE them because I walked down the sidewalk in them, instead of determining inside my small apartment that they were defective.

They offered me 30% off my next order. So that I can take another crapshoot as to what my size is? So that I can wait another week or two for customer service to respond? So that I can walk in circles in my living room, worrying that I'm making the shoes unreturnable, while determining if they sold me another defective pair? No thanks! I will never do business with Xero again.

I prevously tried these Whitins on Aamzon: https://www.amazon.com/WHITIN-Minimalist-Barefoot-Training-Treadmill/dp/B08QHJ6MGS?crid=2ZG2WZTYD0TJF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xYAbBDhqEHIW2DteTSNMPCPcpDdnDh6aIMscd0b7bvlh9RDuGQTz36OMH\_xjiqqa28bRzuQA8USFsdmyhdFJxmabLX5Je66ANm4i46cycmMvB-pZnCaUYMgror32tcJQjeRAd7MqMZzPXTDaAPZGrRii22rqdQ\_EMJOXkS\_o5z-l\_u1dSSwHJOC1SvEj2iR9LbqU-Uo7JjxCrS\_cFluP5fJLErUI2Vh6EAwTAiMLVZeQjvIHb3kQVrJ2npOhGhjXiOAyUgOk4OLGK7asM\_tjIJpsBVlB\_PMrVg0YIj4TeX4.2M4J9alXIqCUwzGQGMLA4W45lJijIJazmikQVIVvz2Y&dib\_tag=se&keywords=whitin+shoes&qid=1713175128&sprefix=whitin+shoes,aps,574&sr=8-1&linkCode=sl1&tag=mywhitin-20&linkId=1f29be8011195250bf329c19c4b54bf3&language=en\_US&ref\_=as\_li\_ss\_tl.

I loved how wide the toe box on the shoe was, but felt it was too loose in the heel area. When I was doing mountain climbers, the shoes did not feel secure at the heel and felt that they could slip off. I bought the shoe in the 43 and 44 size to see which if it would make a difference, but it did not.

I am currently deciding between this one: https://www.amazon.com/WHITIN-Barefoot-Minimalist-Lightweight-Comfortable/dp/B09MVW4KYZ/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3659W2U4482LU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.rDDynlDxkdIcsEKDxQ4ewCxYJd08iTENqE1dp4BkyzyuS391pbZWGrjTjbZ4gFVH0ZALztXMVhymbZWUTZ18aX8eqIIKum0qHsrUdQr2Xj_xTNP_gN6aSlWTS_zImEP0rgyqs4dawdcmowHlYvd7Hpn7X8fIHhUNQaRND853K_P5MZhIrdk_VtsCsnhCDSlviBPJxu-bkfVS_lBpr1hC32iO0WncU3owy2M0l8bgVHjdmtugmUfkUSoxljKxxcSSQLmgp3z3M18r0PxA0ZU0hujAfNCR2lZoulpKYK1w818._b9EOIp0zaVPxldKJZqZjkJrggZ8ZjbCW4Pi3geuRqA&dib_tag=se&keywords=WHITIN+Men%27s+Wide+Minimalist+Barefoot+Sneakers&qid=1730394182&sprefix=whitin+men%27s+wide+minimalist+barefoot+sneakers%2Caps%2C113&sr=8-5 and this one: https://www.amazon.com/Running-Correrfor-Stability-Training-Athletic/dp/B0BRXCPHYC/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

i intend on using the shoe for general exercise, such as cycling, running, and HIIT workouts that involve lateral movements. I want the shoe to feel secure on the heel so that it doesn't slip. My foot size is 26.7 cm in length and 10 cm in width.

Have been using Luna Leadville trail for running, hiking, and general lifestyle, but after about 5 months now I’ve noticed they kind of have a… stench. I’ve washed them with hot water/soap once a month, but it’s not helping a lot, thinking I’m vinegar will be my next plan. Does anyone have any advice? Is this a problem with all barefoot shoes?

Or do I just have some freaky nasty feet

Hi!

I'll be traveling to South East Asia and would like to bring only one pair of shoes to run, walk, hike. I'm mainly concerned about foot slippage in wet conditions. I'd like to avoid toe posts to be able to wear socks in cold busses, but it wouldn't be a deal breaker.

I usually run in xero shoes or Merrell vapor gloves.

I'm currently looking at xero sandals because the price is ok, but reviews aren't amazing...

Thanks in advance for your input!

My HFS shoe I bought in 2022 is getting used up. I need to find a replacement. Is there any that can help suit that? Thanks

I used to hate them when I was younger because they were “too wide” for my toes, but now that’s the reason why I love them so much. They are flat and wide. What do you think about wearing them for casual walks?

I have to put in a heel raise. I only really use barefoot shoes for running atm. But what do you guys think of how it’ll work?

Hi, Bought Vivobarefoot Primus and didn't fit my feet because they are so flat and my foot had too much volume to fit in.

Now got Belenka Champs. Same issue. It's nice that these shoes have a wide toe box. But if the toe box is flat as shiat, my toes can't use all of that space.

Did you experience same? So cheap whitins are still the goat for me

I come from a background of Vibram Five Fingers. I loved them for years, but I learned after >10 years of using them that I need more padding for my particular lower body. I picked up Altra Lone Peaks and I found that they did everything for me that I liked about the VFF's but with additional padding.

I've used the Lone Peak 4's "waterproof", and the 5's standard. I really liked the 5's. The 4's were good too, but the 5's were a bit looser and I liked that. I had the Wide variant, and I absolutely need that.

I'm looking for a shoe that does the same as the 5 Wides.

I've tried the Topo Pursuit 2's, but the mid of the shoe is insanely small, even a size too large for me. It's nowhere near a wide shoe.

I have recently also tried the Xero Ridgeway Mesh Low, and even after sizing up a half size from my usual, I found their toe box to be quite small, and the shoe itself to not be large enough in proportion. I can't go up any additional sizes due to stock, either. It otherwise was likeable overall, but this is a pretty big issue.

Lems has a few options which look decent, but I'm concerned they aren't wide enough, or they're discontinued etc. I haven't been able to try any in person, though.

To summarize what I like about the Altra LP 5's:

• Very wide toe box
• Wide midshoe
• Zero drop heel to toe
• Breathable upper and extremely lightweight
• Fast drying
• Great for hiking / trail running
• Protective enough padding to offer a good amount of protection for my particular lower body, while retaining some of the benefits of barefoot trail feel

What I'd like to see improved (this is only relevant if the previous criteria is met):

• Sole should be WAY more durable
• Front of LP's is slightly prone to degradation/wear/falling apart

What else is out there which fits the bill? I've had an extremely hard time finding a similar shoe that has a comparable profile. My current shoes are absolutely falling apart, and I've been in need of a replacement for around two years. I could use some help here. Thanks.

I have been wearing minimalist shoes for 10 years. Over the past 2 years, I've become a serious runner. I train 9-10 hours per week, then one hour of lower body strength training twice per week.

I recently saw my primary care doctor to get me referred to physical therapy to strengthen my right ankle after suffering a high ankle sprain on a trail race. He noticed both of my foot has flat arch and really wanted me to eventually correct this "issue". Doc doesn't really know anything about minimalist shoes.

I have never noticed any problems or pain while running before my injury. I know I have flat feet before I started using minimalist shoes, but thought it would no longer be a problem after 10 years of minimalistic shoes. My arch is supposed to be stronger with the amount of running I do.

Is flat arches a problem going forward?

getting my first pair of barefoot shoes im going with jim green barefoot boots cause they seem to be best for me but i wanted to ask if theres anything i should consider when picking shoe size cause i used go a little bigger than my actual foot size soduring winter outdoors stuff i can wear big socks and toe heater without it being tight so i wanted to ask if there’s anything else i should think about

note ive been doing barefoot walking for 6 months now but its starting to get to cold to do it without shoes