18 Replies to “Review: The Complete Guide to Minimalism and Barefoot Running”

  1. Oh, man. I am *so* tired of this topic. Don’t get me wrong – this is a good thing to be talking about, and I am actually interested in getting a copy of the book – but as a running coach, *everyone* wants to talk to me about minimalist. I summarize my thoughts this way:

    1. The theory is that our bodies are built to run, and to run barefoot. [Historically, I am 100% on board with this.]
    2. In modern society, we do NOT live lives that prepare us to live and run barefoot. We also don’t live in a barefoot-running-friendly world (at least, most of us don’t) – our ancestors weren’t running on pavement and sidewalks.
    3. If you want to try it, go for it. But transition slowly. Buy a more minimalist pair of shoes. Walk around in them. Live in them. Go to the zoo in them. Do some calf/ankle/foot strengthening exercise. In a few months, if you want to try running in them, go for your regular run in your regular sneakers. Then, try your minimalist shoes for a few hundred meters. Yes, METERS. Build from there.Slowly. If things tweak, get the heck back into your old shoes. Done deal.

    Anyway, that’s my overall philosophy. I think they can work for some people, especially when those people are properly strong. I really don’t think they (usually) belong on the feet of a new runner.

    Personally? I’ve owned Vibrams Fivefingers for a few years now. I don’t run in them – never intend to, actually. But I like using them to keep myfeet and legs strong. I also like them for some kinds of outdoor activities – hiking, and any kind of water activity (for obvious reasons). But they don’t run with me. Nuh-uh.

    I wear a mild stability shoe, normally. I recently bought a pair of Pure Flows to play with, mostly just to broaden my experience and try something new. [They definitely DIDN’T cause the PF – hadn’t worn them when PF started; but I have worn them a little during my recovery – they actually do feel really good and encourage a more mid-foot strike.]

    Ok..uhh…that’s more than enough ranting from me for now. My question is…What do YOUR feet sport? 😉

    • hahahaha….rant on, sister! 😉
      i run in the nike lunarglide. u won’t ever catch me in a vibram out of spite…BUT i would bust out the Free’s if i were to go more minimal. 🙂

  2. I always run in Nike shoes. I tried the Nike Free version once and didn’t like them. Not enough support. That tells me that minimalist or barefoot is not for me!!!

  3. I run in Vibrams and nope, never had an injury from changing to it. In fact, the VFF made me more aware of my running form, gait etc an really, that’s the most important thing. Not the shoes that you’re wearing. Also I took my time to transition from “regular” New Balance to VFF – it probably took me close to a year before I hit 20km in VFF.

    • and FORM is a very great aspect Douglas addresses in the book, because just as u noted this is important regardless of shoe choice…great tip!

  4. never heard of this book, but it sounds interesting. i’m bookmarking it so that when i’m done with my current read, which is awesome btw…chrissie wellington’s memoir, i can maybe tackle it. while i’m not one to follow trends, or even have any desire myself to run barefoot, i think it’s an interesting topic that many people don’t really educate themselves enough on before they tackle. seems like a lot of people want to start at step 10 instead of 1 with the minimal fad and don’t understand that its a painfully slow process that may take them years to become adjusted to.

  5. Oh man, I read “Born to Run” last summer and I have to admit that at first I thought yeah, I’m going to get minimalist shoes and start running for hours each day! In reality I know that I have a tendency to injure my feet so I held off on that initial impulse. I will occasionally do strides barefoot on a soccer field or something, but love my running shoes (Brooks Ravenna or Mizuno Inspire).

  6. I’ve been very hesitant about the barefoot running craze too. A little information is a dangerous thing. But, if this book hives a full accounting then I’ll check it out. Thanks!

  7. Started running in VFF’s about 4 1/2 years ago. Did too much too fast, stress fracture. When I returned I ran exclusively barefoot (NO shoes) and planned out a year-long transition. Have never looked back. I never wear shoes for outside runs. I wear VFFs at the gym (until I convince them to let me use the treadmill BF). The chronic knee and hamstring problems I had in every model of shoe I tried have disappeared. Ran a 1/2 marathon BF last two years and was ready to run NYC Marathon BF last year until it got canceled.

    It may not be for everyone but if you transition VERY slowly, letting the bones adapt, chances are you’ll love it.

    • awesome to hear your perspective and thanks for sharing! u’ve got a great point on transitioning and awesome to hear u’re not rocking and running without those old problems! 🙂

  8. Liked Born to Run, but simplistic in its assessment of both runners and feet. I wish I could be a minimalist…how nice to only contemplate shoes vs. minimalist shoes. As a runner with a surgery and no choice about foot wear and/or time on the trails, I am grateful for any run in ANY shoe. I have loved running for over two decades for many reasons, but lack of “gear” was a main draw. The minimalist revolution adds more gear instead of less…which shoe for which trail? Come on. Run. Run. Run.

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