Shoes that are advertised as “barefoot” or “minimalist shoes” are the same as being barefoot, right?
I mean, multi-billion dollar companies wouldn’t lie to us just to sell product, would they? 😉
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The content of this post does not constitute and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions or concerns you may have about your health or a medical condition.
I still think that “minimalist” shoes are better than “standard” shoes. If they are not, I don’t really care because I still won’t buy the latter. I’m curious about something, do socks cause the same problem as you described? Thanks for the videos!
One point I was trying to make is that some minimalist shoes are just lightweight versions of the same-ole, same-ole padded, high-heeled running shoe. And almost all minimalist shoes reduce the feedback one gets from the ground enough that it’s easy to run/walk/hike with the same form one used in regular shoes… and not even realize it’s happening.
If you’re asking if wearing JUST socks will reduce the feedback, the answer is, “not enough to matter, most likely.” But if you mean, “Does wearing socks WITH shoes reduce the feedback?” then the answer is, “Anything that gets between you and the ground will affect you in some way… you just want to have as little interference/buffering as possible if you want the benefits we attribute to barefoot walking/hiking/running.”
Wow that was quick feedback! Thanks! Actually, I was thinking about wearing socks with my Xero when the cold weather will come.
AH, in that case, check out http://www.xeroshoes.com/cold 😉
As I really enjoy experiencing the outdoors, and living in Alaska, I opted to do most of my running last winter in “regular” shoes with built in spikes. Traction was great, but after a laundry list of issues and almost losing my enthusiasm for running, I opted this year to get a membership at a facility with an full size indoor track. The joy of running while feeling the ground far outweighs the tedium of going round and round. Unfortunately, having “frost-nipped” some of my toes many years ago after wandering around outside the winter barefoot while doing chores, my toes are now extra sensitive to subfreezing conditions. Any other strategies?
See what you think of http://www.xeroshoes.com/cold 😉
I will definitely try the socks for extending the usable temp range. The foot numbing at near/sub freezing temps (particularly while doing the longer runs that I enjoy) will likely still be problematic. I am surprisingly comfortable walking barefoot in snow. The issue is the tissues at the tips of my toes that seem very vulnerable to damage which I don’t detect until well afterwards, when it is too late.
Steven what is your advice on footwear for a professional job (dress shoes)? I love your shoes and will continue using them but I am not able to wear them at work. What advice do you have for people in this situation?