What Science Says About Barefoot/Forefoot Running-Must Know This!

I don't run. I'm elderly, but I started wearing barefoot shoes about a year ago. I've had foot problems most of my life although my feet look perfectly normal. Never could find "perfect" shoes. I've worn New Balance wide width walking and running shoes for many years as they were the most comfortable for me, but I was always catching my heel on steps. When I found barefoot shoes that problem was gone, no more protruding, thick heels to trip me. Another thing they've done is greatly increase my stability, which is something you appreciate when you get old. I got used to them in no time, but like I said, I don't run. My toes thank me every day as they feel so free. My knees thank me too as they are no longer sore. Hips even feel better. Back still hurts though.

Minimalist running seems the only way I can run without hurting my knees. So yeah. It's working for me.

I'm glad you mentioned the transition period. It takes a lot of impact off of the bones, but it has to go somewhere. The muscles, tendons, and ligaments that aren't used to that movement get very sore and can be injured easily if you try to run the same distance barefoot as you did cushioned.

My first 2 years in the Army I had horrible shin splints that a couple times brought me to tears. I am VERY flat footed and have very wide feet. I switched to a minimalist shoe, I took about a month or 2 of slowly building up my distance in those shoes. And within that time my shin splints completely disappeared.

Bob and Brads methods freed my frozen shoulder and brought movement and feeling back into my wrist, hand and fingers...before them, nothing worked. Bless these guys, they ars totally amazing. THANK YOU BOB AND BRADxx

I'm so glad to hear you guys are on board with this. I've loved going barefoot or near barefoot for years, there were times when I used to get the urge to run and I can only do so by forefoot running, it feels so natural and painless.

Hi from Australia! I run 8 km twice a week. Barefoot. On asphalt. Under an hour. (People seem astounded but it really is NATURAL! Best 'shoes' I've had in 61 years...).

I have gone barefoot as much as possible since I was a kid..and now I'm 37...bought my first pair of Vibram toe shoes back in 2011...LOVE THEM...just gotta get another pair..but they lasted me 5 years...taped up...used show goo...and STILL felt GREAT!!!...I'm a Martial Artist and do lots of running combined with other exercises...and STILL do well for me...GREAT VIDEO!!!

I've been doing barefoot running as part of my warm-up, cool down, and conditioning workouts for about 2 years. This week I'm making the decision to start transitioning parts of my real workout into barefoot running as well. I'm lowering my distance and speed but I'm ready for it!

1.5x speed thank me later...

Brad, you mentioned trying to run barefoot, but thought better of it, I believe because of your age. I had not run at all for over 20 years when at 60, I started (slowly) running totally barefoot. At first it was a walk/run and gradually increased. After 3.5 years, I just ran my first 10k. Except for a minor calf pull about 1 month into it, I've been injury free throughout this journey. When on occasion I sense a tight achilles tendon or calf muscle, I take several days off and then start back at a lower mileage. That usually happens after increasing mileage too quickly . Happy Trails... BarefootDan :0)

I’ve been running since the late 90’s, and developed knee pain around ‘12. After reading Born to Run, just because it’s a good book that was recommended, I tried the Vibram shoes. I started out incorrectly (painful), then acclimated right (this took a few months). I’ve been running in barefoot shoes ever since and have no knee pain since! I enjoy running more now too.

I'm a big fan you this channel and it's helped me get educated about my health and correcting some issues. Regarding this video's subject, you don't have to be a runner to appreciate the benefits. I'm 54, I am not a lightweight or a runner, or even the ideal athletic specimen, but do live an active lifestyle. In addition, various injuries and a physically demanding job (Firefighter) has caused some wear and tear. On that note, my back and knees. My journey to improved health has led me to zero drop and minimalist shoes. I am seeing steady improvement with this change in footwear and correcting my gait. IMHO, big cushy soled "comfort" shoes are the junk food equivalent for feet. For me they created a toxic condition for my balance, knees, and back and resulted in injury and pain. When I realized the connection, my foam sole "comfort" footwear went in the garbage. They allow far too much movement between your foot and the ground for you to be stable walking or standing and are ultimately less comfortable.

Good stuff -- your comment on the SOUND of the elite runners vs. everyone else was a pretty telling detail, too!

A few years back i trained to the point of bein able to run barefoot on the road. Also trained to run in high temps (44°c) without getting (too) ill. The rough kind of asphalt not smooth.. it was very freeing. Was at my lowest bodyweight though and definitely forefoot. I'm going to start back to that life.. its great for the fascia and for connectivity to the earth.

Looking Good Bob Brad 😁 Thank you both again

Nice video guys. I have been running for the past few years for my school team and enjoy it a lot. I have looked into this a lot already so this was cool to hear about from you guys

Way Thank You for Helping us Learn how to be able to to better take care of our selfs,, you guy are Very Helpful & Entertaining to watch you guy's joke & exude good vibes...

Having had some serious injuries to my spine, as a child, as well as some later sports injuries, I can remember my body would naturally adjust as I walked/ran/played sports to minimize the impact & stress on specific parts of my body. "Forefoot" strike, quicker & lighter steps/pace were a natural for me. I took notice that I felt less stable & more unsure of myself when I wore shoes. Because I was so young, I did not over analyze it- much less care about any science behind it. I really didn't wear shoes much, unless I had to. As an adult, married & starting a family, I refused to put my children into stiff "trainers", instead opting for soft leather moccasins & such~ mostly barefoot however. They all are grown now, & still prefer no shoes for sports/exercise or very minimalist.

Love that you did a video on this topic. I switched to xero shoes to get rid of knee and hip pain. I'm almost 40 now and haven't had any pain from normal walking or hiking trips, since I switched my shoes.