It is quite clear by now that the 21st century is the era of barefoot running. And Sockwa, one of the leading creators of barefoot running shoes is just as geared up to welcome the challenges with their innovation as they introduce their all new Sockwa G3 shoes!

Sockwa stays true to their slogan of treading the earth lightly with the new Sockwa G3 which will be out by February 2012. This new army of shoes is all mad with grey sole that does not leave a single mark on where you choose to tread or run on.

Unlike the Sockwa G2, the G3 comes in 5 colors and will be available in 9 different sizes (6-13). You can choose from black, brown, olive, red or yellow – whichever complements your mood or attire regardless of whether you feel like taking off for a run or go on a casual, comfortable walk at the mall or the park. G3 enables you to feel and reap the benefits of natural minimalist sensation wherever you may be at any time!

Since it has a wide range of sizes, any member of the family can enjoy their own G3! It can be a good present for friends or loved ones as well while at the same time encourage them to get on the bandwagon of barefoot running.

The Sockwa G3 is aptly built for your feet and is set to provide you with the thinnest sole on the planet. It only weighs around 2.4 to 3.5 oz which ensures that you will barely feel like you are wearing anything! In fact, it claims that you will feel like you are just wearing a pair of socks albeit it does not look like one at all. Do not worry about protecting your feet since Sockwa products are sturdy and offer the right amount of protection.

The shoes are also easy to carry in case you need to go on a road trip or have to visit a relative or friend outside your hometown. The shoes can be crushed and placed inside your carryon bag without doing any damage to it as it boasts of high durability. If you’ve been running in surfaces that have muddied your G3′s you can simply take it off and wash to clean it! So, whatever the weather you choose to run on, your Sockwa G3 will remain steadfast and keep up with your pace.

The Sockwa G3 will be a good addition to your barefoot running shoes and will provide you with enough balance and stability during your runs. You can pre-order your Sockwa G3 and look forward to running at a whole new level this 2012!

Running is an expression of freedom and nothing exudes the feeling of being free than barefoot running. But who would have thought that a song would be derived from it?

Sarah Betts did!

We were quite surprised when this Cambridge native shared to us her original raw recording of a piano-vocal musical piece entitled “Barefoot Running Shoes.” According to Sarah, barefoot running has given her two things and these are being FREE and HAPPY. And, with this song, she hoped that a lot of people would go and listen to it so that they too could feel what she has felt about minimalist running.

Of course, we were curious and thrilled to know about this inspirational runner and composer. We found out that she is inclined toward the arts such as Philosophy and History of Art plus she’s studying Italian as well. When she does not study, she dabbles with music and she shares that the “Barefoot Running Shoes” song was written when she was just 15 or 16 years old.

We wondered whether there was something deeper to the song but according to Sarah, it does not actually recount any past experiences. Instead, it was borne out of the sheer freedom and happiness that she felt with running barefoot. The activity in itself evolved into ideas and eventually, the words of the song. She added that she was in an unchained and merry mood when she developed the piece.

The recording, which you can listen to here, sounds organic and raw. It is unedited in a way that you can visualize the artist just sitting at home and playing the piano while singing. A breath of fresh air really, compared to the latest bings and bangs of synthesizers and electric beats. In short, it is like barefoot running – natural and uninhibited.

Most of us would think that minimalist shoes and barefoot running is healthy for the body but Sarah Betts proves to us that it is likewise instrumental to a happy and inspired spirit. Perhaps it is indeed time that scientific debate about barefoot running vs. running with trainers be put to rest and we can all start looking at this form of activity as something which meets more than the human eyes.

Hopefully, we can all be inspired like Sarah Betts. We feel grateful for having the chance to be able to share it with other running enthusiasts as well. Let’s all find inspiration to live a healthier life and have a healthier spirit through barefoot running!

Enjoy the song: The Barefoot Running Shoes Song

If you want to learn more Sarah sent us this email about herself and her song:

… You mentioned you wanted to know a little about me and why I wrote this song… well in all honesty there is no one specific event which the song is recounting. I just thought that the idea of running barefoot was quite evocative of a sense of freedom and happiness, and I was in that sort of a mood so I wrote that sort of a song.

My life so far is pretty uneventful so I will keep biography succinct. I was born in Cambridge and have lived here all my life. I have just finished sixth form where I studied Philosophy, Art, History of Art, and Italian. I enjoy music in my spare time and have been writing songs since my early teens and I wrote “Barefoot running shoes” when I was 15 or 16 (I can’t quite remember). My family have been suggesting I record some of these songs for ages (for the purposes of entertaining the grandparents) and I have only just got round to it. I have made 6 recordings so far and there are about 10 left to do.

Hey campers! It’s always great to dish out the latest happenings in the barefoot running world. It’s a crazy world we live in but knowing that we can always go back to the basics makes it all worth the while! So, read on!

Why Debate When You Can Try It For Yourself?

A runner from Portland, Oregon, who has been suffering from “aching arches and shaky knees”, decides to try different shoes and barefoot running. She tried the Vivobarefoot Evo II and the Vibram Fivefingers KSO Trek and talks about how the different shoes in the market makes it exciting for first time barefoot runners.

Among other things that she studies is the different medical and theoretical approach from those who consider themselves barefoot running pros. So, if you want a thorough analogy on the mechanics of barefoot running, read more here!

Good News! More Converts Running Barefoot!

A recent convert to barefoot running, Caity McCardell ran a marathon in LA which is a 26.2 mile run. However, it is not the distance that worried her but the fact that she was doing it barefoot for the first time! In fact, she has not even told her parents for fear that they might worry about her safety!

Find out how her running coach has helped her get her stride when it came to barefoot running. An interesting read for those who still have a bit of difficulty getting comfortable with the barefoot running!

Warning! Beware of Fake or Counterfeit Barefoot Running Shoes!

Nadine Haskell talks about how she was tricked to buy and use counterfeit barefoot shoes! For eager greenhorns, do not allow yourself to spend money on something that is a fake and could possibly harm your body and your running!

To arm your self against counterfeit, read Haskell’s article on how she identifies the difference between the real Vibram Fivefinger Classic shoes and the fake one! After all, with today’s times and a lot of copycats, you can never be too sure!

Reebok RealFlex

It has been clear that over the past years, Reebok has been slowly gaining ground as becoming one of the big contenders when it comes to riding and actually stirring the barefoot bandwagon. Now, with their latest technology called RealFlex, the creators of this relatively lightweight running shoes claim that they have not only created a shoe for “natural” running but actually, perfected natural movement! Talk about taking shoes to the next level! The Reebok RealFlex Shoes for Men and Women are engineered to give your feet the flexibility it deserves for it to perform at its natural best and providing you with the benefits of barefoot running while giving total protection to your feet.

The Reebok Realflex promotes natural movement and multi-directional flexibility through 76 strategically arranged RealFlex sensors. These sensors adapt independently to whatever terrain or environment you fancy running on. Not only does it provide tailored protection and uncanny performance, the sole also brings you 20% lower to the ground which is more than what any conventional running shoe can give you. This enables you to feel more natural in your choice of training surface and get a more responsive, natural feel to your run.

These new barefoot baby from Reebok is made with molded PU sockliner that provides uncanny cushioning and extraordinary durability. Comfort is not lost either since the upper design features a classic inspired lightweight combination of mesh underlays and overlays of suede. The bright colors and unique style that the Reebok RealFlex for women can be a great fashion statement on the road for any lady who wants to remain stylish and chic while breaking a sweat.

Powered with 3D Ultralite midsole and outsole unit, the Reebok RealFlex adds multi-directional flexibility that allows the shoe to mimic and mold to the way your feet moves and arches. It’s almost like having no shoe at all! This revolutionary technology and innovation embodies the thought of perfecting natural movement which most people will appreciate from this minimalist shoe.

You do not have to worry about the key wear and tear areas either since the high abrasion rubber caps in the heel and forefoot are highly durable! Truly, with the Reebok RealFlex, you get that great minimalist run without bombarding your feet with blisters and splitting your skin open on rocks! Now, doesn’t that make you feel like going barefoot running all the time?

It is not surprising that the 2nd largest sports apparel and shoe company, Adidas, has dived into the realm of barefoot running. With the increasing clamor, steady popularity and the validation of natural minimalist running, the shoe manufacturer is adding another light, power trainers in the market with its soon to be released Adidas adiPure Trainer.

Just recently launched although not available in stores until November of this year, the Adidas adiPure Trainer is pretty much sporting a look that is reminiscent of the Vibram FiveFingers. Whether it will be as successful as the Vibram in both feel and performance, one will have to wait and see. By the time this shoe is out and sold around $90 retail price, barefoot runners and patrons of Adidas will definitely be raving or criticizing the next big “shoe” in barefoot running.

The Adidas adiPure Trainer is actually meant to be worn more for exercising rather than long trail hiking or cross country. It is the answer to the outcry of gym-goers who are learning the benefits and experiencing the difference between wearing minimalist shoes and the usual trainers. Apparently, they are more inclined to shoes that have little material difference between the foot and the ground.

Adidas adiPure Trainer aims to mimic the experience of exercising in barefoot or minimalist shoe but at the same time provide protection to the feet and traction for better foothold. The adiPure Trainer, which is a traditional shoe combined with a glove for the feet, is also said to be highly durable. Clearly, the shoe is trying to find a balance between Nike’s “Free” line and the Vibram’s Five-Finger shoes.

adiPure Trainer features the usual Adidas 3 stripes and is designed to cover the foot as a shoe but the feeling is more like wearing a sock that is moulding your feet albeit having different toe compartments to allow movement. The people from Adidas believe that with this shoe and using your foot’s natural mechanism and power; your muscles in the lower legs and throughout the core will be strengthened. Bottom line, this will not be proven until the Adidas adiPure Trainer hits the shoe shelves in November.

Check out this video on Adidas adiPure Trainer

If you were to talk about “freedom of motion” and minimalist shoes, then you are definitely going to have to include ZemGear in your discussion. With their “Zone of Endless Motion”, ZEMs has been a leader in minimal footwear for their performance protection for bare feet.

Known for their very minimal, close to the ground footwear with high level of protection, Zem shoes have been designed to let your feet perform as naturally as they were made to do. You can spread, flex and articulate every region of your foot as well as enjoy a roomy interior to give you comfort as well. With the outsole traction lugs that provide extra grip for many surfaces, you can be sure that you get as much protection for your feet as well. What’s more, there’s no need to worry about securing the foot to the shoe as the high frequency tech bands flex with the natural movement of your feet keeping you stable and comfortable in many activities.

ZemGear creators and innovators understand that every person’s foot is different and require their own “room” for that ultimate comfort, natural movement. That is why they have created distinct designs for their minimalist shoes. Their collection offer split and round-toe options that can mould and suit any foot type.

The Ninja split toe pattern collection, available in both Hi and Lo, can give any athlete that balanced barefoot feeling which is quite vital if he or she is running or doing some action on sandy shores, slippery wooden floors as well as uneven surfaces. The different colors can certainly add to the allure and style of the shoes too. The Playa round toe collection, also available in Hi and Lo, can provide any wearer a roomy toe box which gives him or her complete control of the feet’s movement without feeling restricted.

The newest additions to ZemGear’s collection which feature both the Ninja and the Round Toe patterns in their different styles are the Zem O2, Zem 360 and Zem Traveler. The 360 is the feather light star of the ZEMs barefoot collection and is best for runners. The O2, also known as the All Sport Series, has been designed to endure both land and water activities such as gym workouts, runs and kite boarding.

Although every single ZemGear model is made for comfort, style and minimalist form, the Zem Traveler is the best travel companion. You can use the Traveler for any of your out of town trips, without having to go through the motion of taking your shoes off for security purposes. Think of having the best of both worlds: a comfortable, non-bulky travelling shoe that converts into a good workout barefoot shoe which allows you to get in the Zone of Endless Motion in any gym or track away from home!

So whatever activity you are into, you’re sure to find a pair of ZEMs to meet your needs and requirements as well as give you utmost flexibility and comfort for your beloved feet. Gear up and get into the Zone of Endless Motion with ZemGear collection!

Ever since the Vibram FiveFingers barefoot shoes started grazing every path imaginable on this planet, a lot of people have picked minimalist running like it was a flu virus, only in a good way! The revolutionary designs of one of the pioneering barefoot shoe manufacturers have given runners around the world a healthier way to move more naturally and freely!

Now, active sports enthusiasts are given even more freedom with its KomodoSport LS women and KomodoSport LS men shoes! It has combined the speed lacing system of Bikila LS with the sole structure of KomodoSport. This provides the runners and interested users with different foot shapes and sizes with the most comfortable fit.

People with either narrow feet or wider feet with high insteps won’t have to worry about donning the KomodoSport LS! Plus, the Vibram TC1 performance rubber outsole continues to provide great traction and grip as well as protection for those who are into cross training activities or running in different trails that can get pretty slippery when wet.

Of course, the Vibram FiveFingers manufacturers are highly aware that even those who are natural born runners need to feel comfortable and natural even during their casual strolls around the block or even in malls. That is why they have thrown into the equation their innovative FiverFinger Trek LS for Men. These casual yet highly comfortable shoes for men are well equipped with 4mm EVA midsole which can give light cushioning and additional comfort. The Trek LS may not be as flexible as the VFF’s, but it is still minimal enough for you to have adequate ground feel.

For those who want it a little bit convenient for the windy, cold seasons, the Vibram collection has recently added a casual, full kangaroo leather to toe shoe ankle boots in the form of the Vibram FiveFingers Bormio! With its simple design and zippers on both sides of the boots, you can easily slip it on and off and get some sophistication with a hint of ruggedness. That way, despite being in business meetings or some casual night out of town, you will still feel one with nature and walk with healthy feet!

Truly, the Vibram FiveFingers continue to innovate their shoe collections to integrate not just runners’ needs but also barefoot enthusiasts who do not have to “run” all the time just to experience that minimalist, natural feeling for their feet. Truly, innovation at its best!

Human history will show us that we human beings have thrived and survived without the perks of technology and any of today’s invention. Yes, it was a simple life but it was also a more organic living that left no strain to the environment, natural resources and to our health.

As time went by, a lot changes have been made and we have elevated the status of our clothing and shelter. Most especially, we have learned to find a way to protect our soles from getting punctured or wounded when we run.

However, barefoot running has been steadily rising to fame once again. Ever since Christopher McDougall wrote his book Born to Run, a lot of runners have switched to this form of running. Nonetheless, if there was one reason why people are going back to the basics of running unshod, it is because running barefoot has been giving people relief from chronic injuries.

Experts and runners alike have been debating about the efficiency of running barefoot and how much it can help in improving one’s health and posture. It is known that the foot and the lower leg are very efficient in absorbing the shock of landing while running. It also turns the energy of the fall into forward motion through the springing action of the foot’s natural arch.

On the other hand, the large amounts of padding from a running shoe or the regular trainers causes you to land on the heel rather than on the ball of the foot. Therefore, the natural motion is impeded and the arch and lower legs are not able to absorb the shock of the movement. This can be quite dangerous because the shock of the motion is sent up through the heel and directly to the knees and hips.

A study shows that running in conventional trainers or shoes can increase stress on the knee joints up to at least 38% when compared to running barefoot. Although there is no real clear finding on whether it is also responsible for a higher rate of heel injuries, most people who have taken up minimalist running have been attesting to the fact that they can now jog and even run a marathon despite having recent injuries that impede their ability to do so.

A review from Michael Warburton in the journal Sports Science concludes that running barefoot contributes to the lesser occurrence of acute injuries in the ankle as well as a couple of chronic injuries of the lower leg. More so, the energy cost of running barefoot is reduced by about 4% because the feet lack the extra mass on the foot. So whether there is enough proof that running barefoot lessens injuries or not, it cannot be left unsaid that there are substantial benefits that can be reaped from it.

Hey barefoot enthusiasts! Have we got exciting news for you! More great products concerning barefoot running are coming our way! Read on and be excited as we are!

A Free EBook That Every Barefoot Runner Must Read!

Did we mention that they are giving out this eBook for Free? Well, that’s the cherry on top of this wonderful news. In an article posted HERE, it seems like VIVOBAREFOOT and Barefoot running coach, Lee Saxby has teamed up to create a guide to injury free barefoot running and walking! They both have indeed called: “…for an end to Jogging and Inspire Injury Free Running”!

This eBook explains or guides runners through PROPRIOCEPTION, the secret to optimum performance and injury free running, commonly referred to as our sixth sense. With a foreword from the barefoot running man himself, Chris McDougall, you can be sure this is worth your time to read! And did we mention it’s for free?

News That We Always Look Forward To Reading About!

Nothing beats the feeling of fulfilment after a good barefoot run…well, probably except for reading about how barefoot running has changed a person’s life! With skeptics still looking for holes in this new form of running, it is quite an affirmation to read about how running barefoot becomes better for a person rather than jogging or running with bulky shoes!

Nadine Haskell writes about how barefoot running has relieved her of the pain from an injury that occurred before. Afraid of not being able to run again, she transitioned to going minimalist running and found that the pain no longer bothered her run! Read more on Why Running Barefoot Is Better Than Running With Shoe!

And Here’s Another One!

The good words just keep on coming! This means the barefoot revolution is solidly climbing its way to the top and more people are experiencing its awesome benefits! Find out and read this inspiring article from The Post Standard done by Time Knauss!

Read about “How I Got Hooked on “Barefooting” or Barefoot Running!”

Hello barefoot runners! Here we are again with the latest on anything that spells B-A-R-E-F-O-O-T or R-U-N-N-I-N-G! From the health benefits of running to more evidence of minimalist running’s increasing popularity, we have it! Enjoy!

More Reason To Run…!!!

If you are on your way to become a long distance barefoot runner or just running to stay fit, then do not stop! According to an article, Jogging beats weight lifting for losing belly fats! This was concluded after a series of tests that aerobics burned 67% more calories than resistant training. Now, we all know aerobics means cardio work outs and what better way to exercise than to run?

More reasons to run and enjoy a healthier lifestyle!

More Runners Are Running Bare…!!!

The Minnesota Chiropractic Association (MCA), according to this article is hosting a great public education programs that help runners make that tricky transition from regular running towards barefoot running. This is evidence that indeed, barefoot running is on a quick rise to the top! The seminar is said to center on the benefits of barefoot running and some valuable injury prevention information as well as techniques that are based on the insights of experienced barefoot and minimalist experts.

So, if you are around the area on Friday, September 16, 2011 then you might want to attend the seminar “To Shoe or Not to Shoe”. More details here!

The Barefoot Craze Is Not So Crazy After All!

Basically, most articles you read online with regard to minimalist running will tell you that indeed barefoot running is a fast going trend. Even those who are into racing events and track and field competition can be seen donning or sporting a great pair of minimalist shoes. No matter what the other side of the running world are saying, people do find benefits from running barefoot. One great example is this article online! Enjoy!