This article was originally published on Vibram Five Fingers News, Reviews, and Fan Forums – Birthday Shoes

Skydiving and Running in Vibram Five Fingers Bikilas: “

Jeremy, sent us this cool pic of him skydiving in his Bikilas which he mostly uses for running. Here is what he had to say:

Original Article can be found here: Vibram Five Fingers News, Reviews, and Fan Forums – Birthday Shoes

This article was originally published on Runblogger

Altra Minimalist Running Shoes – Adam, Instinct, and Lone Peak: “

The minimalist running movement appears to be gaining steam at a rapid rate these days. Word is that the topic of minimalism was all over the place at the recent Outdoor Retailers Show in Utah, and more and more manufacturers are jumping into the fray with their own minimalist offerings. Even some of the big players in the shoe business are getting involved – most recently, New Balance unveiled their soon to arrive Minimus line of running shoes, and I suspect that it won’t be long before others follow suit.

To date, however, few manufacturers have gone so far as to produce a zero-drop shoe, which is considered by many minimalist runners to be the most critical feature of a minimalist shoe. Zero-drop means that the shoe has no heel lift, and thus the heel and forefoot are the same distance from the ground when seated in the shoe (i.e., the sole is flat). So far, the Vibram Fivefingers, Terra Plana Evo, and a few others are the only offerings out there that meet this criterion. I myself have come to realize the value of a zero-drop shoe, as the Vibram Fivefingers are the only shoes in which I can reliably land on my midfoot or forefoot. Any type of heel lift or excessive amount of cushion allows me to get sloppy and fall back on my heels when I run. While I’m a big fan of the Fivefingers, and don’t mind the toe pockets at all, I’m quite aware that the strange, foot-glove appearance is a turn-off for some people.

I was recently contacted by a representative from a small start-up shoe company named Altra. Altra has been working to develop a line of zero-drop minimalist running shoes, and they have some very interesting looking shoes ready to go into production (more on these below). On their website (which is still partially under development), Altra’s mission is stated as follow:

‘Our Mission is to bring proper running technique to the masses.  Altra will provide zero drop footwear that will allow everyone from the hardcore minimalist to the person just getting off their couch to run with proper form, therefore making running easier, more fun, and less injurious.‘

According to Altra, their shoes should be available in late 2010, and their goal is to have them priced under $100. Initially, the lineup will include three models, with several additional models currently in development. Here are the first batch:”

(Read the full article / article originally published on: Runblogger.)

Original Article can be found here: Runblogger

This article was originally published on In Between My Toes

Michael Sandler – Healing Through Barefoot Running: “

Sandler’s story is amazing. A documentary is currently in the works. Enjoy this preview, and get more information about Michael Sandler at runbare.com:

Keep an eye out for my soon to be posted book review on Michael Sandlers Book, Barefoot Running: How to Run Light and Free by Getting in Touch with the Earth.“

(Read the full article / article originally published on: In Between My Toes.)

Original Article can be found here: In Between My Toes

This article was originally published on Society for Barefoot Living

Transit Travesty: “

A teen in Central Saanich on Vancouver Island was refused bus service by BC Transit because he was barefooted. This was at 11:00 in the evening. The supposed reason was ‘safety’. (How many times have we heard that before.) Here’s the news report on the incident:

It turns out that BC Transit does have a policy requiring shoes, here:

For safety reasons, drivers will refuse service to passengers not wearing shirts and footwear.

Regular readers will immediately recognize that this is based on the standard myths and misconceptions that have been propagated since the 1960s. Glass? Where? Even more so, how would not wearing a shirt be a safety issue? Of course it is not, and this is just the standard excuse to justify the ignorant exercise of authority.

Let me also point you to the blog entry of The Barefoot Professor, Daniel Howell and author of The Barefoot Book. He does a good job discussing the issues.

I would also like to mention that where I live, central Ohio, the bus system for Columbus, COTA, does not have a footwear rule for their system. (In fact, they simply rely on state law regarding behavior on buses. I confirmed this by talking to their legal counsel.) Of course, that didn’t stop a bus driver from yelling at me one day. Fortunately, that time I was exiting the bus, not trying to board it. However, since I am fully aware of my rights for my particular case, if one tried to stop me from boarding, I would board anyways, let them call dispatch (or the cops), and that would lead to a very interesting situation.“

(Read the full article / article originally published on: Society for Barefoot Living.)

Original Article can be found here: Society for Barefoot Living

This article was originally published on Runblogger

Shorter, Quicker Stride Reduces Impact on Knees and Hips: New Research From Dr. Bryan Heiderscheit of the University of Wisconsin: “

‘Less mechanical energy was absorbed at the knee (p less than 0.01) during the +5% and +10% step rate conditions, while the hip (p less than 0.01) absorbed less energy during the +10% condition only. All joints displayed substantially (p less than 0.01) more energy absorption when preferred step rate was reduced by 10. Step length (p less than 0.01), center of mass vertical excursion (p less than 0.01), breaking impulse (p less than 0.01) and peak knee flexion angle (p less than 0.01) were observed to decrease with increasing step rate. When step rate was increased 10% above preferred, peak hip adduction angle (p less than 0.01), as well as peak hip adduction (p less than 0.01) and internal rotation (p less than 0.01) moments, were found to decrease.‘One of the major arguments posited by many for running barefoot or in minimalist shoes is that doing so reduces the likelihood of injury. However, although I trend toward minimalism in my own shoe preferences, I’ll be completely honest and admit that no study has confirmed that barefoot/minimalist running in fact reduces injury rates in runners (similarly, to my knowledge no study has shown that modern, high-tech shoes do either). Given this, where does this belief in the injury reducing capacity of barefoot/minimalist running come from?

Rather than dwell on the larger injury debate too much here, I want to focus on just one aspect – why do some runners seem to overcome injuries after making the switch to running barefoot/minimalist? “

(Read the full article / article originally published on: Runblogger.)

Original Article can be found here: Runblogger

Episode 21 – We interview Andrew Rademacher

Listen as we talk to Andrew Rademacher, the founder of Stem Footwear.  A barefoot and minimalist runner as well as the manager of a shoe store, Andrew is getting ready to release his contribution to the minimalist shoe world.  Listen as we talk to andrew about his take on minimalist footwear.

Running Time: 37.14

This article was originally published on Vibram Five Fingers News, Reviews, and Fan Forums – Birthday Shoes

Choosing between Orthotics and Bikilas: “

Joe, a Vibram Five Fingers fan, sent us his story of choosing barefoot running in Bikilas over orthotics. Although, we don’t recommend going against a doctor’s advice, the recent popularity of barefoot running has produced many differing opinions on what works. Here is what worked for Joe:

(Read the full article / article originally published on: Vibram Five Fingers News, Reviews, and Fan Forums – Birthday Shoes.)

Original Article can be found here: Vibram Five Fingers News, Reviews, and Fan Forums – Birthday Shoes

Announcing The Living Barefoot Show iPhone App

The Living Barefoot Show App is the companion to the Living Barefoot Show

Learn about one of the fastest growing trends – going barefoot. Barefoot running, barefoot walking, and shoes without artificial support have been proven to strengthen feet and and reduce or eliminate foot, joint, and back pain in many people.

The Living Barefoot Show interviews some of the most interesting personalities on this fascinating topic. Physicians, athletes, and authors, and a long lineup of great personalities appear regularly on our show. Other show topics include the ever-increasing lineup of minimalist shoes and of course our in-depth shoe reviews.

We know you would prefer a free app, but we hope that you love our work and consider it a small contribution to keep our show going.

This is the most convenient way to access Living Barefoot Show on your iPhone or iPod Touch.You’re always connected to the latest episode. Instant access, just touch and play!

This App contains the following features:

* Streaming access to play episode from anywhere (works over 3G and wifi)
* Always updated with the latest episodes- and an archived back catalog
* Download the episodes and play them when offline
* Playback resume (when interrupted by a call or other distraction)
* Favorites (mark the episodes you want to return back to over and over)
* Quick access to all the contact methods for the show including our feedback line!

+ Selected episodes have extras only available in the iPhone application

Click Here to go to the iTunes store to download the app, or search for “living barefoot” inside the app store on your iPhone or iPod Touch

This article was originally published on foot talk

Barefoot Vibram FiveFingers shoes: What’s all the fuss?: “Last weekend there was a spike of hits to foot talk. A 600 % increase in the average 100 hits per day. Closer inspection revealed netizens were after info on foot gloves. These are Barefoot Vibram FiveFingers shoes which have been around since 2006. Robert Fliri is an industrial designer and avid mountaineer he had an idea and approached the Vibram company to produce an ultra lightweight shoe, suitable for hill climbing. Together they came up with a novel design which includes separate pockets for each of the five toes. These retail between $75 to $125 US. Last year Barefoot Vibram FiveFingers shoes caught wider attention when some glitterati wore them on the red carpet. Since then they have sold like hot cakes. CNN recently reported the manufacturer now struggles to meet the market demand. In the last year the Vibram company has tripled the size of its Boston warehouse. Their revenue this year soared to a mighty $50 million US, which is a far cry from the paltry $430,000 the company declared in 2006. The appeal for Barefoot Vibram FiveFingers shoes has extended to China which has the US company worried for now counterfeit FiveFingers are being sold in a cheaper price. The Vibram company is currently working with authorities to end these illegal channels and protect their brand.

Back to why there is such a great interest in them last weekend.

Seems Barefoot Vibram FiveFingers shoes have become highly collectable and males are snapping them up as a blue chip investment.”

(Read the full article / article originally published on: foot talk.)

Original Article can be found here: foot talk

Hiking the Sierra Nevada in KSO Treks: “

Ted, a veteran hiker and Five Fingers fan, seems to have found relief from Morton’s Neuroma by wearing KSO Treks while hiking and sent us his story:

(Read the full article / article originally published on: Vibram Five Fingers News, Reviews, and Fan Forums – Birthday Shoes.)

Original Article can be found here: Vibram Five Fingers News, Reviews, and Fan Forums – Birthday Shoes

This article was originally published on Society for Barefoot Living

Serena – How anti-barefooting myths are propagated: “

Serena Williams has now withdrawn from the U.S. Open because of her cut foot. Other similar stories here and here. Notice what they all say:

Williams, 28, sliced her right foot on a piece of broken glass at a restaurant in Munich last month, a few days after winning her fourth Wimbledon singles title. She had surgery in mid-July and has not played since.

This has now become the standard story, and all it does is re-enforce the idea that restaurants are dangerous places and that it is very easy to cut your foot by being barefoot there. I discussed this in a previous post, Foot Fault. Notice that none of the stories express any of the doubt that circulated at the time of the original injury in July.

But none of them express any of the doubts that occurred earlier. And that is how anti-barefooting myths are propagated. “

(Read the full article / article originally published on: Society for Barefoot Living.)

Original Article can be found here: Society for Barefoot Living

This article was originally published on Society for Barefoot Living

Dual Survivor: End of Season: “

Since the last episode of Dual Survivor ended on Friday (repeat today, Sunday), I thought I’d give my overall thoughts on the series.

I really liked it.

That’s not too surprising. I liked Survivorman, and I watch Man vs. Wild (the latter has a bit too much showboating for my tastes, though).

In Dual Survivor they probably played up the ‘dangers’ of bare feet a bit too much, but I guess that’s what sells. It seemed that at least twice an episode they had to make some sort of comment about the difficulty of going barefoot.

Yet Cody Lundin just kept trekking. It also seems to me that Dave Canterbury gained a whole lot of respect for Cody along the way.

A couple more comments. At one point in the Pacific Northwest episode, they were crossing a tree trunk, and Dave made some sort of comment about the slippery trunk and how Cody’s bare feet had better not slip off of it. I have found that bare feet are always really better than shoes. With my bare feet I can curve my feet around the trunk to get a really good grip. You just cannot do that with a rigid or semi-rigid sole. “

(Read the full article / article originally published on: Society for Barefoot Living.)

Original Article can be found here: Society for Barefoot Living

This article was originally published on Barefoot and Grounded .com

Dr. Scholl’s Introduces Fast Flats: “Dr. Scholls, a company known for their wide range of foot products, has introduced a line of light, thin, rollable footwear for women called Fast Flats. In an video advertisement on their Facebook page, they promote the slippers as ‘flats in a flash’ — an option for women who are tired of wearing their heels. They reportedly go for $12.99 USD and are available at Walgreen’s stores (and likely others, too, but Walgreen’s tends to be barefoot friendly).”

(Read the full article / article originally published on: Barefoot and Grounded .com.)

Original Article can be found here: Barefoot and Grounded .com

Barefoot Running – What’s Your Take?: “

In early human history, barefoot running was widespread, but with the introduction of modern footwear in industrialized countries, running barefoot was replaced with running shoes. It remains relatively common in many poorer nations where the cost of a pair of running shoes is out of reach.

Competitive runners in virtually all the running sports wear running shoes. There have been exceptions to the rule, in particular a few Olympic champions and world record holders Abebe Bikila and Tegla Loroupe, as well as Zola Budd.

The human mechanics of running differ significantly when shoes are used. When running shoeless the balls of the feet strikes the ground with the most of the force. Running in padded shoes typically alters this as more emphasis is placed on the heel and the area towards the back of the foot.”

(Read the full article / article originally published on: ZEM Blog.)

Original Article can be found here: ZEM Blog

This article was originally published on Christopher McDougall

BTR Barefoot Run, Harlem-Brooklyn, Pt VI: What a Blast.: “

Thanks to Kris Wood, who somehow managed to shoot this great video while making the entire run, dodging bikes and cabs and crossing two major bridges.

(Read the full article / article originally published on: Christopher McDougall.)

Original Article can be found here: Christopher McDougall

This article was originally published on Barefoot and Grounded .com

Dirty Soles: Badge of Barefoot Honor or Totally Irrelevant?: “

There’s one aspect of the barefoot lifestyle that’s continued to be equally intriguing and confusing to me. If you spend any time perusing the online posts of ‘hardcore’ barefooters, you can’t help but find comments about it. It’s DIRTY SOLES.

For many barefooters, dirty soles are a badge of honor. People will either gloat about how ‘black’ their soles are or ask others about it as if they are wanting to know how committed they were to the unshod lifestyle. After someone comments about going barefoot somewhere, it’s very possible to receive a question like, ‘How black did your soles get?’ or comment like, ‘I bet your feet got REALLY dirty doing that! Pictures?’

(Read the full article / article originally published on: Barefoot and Grounded .com.)

Original Article can be found here: Barefoot and Grounded .com

This article was originally published on Vibram Five Fingers News, Reviews, and Fan Forums – Birthday Shoes

Relaxing in Vibram Five Fingers Bahamas Style: “

In the photo above, Paul and Janette enjoy some beach time in their Vibram Five Fingers while on vacation in the Bahamas. Paul sent us this message:

Ah, the water sure looks nice. Maybe it is time to organize a Birthday Shoes cruise. Ha, it rhymes! Thanks for the kind words, Paul.“

(Read the full article / article originally published on: Vibram Five Fingers News, Reviews, and Fan Forums – Birthday Shoes.)

Original Article can be found here: Vibram Five Fingers News, Reviews, and Fan Forums – Birthday Shoes

This article was originally published on ADVENTUREinPROGRESS

First Impressions – Vivo Barefoot Pally: “

My family has heard the spiel enough by now and they drink the Kool-Aid: minimalist footwear is better for your feet. Every time a shoebox arrives in the mail, my kids rip it open and proceed to critique the design. The last time that happend I had just arrived home from work. As soon as I walked through the door, Brienne (my seven year old) proceeded to tell me that the latest pair that had arrived were too narrow and that the heel was too thick. When I took them out of the box to take a look, I agreed with her synopsis.

‘I am delighted in the pinkness‘ were the first words I remember coming out of Briennes mouth when she opened the box for the first time. It was her turn to review some shoes – a rarity for someone who usually settles for hand-me-downs from her siblings. She didnt care that they were minimalist and support the proper development of her feet, she just cared that they were pink. Beautifully constructed, the Vivo Barefoot Pally by Terra Plana satisfies her desire for fashion, and my desire for function.

• They are durable – built with a smooth, flexible leather upper and a strong, grippy, rubber outsole.
• They are comfortable – lined with soft microfiber around the heel and trimmed around the ankle with comfortable, padded lycra.
• And they are minimalist – there is no elevated heel, no cushioning (except for the insole), no arch support, a wide toebox, and a thin flexible sole.

Trackback URL for this post:

“

(Read the full article / article originally published on: ADVENTUREinPROGRESS.)

Original Article can be found here: ADVENTUREinPROGRESS

This article was originally published on Vibram Five Fingers News, Reviews, and Fan Forums – Birthday Shoes

Merrell Barefoot 2011 Collection Sneak Peak!: “

Thanks to our friends at The Shoe Mart, we’ve been given a sneak peak at the upcoming 2011 Merrell Barefoot line-up via some photos they’ve shared with us. The new Merrell Barefoot’s feature a Vibram sole and will come in three varieties each for men and women (The Trail, True, and Tough Glove for men; the Power, Pace, and Pure Glove for women). We take a first look at this line-up after the jump!

» Read about the 2011 Merrell Barefoot line!“

(Read the full article / article originally published on: Vibram Five Fingers News, Reviews, and Fan Forums – Birthday Shoes.)

Original Article can be found here: Vibram Five Fingers News, Reviews, and Fan Forums – Birthday Shoes

This article was originally published on Runblogger

Shoe Review: Brooks Mach 12 Cross-Country Racing Flat: “

Amid the rush of new so-called minimalist shoes hitting the market (or soon to arrive in stores), it’s easy to overlook the fact that just about every shoe manufacturer already makes shoes that fit pretty squarely in this category (depending on how you define minimalist – some prefer to call these ‘reduced’ or ‘transitional’ shoes). In fact, current offerings in the road and spikeless cross-country flat lineups may be far more ‘minimal’ than many of the so-called ‘minimalist’ shoes currently being produced (with a few exceptions – Vibram Fivefingers, Terra Plana Evo, and a few others -

(Read the full article / article originally published on: Runblogger.)

Original Article can be found here: Runblogger

This article was originally published on Vibram Five Fingers Birthday Shoes

Finnish Girls Hike Alps in Toe Shoes: “

Sara and Eeva were ready to get the heck out of Finland after graduation, so it was off to the German Alps where they could hike through the snow in their Five Fingers. They sent us some pics and a summary of their trip:

(Read the full article / article originally published on: Vibram Five Fingers News, Reviews, and Fan Forums – Birthday Shoes.)

Original Article can be found here: Vibram Five Fingers News, Reviews, and Fan Forums – Birthday Shoes

Running with Bare Feet and Bare Paws: “Many runners enjoy running with their dog – not only do you get that dog walk out of the way while you exercise at the same time, but many dogs actually enjoy running and provide runners with companionship and safety. If you are running with your dog in shoes, why not run with them on [...]“

(Read the full article / article originally published on: Barefoot Running.)

Original Article can be found here: Barefoot Running

This article was originally published on Barefoot Running is Bad

Definitive Evidence that Barefoot Running Really Does Make You Blind: “

No sooner than I wrote about the possibility of barefoot running making people blind, Dr Nirenberg has come back with another post about  Barefoot Running With Eyes Wide Open which clearly proves beyond doubt that barefoot running does indeed make you blind.

He claims:

The weight of the scientific evidence which supports barefoot running has reached such an elevated level that no one can seriously dispute it any longer

There is absolutely no scientific evidence that shows that! The only people that believe that are barefoot runners! No one in the scientific or biomechanics community is agreeing with that. Are you telling me that the entire biomehanics community is ‘no -one‘? These people are the people that study human motion for a living and have no vested interest in the outcome of the research.

“(Read the full article / article originally published on: Barefoot Running is Bad.)

Original Article can be found here: Barefoot Running is Bad

This article was originally published on America’s Podiatrist

Barefoot Running With Eyes Wide Open: “

The weight of the scientific evidence which supports barefoot running has reached such an elevated level that no one can seriously dispute it any longer: Barefoot running is better in many measurable ways to allow the individual to run with reduced pain and risk of injury. It’s no longer an opinion or a hypothesis. It’s been proven to be a fact!

Our Footwear Troubles Start As Children

Our propensity to certain foot problems begins at a very early age. A German study (1) determined that inadequate shoes worn as children is correlated to the increased prevalence of bunions and flat feet in today’s adults. The findings point to barefoot as the style of walking which, when applied to children, avoids those problems later in life.

Protect Your Feet From 1,000 Impacts Per Mile

(Read the full article / article originally published on: America’s Podiatrist.)

Original Article can be found here: America’s Podiatrist

This article was originally published on Vibram Five Fingers News, Reviews, and Fan Forums – Birthday Shoes

The 2011 Vibram Five Fingers Komodo Sport, Bikila LS (Laces!), and Jaya: “

Last week was the 2011 Outdoor Retailer conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. Word has it—from various sources who scoured the booths—that the whole place was buzzing with talk about minimalist footwear. We recently heard about Merrell Barefoot and the New Balance Minimus (plus the aptly named Skin … I mean, Inov-8 EvoSkin) — apparently other big names may also be working on their entries into the minimalist footwear fray. Stay tuned.

(Read the full article / article originally published on: Vibram Five Fingers News, Reviews, and Fan Forums – Birthday Shoes.)

Original Article can be found here: Vibram Five Fingers News, Reviews, and Fan Forums – Birthday Shoes

This article was originally published on go barefooting

When Over Doing It Becomes Over Did It: “

How do you know when you’ve overdone it?  Do you get all the way to an injury before you realize you’re pushing too hard?  Do you start to feel things like strains and aches and then realize these are the early warning signs?  Do you listen to them and back off or stop all together?  Do you keep going and figure it will work itself out along the way?  These are all fair but tough to answer questions.  They are also questions that have plagued the running world on a large scale for years yet we still struggle to answer them.  Even me.

It’s an attempt at being smart with my typical ounce of recklessness thrown in.

What would you do?  “

(Read the full article / article originally published on: go barefooting.)

Original Article can be found here: go barefooting

This article was originally published on Running and Rambling

Calling All Cold-Weather Minimalist Runners: Talk to Soft Star!: “When I discussed some durability issues with my favorite minimalist footwear last month, I made the observation that each of the companies seemed very responsive to customer feedback, and I anticipated they would tinker with their products as the need arose.

This month, Soft Star proved me exactly right. (And on a related note: I love it when someone makes me look smart … because it doesn’t seem to happen nearly enough). They’re actively soliciting feedback on two potential modifications to their wonderful RunAmoc, which are as follows:
“

(Read the full article / article originally published on: Running and Rambling.)

Original Article can be found here: Running and Rambling

Charlie Weingroff Barefoot Interview: “

BoddickerPerformance.com has dedicated much of its content to the health of the foot and ankle. In a recent interview on Super Human Radio, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Charlie Weingroff goes into detail as to why we should seriously reconsider elevated heeled shoes and the recently popular, rocker bottom shoe in addition to a number of other awesome topics related to barefoot training, movement dysfunction, and to deadlifting for shoulder health.

Charlie also shared a quote which summarizes the holism of the body well as it pertains to barefoot training that may be the gem of the interview; ‘I’ve never met a flat foot that the hip couldn’t fix.’

Check out the excellent interview now!

Regards,

Carson Boddicker

Carson.Boddicker@gmail.com”

(Read the full article / article originally published on: Boddicker Performance.)

Original Article can be found here: Boddicker Performance

This article was originally published on In Between My Toes

More Gibbon Slacklining in Vibram FiveFingers: “

Slacklining has become another pass time since beginning my FiveFingered journey over the passed 6 months. I had a chance to meet some of team Gibbon. Although I wasn’t quite ready for some of the tricks they were pulling, I was able to make it across the Jibline to win a t-shirt. Now I get to advertise for them… Oh, wait. I’ve already been doing that.”

(Read the full article / article originally published on: In Between My Toes.)

Original Article can be found here: In Between My Toes

New Balance Minimus: New Information, Picture, and Video: “There’s a bit more info leaking out about the forthcoming New Balance Minimus line of running shoes, which I have written about previously here on Runblogger. Posters on a thread in the Runner’s World Barefoot Running forum have linked up a picture and article from the July 14th Running Insight newsletter that discusses the New Balance Minimus. Here’s the picture featuring the wellness (i.e., walking), road running, and trail running Minimi (is that plural for Minimus?) – I apologize for the low resolution, but it’s captured from the Running Insight PDF and is the best I could manage.“

(Read the full article / article originally published on: Runblogger.)

Original Article can be found here: Runblogger

Golite Footwear Field Trip: Your Questions Answered: “

A couple of weeks ago my family and I had the opportunity to visit the New England Footwear headquarters in New Hampshire – the company responsible for the design/production of GoLite footwear. This article is not intended to be an endorsement or criticism of GoLite shoes as minimalist footwear. It is intended to be informational, to explore what they are doing as a company, and to see what this new BareTech line is all about. A week before my trip I asked readers to post their questions and also did the same on the huaraches mailing list so that I could be prepared with something intelligent to ask.

At the table for the meeting was Douglas Clark (CEO), Vivian Lefebvre (Director of PR and Marketing), myself (shoe geek), my wife (photographer), and my three kids “

(Read the full article / article originally published on: ADVENTUREinPROGRESS.)

Original Article can be found here: ADVENTUREinPROGRESS

Super athletes of the Sierra Madre: “I found this video of the Copper Canyon ultra-marathon via Caballo Blanco’s web pages. It has beautiful scenery, images of the local people and (of course) lots of huaraches. It also has one of the most wonderful evocations of running as sharing, friendship and simple joyfulness that I’ve found anywhere.”

(Read the full article / article originally published on: See Slowmo Run.)

Original Article can be found here: See Slowmo Run

This article was originally published on Barefoot and Grounded .com

Active.com Readers’ Sometimes-Ironic Comments on Barefoot Running: ”

I couldn’t help but notice some amazingly ironic (and sometimes humorous) comments left by Active.com’s fans, however:

• ‘I have enough injuries thank you.’
• ‘no no no i like my feet thank you’
• ‘not barefoot but without socks !!! OUCH !!! and i got the pictures to prove it,couldnt run for about 2 weeks,i tried after 1 wk blisters would just open up!!! so i’ll pass on the barefoot. lol’
• ‘Tried it – loved it – been doing it since – oct 2009 – in Vibram Five Fingers’
• ‘Can you say, plantar faciitis?’
• ‘the last marathon I ran I saw a women running barefoot and she wasn’t looking so good.’
• ‘I really wanted to be a ‘barefoot’ runner in my Vibrams, but I keep getting blisters on my heels every time.’
• (Read the full article / article originally published on: Barefoot and Grounded .com.)

Original Article can be found here: Barefoot and Grounded .com

This article was originally published on In Between My Toes

Triathlon in Vibram FiveFingers: “

How on earth did I get here?’

It wasnt the I Swam the Dam triathlon that I was questioning. I was worried about the fact that I was only feet from the starting line with over one hundred neoprene clad competitors ready to trample over me at the sound of the horn. For not having a strong swim history, I was clearly in the wrong spot. The horn blared, I quickly moved to the side of the boat ramp to avoid being swam over, and began what would be the next 2 hours and 38 minutes.

FiveFingers didn’t accompany my swim, but I pulled them on for the bike ride… enticing them over wet feet wasn’t as easy as I had hoped. Once through a painfully slow transition, 40 kms of pavement beckoned me forward. The long stretches were broken up with the occasional hill. I managed to pass a few cyclists, but mostly I was passed by stronger peddlers. I pushed but not so hard as to have nothing left for the run.

A fun race made even more fun by using FiveFingers… Now back to some serious run training.”

(Read the full article / article originally published on: In Between My Toes.)

Original Article can be found here: In Between My Toes

This article was originally published on Runblogger

Alberto Salazar on Running Form: “There has to be one best way of running.”: “

Amby Burfoot recently posted the text of an interview he conducted with famed marathoner and Nike running coach Alberto Salazar on the Racing News Blog on RunnersWorld.com. In the interview, Burfoot asked Salazar a few questions regarding the thought process behind Dathan Ritzenhein’s recent change to a more midfoot/forefoot footsrike.

Among the many fascinating quotes from Salazar, I found the following to be of particular interest:

Based on all of this, it looks like Salazar is an advocate of the midfoot strike and a biomechanically based approach to proper running form. I’m wondering what his thoughts are on shoes as it relates to this? Most shoes currently on the market are designed to accommodate a heel strike – is this another case of where research going on at Nike might be driving footwear design in new directions?

.

See it here!

This article was originally published on Christopher McDougall

BTR Barefoot Run, Pt. III: Word Loves Your Dirty Toes.: “

Word Bookstore announced that everyone who makes the run will be admitted to the reading that night for free, waiving the $25 charge. That’s right: your sweat-funk just acquired a dollar value, and for one day only, one store in New York will be shoes-optional. Live it up.

(Read the full article / article originally published on: Christopher McDougall.)

Original Article can be found here: Christopher McDougall

Charlie Weingroff Barefoot Interview: “In a recent interview on Super Human Radio, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Charlie Weingroff goes into detail as to why we should seriously reconsider elevated heeled shoes and the recently popular, rocker bottom shoe in addition to a number of other awesome topics related to barefoot training, movement dysfunction, and to deadlifting for shoulder health.

Charlie also shared a quote which summarizes the holism of the body well as it pertains to barefoot training that may be the gem of the interview; ‘I’ve never met a flat foot that the hip couldn’t fix.’

Check out the excellent interview now!

(Read the full article / article originally published on: Boddicker Performance.)

Original Article can be found here: Boddicker Performance

This article was originally published on Christopher McDougall

BTR Barefoot Run, Pt. II: So what’s the deal?: “

What this isn’t:

A race, a tough guy contest, or a trial by fiery sidewalk (although it’s supposed to be pretty stinking hot on Wednesday).

What it is:
A fun run. That, plus a celebration that the dismal days of being afraid of running are coming to an end. Fast, light-footed running has nothing to do with gimmicky shoes, as even Nike elite coach Alberto Salazar agrees. Learn to trust the equipment you were born with, and rediscover what a blast running can be.

What it lacks:
Rules. Of any kind. Run as far as you want, as slow or fast as you feel like. Start with us at Marcus Garvey Park, catch us along the way, or set a collision course from Brooklyn and double-back when we meet. Wear whatever you like, above the ankles or below. The goal is to encourage natural running, not demand it. If you feel like wearing running shoes, be my guest. Chances are I’ll sling on something myself, maybe socks or Fivefingers, if it’s as scorching as the forecast predicts.

(Read the full article / article originally published on: Christopher McDougall.)

Original Article can be found here: Christopher McDougall

We have used this opportunity to strengthen Living Barefoot against future attacks and to install new warning systems.  It is an unfortunate reality of our modern age that this type of attack is all too common.  Even large sites like The New York Times have recently been recipients of similar attention.  We’ll take it as a compliment that we are the recipients of so much attention!

Should anyone have any questions or concerns, or should you wish to discuss the matter further, please contact us via our contact page: http://www.livingbarefoot.info/contact/

We have requested a review of our site by Google in order to remove the warning some of you may be seeing when visiting the site.  We have no indication of how long this will take.

It is important to note that while there was suspicious code on the site we have had no reports of our visitors having any problems as a result of visiting the site.  We are doing our best to keep all of our readers and visitors safe and thank you for your patience while we sort this out.  The site remains available to all users.

If you feel hesitant about browsing our site, or have any further problems, please never hesitate to contact us.  The best way to reach us is through our contact page.  The contact system is a separate system that has not reported any issues.  Despite this google will report the contact page as suspicious until the warning is removed.  This is because Google marks an entire site, rather than specific pages.  Thus any page under the Living Barefoot domain will be reported in this way.  We feel confident that there is no risk by visiting our contact page:.  http://www.livingbarefoot.info/contact/

Click here to go directly to the article.

Episode 20

Originally released August 5th, 2010
Running Time 22:15

An Interview with Marketing Associate Jonathan Gaffney

Host: Al Gauthier & Tina Dubois

Tina Dubois talks to Jonathan about the release of the Bikila, the KSO Trek for women, the new Performa Jane, and upcoming Vibram Products.

This article was originally published on Barefoot Running

Should I add barefoot running as a training supplement? If I do, what are the risks and rewards?: “

(Read the full article / article originally published on: Barefoot Running.)

Original Article can be found here: Barefoot Running

Click here for the website.

This article was originally published on Runblogger

What is Nike Doing?: Speculating on a Shoe Market in Motion: “

It’s been a rather interesting couple of days here on Runblogger. Yesterday, after I published a review on a remarkable study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine that looked at the efficacy of pronation control shoes in preventing pain and injury in runners, Christopher McDougall published a post of his own on the same study that was provocatively titled ‘Breaking news from Nike: We’ve been talking a lot of crap, and selling it.‘”
(Read the full article / article originally published on: Runblogger.)

Original Article can be found here: Runblogger