[Lxbsvksl]

After running into shortage after shortage of the much sought after five fingers, I decided to go au'naturale. I went bare foot, and I'm definitely seeing some gains and benefits. Specifically in my balance, agility, and dexterity. Just watch where u drop those bump plates!!! Anyone else out there have any similar experiences?

[Unwiseevove]

I've had a lot of problems in the past with shin splints and lower back pain when running. I talked to a friend of mine about it, and he told me to try running barefoot. I'm not the kind of guy who just goes with what I'm told without thinking about it, so I researched it for a bit, looked at the medical testing videos put up on youtube, and decided to try it for myself. Well, I actually got stopped by Security Forces on my second barefoot run (base ordinance against not wearing shoes), so I bit the bullet and bought a pair. I now have two pairs and I'm looking at a pair of the new Bikala's next. A word to the wise though, don't run long distance in them until your feet adjust. If you haven't run without supporting shoes before, the muscles in your feet wont be fully adjusted (read: fully grown). For me there was a slight discomfort at first, then a major improvement in running.

[ClapekDodki]

That's too funny. Were u on the track? That's why I use frees when I run on base. Mostly I just do a crossfit or gym jones WOD @ our gym in the office

[leflyCode]

I've done nothing but crossfit, and weights occassionally for roughly six months. Run suffered alot this past test, finished with 1015, but I am strong enough to do alot of stupid monkey tricks. Hardest thing about running/swimming for me is starting out again. Also started throwing in some gym jones wods into the mix. Key is keeping up with it on those long frequent tdy's.

[djmassk]

Glad you got to play around with it, Mowgli. I've had FiveFingers (VFFs) for almost a year now, but definitely think that barefoot will teach you more, and teach you faster, than the VFFs will. They're great to use, but running barefoot first for awhile will definitely set you up for more success while wearing the Five Fingers or any other shoe. I've been doing regular barefoot runs for a couple of weeks now. Thus far I've not been yelled at about it (run barefoot around the parade field and even down by the SF squadron), but I carry shoes with me in case I ever get stopped.

[ZX3URrBH]

Been barefoot and Vibrams for nearly 3 years now and have never felt better. I do close to 50-60 miles a week along with a MovNat type exercise regimen. I want to encourage everyone to go as minimalist as possible and have seen amazing gains in speed, endurance and agility. Go slow at first, as is often repeated. It took me nearly a year to become proficient and my lower legs to become adapted and strong enough to handle anything i throw at them now. I have "converted" nearly 8 people at my command here and they have all had the same results: faster, stronger, better.

[oronozopiy]

Ok so with Five Fingers being hard to come by, what other alternative brands are out there? Is Five Fingers even the best? I won't go completely barefoot...too much crap to step on....so what's the next best thing?

I am constantly plagued by shin splints (or worse, no doc will investigate) and lower back pain. When I focus too hard on my gait, I exhaust myself. When I don't focus on the gait, I can do the 1.5 miles but I won't be running for at least a week.

[ZanazaKar]

Ok so with Five Fingers being hard to come by, what other alternative brands are out there? Is Five Fingers even the best? I won't go completely barefoot...too much crap to step on....so what's the next best thing?

I am constantly plagued by shin splints (or worse, no doc will investigate) and lower back pain. When I focus too hard on my gait, I exhaust myself. When I don't focus on the gait, I can do the 1.5 miles but I won't be running for at least a week.

[hjyAMqqT]

"The best" is an American obsession. What you are looking for is called a minimalist shoe. Shin splints are cased by an incorrect running form which can only be accomplished by modern running shoes. Try running heel first without any shoes on, bet you wont make it far. Anyways, been completely barefoot for years and there is a misconception that as soon as you take your shoes off rusty nails, razor blades and broken glass are everywhere. I have very rarely seen broken glass. There are numerous minimalist and barefoot running sites out there, but in terms of shoes, try here: http://chrisultra.blogspot.com/2010/...ist-shoes.html

or check out these for info: http://therunningbarefoot.com/
http://www.barefootrunner.com/

[Logaleta]

Ok, well let's also keep in mind that: 1) Most FOBs in Afghanistan have banned Five Fingers, even in the gyms...mostly because of ignorant management, and 2) A lot of bases will stop you from running pure barefoot.

Thanks for the info. Looking at it now.