Barefoot Runner – Running Barefoot, Natural Running & Healthy Living

Running shoes or trainers are designed to minimize heel strike and maximize toe spring. Or so you thought… What actually ends up happening is we slam our heels on the pavement harder than necessary because we want to feel the feedback that is, ironically, cushioned by the shoes on our feet. Here are 5 things to look for when you’re buying a pair of runners…

BarefootRunner.com listed as natural running resource in March 2009 issue of Running Times. A fantastic article by Brian Metzler titled “Run Softly, Run Naturally” shines light on the forefoot/barefoot movement with both amateur and elite runners. The online version includes resource links which “offer up a wealth of information about stride mechanics and technique from [...]

I stumbled upon the company Soft Star Shoes. The info on the site leaves no doubt that the company is all about promoting natural shoes that support a healthy and unconstrained development of the foot. [Rated: 6/10 Toes]

Feelmax is the Finnish company that brought us the Feelmax toe socks. I have had very good experiences with these socks because of the fact that they keep your… [Rated: 6/10 Toes]

If we consider the design of the Fivefingers, there are several distinct features. They don’t look like any normal shoe, first and foremost due to the sole (which more or less makes the whole shoe). [Rated: 5/10 Toes]

Water shoes can be bought in malls or supermarkets and they are usually quite easy to acquire (otherwise: search the internet for “water shoes”, “water socks”, “surf shoes”, “bathing shoes”, or something similar). [Rated: 8/10 Toes]

Terra Plana is one of those interesting shoe companies that dare exploring more unconventional ideas. Among these are recycled shoes and minimal shoes. [Rated: 6/10 Toes]

Overall the upper material is very comfortable and the lack of an Achilles supporter (as mentioned the rear part is just soft fabric) is very nice because it makes your foot the master and not the shoe. [Rated: 5/10 Toes]

We’re excited to announce that our site will be the new home of the amazingly well written in-depth minimal shoe reviews by Tue Jepsen. Tue’s website Tjepster.com was a fantastic resource for barefoot and shod runners alike. We couldn’t be happier to bring his invaluable insight and attention to detail to our readers! Tue Jepsen [...]

I couldn’t resist to expose these ‘Pogo-stick meets high-heel’ shoes. Z-Coil states that their shoes incorporate “patented, shock-absorbing design greatly reduces impact to the body and distributes pressure more evenly across the foot than conventional shoes do. And less impact means less pain.” These things are totally ridiculous and dangerous to boot. Does the company [...]